Dennis Paydon: a Warm Welcome to Australia

  • Aug. 28, 2026

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“Grateful—not just for the milestone, but for everyone who helped me get here.” 

 

That was Dennis Paydon’s first thought when he received his Permanent Residency in Australia.

For Dennis, it was more than a visa outcome. It was a life-changing milestone after years of hard work, perseverance and faith. A future that once carried plenty of uncertainty suddenly felt more secure.

 

“It’s a huge milestone and something I didn’t expect to happen this soon,” Dennis says.

 

Like many people building a life in a new country, Dennis arrived with hopes for the future and plenty of unknowns along the way. But when he reflects on his journey, one thing stands out: the people who supported him.

I truly believe that when something is meant for you, it will come at the right time—as long as you keep pushing forward and never give up.

A welcome that stayed with him 

Dennis still remembers his first day at Sodexo. From the reception team who welcomed him to the people and trainers who guided him through hands-on and online training, he says the support was there from the beginning.

That feeling continued when he flew into Eramurra Village for the first time.

“I received the same level of encouragement and support from the management team,” Dennis says. “Their guidance gave me the confidence to perform my role well and continue improving every day.”

Sometimes, belonging starts in the small moments. A warm welcome. Someone taking the time to answer a question. A teammate offering encouragement when you're still finding your feet.

Those moments helped Dennis settle into a new workplace and gave him the confidence to keep moving forward.

Growing with the people around him

Dennis describes his career at Sodexo as a journey of learning and self-improvement.

He started with limited experience in some areas, but with the support of his managers and teammates, he developed new skills and grew in confidence.

That growth has changed how he sees his future.

“I hope to keep growing with the company—maybe even move into a leadership role where I can help others achieve their goals too.”

For Dennis, the support he received has made him want to do the same for others one day. It is a simple idea, but an important one. When people are given the chance to learn and grow, they can create opportunities for those who come after them.

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Different backgrounds, one team

Dennis works in a diverse environment alongside people from different nationalities and backgrounds.

 

For him, belonging means being part of a team where everyone is respected, valued and treated equally.

 

“At Sodexo Australia, I experience this every day,” he says.

 

“We come from different nationalities and backgrounds, but we all work together with strong communication and teamwork. That sense of unity and mutual respect makes me feel that I truly belong.”

 

That is what #BelongTogether is about. We don't all have the same story. We don't all come from the same place. But the people around us can make a real difference to whether we feel welcomed, supported and able to be ourselves. 

A future made possible by perseverance 

Receiving Permanent Residency has given Dennis and his family something he had been working towards: greater security and a brighter future in Australia.

“This achievement reminds me that hard work, perseverance and faith really do pay off,” he says. “It gives me and my family a sense of security and a brighter future here in Australia.”

His advice to others starting their own journey is just as personal.

“Keep pushing forward. Challenges will always come, but don’t give up—everything will work out in time. Always remember why you’re here and who you’re working hard for, whether it’s your family or loved ones.”

And Dennis has one more reminder: stay grateful and don't forget the people who helped you get there. Because while some milestones have one person's name on them, very few journeys are taken alone.

For Dennis, Permanent Residency represents years of determination and hard work. But it also represents the welcome, encouragement and support he found along the way. His family is secure. His future feels brighter.

And through every stage of the journey, he found people who helped him feel that he belongs. Because we all come from different places. But together, we can help each other build a place where we belong. #BelongTogether 

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