Latest news with #FIFO
Perth Now
13-07-2025
- Perth Now
Young FIFO worker identified as victim of horror WA crash
The young man who died after being hit by a reckless driver fleeing police in Forrestfield has been identified as a FIFO worker with a 'cheeky smile.' Junbo Shim, 22, recently moved to Perth from South Korea to start a new life as a worker in the mines. On June 25, tragedy struck when Mr Shim and his girlfriend were hit by a reckless driver who was fleeing police at the intersection of Hale Road and Tonkin Highway in Forrestfield at about 10.17pm. Mitchell Boskov, 26, was driving a white Nissan Navara utility when he allegedly ran a red light and smashed into Mr Shim's blue Ford Falcon station wagon. Mr Boskov was charged with manslaughter, reckless driving to escape a police pursuit, reckless driving causing bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation, and driving without authority. Emergency services at the scene of a crash in Forrestfield on Wednesday night. Credit: 7NEWS / 7NEWS Mr Shim's girlfriend received non-life-threatening injuries. The loss of the 22-year-old, who was living in Kalamunda, has rocked the Perth Hills community, according to long-term resident Linda Harrup. Ms Harrup met with Mr Shim's mother, father and brother on Wednesday when they arrived in Perth to bring their son home. 'I don't know this family, I didn't know who they are, all I knew is their son is the same age as my son and that could've been him like we drive through there all the time so I just had to find them and they are beautiful,' she said. 'If your child was in another country you would want people looking after him and after the family and that's what we do in Australia we help people.' Ms Harrup met with Mr Shim's mother, father and brother on Wednesday when they arrived in Perth to bring their son home. Credit: Facebook Ms Harrup said meeting the family was extremely emotional but it helped her grieve the loss of a close friend who died in a car accident a few months ago. 'We basically just sat there hugging each other for the first minute,' she said. 'His mum just fell apart in my arms... we shared lots of tears today, and photos, 'So much was communicated through the photos that they showed me of him in Australia and you could just see he was embracing it with his whole heart, it was evident from sitting with the family that he would've been a beautiful person.' Ms Harrup has started a GoFundMe on behalf of the Perth hills community in an attempt to ease the financial pressure the Shim family is facing. 'I will also be approaching the Kalamunda Shire to see if there is the possibilty of recognising Junbo in some way in one of our parks,' he said. 'A reminder to all of us that we have adopted this young man as one of ours, 'I told the family today they are now one of ours, a hills family who we will always remember.'
West Australian
29-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Janine Leafe: Are you a FIFO worker? Here's your essential tax-time tool kit
As the end of the financial year rolls in, most Australians start sifting through receipts and cringing at the thought of tax time. But for WA's fly-in, fly-out workforce, EOFY isn't just about ticking the tax-return box — it's a golden opportunity to assess your financial strategy and set yourself up for long-term security. With high earning potential, complex income structures, time away from home, and often a lack of routine financial planning, it's essential to approach EOFY with a clear plan for the next 12 months. Here's a practical EOFY checklist designed to help FIFO workers make the most of their money: Most FIFO workers earn above-average incomes, which can push them into higher tax brackets. That's why it's crucial to gather income information such as PAYG summaries, interest statements, dividends and rental income if applicable. If you've worked multiple contracts or sites throughout the year, don't forget to declare all sources. The Australian Taxation Office is increasingly emphasising data-matching, so accuracy is your best ally. Working remotely often means hefty out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your role and circumstances, you may be entitled to claim expenses such as: Remember, the ATO has tightened its rules regarding deduction claims, so keeping solid records like receipts and logbooks is key. I'd suggest using a tool to collate all the receipts throughout the financial year, such as the free app ReceiptHub for any employment-related expenses. You can also Google a list of possible deductions for your role/industry to make sure you haven't missed anything. Some FIFO employees receive LAFHA as part of their package. This can help offset additional costs incurred while working away, such as meals and accommodation. But it's not always tax-free, and eligibility varies, so check with your employer and tax agent to make sure it's correctly reported. Many FIFO workers don't realise they could be eligible to boost their retirement savings and reduce taxable income through voluntary contributions. If you haven't hit your concessional contribution cap $30,000 this