Road safety saves lives, and when communities, government agencies and industry partners work together, the impact is powerful. On Saturday 15 November, more than 200 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers gathered at City Hope Church in Ripley for an interactive driver safety event designed to build knowledge and confidence on Australian roads.
Why road safety matters
Every year, too many lives are lost on Australian roads due to preventable causes such as speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, fatigue and distraction – known as the Fatal Five. For PALM scheme workers, understanding these risks is essential to staying safe while travelling to and from work, around their communities and on regional roads.
One participant reflected on the difference between driving in Australia and in their back home country:
“Many more roads in Australia than Fiji, there is no motorway in Fiji and a lot more traffic here.”
Another added:
“The highest speed limit in Samoa is 60km/h.”
Hands-on learning for real-world impact 
The Ipswich event featured interactive stations delivered by:
- Queensland Police
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Ambulance Service
- nib Insurance
- Department of Transport and Main Roads
Workers explored practical skills and strategies to reduce road risks, including how to engage with police during roadside stops, fire safety tips for vehicles and e-scooters, emergency response basics such as CPR and calling triple zero, the real impact of alcohol and distraction on driving ability, and how to access hospital care and use health insurance.
Workers praised the hands-on approach and valued the chance to connect directly with emergency services. One participant said:
“I have learnt who to call in an emergency – 000.”
Another shared:
“Always wear your seatbelts, even if you are a passenger. Also to know how to pull over safely when the police lights are flashing.”
Acknowledging support
The PALM scheme thanks the Pacific Islands Council of Queensland, Ipswich City Council, Multicultural Australia and PALM scheme employer, JBS Australia, for supporting workers to attend and helping make the day a success. Worker wellbeing is an important part of creating safer communities.
Looking ahead
By bringing together government, community and industry partners, this event showcased the power of collaboration in improving road safety knowledge. Most importantly, it equipped PALM scheme workers with the tools and skills to protect themselves, their mates and the communities they live in.
Ambulance services left workers with an important safety reminder: “Accidents can happen to anyone. Be prepared and know where your first aid kit is.”
Access to ongoing resources
To ensure the lessons learned on the day continue well beyond the event, a dedicated safe driving hub has been launched on the PALM scheme website. The hub is a one-stop resource for driver licensing guidance, state-specific road rules, safety videos and tips for responsible driving.
By bringing together government agencies, community organisations and industry partners, the event showcased the power of collaboration in improving road safety knowledge. Most importantly, it equipped PALM scheme workers with the tools, skills and confidence to make safer decisions on the road – protecting themselves, their workmates and the communities in which they live.