They volunteered to help elderly residents reach safety, assisted children and animals from rescue boats and distributed essential supplies to affected families.
The group, which includes seven returned workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme, received the NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation for their efforts during the disaster.
The workers had recently arrived in Lismore when floodwaters reached about 14.4 metres and inundated more than 3,000 homes.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh says the Fijians were not asked to be heroes but saw people in need and chose to help.
Singh says their actions reflected the values of care, service and resilience that Fijians carry with them overseas.
He says their efforts also demonstrated the strength of the Vuvale relationship between Fiji and Australia and showed that labour mobility is about more than employment and remittances.
Singh has thanked the 22 Fijians, saying they have made their families, communities and Fiji proud.
