FIJIAN workers who helped rescue residents and distribute emergency supplies during the devastating 2022 Lismore floods in Australia have been recognised for their service.
The returned Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers received the New South Wales Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation at a ceremony at the Australian High Commission in Suva.
The citation recognises people whose service and contributions supported communities affected by the flood emergency.
The workers had only recently arrived in Lismore, New South Wales, when the region was hit by one of the worst floods in Australia’s modern history.
Floodwaters peaked at 14.4 metres, inundating more than 3000 homes and causing widespread damage.
Working alongside PALM scheme workers from Samoa, the Fijians volunteered to assist emergency services during the disaster.
They helped elderly people, children and animals from rescue boats to evacuation centres and later assisted with distributing emergency supplies.
Their efforts were previously recognised at an event in Lismore, where they received medals of honour from the Governor-General of Australia.
Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts presented the citations in Suva.
Singh said the awards recognised people who had gone beyond what was expected in helping others and reflected the relationship between Fiji and Australia.
“We are proud to recognise their commitment, courage and contribution,” Singh said.
He said ties between the two countries were built not only through formal agreements and government engagement but through people supporting each other in times of need.
Roberts said the workers’ actions reflected the spirit of service and community underpinning people-to-people links between Fiji and Australia.
“Thank you to all those honoured today. These acts of service show our shared sense of community,” he said.
“Today, we are pleased to recognise those who have made that difference.”
Award recipient Osea Baleiyasavu said the recognition reflected the importance of helping communities during difficult times.
“For me, this recognition is not just about the individual. It reflects the values of helping others, supporting people in times of need and building relationships that bring our communities closer together,” Baleiyasavu said. “I am proud to have contributed in my own way, and I hope this recognition encourages others to continue making a difference.”
