The Federal Election has now officially been set for May 3, and – like the rest of the country – grey nomads are no doubt feverishly looking forward to five weeks of wall-to-wall political campaigning!
With most travellers currently far away from their home bases, they also have to ensure they make arrangements to be able to cast their vote.
As well as the chance to exercise their democratic rights, the election also offers grey nomads another opportunity … to earn a bit of extra cash while observing up close and personal how elections work.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is recruiting up to 100,000 temporary staff and – while the paid positions are available right across Australia – people are particularly needed in rural and remote areas.
There are a variety of roles available in many different locations for this May’s election PIC: AEC
A spokesperson told the Grey Nomads there was a range of different roles from entry-level to senior positions available, and it didn’t matter if travellers hadn’t worked at an election before. They will also get paid to train and will receive on-the-job support.
“Most jobs are on voting day, but some roles are for several weeks before or after, making it a great opportunity to earn extra money,” the spokesperson said. “You’ll also be contributing to the community and working as part of a team.”
More than 90% of previous temporary staff said they would recommend the work to others. Grey nomad, Kathy Gibson is one of them.
She told the GNT she has previously worked at both State and Federal elections … and she loved it! “They are long days but very rewarding,” she said. “You get to meet people you might never cross paths with normally.”
Kathy said her election days started at 6am, setting up the venue, with the voting actually beginning at 8am. “There will be someone marking off names,” she said. “Or you could be assisting people with putting their votes in the right boxes or assisting people as they come through the door and guiding them to the available table.” Kathy says there are plenty of breaks during the day.
“Once the doors are closed and the voting has ended you will be required to count the votes with everyone else that you are working with,” she said. “This can be fun … there are some very interesting and sometime rude comments made on the voting papers … there is a process, and you will learn this process.”
Kathy says she found working the election to be a very positive experience, and the money was pretty good, too.
“I can just say, go ahead and give it a go,” she said. “You have nothing to lose and might just enjoy yourself!”
Grey nomads interested in working at the Election can register here.
WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO HISTORIC WINTON
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win one of two double passes for the 48th Historic Winton to be held May 24-25 at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria. The fabulous event promises two full days of historic car racing and vehicle displays of the elegant, the rustic, the weird and wacky. Both double passes (each valued at $170) offer entry for two people for both days. Camping is available at the event.
Click here to learn about Historic Winton, our competition, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
