The Aussie agriculture industry doesn’t stop for the holiday season – and neither do our candidates!
If you’re working with Agri Labour Australia over the Easter long weekend, we’d like to thank you for supporting our clients’ operations all year round.
We appreciate all of your hard work, and we’re always on hand to troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.
As a candidate, you may already have heard many of the voices in the Agri Labour Australia office throughout the recruitment process, but today, we’re putting faces to names with a short Easter video message to you.
From all of us at Agri Labour Australia, thank you for your hard work and commitment, and have a fantastic, safe holiday break!
Adapting to new surroundings is a critical ability for anyone embarking on a life and work journey abroad.
While it’s bound to come with challenges, there are a number of things you can do to make the transition smoother and set yourself up for success in your new home Down Under.
These tips will set you up to make a strong start in Australia and make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime experience that awaits you.
Do your research
Before making a final decision on your work destination, it is important to conduct thorough research on the culture, history, politics, and social norms in Australia. This will provide a deeper understanding of the context in which you will be operating, and equip you with the knowledge you need to effectively handle any issues that may arise during your stay.
As a starting point, you can find useful information on the Australian lifestyle on the Visit Australia website, or read about Australian cultural values on the Cultural Atlas website.
Learn English
While in Australia, learning to speak English will not only enhance your working life by enabling more effective communication with coworkers and new friends, but also simplify daily activities such as grocery shopping and using public transportation. It will also open up many more opportunities for you in Australia. Even if you’re just starting out, there are many ways to start learning, including free apps like Duo Lingo and websites like BBC Learning English.
So, don’t hesitate to invest some time and effort in learning a few key phrases in English – the benefits will be well worth it!
Be open-minded
Venturing into unknown territory can be a thrilling yet intimidating experience. However, it can also serve as a growth-filled opportunity, filled with new discoveries and personal growth. Embrace new experiences with an open mind and attitude, and strive to find the silver lining in any difficulties that may arise during your travels. By doing so, you will not only overcome the challenges, but also come away with a wealth of enriching experiences.
Build a support network
Building connections with coworkers, fellow expatriates, and members of the local community is a crucial step in making your stay abroad a success. Having a supportive network can ease feelings of isolation and provide you with a wealth of valuable resources and information. So, make an effort to reach out, establish relationships, and cultivate a strong support network during your time abroad. This will not only enhance your experience, but also lay the foundation for long-lasting connections and memories.
Take care of yourself
Adapting to a foreign land can put a considerable amount of stress on you, both physically and emotionally. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritise self-care throughout the entire process. Nourish your body with nutritious meals, engage in physical activity, and ensure that you get sufficient rest. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of assistance. Taking care of yourself during this transition will help ensure a smoother and more fulfilling experience.
Stay connected with home
Being away from home, even for a short while, can bring feelings of loneliness. However, staying connected with loved ones back home can help bridge that gap and provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. Whether through phone calls, video chats, emails, or other means of communication, regular contact with your family and friends is essential for maintaining your happiness and well-being during your time abroad. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and stay connected to the people and places you hold dear.
Be culturally aware
Culture shock is very real when it comes to long-term overseas travel, particularly if you have never been away from home. While the local culture and customs will likely be unfamiliar to you, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of your actions and words, and to avoid any behaviour that could be considered offensive.
Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country, home to a population with diverse backgrounds, and a place where you can embrace your own culture while learning about and enjoying others’. For more information on cultural diversity in Australia, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
Maintain a positive attitude
When you’re in the process of adapting to a new environment, maintaining a positive attitude is key. Things may not always go as planned but maintaining a positive attitude will help you navigate any challenges that come your way.
Be prepared
Travelling means opening yourself up to the unexpected, and it’s important to have contingency plans in place to account for this; for example, how will you cope if you experience homesickness, or lose something important on the trip? While our team has plans in place to assist workers with a wide range of issues that may arise during their work placement, developing your own strategy prior to the trip could be very helpful.
Stay informed
The more you know, the safer you’ll be while overseas! Follow a trusted news source to stay in the loop about current events in the country you are working in, particularly any potential safety risks, and follow your company protocols and the advice of local authorities.
