Vanuatu Aged Carers Begin New Chapter in Australia

Three aged care workers from Vanuatu officially joined Respect Aged Care (St John’s) on February 13th, embarking on a new chapter in their careers in the Wangaratta community. Their arrival has been welcomed and valued by the community, as they bring dedication and a fresh perspective to elder care.

The three care workers are Rachel Mangan, Sabrina Felix, and Ritchelline Tar. They were recruited through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which aims to allow residents of Pacific Island nations to work in key industries in Australia. This week, their arrival was featured on the front page of the *Wangaratta Chronicle*, highlighting the significance of this initiative for the region.

Ritchelline Tar, 24, is from Sara Village on Espiritu Santo Island in Sanma Province. She shared her experience with *The Daily Mail*, recounting her career transition from farm work to aged care. "I used to work on a farm, but I heard that aged care is a good job. So I registered with a labour agency and told them I wanted to work in this field because it's easier than farm work." She is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of elderly residents.

Tar received training, including online courses, before starting work. Her daily responsibilities include assisting elderly residents with personal hygiene and preparing breakfast for them. She also acknowledges that working with elderly residents can be challenging, especially when some refuse assistance. "You need good communication skills so that they understand and accept your help. You have to be strong and always maintain a positive attitude," she explained, emphasizing the importance of patience and empathy.

Tar compared life in Australia and Vanuatu, pointing out the high cost of living in Australia. "In Vanuatu, I would never spend 20,000 Vatu on food, but here, I spend about 19,000-20,000 Vatu every two weeks on food. Clothes and other goods are also expensive," she said. However, she believes that aged care is a stable and rewarding career that allows her to support her family and plan for the future. "I really enjoy my job. We work indoors and support each other as a team. I encourage young women to consider aged care – it's a good job that benefits Vanuatu and our families back home."

The employment of Vanuatu workers in the Australian aged care industry highlights the opportunities the PALM scheme provides for Pacific Island residents seeking long-term employment and career development overseas. The scheme not only promotes the development of the Australian aged care industry but also brings economic and social benefits to the participants, contributing to the prosperity of their communities.