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St George
St George - Queensland
Facts about ....
St. George is one of the main centres of a large rurally based economy. During recent times there has been a promising growth in tourism which has helped to balance the local economy and see some jobs created in the tourist sector.
St. George is located on the banks of the Balonne River, which makes this part of Australia a great place to work and visit.
Seasonal employment
The St. George region has great diversity in its agricultural production. Cotton, wheat, grapes, melons, peanuts and small crops are all grown successfully.
Cotton is planted in October each year and as the crops develop, cotton chippers are required for the months of November, December and January. The cotton harvest takes place around April and May each year, whilst the ginning period commences in April and can go through until late July or early August.
The table grape harvest typically commences in December each year and can go through to Febuary. One local vineyard is Riversands Vineyard which grows both table and wine grapes. Riversands Vineyards is a family operation. They welcome enquiries from those seeking work in the St George area. The grape picking season is the busiest time of the year with around 25 workers picking and packing the grapes however other vineyard work is also available throughout the year.
Riversands Vineyards David & Alison Blackett
Rockmelons are grown in the area with harvesting taking place late November through to January. These are mainly for the fresh fruit market. The pumpkin harvest which takes place during April May & June also sees an increased demand for labour.
Moonrocks is one of the major employers of seasonal labour in St. George. Throughout the year they should be an early contact for experienced workers looking for employment in this area. Their website www.moonrocks.com.au provides you with a considerable amount of employment information and allows you to apply on line.
Numbers required
l 300 Cotton chipping
l 200 Cotton harvest
l 150/200 Grape harvest (table & wine)
l 100/200 Melon picking & Pumpkins
l Winter pruners difficult to assess
Accommodation and transport
l Numerous caravan parks located in St George.
l Backpackers accommodation in the area
Getting there
l Located on the Great Inland Way
l 239kms from Moree
l 194kms from Roma
l 198kms from Lightning Ridge
l Around 6 hours from Brisbane
General comments
The town of St. George was named by Sir Thomas Mitchell who discovered the River Crossing on St. George’s Day, April 23rd 1846.
St. George is situated along the Great Inland Way which connects this Western Downs area with much of Queensland and New South Wales.
For fishing enthusiasts, St. George is a must. Situated on the banks of the Balonne River, St. George is an aquatic playground, offering a vast range of experiences for the tourist and worker. The St George area offers a unique relaxed lifestyle and for the sporting enthusiast the opportunities are limitless.
Job industry and description
The variety in agriculture in this region sees many different opportunities for workers.
Cotton chipping sees people required to walk along the rows of cotton plants chipping out weeds. The employer usually provides a long handled hoe. Cotton chipping is an outdoor job and people need to be well prepared with appropriate clothing.
Work on the melon harvest sees workers required for both picking and packing shed work. Both men and women are employed and many backpackers travel to St. George to find work.
Grape picking begins in December and concludes in February. Table Grapes are the first to be picked into individual boxes during December. The boxes are then taken to the shed for packing onto pallets ready for transport. Wine grapes harvest typically starts in January and finishes in February. These grapes are picked into buckets transferred into “bins” and transported to Ballendean where the wines are made.
Harvesting at the Riversands Vineyards at St George
Recruitment details
Moon Rocks growers and packers of rock melons have a website where potential workers can apply for work (www.moonrocks.com.au ) Moonrocks also grow Cotton, Grapes, Pumpkins and as well run a contracting harvesting operation. Moonrocks is a great contact for this region because of the diversity of work they offer.
Riversands Vineyards P/L is also a great contact for those wishing to work for the grape harvest. A family business, they are keen to hear from backpackers and travelling caravanners wanting to work during the year in St George.
Contacts
Riversands Vineyards P/L
PO Box 606
St George Qld 4487
Ph. 07 4625 3643
Email. sales@riversandswines.com
Website. www.riversandswines.com
Moonrocks
P O Box 607
St. George Qld 4487
Ph: 07 4625 5146
Fax: 07 4625 3172
Email: gillebri@bigpond.com
Website: www.moonrocks.com.au
Tourist attractions
l The Unique Egg is a fascinating collection of hand carved illuminated emu eggs, situated at the rear of the Balonne Sports Store. This collection carved by Steve Margaritis, has travelled to World Expos and provides a unique attraction like no other for the visitor to St. George.
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