Moving to a new country to work is a major decision that comes with a host of new requirements, responsibilities and challenges. If you would like to travel overseas for work and need more expert advice on navigating the process, contact us via our website.
Every successful job placement begins with an understanding of exactly what a job entails, and there’s no better way to get to know a job than through hands-on experience. On the farm, this means getting up close with farming machinery, and learning how to operate it.
This year, our commitment to delivering the right people for every position saw us run our very first Staff Gundy Experience Day in North Callandoon.
Hosted by our Regional Manager Michelle Sleeth, her husband Craig Sleeth and Anthony Smith, the day gave our team an opportunity to get some hands-on experience and learn to operate with the machinery used on our clients’ farms.
With an impressive range of agricultural machinery on site, including excavators weighing up to 30 tonnes, our team had a rare opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat and operate the machinery themselves.
Beyond getting up close and personal with highly sophisticated, industry leading agricultural machinery, the event also included exciting outback experiences such as horse riding and a country cooking session, both of which were a big hit.
After such a memorable experience, all of our staff returned to the Brisbane office with a fresh perspective on the jobs they recruit for and the candidates they screen – and as the day was such a success, we decided to make it an annual event on our staff calendar.
Agri Labour Australia is proud to have built a team that embraces our values and seeks out and creates opportunities to support our candidates, clients and country, and today we’re shining a light on our Southern Account Manager, Damien Hall, and the tremendous DreamTime at the P initiative that he co-founded.
The event’s ultimate goal is to raise awareness and encourage conversations about the challenges faced by indigenous people and those from other ethnic backgrounds in our multicultural society, and to create new opportunities for those who have been disadvantaged.
As a local Mallee identity and former 3-time premiership coach of the Rovers Football Club in Alice Springs, co-founder Damien is truly passionate about this cause.
Damien is looking forward to working in partnership with Central Australia Redtails Football Club Founder Rob Clarke, who has achieved incredible success with indigenous youth, to bring the same opportunities to the SFNL.
Agri Labour Australia is incredibly proud of Damien’s work and thrilled to be a sponsor of the event, which is expected to attract a crowd of over 5000 people.
The game will also be broadcast on radio and live-streamed on YouTube, with a strong focus on fostering inclusiveness, acceptance, tolerance and understanding between different cultures – values that resonate strongly with Agri Labour Australia.
The event is also well placed to kick start the local Mildura economy as it recovers from devastating floods and storm damage, and provide an opportunity to connect with our primary producers and business owners.
We’re looking forward to supporting Damien and everyone involved in this fantastic initiative on game day – Saturday, 15 April at the new Mildura Sporting Precinct.
With high temperatures, significant rainfall, potential flooding and more than 300 mosquito species, the Australian summer is a hotspot for mosquito-borne diseases.
While mosquitoes start to breed throughout spring and autumn, they remain active throughout the whole year, particularly in the northern parts of Australia.
For those employed in the agriculture sector, Australia’s unique climate can put them at risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Dengue fever. It is crucial for workers to take measures to safeguard their health while on the job, especially for those with outdoor duties or who work in areas with a heightened risk of exposure.
At Agri Labour Australia, we go above and beyond to ensure that our clients have put in place proper preventive measures before sending workers to high-risk mosquito environments. This includes eliminating potential breeding sites, providing personal protective equipment like clothing and insect repellent, and training workers on how to protect themselves from these diseases.
To further minimise the risk of exposure, it is important to restrict access to open containers or bodies of water, as they provide the ideal habitat for mosquitoes to breed.
With these measures in place, workers in the agriculture industry can have peace of mind and feel confident in their safety while on the job.
Candidates can take several simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses. These include keeping windows and doors closed and using insect screens, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs, and using mosquito repellent sprays and coils.
Our dedicated Account Managers regularly visit work sites and engage in safety conversations with workers to educate them about the potential risks associated with working in specific environments. This allows for proactive measures to be taken to mitigate the risk of exposure and promote a safe and healthy work environment.
