Melita’s journey began in Fiji, where she lovingly cared for her grandmother from a young age. Even while still at school, she dreamt of becoming a caregiver, a dream that would eventually take her across the ocean.
When offered a role in Australia’s aged care sector through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Melita saw more than a job. It was a chance to pursue her passion and uplift her family.
A dream realised through the PALM scheme
“Back in Fiji I used to help my grandmother with cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her,” Melita recalls. “Now, I do the same for the elderly residents here in Australia, making sure they’re safe, supported and loved”.
Her daily routine includes cooking, cleaning, and checking on the residents’ wellbeing. But it’s the human connection that fuels her spirit. “I love listening to their stories. Some give us advice that really touches my heart” she says.
Achieving qualifications and personal growth
Melita recently graduated with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), a nationally recognised qualification that took months of dedication and late night study. On graduation day, she held her certificate close, thinking of her grandmother. “She is my everything. Without her, I would not have been here”.
Supporting family and planning for the future
Inspired by the strong women in her life; her mother and grandmother, Melita remains focused on her goals. Each month, she sends money home, helping her family purchase essentials like carpet, a washing machine and a brush cutter. But her ambitions go further.
“My main goal is to extend our family home in Fiji. Right now, it has no electricity or running water”, she explains. She also dreams of starting a cattle farm to create long term security for her family’s future.
Melita’s story reflects the strength of the Vuvale partnership between Fiji and Australia. Through the PALM scheme, she’s building a better future for her family while contributing to aged care in Australia. A true example of how this people-to-people connection transforms lives across the Pacific.
A journey of resilience, love and determination. Melita’s message to others is simple, “If you have a goal in life, go for it. Nothing is impossible”.
