Author: Ai Pheng Tan

Hey there #MyAgriFamily! It’s your time to shine and WIN $500 with our Australian Ag Adventure video competition!

Have you been part of the Agri Labour Australia #myagrifamily during 2022-2023? If so, we want to see your memories!

Capture the Magic in a Short Video
To enter, it’s as easy as creating a short video or reel (less than 120 seconds, 90s is ideal!) that showcases your unforgettable experiences with Agri Labour Australia and the amazing agventure you had in Australia.

Unforgettable Moments, Incredible Prizes
From breathtaking sunrises and mesmerising sunsets to encountering unique wildlife, witnessing crop harvests, and forming lifelong friendships, we want to see it all!

How to Enter
Grab your camera, dive into your Google Drive, and get in touch with that friend who always captured the best footage. Submit your Aussie agriculture adventure for a chance to walk away with a cool $500 in Aussie dollars!

To enter, simply upload your video to Instagram and tag us at @agrilabourau (you can also add #myagrifamily too!). Alternatively, you can submit your video directly here. 

Competition Terms and Conditions

• Entries close on 8th September, and the winner will be announced on 13th September.
• To be eligible for the prize, you must be in Australia to receive it.
• You must have worked with Agri Labour Australia between 1st January 2022 and 31st August 2023.
• Safety first! Please refrain from any dangerous filming or activities. Any submissions containing unsafe activities will be disqualified.
• Ensure compliance with any site-based mobile phone or footage-based rules.Ensure you have the proper permission and do not film at times or in places where you do not have clearance. 

By sharing your video with us, you’ll be giving Agri Labour Australia authority to share it on our Instagram page and our website when we announce the competition winner. So if you don’t want anyone to see it, this competition isn’t for you. 

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to share your #myagrifamily moments and have a chance to win big. We can’t wait to see your incredible videos showcasing your Australian agventure!

Welcome to Australia, the land of opportunity and adventure! As you embark on your journey with Agri Labour Australia, it’s important to ensure that you are set up to manage your finances, starting with a bank account.

Opening a bank account in Australia is a straightforward process, but it helps to be prepared and aware of the necessary steps and requirements. Below, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide to setting up a bank account, including the documents you’ll need, potential challenges you may face, and helpful solutions to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Types of Bank Accounts

Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand the different types of bank accounts available in Australia. The most common options include transaction accounts, savings accounts, and term deposits. Each account serves a specific purpose, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and financial goals.

Choosing a Bank

Australia has several reputable banks, and the choice of which one to opt for largely depends on personal preference and convenience. Some popular banks include Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac, ANZ, and National Australia Bank, just to name a few. You may also find a location specific Credit Union which could be a good consideration from the major 4 “big” banks. Consider factors such as branch accessibility, online banking services, fees, and customer reviews when selecting a bank that aligns with your requirements.

Required Documentation

To open a bank account in Australia, you’ll need to provide certain documents for identification and verification purposes. These typically include:

• Passport: A valid passport is essential to establish your identity as a non-resident.
• Visa: Depending on your visa type, you may need to provide additional documents such as a valid work visa or working holiday visa.
• Proof of Address: Banks may require proof of your residential address in Australia, such as a rental agreement or utility bill in your name.
• Tax File Number (TFN): While not mandatory, providing your TFN can help ensure that you’re taxed correctly on your income.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

While opening a bank account is generally a straightforward process, there are a few challenges you might encounter along the way. Here are some common issues and their respective solutions:

• Lack of Australian Address: If you don’t have a permanent address in Australia, you can use the address of your employer or a trusted friend or family member. Many banks also offer options for temporary or mailing addresses.
• Limited Identification Documents: If you’re unable to provide certain identification documents, such as a passport, reach out to the bank and explain your situation. They may have alternative solutions or acceptable substitutes for identification purposes.
• Language Barriers: If English is not your first language and you encounter difficulties during the application process, consider seeking assistance from a bilingual friend, coworker, or interpreter. Alternatively, some banks offer multilingual customer service support to help guide you through the process. You may be able to access these via their phone services.

Additional Banking Services

Aside from basic transactional banking, Australian banks offer a range of additional services to enhance your financial management experience. These may include internet banking, mobile banking apps, debit cards, and the ability to transfer money internationally.

Budgeting and Saving Tips

As a candidate working in regional Australia, it’s essential to manage your finances wisely and make the most of your income. Here are a few budgeting and saving tips to help you along the way:

• Create a budget: Track your income and expenses to gain a clear understanding of your financial situation. This will help you allocate funds appropriately and save for future goals.
• Minimise unnecessary expenses: Identify areas where you can cut back on expenses, such as eating out or non-essential subscriptions. Small adjustments can add up to significant savings.

