DILI, 22 november 2022 (TATOLI) – Luis Freitas, a young Timorese seasonal worker had successfully invested his US$8,000 in starting a small butchery business and building a rental property in Dili after returning from Victoria, Australia.
In 2018, Luis left for Victory to work at Bulmer Farm under a 6-month Seasonal Work Program (SWP).
“I earned over US$8,000 during the six months. After returning from Australia, I immediately opened my butchery business and built a 5-bedroom house, currently rented by a local NGO,” Luis told TATOLI.
On september 14, 2022, Luis was given another opportunity by Pacific Labor Mobility (PALM) to return to work for another 6 months in Australia.
Luis is now working in Werribee, a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, 32km southwest of Melbourne’s Central Business District, located within the Wyndham City Local Government Area.
“This is the second opportunity I have had to work in Australia. So, I have the opportunity to experience the new environment, new culture, and be able to learn and improve my English skills,” said Luis.
He said that courage was needed when living and working in a new environment: “During winter, it is very cold because the vegetables are covered with snow which makes it difficult to do the work properly.
“Despite the challenges we face, for the sake of the family members, the only thing we need to keep working is courage and passion,” Luis said.
He said that when the demand for vegetable increases, they have to work beyond their normal hours: “Sometimes you have to work overtime and work in the rain. Again, passion and courage are important to keep working because we want to transform our family life.”
Luis urged the government to help Timorese seasonal workers spend their earnings appropriately.
“I would also like to encourage my fellow seasonal workers to invest their money in businesses that can create employment opportunities for others,” he said.
Luis said that young people need to use every opportunity wisely, “As young people, we need to take care of our health, and use the opportunity to improve ourselves like learning English, etc.”
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Julia Chatarina
Translation: Filomeno Martins/Editor: Nelia Borges
