The Australian Government pilot allows up to 200 long-term PALM scheme workers to bring their families to Australia. It aims to reduce the negative social impacts of family separation while strengthening ties with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The women join their partners who are working in a local abattoir through the PALM scheme.

“When I was in Timor-Leste, I was lonely. I have many friends. But for a relationship between a wife and husband, it felt so far because the love and care is there. I am very happy now,” said Jesuina. 

Jesuina’s partner Nicolau has been waiting a long time for her to join him in Australia. 

“It was the first thing I discussed with her before leaving – if I have the opportunity for you to come with me, it would be better.  

I am very happy now because we can be together as one. We work together as a team. I feel like I am complete again,” he said. 

Sharing life's journey together  

Since arriving in Australia, Natalina has been relishing the time together with her husband and is happy to be able to support him in person. 

“When the opportunity came up, I was excited to apply. I’ve been waiting a long time to meet my husband.  I’m just enjoying the time with my husband and sharing things together.  

“He’s really happy I’m here. Also because working alone, getting home late … it can be tiring.  Now we can share responsibilities,” she said. 

From separation to prosperity: a new chapter begins

Family accompaniment participants over the age of 18 can work during their time in Australia. For Elisa, Jesuina and Natalina this means the pilot brings economic gains. 

We would like to go back and build a house for the family. I don’t have a degree, so in Timor-Leste it is hard for me to earn good money. Here there is an opportunity to save that money,” Elisa said. 

“The first goal is to earn money, so when we come back to Dili we can build a house, and if we have children, support them with education. If we have more money, we will open a business,” added Jesuina. 

Settling into life in Tamworth, Australia 

After a month of settling into their new hometown of Tamworth, the 3 women have secured jobs at the same meat processing facility as their husbands.  

Their employer and dedicated family liaison officer helped them to find accommodation and transport and to connect to local services.

“It has been really helpful that they assisted us with bank accounts, [to] apply for Medicare … we have support,” said Natalina. 

“Before starting work we had a month without doing much. The employers do things with us – for example a tour of the worksite and a shopping trip.”

Empowered by community: finding support and learning new skills

A local church has also been instrumental in helping the families settle into their new lives, providing free weekly English language training.

Elisa feels the lessons are building more than just English skills.  

“I am enjoying the conversation and learning about pronunciation with Australian accents and grammar. 

“But there are also people from China, Japan … other countries as well as Australia. Through the English course we can connect with the community,” she said. 

Jesuina hopes to apply what she has learned when she returns to Timor-Leste. 

“It’s good because I’m learning about the way they teach, the systems. I think it will help me when I go back to Timor-Leste. I can apply this system and teach others,” she said. 

Nicolau is grateful for the support from the community and church.

“They said you are free to come, and if you have interest, please bring all your friends and family. They provide us with lunch or snacks and give us advice if we want it,” he said. 

“They've welcomed us, and now our partners, in a nice way,” he said. 

For more information please visit: https://www.palmscheme.gov.au/family-accompaniment-pilot.