Weipa Pacific Island dance group Penina O Pasifika will take a heartfelt stand against bullying at their 2026 Weipa Rodeo arena performance. Photo: Bee Exposed Photography.
In the dusty storm of western Cape bull riding action, one Weipa dance team will share an impactful and personal message at the 2026 Weipa Rodeo on 22 August.
Penina O Pasifika will dedicate their arena performance to bullying awareness, taking a stance by wearing blue to represent calm, strength and unity.
Group leader Lita Mahy said the performance was for every single audience member who may be struggling, but it was also deeply personal for the dancers — many of whom have been victims of bullying themselves.
“As a dance group made up of young Pacific and multicultural dancers, we understand that bullying can deeply affect confidence, identity and mental health,” she said.
“When dancers come to me, they’ve got very low self-esteem. Parents have asked me to help the kids get through school, because their confidence is really low.”
Ms Mahy has worked to make Penina O Pasifika a safe space for youth since creating the Weipa troupe in 2021, carrying the legacy of her mother, who led the same Pacific Islander dance group in the Pilbara mining town of Tom Price, Western Australia.
In line with Pacific Islander culture, she said the group had a zero tolerance policy for bullying.
“Pacific dance has a lot of strict rules, and they are cultural rules from our ancestors,” she said.
“We’re totally intolerant of bullies; we kind of operate like a family. We call it Aiga (Samoan word for family that serves as the core social unit).
“I just tell them, you’ve got to be a good role model for the community, and I can’t put you on stage if you’re doing the opposite.”
While the music and choreography to be used at the 2026 Weipa Rodeo is a surprise, Ms Mahy said attendees can expect a performance powered by bravery, resilience and love.
“It’s basically aimed at bullying awareness, standing up strong against it and asking for support,” Ms Mahy said.
“Doing it within a team, rather than by yourself, is also an important part. Bullying is always easier to do when you’re picking on someone solo, whereas our message is, we’re together, you pick on one, you pick on all of us.”
For about half of the dancers, it will be their first time performing in the rodeo arena.
“These girls have come from being shy in dance class, to having the courage it takes to perform at the arena,” Ms Mahy said proudly.
“They’re actually walking, talking examples of what youth could aim for.
“Bullying is not something that we talk about quite openly, but we would love to put a stop to it. The more awareness we put out there, the more people will probably stand up and say, ‘That’s enough.'”
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Penina O Pasifika leader Lita Mahy and 10-year-old PNG dancer Pesanika Mark. Photo: Bee Exposed Photography.
