By now, you might have seen some stories on Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme safe driving events. These events bring PALM scheme workers face-to-face with emergency services to learn practical ways to stay safe on our roads. Held in regional towns across Australia, road safety events are designed to meet workers in their communities, delivering support where it's needed most.
On 29 November more than 200 PALM scheme workers made their way to St. Pius X Church in Warrnambool, Victoria. They were joined by Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the Victorian State Emergency Service and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
Getting smart about safety
After being split into 3 groups, PALM scheme workers moved between emergency services to learn how each one protects our health and safety on the road. Victoria Police spoke on speed limits, seatbelts and distraction-free driving. They then explained the differences between international, learner, probationary and full drivers’ licences. During a quick show and tell, they took out a breathalyser. Taking questions as they went, Victoria Police talked workers through concepts like blood alcohol limits and random breath testing.
Over at Ambulance Victoria's station, workers jumped into a CPR lesson. Using CPR dolls they practised their new skills right away, getting a feel for chest compressions. Presenting paramedic Corrinne covered ringing Triple 0, and when to call an ambulance. Also on the agenda was the safe use of the automated external defibrillator machines found in many Australian workplaces.
Out in the carpark, workers got familiar with the SES truck and siren, learning the role the SES play in an emergency. The Victorian SES put on a live rescue demonstration using tools like the jaws of life on a disused car to show workers what to expect in a rescue situation. It was a hit with the crowd, with some even keen to become SES volunteers themselves.
Reflecting on what she’d learned, Octavia, a PALM scheme worker from Timor-Leste, shared her thoughts.
“I’m very happy because I’ve learned something new at this event,” Octavia said, stressing the importance of first aid and CPR.
“When we’re at home or at work [and] someone has collapsed or fainted we can help them or we can help people around us who get in accidents.”
“My advice to every PALM worker who is around Australia: always follow the rules and drive safely, because our family is waiting for us at home.”
Why education matters
Driving in Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world. Wildlife, extreme weather and long travel times can challenge even the most experienced drivers. The holiday season can be especially dangerous.
Events like this one give workers the tools they need to move around safely, whether they're a driver or a passenger. Because road and licencing rules vary between states and countries, local support helps ensure everyone gets the right advice.
For more advice on road rules in Australia, getting a licence and driving safely, visit the PALM scheme Safe Driving Hub.