For Raymond Palmez, food has always been about more than what’s on the plate.
It started in his family’s bakery in the Philippines, where his father introduced him to baking at just 13 years old. Nearly three decades later, Raymond is a Sous Chef at Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Nammuldi Village, bringing that same passion for food to life in the Pilbara.
But Raymond’s journey is also a story about family, new beginnings and finding a sense of belonging far from home.

Say hello to Raymond

Raymond never planned to work FIFO or move overseas.

His career began in the Philippines, shaped by the lessons he learned in his family bakery and his love for creating food that brings people together. But it was his three daughters who encouraged him to explore opportunities abroad. 

That decision opened a new chapter.

“I had no idea what FIFO work was, nor did I plan to work abroad,” Raymond says. “My three daughters encouraged me to explore opportunities overseas.”
In 2023, after a difficult period for the hospitality industry during the pandemic, Raymond joined Sodexo and began building a new life in Australia.

The transition was exciting, but it wasn't without its challenges. Working in a new country and adapting to FIFO life meant learning a different way of living and working. What helped, Raymond says, was the people around him.

“The welcoming community made it easier to adapt,” he says. “This job is not just about cooking; it’s about building relationships.”

At Nammuldi Village, Raymond's work centres on food. But for him, cooking is also a way of connecting with people.

Whether he is preparing seafood, smoked meats or BBQ, he thinks about the people sitting down to eat. That matters on a FIFO site, where teams and residents can spend weeks away from their families and familiar routines.

A good meal can offer a small sense of comfort. A conversation in the kitchen or dining room can help turn a workplace into a community. For Raymond, those everyday connections are a big part of what makes his work meaningful.

A team that feels like family

Raymond also brings his experience as a father into the way he leads.

“I believe in the power of kindness in leadership,” he says. “I strive to be more than just a boss; I aspire to be a mentor and a guide to my team.”

He sees his team as people first. Looking after their wellbeing, sharing knowledge and supporting them through challenges are all part of creating a workplace where people can feel comfortable being themselves and asking for help when they need it.

As a father, Raymond has also learned the value of planning ahead and adapting when things don't go as expected lessons he carries into his work every day.

“In the FIFO industry, planning is crucial—not only for myself but also for my team, whom I consider family,” he says.

Belong Together. Better when we’re together.

At Sodexo, belonging is built through the people and connections that make every workplace feel more welcoming. Raymond’s story is one of the many experiences that show what can happen when people are supported to bring their whole selves, their backgrounds and their ambitions to work.