Managing Director Kate Sutherland welcomed the diversity of skills and nationalities that PALM scheme employees introduced to her business and said her decision to employ more Pacific and Timorese women had brought some great benefits.

"As a managing director with 4 daughters in the business, we are very focused on women, and it is exciting to watch them all succeed," said Kate.

"Horticulture lends itself to female employment. Women are often just as strong, especially mentally, as men, and that's what we need to see in our workers.

"They've often left their children behind with their mothers or sisters – it’s a huge driver for a mother to leave her children to come and work. That's why I think they are such good workers, and we really value their input," she said.

Kate's experience reflects the findings from a 2018 Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report, which suggests that a diverse workforce leads to business benefits, including increased productivity and innovation.

'I helped my mum to build our house'

Two standout women working for Burlington Berries are Maria and Bela from Timor-Leste.

Maria has worked in Australia for 3 seasons and is one of the fastest pickers at Burlington Berries, while Bela is a supervisor who speaks 6 languages and has shown strong leadership skills during her time with the business.

"It's a matter of finding out our employee's skills and nurturing them, so they are in a role that they find satisfying. But it's also good for us to challenge them and give them opportunities to benefit the business as well. It's not all about picking.

"Both of these women show leadership, motivate others, demonstrate timeliness and push through those early mornings. They're so motivated and they've done a fantastic job," said Kate.

The benefits flow both ways.

Bela is using the money she saves at Burlington Berries to support her parents and 9 siblings as well as prepare for her future. She hopes to open an electricity consultancy when she returns home and is saving for the $10,000 license required to do this.

Similarly, Maria has goals of her own. She has a background in hospitality and is working in Australia to help support her family and save for her dream of opening a restaurant back home.

"With some of the money I have earned, I helped my mum to build our house. With the rest, I want to open a cafeteria and provide catering," said Maria.

"To Burlington Berries, I want to say thank you, thank you so much. It's really helped my family... and my dream - it will come true."