SOUTH Australians looking for new employment opportunities due to COVID-19 have been encouraged to join the Riverland’s seasonal agricultural workforce.
The State Government last week launched the Seasonal Jobs SA campaign, after restrictions surrounding the coronavirus emergency saw a decrease in international and interstate workers travelling to the region for harvest jobs this season.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said these circumstances presented employment opportunities for those whose previous work had been affected by COVID-19.
“This is a call to arms for our primary industries sector as we work to fill the jobs needed to ensure harvests across the state can be carried out effectively,” Mr Whetstone said.
“It is aimed at not only addressing the significant workforce challenges faced by our primary industries sector going forward but to encourage South Australians to give these seasonal jobs a go.”
Mr Whetstone said seasonal agricultural jobs – including citrus harvesting in the Riverland – were vital to sustaining South Australia’s economy through the COVID-19 crisis.
“This year around 24,000 workers are needed in South Australia in the horticulture sector alone, so I would strongly encourage anyone looking for work to consider seasonal roles,” he said.
“Whether it is tree-planting, fruit-picking, vegetable-packing, grape-harvesting or vine-pruning, you’ll be playing an important role in putting food on the tables for South Australian families.
“These jobs are often outdoors in the fresh air and can be incredibly rewarding and while they often require you to be physically fit, there are a range of seasonal jobs available over the next six months and beyond to suit a number of skill sets.”
Mr Whetstone said the new Seasonal Jobs online platform would connect interested job seekers with agencies sourcing agricultural workers, while also providing information on COVID-19 guidelines.
“By subscribing to the Seasonal Jobs SA website, prospective workers will be able to match their skills to new jobs as the seasonal work changes, as there’s a wide range of roles available and they’ll be different for each sector over the year,” he said.
“This website will also ensure we are keeping our regional communities safe, with a toolkit of information to help employers and employees understand their coronavirus requirements.”
For more information regarding the Seasonal Jobs SA initiative, visit the website (https://www.seasonaljobs.sa.gov.au/).