The five women received their Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) after being part of the team at care home since mid-July through the Commonwealth Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

They are among 26 recruits from Kiribati who have trained to become personal care workers across Calvary’s aged care homes in regional Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland.

Kiribati is one of nine Pacific Island countries participating in the PALM scheme, which offers a reliable workforce to Australian employers where there is an unmet demand for labour, particularly in rural and regional areas.

About the program

Calvary’s Regional Chief Executive Officer, Victoria, Angela Littleford, said the program offered workers from developing countries an opportunity to upskill and help support their families and communities back home for a period of up to four years.

“They are a joyful group and have brought their innate sense of caring for family and community to their new roles here at Calvary,” Dr Littleford said.

“It has been an uplifting experience for our residents and the group’s training has given them a robust foundation in aged care principles, practices, and the specific needs of those who are ageing.”

Every time Maetaake Teaeka is caring for one of her residents, she remembers her mother, Taataua, who died during the Covid lockdowns.

“I didn’t know how to care for her then, and I really regret it,” said Maetaake, or Maddy, as she is known.

“I know how to do it now. Every time I am caring for someone, I remember her, and I feel happy. I am doing this for her.”

“I am happy to do this job here. I like to be chatting and singing to the residents and they are liking it too. “I will be really excited to go back home to help the older people when I finish here.”

One thing Maddy and her fellow islanders won’t miss is Victorian winters.

“At first we weren’t used to the weather, it was pretty cold,” said the 25-year-old who hails from a nation that straddles the equator. “There was one day and we said to ourselves, ‘we can’t stand another day without a heater!”

So they got a heater … and jumpers … and puffer jackets and are slowly getting used to the cold. “Sort of.”

Calvary and HealthX

Calvary partnered with specialist health care employment organisation HealthX to facilitate the Kiribati worker’s placements and training across the organisation.

HealthX Director of Aged Care, Lisi Ng Lam, said the selected workers completed initial accredited training in Kiribati before arriving in Brisbane in early June for four weeks of intensive residential training.

They arrived in Victoria in July to team up with staff buddies at Calvary Lakes Entrance for further practical, on-the-job training, and online classroom support.

“HealthX is honoured to partner with Calvary Health Care in bringing the PALM workers to Lakes Entrance,” Ms Lam said.

“Our exceptional team from Kiribati have already made a significant impact, not only with their skills but also with their genuine care and compassion for the residents at Calvary Lakes Entrance.”