Setting up a bank account in Australia is a crucial step in establishing your financial stability during your time with Agri Labour Australia.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help set yourself up for financial security.

Last month, the spirit of AgriGundy lived on with our Agri Labour Australia and Agri Talent Cooking Competition!

You may recall back in March some of the team headed out for our ‘Gundy’ day, where we visited farm sites and learnt ‘on the job skills’. While there, we had the pleasure of Geraldine Smith’s home cooking and after many recipe requests, a new idea was born… one where we brought some of the classic country cooking we experienced to the big smoke! (We really just wanted an excuse to eat some of the fantastic treats Geraldine served us again!).

However, this time around, we took a leaf out of the CWA’s book and became Hosts with the Most – cooking some of Geraldine’s most loved dishes plus a few of our own favourites. These were all brought together for Geraldine to judge on the day.

Congratulations to our winners, Ashley Greener and Stanley Lam – Now we’ve unearthed these hidden talents, we’ll be sure to get them on display more often! We also had the privilege to hear from Dr Theresa Ruig, Associate Director – Workforce, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist with Ignis Consulting.

In addition to her dynamic and incredible career, Theresa is one of Geraldine’s daughters, her sister being Michelle, an Agri Labour Australia Account Managers. Theresa went blind at the age of 10, and uses her personal and professional experiences across a range of industry sectors to bring awareness of the valuable capabilities and skills that are sometimes hidden behind a person’s cover.

We greatly appreciated Dr Theresa giving up some of her day to join us for morning tea. It was humbling to hear her story, along with incredibly insightful suggestions for workplaces across Australia when it comes to achieving their Inclusivity and Diversity goals.

A sincere thank you to both Geraldine and Theresa for joining us at Agri Labour Australia HQ and graciously giving up their time and experience when it comes to their specialties and passions.

Also a special shout out to the most well mannered companion, Django who could peer onto the table laden with goodies yet restrained himself the whole time.

The cotton harvest is an exciting activity in the Australian agriculture calendar – highly popular with visa-holders, travellers, and local residents alike. If you’re working in the cotton harvest this year, it’s important that safety comes first.

Agri Labour Australia is committed to ensuring the safety of all our staff, and our staff working the cotton harvest are required to participate in inductions, training, and pre-employment education so you’re equipped with the necessary safety knowledge and appropriate skills prior to starting work. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing will also be carried out prior to harvest and randomly throughout the season.

In addition, there are some further important safety tips that you should keep in mind while working the cotton harvest.

1. Safety protocols and guidelines for cotton harvesting machinery: If you’re in a position where you’re operating machinery, it’s important that you regularly update your knowledge of safety guidelines for cotton harvesting machinery, including operation, maintenance, and emergency procedures.
2. Best practices for handling and processing cotton: Minimise potential hazards by following proper techniques for handling and processing cotton, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to safe lifting practices. Implement strict hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of any diseases or pests.
3. Monitor weather conditions during the harvest season: Stay informed about local weather conditions to ensure personal safety and avoid accidents or delays due to extreme weather events. Develop contingency plans in case of unforeseen weather disruptions.

If you are working the cotton harvest with Agri Labour Australia this year, we hope you stay safe and enjoy the incredible experience.

Farm work can be an amazing opportunity to take on a new adventure, and if you’re considering travelling to Australia, it’s well worth adding South Australia to your itinerary.  

With nearly 10,000 operational farms across the state, South Australia currently accounts for approximately 12% of Australia’s total gross agricultural production value, and offers plenty of working opportunities in the agriculture industry. 

Although South Australia has one of the two 25 shires in Australia, the state’s agriculture industry is strong, having generated revenue of $14.1 billion in 2021 – and this could be your year to become part of it all. 

Viticulture and beyond: key sources of rural jobs South Australia 

With a mild, temperate climate, South Australia is the ideal location for growing a wide variety of produce, creating a range of agricultural work opportunities, particularly in primary industries such as wheat, livestock and horticulture. 

The grain and citrus harvests are a top source of employment, creating thousands of jobs across the state. Jobs in the grain harvest include labouring, operating machinery and grain sampling, while the citrus harvest has roles available for sorting, packing and quality assurance team members as well as forklift operators. 

Wineries also create many rural jobs in South Australia, a state famous for its world-class wines. Many of the jobs in these industries rely on the use of agricultural and viticultural equipment by skilled machine operators. Viticultural equipment is particularly important for the rural jobs SA workers do to produce the state’s world-famous wine.

