Backpackers and PALM scheme workers scrambling for jobs after Dicky Bill shutdown
Adam Mair has been trying to help backpackers find new employment. (ABC Gippsland: Jack Colontuano)
In short:
Pacific workers and backpackers are scrambling to find new jobs after the sudden shutdown of Australian salad grower Dicky Bill.
A Maffra-based backpacker hotel has been working to connect workers with employment opportunities.
What's next?
The family-owned business is now in the hands of administrators Cor Cordis.
The unexpected shutdown of Australian herb and salad grower Dicky Bill has left backpackers and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers scrambling for new jobs.
More than 180 people were working at Dicky Bill Australia's Queensland and Victorian farms when they suddenly found themselves unemployed last week as the family-run company went into voluntary administration.
Dicky Bill's summer crops are grown at Maffra, Victoria. (Supplied: Dicky Bill)
Dicky Bill operated two farms at Maffra in Gippsland and Drinan, west of Bundaberg.
The ABC understands at least 30 of the workers from the Maffra farm have found work at local farms and in Mildura, but many others are still searching as Christmas looms.
Cambrai Backpackers Hotel owner Adam Mair said he and his wife Beck were using their contacts to help find alternative work for tenants who have lost their jobs.
"Fingers crossed we find a few more jobs for them and they can continue on their visa work," he said.
"It's an unfortunate thing for us and the backpackers, but we can probably recover quicker than locals looking for full-time work."
Adam Mair has been working to connect people with new jobs. (ABC Gippsland: Jack Colontuano)
Mr Mair said he was concerned for the Maffra community in the wake of the shutdown.
"Everyone will be optimistic that another operator will buy and take over. It is a good facility out there and good growing land," he said.
"Most of the backpackers, they do spend locally — they go for dinner at the pubs and clubs."
Search for new operator
Landlord Warakirri Asset Management lawfully terminated the leases on the two properties last week, upon which $330,000 in rental arrears were owed.
Melbourne-based restructure firm Cor Cordis has been appointed as administrator.
A Warakirri spokesperson said the fund was seeking tenant partners to continue farming the assets, including approximately $2 million worth of crops in the ground.
Dicky Bill's winter crop, including corn, is grown at its Drinan farm in Queensland. (Supplied: Dicky Bill)
"Our investment is as landlord and owner of the land assets only. We understand the difficult position many employees are facing as a result of Dicky Bill's situation," the spokesperson said.
"We are working hard to finalise arrangements with new operating partners so full operations can resume on the farms and hope this will result in the reinstatement of many of the lost jobs."
On Monday Dicky Bill owner Ryan McLeod said Victorian flood damage, as well as cyclonic weather in Queensland in recent years, had placed pressure on the business.
But he said he had been working with a secured creditor in the hope of trading on.