Thousands of Fijians now residing in Australia came together yesterday to celebrate Fiji Day in Sydney.
While speaking at the event, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said that moments of seeing the smiling faces of so many of our citizens, of all ages and backgrounds, dressed in Fiji Blue singing our national anthem ranks among his most treasured moments as Prime Minister.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
He told Fijians in Sydney to embrace the new Fiji saying because now, more than ever, Fiji is whole, Fiji is united and Fiji is brimming with opportunity for every Fijian.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
Bainimarama said these celebrations serve as a reminder of all we work for, as one nation and one people, determined to build a new and better Fiji.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
He said that many Fijians who resettled here in Sydney and throughout Australia did so because they didn’t see a future for themselves in Fiji.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
Bainimarama adds that many left because they had lost faith in where our nation was headed and sought better lives for themselves and for their children.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
The Prime Minister said others left because, sadly, they felt like unwelcome strangers in their own rightful home.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
Bainimarama said there are times in our history when it was difficult to see our nation’s true potential but that is no longer the case.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
There are over 50,000 Fijians who live in Australia now.
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
The Fiji Day celebration in Sydney [Photo: Fijian Government]
Members of the Prime Minister’ delegation were also present and available to help anyone interested in applying for Fijian citizenship.
A team from the Fijian Elections Office team and the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs were also at the event.
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