Bindaree Food Group operates an innovative paddock-to-plate model, supported by a diverse and committed team across New South Wales and Queensland. A key element of this success is our strategic partnership with FIP Group.
“FIP Group has offered valuable support to tackle the challenges in attracting labor to our primary processing facility in Inverell. We explored various avenues with FIP Group, which included leveraging local recruitment, backpackers, holidaymakers, and more recently, workers from the Pacific Islands under the PALM Scheme,” said Todd Newton, Chief People Officer at Bindaree Food Group.
Creating Positive Impact
The PALM Scheme has allowed Bindaree to welcome over 300 workers from countries like Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea to the team at our Inverell facility. “The PALM Scheme has been wonderful for our business, and I understand for the wider food processing industry as well as the individuals. Without the support of the PALM workers provided by FIP Group, our operational landscape would have looked vastly different,” Todd added.
The scheme also gives individuals the chance to support their families and communities in their home country. Todd highlighted the personal impact, saying, “You hear some great stories about how life-changing these opportunities are. Seeing and hearing these stories personally is truly impactful.”
Watch the video below to meet Isileli Ledua Heleivalu (Dua) form our Myola Feedlot. Dua’s video is a perfect example of how the collaboration and benefits extend into our wider communities.
Expanding Qualifications and Opportunities Across Multiple Sites
PALM Scheme team members have also gained employment at other Bindaree sites, including our Burleigh Heads retail ready facility, Brisbane warehouse, Monbeef processing facility in Cooma and Myola Feedlot at Croppa Creek. This widespread integration indicates the flexibility and broad impact of the PALM Scheme across our business.
The partnership also provides significant skills development among PALM Scheme members. Many start in entry-level roles and progress to senior skilled positions. Bindaree provides the opportunity to gain qualifications such as Certificate II and III in Meat Processing, enhancing their professional growth and employability.
Seamless On-Site Collaboration
The on-site presence at Bindaree of FIP Group’s account management team has been crucial in fostering seamless collaboration. Todd emphasised, “The full employee cycle from start to finish and everything in between is managed really well by the on-site team who work closely with our people team. We see it as one big team working together.”
Driving Success Through Shared Values
“As Bindaree Food Group expands its operations, the partnership with FIP Group remains pivotal. The shared values and strategic alignment between the two organizations continue to drive success and growth,” Todd concluded.
This dynamic partnership not only enhances Bindaree Food Group’s operational capabilities but also supports the professional and personal growth of its diverse workforce, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence and community.
