PALM Workers Arriving in Australia

Five PALM scheme workers in green shirts sit and stand under a tree by a pond, engaged in conversation. 'Approved PALM Employer' stamp in the corner.

Welcome to Australia!

Congratulations on your arrival to Australia. This is the beginning of an exciting chapter and your courage to take this journey is inspiring. Your family and community are so proud of you. Below you’ll find key information and resources to help you settle into your new village. 

Remember your goals

You’ve embarked on an amazing journey to Australia and it’s important to keep your goals for your time here in mind. You’re setting up a better life when you return home, for your family and children, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Key contacts

Your site team is here to help with any work and living queries. Your site manager is your dedicated welfare and wellbeing support person – they're here to assist you with any concerns like:

Family matters back home
Illness or health concerns
Adjusting to your new community
Community connections, driving or further education opportunities (e.g. forklift licences)

Regular check ins will be scheduled and you’re welcome to reach out at any time. Your site team can also help with:

Your pay
Payslip deductions (e.g. costs related to your participation in the PALM Scheme that you need to pay)
Hours worked 
Sickness or time off from work 
Injury 
General questions

Please don’t call the emergency line for these topics.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you find yourself in an emergency after work hours, please call 1800 380 833. If you are in immediate danger, remember to contact 000.

Cultural welfare team

Alongside your site manager, Pa and Mick from our cultural welfare team are available to provide you with any extra support, day or night. Whether it’s connecting you with a local church, registering with a medical centre or finding a sports club to join, they’re here to help you settle in and make your transition to living in Australia as smooth as possible.

For physical, psychological, social and spiritual support, reach out to Pa and Mick – they understand the challenges of being away from home and are here to guide you through life in Australia.

Reach out to Pa and Mick 24/7 via welfare@fipgroup.com.au.

What to expect in the first few weeks

As you settle into Australia, RWM and your site manager will support you with:

Organising a place to live as well as furniture for your new home 
Setting up the utilities (water, electricity and gas)
Transport to and from work 
Take you to any pre-employment requirements such as Q-fever or vaccinations
Opening and setting up your new bank account
Setting up your mobile phone
Familiarising yourself with your new town
Shopping for groceries
Setting up and claiming NIB health insurance (as well as the app)

Adjusting to a new culture takes time. It will be different to your customs back home and it will take some time to get used to. Your site manager is here to help as you settle into Australia.

Living in Australia

Renting and living in Australia might be a bit different from what you're used to back home. There are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that someone else owns this house, so take care of it as if it were your own. Keep it clean and avoid any damage inside and out.

Budgeting

While you’ll earn more in Australia, it’s important to budget for living expenses like groceries, fuel and phone bills before sending money home. Your site team and our cultural welfare officers are here to support you in creating a budget to guide you and stay on track.

Your behaviour whilst here

You’re representing your country while in Australia and it’s important to reflect positively on yourself, your family and your community. Respecting local laws and guidelines ensures a great experience for everyone. Poor behaviour could affect your current stay and ability to return as a PALM worker in the future, so always act in a way that makes you and those back home, proud.

Here are a few key things to remember:

Alcohol is not allowed in RWM provided accommodation.
Australia has strict rules about being intoxicated in public and drink driving. Never drink or consume kava and then drive. Penalties range from fines to losing your licence or jail time.
If you're at an event where there is drinking taking place, organise a sober driver - someone who does not drink and drives everyone home safely. Remember, drinking is not allowed in RWM provided accommodation.

These rules might seem like a lot, but they apply to all RWM employees renting a house in Australia.

Staying active

Settling into a new town is easier when you explore and stay active. Make sure that you are allowing time to get out, to see parts of the town you live in and give yourself a chance to settle into life here in Australia. Being active doesn’t just mean joining an expensive gym and lifting weights. It could be as simple as: 

Going for a walk 
Having a swim in the local pool 
Spending time in a local park
Joining a local football club

Key links and resources

Handbook for seasonal workers

The PALM Scheme guidebook is your go to resource for working and living in Australia. It’s an essential resource to refer to throughout your stay and even after you head home. It covers topics from employment arrangements and financial information (e.g. how to budget, sending money home) to Australian laws, culture and more. Be sure to take the time to familiarise yourself with each section to make your experience in Australia smoother with a clear idea of what to expect.

Follow us on Facebook

Join the community of RWM’s PALM workers. Stay connected with the stories and achievements on Facebook here.

PALM Scheme resources

To check out other resources on the PALM website including getting an Australian driver’s licence or lodging a tax return, visit the PALM Scheme website here.

FAQs

How often do I get paid?
You will get paid every week. If you have any questions about your pay, such as hours worked, tax or your pay rate, make sure you talk to your site manager.
What are my deductions on my payslip?
Deductions are amounts taken from your pay and they can be different for each person. They fall into two main groups including arrival deductions and ongoing deductions.

Arrival deductions are explained in your letter of offer and might include costs like flights, visa application, medical checks and a small cash advance. These were paid to help you get started in Australia.

Ongoing deductions cover regular costs such as accommodation, health insurance and transport while you’re living here.

You will see all of these deductions listed on your payslip. If you’re not sure about any of them, ask your site manager. You can find more information in the Payroll Deductions Explained Fact Sheet on the PALM website.
How does my annual leave work?
If you’re a full time or part time worker, you’re entitled to annual leave. This leave builds up over time and you will earn 20 working days each year. Before you take annual leave, you need to get approval from both RWM and your host employer. If you’d like to take annual leave, talk to your site manager and they’ll help you with the process and any specific requirements from your site.
What do I do if I can’t come to work?
Each workplace has different rules about how much notice you need to give if you can’t make it to work. This should have been explained during your induction, however, if you’re not sure, ask your site manager. If you’re unable to work, let them know as soon as possible. Make sure your phone is charged and you have enough credit so you can make the call.
I’m feeling homesick, is there anyone I can talk to?
If you’re feeling homesick, it’s ok to talk to someone. This could be a friend or work colleague. Talking to someone helps get your thoughts out and feel like you’re not alone. You can also talk to our culture and welfare officers who are here to talk. Another option is to speak to your site manager about using our counselling service through EAP (Employee Assistance Program).