This newsletter provides the latest information about the Informed and Supported Workers (ISW) Program in Gippsland.

Cultural diversity information sessions

Growers are invited to participate in a Cultural Diversity Information Session to help better understand and communicate with culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) workers.

Stratford Courthouse, Stratford:
Wednesday, August 2nd from 11:00am - 2.30pm

The Austral Hotel, Korumburra:
Thursday, August 3rd from 11:00am - 2.30pm

Download the flyer for more details. Please email Emily to register your attendance.

PALM scheme changes

It's important for all growers to be aware that the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) are currently being consolidated into the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. It's recommended that any grower with SWP or PLS workers read this fact sheet and head to the DEWR website to stay up to date on the changes.

What’s On in Gippsland

We’ve created another ‘What’s On’ poster which you can share with your workers. If you have an event to add to the calendar, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Emily. Download the July ‘What’s On’ poster here.

Community road safety

Victoria Police have contacted us regarding concerns around an increase in road safety incidents in the Wellington local government area, associated with workers drink-driving, driving unlicensed, and driving unregistered vehicles. It's in everyone's best interest to help keep our roads safe, so please encourage your workers to do the right thing and use our roads safely.

Successful Safe Driver Training

With the assistance of Pacific Labour Facility (PLF), we have now facilitated three Safe Driver Training courses across Gippsland, all of which were a great success. Participants learned vital information and gained practical experience in driving safely on our roads. It’s highly recommended that growers consider providing driver training for any of their workers that drive here in Australia. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Celebrating cultural holidays

Pacific Islanders give high priority to one annual celebration, the independence of their homeland. This month includes the following three celebrations:

Solomon Islands - July 7th
Kiribati - July 12th
Vanuatu - July 30th

COVID-19

The Australian Government health website states that with the reopening of Australia’s borders, there are no Australian Government requirements to:

give proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival to Australia
supply proof of COVID-19 vaccination
wear a mask, although this is encouraged.

As such, new workers arriving at farms across Gippsland may not be vaccinated. A COVID-19 vaccination (or booster shot) can be obtained free of charge at any of the locations below. Photo ID is required (for example, a passport).

Sale: Priceline Pharmacy Sale & Raymond Street Pharmacy
Lakes Entrance: Lakes Riviera Amcal Pharmacy
Rosedale: Rosedale Family Medical Centre
Morwell: Montague’s Pharmacy

Stratford Medical Centre is also offering to come to farms and vaccinate groups of six or more workers. Free COVID-19 tests are also available.

Please contact Emily if you would like to know more, or would like a box of COVID-19 tests for your farm.

More information can be found on our Informed and Supported Workers webpage.
If you have questions about the ISW Program, or any insights, information, or ideas you would like to discuss, please contact Emily Scott. All feedback is greatly appreciated.

Informed and Supported Workers Program - July Update