financial year, there might be room to top up. Engage a financial adviser or accountant for advice on this and how much is required to reach this target. According to the ATO website, personal contributions may be tax-deductible, and if your partner earns less than $40,000, spouse contributions can offer extra tax benefits. This is dependent on your savings position and maximised by those with significant savings balances. Here's where I lean in as a mortgage broker. EOFY is the perfect time to take a closer look at your existing loans, whether it's your mortgage, investment property finance, or even personal loans. With interest rates fluctuating, even a small rate change can lead to big savings across a high-value loan. For FIFO clients, I often recommend offset accounts or redraw features to keep cash flow flexible between swings and rosters. Have a plan. As a FIFO worker, you're sacrificing time at home, often in tough conditions, to build a better future. So make EOFY your reset button. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. It begins with a step-by-step approach. Pay off small debts, as personal debt quickly diminishes cash flow. Pay down your owner-occupied mortgage to a reasonable level that could be maintained if you left FIFO employment to work locally. Then use any additional cash flow to invest and/or save. Navigating income tax, investment strategy, and home loan reviews is a full-time job. Seek a combination of independent advice from a good accountant, financial adviser, and mortgage broker to help you act on smart strategies. Many FIFO workers don't work weekday office hours, but FIFO finance specialists offer after-hours consultations and digital meetings to help you stay on top of your finances. Your position is unique, so please don't take financial advice from your colleagues on site. Context is everything. And remember, engaging in independent and collaborative advice from your broker, accountant and financial planner increases the likeliness of achieving your goals and sets you up for financial success. Janine Leafe is a FIFO finance specialist and director of Fluoro Finance
West Australian
28-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Lotto: West Aussie among four division one winners to take home $1.6 million in Saturday's draw
A West Aussie ticketholder has banked a tidy division one win in Saturday's Lotto draw. The fortunate punter is one of four players who will take home more than $1.6 million after matching six winnings numbers. Division two dished out a cash boost worth $13,577.95 to 46 players — including 11 West Aussies. An additional 984 ticketholders from across the nation will pocket a handy sum to the value of $960.85. The winning numbers for draw #4585 were 39, 41, 44, 32, 21 and 34. The supps were 22 and 16. Weekend luck comes after a pair of West Aussies scored a share in last Saturday's $20 million draw. The two players from the west were among nine division one winners to score an eye-watering $2.2m each. Two tickets sold in WA also won big in the Millionaire Medley game on Friday June 20. A FIFO worker from the eastern suburbs was revealed as one of the winners after he came forward to collect his $1m prize. The other lucky duck, a man from north of the river, hit the jackpot after a last-minute decision to ditch his usual numbers to instead purchase a Slikpik ticket.
Perth Now
28-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
West Aussie player on rich list after $1.6m Lotto windfall
Saturday Lotto. Credit: Lotterywest A West Aussie ticketholder has banked a tidy division one win in Saturday's Lotto draw. The fortunate punter is one of four players who will take home more than $1.6 million after matching six winnings numbers. Division two dished out a cash boost worth $13,577.95 to 46 players — including 11 West Aussies. An additional 984 ticketholders from across the nation will pocket a handy sum to the value of $960.85. The winning numbers for draw #4585 were 39, 41, 44, 32, 21 and 34. The supps were 22 and 16. Weekend luck comes after a pair of West Aussies scored a share in last Saturday's $20 million draw. The two players from the west were among nine division one winners to score an eye-watering $2.2m each. Two tickets sold in WA also won big in the Millionaire Medley game on Friday June 20. A FIFO worker from the eastern suburbs was revealed as one of the winners after he came forward to collect his $1m prize. The other lucky duck, a man from north of the river, hit the jackpot after a last-minute decision to ditch his usual numbers to instead purchase a Slikpik ticket.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Kiwi Workers Crossing The Ditch: The Booming FIFO Mining Scene In Australia
