The lali (wooden drum) used to call to order the first Press Club lunch after a lapse of many years has been presented to the Fijian Media Association.

The presentation to the Fijian Media Association executives by the Australian High Commissioner, John Feakes, at a dinner at his residence in Suva, heralds a new milestone for the association.

The Press Club on June 1 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva hosted the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women, Senator Marise Payne as its first chief guest.

The lali, provided by the Australian High Commission, was used to signal the opening of the June event.

In the Australian Press Club they use the bell to start the event.

The lali gives the Fijian event a local flavour. It was used in the old days to summon a meeting.

Senator Payne’s presence was significant. It was her first overseas trip following the re-election of the Morrison Government and her appointment as minister.

In a letter to Fijian Media Association president, Nemani Delaibatiki, who is also managing editor Training of the Fiji Sun, Senator Payne said  she was honoured to speak at the event and enjoyed “hearing your memories of earlier incarnations of the club.”

She said journalists performed a vital role in society in reporting publicly on current events.

“The Press Club provides an important network for journalists and I commend its work,” she said.

“I wish you well in your efforts to train the next generation of reporters in Fiji. I look forward to many robust exchanges in the future.”

Mr Feakes said the high commission was pleased to host a dinner and presented the lali to the association at his residence

He said it was also an opportunity to discuss future plans the association had.

Mr Feakes thanked the association executives for hosting a very successful Press Club event.

He wished the association all the best in their future Press Club meetings and other events.

Mr Delaibatiki thanked Mr Feakes and the high commission staff for helping the association train and develop local young journalists and to promote media freedom.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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