Working
Tully is regarded as one of the most reliable ‘year round’ work venues in Australia. ‘Banana Barracks’ is a purpose built working backpacker hostel.
Farms of melons, pumpkins, and sugarcane surround Tully but mostly...BANANAS! Banana farming involves physical labour, however any reasonably fit person is more than capable.
In the main, boys are recruited to ‘hump’ or balance the heavy banana bunches on their shoulder from the tree to the trailer in the paddock or ‘hang’ the banana bunches up on a moving line from the trailer in the shed.
Girls usually work in the shed to ‘sort’ the bananas before they are packed or are out in the paddock pruning the banana trees.
In order for you to be placed on the work list you must pay one ‘non refundable’ week of accommodation along with a $300 deposit. We do not guarantee work as it is not guaranteed to us. However, we do our best to find you work as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee the amount of work, as horticultural work is subject to change without notice, often due to the weather or market prices.
Here is a bit more information about the work:
- You will be paid as per the Fruit and Vegetable Growing Industry Award - State 2002.
- Work is Monday to Friday approximately 6:30am to 3:30pm with Friday being a half day (depending on the amount of fruit). Generally, you will work between 38 to 40 hours per week.
- Your pay will be deposited directly into your nominated Australian bank account or you will be paid by cheque. The banks located in Tully are: Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Bendigo Bank and Westpac Bank.
It is our responsibility to the farmers to ensure all workers are of the hard working variety as they expect a fair days work for a fair days pay. The farmer may refuse to allow you to work if you are not dressed appropriately or ill–equipped for the days work. Therefore we have compiled a list of basic equipment needed when going to work:
- Current Working Holiday Maker Visa (WHV)
- Australian Tax file number (or have made application for tax file number)
- Bank account details (Australian). Make sure you have both the BSB (Branch number) and the account number
- Old clothes, old shoes or rubber boots / wellingtons (closed in shoes), hat, rubber gloves, sunscreen (30+) and bug/insect repellent
- You must take enough food for both smoko (first break) and lunch
- Lots of drinking water (3–4litres per person per day)
- Since Tully is known as one of the wettest places in Australia you must be prepared to work rain or shine.
- Free Transport to and from the farm is provided
Picking Seasons
| All year round (Some quieter times do occur) | BANANAS!!!, Pawpaws |
|---|---|
| June – November | Sugar Cane Planting |
| October – December | Watermelons, Pumpkins |
Local people often ask for backpackers to assist with other labouring work and helping in their homes.
If you require further information contact us.
Links
- Tax Back Pty Ltd - provides professional and secure global tax return & VAT recovery services.