​Welcome Harvest Workers 2020,
 
Thank you so much for the interest you have shown in joining us as seasonal workers for harvest 2020, our growers and broad community appreciate you considering this option.
 
Working Hostels – with accommodation and transport
I have attached for your information details of the 3 main working hostels in the Manjimup area, there is one other situated in Pemberton which I am waiting to receive information on that I will forward on receipt.
 
The hostels I have included, are all very dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for you to enjoy.  All three hostels are working hostels, which is very beneficial to you the workers, as this will provide you with ongoing work throughout the harvest season which is almost here.  The Harvest season will run from November to June 2020. 
 
All three are unique, and should you need some advice on making a choice of where to stay please feel free to contact me on 08 9777 2774, as I have visited all three this week, and feel confident I can assist you to make a good choice, dependant on your preferred environment.
 
Campers
Here is the link to accessing our caravan parks, I am currently gathering other information on growers who provide camping and will forward that asap.
 
Employment Vacancies
For those of you who prefer to manage their own employment, all “Harvest 2020 – Seasonal Worker” vacancies that we can find will be posted on our employment portal the:  Southern Forest Employment Hub”
https://southernforestsemploymenthub.com.au/job-type/seasonal-workers/
 
I am currently working with our website manager to make job seeker registration process easier to navigate, and when this is fixed, I will let you know so that you can create a user profile under the “Harvest 2020 – Seasonal Workers” and then apply for positions online direct to the grower with ease.  I will also send you out a user guide for you to follow that will assist you in this process
 
Government relocation incentives
All information on relocation incentive’s that are currently on offer from the government you will find by following this link: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/regional-workers-scheme once you arrive we will be happy to assist you with the application process if required.
 
What does our centre do, and how can we assist you?:
Manjimup Community Resource Centre:
Our network across the State, provide regional communities with access to government services, information on support services, we host activities and events and ensure that our community remain well informed on topics of importance, and friendly general information. We are also a Centrelink Agent, and Transport and Licencing Service Centre.
 
“Seasonal Workers Employment & Information Service”
Our aim once approved by government, is to introduce a “Seasonal Workers Employment & Information Service” for Harvest 2020.  So you all have a central location to get info, support and employment opportunity, so cross your fingers for us as we hope to have this service available to you asap.
 
Contact us
Should you have any concerns or queries, you are welcome to contact our centre by:
emailing, reception@manjimup.org.au, or calling 08 9777 2774, we are open Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm.

And to keep informed on what’s happening, I encourage you to follow our Facebook page, as we will also be sharing information updates and urgent grower vacancy’s on this social media platform.


Your patience is appreciated, soon our growers will have an abundance of harvest work for you.  My advice would be to secure lodging’s at the working hostels as a starting point, as this way your accommodation, employments and transport will be provided by very experienced managers who have working relationships with major growers.
 
So travel safe
To the magnificent Southern Forests Region, for visitor information, for info on the “Wonder our Yonder” campaign take a look here.
 
Regards, 

Ranui Harris 
​Executive Officer

Many Working Holiday Visa Holders are in a difficult position due to COVID-19 and not being able to meet Visa work requirements within the required timeframe.  Please be advised that there is now a FREE visa extension for Temporary Visa Holders (subclass 408) for those employed in a critical industry sector.  Even if the visa holder is not currently working – they simply need evidence that there is work pending.  This is covered in the attached Eligibility details.

To see the eligibility criteria and apply online please click the link below:
​
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-activity-408/australian-government-endorsed-events-covid-19#Overview

A new report from Plan International warns that online abuse and harassment of young women and girls is endemic, with Australia having a higher than average rate of online violence, with 65% of girls and young women aged 15-25 reporting abuse and harassment  online (compared to the global figure of 58%). 
 
The report warns that half of those who have been harassed online have consequently experienced mental and emotional distress.
 
Please access the report Free to be Online https://www.plan.org.au/publications/free-to-be-online/  
 
Free to be Online is based on a survey of 14,000 girls and women, aged 15-25 in 33 countries, including Australia, Canada, Brazil, Benin, Japan, Zambia the USA and India.
 
The most common forms of online abuse experienced by young women and girls were abusive and insulting language, deliberate embarrassment, body shaming and threats of sexual violence. Harassment and attacks are most common on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Twitter  and TikTok.
 
The consequences of online abuse include fearing for physical safety, low self-esteem, mental and emotional distress.
 
Please visit Plan International https://www.plan.org.au/
​

Don't forget the Manjimup Repair Cafe is open on Monday 5 October at 10.00am - 1.00pm at the Wellness and Respite Community Centre