Ten Timor-Leste workers have been employed as cleaners through the PALM program. Picture: Ben Gross

A LOCAL service provider has capitalised on the PALM job scheme's recent expansion beyond horticulture to help meet the demand for cleaners in Sunraysia.

In a first for the region, Sunraysia Residential Services has collaborated with MADEC to hire 10 Timor-Leste people to work as cleaners.

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from Pacific islands and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available.

SRS services manager Nathan Swaeney said PALM workers expanding into other sectors could help meet demand across several fields.

"It started off as a casual conversation between MADEC and Benetook Farm where we spoke about how the PALM project had opened up to outside of horticulture," he said.

"We were saying how we wanted to kick off our cleaning services, but were struggling to find cleaners. We ultimately determined we could get workers through the PALM program.

"This is the first time MADEC have got workers to come and work outside of horticulture, so it is a great partnership and a first in region for SRS and MADEC."

"We are both really excited to see how it turns out and to see the 10 ladies arrive and be eager to get into it has been great."

Mr Swaeney said while it was early days, they would look to expand the program.

"This is a bit of a trial, but so far everything has been great," he said.

"We have been struggling in the community sector to get cleaners, not only for those on the NDIS or age care, but in general.

"Hopefully this opens up some great opportunities for the community to access services which we have been struggling to fill."

"Now it has been opened up, it is going to be great to see how far it can go, hopefully it keeps expanding. What we are hoping for is to look at getting some care workers out of it.

"We would look at getting support works to go into our properties and support our participants, the friendliness of the Timor-Leste people has been great, they always have a smile on their face and nothing is trouble for them."

Anyone looking for cleaning services is encouraged to contact SRS.

"The demand for cleaning services is increasing and during the COVID period it was hard to get cleaners," Swaeney said.

It is important to get cleaners to do deep cleans, especially in places where people have been unwell."

"NDIS and aged care participants are able to access cleaning through their plans, so it is an option that is great to use."