How RWM is Supporting Alfred's Family and Community Through the PALM Scheme
In May 2021, Alfred Woto arrived in Australia from the Solomon Islands as part of the
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, eager to build a brighter future for his family and community. Today, his story is a testament to the dedication and resilience that define Regional Workforce Management’s (RWM) valued workforce.
Overcoming challenges
Starting a new life in Australia initially came with its challenges for Alfred. Adjusting to the unfamiliar environment and being away from his loved ones was no easy task. However, he remained focused on his goal of supporting his family back home.
“Australia was very different from what I knew back home,” Alfred reflected. “But I kept reminding myself why I was here - to create opportunities for my family and community.”
Alfred quickly adapted to his farming role in Kingaroy, where his strong work ethic and positive attitude earned the respect of his colleagues and supervisors.
Building a better future
Alfred’s earnings have opened up life-changing opportunities for his family. Back in the Solomon Islands, he has built a new home and contributed to the development of his local church. These opportunities have not only transformed his family’s life but have also had a positive impact on the wider community.
One of Alfred’s proudest achievements has been funding church amenities, including the construction of new toilets and showers.
“My community is everything to me,” he shared. “Knowing that I’m able to give back motivates me every day.”
A supportive community in Australia
While Alfred’s focus remains on supporting his family back home, he has also found a sense of belonging in Australia. With the help of the RWM cultural welfare officers, Mick and Pa, Alfred was introduced to a local church near where he lives here in Kingaroy, which has helped him build meaningful connections within the local community. In a generous show of support, his church in Australia has donated $1,000 towards his village church projects in the Solomon Islands, further strengthening the ties he has built both in Australia and at home.
Gratitude
Alfred credits the PALM Scheme and RWM for helping him turn his goals into reality.
“The opportunities I’ve had here have changed my life,” he said. “I’m so grateful to RWM for supporting me and my family.”
When asked if he would recommend RWM to others, Alfred’s response was enthusiastic.
“Absolutely! RWM not only helps you achieve your goals but also ensures you feel supported every step of the way. I’ve already encouraged my cousins to join,” he said.
Looking to the future
Alfred hopes to see more of his relatives join the PALM Scheme. He knows that these opportunities can bring transformative change, not just for individuals but for entire communities.
Alfred’s journey reflects the mission of RWM to empower workers and their communities through creating meaningful employment opportunities. We’re proud to celebrate stories like his and to continue supporting the incredible individuals who are part of the PALM Scheme workforce.
Pattson Tutu worked for RWM within the meat processing industry in Victoria part of the PALM Scheme for three years before returning home to the Solomon Islands in 2023. During this time Pattson worked on the production line as a labourer and was actively engaged with the community. His Site Manager said “Pattson was a dedicated and focused worker in the meat processing industry, he was also involved with the local community and attended church weekly,”
It's moments like meeting Pattson in his home country and seeing the impact of his achievements that makes us site managers want to work and do more and more.
Reconnecting in their home country
One year later, his Site Manager, travelled to Savo Island, a small village in the Solomon Islands to meet Pattson, which was a heartwarming and eye-opening trip. "It was really emotional being able to see Pattson again. I spent a lot of time with him and other Solomon Island workers during their time here in Australia, celebrating the good and bad. They've become like family to me," said his Site Manager.
Witnessing Pattson's journey from arriving to Australia in 2019, to achieving many milestones and goals moved his site manager. "His goals were to support his family financially and improve their standard of living while he worked in Australia. He's so humble about what he has achieved," they added, highlighting Pattson's admirable humility amongst his grand achievements.
Impact and success beyond borders
During their trip, his site manager witnessed the impact of Pattson's accomplishments for his family and wider community. “With money saved working in Australia, he's built three houses, for himself and his siblings, one of which they call the 'canteen' which sells groceries and essentials to village locals," they shared. “Now that Pattson and his wife are expecting their first child, the properties he has built has taken away a lot of stress for this family and has laid solid financial foundations," said his site manager.
Since returning to his village, Pattson was appointed as a youth coordinator at his church and has also invested in boats for transportation, enhancing accessibility between islands and contributing to the economic growth of his community. "His whole island has benefited with better access to groceries and transport, while he is inspiring and educating the next generation in his village," his site manager said said, highlighting the broader impact of opportunities through the PALM Scheme.
Creating a lasting impact
Drawing from Pattson's achievements, his site manager shared valuable insight for those looking at joining the PALM Scheme, “Take as many opportunities as you can within your workplace and develop those skills to take home with you... whether it's skills to help run a business or other skills to support yourself once you return home,” said his site manager.
"Pattson set a great example of what a PALM worker can achieve. Not only was he a dedicated worker, but he also represented his country to create opportunities for other Solomon Islanders,” said his site manager
Looking for your pathway to employment in Australia with FIP Group through the PALM Scheme?