Harvest jobs South Australia: covering the supply chain  

Every harvest season creates a wide variety of job opportunities within different sections of the horticultural supply chain, from planting trees and picking fruit and vegetables in the great outdoors to packing and processing the fresh produce. 

Along the farm-to-table supply chain, harvest jobs SA cover a wide range of processes, beginning with ground preparation to ready the soil for the seeds and maximise the chances of successful growth. Seeds can then be sown, watered and eventually harvested, and at every stage, skilled machinery operators are in high demand. Once the produce has been harvested, packing sheds and processing plants offer ongoing work – an attractive opportunity for those who prefer to work out of the harsh sun. 

One of the best things about taking on harvest jobs in SA is having the opportunity to travel as you move from one harvest to the next and explore different parts of the state. On a long-haul trip, you can work your way around the whole country and experience all that Australia has to offer. 

Plan for success with agriculture jobs South Australia 

With agriculture jobs in SA available throughout the year, it’s important to consider the type of seasonal work you want to do when making travel plans. For example, if you plan to work on a particular harvest, you may need to travel at a certain time of year. 

With an average daily temperature high of just 22 degrees throughout the year, South Australia has a mild climate relative to the rest of Australia with warm, dry summers – ideal for travelling and working in a harvest. South Australian winters are mild by comparison, and may be the perfect time to make a move, as long as you pack and prepare for a cooler climate. 

South Australia produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables during summers and winters alike, with the warm weather bringing stone fruit, avocados and berries, and the cooler temperatures producing navel oranges, mandarins, pears, quinces and tangelos. 

Are you interested in the agriculture jobs SA has to offer? At Agri Labour Australia, we have a dedicated presence in Renmark, South Australia, to connect our candidates looking for farm work or related agribusiness employment opportunities in the region. 

Are you ready to make a move into an idyllic part of the world and take on exciting and rewarding farm work? If so, rural and regional Queensland could be the perfect destination for your next working holiday.  

Agriculture jobs in Queensland are plentiful, particularly as almost 90 per cent of the state’s land is used for agricultural production. Queensland is also home to seven of the top 25 local government areas, including Australia’s second richest LGA, Toowoomba, with an annual farming production value of approximately $1.1 billion, providing many of the rural jobs QLD needs. 

The state has also recently broken records for the production of broadacre crops such as wheat, barley and canola, creating new opportunities for farm workers. Whether your interest lies in the agriculture, fisheries, forestry or food sector, every harvest season brings with it a host of rural jobs in Queensland that will suit you and your skillset – and with comprehensive harvest trail services, the process of finding work is easier than ever. 

What kind of agricultural work opportunities are available? 

With rural jobs in Queensland across a variety of agricultural sectors, Queensland is a fantastic place to look for farm work. From the grain, cotton, mango and citrus harvests to piggery, poultry and livestock roles and even prawn farming, agriculture jobs in Queensland offer plenty of variety. 

At Agri Labour Australia, we have our roots in rural and regional Queensland, as well as the largest proportion of our client base, giving us a deep understanding of farming jobs in the region and what is required of harvest workers. We also service a number of clients managing horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, food processing, and storage and handling careers.

What’s the climate like in Queensland? 

Hailed as the “sunshine state”, Queensland generally enjoys a warm, temperate climate. The type of harvest work you take on – whether you’re picking fruit or vegetables, grading produce, packing crops or something in between – will determine the most appropriate season for your visit. 

If you’re planning on taking on harvest jobs in QLD during the summer, you’ll need to be prepared for intense heat and humidity as well as the occasional storm. There are a few options for workers during the hot season, with the mango harvest running through summer and the grain harvest finishing up in December, and jobs available at feedlots year-round.

Autumn and spring are generally warm and humid, with a wide variety of produce ready to be harvested. From vegetables to citrus, grapes, bananas and herbs, there’s a wide range of options. 

From June through to August, the winter season brings some cool relief to many parts of the country, allowing for produce like berries, avocados, pumpkins and citrus to thrive. 

How can I travel around rural Queensland? 

Rural Queensland is a vast open space, and public transport options may be limited, depending on how far inland you go, meaning that travelling by car may be your best – or only – option.  

Harvest jobs QLD may differ when it comes to transport arrangements, too; for example, depending on the job and location, some employers may arrange transport to and from the worksite.

What is there to do in Queensland? 

For those looking for a truly unique experience, Queensland is the place to be – full of attractions and scenery unlike what you’ll find anywhere else. If you’d like to see the cities and mingle with locals, you’ll want to spend your time in a popular spot like Brisbane or the Gold Coast, where the entertainment options are endless.  Just a few hours from rural Queensland are some of the best tourist attractions in the south-east, with Brisbane and the Gold Coast within easy reach. 

