Fijian workers: volunteering in crisis

The unprecedented flooding impacting northern New South Wales and Queensland has been devastating for local communities.

In the northern rivers region of Lismore, two major flooding events within four weeks left a pathway of destruction. With many homes lost, recovery can feel out of reach.

But in those dark clouds of loss, one group of men – not local to the area – provided a ray of hope for the community. And a reminder the human spirit is alive and well and help is at hand if you need it.

In early February, just before the first flooding event, a group of 45 Fijian migrants arrived in the surrounding suburbs of Lismore with a plan to work at the local abattoirs.

On Monday 28 February, as the town started becoming inundated by water, a group of the Fijian workers swapped their shifts at the abbatoir to help state emergency services save people stuck in their homes and clear out damaged properties.

The Fijian team provided much support and even sang while they worked. Their hymns providing a soothing relief to both the exhausted locals working with them and the frightened people being evacuated.

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Financial literacy skills

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, border closures restricted international visitors and prevented people moving between states in Australia. The Federal Government’s Pacific Labour Scheme helped to fill regional and rural labour shortages where the recruitment of Australian workers had been unsuccessful, connecting Aussie businesses with labour from nine Pacific Islands and Timor Leste.

Workers gain valuable experience, see what Australia has to offer and earn Australian award wages while helping businesses during peak seasons. It’s a win-win solution for Aussie business owners and Pacific workers. 

According to a Pacific Island Countries report, Fiji has the most advanced education and skills training systems in the Pacific Islands region. This makes its residents perfect candidates to travel oversees for work and provides an opportunity to earn money to send home to their families.

For some workers, this may be the first time they have opened a bank account so completing ANZ’s MoneyMinded program helps ensure their wages are efficiently saved and used.

The group of Fijian workers who volunteered in Lismore completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded program before arriving in Australia.

Supporting the Drua

In mid-February 2022, ANZ Fiji announced its sponsorship of Super Rugby Pacific’s newest team, the Fijian Drua.

ANZ Fiji Country Head Rabih Yazbek says the bank is pleased to support these Fijian teams.

“Fiji is bursting with sporting talent and it’s no secret rugby holds a unique place in the hearts of Fijians,” he says. “By providing more opportunities for young Fijians to showcase their rugby skills, we’re contributing to deepening regional relationships through sport.”

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Keasi Tora is Fiji Events Manager at ANZ