Our Story
Mission
We aim to uplift individuals by staying true to our cultural roots while embracing today’s needs — nurturing unity, support, and resilience through strong family bonds, meaningful service, and a shared sense of well-being.
Vision
Our goal is to create a strong, connected community where people feel proud of who they are, overcome today’s challenges, and feel empowered to embrace new opportunities and shape their own future with confidence.
Our Core Values
Our work is guided by core Samoan values that honour our heritage and strengthen our community. These principles shape how we connect, act, and serve with unity and resilience.
Va Fealoa'i ( Respect and Relationships )
We nurture respect for our elders, leaders, and each other, promoting harmony and mutual support.
Ola Fa'amaoni ( Honesty and Integrity )
We act with truth, sincerity, and honour in everything we do, being transparent and accountable to our community.
Tautua ( service to God and to others )
Serving others is at the heart of who we are—it’s our duty, and a meaningful expression of love and respect.
Founder & Visionary
Mālō le soifua. My name is Grey Mariner Faalavaau.
I was born in Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand, alongside my twin sister, Lynn. Our names carry the spirit of where we come from, grounded in family and community. At the age of 12, I moved to Australia and was raised by my uncle in Cabramatta, New South Wales. Since then, my life has been shaped by experiences across both countries.
Over the years, I’ve worked in a range of industries civil construction, traffic control, guardrail installation, and most recently, driving trucks and supporting roadwork projects with Evolution Civil in Queensland. I’ve always believed in learning by doing and sharing knowledge where I can. For me, leadership is about lifting others up, not standing above them.
Some people might look at my journey and see inconsistency. I see strength. Every job, every challenge, has helped build resilience, practical wisdom, and a deep understanding of people. In 2023, I was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), a condition that gradually weakens the muscles. It was a life-changing moment difficult, yes but it also gave me space to reflect on who I am, what matters most, and how I can give back.
I know what it feels like to be in pain, to feel stuck, unsure of the next step. But I also know the strength that comes from not giving up. It was during this personal and spiritual transition that Samoan Services Supporting Community was born a way for me to turn hardship into hope, and to continue serving the community that has always lifted me.
Founder & Visionary
Mālō le soifua. My name is Grey Mariner Faalavaau.
I was born in Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand, alongside my twin sister, Lynn. Our names carry the spirit of where we come from, grounded in family and community. At the age of 12, I moved to Australia and was raised by my uncle in Cabramatta, New South Wales. Since then, my life has been shaped by experiences across both countries.
Over the years, I’ve worked in a range of industries civil construction, traffic control, guardrail installation, and most recently, driving trucks and supporting roadwork projects with Evolution Civil in Queensland. I’ve always believed in learning by doing and sharing knowledge where I can. For me, leadership is about lifting others up, not standing above them.
Some people might look at my journey and see inconsistency. I see strength. Every job, every challenge, has helped build resilience, practical wisdom, and a deep understanding of people. In 2023, I was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), a condition that gradually weakens the muscles. It was a life-changing moment difficult, yes but it also gave me space to reflect on who I am, what matters most, and how I can give back.
I know what it feels like to be in pain, to feel stuck, unsure of the next step. But I also know the strength that comes from not giving up. It was during this personal and spiritual transition that Samoan Services Supporting Community was born a way for me to turn hardship into hope, and to continue serving the community that has always lifted me.