If you have a car, rural Queensland is also an ideal place for road trips, with plenty of hot spots up north. Cairns, for one, is home to some incredible native scenery, from the Daintree Rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, with no shortage of amazing beaches on the way up the coast. 

Want to know more about the rural jobs QLD has to offer? The agricultural recruitment experts at Agri Labour Australia can connect you with opportunities that match your skill set, availability and travel plans. To find out more, fill out the contact form on our website. 

If you’ve worked with our PALM team, chances are you’ve already spoken to Priscilla. Today, we want to take a moment to highlight her vital role as the PALM Scheme Manager here at Agri Labour Australia and share more about her work in providing both short- and long-term labour solutions for Pacific and Timorese workers in various rural and regional industries across Australia.

Something you might not know about Priscilla is that she is from the beautiful Pacific Island of Niue. Her connection and passion for the Pacific Islands is evident in her commitment to all of our PALM candidates who come to Australia. 

Priscilla’s first-hand knowledge of the unique cultural and social aspects of the Pacific region enables her to bridge the gap between PALM candidates and employers and foster positive, long-lasting relationships. 

We’re excited to share our Q&A with Priscilla and give you a glimpse into the person behind the role.

When did you join Agri Labour Australia?

9 Jan 2023

What is your role at Agri Labour Australia, and in the PALM team?

I manage the PALM program. My role is very diverse, from Strategic Development and Project Planning, overseeing operating procedures for Pacific workers engagement, being a conduit between our host employers of the Pacific workers, the Australian and Pacific Governments, and the local Pacific Diaspora Organisation.  

I also liaise with internal stakeholders and clients to conduct Quality Assurance activities to ensure our PALM team meet the relevant Deed of Agreement, Governments regulatory requirements and the AgriLabour Australia Group’s obligations under the PALM scheme.

What are your key responsibilities in this role?

I find and provide top quality candidates to host employers, in consultation with the participating Pacific Nation Labour Sending Units (PLF).  I then plan all recruitment logistics from onboarding to mobilising new employees to Australia.  

It is important to me to ensure our new employees are well inducted, that they understand the job, where their accommodation will be and how they will get there.

My main goal is to strengthen the working relationships from the host employer to PLF and the Australian and Pacific Governments so they see the benefits that working in the PALM Scheme can bring to the communities Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

Do you have family and/or ties to the Pacific Islands?

Yes indeed! I’m from a Pacific Island called Niue, affectionately known as the Rock of Polynesia.  Niue is one of the largest coral atolls in the world, dolphins and whales frequently swim right up to the reef.  

I have extended family in Niue, my grandparents left Niue to New Zealand (NZ) to work and provide a better education for their children and both my parents went to school in NZ.  

After my college years I moved here to Australia with my own little family. We moved for warmer weather, a better family orientated lifestyle and more opportunities.  

I am also well connected to Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Cook Islands through sport.  I coached the first QLD Niue Rugby League Women’s team and am proud to say that we placed third in the inaugural QLD Pacific Nations Cup!

What do you really enjoy about working in the ALA PALM team, and with both candidates and clients to place PALM workers into roles in Australia?

The ALA PALM team is first-class amazing! They were so helpful from the first day I started, warm and welcoming and we keep that same energy for all our new PALM workers that become part of our Agri family.  

I have a gun team; it makes every day exciting to come to work knowing we have deadlines to meet and so many projects going all at once.  

Not everyday is the same, and it’s quite a fast pace; I thrive on this and will never get bored.  

The team does a great job placing good quality workers with our clients but for me, it’s about more than that.  

To be able to offer opportunities to the outer islands and know that, with these placements we are also helping to rebuild communities!  

Churches have been repaired that were wrecked in cyclones 8 years ago where congregations sat on the floor and villagers still living in tents because their houses were blown over.  

A normal exciting day for me is keeping our clients happy, working to deadlines and compliance, creating a happy environment for our new employees and hearing their success stories.  

Building relationships and strengthening ties to make it all work, now that’s a good day 😊

The importance of workplace ergonomics in maintaining one’s health and wellbeing cannot be overstated, regardless of whether you are working in the field or in an office within the agriculture industry. Keeping the following three factors in check is key to staying safe and well on the job.

Technique matters
Maintaining proper posture and utilising effective body mechanics is crucial for alleviating stress on your muscles and joints, regardless of your job function. For those in field roles requiring repetitive movements and the handling of heavy objects, it becomes even more imperative to employ proper lifting techniques to prevent back and shoulder strain. Regular breaks for stretching and movement are also crucial for maintaining a healthy and injury-free work environment.