The numbers tell a compelling story. Right now, there are over 10,000 FIFO jobs available across Australia, compared to just a few hundred in New Zealand. For Kiwi workers willing to pack their bags and head across the Tasman, this represents more than just employment opportunities – it's a chance to completely transform their earning potential. FIFO, or Fly-In-Fly-Out work, means exactly what it sounds like. Workers fly to remote mining sites, work intensive rosters – typically two weeks on, one week off – then fly home to their families. It's not for everyone, but for those who can handle the lifestyle, the financial rewards are substantial. The Scale of Opportunity The Australian mining sector dwarfs New Zealand's in every measurable way. While New Zealand's entire mining industry employed just 5,900 people in 2023, Australia's Metal Ore Mining sector alone employs 139,200 workers. That's before you even count coal, gas, or other resource extraction industries. More importantly for job seekers, the money reflects this scale. FIFO workers are averaging AU$100,000+ annually, with coal miners earning AU$85,000 and above. When you compare that to equivalent roles in New Zealand, the difference is often significant enough to justify the lifestyle changes that come with FIFO work. What's particularly encouraging for newcomers is that many FIFO positions currently don't require previous experience. This opens doors for Kiwis looking to make a career change or young people wanting to earn serious money while they're still mobile and unencumbered by major commitments. Why Aussie Miners Want Kiwi Workers Australian mining companies aren't just passively accepting New Zealand workers – they're actively seeking them out. The reasons are practical and cultural. Kiwis arrive with strong work ethics, excellent English, and often solid trades backgrounds from New Zealand's robust apprenticeship systems. There's also the simple matter of supply and demand. Drillers, miners and shot firers represent the largest employing occupation group in Australian mining, but finding skilled workers willing to work in remote locations isn't always easy. New Zealand workers, particularly those from rural areas, are often more comfortable with isolation and physical work than their urban Australian counterparts. Companies like PK Workforce have recognised this natural fit and actively facilitate connections between Australian mining operations and Kiwi workers. The cultural similarities mean less adjustment time and fewer workplace issues. The Reality of FIFO Life Living the FIFO lifestyle means embracing a unique rhythm. Your typical fortnight involves flying to a mining site that might be hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town, working 12-hour shifts in challenging conditions, then returning to comfortable accommodation with meals provided, recreational facilities, and high-speed internet. The isolation is real, but so are the support systems. Modern mining camps are far from the rough-and-ready setups of decades past. Many feature gyms, entertainment areas, and comprehensive mental health support programmes. Companies understand that looking after workers' wellbeing isn't just ethical – it's essential for productivity and retention. The flip side is equally important. When your roster ends, you truly switch off. That week at home is yours, funded by wages that often exceed what many professionals earn working full-time in conventional jobs. Getting Your Foot in the Door Breaking into FIFO work isn't as daunting as it might seem, especially for those willing to start at entry level. The mining industry has recognised that training motivated newcomers often produces better long-term employees than trying to poach experienced workers from competitors. Essential certifications vary by role, but most positions require basic safety training, which can often be arranged through your employer. More specialised roles might need trade qualifications, but even these can sometimes be obtained through mining company training programmes. Specialised FIFO recruitment services have streamlined the process significantly. Rather than navigating multiple company websites and application processes, workers can often access opportunities across the industry through recruitment specialists who are working directly with mining companies working to fill and maintain their workforce roster through mining labour hire. These agencies understand both the requirements and the culture. The key is being realistic about timelines and committed to the lifestyle. This isn't a quick money grab – successful FIFO workers treat it as a career strategy that requires dedication and planning. Looking Forward The demand for FIFO workers shows no signs of slowing. Australia's resource sector continues expanding, driven by global demand for everything from iron ore to lithium. For New Zealand workers, this represents an ongoing opportunity that's likely to remain available for years to come. The beauty of the arrangement is its flexibility. Many Kiwis use FIFO work strategically – earning substantial money for a few years to pay off mortgages, fund business ventures, or simply build financial security before transitioning back to more conventional work arrangements. For those willing to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of FIFO life, the path across the Tasman has never been clearer. The jobs are there, the pay is substantial, and the systems to connect willing workers with opportunities are more sophisticated than ever.
