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In the Feb/Mar 2002 issue I wrote a letter to the OUTBACK Magazine ‘Feedback’ in response to an Outback Helper's letter in the previous magazine.
April/May issue received two responses to my letter, and I received various emails. As a result, another couple, Adam and Margit, and my husband, Greg, and I decided to set up a scheme called 'Outback Helpers', whereby people wishing to be 'outback helpers' can contact us for contact with host stations and farms in their chosen area or state – Australia wide. Quite often, we, on the stations, have jobs that need doing, (EG. painting, some carpentry work, a major spring clean in the house, a major garden overhaul, mustering.) They may need time to do something other than housework and other maintenance tasks, often it is not possible or practical to employ staff to do that. We might only need someone for a few days, a week or a month. As you may know getting professionals out to the 'bush' is extremely costly and many travelers (both young and the not-so-young) who have a wealth of experience (EG. Carpentry, mechanical, dressmaking, cooking, painting, breaking in horses, etc) would love the opportunity to stop off for a little time and help out. People, who wish to visit, will be expected to pitch in and help, as it is not a 'free holiday stay' scheme. Remember, though, this is your holiday, so leave yourselves time for recreation, sightseeing, reading a book, whatever. Keep in mind that you are a helper, not an employee … albeit a willing helper. It has been very beneficial to both sides; it is a chance for the volunteers/helpers to experience something new and exciting, and perhaps a chance to supplement their income/pension. For the hosts it is an opportunity to enjoy the company of people who have traveled around, and also enjoy a little respite from trying to do everything, with not enough time to do it in!!
We do our best to place helpers and hosts together at a time that suits both, but, of course, this may not always happen. It is up to the 'helper' and ‘host station/farm’ to negotiate between themselves, suitability and the final arrangements before you visit. We believe that this has been a 'much needed' opportunity for many. Ted and Jean have been 'Outback Helpers' themselves, and my husband and I are on the other side of the coin, as a ‘Host station’ … so between us we co-ordinate both sides of the Scheme from opposite sides of the country! We have many people on stations who are desperately seeking carpenters, painters, mechanics, handypersons, gardeners, cooks, child minders, surrogate grandmothers/fathers etc etc … now. So, if you are interested, please call or email either Jenny or Jean on the numbers in the 'contact us' section – we look forward to hearing from you. Thanking you – Greg & Jenny, Ted & Jean
The Outback Helpers Scheme will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special and/or consequential damages or loss whatsoever which result from any use or access of, or any inability to use or access, the Site or any Content. You expressly acknowledge that The Outback Helpers Scheme does not exert control over users of the Site (including individuals referred to on the Site as guests and or experts) and is not liable either for their opinions or their behaviors including any information and/or advice and any defamatory statements or offensive conduct.
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