Equip yourself for success: The importance of proper tools
Being properly equipped is a crucial component of on-the-job safety. By selecting appropriate footwear and utilising tools and equipment that are correctly sized, you can minimise stress on your feet, legs, hands, and arms, creating a safer and more comfortable work environment.

Minimise strain in desk jobs
Although the work itself differs, workplace ergonomics are also important for office workers, who can be affected by different types of strain. If your role involves working at a desk, you may need to adjust your workstation and equipment to the appropriate height and angle to reduce strain on your neck and back. To reduce strain on your arms, wrists and hands, position your work materials within easy reach and use a wrist rest or other ergonomic aid.

If you’ve identified ways that ergonomics could be improved in your role, share your insights and recommendations with your supervisor to create a safer work environment.

If you’ve ever considered working and travelling in the land Down Under, rural and regional Victoria is the perfect place to get a taste for agriculture jobs in Australia and what they involve.  

Home to one quarter of Australia’s farming businesses, Victoria (VIC) is the nation’s largest producer of food and fibre products, with many local government areas (LGAs) making the list of the nation’s richest farming regions – great news if you’re interested in rural jobs in Victoria. 

Each year, harvest workers flock to Mildura, where $1.13 billion worth of fruit, nuts and broadacre crops was produced in 2020-21, along with other high value regions including Goulburn Valley, Moyne Shire, Corangamite and Campaspe. 

There were 21,600 farm businesses in Victoria in 2020-2021, providing plenty of opportunities for casual farm workers – and if you’re ready for an Aussie adventure, you could become one of them!

What kind of agricultural work opportunities are available? 

Much of the land in Victoria is used for cropping and grazing native and modified pastures; however, rural jobs VIC often involve harvesting fruit and vegetable produce, particularly pears, peaches, apples and tomatoes. 

With a wide range of jobs available in each harvest season, you can find a job that suits your skills and travel plans. Each year, the citrus harvest in rural Victoria provides work for packing and grading staff, floor supervisors, machine operators, quality control officers and hygiene attendants. Meanwhile, the almond harvest needs staff in on-farm, storage and factory processing roles. Whether you have experience operating machinery, working as a farm hand, cleaning and processing or supervising operations, it could be a great job fit. 

These are just some of the many harvest jobs in VIC and around Australia offering short-term opportunities for low and semi-skilled workers – and once you join the harvest trail, you’ll have the option to travel around Australia while earning good money. 

What’s the climate like in Victoria? 

As there are harvest opportunities available all year round, it’s important to consider the climate and time of year when applying for agriculture jobs in Victoria. The local seasonal climate and weather conditions tend to vary widely, so you’ll also need to prepare for the right season! 

If you’re planning on taking on harvest work during the Victorian summer – picking and packing crops such as strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, oranges or carrots, for example – you can expect dry weather and the occasional hot spell, with peak temperatures in January and February. Winters, on the other hand, are generally fresh and cool – perfect weather for the orange harvest. 

Using harvest trail services, you can explore the harvest jobs VIC has to offer and even follow the harvest trail around Australia, taking in the different seasons and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Popular harvests in Victoria include the almond harvest, which runs from February until July, and the citrus harvest, beginning in April and ending as late as October.

What is there to do in Victoria? 

When the harvest is over, rural and regional Victoria has no shortage of diverse places to see and things to do. 

Depending on where you’re based and how far you plan to travel, there’s plenty to see – from Melbourne’s famous Queen Victoria Market to the museums and galleries in Greater Geelong and the beaches and dynamic urban villages in Port Phillip. 

Those working rural jobs in Victoria are often surrounded by fantastic experiences for nature lovers, from the Grampians National Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs and the many waterfalls across the state. If you’re searching for an outdoors adventure, you’ll find plenty of nature and wildlife tours, hiking trails and sightseeing opportunities. Phillip Island is a marine life highlight, where visitors have the opportunity to see seals, dolphins and penguins up close.

How can I travel around rural Victoria? 

While an extensive network of roads makes it easy to travel around rural Victoria by car, there are also plenty of options for those relying on public transport. For a commute that’s unique to central Melbourne and a real tourist experience, hop on the City Circle Tram or drive along the Great Ocean Road – one to check off your bucket list! 

There’s so much to do in rural Victoria, and with the right job in the agriculture industry, you can make your adventure last longer – so what are you waiting for? Australia is calling!   

Want to know more about the rural jobs VIC has to offer? The agricultural recruitment experts at Agri Labour Australia can connect you with opportunities that match your skill set, availability and travel plans. To find out more, fill out the contact form on our website.