FAQs

What is commonly produced in the Mallee?

The Mallee is well known for broadacre cropping of wheat, barley, canola, lentils, field peas, vetch and chickpeas. The region also has irrigation and horticulture along the Murray River.

What will I be doing during my work placement on the farm?

When you first arrive for your placement in Australia, you will complete health and safely training designed for you by Dodgshun Medlin. Once this is complete you will commence work on your host farm in a role designed for your capabilities. You will be assisting primarily with harvest, driving machinery and completing routine maintenance. You may also undertake a variety of general farm tasks like fencing or working with livestock when required.

Why is there a shortage of local farm workers in the Wimmera and Mallee?

Wimmera Mallee farms cover vast expanses of land and therefore there is an immense need for additional help during harvest and seeding. While most farms employ a team of employees, during peak times extra, skilled workers are essential. Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements have found that Canadians with farming experience fill this need perfectly.

What do I have to do once I’m accepted? What does Dodgshun Medlin provide?

You will need to arrange your Australian Working Holiday Visa and purchase your flight to Melbourne, Australia. Once you arrive in Australia, with the information provided to you by Dodgshun Medlin, you will travel to Swan Hill by the nominated start date.

You will need to bring clean work wear with you to Australia and you will be able to purchase new work boots once you arrive. You will not be able to use your existing work boots from Canada due to quarantine reasons.

Once you reach Swan Hill Dodgshun Medlin will provide you with an information pack containing details of local finance providers, how to access your salary, mobile phone information and provide you with an Australian Tax File Number application, so that you can legally work in Australia.

Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements will have vetted potential employers to ensure they are financially stable and prepared to give appropriate localised training. The team will also ensure your host farmer has appropriate accommodation arranged for you. The Regional Placements team will continue to touch base with you during your employment period.

What if I'm not placed on a host farm?

We will try very hard to match you with the perfect host farmer according to your skills and the farmer's needs. In the unlikely event that you are not matched, we will give you a full refund for all Regional Placement fees paid.

How long are the placements for?

Our placements are short term regional placement contracts, which allow you to get some money in your bank account but do not tie you down once your placement is complete. Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements offers you a work placement on a host farm for a minimum of five weeks, but this can be extended depending on the season and your willingness to continue working. You will be provided with a minimum 38 hours of work per week, but again there are often times where additional hours are available to be worked.

On occasion there will also be times when you may be offered the chance to return to your host farm later in the season for sowing, which you can apply for, at a reduced fee. Once your placement is complete you can search for additional work around Australia while seeing the sights.

*Minimum placement time frame is assured if you arrive on farm for the nominated start date. If you arrive after the start date, five weeks' work cannot be guaranteed.

What will I be paid while working in the Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements Program?

You have the potential to earn a significant sum of money each week depending on conditions and the season. The Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements program ensures your are paid a fair and reasonable wage, above the award amount.

What accommodation is provided with the work?

This will vary with the farmers selected. There will be a checklist and site visit by Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements to monitor and maintain comfortable standards.

What if I have an incident at work?

In the unlikely event of an incident occurring, please report any safety near-misses or incidents to your host employer and your Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements contact.  You will receive training in safety and will be asked to sign off on the comprehensive Dodgshun Medlin Regional Placements occupational health and safety policy.