Like many parts of regional and remote Australia, Alice Springs faces significant challenges when it comes to delivering aged care.

Distance, workforce shortages and high staff turnover place sustained pressure on providers, requiring practical and scalable solutions to maintain continuity of care.

At Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS), recruitment through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has become an important part of that response.

“We were first introduced to the PALM scheme back in 2021,” says Peter Anton, executive manager People and Culture at ARRCS.

“Since then, we’ve recruited from Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji. Timor-Leste was introduced to ARRCS in 2023, and we’ve now recruited 23 personal care workers, along with ancillary staff in kitchens, maintenance and grounds.”

Timorese personal care workers are supporting residents at ARRCS across the full spectrum of daily care.

“My role here as a personal care worker is helping our elderly people,” says Nina, a worker from Timor-Leste.

“I assist with personal care, hygiene, showering, dressing, and transferring them from bed to chair. We also help with meals and feeding. My favourite part is walking with them and talking to them.”

Beyond personal care roles, Timorese workers are also contributing to maintenance and facilities operations, supporting the day-to-day running of the business.

In his role as a maintenance worker, Avelino supports residents and staff across multiple ARRCS facilities. 

“I have been here for nearly a year and have learned many things in this company,” he says. 

“My job includes internal and external work — fixing things for residents and staff, as well as tasks like mowing, purchasing supplies and waste removal.”

The role has provided him with opportunities to build practical skills and experience.

“Before I came here, I had some tools, but we have many tools here — like using a grinder to cut steel or a welder.”

He has also adapted to Australian workplace standards and gained additional training.

“To learn here, we need to know the rules — safety first. I have received training in manual handling and fire safety, and I now have my Australian driver’s licence.”

Peter Anton says the contribution of the Timorese staff goes beyond task-based support.

“They are lovely people with a very warm nature. That was one of the first things that struck us — their warmth and their smiles. They are ideally suited to working in aged care.” 

Workforce readiness is a key consideration for aged care providers recruiting overseas staff. 

Under the PALM scheme, Timorese workers undertake targeted pre-departure training, including industry-specific preparation, English language development and digital literacy.

This preparation supports a smoother transition into the workplace and helps ensure workers are equipped to meet the expectations of Australian aged care providers.

Beyond individual roles, Timorese workers are also contributing to team culture and leadership within facilities.

“As a team leader, I motivate my colleagues to stay focused and work hard,” personal carer and team leader Francisco says.

“We are here not only to represent ourselves, but also our families and our country.”

This sense of responsibility and professionalism is valued by providers, particularly in regional settings where strong team cohesion is critical.

For workers, the opportunity to work in Australia is transformative. With remittances earned through the PALM scheme, they are building homes, supporting their families and investing in their communities. 

“This program has helped me a lot to support my family financially,” Nina says. “I can build a house for my parents and support them, so I really like this program.”

The Australian Government is supporting increased participation of Timorese workers in the PALM scheme, including in aged care roles — offering providers a practical pathway to address workforce gaps while strengthening care delivery.

Experience in places such as Alice Springs suggests this approach can help build workforce capacity and support more stable teams.

Approved PALM scheme employers interested in recruiting from Timor-Leste can contact: swp.lsu.tl@gmail.com. For more information about becoming an approved employer, contact palm@dewr.gov.au TQ