WILSON: Great Southern Community Delivers Mobility and Independence to Fiji

MR RICK WILSON MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

12th August 2026

WILSON: Great Southern Community Delivers
Mobility and Independence to Fiji

Federal Member for O'Connor Rick Wilson has praised the generosity and community spirit of locals following the successful delivery of a shipping container of mobility equipment to people living with disability in Fiji.

The “Mobility Devices for Fiji” project saw wheelchairs, walkers, walking frames, crutches, shower chairs and other mobility aids collected from communities across the Great Southern before being refurbished, packed and shipped to Suva, in Fiji.

Mr Wilson said the project was a powerful example of how regional communities can make a meaningful difference beyond Australia's shores.

"This project demonstrates the very best of our community. It shows what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose to help others," Mr Wilson said.

At the heart of the initiative was Albany community leader Pastor Joseph Raikoti, whose vision inspired the project.

"Joseph saw an opportunity to improve the lives of people living with disabilities in his homeland and turned that vision into reality through hard work, determination and community leadership," Mr Wilson said.

"I want to thank Joseph for his outstanding commitment to both the Fijian community and the wider O’Connor community through his work as a Pastor, a disability support worker and a proud Fijian-Australian."

Mr Wilson also acknowledged the support of the Fiji Disabled Peoples' Federation, who will distribute the devices to those in need, the partnership between the Rotary Club of Albany City and the Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset which facilitated the transfer of the devices.

The Rotary Club of Albany City funded the shipping, assisted by donations from the Rotary Clubs of Esperance, Katanning, Kojonup, Wagin and Manjimup.

Special thanks to the many volunteers who helped collect, prepare and store equipment for shipment, including Geoff Griffiths and family, who collected mobility aids from homes across the region, and Tracy and Rhys Ravenhill, who generously provided storage free of charge.

"Projects like this simply do not happen without volunteers. So many people gave their time, resources and expertise to ensure these devices reached those who need them most," Mr Wilson said.

Last weekend, Mr Wilson attended the official handover of the donated equipment and met Fijian recipients, disability advocates and community leaders.

Speaking at this event, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica expressed his gratitude for the generosity of regional Australians and publicly urged his Government to do more to support the independence and inclusion of those living with disability in Fiji.

Mr Wilson said "Meeting the recipients reinforced that these devices are far more than pieces of equipment. They represent mobility, independence, inclusion and opportunity".

Mr Wilson said the initiative also reflected the strong and growing ties between regional Western Australia and Fiji.

"Many communities across O'Connor have developed close connections with Fijian workers, Fijian Australians and their families over many years. This project is a wonderful example of those friendships in action."

"I am incredibly proud of everyone who contributed. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of many people living with disability in Fiji."

“This project is proof that ordinary Australians really can achieve extraordinary outcomes at a grass roots level. Often beyond what any Government can."

ENDS

Media contact: Reuben Keyser
Communications and Community Engagement Adviser
[email protected]
(08) 9842 2777
0455 125 035