Agri Labour Australia is proud to have built a diverse workforce over the years, and we’re always working towards greater equity and equality across our business, with a particular focus on supporting and celebrating women.
Each year, International Women’s Day comes as an important reminder of this goal, and of the great contributions women make to our business in a variety of roles, including senior leadership positions.
The 2023 International Women’s Day campaign theme, #EmbraceEquity, aims to start a conversation around the world about why equal opportunities aren’t enough to create true equality.
If equality is the goal, equity is the means to get there – and each of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence.
We’re working towards the goal of equality through equity by starting important conversations with the women of Agri Labour Australia about what gives them a sense of belonging at work.
Marcela Badim Rocha Lima
Brazil
There is a plethora of factors which makes me feel included, welcome, and truly part of the company, including the diversity expressed in the internal teams – both from a cultural perspective, as well as career backgrounds – the true leaders within the business, and the live examples of mid-level leaders and upcoming ones being propelled towards the next level in terms of performance, behaviours and mindsets. Not only it is exciting to be part of this group as an employee, but also a great incentive to continue developing myself personally and professionally whilst nurturing the most genuine relationships!
Christine Blunsdon
Australia
For me, it’s all about feeling valued at work.
Melissa Britt
Australia
Agri Labour provides a sense of inclusion as well as support and encouragement to move into leadership positions. Luke and Casey’s genuine caring nature also makes all the difference.
Priscilla Knight
Niue
Agri Labour is diverse, fostering a positive culture. We connect through open communication, and we are seen for our contributions. We’re supported daily in the work we do and through professional development opportunities to improve and bring out the best in what we do. I’m proud of our values, purpose, and recognition for staff.
Oxana Reed
Kazakhstan
We have strong representation of women in leadership positions. This is still rare in private enterprise, despite many conversations and activities in public domain about it. Definitely something to be proud of!
Michelle Smith
Australia
This company makes you feel part of their team by empowering you to be the best person you can be. They are family friendly company that values our work commitments and achievements and guide us into leadership roles, but also consider our families which helps us to get to work each day. I love working for Agri Labour.
Ai Siang Tan (Parris)
Malaysia
Agri Labour gives me opportunities to express my opinions freely – not sometimes, but always.
Trish Trussell
Australia
During the many years I’ve worked for this company, Casey and Luke have always included me in all meetings/gatherings, even though I work and live in South Australia. I also have had a lot of support and guidance from Liam, Ruth and Ai Pheng; they are always available with any enquires I may have.
Nicole Whittle
South Africa
We are not only able but are encouraged to contribute to meaningful conversations around day-to-day operations and the future of the business. I feel honoured to be amongst such strong, driven, like-minded women in the agricultural sector. We all work together and support each other in challenging times and celebrate our wins – it’s pretty amazing!
Rema Wright
Philippines
As a new joiner in any organisation, the very first battles to face – aside from learning the role and tasks – are adapting to the company culture and the stigma of being compared to your predecessor. I have been to many organisations in Australia and abroad, including multinational organisations, and it gives me so much comfort that I never felt outcast as a new employee – that I was accepted as me. It’s a testament to the organisation’s culture that it’s mature enough to not deal with office politics and other nonsense drama. The framed motivational quotes on our office wall say, “practice love and positivity”, and everyone in the office does that each day.
Fiona Stevens
Kiribati
I am only very new at Agri Labour and already I feel so at home. Everyone at work has created an environment that has made me feel very welcomed and part of the team. Everyone seems so nice and understanding which makes it easier to settle in and be comfortable, while the variety of different cultures and backgrounds within the team gives this work place an extra special touch. I can’t wait to experience more of this positive, inclusive and supportive environment.
Kelli McDougall
Australia
Working in a leadership role with Agri Labour Australia has provided me with the platform and support to drive business and employee initiatives I struggled to execute in my own small business. The culture is one of empowerment, inclusion and, most importantly, TRUST. The Directors and Executive team empower all leaders to “lead”, not just manage and execute operations. This culture of empowerment and coaching enables all staff to be invested in their roles and make decisions and provide input without fear of negative repercussions.