Reuniting Through the PALM Scheme: Pattson’s Success Story
Pattson Tutu worked for RWM within the meat processing industry in Victoria part of the PALM Scheme for three years before returning home to the Solomon Islands in 2023. During this time Pattson worked on the production line as a labourer and was actively engaged with the community. His Site Manager said “Pattson was a dedicated and focused worker in the meat processing industry, he was also involved with the local community and attended church weekly,”
"It's moments like meeting Pattson in his home country and seeing the impact of his achievements that makes us site managers want to work and do more and more."
Reconnecting in their home country
One year later, his Site Manager, travelled to Savo Island, a small village in the Solomon Islands to meet Pattson, which was a heartwarming and eye-opening trip. "It was really emotional being able to see Pattson again. I spent a lot of time with him and other Solomon Island workers during their time here in Australia, celebrating the good and bad. They've become like family to me," said his Site Manager.
Witnessing Pattson's journey from arriving to Australia in 2019, to achieving many milestones and goals moved his site manager. "His goals were to support his family financially and improve their standard of living while he worked in Australia. He's so humble about what he has achieved," they added, highlighting Pattson's admirable humility amongst his grand achievements.
Impact and success beyond borders
During their trip, his site manager witnessed the impact of Pattson's accomplishments for his family and wider community. “With money saved working in Australia, he's built three houses, for himself and his siblings, one of which they call the 'canteen' which sells groceries and essentials to village locals," they shared. “Now that Pattson and his wife are expecting their first child, the properties he has built has taken away a lot of stress for this family and has laid solid financial foundations," said his site manager.
Since returning to his village, Pattson was appointed as a youth coordinator at his church and has also invested in boats for transportation, enhancing accessibility between islands and contributing to the economic growth of his community. "His whole island has benefited with better access to groceries and transport, while he is inspiring and educating the next generation in his village," his site manager said said, highlighting the broader impact of opportunities through the PALM Scheme.
Creating a lasting impact
Drawing from Pattson's achievements, his site manager shared valuable insight for those looking at joining the PALM Scheme, “Take as many opportunities as you can within your workplace and develop those skills to take home with you... whether it's skills to help run a business or other skills to support yourself once you return home,” said his site manager.
"Pattson set a great example of what a PALM worker can achieve. Not only was he a dedicated worker, but he also represented his country to create opportunities for other Solomon Islanders,” said his site manager
Looking for your pathway to employment in Australia with FIP Group through the PALM Scheme?
Pattson Tutu worked for RWM within the meat processing industry in Victoria part of the PALM Scheme for three years before returning home to the Solomon Islands in 2023. During this time Pattson worked on the production line as a labourer and was actively engaged with the community. His Site Manager said “Pattson was a dedicated and focused worker in the meat processing industry, he was also involved with the local community and attended church weekly,”
It's moments like meeting Pattson in his home country and seeing the impact of his achievements that makes us site managers want to work and do more and more.
Reconnecting in their home country
One year later, his Site Manager, travelled to Savo Island, a small village in the Solomon Islands to meet Pattson, which was a heartwarming and eye-opening trip. "It was really emotional being able to see Pattson again. I spent a lot of time with him and other Solomon Island workers during their time here in Australia, celebrating the good and bad. They've become like family to me," said his Site Manager.
Witnessing Pattson's journey from arriving to Australia in 2019, to achieving many milestones and goals moved his site manager. "His goals were to support his family financially and improve their standard of living while he worked in Australia. He's so humble about what he has achieved," they added, highlighting Pattson's admirable humility amongst his grand achievements.
Impact and success beyond borders
During their trip, his site manager witnessed the impact of Pattson's accomplishments for his family and wider community. “With money saved working in Australia, he's built three houses, for himself and his siblings, one of which they call the 'canteen' which sells groceries and essentials to village locals," they shared. “Now that Pattson and his wife are expecting their first child, the properties he has built has taken away a lot of stress for this family and has laid solid financial foundations," said his site manager.
Since returning to his village, Pattson was appointed as a youth coordinator at his church and has also invested in boats for transportation, enhancing accessibility between islands and contributing to the economic growth of his community. "His whole island has benefited with better access to groceries and transport, while he is inspiring and educating the next generation in his village," his site manager said said, highlighting the broader impact of opportunities through the PALM Scheme.
Creating a lasting impact
Drawing from Pattson's achievements, his site manager shared valuable insight for those looking at joining the PALM Scheme, “Take as many opportunities as you can within your workplace and develop those skills to take home with you... whether it's skills to help run a business or other skills to support yourself once you return home,” said his site manager.
"Pattson set a great example of what a PALM worker can achieve. Not only was he a dedicated worker, but he also represented his country to create opportunities for other Solomon Islanders,” said his site manager
Looking for your pathway to employment in Australia with FIP Group through the PALM Scheme?
