I learnt the term and was introduced to some by Yeoeleven down on the late Elle on Wheels farm and resort just outside Denmark, where she kindly allowed me to spend the night parked up in my camper van (arranged by Yeo). That was the first time I had ever heard of the term.
-- Edited by Duh on Thursday 27th of June 2013 09:43:15 PM
Hello boots welcome to the forum, Tell us a little about yourself ?? what type of unit are you travelling in, or intend to ?? Have you caravanned before. .??
If you have any questions about Vanning or travelling just ask ? lot of info on here, about it, But i don't think you will find much about ''backpackers'' or woofers ???
Not trying to make a political statement at all. I appoligise if thats how it sounds. Just thought it was someting worth talking about as it has gotten to be a real issue amongst those of us who need to work whilst travelling. My wife and I have been on the road for 4 years working and travelling. Its dissapointing to see jobs going to people who will work for next to nothing. However I can understand how an employer would want to take them on. We always get by with repeat work, however I do feel for others including the younger generation who are looking for work.
We travel with a TD 80series landcruiser (love it - 350 K and still strong as an ox). Towing a 17' phoenix caravan. Cheers
Thanks for the clarification Boots, and Welcome again, Now we see who you are and what you do, we can understand your situation and dilemma, and no doubt will get some positive feedback
I do hope you find some on-going work soon, Nice van your towing there ?? mate has a 19' phoenix They built them tough ?/
Do not take offence at any replies you may have thought were a bit ''sharp'' as every now and then we get some people who only register on this forum to make a political or religious statement ?? and this is not what this forum is about. So stick around, join in and enjoy Regards Dazren
I heard there is about 250 000 of us in the UK and the government would like to export them back here. So suppose it dose works both ways, the difference is the hand full that I know are not picking fruit. Being paid well for the knowledge and Uni studies they have. The only fruit picking my son would care to do is at the fruit shop.
A good place to look for work is via google, try typing in Australian job serch and the other one is farm work.
One citrus grove owner up out of Emerald QLD has brought 200 people out from ( I think Tonga ) on those 457 visa.
And not one of our own even got a look in for one of those $100.000 per year jobs in OUR own tourist advertising jobs.
This organisation that promotes all this, should hang their head in shame.
Caravan park managers are also on the government list of the so called skills shortage. There is 750 different jobs eligible through this 457 visa scheme .
-- Edited by herbie on Friday 28th of June 2013 01:24:37 AM
Having spent 2 months living with woofrs at elle on wheel's farm in Denmark I did get to know some well. The main reason that they work for accomodation is to put 88 days in working on organic farms to get a further 12 months on their visa.
That is the carrot that moves most woofrs and not the work for accomodation only. They will spend 3 months to remain in Australia for an extra 12 months. John
Education orientated (Biology/Botany) hobby type farm.
None of these actually ever needed to employ or wanted anyone to work for them. But Woofers came and stayed more like friends of friends. Yes they might cut wood or paint a fence, Even pruning trees or weeding the vege garden. They dined with our friends and stayed a few nights or maybe a week. Cooking a few meals themselves for the family's. Great way to meet different cultures. Our Australian Woofers are doing this in other countries as well.
Just a bit more clarification of "Woofers" for everyone. From Wikipedia.
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF, /wf/), or Willing Workers on Organic Farms, is a loose network of national organisations that facilitate placement of volunteers on organic farms. While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organisation encompasses all WWOOF hosts. As there is no single international WWOOF membership, all recognised WWOOF country organisations strive to maintain similar standards, and work together to promote the aims of WWOOF.[1]
WWOOFing aims to provide volunteers with first-hand experience in organic and ecologically sound growing methods, to help the organic movement, and to let volunteers experience life in a rural setting or a different country. WWOOF volunteers ('WWOOFers') generally do not receive financial payment. The host provides food, accommodation, and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities.
The duration of the visit can range from a few days to years. Workdays average five to six hours, and participants interact with WWOOFers from other countries.[2] WWOOF farms include private gardens through smallholdings, allotments, and commercial farms. Farms become WWOOF hosts by enlisting with their national organisation.
We have wwoof ears at our place in Tassie every summer, we have learnt so much from them and have had great help not available to us otherwise. Usually wwoofers are not your average backpacker. My opinion from five years experience.
Wow - great response - and thanks to all for your welcomes. We hope to be able to use this thread often - however most times we are working in very remote areas and unable to use the internet. We usually do 2 to 3 months at a time on stations, roadhouses and communitys. We love the lifestyle and the work and we get to enjoy some great spots in this wonderful country. After 4 years it has now become an addiction. Hey barrie you're right - there is plenty of work out there, my point is that it's getting more difficult for Aussies and not just us grey nomads to compete against the cheap and free labour.