Ahi indigenous workers take up job opportunities in Australia

Five more Ahi indigenous people from Lae, including one woman, are preparing to leave for Australia this weekend under the Lae Labour Mobility Program.

The workers are among 21 Papua New Guineans selected for jobs with a casino food company in New South Wales.

Before their departure, the workers completed their oath and declaration at the Lae City Authority.

The latest group adds to the growing number of Ahi people accessing overseas employment opportunities. Nine Ahi workers are already working in Australia, while five more, including one female worker, will travel this weekend.

Lae City Authority representative Margaret Gelam said the program is giving Ahi people an opportunity to gain new skills, support their families and return with experience that can benefit their community.

Team leader Kekeng Nicky Kawambara said the program is creating pathways for more Ahi people to enter the workforce and improve their livelihoods.

Ahi representative Elizabeth Sinemau said the workers’ success shows the importance of providing opportunities for Indigenous communities.

She encouraged the workers to remain committed, work hard and proudly represent the Ahi community, Lae and Papua New Guinea while overseas.

The Lae Labour Mobility Program continues to create employment pathways for Ahi families through overseas work, skills development and income opportunities.