Australian of the Year

Victoria (Vicky) Pellowe is an advocate for one of Western Australia’s most overlooked community groups – the families of fly in, fly out (FIFO) workers.  

As a former FIFO worker herself and now the at-home parent raising children while her partner works away, Vicky understands the isolation, uncertainty and emotional load the lifestyle can place on families.  

In response, she founded and leads The FIFO Family Project, a not-for-profit creating FIFO-specific resources, community connection and advocacy for families in the resources sector. Her FIFO New Parents Guide, co-designed with 42 FIFO families and professionals, is now used by the WA Country Health Service Child, Youth & Family team, including rural and remote communities. 

Since May 2024, Vicky has organised more than 50 community meet-ups and events, bringing together over 2,000 FIFO family members across Perth. 

Vicky’s understanding of her FIFO community is changing how workplaces and support systems sustain healthy families.