Melita’s journey began in Fiji, where she lovingly cared for her grandmother from a young age. Even while still at school, she dreamt of becoming a caregiver, a dream that would eventually take her across the ocean. 

When offered a role in Australia’s aged care sector through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Melita saw more than a job. It was a chance to pursue her passion and uplift her family. 
 

Laurel’s journey through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme transformed her life professionally and personally. From leading quality assurance on a citrus farm in Australia to coordinating sales at a major resort in Vanuatu, Laurel’s story is a powerful example of how working under the PALM scheme builds lasting skills and confidence.  

When Taueva left Samoa in 2021 to work in Australia on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, he carried the hopes of his family and a plan for a better future. 

Three years later, his journey stands as a testament to the rewards of hard work, resilience, and the life-changing potential of the PALM scheme.

Alphonse, a skilled carpenter, is supervising a team of workers in the construction of a house situated on a ridge with expansive views of Honiara and the Iron Bottom Sound. 

This property is being built for his brother, Philip, who is currently working in Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. 

“Theres so much I’m learning, when I come back to Samoa, I use it. Because I have new experiences in Australia and I can bring it back to help my Banana farm here in Samoa.” 

Karene is preparing for his fourth season at an Australia banana farm from through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) recently hosted its seventh Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme Regional Engagement Forum (PREF) in South Australia, held on Erawirung Country in Renmark, Paringa.

These forums are designed to bring together PALM scheme workers, employers, and regional stakeholders to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and promote best practices in worker support and community integration.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and when communities, government agencies and industry partners work together, lives can be saved. On Saturday 9 August 2025, Toowoomba became the centre of a significant collaboration, as more than 100 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers took part in an action-packed road safety event. Through hands-on demonstrations, practical challenges and expert advice, participants learned important skills to protect themselves and others on Australian roads. 

For many workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, coming to Australia is more than just a job, it's a journey toward personal growth, independence and valuable life skills.

For Ilai, an Early Childhood Educator from Papua New Guinea based in Katherine on a four-year visa, that journey recently reached a new milestone: earning his Australian driver’s licence. 

While employed on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Sala is turning her hard work into a brighter future for her family. As well as renovating the family home in Fiji, she is investing in her daughter Lucy’s higher education, ensuring she has an opportunity to thrive. 

Sylvester Lepi was a subsistence farmer in Papua New Guinea (PNG) when he joined the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in 2019.

Like many Papua New Guineans, he was highly capable, hardworking and knew a lot about growing food but had never worked on an Australian farm.