Mataki Builds Strong Community Bonds in Fiji and Australia

Charlie Mataki is building strong community connections in both Fiji and Australia while working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Originally from Oneata Island in Fiji’s Lau Group, Mataki has spent nearly four years working in regional Australia and is currently employed as a forklift driver at a meat processing facility in Ararat, Victoria. His role involves long shifts and operating heavy machinery, but he remains focused on his long-term goal of securing a better future for his family back home.

Through disciplined saving and careful planning, Mataki has supported his family in Fiji while working overseas. Last year, he achieved a major milestone by purchasing five acres of land that includes an established prawn farm. He now plans to expand production and further develop the farm.

Mataki also hopes to support healthier living for his family through sustainable farming practices, including growing vegetables and keeping bees for honey. In addition to improving his family’s diet, he plans to sell farm produce to generate extra income. His earnings from Australia have also enabled him to purchase a vehicle outright for his family in Fiji.

He says living in regional Ararat has helped him stay focused, noting that fewer distractions compared to larger cities allow him to save money and remain committed to his goals. Mataki encourages fellow PALM workers to manage their time, finances, and social circles carefully while working overseas.

Beyond his employment, Mataki actively contributes to the Ararat community. He volunteers at Ararat Neighbourhood House and takes part in local council initiatives such as park clean-ups and providing assistance to elderly residents. He says these efforts reflect the values of gratitude and service that Fijian workers bring to their host communities.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Maritino Nemani, acknowledged workers like Mataki as strong examples of how labour mobility programs benefit both home and host communities. He encouraged participants in overseas employment schemes to remain focused on building sustainable futures for their families while contributing positively to the communities that host them.

Mr Nemani also highlighted that labour mobility programs continue to strengthen communities across borders by creating economic opportunities, fostering cultural understanding, and building lasting partnerships between Pacific nations and regional Australia.