Whales Workforce

05/10/2023

Proud to be part of the recent PALM Community Event hosted by the United Pasifika Victoria. This event was about fostering connections and gathering valuable insights from the Pacific diaspora and stakeholders within the PALM scheme.

Ms. Julie Jung from Whales took the stage, sharing our PALM journey and her role as a liaison officer. With recent scheme reforms, interest is soaring, and this event was the perfect platform for discussions and questions, highlighting PALM's growing importance in the Pacific Community.

Her presentation highlighted our commitment to employee welfare at Whales while in Australia. The open discussions were enlightening, revisiting topics like Approved Employers' responsibilities, PALM workers' well-being, and community acceptance of new members.

Huge thanks to the Fijian Community Association Victoria and Uniting Church in Australia for their support! This event wasn't just about showcasing our commitment to PALM workers but also directing our business toward the next step, now we're better equipped to excel in the scheme and tackle future challenges with confidence.

Read full story via the link.
https://www.whalesworkforce.com/post/whales-and-palm-community-information-event-in-victoria

02/10/2023

We've just unveiled our Swan Hill office's swanky makeover, and it's officially the place where our employees can't wait to hang out.

With our lightning-fast internet, e-learning is now in real-time, and thanks to a widescreen TV, those Rugby games feel truly 'live' right here.

The lounge area is now basically a 'second living room,' giving everyone that 'home away from home' vibe, inviting all Whales workers to some well-deserved 'chill-laxing' together.

Join us in our new hub, where we come closer and bring families together!

Read full story via the link ->

Now Whales employees are happy when they're called into the office. We have transformed our Swan Hill office into a social and learning hub for our workers, creating a homey environment that employees look forward to visiting, to have fun. Always online for you. Our office now offers high-speed inte...

19/09/2023

Introducing Mr. Apolosi Ranawai Lasei, our new Employment Service Coordinator at Whales!

Apolosi joins us with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for making a positive impact. He will be responsible for ensuring that Whales complies with the PALM deed and guidelines to keep everyone well-informed and safeguarded.

Effective communication, cultural pride, hard work, and confidence are at the core of his approach. He's all set to become a key player in our team, and we can't wait for you to meet him.

Read more to have a closer look at what makes him happy.

Welcome, Apolosi!

We're thrilled to introduce Mr. Apolosi Ranawai Lasei, who joins the Whales team as our new Employment Service Coordinator from this week. As we extend our warmest welcome to Apolosi, let's take a moment to learn about his valuable perspective and expertise. Apolosi came aboard to support our PALM w...

04/09/2023

Story: SOL2023 - Pacific Games Countdown!

With less than three months remaining until the 2023 Pacific Games, it's time for an in-depth exploration of this highly anticipated extravaganza. From its historical origins back in 60s to its newest 2023 edition where inclusivity and environmental messages concentring, let’s have a quick recap as Whales and its PALM workers build the excitement already.

The theme Challenge, Celebrate, Unite. With fewer than 100 days to go, the 2023 Pacific Games are set to take centre stage in the Oceania region. This sporting event has a rich history, dating back to the first South Pacific Games held in Suva, Fiji, in 1963. The last games took place in Apia, Samoa...

16/08/2023

We are pleased to share a notable development within the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The establishment of the Country Liaison Officer (CLO) role in Australia and New Zealand, as reported from Fiji, marks another advancement into the strengthened partnership.

The CLO holds responsibilities as a connecting link between the PALM workers and the legal frameworks, rights, and obligations within their respective home countries. This role aims to enhance communications, facilitate support, and ensure informed decision-making throughout the extended offshore employment period.

The CLO position underlines a collaborative effort between the PALM scheme, governments, and all other stakeholders. This professional role contributes to promoting effective labour mobility, adhering to legal frameworks, and fostering positive working experiences.

Whales remains dedicated to endorsing the continuous endeavors aimed at elevating worker welfare in alignment with the enhanced scheme's fundamental principles.

We're excited to share a positive progress regarding the PALM scheme – the establishment of the Country Liaison Officer (CLO) in Australia and New Zealand, as reported from Fiji. This step holds great significance for us. The creation of the CLO role showcases the commitment to the welfare and pro...

15/08/2023

Celebrating 5 Years of Togetherness! 🎉
From our first steps to this milestone, each moment has shaped the Whales Workforce story. Huge thanks to our incredible team – past and present – for your dedication and hard work.

Cheers to more years of growth, stories, and shared success! 🥂📚

With gratitude and a sense of togetherness, we gathered to celebrate a significant moment - the 5th anniversary of Whales Workforce. The evening reflected our journey as a team, characterised by cooperation, support, and growth through challenges. From our early steps to that day, each phase held it...

15/08/2023

The Australian Government is making some changes to the PALM scheme! If you are a PALM scheme worker these changes will improve your experience while in Australia. You don’t need to do anything – just keep working with your employer.

Some of the changes mean you will:

>> get more working hours

>> be guaranteed a minimum take home pay after deductions

>> be able to move between employers and worksites to work enough hours

>> receive better support services when you are in Australia.

