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Yarra Valley - Harvest Labour Services

Check the latest harvesting opportunities - Harvest Hotline 1300 792 622.

Sarina Russo Job Access - Harvest Labour Office

Unit 5 / 9 Clarke Street, Lilydale Vic 3140
Phone: (03) 9735 7800
Fax: (03) 9735 7899
Mobile: 0437 632 142
Email: yvharvest@sarinarusso.com.au
Hotline: 1300 792 622

Harvest Crop Locations

Lilydale is the gateway to The Yarra Valley and an outer suburb of Melbourne , being just 40km east of the State capital. A large range of cool climate crops have traditionally been grown in the Valley, including apples, pears, cherries and berry fruits. In recent years, there have been massive plantings of grapes for Wine production. Many of Australia’s largest companies have brought their marketing nearer to the large population residing in Melbourne by establishing their vineyards in The Yarra Valley. The Yarra Valley includes, Montrose, Hoddles Creek, Yarra Junction, Silvan, Gladysdale, Coldstream, Gruyere, Wandin, Seville, Monbulk, Yarra Glen and Healesville.

Fruits Harvested:

Cherries / Berries (November - January)
Grapes (February - April)
Apples (Late February - May)
Strawberries (October - May)

The Shire of Yarra Range has a very diversified horticulture industry with projects 9 months of the year. Fruit Thinning, Picking, Pruning, Tree Lifting & bundling are just a few of the opportunities. Job Seekers are advised not to travel to the harvest areas without having a definite job placement. If they do, they may find that on arrival in the harvest area that there is no work.

What You'll Need

Australian Tax File Number
Current Working Visa (If you're visiting Australia)
Sensible shoes for climbing ladders
Sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat
All weather clothing as conditions change
Your own water and lunch
Own transport
(Taxis are the only form of local public transport)
Prepared to start early eg.6am

Pay Rates & Work Conditions

Pickers can be paid an hourly rate or are paid on a 'Piece Rate', where income earned is based on volume. What can be earned depends on the picker’s ability, the size of the crop and the climatic conditions. First time pickers may find it difficult to make wages initially, however picking is like any physical skill - you get faster the more you do. For fruit packing and shed hand work, payment is usually by wages. The majority of growers pay fortnightly and you will need a tax file number, proof of identity and/or an appropriate working visa, along with banking details.

Accommodation & Transport

Only a few growers have on-site accommodation available, however it gets booked out quickly. It’s a great advantage to have your own camping and cooking equipment. Caravans and campers are most welcome. The local caravan parks have excellent facilities including camping grounds, however you may need to book well in advance. It may be essential that workers bring their own camping equipment. Harvest workers must have their own transport as there is no local public transport other than taxis and little on farm accommodation. Generally growers do not provide accommodation. However, camping is permitted on a few properties (not Vineyards). Limited local accommodation exists with providers listed below:

Caravan Parks:

The Doon, Yarra Junction - (03) 5967 1674
BIG4 Badger Creek Holiday Park, Healesville - (03) 5962 4328
Pine Hill Caravan Park, Lilydale - (03) 9735 4577
Warburton Camping, Warburton – (03) 5966 2277
Black Spur Motel & Caravan Park, Narbethong – (03) 5963 7153

Backpackers:

Aerie Heights Backpackers, Yarra Junction - 03 5967 1247 or 0409 554 122
Emerald Backpackers, Emerald - 5968 4086 / 0412 458 227
Blue Views Cottages, Narbethong - 5963 7214
Yakka Backpackers, Silvan - 0411 984 466

Public Transport:

www.MetlinkMelbourne.com.au
Phone 131 638

Useful Local Phone Numbers

Emergency: Police, Fire, Ambulance - 000
Maroondah Hospital - 03 9871 3333
Angliss Hospital - 03 9764 6111
Poisons Information - 131 126
Alcohol & Drug Info Service - 1800 888 286
Interpreter Service - 131 450
Centrelink - 131 021
Workchoices - 1300 363 264
Lifeline - 131 114
Yarra Valley Taxi Service - 5962 4722
General Taxi Number -132 227

Helpful Tips

Australian Tax File Number (TFN)
Appropriate taxes are to be paid on all earnings by you. The rate will be determined by your background and the current working arrangements. These are collected by the farmer and submitted to the Australian Taxation Office. If you fail to provide a TFN you will be taxed at the highest rate. More information and an TFN can be obtained from the Australian Taxation Office (www.ato.gov.au).
Working Visas
If you're visiting Australia and you wish to work, you'll need a current and appropriate Working Visa. These can be obtained from the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (www.dimia.gov.au).
Physical / Personal Fitness
Most harvest jobs require a reasonable level of individual physical fitness as jobs may involve climbing ladders, standing, kneeling or sitting while moving through the crop. Lifting is often a required activity and work may be repetitious and tiring.
Arriving on Time
Arriving at the right time is extremely important. Being early means limited work and unless you have money and wish to be a tourist for a short while, so don't arrive in a potential work town prior to the availability of work. Late arrival of course can mean that many of the jobs are taken.
Own Transport
Having your own transport can be an advantage in obtaining a job. Always let people know of your situation when discussing possible work opportunities.
Accommodation
Accommodation is often a significant issue. Make sure you talk with the local office to ensure arrangements can be made before moving to an area. Always let people know immediately if you have your own accommodation eg. Tent, caravan or campervan.
Animals / Pets
Strictly no animals or pets are allowed in the caravan parks, orchards, vineyards and other places of Harvest work.
Clothing, Hats & Sunscreen
You require hard wearing clothing that will keep you well covered and protected against the weather conditions and the work environment. Maximum protection against the sun is essential. A suitable broad-brimmed hat is essential with your well covered clothing. You should use a sun screen cream with protection factor of at least 30+. Sunglasses are also to be recommended. Footwear requires sturdy work boots or shoes.
Weather
Weather plays an important role in harvesting, as some crops cannot be picked wet. If this happens, your income may be affected temporarily.

(Please Note: As harvest conditions can change daily please contact to confirm job availability before leaving your current location.)
Keep Hydrated & Eat Well
Harvesting crops is demanding work, days can be long and hot, so a good supply of water is vital to prevent dehydration. A large water bottle and a suitable lunch every day is suggested. Eat well, pace yourself and get adequate amounts of rest each night for the days ahead.
Insect Repellent
Insects are very common and can be dangerous. Always carry and regularly use a strong effective insect repellent.
Listen & Follow Instructions
Listen carefully and ALWAYS follow the instructions given on the harvest and all aspects of health and safety advice. Be careful when handling the produce and only harvest what has been specified. If in doubt, please ask!

For more information

Download and view:

National Harvest Labour Guide (pdf).
Harvest Labour Registration (pdf)
Yarra Valley Harvest Labour Services Brochure (pdf)

Contact the National Harvest Labour information service
Freecall 1800 062 332 - weekdays from 8am - 8pm.
Or visit the Harvest Trail website (www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail).