Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) were successful in their grant application and received funding for the Seasonal Workforce Industry Support Program (SWISP) this year.   

This funding is very beneficial for FGV and will complement what is currently being delivered under the Harvest Trail Industry Collaboration Trial (HTS).  

FGV have employed a fulltime Harvest Labour Grower Liaison Officer (HLGLO) Carolyn Pearson, who will be responsible for providing one on one support to horticultural growers across the state.  The HLGLO is responsible for assisting growers with planning, preparing and expanding on their existing management of their seasonal workforce in preparation for the upcoming 2021/2022 season.  

A focus of the HLGLO is to provide support to growers wishing to apply to be approved employers and take part in the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and/or the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP).  She will also liaise with Labour Hire Companies who have SWP and PLS employees and growers to enable placements of workers. The HLGLO will source training for Harvest Supervisors and create a register of Training Providers and Labour Hire Companies who provide services which meet standards approved by FGV. There will also be industry collaboration and promotion of seasonal work to targeted CALD organisations across the State.

The proposed outcome for the SWISP program is to enable growers to pre-plan what activities and processes need to be implemented to improve productivity, efficiency, diversification of workforce, labour force planning and COVID Safety for the upcoming season.       

If you would like more information about the SWISP project, please contact Carolyn Pearson on 03 5825 3700.