Meet Eloise Wattie,
DEWR Compliance Officer
Across Regional Workforce Management’s sites and teams, there are systems, processes and standards that keep things our processes and operations running smoothly.
Eloise Wattie spends most of her time working with our teams across the business to make sure those systems are doing exactly that.
As RWM’s DEWR Compliance Officer, Eloise works closely with site managers, operations leaders and support teams to review processes, check compliance requirements and make sure the business is meeting the standards required under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
“A lot of people hear the word audit and immediately think they’re in trouble, but that’s not what it’s about,” Eloise said.
For Eloise, the work is helping our teams understand where processes can improve and making sure they have the tools and training to support our client sites well.
“If we don’t know where the gaps are, we can’t improve them,” Eloise said.
Starting on the processing floor
Eloise’s pathway into compliance started in a meat processing facility as a packer before working her way up to become a qualified slicer. From there she moved into quality assurance after completing a qualification through TAFE.
“I moved into quality assurance and then stepped into workplace health and safety and compliance roles,” Eloise said.
That experience eventually led her to working alongside RWM when the business was still operating under FIP Group.
At the time, Eloise was employed by the processing plant . When RWM began supplying staff to the processing plant in early 2020, she found herself working across both sides of the operation before eventually moving into a full time role with the RWM. Later she stepped into a site manager role, supporting several clients and working closely with PALM workers on the ground.
“Sometimes people don’t realise I’ve actually done the job they’re doing,” Eloise said.
“I know what it’s like running a site and dealing with the day to day pressures.”
In early 2024, Eloise moved into the compliance team, bringing that operational experience with her.
Supporting teams across the business
Today Eloise works closely with teams across RWM, including operations, cultural welfare and site managers, helping review processes and identify where additional support or training may be needed.
A large part of her role involves internal audits, which help the business understand how systems are working across different sites. One recent review looked at how site teams were being trained on the organisation’s operational management system.
To support this, Eloise helped develop a new training framework designed to bring more consistency to how site teams are supported.
“It gives operations managers the ability to train everyone the same way,” Eloise said.
“That consistency makes a big difference for our clients”
The work that supports the program
While site managers and welfare teams work closely with PALM workers day to day, Eloise says there is a lot of work happening across the business to keep the program running the way it should.
“Our clients and workers see the site teams on the ground,” Eloise said. “But there’s also a lot of work happening across the business to support that.”
That includes reviewing documentation, checking systems, monitoring reporting and making sure the business continues to meet the requirements set by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Eloise regularly conducts a full review of the DEWR guidelines, working through every requirement to identify where systems were already meeting expectations and where improvements were needed.
“It took months to go through every single point in the guidelines,” Eloise said.
“And whenever the guidelines change, you go through them again. That gives our clients peace of mind that everything is being done properly.”
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
Balancing work and family
While Eloise supports teams across the country, she works remotely from home, something that has made a big difference for her family.
“I have two kids and a stepdaughter and the flexibility I have with this role is something I’m really grateful for,” Eloise said.
Working from home means she can be there for school drop offs in the morning and when her children return in the afternoon.
“My kids see that I work, but they also see that I’m there for them,” Eloise said.
Giving back through Apex
Outside of work, Eloise is also involved with Apex Australia, a volunteer service organisation focused on supporting local communities.
Through Apex, she’s taken part in a number of community initiatives, including fundraising and international service projects.
Earlier this year Eloise travelled through Singapore and Malaysia with her family as part of a volunteer trip supporting a special needs school. During the trip they helped with food distribution and raised funds to refurbish toilet facilities at the school.
“It’s something I’m really passionate about,” Eloise said. “Being able to contribute to projects like that and see the impact it has on communities is incredibly rewarding.”
For Eloise, the work she does through Apex reflects the same mindset she brings to her role at RWM.
Finding ways to support people and make things better where she can.
To find out more about Apex Australia and to donate,
click here.
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
Bridging the skilled trades gap with international talent
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
Client challenge
Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.
What we did
To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.
We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:
- Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
- Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
- Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site
By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.
Solutions delivered
RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
- Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
- Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
- Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.
Impact and results
Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.
Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.
As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”
The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.
Looking ahead
By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.
If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.
