Australian Prime Minister receives matai title from Satapuala

Apia, Samoa – 26 October 2024 – Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is now a matai of Satapuala village.

The Prime Minister was bestowed the chiefly title of Toeolesulusulu during his visit to Satapuala this morning – the host village for Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, as well as village elders and members from the community with a traditional Ava ceremony.

Prime Minister Toeolesulusulu Albanese expressed his sincere gratitude for the honour and warmly thanked the people of Satapuala for their hospitality.

Following the title bestowal, Prime Minister Toeolesulusulu spent time with the children of the village and gifted sporting equipment.

Prime Minister Toeolesulusulu, along with Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that ends in Samoa this evening.

The Australian High Commission is working with the community of Satapuala on a solar light project through its ‘MALO’ small grants program.

Satapuala village Orator Vaili Mimita speaking at the bestowal ceremony.