CBH Group is searching for harvest casuals to help move Western Australia’s 2022-23 crop. Photo: CBH Group

WESTERN Australia’s CBH Group has opened applications for harvest casual workers in preparation for what is currently expected to be another larger than average harvest for the 2022/23 season.

The grower-owned co-operative is a major employer in grain growing regions, and each year hires approximately 1,800 seasonal workers to help WA growers who deliver grain to CBH’s receival sites during harvest.

Positions are available at a number of sites across WA’s wheatbelt, from as far north as Binnu, down to Albany in the south-west and across to Beaumont, east of Esperance.

Depending on weather conditions, the harvest season usually commences in October and generally lasts up to six weeks.

CBH chief people officer Kelly McKenzie said the favourable start to the growing season meant that regional WA had the potential to again produce a larger than average harvest.

Kelly McKenzie

“Despite labour shortages being experienced across the state and our international border being closed to working holiday makers last year, our large recruitment drive enabled us to attract over 2,000 harvest casuals,” Ms McKenzie said.

“It was absolutely fantastic seeing so many diverse people join the CBH team and roll up their sleeves to help and be a part of last year’s record-breaking harvest, where we received 21.3 million tonnes – enough grain to fill Optus Stadium 17 times.

“Although borders have re-opened this year, WA grain growers are potentially set to grow another larger than average crop this season which means CBH will need harvest casuals to help keep our sites moving, getting grain growers and transporters in and out of site safely, quickly and back to harvesting.

“With various roles available across the state, it is such a rewarding way to see WA and meet new mates while earning a great wage.

“We’re encouraging people from all backgrounds, walks of life and experience levels to apply.

“Whether you’re an experienced casual who has worked previous seasons with us, a student who is looking to make money during their summer break, a traveller looking for casual work while they explore the state, or perhaps a retiree who just wants to make some play money, we have roles available suited to different levels of experience.”

Harvest casual roles available at CBH include receival point operators at their country sites, plant operators at their regional ports and grain technicians at Metro Grain Centre in Forrestfield.

All harvest casuals are provided with full training to ensure they can help WA growers safely deliver their crop, and CBH provides free basic accommodation at some sites.

The number of places available and commencement dates are dependent on a range of factors including seasonal conditions and the expected crop size.

Recruitment will continue through to September or until all locations have the enough staff to safely bring in this year’s grain harvest.

Source: CBH Group