FRUIT picking jobs in the Riverland are proving vital for Pacific Islanders unable to travel for work last year due to the COVID-19 emergency.
Pacific Island travellers last week began working on orchards across the region, after spending a two-week quarantine period at the Paringa Resort facility.
Tongan worker Albert Chan said the economic value of work in the Riverland was vital for many Pacific Islanders and their families.
“The boys were really excited to come back, because last year we didn’t get to come over,” he said.
“For most of the boys, this is where they get money to support their families.
“Last year they were looking for part-time jobs they could do back home to get some money…
“But we get good money here and there’s a few businesses here that are happy the boys are back.”
Mr Chan, who first visited the Riverland for work in 2017, described his two weeks in quarantine as a “comfortable” experience.
“I’ve been here a few years before, (but) this year is a little bit different because of the COVID situation,” he said.
“We were quarantined at Paringa for 14 days, but it was all right.
“There were good meals and it was comfortable, but the only bad part was that we couldn’t go out.”
Mr Chan said the majority of workers who had completed quarantine were staying at three different Riverland accommodation sites.
“We have to be a bit more spaced out because of COVID,” he said.
“There’s a few boys at Solora, a few at Paringa Caravan Park and a few staying near Murtho.”
Sunlands-based citrus grower and Citrus SA chair, Mark Doecke, said having the Pacific Island workers available would ease pressure on Riverland growers.
“The Pacific Island program provides the bulk of pickers especially for the bigger growers,” Mr Doecke said.
“This works in the industry’s favour as the local or extended visa holder pickers can then cover the demand from the medium to small growers.”