Belonging can shape a future: Dennis Paydon’s journey to Permanent Residency
Some workplace milestones extend far beyond the workplace. When Dennis Paydon recently received his Permanent Residency in Australia, his first thought was about his family.
“Grateful—not just for the milestone, but for everyone who helped me get here.”
For Dennis, the milestone represents years of hard work, perseverance and faith. It has also brought greater certainty and a brighter future for his family in Australia.
His story is now part of Sodexo Australia’s #BelongTogether campaign, which shares the different experiences of belonging across our business.
More than a career milestone
Dennis’s journey reflects the experience of many people who build careers and lives in a country far from where they started.
He remembers arriving at Sodexo and feeling supported from day one. From the reception team and trainers during onboarding to the management team at Eramurra Village during his first fly-in, those early experiences helped him settle into a new role and environment.
“Their guidance gave me the confidence to perform my role well and continue improving every day,” Dennis says.
Since then, Dennis has developed new skills, built confidence and continued to grow both personally and professionally. He now hopes to continue progressing his career and potentially move into a leadership role where he can support others in achieving their own goals.
Why this matters
Sodexo Australia operates across a diverse workforce, bringing together people from different countries, cultures, backgrounds and experiences.
That diversity is one of our strengths, particularly in the Energy & Resources sector, where strong teams depend on people being able to work effectively together across locations, roles and backgrounds.
But diversity alone does not create belonging. Dennis describes belonging as being part of a team where people are respected, valued and treated equally.
“We come from different nationalities and backgrounds, but we all work together with strong communication and teamwork,” he says. “That sense of unity and mutual respect makes me feel that I truly belong.”
For leaders and support functions, this is a practical reminder that the experience we create around onboarding, development, leadership and day-to-day interactions can have a lasting impact on people.
A story of growth and support
Dennis’s journey also highlights the value of support throughout an employee’s career, not just at the point of recruitment.
He started with limited experience in some areas but developed new skills with the guidance of his managers and teammates. The confidence he gained has helped him look towards his next career steps.
His story is one example of how opportunities to learn, clear pathways and supportive teams can help people build their careers over time.
The impact can be difficult to measure through a single number. But for Dennis and his family, the outcome is clear: greater security and a future that now feels more certain.
What #BelongTogether enables
BelongTogether brings together real stories from across Sodexo Australia to explore what belonging looks like through different experiences.
The campaign spans stories of friendship and connection, Indigenous perspectives, Pride and allyship, refugee and migrant journeys, cultural diversity, accessibility and inclusion.
The aim is not to suggest that everyone’s experience is the same. It is to create space for people to understand experiences beyond their own and recognise the role each of us can play in making others feel welcome, respected and supported.
Dennis’s advice to others beginning their own journey is simple: keep moving forward, remember why you’re working hard and don’t forget the people who helped you along the way.
Building belonging together
Dennis’s Permanent Residency is his achievement, earned through his own hard work and perseverance. But his story also recognises the people who welcomed him, encouraged him and helped him grow.
Thank you to Dennis for sharing such an important part of his journey, and to the leaders, trainers and teammates who supported him along the way.
Because belonging is built in everyday moments. And sometimes, those moments can help shape a future.
