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Skilled Migration Benefits Australian Cotton Research Institute

Skilled Migrant Ellen Iramu and Sandra Williams, who is the Team Leader, Agriculture & Food, CSIRO based at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri.
Skilled Migrant Ellen Iramu and Sandra Williams, who is the Team Leader, Agriculture & Food, CSIRO based at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri.

The 7th Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) skilled migration case study video has just gone online and it highlights the importance of skilled migration for the region, according to RDANI Chair Russell Stewart.

“The Australian Cotton Research Institute is, as the name suggests, of national significance. It is a valued part of the Narrabri district and the local cotton industry. Located 25km west of Narrabri, it is a long way from agricultural scientist labour markets,” he said.

RDANI Senior Skilled Migration Project Officer Gary Fry said that the attraction and retention of skilled labour remains a real challenge for this region and particularly in the North West. “RDANI is bringing skilled migrants to the region to help meet the region’s labour needs. We facilitated a Skilled Regional State Nominated 489 visa for agricultural scientist Ellen Iramu and her husband Peter. The couple have moved from the Solomon Islands to Narrabri. It is a win for them, their employer and the local community that they are enriching and contributing to,” he said. “In Ellen, the Australian Cotton Research Institute has a research assistant with years of crop research experience.”

Sandra Williams is the Team Leader, Agriculture & Food, CSIRO based at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri. “We are located in the heart of the cotton industry in NSW, which helps make all the research we do here extremely relevant,” she said.

“With the research station being quite remote, it is sometimes hard to attract skilled employees out here. One of CSIRO’s strategic missions is to embrace diversity and inclusion to create impactful science and enhance our workplace and community. We are thrilled to have skilled migrant Ellen Iramu working here with us,” Ms. Williams said.

Ellen said that RDANI’s skilled migration program has delivered the kind of job and lifestyle that she was hoping for. “I really like my job. It is a continuation of my professional career. I was crop researcher for over 15 years in the Pacific region. I find my job at the cotton Research Institute very interesting because of the type of work that they are doing.

The diversity of her work in the region is a plus for Ellen. “I get to work in the field as well as in the lab,” she said.

From the Solomon Islands to Narrabri is one very big sea-change, and these skilled migrants couldn’t be happier with their move. “My husband and I like it very much here at Narrabri. We have met a lot of wonderful people. The staff at my workplace are also very welcoming and friendly. I’d like to remain here for a long time,” said Ellen.

Ellen’s husband Peter Iramu has secured employment at Walgett Shire Council.

The video is available on YouTube here.

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