Sponsorship success
Faced with a lack of suitable local employee options, Brad Plozza was open to all ideas to secure skilled staff for his 450-cow Scott’s Creek farm. Brad explored many staffing possibilities and ultimately found success through overseas sponsorship.
After struggling to find local staff, Brad began employing backpackers.
“It was getting harder and harder to find locals despite investing significantly in quality staff accommodation. Whilst we were weighing up our options, we started employing backpackers” says Brad.
It was during period that Brad got into contact with Ash, who Brad would come to sponsor.
“Ash was honest from the start that he wanted sponsorship that could lead to permanent residency. I was open to that,” says Brad.
“I reached out to WestVic Dairy to see what my options were. The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement (DILA) seemed the best way to go.
“We considered filling out the application ourselves, but harvest was about to start so we made the decision to get an immigration agent to lodge the application on our behalf.”
The sponsorship process began in November 2023, and Ash’s 482 visa was approved by February 2024.
“I only spent about two hours getting the information together for the agent. It was a very smooth and quick process,” says Brad.
Now, almost two years into the sponsorship, and all is going well for Brad and Ash.
Both are grateful they were able to take advantage of the concessions offered by the DILA, specifically the reduced experience level required to apply for a Skills in Demand Visa.
Ash had no prior farm experience before arriving from the United Kingdom, but his 15 months working in the dairy industry qualified him for sponsorship as a ‘Dairy Cattle Farm Operator’ (equivalent to an FLH3 under the Pastoral Award).
Brad plans to nominate Ash for permanent residency once eligible. Under the DILA employees can be nominated after completing three years of employment with the same business.
Once permanent residency is obtained, Ash has no plans to leave the farm. Ash enjoys the farming lifestyle and is grateful to have found a supportive employer that values him and is true to his word.
Thinking about sponsoring overseas employees?
Brad and Ash will be taking part in a farmer panel Q&A session at the upcoming Sponsoring Overseas Employees - farmer information session in Timboon on Wednesday 24 September. They will be joined by fellow local farmers, Jorge Massa and Antonia Mesa. Jorge and Antonia have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to recruiting and managing sponsored staff. Local migration agent, Daniel McKinnon will cover all of the technicalities, including timelines, approximate costs and employer obligations.
Register now: Sponsoring Overseas Employees - farmer information session