Families and schools are playing a growing role in Fiji’s Return & Earn programme, with more children collecting bottles and cans while learning the importance of protecting the environment. Across the country, parents are encouraging their children to collect recyclable containers during family outings, church gatherings and community activities, while schools are also embracing the initiative to raise funds for educational needs. Return & Earn Fiji Representative Dwain Qalovaki highlighted that recycling is becoming part of everyday family life. “We’re even seeing families that are coming up to the Return and Earn centres and lining up with their bottles and…
Author: admin_fijitimes
Winning the Best Agribusiness of the Year title at the National SME Awards 2025 has marked a major milestone for young entrepreneur Avishay Singh, who says the recognition has strengthened his confidence and opened new opportunities for his growing business. Speaking after receiving the award at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Friday night, Singh said the achievement came as a surprise but would help raise the profile of his business and its products. “I feel really excited. To achieve this has been really good for me and my business. It gives us a greater platform to showcase more of our products,…
Collecting empty bottles and cans is becoming more than just a way to keep Fiji clean, with the Return & Earn initiative creating new income opportunities for families and individuals across the country. From community groups to small-scale collectors, more people are turning recyclable containers into a source of revenue while helping reduce waste in their neighbourhoods. Return & Earn Fiji Representative Dwain Qalovaki highlighted that many people are now treating bottle collection as a source of income. “We’re already seeing it in different municipalities around the country where members of the public are utilising this as a source of…
The Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Council of Fiji, Seema Shandil, is urging Fijians to adopt three simple steps, Stop, Think and Verify,to protect themselves from the growing threat of scams. Speaking on Fiji One’s Talk Business, Shandil said scammers are increasingly using phone calls, social media, messaging apps such as Viber, and text messages to target unsuspecting people. She said consumers should never feel pressured to act immediately when they receive unexpected requests for money, personal information or financial transactions. Instead, Shandil advises people to stop and think about whether they know the person contacting them, where the request…
Fiji’s container recycling programme is continuing to gain momentum, with thousands of people turning discarded bottles and cans into extra income while helping keep communities clean. More than 7.5 million beverage containers have been collected through the Return & Earn Fiji initiative during the first six months of this year, with over $687,000 paid back to the public and collection partners. The programme has also seen growing participation from families, youth groups, churches, schools and businesses, as more people recognise the value of recycling. Return & Earn Fiji Representative Dwain Qalovaki highlighted that the programme is already delivering visible environmental…
Stung by the Rudd-Gillard government’s collapse, Anthony Albanese and Labor figures made a show of projecting unity in a “very managed” national conference.
The WA government has declared the Woodside Energy’s Browse gas field a significant state project, in a move which could streamline its development once approved.
The Fijian Drua have appointed experienced New Zealand coach Brad Mooar as the new Head Coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men. Mooar has signed a two-year contract and will officially begin his role in September 2026 as the team prepares for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The former All Blacks and Scotland assistant coach brings extensive experience from championship-winning campaigns with the Crusaders, as well as his time with Welsh club Scarlets and international rugby. His appointment follows a global recruitment process, with the selection panel unanimously backing Mooar to guide the Drua into…
Residents of Viria Village in Naitasiri are set to benefit from a new $1.6 million multi-purpose evacuation centre following the official groundbreaking of the project this week. The double-storey facility is expected to provide the community with a safe space during emergencies while also serving as a venue for everyday community activities. Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, said the development reflects the Coalition Government’s efforts to improve disaster preparedness and resilience while recognising communities that have contributed to Fiji’s national development. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Tuisawau acknowledged Viria Village’s contribution to…
‘Put carbon pricing on electricity’