Worker Profile – Barbara Kerr

What is your name and age?

Barbara Kerr – 62 years

Where are you currently working?

Dicky Bill Farms – Maffra

What country are you from?

Australia

What were you doing before coming to Gippsland?

I was working overseas as a teacher and Principal in Indonesia and Tanzania for the past 12 years.

What made you choose to come back to Australia?

I had to return home due to COVID 19 – DFAT pulled us out.

Did you come alone or with others?

Yes, alone.

How have you found places to work? (HT website, Facebook, Gumtree, hostels, word of mouth?)

I have always used google to search for work and the Harvest Trail website features prominently.

How did you find your current working conditions?

Really good, everything is there for you if you need it, if you need anything that is not there it is supplied to you within days. It’s a great environment to work in and a great company to work for, everyone is lovely.

Is there anything that you have done that you didn’t expect to do?

No I don’t think so as I really didn’t have an expectation of what I would be doing, I just wanted to work.

Is the work harder or the same as what you expected it to be?

It is as I expected, I knew it was going to be hard work, but I have never been afraid of hard work.

What has been your best experience / memory since arriving in Gippsland?

The people I have met – the different cultures I get to engage with on a daily basis.

What advice would you give others considering Harvest work?

Just get out there and try it. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Have your expectations for work and experiences been met?

Most definitely. I am really enjoying the work that I am doing.

What are your plans when the harvest season finishes?

If possible I am hoping to follow the Harvest Trail up north.

Do you have any other comments you would like to make?

I would encourage people to get out there and try this, try something new. Working with young people keeps you young. The people I meet keep my life interesting, the different cultures and backgrounds of those I meet and work with are so diverse. It’s great that I get to do this. By far in all of my travels it the people I meet that have been amazing.