On this page
- What is Community Connections?
- Information for PALM scheme workers
- Information for PALM scheme employers
What is Community Connections?
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme Community Connections program promotes PALM scheme worker welfare, wellbeing, and social inclusion in Australia. Community Connections builds positive relationships between PALM scheme workers and their local communities, helping workers settle into life and work in Australia.
This program is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
Information for PALM scheme workers
Community Connections helps you feel welcomed and supported and become a part of the community through events and activities and local services. It is run by The Salvation Army, Pacific island groups, and the Uniting Church.
Examples of activities are:
- wellness days
- information sessions
- national days
- sports activities
- local community festivals.
Emergency Support Fund
What is the Emergency Support Fund?
As part of the Community Connections program, The Salvation Army can give emergency help to you as a PALM scheme worker through the Emergency Support Fund (ESF).
- This help is short-term, with essential needs (like a place to stay or food).
- It is only for emergencies.
- It is only given when all other support options have been tried.
- The ESF gives assistance to help PALM scheme workers in Australia if you have a crisis or emergency.
Who can get Emergency Support Fund help?
- You must be a PALM scheme worker in Australia with a valid visa.
- You must show you really need help (for example, by showing your bank statement).
- You must have tried all other ways to get help first.
When can you use the Emergency Support Fund?
- If you need emergency accommodation (a place to stay) or food vouchers.
- If you have a serious health problem (each case will be checked carefully).
When can’t you use the Emergency Support Fund?
- When your employer should be helping you (for example, if you have no work or need a cash advance).
- To pay for going home (this is called repatriation), if your employer should be paying.
- To pay for hospital costs or health insurance.
- If you already have enough money.
- To send money home.
Help and support
For help and support, please contact:
- PALM scheme support service line (1800 51 51 31) or email (palm@dewr.gov.au)
- The Salvation Army on (0418 725 631) or email (communityconnections@salvationarmy.org.au).
Information for PALM scheme employers
DEWR contracted The Salvation Army to deliver the PALM scheme Community Connections program 2024-27 with their partner network:
- New South Wales Council for Pacific Communities
- Pacific Island Council of Queensland
- Uniting Church of Australia (Synod of Victoria and Tasmania).
The Salvation Army and its partner networks engage with local community stakeholders, PALM scheme employers, and workers to plan events and activities for workers and communities to come together through social, cultural, faith-based, sporting, and other activities.
As part of the Community Connections program, The Salvation Army administers limited funding on behalf of DEWR to provide workers engaged in the program, short-term emergency assistance where all avenues of support have been exhausted.
To find out more about funding, please refer to the Emergency Support Fund information.
Visit the Contact page for Community Connections contact details for each state and territory.
Community events image library
