Raikoti family excited to become new Aussies after seven years in ‘beautiful’ Albany

Among the 28 new Australians set to officially become citizens in Albany at Friday’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony is one beaming family of four Fijians.

Joseph and Tavenisa Raikoti will stand side by side with their daughters, Sereki, 10, and Eva, 9, as they take the pledge seven years after moving to Albany.

His job as an NBN technician brought Mr Raikoti and his family to Australia in 2017, and he was soon assigned to work in Albany as a contractor.

It did not take him long to fall in love with the area and soon after he sought a permanent contract to be based here.

Vinaka vakalevu Australia — thank you Australia.

“I find Albany beautiful,” he said.

“There are many beautiful beaches and it is full of loving and caring people.

“When my contract came to an end I did not want to leave as I felt Albany is the best place to live and bring up our children.”

Since late 2017 he has worked for the Community Living Association as a carer, where his patience and good nature have served him well.

He also speaks fondly of how he and his family have helped foster a sense of community and togetherness among a growing community of Fijians in Albany.

“We were the only Fijians living and working here until 2021 when a few Fijian men came here to work for Fletchers,” he said.

“Now we have our own little Fijian community and I have opened and registered our church, Olive Branch ANCF WA, to cater to the spiritual needs of those Pacific Islanders who are living and working here.

“And also to our Australian brothers who were once friends but have become family.”

When my contract came to an end I did not want to leave as I felt Albany is the best place to live and bring up our children.

Family members, including Mr Raikoti’s sister, have travelled to Albany for the citizenship ceremony to share in the occasion alongside other members of the burgeoning Fijian community.

Mr Raikoti said he will be a member of the Albany community for a long time to come because he feels at home here.

“It is a privilege and honour to be accepted and recognised as an Australian,” he said.

“And it is a great achievement and our proudest moment and blessing as we will be the first Fijians to go through our ceremonial pledge to the country and the citizens of Australia here in Albany.

“Vinaka vakalevu Australia — thank you Australia.”