Some of these changes will happen now and some over the coming months. If you want to learn more you can talk to your employer or email [email protected].

07/08/2023

Introducing Mr. Ray Cho, the "Director of Employee Welfare" at Whales, playing a central and vital role in carrying on our mission.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, he now oversees our welfare initiatives as the "Champion" of the physical and emotional health of our valued team members.

Ray's personalised approach involves seemingly traditional, yet powerful and straightforward methodology, securing our welfare framework's fundamental purposes.

His dedication knows no bounds, as he invests significant time to display our commitment to welfare, especially when it comes to integrating newly joined teams into the Whales family.

let's listen to his story about where he comes from and how he "action" his idea for the whole team.

Mr. Ray Cho has recently taken on the role of "Director of Employee Welfare," following his tenure as the "Director of Services & Operations." With his wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, he now oversees our welfare initiatives, ensuring the well-being of our valued team members. At Wha...

26/07/2023

Australian government's new plan aims to improve benefits and job security for casual workers with regular hours. In addition to the transition option for permanent employments, more measure will take place to protect these workers without losing current benefits. Changes will undo some previous rules, but the bigger goal is to create a fairer system by further defining the concept of “Casual Employment”. Whales Workforce supports these reforms and is ready to adapt to ensure compliance and a better future for all.

Image source: Casual workers to have a new pathway to permanent work under proposed changes - ABC News by political reporter Nour Haydar / ABC NEWS The Australian government wants to help casual workers who work regular hours get better benefits and job security. They plan to redefine what it means....

25/07/2023

Great news from Fiji arrived last week that the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is expanding its services to assist Fijian workers under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme and other offshore workers. This comes after the successful passing of the Fiji National Provident Fund (Budget Amendment) Bill 2023 in parliament.

The FNPF's expansion aims to support the growing number of Fijian laborers working in Australia and New Zealand. The bill establishes a legal foundation for FNPF to create an overseas fund, allowing them to extend their services to workers in these countries.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh also shared positive news about FNPF's proposal to establish offshore operations. This will broaden the number of Fijians in Australia and New Zealand who can become members, giving them access to FNPF services and convenient management of their deductions.

This move is a significant step in supporting the financial well-being of Fijian workers abroad. It provides them with access to essential FNPF services and ensures their contributions are efficiently managed from Australia and New Zealand.

Find more about these extended operations of PNPF and what it actually means to Fijian PALM workers in Australia.

Fijian PALM workers in Australia will have also access to the services offered by Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) while offshore. It was announced that the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is expanding its services to benefit Fijian workers under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme and other w...

24/07/2023

Learning is another earning – Whales Information Session in Queensland

We take a comprehensive approach to our Whales workers when it comes to equipping them for Australian employment.

We also organised a day of information forum in Queensland, bringing together our 40 PALM workers from the Ipswich area, including 10 who reached their one-year milestone with Whales and 30 fresh faces who joined in May 2023. Our General Manager, Mr. Mario Marinelli, led the event, dedicating his weekend to meet and chat with our workers.

The event included a straightforward presentation, engaging discussions, and a delicious meal. Attendees eagerly awaited the announcement of the lucky winner of a raffle prepared by the management, adding excitement to the event. The forum was a success, leaving our employees with newfound confidence in their rights under Australian employment relations.

Whales HQ is proud of their participation and enthusiasm during our first information session in Queensland.

At Whales HQ, we're committed to finding innovative ways to engage and connect with our incredible employees. As learning doesn't have to be dull. We turned a simple forum into a celebration-like experience for our employees, leaving a lasting impression to also encourage further participations in upcoming gatherings.

We're grateful for the time and enthusiasm our employees invested, and we look forward to continuing to engage and connect with our remarkable team. Stay tuned for more exciting gatherings!

21/07/2023

Welcome, our newest 10 members from Fiji to our Whales team in New South Wales, Australia! They join our esteemed client in Yanco, NSW to further enrich and push their productivity upward with their valuable skills and talents.

Our directors and senior managers led a comprehensive induction program to kickstart their professional journey in Australia. We ensured they were well-informed about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to thrive in their roles.

At Whales, we value a strong foundation for our employees, making sure they know their entitlements and can confidently stand up for their rights.
With a well-structured onboarding framework, we equipped them with the tools and knowledge to excel. Our commitment to continuous learning means information seminars will keep them updated on evolving workplace standards and regulations throughout the year.

We take immense pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Each addition to our team brings a fresh perspective and contributes to our collective success.
Looking ahead, Whales eagerly anticipates welcoming more talented individuals and building a brighter future together. Our initiatives aim to create a positive and empowering work environment, enabling our employees to reach new heights of success.

Whales is delighted to welcome 10 new workers from Fiji to New South Wales, Australia. These individuals have joined our existing team of 10 members, further enriching our workforce, contributing their valuable skills and talents to one of our esteemed clients based in Yanco, NSW. The induction prog...