An entire ocean separates Rosina Mana from her four children, but she finds comfort when gathering with fellow Pacific workers who have made similar sacrifices to come to Australia.
Their voices come together in harmony, singing to the upbeat sounds of a piano and the lapping turquoise waters of Queensland’s Elliott Heads beach, 4 and a half hours’ drive north of Brisbane.
Intrigued beachgoers watch as the woman in the red dress dances and claps along to the music before holding her hands high to join the group in prayer.
Vanuatu workers at Elliott Heads. (ABC News: Johanna Marie)
“My heart is very happy for what we are doing,” Ms Mana said.
“When I’m with my friends we are happy and hugging each other, talking and sharing.”
The softly spoken mother is from the Vanuatu island of Tanna where she left her family two years ago.
It was the prospect of better life that brought her to Australia under the Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
“My husband died in 2013 and left me with four kids,” she said.
“I made up my mind, I saw people coming to Australia and they helped their families.”
She earns about $1,000 per week as a cleaner in a Bundaberg hostel which was “much more” than she could earn as a housekeeper in her home country.
Leaving her then-14-year-old daughter in the care of her cousins, and three sons aged in their early 20s, Ms Mana said it was difficult to be away from them.
“It was hard to be separated from them while I was in Australia, but I’m happy to be here, to help them,” she said.
“I tried my best.”
Sunday worship is important in Vanuatu culture. (ABC News: Johanna Marie)
In October this year there was 31,885 workers participating in the PALM scheme across Australia, including approximately 11,690 workers in Queensland.
The biggest portion are from Vanuatu, followed by Fiji, and 55 per cent are employed in agriculture.
Another worker, Eric Pong, said he often spoke with his colleagues about the cultural differences between the countries.
“It’s not an easy choice to make to leave your family … but we have to sacrifice to come over and work hard,” he said.
Some workers can struggle adapting to Australian culture. (ABC News: Johanna Marie)
“I look at the culture and try to adapt myself into the culture.
“Once we come into that community then we are part of that community.”
More support needed
Farmgate Backpackers East Bundaberg hostel manager Jules Ramsay, who is also the company’s pastoral support person, says it can be difficult for the PALM workers to adjust to life in Australia.
Jules Ramsay said the Sunday worship brings the workers joy. (ABC News: Johanna Marie)
She organised a generator through the Rotary Club which allows the group of Vanuatu nationals to take their Sunday worship outdoors to Elliott Heads beach.
“It’s just an uplifting experience,” Ms Ramsay said.
“They spend so much time here. Even the short-term visa holders are here for nine months, so it’s really hard for them.
“[They’re] away from their family, away from their friends, and because they’re not from here they find it hard to put roots down.”
Ms Ramsay said she did not believe there was enough mental health support available to the PALM workers in Australia.
“I think there needs to be a lot more support from the government, particularly in regions like this where we’re so dependent on them,” she said.
Mr Pong agreed the transition of cultures is challenging for many workers.
“When you [initially] come from your country you can find it difficult,” Mr Pong said.
The group of Vanuatu workers come together in prayer. (ABC News: Johanna Marie)
A spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) said there were “welfare obligations” under the PALM scheme deed and guidelines, including for approved employers to appoint a wellbeing support person.
“The purpose of this role is to check on workers’ progress, wellbeing, and to provide a safe space for them to raise concerns,” the spokesperson said.
Relying on PALM workers
Bundaberg sweet potato farmer Andrew Greensill said the region’s agriculture industry relied on the scheme and he was pleased to see the workers enjoying the Sunday gatherings.
“We see that at work, their spirit and love for each other, and it’s great to see here as well,” he said.
Jules Ramsay and Andrew Greensill (centre) with the Vanuatu workers. (ABC News: Johanna Marie)
Ms Mana said the group is planning to spend Christmas together in their hostel where she would wear a special dress and share food and conversations.
“I love Australia,” she said.
“I am so happy that I can come to make some money and help my kids back home.”
