In less than two years, 23-year-old Michelle Bart's life has changed in ways she never imagined possible.
"It's a dream come true; I have the opportunity to build my own house and secure my future at a much faster rate than I ever thought possible," she said.
In early 2023, Michelle was a new nursing graduate looking for work when a friend recommended she apply to the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme as an aged care worker.
She now lives in regional Queensland, earning an Australian wage. She's created a home away from home and is gaining an Australian qualification in aged care, which she had never imagined possible.
"Being able to work and complete a certificate in aged care is allowing me to use my general nursing skills as well as gain a new skill set in the Australian aged care setting, which I would never have been exposed to if it wasn't for this program," she said.
In Australia, many elderly people don't have family willing or capable of looking after them; these people often move into a facility where they are cared for by nursing staff and carers.
Working for Southern Cross Care, Michelle has observed the difference between Australia and Papua New Guinea in terms of caring for the elderly.
"Here, it is all about work, and if you don't work, you don't have money, but in PNG, our people can resort to garden food and family to care for them.
"It's really sad to see the residents living apart from their families; they are at the age where they can't walk or do things independently. Being around them makes you feel good about yourself because my job is to look after them and spend time with them, talking and making jokes," she said.
The community and the residents make her feel welcome, and she has created a home away from home.
"Some residents know about PNG, others are curious to learn, so many are welcoming, and some are drawn to us more than others," she said.
But moving to Murgon, about 250 km from Brisbane, hasn't always been easy.
"Moving was a big step, a very big step. I had to put my big girl cap on, which made me a strong, independent version of myself," she explained.
Michelle works and lives with four other PNG women at the same facility, which has provided her with a lot of support and a family away from home.
"When we first arrived, we had to juggle work and study, get used to the weather and the new community. It was quite a lot, and if it wasn't for the other women, who knows what would have happened? But together, we all got through it," she said.
Michelle has made lifelong friends and plans to keep working in Australia for as long as she can.
She recommends that other young women consider taking the chance to grow their skills and grow in ways they would have never believed possible.
"I just tell her to go for it, trust your instincts, and go for it - this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but be patient and trust the process that you will get there," she advises.
Michelle's employer, Southern Cross Care Queensland, has 13 facilities across southeast Queensland and employs 21 PNG workers.
She and her workmates participate in the aged care expansion program, which allows Pacific and Timorese workers to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (ageing) while working in Australia under the PALM scheme.