There are more than 60 Pacific Labour Scheme workers in Smithton, Tasmania, from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. They are filling ongoing labour shortages in the area, and are also playing sport, making connections and becoming "like family" to many locals in the community.

The Victorian Adventist Wantok Church hosted their first church partnership event in May 2021. The event provided the opportunity for Pacific island workers from Robinvale, Mildura and Stawell to connect through prayer, song and stories, as well as sharing a delicious meal.

When Australia’s COVID-19 travel restrictions kicked in, Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) workers Teremita Loeru, Tiein Taite and Maatai Tamaiti were stood down from their roles in the tourism industry.

Joe, James and Junior started working at Queensland Berries in Australia through the Pacific Labour Scheme in early 2021. After only 2 months, they already had clear goals for how they plan to use the money they earn and the skills they learn in Australia when they return home to Solomon Islands.

At Mossmont Nurseries in Griffith, New South Wales, seasonal workers from Timor-Leste are not only learning valuable tree-growing skills, they are also cultivating the future health and wealth of their families back home. 

The COVID-19 pandemic forced I-Kiribati tourism workers Retati 'Rita' Tekaai, Maatai Tamaiti and Tereimita Ioeru into new industries that had labour shortages. In a message home to family and friends, Retati says they are staying positive in true I-Kiribati style, being happy, confident and laughing all the time.

In March 2020, Stephen Tani joined the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) with 9 other men from Solomon Islands, and was soon recruited by RWM to work in an abattoir in Ararat, Victoria. Not long after the group had settled in, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and changed everything.

Rocky Ponds Produce in Gumlu, North Queensland, relies on workers from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to ensure its capsicum and melon products reach the customer. Operations Manager Evan Chapman says the workers are diligent and thorough, and it's not often you don't see them smiling.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Kesaia Helu, Valeti Kolo and Viliami Kolo from Tonga are enjoying their time in Australia picking and packing fruit thanks to great workmates and a supportive employer.

In uncertain times during the pandemic, Samson, Angus, Jeremiah and Julien were relatively isolated while picking citrus fruit for Simfresh in Monduran, Queensland. In this video, they share their stories of how they enjoy their work and send messages back to their family and friends back home.