From opportunity to community

When Bobby Tonny left Lae in March to take up work in Australia through the Lae Labour Mobility Program, he carried with him more than the hope of earning an income.

He also had a plan to use the opportunity to help his community. Months later, that plan has taken shape at Three Mile in Lae.

Tonny has bought six brush cutters and presented them to young people in his community to help them organise themselves and carry out community activities.

The presentation was held at the Three Mile Community Hall, where youths and community members gathered to witness the handover.

It was a small gathering, but it carried a simple message: change in a community does not always have to begin with a major project.

For Tonny, the six brush cutters are part of his personal vision to support young people and encourage them to work together.

The equipment will give the youths practical tools to carry out activities and take greater responsibility for their community.

Lae City Authority representative Margaret Gelam says young people need access to resources and equipment if they are to create change.

“The contribution that I’m going to make is for the people’s vision board, where they can help us with resources and equipment and now we’re looking at youth.”

Gelam says the aim is to support young people, help them learn and encourage them to work together.

“We want to support our youth, help teach our students and, in the end, come together and celebrate.”

The initiative also reflects the wider goal of encouraging labour mobility program participants to think about what they can achieve beyond their employment overseas.

Melissa Poang, supervisor of the Lae Labour Mobility Program, says candidates are encouraged to have clear plans for their future, including how they can support their families and communities.

“We also want to make sure our candidates have a clear vision for what they want to achieve, both while working overseas and when they return to their communities.”

For Tonny, that vision has already become action.

He has taken an opportunity to work in Australia and used part of its benefit to provide something practical for young people at home.

Gelam says the first step is recognising an opportunity and deciding to act.

“When you see something, you must take notice of it. When you see an opportunity, you must think about what you can do to make a difference.”

The gathering at Three Mile was not a major event, but it showed how a small contribution can carry meaning for a community.

Tonny's story is not only about finding work overseas. It is about bringing part of that opportunity home.

For the young people who received the brush cutters, the equipment is a starting point, a chance to work together, take responsibility, and make their own contribution to the community.