The Fijian Multicultural Community of Alice Springs hosted a community event on Saturday, which brought together Fijians and the broader Australian community. The gathering aimed to honor the traditional owners of the land, the Arrernte people, while also celebrating Fijian culture and history.
Alice Springs is a small town with a population of around 30,000, including approximately 200 Fijians. Freelance journalist Tia Roko highlighted that October is a particularly busy month for the Fijian diaspora across Australia. Despite the challenging environment of Alice Springs, Fijians managed to celebrate Fiji Day.
Roko emphasized that, regardless of their distance from home, Fijians took a moment to reflect on their pre- and post-colonial history as well as their path to independence. She noted the significance of cultural celebrations, stating that they are crucial for Fijians worldwide, as young people engage in extensive preparations that culminate in expressions of culture through song and dance.
It is estimated that between 20 to 30 Fijians reside in the vast central desert area, spanning the tri-state borders of Western Australia and South Australia. Additionally, Roko mentioned that around 180 Fijians might be working in the tourism industry at Uluru. Those Fijians employed in remote communities face challenging living conditions compared to their counterparts in northern Australia.
Lafi Sa’anga, president of the Fiji Multicultural Community in Alice Springs, echoed the themes of unity and collaboration raised by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in his recent national address. He affirmed that even in border communities in South Australia and Western Australia, Fijians are playing significant roles and contributing greatly to Australia as a whole.