On Sunday 24 May, dozens of workers made their way to Mooroopna Hall for the PREF worker day. They were greeted by representatives from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Taxation Office. Also, joining them were representatives from Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira (GSSM) Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, RoadSafe Goulburn Valley, nib and Medibank.

Wellbeing matters 

Sitting just outside of Shepparton, Mooroopna Hall has served as a community hub for generations – and community is what PREFs are all about. The day kicked off with a prayer and devotion led by Rev. Randall Prior, Victoria's regional coordinator for Community Connections and Cyrus Tabualevu, country liaison officer for Fiji. After the service (and plenty of song), attendees headed to a hearty barbeque morning tea prepared by the Mooroopna Lions Club.

Once everyone was back in the hall, a wellbeing session led by Rob McAdam from GSSM Mental Health and Wellbeing Local took attendees through practical ways to manage stress and stay connected while living and working abroad. The interactive session touched on common stressors, telltale signs of low mood and anxiety, healthy coping mechanisms and available supports. Attendees passed the microphone between their tables, coming together to discuss what wellbeing means to them.

Staying informed

Soon, workers were on their feet, shifting between resource and information booths. This meant plenty of time for one-on-one conversations on tax, visas, health insurance and road safety. Over at the DEWR booth, translated factsheets on health and minimum pay guarantees were popular. Across the hall, experts on tax and visas fielded dozens of questions, helping workers understand their rights and responsibilities in Australia.

 After some lunchtime mingling, DEWR staff talked workers through the PALM scheme grievance management process. Presenters took the time to discuss what grievances are, how to report them, and what the process involves. Using QR codes, attendees were encouraged to access and navigate the PALM scheme website, building their understanding of available supports. 

Ending on a highlight 

The PREF worker day wrapped with a Talanoa session, a traditional dance from Kiribati, and a warm farewell. But as attendees reflected on the day, one thing was clear – health and wellbeing remained front of mind. 

"I learned to get more exercise to reduce mental health stress, and have more sleep," said Sitiveni from Tonga.

 Lauina from Samoa agreed, naming the wellbeing session as his favourite part of the day. "There's so many things that we discussed today, and it's helped us. About the Australian rules, and everything that we need to do while we are in Australia,” he said. 

"I just want to say thank you to the PALM scheme, about the program and the great things we've had today, and also the many things that they provided for us. Everything that we need, it's all in here. We really appreciate it."

Mental and physical health factsheets are available in all PALM scheme partner country languages.