Between 1863 and 1904, more than 62,000 South Sea Islanders were brought to work in Queensland from around 80 different Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. Many were kidnapped - or 'blackbirded' - from their homes by labour agents, or came after being told lies about what to expect in Australia. For little to no money, they laboured in the sugarcane fields of Queensland. In 1994, the Federal Government officially recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group.
Migaloo means means 'white fella' in several Aboriginal languages.