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Victoria has opted into the above program, however, no decision from Victoria (specifically DHHS) on the best quarantine pathway for workers coming in has been decided.    

Even though a decision has not been made, we urge you to register your interest with an Approved Employer to confirm your interest in bringing in workers.

A list of Approved Employers is available here and includes a mix of growers and labour hire providers. Growers who are not Approved Employers can contact Connect Group and MADEC who will take EOIs from new clients who are able to commit to upfront workers costs. Please email: The Connect Group This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or MADEC This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

There is also a Seasonal Worker Regional Pilot program that is being run in the Goulburn Valley, assisting smaller growers to meet harvest needs, attached is the relevant flyer. You can also discuss your needs or questions with Miki Wilson who is the Regional Coordinator on (03) 54305601 or Mobile 0407 611 044.

Download the Regional Pilot Factsheet here...

1. Promote agricultural  jobs. YVR have a list of  jobseekers-participants from the recent Seasonal Workers Information Session and will inform them about local seasonal jobs. The VCA have already provided  some grower contacts (as per the VCA email sent earlier this month) who are seeking labour.
2. National Harvest Virtual Jobs Fair https://www.employment.gov.au/HarvestVJF to help agribusinesses across Australia find the workers they need. If employers have agricultural vacancies to fill for their upcoming season, they should consider exhibiting at the Virtual Jobs Fair. It will be held online on Thursday, 19 November 2020 from 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm (AEDT) – NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS. Exhibiting is free, providing businesses/key industry groups with the opportunity to showcase job opportunities and connect with enthusiastic job seekers looking for work.
3. YVR are collaborating with Migrants Information Centre (MMIC) and CALD communities coordinators and see serious interest from these communities to agricultural works. There are some barriers like language and transportation but MIC is happy to help with translation, transportation options could be discussed with particular growers. This is another source of seasonal labour for local growers. YVR are happy to connect growers with these communities and their coordinators.
4. Working For Victoria– a great opportunity to post jobs on the government platform with more than 86 000 jobseekers Australia wide. This site really works, posting a job is a free and quick process. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/register-employer    
    

• Media Coverage in Sitchu 
• Sunday Age article attached – also picked up by the Good Food
• Timeout- Victorian Cherry Trail
• News for the food lover- The Victorian Cherry Trail is open to Melburnains

The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) is hosting a National Harvest Virtual Jobs Fair to help agribusinesses across Australia find the staff they need.

Exhibiting is free and employers can showcase job opportunities and connect with enthusiastic job seekers looking for work

The National Harvest Virtual Jobs Fair is being held online on Thursday, 19 November 2020 from 1pm to 5pm (local time Vic/NSW/ACT/Tas). Employers can chat online with potential employees to discover if they might be a good fit for their business.

Employers can register their interest in being an exhibitor by submitting an Exhibitor Expression of Interest and a response will be sent shortly afterwards.

Visit the event website for more information...

Exporting Victorian Stone Fruit into UAE & Saudi Arabia
Wednesday 18 November, 5pm AEST
As the Victorian summer fruit season approaches, join the Global Victoria team in the Middle East and Africa to hear how your business can take advantage of the demand for quality stone fruit in the Middle East. Hear from two major fresh produce importers in the key markets of UAE and Saudi Arabia about the opportunities for Victorian stone fruit exporters in market and learn more about how Australian brands such as Pink Lady® have found success in the region. Victorian produce enjoys a strong reputation as clean, safe and delicious in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and market demand for summer fruits is strong.
Who should attend: Victorian stone fruit growers who are interested in taking advantage of the opportunities to export their produce to the Middle East. 
Register: Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance and you will receive a Microsoft Teams Live event link from the team a few days prior to the session.

Future Drought Fund: Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Program
Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs- This program will establish eight regionally-focused Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, the Hubs will support networks of key stakeholders to work together, including primary producers, grower and community groups, industry, researchers, entrepreneurs, education institutions and governments to:

• provide extension, adoption and commercialisation support
• plan co-designed and demand driven drought resilience research, development, extension, adoption and commercialisation (RDEA&C).

Each Hub can receive up to $2 million per year (GST exclusive). The grant amount will be up to 50% of eligible project costs (grant percentage). Closing Date & Time 23 December 2020 - 11:00pm AEDT. Click here for further information.

Seasonal Workforce Accommodation Program (SWAP) Grant
Funding will support local solutions that address seasonal worker accommodation needs. Preference will be given to activities that support the 2020-21 harvest up to June 2021. Activities that have a plan for supporting future seasons will be considered.

• Grant funds cannot be used for the purchase of plant or vehicles (but hire costs associated with accommodation and transport may be considered).
• The funding is for new activities or works that are not already provided as part of the business’s normal practice.
• The minimum grant amount is $10,000.
• The maximum grant amount is $1 million

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) PROCESS: Applications open November and close on 15 December and will be assessed on a first come, first served basis. Find more info on Guidelines, eligibility & EOI process here