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Management of labour resources during the cherry season is a key component growers need to consider. As a seasonal horticulture sector, that is, labour is required at certain times, not necessarily all year, cherry production requires a skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the demands of planting, harvesting, and post-harvest processing.
Good labour management strategies ensure that orchards operate efficiently, promote worker safety and comply with regulations. By encouraging strong relationships between employers and employees, the Australian cherry industry can ensure a sustainable workforce.
For growers, there are several different options for finding seasonal workers and navigating the system can be confusing. Below are some helpful links for to organisations that can help you secure a labour force for your orchard.
Linx is a Tasmanian owned company committed to bringing together reliable workers with employers at peak periods during the year.
Supply employers with contract and labour hire staff across a variety of job roles and industries.
This document provides a quick comparison between the Pacific Labour Scheme and the Seasonal Worker Programme.
The full details of each initiative are available at:
PLS: http://dfat.gov.au/labourmobility and SWP: https:ijwww.jobs.gov.au/seasonal-worker-programme
Growers are encouraged to visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s horticulture page, which provides information on workplace rights and responsibilities specific to the horticulture industry in Australia. It covers topics like pay rates, working conditions, and entitlements for workers in this sector, including fruit pickers and farm workers. The site also offers resources for both employers and employees to help ensure compliance with workplace laws and fair treatment.
https://horticulture.fairwork.gov.au/
The Australian Cherry industry offers an assortment of job opportunities and employment.
Pickers, horticulturalists, packers, agronomists and marketers are just some of the diverse career paths involved in the production and promotion of premium Australian cherries. Employment is at its peak between October and February to manage harvest across six Australian states with a range of casual, interstate and international workers employed during this period.
Below are some organisations that can help you find your next job in the Australian cherry industry.
Help Harvest NSW is a web portal designed to connect displaced employees and seasonal workers with producers and growers around the state who have seasonal work available.
https://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au/
Farm work loop
https://leftfield.net.au/farm-work-loop/
The seasonal workforce is a vital part of Australia’s cherry industry. Our employees’ rights are protected by law and we encourage all potential workers to contact a registered labour hire company. Seasonal worker wages must comply under the Australian Horticulture Award which you can learn more about here.
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024