Multicultural workplace a plus for Sam

SAM Wang spends his weekdays at Fletcher International Exports surrounded by working multiculturalism, an oddity in many parts of regional Australia.

Originally from China, Sam came to study at high school.

“I came here in 2005 when I was 16 so I’d say I know more about Australia than I do about my own country. I did high school in Melbourne,” Sam said. He’s now 18 months into his job. “I came to Dubbo for permanent residency, I have to stay here for a minimum of two years, I’ve been in Dubbo for 18 months,” telling Dubbo Photo News he had no luck until he applied at the local meat works.

“I came to Dubbo and applied for several jobs and this is the first job I’ve got,” pointing out the advantages of his role.

“For me it’s relaxing working out here, because I want to be busy, I like to be running quickly and I don’t like wasting time – I don’t want to be here doing nothing,” he said.

Sam said one of the best things about Fletchers is the company’s belief in multiculturalism and treating people with respect on a daily basis rather than just saying those things are core values.

“Australia is a multicultural country so I can meet people from all over the world who work here, I’m happy to work here, there are people from different backgrounds and we all work together, we’ve known each other and we respect each other’s culture,” Sam said.

“I’ve made a lot of good mates out here from Australia and all parts of the world.”

He says the importance of Fletchers to Dubbo and the region is underestimated by many locals who don’t see what happens in and around the plant on a daily basis.

“It’s not only the biggest company, it’s the biggest sheep meat processor in Australia and it’s very important to Dubbo,” Sam said.

In addition to his work on the floor, Sam’s excellent English skills often see him called on to act as a translator for other Chinese workers at the plant.