‘This is for my family’: Levuka man chases opportunity abroad

Leaving behind his young son and extended family was not an easy decision, but for Benjamin McGoon, the chance to work overseas under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is about securing a better future for those he loves.

Mr McGoon, from Vagadaci in Ovalau, received his certificate at Kshatriya Hall in Suva last week and will soon travel to Australia to work as a public area attendant at the Voyages Ayers Rock Hotel in the Northern Territory.

“I decided to apply to this PALM scheme so I could get a better future for my family,” he said.

Married with a son turning four this year, Mr McGoon said providing stability and long-term security for his family was his main motivation. He previously assisted his parents with their small catering business in Levuka.

“My main aim is to become a manager before I come back,” Mr McGoon said.

He hopes to gain experience beyond his current role, including exposure to food and beverage and front office operations, to build skills he can use when he returns to Fiji.

This will be his first time travelling overseas, meaning months away from his wife, child, parents and siblings. While the separation will be difficult, he said his family fully supported his decision.

“All my extended family and my other family were very happy and they were really proud of me going to Australia,” he said.

Mr McGoon said he plans to save as much as possible during his time abroad and invest when he returns home.

“I plan to use the money that I earn. I want to try and save for my family and have a better future for my family here in Fiji,” he said.

He encouraged others, especially those doing it tough, to consider the PALM scheme.

“It’s not too late to apply, we can do our best. You just need to have confidence and pray and you’ll get the job,” Mr McGoon said.

Mr McGoon was among 90 workers farewelled yesterday, including 57 new participants and 33 returning workers, as Fiji continues to send workers overseas in search of opportunity and income for their families back home.