300 Workdays and Still Going. Why These Solomon Islands Workers Keep Showing Up.
For a group of Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers from the Solomon Islands, motivation runs deeper than routine.
Since arriving through the PALM scheme in November 2023, Calisto Kalauma, Davidson Arofa, Deston Tara, Dominic Natagavere Miavana, Gibson Maraivo and Samson Junior Longanimala have tracked over 300 consecutive days on the job without a single day off sick.
“Even when we feel sick, we take a Panadol and go in if we can,” Dominic said. “We came here to help our families. That’s the reason. That’s the goal.”
While the team’s dedication is clear, our team always encourage them to take sick days when needed and check in regularly to make sure they’re looking after their health.
Each of these men have used their time in Australia to build or expand a home back in the Solomon Islands. Some are also supporting school fees. Others are helping their extended families or saving to start small businesses when they return home.
Their consistency has not gone unnoticed.
“They’ve never taken a day off. They just work,” said Welfare and Wellbeing Site Manager, Sophie. “They set a standard. Quiet, focused and reliable. That’s what you want in a team.”
While their motivation starts with family, their impact reaches further on site with their current employer. They have become unofficial mentors to younger workers and have helped shape a culture of pride, consistency and commitment on site.
Sophie has played a key role in their success. She has supported the team since day one, offering clear communication and hands on guidance that has helped them settle in and thrive.
“Sophie explains things clearly. She helps us a lot,” Davidson shared.
Faith also plays a part in their resilience. All of these employees attend their local church on weekends and share meals together outside of work. For them, it is not just about the job. It is about community, representing their families and country with pride while staying connected to their culture.
“I want to be an example for the younger boys,” said Calisto. “You just try your best. That’s what matters most.”
PALM Workers Upskilling in English, Literacy and Workplace Skills
With their first group training session recently beginning through training provider Qualify, the team of 4 are taking part in a 1-year skill set based course designed to build their confidence, communication and technical skills in food processing.
Delivered through the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, the training helps PALM workers strengthen their English, literacy, numeracy and digital skills while also covering workplace safety, problem solving, financial literacy and teamwork. For these men, it is another step in their development, opening doors to future opportunities while helping them become even more effective and adaptable in their current roles.
“We start some training this week,” said Gibson. “We haven’t met the trainers yet but we’re excited.”
Why This Matters for Employers
The commitment shown by Calisto, Davidson, Deston, Dominic, Gibson and Samson is not an exception. It reflects what is possible when PALM workers are supported with purpose, structure and consistent welfare and wellbeing care.
None of these workers have taken a single day off in over 300 days. That level of reliability is rare in any workforce. It speaks to their personal drive and to the impact of RWM’s 24/7 pastoral care model, delivered through dedicated Welfare and Wellbeing Site Managers like Sophie.
Sophie plays a hands-on role in supporting workers through everything from healthcare and banking to daily check-ins and cultural transition. Her presence on site helps workers feel safe, seen and supported, which directly translates to performance and reliability.
“Supporting workers to become self-sufficient and independent empowers them to build confidence, make their own decisions and approach challenges thoughtfully. Watching the team grow and learn here in Australia has been an incredible privilege, and I’m truly honoured to be part of their journey.” Said Sophie.
This is one of the reasons RWM’s absenteeism rate sits at just 4%, compared to the industry average of 8%. When workers are cared for beyond the job, they show up and stay.
For employers, it means greater stability, stronger teams and a better return on workforce investment.
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?
