Highlights
- There are many short-term farm jobs to choose from in regional Victoria.
- Work is available in areas including picking, packing, operating machinery among other routine farming tasks
- Many government initiatives aim to attract more seasonal workforce
Melbourne-based Jaskaranpal Singh is a seasonal farmworker who frequently travels to different parts of regional Victoria.
The 42-year old relies on many short-term jobs available across different farm seasons all year round.
Mr Singh says he mainly works for farm contractors who offer various fruit picking or packing jobs on a short-term or daily basis.
Representational image of the workers working in a farm. Source: Supplied
Depending upon the availability of work he stays at Swan Hill region from August to November for the citrus season, in Yarra Valley and Dandenong regions from December to February for collecting cherries and berries, and in Werribee during the vegetable season from March to April.
Mr Singh says that one can upskill after taking the job, but those interested must be aware that farm work often requires heavy lifting, bending, climbing ladders, and operating machinery like tractors and farm-buggies.
He says working in farms comes with its perks and challenges.
It needs physical fitness and a lot of will power as you’re supposed to work outdoors in challenging conditions.
“Farmworkers are often exposed to harsh winter and summer seasons. And it becomes even difficult when you think of working on a rainy day in winter,” he says.
Government initiatives to attract more seasonal workforce
Victoria's regions need seasonal workers at different times. The table below provides a snapshot of where you could find work this harvest season. Source: Screenshot Agriculture Victoria
The Victorian government is working with the industry to provide a coordinated response to this season's harvest workforce shortage, attract seasonal workers to the state's regional areas, and ensure farmers have the workers they need to get the produce to the plate.
In a statement to SBS Punjabi, the newly-appointed Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said there are thousands of short-term jobs ripe for the picking in paddocks and packing sheds in the Goulburn Valley, the Sunraysia, the Yarra Valley and Gippsland.
Victorians are encouraged to consider a job that's a solid day's work but packed with satisfaction.
"Agriculture Victoria's Seasonal Workforce Coordinators are working with horticulture industries in northern and central-eastern Victoria to link agriculture businesses with potential job seekers," she said.
Minister Thomas said the state's coordinators also have expertise in working with the multicultural communities and can provide in-language information, facilitate job connections and assist with communications.
Representational image of a wheat farm. Source: AAP
The government has delivered a $57 million comprehensive support package that includes financial assistance for farm businesses to attract workers, with free training programs and subsidies for accommodation and transport costs.
It also includes the $6 million Seasonal Worker Accommodation Plan which aims to address the movement and increased supply of safe accommodation for seasonal workers in key agriculture regions.
Punjabi community in farming and allied sectors
Jaswinder Singh Dhaliwal and his family moved to Mildura in 2016. Source: Supplied
The Punjabi community is highly-valued in regional Victoria. Many families relocated to Shepparton and the surrounding towns of Tatura, Merrigum and Kyabram in the early 1980s.
There are also some prime examples of and Yarra Valley.
Mr Singh, a migrant from the north Indian state of Punjab, says he likes farm work for various reasons.
“This is what I’ve been doing since many generations back in Punjab. So, this work comes to me very naturally. I like it, and it is also fun if you work alongside a group of friends.
“If you are hardworking and skilled and know your trade then there is no shortage of work for you, and on the plus side it’s good money all year round,” he adds.
“At the end, it’s a good feeling that you help put food on people’s tables.”
Government initiatives to support the agriculture sector
This image is for representation purpose only. Source: AAP
The Victorian Government’s initiative matches jobseekers with work opportunities. Registered jobseekers can access training and apply for jobs through this platform.
If you find work in agriculture, you may be eligible for government support, like:
- A relocation rebate from the Australian Government for relocating to work in agriculture, and staying for more than six weeks. You may receive:
- $2,000 if you are a visa holder with the right to work in Australia
- $3,000 if you are an Australian citizen relocating to a capital city
- $6,000 if you are an Australian citizen relocating to a regional area
- An extra $3,000 if you are an Australian citizen relocating with a dependent
- Greater access to Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY. Earn $15,000 in agriculture between 30 November 2020 and 31 December 2021 to be considered independent
- Up to $77.17 weekly allowance for eligible apprentices who move away from their parent's home for work
- Free Victorian Government-funded training programs to get jobseekers ready for work
Representational image of a farmworker. Source: Pixabay
There are other platforms that people can use to connect with work, including the Commonwealth Government's Harvest Trail or by contacting a local industry organisation.
For more information, job seekers can call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
Mr Singh says workers should be vigilant against the conditions that lead to the wage-theft and workplace bullying.
"Speak out and don't leave it to the last moment. Always have an open conversation with your contractor or work provider about your wages, overtime payments and other perks.
"There are rules and regulations in place to protect you from this behaviour. So, know your rights and don't feel that you're dependent upon someone's mercy," he says.
if you seek more information on Victoria's seasonal farm work.
Representational image of a farmworker with a tractor. Source: Getty Images
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