Category: Agri Labour

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.

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.

DreamTime at the P will bring the Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) Representative Team and the Central Australia Redtails Football Club together for an unmissable match.

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.