Before 40-year-old Epeli Nabola left our shores yesterday, he had his mind made up to work hard to help improve the living standard of his family.

The father-of-three children was among 162 Fijians, who departed for Australia yesterday, under the Australia’s Pacific Labour Scheme.

The Muaira, Yasawa native had worked at the Vatukoula Gold Mines PLC (Fiji) for the past five years.

“There is a time for everything. It is time for me to move on after I found out about this scheme,” he said.

“In the long term, I intend to improve the living standard for my family. Being a part of it for the next three years will help achieve my objectives,” Mr Nabola said.

He applauded the Fijian Government and its Australian counterpart for setting up the Vuvale Partnership that would in return greatly change the lives of ordinary Fijians.

Livai Rabuku, 34, of Raralevu, Tailevu, who has been a driver for a media outlet in the capital city, said: “I will be part of the meat industry and will be spending three years. I will just have to work hard from day one.”

Mr Rabuku plans to buy a block of land and build a house for his family.

Nikotimo Koroivolu, 40, of Waciwaci, Lakeba in Lau, who used to work as a casual labourer at a construction company in Suva said it is was time for him explore other opportunities.

“I have only one child at the moment, but my aspirations are pretty huge and this scheme can make it possible to deliver,” Mr Koroivolu said.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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