ADF Veterans to the Rescue A tale of covid, grain and need
The covid pandemic not only brought illness but saw the depletion of a seasonal agricultural workforce. By 2021 backpackers, the mainstay of seasonal work, were no longer available, in effect, locked out of Victoria and the rest of the country.
A veteran heard about this on the ABC’s Landline and responded to assist – setting up a national program which became known as Operation Grain Harvest Assist. With the support of Landline, the need for support was promoted; across the nation and a team of 250-300 veterans turned up to help.
The veteran run program has evolved to a 4 day cost free course, conducted by the Agricultural Industry to enable veterans to gain skills for employment in the agricultural sector. This is a great way for transitioning from the ADF to agricultural employment for those who have that interest. Training for the grain industry is performed at Longerenong College part of the Wimmera region. This region thrived in the 1870s after the Victorian railway boom and the resulting large scale wheat production. The headers for the training course are provided by O’Connors, Australia’s largest CASE IH dealer. CASE IH also generously cover the costs of the R&Q (rations and quarters) for all participants.
Any ADF member would feel quite at home at the College and would see many parallels between the course and their previous ADF training courses – it is tightly run with day and evening presentations and an emphasis on the practical and safety aspects of the job. The aim is to get the best value from time spent on site together, and build the participants into a tight knit team and to prepare them as well as possible for the job ahead.
The evening of Day 1 is a “Sponsors and Growers Welcoming Dinner” at the local RSL in Horsham. A great welcoming to Horsham and the agricultural landscape. Veterans stand astride, adorned by their jackets and service medals. The Horsham Mayor, the Superintendent of Police, leaders of Fire and Rescue and CFA, sponsors and growers all present.
OPGHA has grown strands since 2021 extending to a course in Moree for cotton pickers. Cotton, sheep, and cattle are the beginnings of the endeavour to assist and transition. One participant from the first course accumulated 2000 hours on cotton pickers and 800 hours on grain headers, working across farms in many different parts of the country.
When training is all done and dusted, social media platforms exist for veterans to seek work in the region or similar fields elsewhere. Family-owned farms are favoured and respect is always forthcoming. Veterans being new to this environment may also be wise to be wary of pay rates and other conditions of work, given the industry has copped a blow over the last few years.
Let’s not forget the fact that the grain harvest in 2022-2023 was around 60 millions tons and much of that is exported. A most valuable asset for Australia. Certainly a win win for ADF veterans and farmers. Not to mention the Balance of Trade.
The former participants cross a range of disciplines, including a former warship Captain and a former RAAF Chief Test Pilot. Navy, Army, and RAAF all included. The industry grossing over $80 billion yearly.
The story does not end here. Cotton Australia are keen to see another training course for veterans in south-west Queensland, possibly St George. Once again, these opportunities are available via the OPGHA facebook pages. Gaining momentum with every initiative, it surely is a classic case of a disaster turned into a giant boost for Agriculture. Great relationships have been borne out of this whole experience. Friendships developed, connections made, and a real love and appreciation of the agricultural industry. All down to the true Aussie spirit.
Would like to extend an Invitation to you to please consider employment in Australia’s vital Agricultural Industry, either as a career change or assisting the annual harvest.
Perhaps this Program can assist you to making your way towards new endeavours in rural Australia after you leave the ADF.
One thing that you can be certain of is the warm embrace for you and your family from the people of rural Australia who have clearly shown, on many occasions, that they truly respect and appreciate our Veterans.
David Sullivan
To view the artilce in the summer issue and view all the photogs https://www.dutyfirst.com.au/digital/Duty_First_Summer_2024/Duty_First_Summer_2024.html#p=80
