Vilivo (Lipo) left Fiji for his family and ended up building his community a church with RWM
In July 2024, Vilivo Vuinakasa, known as Lipo, left Fiji and came to Wodonga to work as a meat processor through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme with Regional Workforce Management (RWM). From Vatulele Island, the Island of Red Prawns, Lipo grew up in the village of Ekubu in Nadroga Province, with roots that also reach Kadavu. Back home, he moved between jobs, doing what he could to cover his family's day to day expenses, but stable, regular work was hard to come by.
Hoping for something more secure, Lipo applied when the opportunity to join the PALM scheme came up.
“I dreamed of being able to give my family a better life, to provide enough so that our needs and wants were no longer a daily worry,” Lipo said.
Lipo arrived in Australia as part of a small cohort of Fijian workers, many of them leaving home for the first time. They were met at Melbourne Airport by RWM’s welfare and wellbeing team, with Site Manager Samyog supporting the group from the beginning as they settled into life and work in Wodonga.
Despite that support, the early weeks were challenging.
“I missed home every day,” Lipo said. “But I am here for a reason. I am receiving good money compared to back home in Fiji and I get to learn new things day by day.”
Being away from home highlighted just how important community and faith were to Lipo and the group. Rather than letting that absence hold him back, it became the motivation for him to help build a sense of belonging in Wodonga.
No church in Wodonga, so they built one
Lipo noticed quickly that the Fijian workers in Wodonga had no regular place to worship. A previous group had used a local hall for Sunday services, but the cost had become too high to manage. With nothing in place, some workers were making the 135km trip to Wagga Wagga or Culcain each week just to attend church.
"We never had a place, a church, for Fijians to go and worship every Sunday," Lipo said. "So with the new group that arrived in 2024, we talked and organised a place to have our church service every Sunday," he said.
With encouragement from RWM's team, they started holding services in a local park. Lipo then reached out to Fijian pastors for advice, was pointed toward the Uniting Church and sat down with the leadership at St Stephen's in Wodonga. After several meetings, the community had a permanent home to worship every Sunday at no cost.
"The Fijian community had their trust in me," he said. "I sat and discussed things with St Stephen's Uniting Church executives, had a few meetings with them and we were approved to use the church with no charge at all."
Lipo had arrived in Wodonga less than a year earlier, knowing nobody, still finding his feet. Now he was negotiating on behalf of his community and what he pulled together meant his fellow Fijians had somewhere to gather and worship every Sunday. His community recognised it, appointing him as head of the Albury Wodonga Border Community Committee and awarding him a Leadership Award for his dedication to those around him, inside work and out.
"It reminds me how far I have come and how many people from RWM and my community have helped me along the way.”
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
Promoted to Quality Assurance Officer
Lipo started on the meat processing line and moved into pit trimming before stepping into a floor processing role, which he held for over a year . During this time, he moved through different positions on the floor, taking on each role without hesitation. Every position was an opportunity to develop new skills such as knife handling, food processing and team training, and he was always willing to take on whatever came next.
Knowing that his site manager, Samyog, was checking in daily and that support was always within reach gave Lipo the confidence to back himself and say yes to every challenge that came his way.
After more than a year of showing up, working hard and giving everything he had, Lipo was promoted to Quality Assurance Officer.
“At first, I took a few minutes to respond as I couldn’t believe what was happening,” he said. “Then I responded to my QA Manager to say that I was happy, excited and ready for the job. In my mind, I was thanking God for everything, for the love, care and promotion.”
The role came with new responsibilities and skills to learn on the job. For Lipo, it also marked a moment where his decision to come to Australia, put in the work each day, and stay focused on why he was there truly paid off.
“That promotion meant so much to me,” he said. “It was a reflection of my journey here in Australia. Hard work, when guided by faith, always pays off.”
Lipo's advice and what a year in Australia has meant for his family
Lipo doesn't overthink his advice to anyone back home considering the PALM scheme.
"To our Fijian brothers and sisters who wish to apply, please do so. Don't be scared. It is always good to try new things. Once you are here in Australia, just do the right thing and never forget your family back home."
Since stepping off the plane in Melbourne, Lipo's kids are in school, the groceries are covered and the bills that used to pile up are being paid. RWM is proud to have been part of that journey with Lipo and proud to keep supporting him and the many workers like him who come here and give everything they have got to their work, their employers and the people back home counting on them.
Bridging the skilled trades gap with international talent
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
