22 Fijians Honoured for Bravery During Devastating NSW Floods

Twenty-two Fijians have been recognised for their courage and selfless service during the devastating floods that struck New South Wales, Australia, in 2022.

Among those honoured are seven returned workers who participated in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.

The Fijians received the New South Wales Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation, which recognises people who contributed to emergency response and supported communities during major flood emergencies.

The workers had only recently arrived in Lismore when catastrophic flooding hit the region in 2022. Floodwaters reached about 14.4 metres, with more than 3,000 homes inundated.

Despite being new to the community, the Fijian workers volunteered to help residents affected by the disaster.

Their efforts included helping elderly people reach safety, assisting children and animals from rescue boats to evacuation centres, and distributing essential supplies to affected families.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Hon. Agni Deo Singh said the recognition was a proud moment for Fiji.

“Today, we celebrate more than an award. We celebrate the courage, compassion and humanity of our fellow Fijians who stepped forward when people needed them most,” Singh said.

He said the workers were not required to assist but chose to help people in need.

Singh said their actions demonstrated values such as compassion, service, humility, resilience and working together for the common good.

The Minister said the recognition showed that labour mobility was about more than employment and remittances.

He said Fijian workers also become part of the communities where they live and can make positive contributions beyond the workplace.

Singh said their actions during the floods also demonstrated the strength of the Vuvale relationship between Fiji and Australia.

“This is what Vuvale means in practice. When one member of the family faces hardship, the other stands beside them,” he said.

He noted that Australia has supported Fiji during natural disasters, while Fijian workers had the opportunity to support Australian communities during the NSW floods.

Singh also reminded Fijian workers overseas that they are ambassadors for the country and that their conduct can influence future opportunities for other Fijians.

He acknowledged the families of the recipients for their support and encouraged the workers to share their experiences with other PALM workers and young people in Fiji.

“When the people of New South Wales needed helping hands, our Fijians stepped forward,” Singh said.

The Minister congratulated the recipients, saying their actions had made their families, communities and the people of Fiji proud.