Co Director and founder of Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts, Sydney's premier Pacific Cultural Arts centre based in Liverpool Sydney. Maryjane has over 20 years experience in cultural dance and arts, she is a Siva Samoa dance practitioner, artists, teacher, and a community leader with over 400 students enrolled at the Cultural centre . Maryjane is married to Fred Schwenke who is also founder and cultural artist at Matavai. She is a mother of three. 

Matavai Pacific Cultural arts is in its tenth year and has taught thousands of people since opening, both in Sydney, nationally and globally. Matavai teaches and promotes the positive fundamentals of Pacific culture through dance, music, language and creative arts. Re-connecting the Australian-Pacific community with their history and ancestors is a key goal of Matavai, which is achieved through the passing down of ancient traditions and art forms.

Maryjane has lived and worked extensively in the Pacific, her passion for Pacific culture and history stemming from her time with iconic leaders of the Pacific region, which has influenced and played a big part in the vision and mission of Matavai Pacific cultural arts.  

She has worked in Radio as Producer, journalist and breakfast and midmorning radio broadcaster for the Pacific Media Network in NZ. 

She has also acted in films such as Sione’s wedding, as well as produced, directed and has delved into playwriting. 

She is also a former Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific 1997-1998.