Happy International Women’s Day to all of the amazing women who provide their invaluable support to the Australian agriculture industry.
If you’re looking for an exciting working holiday opportunity, look no further than Australia. Here, you can earn a great income and make unforgettable memories while basking in the country’s warm, sunny climate.
Along the famous harvest trail, you’ll find a wide range of exhilarating job opportunities for those who want to work and play in beautiful locations, as well as for travellers who want to save up money to take home and set themselves up financially for the future. Every year, countless travellers, grey nomads, and foreign workers flock to the remote and rural areas of the country to take part in the harvest, with many extending their stay by following the trail.
This unique experience allows you to work and travel across Australia, meet amazing people, and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the outback, all while fulfilling visa requirements.
The beginning of a new year brings plenty of fresh harvest opportunities, and many of our candidates have already jumped on those listed below.
When is the almond harvest on?
The Australian almond season kicks off in February at the peak of summer. The first two months are the ideal time to join the harvest if you want to soak up the sun outdoors, but there are also plenty of roles available in the processing season, which runs for about six months before wrapping up in July.
Where does the almond harvest take place?
Most of Australia’s almonds are grown in orchards along the beautiful Murray River in South Australia – a truly idyllic backdrop for harvest workers – with other significant operations located in rural Victoria and New South Wales.
What can I expect from the almond harvest?
Whether you’re an Australian resident, visa holder, traveller or grey nomad, the almond harvest is an amazing opportunity to find work that suits your schedule amongst some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. While the weather depends on the season and location, the work is dusty and hot, so it’s important to be prepared with the right protective gear. Before you start work, you’ll also be required to participate in inductions, training and pre-employment education.
What roles are available in the almond harvest?
The almond harvest offers a variety of on-farm, stockpad and factory processing roles. If you’d like to work on-farm, you could find a job as a harvest machine operator, farm hand, tractor driver, elevator operator, supervisor, QA officer, or poling and sanitisation crew member.
There are also a variety of storage roles available for loader operators, tractor drivers, tarping crews and drier operators, and factory processing roles for forklift & machine operators, cleaning & processing staff, and sampling and quality assurance team members.
When is the walnut harvest on?
The walnut harvest runs for two to three months, typically beginning in February and ending in May; however, this timeframe can vary based on the walnut variety and region. As it kicks off at the end of summer, the walnut harvest gives travellers the opportunity to experience Australia’s glorious autumn weather.
Where does the walnut harvest take place?
The majority of Australia’s walnuts are grown on the East coast of Tasmania, with harvesting and processing operations taking place in several other states, including the Goulburn Valley and Manjimup in WA, the Murray Irrigation Area in VIC and the Riverina in NSW.
What can I expect from the walnut harvest?
For those prepared to take on a long day’s work, the walnut harvest is a great opportunity to earn money working amongst some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery. As walnuts typically grow best in mild temperatures, they can be found in Tasmania and Victoria. Given the natural irritants in walnuts, protective gear for the hands and arms is essential.
What roles are available in the walnut harvest?
The walnut harvest offers a variety of work opportunities to suit different skill sets. Whether you’re skilled at operating farm machinery or better suited to a role as a labourer or factory worker, there are plenty of roles available. Agri Labour Australia currently has more than 150 workers on the job across the Riverina area and in Swansea.
When is the rice harvest on?
As rice grows best in heavy soils created by a combination of summer sunshine and warm temperatures, preparations for the rice harvest begin in January. The harvest itself begins in mid-March and runs through autumn, wrapping up in May or June.
Where does the rice harvest take place?
If you’re looking to travel around the country, the rice harvest is the perfect working opportunity. Rice grows in several states including Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, but the majority of Australia’s rice produce is grown in southern NSW, on the irrigated farms in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys.
What can I expect from the rice harvest?
Not only does the harvest offer good rates of pay, but workers also have the opportunity to join an exceptional team and form lifelong friendships. The rice harvest involves long days and busy work, with most workers putting in 8 to 12 hours per day and 6 to 7 days per week in state-of-the-art processing plants.
What roles are available in the rice harvest?
