WE NEED TO SHOW OUR LOVE – RATUWASE

Violet Langan is a Brisbane pastor who also moved to Australia from Fiji and helps households struggling to afford bills and food explained that  groceries have become quite expensive even for this the employed.

“It’s just too expensive for things that have risen in costs, the basics. You don’t get much out of $100,” she said.

“We’re seeing a new group of kids going to school without having breakfast. It’s alarming, especially now that it’s starting to get a little bit colder.”

She said that there is a need for the community service the PALM workers give on Saturdays.

Tavite Ramasi packs meals in Manly West before giving them out at Roma Street Parkland. (ABC News: Doug Dingwall)

“People actually even say, ‘This is the real meal that we get given to us that’s hot, that’s nutritious, that tastes lovely,'” she said.

“And it’s given with a lot of care, and not frozen.”

In true Fijian culture, the PALM workers hand out meals at night in the parkland, smiles on their faces and a guitar in hand as they sing Fijian songs.

Mr Tamanisau reports they’ve handed out 230 meals that evening.

The workers hand out about 200 meals on Saturday nights.(ABC News: Doug Dingwall)

Mr Ratuwase said giving out the food is an emotional experience for the PALM workers.

“We need to show our love to those who need to be loved … and always show we care about them,” he said.

Emosi Ratuwase joins other Fijian PALM workers in cooking meals on Saturdays.(ABC News: Doug Dingwall)

PALM worker Ben Atalifo is clapping and singing with the group.

“It really makes me feel happy and proud knowing that there’s somebody out there that I’ve helped, looking at the smiles on their faces,” he said.

“It really means a lot. I’m proud of it.”