Cultural Welfare Officer 

For many PALM workers arriving in Australia, the Cultural Welfare Officers and Welfare & Wellbeing Coordinators at Regional Workforce Management are some of the first people they meet and turn to when they need support.

Duran is one of those team members.

Duran works closely with Pacific Island and Timorese workers across multiple sites, often crossing paths with them during site visits, welfare checks and community activities throughout the year. His role focuses on helping workers settle into life and work in Australia, answering questions, supporting them through challenges and helping them understand how things work in a new country.

“Sometimes a worker will call me feeling very stressed,” Duran said. “But by the end of the conversation they are laughing. Once they understand the situation properly, they feel better about it.”

For many PALM workers, having someone who understands their background, culture and language makes a big difference. It creates trust and allows them to speak openly about issues they might not feel comfortable raising with others.

Growing up in the Solomon Islands

Duran was born and raised on the island of Bellona in the Solomon Islands, a small and remote Polynesian island community. Growing up in a close knit island environment shaped his views about community, responsibility and the importance of supporting others. Those values continue to influence the way he approaches his role today.

Family and community remain central to his outlook. Duran is a father of four adult children and says one of the things he is most proud of is seeing them develop strong work ethics and independence.

“Work is important,” Duran said. “If you want people to respect you, you have to work and contribute.”

From journalism to Australia

Before joining RWM, Duran built a career in journalism and education.

He worked as a journalist in the Solomon Islands before later pursuing further study in Australia, completing a Master of Arts in Journalism at the University of Technology Sydney. While studying, he supported himself through seasonal and manual work across regional Australia.

“I worked in farms in places like Mildura, Giru, Home Hill and Bowen,” Duran said. “Those jobs helped me while I studied and they helped me understand the kind of work many people do across regional Australia.”

Those experiences gave him a strong appreciation for the industries and communities that now employ many PALM workers through RWM. 

“When workers tell me the job is hard, I understand,” Duran said. “I’ve done that work myself.”

Supporting workers on the ground

Today Duran works alongside the wider Cultural Welfare team at RWM, supporting PALM workers across multiple sites.

That support can take many forms. Sometimes it’s helping workers understand workplace expectations or resolve issues. Other times it’s simply being someone they can talk to when they are feeling overwhelmed.

“When workers come here it can be a big change,” Duran said. “They are away from their families and their communities.”

His own experience working in agriculture and labour intensive jobs allows him to relate to what many workers are going through.

“Sometimes people think the work is too hard,” Duran said. “But I remind them that they came here for an opportunity. If they stay focused and keep working, they will learn skills and build a future for themselves and their families.”

Bridging cultures and communication

One of the most important parts of Duran’s role is helping bridge cultural and communication gaps between workers and workplaces.

Language differences and unfamiliar accents can sometimes make it difficult for workers to raise questions or explain concerns.

“Sometimes workers are shy to ask questions because English is not their first language,” Duran said. “But when they can speak to someone who understands them, they feel more comfortable.”

Duran speaks several Pacific languages commonly used by workers in the program, including languages from the Solomon Islands as well as dialects spoken across Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Being able to communicate in a worker’s native language helps build trust and makes it easier for workers to explain what they are experiencing.

“When people can explain things in their own language, they feel more confident and understood,” Duran said.

In those situations, Duran works closely with site managers and RWM teams to help clarify issues and ensure workers feel supported.

Helping workers see the bigger picture

For Duran, supporting workers is about more than solving day to day issues. He often encourages workers to think about the long term opportunities the program can provide.

“When you are accepted into the program, it is something to be proud of,” Duran said. “You have the chance to earn money, support your family and learn new skills.”

He regularly reminds workers that the skills and experience they gain in Australia can benefit them long after they return home.

“If you work hard and learn while you are here, those skills will stay with you for life,” he said.

A role with purpose

After many years living and working in Australia, Duran sees his role at RWM as an opportunity to give back.

“For the first time in my life, I feel like I am able to help others improve their situation,” Duran said. “Many of these workers come from communities where opportunities are limited.”

That sense of purpose continues to motivate him, even during the long days spent travelling between sites or supporting workers who need guidance.



“If we can help a worker succeed here, it can make a real difference for their family and their future,” Duran said.

For the workers he supports, Duran’s presence often provides reassurance that someone understands the journey they are on. And for RWM, his role helps strengthen the support network around workers as they build new experiences and opportunities while living and working in Australia.