When Siu Talanoa left Tonga in 2022 to work in Australia through the PALM scheme, his goal was to support his family and build a better life back home.

In early 2025, that plan was temporarily interrupted.

While working at one of our leading meat processing client sites in Rockhampton, Siu began to experience health issues. What started in January as sore and swollen feet gradually became more serious. After multiple medical appointments and ongoing testing, Siu was diagnosed with a complex heart condition.

In March 2025, he underwent major open-heart surgery, including a double mechanical valve replacement of both the aortic and mitral valves, as well as a coronary artery bypass graft.

It was a confronting time. Far from home and family, Siu faced a long and uncertain recovery. With RWM’s support around him and a clear plan in place, he was encouraged to focus on one thing, getting better.

“I couldn’t walk or go to work,” Siu said. “The doctors said I needed surgery. Everyone at RWM helped me and made sure I was okay.”

Support that made a difference

Siu’s recovery was made possible through RWM’s 24/7 support network, working closely with our health partners, RWM’s Health and Recovery team and his site leaders in Rockhampton.

RWM’s site leaders coordinated his appointments, checked in constantly and made sure he had what he needed on the ground. They were the first point of contact and carried most of the practical support during his recovery.

Alongside them, our Health and Recovery Partner, Niki Schull, worked directly with Siu and the medical providers to manage the complex parts of his treatment. Her role supports PALM workers through non-work-related health issues, helping them navigate hospitals, specialists and insurance requirements so they are not left to manage things alone.

Some of Siu’s medical needs sat outside standard coverage, which meant extra financial pressure. The site team recognised this early and advocated for additional support. Through a sponsorship process led by the site team they secured funding that covered Siu’s expenses and ensured he received an extra payment each week for several weeks. This eased the financial load during recovery and helped pay down pre-existing deduction.

“I am very lucky,” Siu said. “In my country it is hard to get treatment like this, but here everything was organised for me and I felt fully supported. I did not have to worry about money, I could just think about my health.”

Alongside this, RWM’s Welfare and Wellbeing Site team worked closely with Siu, his doctors and his employer to plan a safe and gradual return. The plan included lighter duties, regular medical reviews and weekly check ins with RWM’s Health and Recovery team to monitor Siu’s progress and adjust his workload as needed. 

“Everyone was very supportive,” Siu said. “They created a plan, checked in regularly and told me to come back when I was ready.”

A faster and safer return

Two months later, Siu was cleared to return to work on suitable duties. He began with lighter processing tasks while rebuilding his strength. Supported by regular reviews and contact with RWM’s Welfare and Wellbeing Site Managers, he gradually increased his hours and responsibilities.

Outside of work, Siu stayed active to support his recovery. He walked every day, started cycling and kept up his fitness routine. His health continues to improve each week and his positive attitude has inspired other PALM workers around him.

“I am happy to be working again,” Siu said. “I feel good now. I walk every day, and I am strong again.”

Siu’s recovery was not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for his family back home in Tonga. “My wife and family are happy,” he said. “They were scared when I had the surgery, but now they see I am okay. They are proud.”

Care and coordination 

When Siu needed surgery, everyone stepped in to help, our health partners as well as RWM’s Health and Recovery team, pastoral care staff and Welfare and Wellbeing site team in Rockhampton. Together, they made sure he had the medical care, time and guidance to recover safely and return with confidence.

The RWM Health and Recovery team coordinated his recovery plan, staying in touch with doctors, site leaders and host employers to keep everything on track. They ensured updates from his medical team were shared timely so adjustments could be made to site operations easily. 

This hands on approach helps workers recover properly and undertake suitable duties as they return to work while keeping workplaces running smoothly.

That same care runs through RWM’s 24/7 pastoral care model, giving every worker someone they can call, talk to and rely on from when they arrive until the day they return.

RWM Health and Recovery Team

Our Health and Recovery team plays a vital role in helping workers return safely after injury or illness. They provide early intervention, workplace coordination and tailored recovery plans that protect both worker wellbeing and business continuity.

The program works in partnership with clients, doctors and insurers to streamline communication and remove barriers to recovery, ensuring workers feel supported and businesses can continue operating with confidence.

Health and Recovery Partner Niki Schull said Siu’s journey shows the difference a coordinated approach can make.

“It was a real team effort. The site team were incredible, and Siu stayed motivated through every stage of his recovery. Our role is to make sure no worker faces that journey alone and that they have clear support around them, no matter what the health issue is,” Niki said.

Siu’s journey shows how the right care changes lives. His recovery proves what’s possible when PALM workers are supported with structure, compassion and a clear plan. 

For Siu, it meant regaining his health and confidence. For his family, it meant peace of mind knowing he was cared for. For his employer, it meant a valued team member returning strong and ready to contribute again.