For Annie Nauka, being a Home Companion at Emmaus Village is more than a job – it is an expression of love, care and commitment.

While no two days are ever the same, each day brings the same purpose: to help residents living with dementia feel safe, supported and at home.

Annie is part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which has seen 35 workers from Vanuatu graduate with a Certificate III in Individual Support thanks to St Agnes’ Catholic Parish and the John Henry Institute.

Before embarking on her new career, Annie lived on the island of Tanna where she often cared for family and friends, including her father, long before gaining formal qualifications.

Since graduating in 2024, she has been putting her skills into practice at Emmaus Village, drawing on her training in aged care support, workplace health and safety, and first aid.

“We wouldn’t have had this opportunity without St Agnes’,” Annie said.

As a Home Companion, Annie supports residents living with dementia through the rhythms of daily life while offering companionship, reassurance and care.

“My favourite thing is spending time with the residents,” she said.

“They’re part of me and I’m part of them. That’s the most special thing; I’m with them every day and we have that connection.

“Looking after older people is a blessing, and you will have that blessing in return.”

This, Annie says, reflects a deeper truth found in Leviticus 19:32, where we are reminded: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.”

Looking to the future, Annie and her fellow graduates will continue working with St Agnes’ for another two years, gaining invaluable experience before taking their skills back to Vanuatu.

Their journey exemplifies the power of international partnerships in creating positive change while enriching both Australian and Pacific communities.

For Annie, these skills and relationships with residents are not just for now; they are here for good.

“It is not just care, it is commitment that lasts a lifetime,” she said.

“Here for Good means they are never alone, never abandoned and never just a task to be done. It means I choose them every single day – because they are my family, and family stays.”

Our Here for Good campaign reflects our ongoing commitment to be here for good for the long term. Watch the video here.