From Tomatoes to Two Homes: Francis’s PALM Journey
A strong four years
In 2020 Francis made the decision to leave his home in the Solomon Islands and take up an opportunity through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. He joined RWM and began working in the tomato farming industry in Lancaster, Victoria - a role he quickly came to love.
In 2024, Francis returned home to the Solomon Islands, however over the past four years, Francis has become more than just a reliable worker. He’s been a consistent and committed part of the team, showing up every day with purpose, positivity and a clear goal in mind: to build a better future for himself and his family.
“RWM has helped me achieve a lot. I have built and completed two houses back home,” Francis shared.
It’s an achievement he’s incredibly proud of - and rightly so. But he’s not stopping there. Francis is now working on his third house, which he plans to rent out as a source of income to further support his family. He’s also thinking long-term - setting up structures that will continue to provide security and stability well beyond his time in Australia.
Looking ahead
His entrepreneurial spirit has also led to another major milestone: a small grocery shop he’s started with his brother in their local community. The idea came to life during his time working in Australia and now that he’s back home, he’s excited to get the business fully set up and running.
“I’m really looking forward to spending time with family and getting the shop going,” he said.
At the time of writing, RWM had the pleasure of reconnecting with Francis to discuss new opportunities to return to Australia and rejoin the team. He’s keen to continue working with our client and build on everything he’s already achieved – and we’d love to have him back.
Francis’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact the PALM Scheme can have - not just in providing reliable work, but in helping people build something meaningful. Through his hard work, smart planning and strong sense of purpose, Francis has turned his time in Australia into a springboard for long-term success.
We’re incredibly proud of everything he’s accomplished so far and can’t wait to see what’s ahead - whether it’s growing the family business, completing his third home, or returning to take the next step in his career journey.
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?
