Seasonal worker from Savaii passed away in Australia, last week

An emotional service conducted in Samoan held tonight in Tasmania by the seasonal workers was streamed live on Tassie Seasonal Workers Facebook page, to honour the memory of Sefulu.

The seasonal workers sang hymns and quoted verses from the Bible to offer comfort to the Sefulu's team.

Messages of condolences going viral online, by other seasonal workers and Sefulu’s family here in Samoa.

During the emotional service Team Leader Ueni Pa’uulu, gave a background of Sefulu who is from Papa Puleia, in Savai'i.

He was the fifth child of seven siblings and is the only male. Sefulu was born on 7th October, 1994.

Pa'uulu said Sefulu did not show any signs of medical issues during working hours; however after work and on the bus heading home, when he died.

“There were 21 of us on the bus when the incident happened and the matter is being investigated [by the Police] and we will leave it at that.

“This is difficult and somewhat unbearable.

"We're here for employment in support of our families in Samoa and yet the families have to hear the tragic news that their son has passed away,” said Pa'ulu during his testimony.

The team leader said they arrived in Australia last year September, and their pacific brothers and sisters, from Vanuatu, East Timor ddid their own thing and didn't interact with the Samoans.

“However since Sefulu’s passing, they came; paid their respects, to mourn and grieve with our team.

“Sefulu’s death has brought unity in all the Islanders working here,” said Pa’uulu, while holding back tears.

Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo said the Ministry is awaiting a full report from Australia and before he can comment, in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.

This is the second death of seasonal workers in Tasmania. In December, a 35-year old mother, Berniece Samuelu, died in her sleep.