Jodie's Journey: From Supporter to Site Manager
Jodie's journey with Regional Workforce Management (RWM) began unexpectedly, stemming from her engagement with the local community in Smithton, a town in north-west Tasmania. Prior to joining RWM, Jodie ran a dairy farm with her husband and served as a board member for the Riverbend Centre Christian Campsite.
Building community bonds
“One day we received a call from a local friend looking for accommodation for 20 Samoan PALM workers,” said Jodie. “We supported the workers with accommodation at the church campsite for their first few weeks and this was how we initially became aware of the PALM Scheme.”
Beyond offering initial support, Jodie and her husband became integral parts of the workers' lives. “My husband and I helped the Site Manager at the time to take them grocery shopping when they first arrived in Australia to get all their bits and pieces and also helped them find houses and get set up," said Jodie.
Over time, Jodie and her family grew strong bonds with the Samoan PALM workers who were engaged with the community through the local football and church activities. “We became like family, celebrating birthdays together and getting to know their families back home through calls and messenger,” said Jodie.
Stepping into RWM: a perfect fit
Jodie's transition to RWM was a natural progression when the Site Manager at the time retired. Encouraged by her existing connections with PALM workers, Jodie embraced the opportunity to lead. “I was ready to start something new – I had just retired from dairy farming and I wanted a job that was rewarding and fulfilling,” said Jodie.
“I just love the story of why the PALM workers are here – often to support their families and their kids back in their home countries.”
Supporting PALM workers
As Site Manager, Jodie's focus extends beyond operational tasks, it includes fostering a supportive environment where PALM workers feel valued and cared for, Jodie's 24/7 commitment to their well being is a priority for her. "To be able to support the workers and make them feel comfortable is really rewarding. I’m glad to support them while they’re here in Australia. Especially when they tell me about their achievements like sending their kids to private school and supporting their families and communities financially,” said Jodie.
Through interactions with PALM workers, Jodie has gained insights into their culture, resilience and generosity. Their ability to find joy and their spirit of giving despite their own challenges is inspiring to Jodie. “They have a very giving culture, even though they don't have a lot, they know how to give what they do have.”
Shift in community perception
Since joining RWM in January 2024, Jodie has noticed a positive shift in community perceptions. “Smithton is a small town and when change happens, some can be apprehensive. But I’ve seen the community perception evolve into acceptance. They love the PALM workers and don’t want to see them go home,” said Jodie.
Jodie’s journey with RWM is one of empathy, community and cultural exchange. As she continues to lead with compassion and dedication, her impact resonates not only within the workplace but also throughout the broader community, fostering unity and mutual respect.
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?
