Review posted by Alison Huth
Some friends of ours headed off in their first caravan to do the round Australia trip, which with the plan to fund it from getting casual work along the way. One of the ideas was to pick fruit. We all know about this idea, somehow we can all talk about it as if we know about it. But, when it comes down to fact, I know very little about it. I know where some of the crops are grown, and I know that some international back packers come over with a working visa and work picking.
The other day we found the book to end all books called “Harvest Guide: Work your way round Australia”. This would have to be the bible for those wanting to travel Australia picking fruit as they go. The book is printed by MADEC (with funds from the Federal Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations). According to the MADEC website, they are a not for profit organisation, based in Victoria, who provide training across three states. However, their book Harvest Guide covers all of Australia.
The book has an incredible amount of information, but it is presented in an easy to use format – so much better when it is like this. As an example, if you want to go to Northern Territory the information includes an NT map with major towns, plus an Australian map showing where the NT is – this is for international visitors too so that is important information. Then there is a harvest chart which shows the fruits grown in the Territory based on the annual calendar.
You need to read on a bit more so you can fill this chart in because the next section covers area by area, with crops grown and when, where to stay, what to see, and what to expect from the area. So, you can work your way through this book and develop a work around Australia chart – very clever.
Now, we all know that nature can, and does, play havoc with our crops and can wipe them out completely. To cover this, the Harvest Guide website has monthly updates on the crops and any problems. You can also download the whole guide as a PDF from the website at www.harvesttrail.gov.au
If you want more information on MADEC they have a really attractive website at www.madec.edu.au The Harvest Trails url is http://www.madec.edu.au/employment/harvest-labour-services/
Now you can get the information you need to make good decision about how to work your way around this wonderful country of ours. Then it comes to personal choice, for me strawberries are too low to the ground, I will stick to buying those from the local markets!
Harvest Guide
Phone: 1800 062 332
Website: DEEWR
(Dept. of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations)
