Our History

Established in 1997

A brief history of the Fiji Senior Citizens Association of South Australia

The Fiji Seniors Club of South Australia, initially named, was inaugurated on a chilly winter morning of 31st July 1997 by like-minded senior migrants from the Fijian Diaspora. It emerged as a senior club, originating from members of the Fiji Social and Cultural Club of South Australia Inc.

The club's first meeting took place at Mr. Ram Chandra’s residence in Oaklands Park, where he was also elected president. Mr. Bhagwat Sharma became vice president, Mrs. Bela Rahman served as secretary, and Ms. Sushila Sharma as treasurer. Eleven members were present, with Kishor Chand representing the Fiji Social and Cultural Club.

Regular monthly meetings were held at members' residences on the last Tuesday of each month, with each hosting member fully accommodated. Members took turns catering lunch to enjoy after the meetings.

This tradition continued for a year until a permanent home was established at Reedbeds Community Centre in Fulham. Membership grew as more individuals joined after retiring from paid work.

In January 2005, leadership changed hands, with Mr. Bhagwat Sharma taking over as president. Membership remained steady but began to decline as time passed, with some members moving interstate and others passing away.

In 2013, Mr. Bhagwat Sharma stepped down due to ill health, and Kishor Chand was elected as the new president. More Fijian migrants retired (baby boomers) and joined the club, causing numbers to boom. Younger members with innovative ideas, energy, and enthusiasm transformed the club's demographics. Many excursions were organized at members' requests to explore SA and other states.

A constitution was written, established, and incorporated on 14th June 2013, becoming the club's guiding document.

In 2014, the Fiji Seniors won the “Clubs Award for Excellence” at the Every Generation Festival, an annual event organized by COTA SA, marking a significant highlight as it surpassed several contenders.

The club’s constitution was revised in 2019, and the name was changed to “Fiji Senior Citizens Association of South Australia Incorporation.”

On 16th December 2019, the Association achieved STARservice Excellence recognition from the Department of Human Services SA Government after fulfilling all requirements.

The Association is fully insured, financially viable, and looking forward to further growth.

Kishor Chand

President