Queensland Berries has approved the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) engagement manager Ellie Brignoli has described Queensland Berries as a positive, harmonious, and multicultural workplace and is dedicated to supporting their seasonal workers.
“Yes, they’re here to work, they’re here to save money for their families but when they have something for themselves as well, getting an award for being the top picker or finishing the English course means so much to them,” said Brignoli.
Under PALM, eligible Australian business can employ workers from nine Pacific islands and Timor-Leste.
Queensland Berries’ welfare manager, Vai Lotomau is dedicated to supporting seasonal workers with everything from their arrival, induction, accommodation, banking, health insurance, shopping, and sightseeing.
“It is like a community here and we really try to make it a home away from home,” said Lotomau.
Queensland Berries and a smaller farm in Stanthorpe employs over 500 staff, including 330 Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers from the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Tonga.
This year 53 seasonal workers participated in a four-week safe driving course with local Pacific Islander police officers.
“Some of our long-term workers have purchased vehicles and we like to educate them about safety on the roads,” said Vai.
“It’s very different to roads back in their home countries, with lots of traffic lights, signs and road rules to follow.”
The farms also organise monthly activities like a second-hand clothes market, movie nights, and bingo with prizes like flour, sugar, meat, and chicken.
“When you’re missing home, activities help to fill that void,” said Vai.
The farms employ a mix of long-term and short-term workers with a 90 per cent return rate.
“We really pride ourselves on what we do and do our best to give them work life balance.”