Some nomads are looking to boost their budgets as they go.
The Federal Budget appears to have confirmed what many have feared … Australia’s international borders are unlikely to open until at least mid-2022. That likely means that domestic tourism and the camping and caravanning lifestyle will continue to boom.
But, besides having extra campsite company, grey nomads will also find the long-term border closures ensure there are endless casual jobs available to them as they travel.
Across the country, regional areas are reporting a chronic labour shortage as vacancies normally filled by backpackers remain open.
The problem has led to several state and territory governments urging the Commonwealth to examine tax laws to allow grey nomads to work without damaging their pension and superannuation. In the NT, businesses are struggling to find workers ahead of what is set to be a very a busy dry season.
Tourism Top End general manager Glen Hingley said older travellers had much to offer.
“Grey nomads come with their own accommodation and it means caravan parks can have cooks, gardeners and have people on reception checking people in,” he said. “We need the workforce and the grey nomads are ready to work while they travel Australia.”
So, are nomads really ready, willing and able to do their bit to help keep the country going?
Well, it seems that many are.
Maria Neyenhuis is 73 and she and her husband regularly volunteer for BlazeAid and for restoration work at the Farina ghost town in South Australia.
“I think it makes sense for fit capable seniors to work as they travel,” she said. “It’s wonderful that our farmers could be assisted by our own Aussies filling vacancies and those of our age are often more reliable and hardworking, albeit slower, than young ones.”
Don Vogel is easing into retirement and is looking forward to setting off on the Big Lap.
“I’m sure the wife and I could work in many fields and would bring a lifetime of experience to any business looking for mature employees,” he said. “We will be self-funded retires, and neither of us have been unemployed our entire life.”
Don says the pair have a wide range of experience to offer potential employers.
“When we begin our lap of this wonderful country, we would love to work in a casual position as we travel,” he said. “This would be another avenue to supplement our income.”
required, if you rocked on up on a farm, if the farmer offered you the job. make sure you oldies, have it in you to do back to back days, when you start, otherwise, you are do a diservice to the farmer by taking the job to start with.
We own a small rural business CQ doing stick raking cat535D log skidder reference can be supplied ,dam desilting just me and my wife ,we would love to work our way around Australia in remote areas any where, time for a life changing directions is this possible
I am 58
We’re in our sixty, on the road full time for 5yrs. We work 6mths and travel 6mths. Grain (rice,then wheat,barley and pulses, 4 seasons)storage industry, orange packing shed, winery 4seasonsso far.
Walked into a pub last week and was offered a job over the counter. Plenty of work out there go for it
Just started full time job in Roebourne WA offered 4 months. Can do,
parked the van up for free. Enjoying it and some income will definitely boost the savings. On the old age pension and on the road any extra is a great help