balkanghost

Backpackers flock to the fields as GFC makes hospitality work scarce in the cities.

The global financial crisis is forcing backpackers to look for harvest work due to a shortage of hospitality and bar jobs in cities, according to National Harvest Labour Information Service (NHLIS) manager Robert Cameron.

Cameron told the Weekly Times the NHLIS was receiving more than 1000 phone calls a day from backpackers looking for seasonal work. He said the GFC had reduced spending on discretionary items such as eating out, making hospitality jobs hard to come by and forcing backpackers into the fields.

Red_V_Roger

Not just harvest work, regional jobs in general.

I often go in bars like Tin Billy's when I am working in Brisbane and when asked, tell people that there is loads of work in places like Goondiwindi and Dalby, if ony they are prepared to move away from the coast.

Also, I understand that Working Holiday Visa is longer if you accept regional work.

moneypenny20

They always have done, stacks of backpackers head inland for work and a chance to explore and understand the real Australia. They also get extra time on their visas for doing it. Nothing new.

balkanghost

Much depends upon region, maybe more regional the better. Northern Victoria, i.e. accessible from Melbourne has been inundated by packpackers, some crops no good due to heat damage Nov 09 and grapes crops pulled in Mildura region.....

mohogony

l guess its a good chance to earn some valuable Aussie dollars