Members of the Tongan royal family have attended a charity-focused event in western Sydney.
His Serene Highness, Prince Tungi, his mother the Hon. Alaileula Tuku'aho and other members of the royal family visited the Granville Youth and Community Centre earlier today.
The intimate event gave locals the chance to meet the Prince, with organisers hoping the visit will inspire Tongan youth.
"The Tongan culture is alive and well in Australia. And it's good to see that as a person coming from the Islands," Prince Tungi said.
The 23-year-old is training in New Zealand to become a pilot.
And it's hoped his visit here will encourage other young Tongans to reach for the skies.
"Tongan students, school leavers or unemployed who feel that they're not part of the community, hey, they've got a lot of future for them.. the community are supporting them," said Reverend Sione Pinomi from the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.
There's approximately 18,000 Tongans settled in Australia.
But last year people born in Tonga had the fourth highest imprisonment rate. Unemployment is also high at 9.2 per cent.
And recent clashes in Queensland have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour.
"We're the friendly island and we don't want to take that away. That's something we're proud of and we really want to keep that in Australia," Reverend Sione Pinomi said.
Community members say they would like to see more event like this to bring families together and show their support for Tonga's youth.
"This is a great positive event. This will bring the community together. It will bring the local youth from the Tongan community," says Parramatta Lord Mayor John Chedid.
"The more events like this the better for our society in general and we are delighted to be here today," Prince Tungi said.
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