No matter your strengths in the field, there are plenty of rice harvest roles that could be suitable for you, from working machines, overseeing operations or something in between. Shed and pit operators, grain testers, weighbridge staff, appraisal staff and hygienists all play essential roles in ensuring a productive season.
If you like the idea of working in a scenic part of the world, meeting new people and earning good money, the harvest season is waiting for you! Whether you’ve worked in the agriculture industry before or you’re considering it for the first time, the Agri Labour Australia team can match you with the perfect role.
Embarking on a new adventure in Australia brings not only excitement but also the opportunity to explore the local cuisine and grocery shopping experience. We sat down with some of the Agri Labour Australia team, hailing from different corners of the world, to learn about their initial impressions of Australian food and their top tips for candidates when it comes to grocery shopping in the land Down Under.
Tommy, Recruiter:
When I am strapped for time I love to prepare meals in advance, with my favourites including ingredients that only need minimal cooking to make a healthy, filling and voluminous dish! My favourite is my Mexican bean dish, which can be made vegetarian, vegan or with meat. To make my dollar stretch further I head straight to Aldi for all the ingredients!
Save this Recipe card and use it on your next shopping trip.
Jane*, Recruiter:
Always look for specials or marked down food. Usually an hour before closing, or after 3pm on a Saturday or Sunday, are the best times to go for markdowns.
Put money together as a group and cook family meals for all to share. Similarly if everyone contributes to a food fund you could also go to weekend markets or farmers markets to find cheaper and higher quality (longer lasting) fruit and vegetables.
Buy seconds, for example, the odd bunch at Woolworths, the produce doesn’t look as pretty, but it’s just as good and cheaper.
Don’t shop on an empty stomach! The times I’ve gone shopping when I’m already really hungry never ends well and I make a lot of impulsive purchases and unnecessary spending, especially on things that aren’t very healthy. This means I always try to plan my shopping trips when I know I’m likely to have already eaten.
Hailie, Recruiter:
It’s very likely you’ll be doing 12 hour days and as a lot of sites are quite a distance from the local shops, planning and preparation will become your best friend! Start by ensuring you have an idea of the meals you want to prep for the week and then get to writing a list. This is the first step in being successful when it comes to sticking to a budget and not wasting food or money!
Home brand is just as good as name brand, for example, paracetamol is the same strength as leading brand name painkillers but for a fraction of the price (80 cents as opposed to more than $5). Ibuprofen and brand name pain relief are the same strength and again a fraction of the price ($1.55 as opposed to over $7). This applies across the whole range of grocery store items so when shopping, you can get more for your money if you look at the store named brand. You’ll also find that the cheapest brands are located on the lower shelves, so don’t forget to look down and not just at shoulder height for the foods you’re looking for.
Cook in bulk whenever possible! This can be tricky though as shared accommodation can make it hard to stick to a space allotment in the fridge, freezer or cupboards. Another option would be to use a freezer whenever possible in order to freeze your pre-made meals and sometimes you can find these available in an eski format from Bunnings or Aldi.
For breaks it’s always good to keep some fruit (fresh and/or dried) and muesli bars/protein bars as these can easily be stored in a locker or backpack.
Always start the day with a good breakfast! Something like a high fibre breakfast or oatmeal porridge, keeps your stomach full for a long time.
Grocery shopping on a budget?
Shopping on a budget while working in regional Australia can be a smart way to make your hard-earned dollars stretch further. Here are some tips to help you save money on your grocery shopping adventures.
Plan your meals ahead and make a shopping list based on the ingredients you need. Stick to your list and avoid impulse purchases.
Look out for weekly specials and discounts offered by supermarkets, as they can help you score great deals on staple items.
Buy Home Brand products, they are cheaper than the big brand names as they cost less to produce by using no frills packaging and marketing campaigns.
Consider purchasing in bulk when possible, as it often offers better value for money.
Keep an eye out for reduced-price items near their expiration date, as these can be a budget-friendly option for immediate consumption or freezing for later use.
By being mindful of your spending and making savvy choices, you can make the most of your grocery budget while enjoying your time in regional Australia.
*Jane wanted to remain anonymous for this article.
