For Acura Seduadua, leaving his home in Nadakuni Village, Naitasiri in July 2022 marked the beginning of a journey that would change not only his life but also the future of his family.
Like many Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme workers, Seduadua travelled overseas with a simple goal – to create better opportunities for those waiting for him back home.
The former soldier who has maternal links to Nabukaluka Village in Naitasiri arrived in Emerald, a rural town in Queensland’s Central Highlands, where he began working on a vineyard.
Although farming was not new to him, growing and harvesting grapes was an entirely different experience.
“I was so happy to be given the opportunity to go and experience something that was completely new to me,” Seduadua said.
“We had to learn how to handle grapes and underwent training before starting work.”
The work involved maintaining the farm throughout the year, including pruning vines, removing leaves and harvesting table grapes during the busy harvest season.
While the work was physically demanding, Seduadua said it gave him valuable skills and a new appreciation for the viticultural industry.
He is also thankful that the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme created opportunities for people from villages across Fiji to earn an income overseas.
“I’m grateful that people like me from villages were included in the scheme to go and work and provide a better life for their families,” he said.
His time in Australia was extended after the Australian Government introduced the COVID-19 Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa during the pandemic.
“When we were there, Australia offered the 408 visas because of COVID. Because of that visa, I was able to work and stay on longer,” he said.
After the visa expired, Seduadua returned to Fiji before travelling back to Australia the following year, where he worked for another nine months.
He returned home again in March this year.
Looking back, Seduadua said the opportunity had allowed him to support not only his family but also his wider community.
n Full story in The Sunday Times.
