A group of seven English and Irish working holiday makers are warning people to be careful when looking for fruit picking jobs after promised work in Mildura failed to bear fruit this week.
The group arrived in Mildura on Monday after signing up and paying $560, or $80 each, for a 12-month membership fee with Adelaide company Harvest Hoppers. There’s also a suspect operation in Mildura that goes by the name of ” Don’s backpackers Mildura”
The company describes itself online as “Australia’s Number One Fruit Picking Network for Backpackers”, but feedback on its Facebook page is anything but positive.
Comments range from “shocking” to “a complete nightmare” and “a rip-off”, with many advising people not to use the company.
English backpacker Laura Ridgen said the group travelled from Adelaide to start work on Wednesday, but when they arrived found there was no work going.
Ms Rigden also alleged the Mildura harvest accommodation arranged through the company was poor.
“We’ve stayed in some pretty rough places, but this place had no mattresses on some beds, no security, was dirty and we were expected to pay $50 for a key,” she said. “We couldn’t stay there for health reasons.”
After arranging alternative accommodation at extra cost, Ms Ridgen said the group attempted to get in contact with Harvest Hoppers to arrange a refund.
She said the group paid membership fees in good faith, but felt they had been let down.
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