Three former Hibiscus Queens will return as volunteers to help organise the 2026 Hibiscus Festival as the event celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Festival Director Ellen Whippy-Knight confirms that Michele Smith (1975), Patricia Naisara (2007) and Alisi Rabukawaqa (2011) have joined the organising team to support this year's festival, which will be held in Suva next month.
Whippy-Knight says the three former queens are volunteering their time, skills and festival experience to support the current generation of contestants.
She says Rabukawaqa will oversee the pageant activities for this year's 12 contestants, while Naisara will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the crowning ceremony at Albert Park on 5th September.
Whippy-Knight also says Smith, who recently returned to Fiji after many years overseas, has used her professional experience to develop a new Queens Mentoring Programme.
Smith says giving back to the community has always been important to her, and she feels privileged to support the Hibiscus Festival more than 50 years after being crowned queen.
Festival organisers are also inviting other former Hibiscus Queens to come forward and volunteer, sharing their knowledge and experience with this year's contestants.
The 2026 Hibiscus Festival will be held from August 29th to September 5th at Albert Park.
