When Far North Queensland grower and ABGC member Matt Abbott isn’t tending to his organic banana farm, you’ll likely find him on the water, paddle in hand, competing in some of Australia’s most iconic outrigger canoeing events.
The organic banana business is a family partnership operated by Matt and his brother Ben, alongside their wives Naomi and Kate, with all four playing an important role in the day-to-day operation of the farm.
But it is not just the farming business that Matt has invested his time and energy into. Since 2015, the Abbott family has hosted seasonal workers through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, helping to build a skilled and reliable workforce. Matt has had a long-term interest in outrigger paddling and has used this passion to engage workers in healthy and rewarding activities while supporting their connection with home.
In 2020, one of the first workers from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to arrive on the farm was Raka, a passionate outrigger canoeist. Raka has since become a driving force behind the growing paddling community and also operates his own media company, sharing stories and insights from PNG. Those interested in learning more about his work are encouraged to check out his media company, (NAME OF MEDIA COMPANY).
Across PNG and many Pacific Island nations, outrigger canoeing is more than just a sport, it comes from the sense of cultural tradition, originally developed as a primary mode of ocean transportation. Seasonal workers from other countries, many with no previous experience in outrigger canoeing, have also taken up the sport after being inspired by their PNG colleagues. Word spread through the PALM network, and today between 10 to 15 PALM workers from PNG are active competitors in the sport.
The outrigger canoeing season runs from March through to November, with events held across Queensland and beyond. Local competitions see clubs race from Port Douglas through to Gladstone, while also competing in larger national and international events.
This year, Matt and his crew are setting their sights on international competition in the Cook Islands.
The impact on the club, and the workplace, has been something Matt speaks about with genuine enthusiasm. “When they’re not at training, you can feel it. The energy is reflected in the workplace, and that’s why outrigger canoeing is such a benefit, not just for my business, but for my community of employees.” For the PALM workers, it offers something equally valuable: something meaningful to look forward to during the week and on weekends, a sense of purpose and community that extends well beyond the Matt’s farm.
Just as banana farming takes patience, care, and a community to flourish, so too does looking after the people who make it all happen. Matt’s story is a wonderful example of what’s possible when a workplace goes the extra mile for its workforce.
Want to cheer them on?
Matt and the team will be competing in the upcoming Etty Bay Biannual Regatta on 12–13 September 2026.
The club is also on the lookout for seasonal staff who are keen to get involved and compete, so if you’re interested, now’s the perfect time to join!
Want to share your story?
Stories like Matt’s are what make our industry so special. If you have a workforce story you think deserves to be told, reach out to Emily at [email protected], we’d love to help share it.