November 30, 2022

Gunnedah Shire is taking its next step in strengthening our Sister City partnership with Kolomotu’a in Tonga by hosting a workshop for employers who are interested in employing Tongan people.

Pacific Labour Facility will hold a workshop in Gunnedah on Friday, December 9 to talk about the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM).

The PALM scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia by offering employers access to a pool of reliable, productive workers.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said employing people from Tonga and the Pacific Islands had huge benefits for both employers and the workers.

“Money sent home to Tonga by residents living and working overseas accounts for nearly half the country’s gross domestic product,” Cr Chaffey said. “Providing good jobs is one of the most important ways we can assist the economy of Pacific Islands.

“It is also a great solution to our own labour shortage problems. We have had Tongan nationals supporting Gunnedah for more than 10 years, and it has proven to be a wonderful partnership. We saw first-hand what a positive difference overseas work can make for a family when a Gunnedah delegation visited Kolomotu’a in October.

“I encourage employers across a range of businesses – from agriculture and horticulture, accommodation, aged care, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality – any number of areas, to come along and learn more.”

Pacific Labour Facility Regional Relationship Manager Fionnuala Dixon said that eligible businesses can recruit workers, through the PALM scheme, for seasonal jobs for up to 9 months or for longer-term roles for between one and 4 years in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions.

“The scheme not only fills a need for labour, but creates positive connections between Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Timor-Leste”
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme workshop will be held:

• 9.30-10.30am on Friday, December 9, 2022
  • At the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers in Elgin Street
  • Presented by Fionnuala Dixon from the Pacific Labour Facility

Please indicate your interest to Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au attention Manager Economy and Growth.

Caption: Tongan workers with Mayor Jamie Chaffey in Gunnedah this year.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.