The Twinnies Brand, a Tongan publishing and consultancy firm, has gained continental recognition after its director, Ana Tuionuku, became the first Tongan and Pasifika woman to receive the NSW Local Woman of the Year Award.
Tuionuku’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Pasifika representation in Australia, highlighting the growing impact of Tongan professionals and creatives in education, community service, and the arts.
Founded on a mission to elevate Tongan storytelling and cultural knowledge, The Twinnies Brand has evolved from a small self‑publishing venture into a respected provider of educational resources and professional consultancy services.
The company first drew attention through its children’s books, written and developed to nurture literacy and cultural pride among Tongan and Pasifika youth. Its work now spans advisory services, program development, and culturally grounded educational support.
The NSW Local Women of the Year Awards (LWOTY) is an annual programme held each March honouring women who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities.
“Today, I am most humbled to be awarded the NSW Local Woman of the Year Award 2026, Bankstown,” Tu’ionuku wrote on her Facebook.
“This is the first time a Pacific woman is the recipient of this award in Australia, and for that, on behalf of all Pacific women across Australia, I am most humbled and grateful! My children and grandchildren are blessed!
Thank you to my local the Hon. Jihad Dib MP for honouring me and Twinnies with this milestone NSW Local Woman of the Year, Bankstown.”
Recipients are nominated by Members of Parliament in their electorates, highlighting local leadership, expertise, and long‑term commitment to community uplift.
Last year, Tuionuku visited Tupou College in Tonga and donated two Twinnies books to the school library.
A post on the Tupou College Facebook page reported that the gift would “enhance and encourage our students’ learning and reading.”
