Current News

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Some awards will have new definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications from 2025.
 
What’s changing
There are upcoming changes for the Horticulture Award, including:

• introductory classifications can only apply for a limited time
• new rules and minimum pay apply for introductory rates.

The Review of C14 and C13 rates in modern awards arose from the Annual Wage Review 2018-19 Decision and follows from the decision of 16 April 2024 in which it was determined that:

• the lowest classification rate in any modern award applicable to ongoing employment should be at least the C13 rate (currently $915.90 per week)
• any classification rate below the C13 rate must be an entry-level rate operating for a limited period and provide a clear transition to a higher rate
• the transition period should not exceed 6 months.

Therefore, following changes to the Horticulture Award 2020, Level 1 will progress to Level 2 after no more than 3 months’ industry experience.

The changes apply from 1 April 2025.  More information will be provided closer to this date.

Horticulture Award Determination available HERE

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION OPEN
The extension and communication project team are excited to announce our National Vigour Management in person workshops, in February and March 2025 across the major growing regions.

We are welcoming Ronald Vermeulen, a Senior Fruit Consultant from the Netherlands and other guests to focus on practical strategies including nutrition, pruning and irrigation to effectively manage vigour and crop load in cherries.

The Victorian Workshop will be held on Monday 03 March at Agriculture Victoria, 255 Ferguson Rd, Tatura.

REGISTER HERE for Victoria.

More details on the agenda for each workshop and venues coming soon. We welcome all growers, industry supporters and researchers to attend our events.
If you have any questions, or wish to get involved, please contact Jess Fearnley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Fiona Pogue This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We hope to see you there!

The Cherry Fund Investment Plan for 2024/25 is available for download.

• what to do before the portal opens for applications
• how to navigate the online application form
• the technical tips that will help you have the best user experience possible

Click here for more information and to register.......

There has been an extremely positive response, from both cherry growers and industry stakeholders alike, to the July launch of CGA’s proposed restructure and the roll out of the industry pledge.

Behind the scenes, CGA has been working hard to make sure plans are in place to enable transition of the organisation, once industry support is certain. CGA is not far off from being able to take those first steps.

CGA is asking you to please consider the information contained in the ‘Restructure Proposal’ and if you haven’t done so already to complete and return a pledge form.  

The new structure aims to create a more inclusive and equitable platform for all cherry growers to have input into CGA’s focus and activities ensuring, with the support of a skills-based board and increased resourcing for staffing:

• greater consultation and engagement with growers,
• a stronger and more unified voice and enhanced representation for our industry,
• year-round proactive and industry driven development and activities,
• more targeted investment in industry growth areas,
• better informed, data backed and strategic decision making and
• improved operational efficiency.

CGA’s end game is to support a thriving and sustainable Australian cherry industry!