Australian farmers need your help to protect our $9.3 billion crop industry of wheat, barley and canola. The COVID-19 pandemic and closed international borders, many of these jobs needed to support the industry are yet be filled.
In the past farmers have relied heavily on 150,000 backpackers who fill 80 per cent of the seasonal workforce required on farms. However, there are currently 75 per cent fewer backpackers in Australia, leaving a gaping hole in the workforce this harvest season.
Grey nomads, university students, rural residents and those seeking an adventure are encouraged to join the harvest this spring. Pay rates range from $27 to $35 per hour for an average 30-60 hour working week, depending upon the job. There are over 3,000 jobs available at 30 locations in regional NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland for 12-weeks between October and December.
‘Adventurous Aussies who may normally look to travel overseas for unique experiences should consider an Aussie outback adventure in its place this spring, while our international borders remain closed,’ Programmed Executive General Manager for Programmed Skilled Workforce, Mr Hele said.
Sweetening the deal – locals looking to get involved can claim up to $6,000 from the government for accommodation, travel, food, clothing and protective equipment, while foreigners can claim up to $2,000.
According to research, between 30,000 and 40,000 Grey Nomads are on the road at any one time. While many are retired, according to David Hele, many are seeking work opportunities as they make their way around the country. ‘Why not spend the October-December period having a wonderful adventure and getting paid for it at the same time?’ he said.
Jill and Peter Schmid from Arthurton, South Australia are both in their 60’s and work at GrainFlow Maitland during harvest season. They like the temporary casual nature of the work and it fits in well with their lifestyle as well as generating some extra income in the lead up to Christmas. They’ve told us that it’s a great work environment, have been well treated and that the people on site are great to be around.
You can apply online right away for a range of different roles in towns like Barrren Junction or West Wyalong in NSW or Goondiwindi or the Darling Downs in Queensland. Anyone can get involved as training is provided as is a variety of indoor and outdoor positions. Duties include grain handling, weighbridge operating, customer service and assisting as a plant operator.
If any of the above interests you, be you a university student, retiree or anything in between, further information about the jobs, locations and the Government support package can be found at: Join the Harvest