When Grace Johnathan first stepped onto Australian soil in 2023 as part of the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) Scheme, she carried more than a suitcase — she carried the weight of heartbreak, courage, and hope.

Born in the rugged highlands of Hela Province, Papua New Guinea, Grace’s early life was shaped by hardship. A mother of six, her world revolved around her children, aged 5 to 19, but violence and poverty made it impossible to stay. “We had little food, we lived in very poor conditions, and it wasn’t safe for me and my children,” Grace recalls. “I didn’t want that life anymore.”

The PALM program brought Grace to Australia to work on a lime farm. For nine months, she laboured under the sun in Cairns, holding tight to the dream of building something better. But when her contract ended, the thought of returning to her past was unbearable. Instead of boarding a plane back to PNG, Grace made a life-altering decision: she flew to Brisbane.

Alone and uncertain, she found herself at the Romero Centre — a place she now calls her lifeline. “They gave me food, helped me with everything. Paperwork, protection visa advice, even work,” she says. It was through the Romero Centre that Grace was offered a job opportunity in Rockhampton with Mercy Community, beginning as a cleaner at Bethany while she trained for her Certificate III in Individualised Support with Bluestone Training.

Her routine was rigorous, with two days of study and three days of cleaning, but Grace’s determination never wavered. “I knew I had to keep going. My children are my motivation, even if they are far away.”

Today, Grace is a proud personal care assistant (PCA) in the dementia ward at Bethany. At first, the work was overwhelming. “I was scared. But when I got to know the residents, everything changed. I started to love them like my own family.” That sense of kinship is no accident — it’s part of her culture. “In PNG, we always respect our elders. It’s in our hearts.”

Her deep empathy and resilience didn’t go unnoticed. Recently, Grace was offered a new position: Wellbeing Officer, a role designed to help Mercy Community’s first round of PALM participants to settle into their new roles and life in Rockhampton. She’ll support them with everything from navigating public transport to adjusting to Australian life and work culture. “I know what it feels like to come here with nothing. I can help them feel not so alone,” she says.

Despite still learning English herself, Grace’s warmth and wisdom speak volumes. She’s also hoping to reconnect with her passion for basketball by joining a local team, and maybe even introducing the new PALM recruits to the game as a way to build friendships and community.

Grace now lives in her own rented unit in Rockhampton and was recently granted permanent residency. It’s a milestone that makes her happy. “I miss my children every day. But I know this is the right path. When I’m at work, I’m not lonely. The residents are like family.”

A devout Christian, Grace says she feels deeply connected to Mercy’s values of respect and compassion. “I try to be kind to everyone, even if they’re not kind to me. That’s how I want to live.”

Grace Johnson’s story is one of quiet strength and unwavering kindness. She is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary people come from the most unexpected places, and that grace, in every sense of the word, lives among us.

About Hela Province, Papua New Guinea

Hela Province, located in the remote Highlands of Papua New Guinea, is one of the country’s most isolated provinces. Despite being rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, much of the population lives in extreme poverty. Basic infrastructure like roads, healthcare, and education services are limited, and access to clean water and nutritious food remains a daily struggle.

The region is also impacted by ongoing tribal violence, which has displaced many families and created serious safety concerns. For people like Grace, growing up in Hela meant facing immense challenges with extraordinary strength. Her journey to Australia is not just about seeking opportunity — it’s about survival and hope.