ON-SAFARI NEWS JANUARY, 2013 - ISSUE 13

Vunarewa Village Hosts Aussie School Group!

O n the 15th of December, a school group out of Australia took time out at the end of their one

week trip to Fiji and went on safari visiting Vunarewa Village.

The schools were Olivet Christian College from Castlemain, Victoria, Seabrooke Christian

School from Tasmania and Mt. Carmel Christian School in Wodonga, Victoria.

“The main reason for us visiting Fiji was to attend the Accelerated Christina Education South Pacific Student

Convention held at the University of the South Pacific from the 9th to the 14th of December,” said Mr. Phil

Chapman, Principal, Olivet Christian Collage. “The students competed with other schools in athletics, music,

art & craft, public speaking and other activities,” he added.

“Our Sigatoka River Safari was a stunning memory for the students and staff, both for the Jet Boat driving skills

and for the rich Fijian cultural experience with the villagers, which touched the hearts of our students,” Mr.

Chapman said. He added, “To learn of their way of live, and the incredible hospitality and friendliness of the

villagers was inspiring and enabled all of us to enjoy a memorable afternoon together”.

The students brought an extra smile to the people of Vunarewa by singing a Hymn and the Australian National

Anthem before the villagers sang the famous Fijian farewell song “Isa Lei”. More images on the next page.

Breaking it down the “Fijian way” with the young ladies from Vunarewa

J an Chapman, Teacher - Olivet Christian College, “What a wonderful day for our group on the River

Safari! It was a big hit with the students”.

With Cyclone Evan approaching Fiji during the group’s visit, this failed to deter the students spirits

as they toured the village, had a Fijian feast, danced and mingled with their new Fijian family.

ON-SAFARI NEWS JANUARY, 2013 - ISSUE 13

Walking around Vunarewa Village Inside the village church

Taking time out with the Chief and elders of the village Questions and more questions for the villagers

Making some new friends at during the dancing A smile for the camera

Having lunch the traditional way Thank you speech from the Principal followed by their singing

A n adventure of a lifetime for young Australians and New Zealanders is on the horizon.

Students between the ages of 11 - 13 will get a chance to visit Fiji and partake in activities that will

inspire them to think beyond their normal boundaries and this amazing adventure will be held

during the month of November, 2013.

One part of the “Horizon Week” adventure is having the students and their guides spend a night camping in the

heart & soul of Fiji.

According to Horizons Week Managing Director, Jamie Wansey, the week will benefit students with the various

learning experiences that they (the ambassadors) have set out and experienced themselves.

“We have set up different learning experiences from challenges such as trekking in the interior, culture where

the students will learn traditional customs, community where they will learn about local songs and dance,

connecting with local students and schools and finally various aspects of conservation,” Jamie said.

The team at Horizons Week have come in and out of Fiji a couple of times in 2012 experiencing all aspects of

the activities they hope the students can take back home and treasure for the rest of the lives.

The inaugural Horizons Week will be from November 16 - 23, 2013. For those keen on learning more please ,

please CLICK HERE for more information.

“Horizon Week” - Coming Soon!

ON-SAFARI NEWS JANUARY, 2013 - ISSUE 13

Horizon Week Ambassadors with Tourism Fiji’s Tupou, Safari’s Miri and the villagers of Vunaqoru

S igatoka River Safari’s 22 seater Coach driver, Mesake Drodrolagi was announced as the

“Employee of the Year” for 2012 at the Sigatoka River Safari Christmas Party. Mesake won

himself an all expenses paid trip to Wellington, New Zealand and tickets to the popular Wellington

7’s tournament.

A delighted Mesake who let his big smile do the talking when his name was announced was lost for words but

managed to do a little “gigantic” jump as it is his first trip overseas.

“I was not expecting to win employee of the year at all,” Mesake said. “When my name was called I was

hoping that I don’t have to do a speech then I realized I was winning a trip to the Wellington 7s that’s when I

did a little jump,” he added.

In making the announcement, Sigatoka River Safari, Managing Director, Jay Whyte said, that the award and

the trip was well earned by Mesake who was the clear winner out of 11 finalists.

“Mesake was recognized for his sterling work throughout 2012 with his great attitude and always willing to go

above and beyond the call of duty,” Jay said.

More Safari End of the Year Party images on the next page...

Mesake is Safari’s Employee of the Year!

ON-SAFARI NEWS JANUARY, 2013 - ISSUE 13

Mesake Drodrolagi in lime green with Jay Whyte (right) Managing Director , Captain Jack (blue shirt and Tim Cruiikshank, Workshop Manager)

ON-SAFARI NEWS JANUARY, 2013 - ISSUE 13

Safari Holiday Season Party!

Best dressed female Josephine (middle bare back) with her group

T he annual Safari Festive Season Party held at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa’s was one filled with

many surprises.

Staff were divided into 5 different groups a month before the big day and were required to prepare

a 5 minute dance from Bollywood, Africa to Hollywood.

The “Buraho” group took the overall performance title with their hip hop dance wowing the crowd with their

moves while Josephine from Off-Road Cave Safari was voted best dressed female and Maikeli “Captain Black

Jack” Sulua was voted best dressed male.

Best dressed male, Maikeli in the blue top hat Performing their island dance

Team Buraho who won best performance with their hip hop moves

The Jet Boat Captains

The Gold team

SAFARI NEWS JANUARY, 2013 - ISSUE 13

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FIJI EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM AWARDS

2007: WINNER - BEST ADVENTURE TOUR

2008: WINNER - BEST FIJI EXPERIENCE

CONTACT DETAILS

0800 6501 721 (FREE CALL ANYTIME) or +679 6501721

safari@sigatokariver.com - sigatokariver.com - offroadfiji.com - Chinese Website

www.facebook.com/sigatokariversafari - www.facebook.com/offroaddcavesafarifiji

P.O BOX 1473, Sigatoka. Main Street, Sigatoka.

Name: Alumita “Mita or Pa” Cawi

From: Nawaqadamu Village, Nadi

Position: Personal Assistant to the Managing Director

Drink: Tropical Pulp (Fruit Juice)

Food: Noodles when I’m broke, Roast Chicken when I’m feeling rich...(laughs)

Sport: Field Hockey

Best Memory at Work: First day at work and going on the river safari tour

(Too Awesome!!). Meeting my Sigatoka River Safari family who I’ve become

very close to and fond of (I hope they feel the same).

Best Work Tip: Learn to love and enjoy what you do. Work diligently,

honestly and savour the experiences one day at a time.

On-Safari Postcard Moment!

C olby Blinco, a Year 1

student from Rockhampton,

Queensland, Australia was

adamant that he had to try

the drink his Dad was drinking during the

kava ceremony.

We give him an A+ for an amazing effort

and hope to see him again when his older!