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Honouring Tradition. Empowering Futures. Strengthening Communities.

The Village to Village Program supports workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste participating in the PALM Scheme with a culturally grounded approach that feels less like relocation and more like moving to a new kind of village.

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We walk with workers from the moment they say “yes” to this opportunity—preparing them for the journey ahead, supporting them in Australia, and helping them return home with pride, purpose, and a legacy to share.

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A Shared Journey With Deep Roots

Continuing The Tradition

Across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, movement has always been a way of life. From the expert navigators of the Pacific who read the stars and tides, to those who walked from village to village seeking connection, knowledge, and opportunity—this is not a new story. It’s one that continues today.

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The Village to Village Program honours that story. Whether by sea or sky, PALM Scheme workers are part of a long tradition of movement with meaning—travelling not just for income, but for transformation.

We support workers at every step of their journey to ensure it becomes more than a job—it becomes a source of pride and possibility, both for the individual and the village that stands behind them.

More Than Work — A Life-Changing Opportunity

Every PALM Scheme worker walks a unique path. For some, the journey is personal: a chance to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and open new doors for their future. For others, it’s deeply relational: the opportunity to uplift their families and bring back value to their home communities.

 

The Village to Village Program embraces both.

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We help each worker:

  • Set meaningful personal goals

  • See the bigger picture of how their efforts ripple outward

  • Approach their PALM Scheme work with a deep sense of purpose

  • Return home with more than just money—with new tools, knowledge, and pride

 

This is how we transform “brain drain” into brain gain—and how we empower the next generation of changemakers.

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A Three Phase Journey Of Support

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1. Pre-Departure Anchoring

Before boarding a plane, we sit down for a series of one-on-one conversations with each worker to:

  • Understand their personal hopes and motivations

  • Discuss the impact their journey could have for their family and community

  • Connect them to resources, including diaspora and support organisations in Australia.

 

We help workers leave home with confidence, clarity, and a sense of purpose.

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2. Onshore Support

Once in Australia, we continue the journey by offering:

  • A “village feel” through community-style care and regular check-ins

  • Support navigating life: housing, health, work, relationships, and more

  • Encouragement to reflect on their growth, celebrate wins, and seek help when needed

 

We don’t just want workers to succeed—we want them to thrive.

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3. Return & Reintegration

When it’s time to return home, we guide the final phase by:

  • Holding reflective sessions to debrief and honour the journey

  • Helping workers think about how they’ll share knowledge and skills

  • Encouraging mentorship and leadership in their home communities

 

The journey ends where it began—at the village. But the worker returns changed, ready to give back in meaningful ways.

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Why It Works

This program is rooted in culture, guided by people, and focused on lasting impact.

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✅ Values-based and locally led

✅ Recognises and supports both individual and community growth

✅ Improves wellbeing, connection, and retention

✅ Empowers workers to become future leaders and mentors

 

Whether you’re from a remote island or a rural village in Timor-Leste, this program meets you where you are—and helps you go further than you imagined.

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