By Callum Ludwig
The up-and-coming Yarra Valley Soccer Club have been bolstered by two Vanuatan imports this season, who have seamlessly imbedded themselves in the community.
Jay (John) Ben and Winjo Williams are from Vanuatu and have spent time working in Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, getting involved with the club while they are here.
Mr Ben and Mr Williams both said their stay has been all about community.
“It’s just like back in Vanuatu, it’s all about community. I think it’s a bit of a community where everyone cares about and looks after each other,” they said.
“Joining the soccer club has been fun because we play a lot of soccer back in Vanuatu. They are also a great community and are all friendly.”
The PALM scheme is a Federal Government program allowing citizens of nine Pacific Island countries and Timor Leste to fill employment shortages for approved Australian businesses. The approved nations are Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Mr Ben and Mr Williams said finding work to extend their stay is the main thing for them.
“At the moment back in back in Vanuatu, after Covid, there’s not much out there for everyone, so are looking for a good opportunity for us to stay here and get a sponsorship with somebody,” they said.
“Living here has been the best thing ever, and we’ve been able to help our families back home.”
Mr Ben has experience in the construction and building industry, as well as in farming duties and general labouring and Mr Williams has been working hard as a farm hand. Mr Ben has his own license and vehicle for his own personal transport.
Currently, the pair are set to return to Vanuatu on 21 July, and would not return until November.
