BALLINA

Facts About .....
Situated on the North Coast of NSW, Ballina boasts magnificent beaches and tropical rainforests. Located just north of Ballina is the scenic village of Lennox Head, which adjoins spectacular Seven Mile Beach and Lake Ainsworth - a fresh water lake situated right next to the ocean.
The area is dotted with rainforests, beaches, creeks and waterfalls. Combine this with small villages and communities full of friendly people and it is no wonder the area is a major draw card for all holiday makers.

Seasonal Employment
Opportunities for seasonal work in the Ballina region have expanded over recent years, especially in the Macadamia, Lychee and blueberry industries.
The Macadamia harvest commences around March or April and extends through to September-October. There are around 400 growers in the Ballina-Lismore region.
Blueberries are also harvested in the area, commencing in September through to December, with Lychees harvested from March-April.
Some pruning work is available in the stone fruit industry during June, with fruit thinning taking place around August. Some picking, packing and grading is available in October.
The tourist industry offers some opportunity for qualified chefs over the holiday period around Christmas.
There are a number of macadamia factories in the area, employing between 500-1000 workers, however much of this work is undertaken by the local workforce.

Numbers required:
* Over 500 for the Macadamia harvest
* 50 for the fruit thinning
* 200 for the blueberry harvest
* 50 for the hospitality industry
* Lychees difficult to assess

Accommodation & transport:
* Cedars Caravan Park Ph 02 6686 3014
* Ballina Gardens Ph. 02 6686 2475
* No accommodation supplied by orchardists
* Own transport a distinct advantage

Getting there:
* Ballina is 789kms north of Sydney and almost 200kms south of Brisbane on the Pacific Highway.
* Daily road and rail services operate from Sydney and Brisbane. The north-south coastal highway provides road access to Ballina.

General Comments:
* The Ballina region is one of Australia's most popular regions for backpackers visiting the country. The tropical climate, with warm to very warm, generally wet summers and cool to mild winters also adds to the appeal of the region. The nearby Pacific Ocean moderates the temperature all year round.
* If you are looking for work in the tourism or fishing industries, experience is essential and good references a must.
* The Macadamia industry has been growing at the rate of 15% per annum over the last 10 years, meaning considerable job growth in that industry.

Job & Industry description:
* Harvesting in the macadamia, blueberry, lychee and stone fruit industries offers the greatest opportunity. Macadamias are picked into 5 litre buckets or bags before being taken to a central holding bin.
* With a considerable number of commercial fishing vessels in the region, workers experienced in boating and fishing would be well advised to check with the local fishermen personally.
* As Ballina is a major tourist centre, there is scope for those experienced in the hospitality industry to find work, especially qualified chefs or cooks.
* Mechanical harvesting in the area has been expanding, however should the area have rain during the picking season, then this makes it difficult for the mechanical harvesters to operate, so the demand for the pickers increases.

Recruitment details:
* An appropriate method of obtaining work in the hospitality and fishing industries is by personal contact.
* Information on the Macadamia harvest can be obtained through a number of the Employment Service Providers. Their details can be obtained from the Web on www.jobnetwork.gov.au.

Contacts:
Ballina Tourist Office
Telephone 02-6686 3484

Tourist Attractions:
* The Macadamia Castle. This attraction, located on the Pacific Highway at Knockrow, is a great place to stop and enjoy the facilities. Roasted macadamias and local produce are on offer, together with an 18 hole mini golf, animal park and train. Telephone 02 6687 8432
* Thursday Plantation. This is described as Nature's Own factory. With tea trees blowing in the wind, you can learn how the first commercial plantation began and see the oldest bottle of tea tree oil in Australia. At Thursday Plantation, you can enjoy the cheeky, friendly birds who gather round the garden pond while you refresh with a delicious lunch or snack.
Telephone 02 6686 7273.
* Big Prawn Complex. Located on the Pacific Highway at Ballina, this complex houses an opal and gem museum. Other features include a gallery, café, souvenir shop and fresh seafood shop. Telephone 02 6686 2559.
* The Mount Warning National Park is also a feature of the area. Mount Warning itself is a beacon for thousands of Australian and overseas visitors who take the challenge of walking to the top of this spectacular landmark. A walk of 4 kms leads from Breakfast Creek and winds through ever changing rain forests, eventually reaching the viewing platforms on the summit. Camping and fires are not permitted within the park boundaries.