IRISH BACKPACKERS in Australia are being encouraged to volunteer for a major reconstruction programme underway in the wake of the southern Queensland floods and the cyclone that hit the tropical north with the promise that it will help them qualify for working holiday visa extensions.
The Australian tourist authority has also reminded would-be travellers that there are also paid work opportunities in affected areas which would go some way to securing a visa extension and stressed that, in spite of the catastrophic flooding, most areas of the country remain open to tourists.
Volunteer work which falls under the definition of “specified work” which qualifies for visa extensions includes demolitions, trench digging, earth moving and residential and non-residential repairs. If the work is conducted in one of the affected regions it will count towards the 88 days of work that visa holders need to have done in order to be eligible for a second visa.
The Australian government is to fast-track the processing of 457 visa applications specifically for reconstruction jobs in flood-affected areas, providing quick access to skilled labour from overseas where local supply is insufficient. “The response to the floods in the UK and Ireland has been inspiring,” said Tourism Australia’s Rodney Harrex. “As an Australian, it has been incredible to see the support shown to those affected.”
* facebook.com/australianworkingholiday
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