17 Jun 2024
From walking wombats to investigating paranormal activities - Tasmania invites Australians to tap into 200 million days of unused annual leave
Tasmania is inviting Australians to step away from the daily grind this winter and apply for one of 10 Odd Jobs. Tasmania's very own unique and anti-ordinary Off Season experiences that have been reimagined as unusual and exciting jobs.
As winter sets in, burnout continues to rise, with almost one in three Australian workers reporting some symptoms of burnout (2). Meanwhile, Australian workers are sitting on a record high of 200 million days of unused annual leave (3).
Tasmania encourages Australians to dip into their leave bank and 'apply' for an Odd Job that offers what they may be missing from their regular jobs: creative stimulation and connection to local communities, culture and nature. Whether it's being a Cave Conductor, Truffle Snuffler, Wine Whisperer or Paranormal Investigator, Tasmania has an Odd Job for everyone.
To help Aussies get an insider view of the skills (or lack of!) needed for an Odd Job, Josh Thomas, Australian Comedian, Writer, Actor, and Representative of the 'mainland', travelled to Tasmania to try his hand at some to see exactly what's required. Thomas said, “I love Tasmania so much - it's my go-to place when I can grab a few days off to reset. Sometimes a bit of fresh air, some beautiful food and a dose of the unexpected works wonders. Becoming a Wombat Walker, Sauna Stoker, and Oyster Organiser wasn't exactly part of the plan, but it ended up being an amazing off-script adventure.”
Lindene Cleary, Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism Tasmania, said Odd Jobs are a unique proposition: “More and more, we're all looking for remedies through experience that make life feel simpler and less stressful. Watching 'cottagecore' videos of people gardening and building cabins in the woods. Hobbies like cooking and reading are even trumping digital hobbies like gaming. So, we extend a warm invite to Australians to apply for an Odd Job in Tasmania and wake up from their cool weather coma.”
Dr Amantha Imber, Organisational Psychologist and Workplace Expert said: “We're seeing a growing trend of Australians grappling with work-life balance. During winter, we take more sick days than any other season, many due to mental ill health. Burnout and exhaustion are at very high levels in Australia. One of the best ways to combat this is to take a break - of even just a few days - from the daily grind. Tourism Tasmania's Odd Jobs will help Aussies tap into that desire, offering a chance to reconnect with themselves in a way that feels restorative, fun and a little offbeat."
Tourism Tasmania's Odd Jobs will be open and accepting applications until July 8th via the Discover Tasmania website. Applicants must complete a short submission explaining in 50 words or less why you want to swap your day job for an Odd Job.
Successful applicants will be able to ditch the ordinary and have their travel expenses covered to do the Odd Job in Tasmania. They will also receive a selection of fine Tasmanian produce or goods, hand-picked by their Odd Job host for the fruits of their “labour”.
Please visit the Discover Tasmania website for more information.
For Aussies that miss out on their dream Odd Job, explore a wealth of similar Off Season experiences to be enjoyed in Tasmania this winter. Head to DiscoverTasmania.com.au to learn more.
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2 Inventium Future of Work Research, 2024
Notes to editors
'Candidates' will be directed to apply via the Discover Tasmania website for the 'Volunteer Roles'. Applicants must complete a short submission of why they would be a great fit for the Odd Job. All applications will be shortlisted and successful applicants will be selected by the local businesses.
For full Odd Job descriptions, see below.
Media contact:
Havas Red: TourismTasmaniaANZ@havasred.com
Media assets linked here
Socials:
- Facebook: @DiscoverTasmania
- Instagram: @Tasmania
- #DiscoverTasmania #TassieOffSeason
- DiscoverTasmania.com.au
What is Odd Jobs?
This Off Season, Australians are being encouraged to swap their day jobs for Odd Jobs - a uniquely Tasmanian winter experience providing an antidote to the stresses of modern life. Ten successful applicants will have the chance to visit Tasmania to fulfil their new roles, exploring some of Tasmania's most wild and wonderful workplaces.
What is the Off Season?
The Off Season is Tourism Tasmania's opportunity to position Tasmania as a must-do winter experience, driving visitation to the state during the cooler months (May-August). This year, mainlanders are encouraged to 'become a winter person', and enjoy the many unique and exciting experiences available during Tasmania's winter
Odd Jobs on offer:
- Cave Conductor - Wild Cave Tours
- In the subterranean Gunns Plains Caves, embark on a musical journey as a Cave Conductor. In this role, you will work alongside local musician Charlie as he performs for tour groups by testing the cave's mesmerising acoustics.
- Apply HERE.
- Truffle Snuffler - The Truffledore
- Timo and Ina of the Truffledore need a Truffle Snuffler to help with their harvest. This unique role combines a passion for the outdoors, animals, and freshly foraged ingredients. Wander the winter landscape with a canine companion to unearth hidden gems beneath the ground.
- Apply HERE.
- Wine Whisperer - Clover Hill
- Clover Hill is seeking a green thumb to come and commune with the grapevines as a Wine Whisperer. This job is part tending, part tasting and sipping through Clover Hill's range to fully grasp the connection between these sparkling wines and the climate.
- Apply HERE.
- Paranormal Investigator - Tasmania's Most Haunted
- Paranormal Investigator - A fan of history and mystery is wanted as the resident Paranormal Investigator with Tasmania's Most Haunted at Willow Court: Australia's oldest continually run asylum. Unearth its secrets, armed with the latest detecting devices and keen investigative skills.
- Apply HERE.
- Puffer Nut - West Coast Wilderness Railway
- Don your overalls and join the Locomotive Crew. Warm your hands over the firebox, riding shotgun in the cab alongside the Driver and Fireman through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness.
- Apply HERE.
- Soaksmith - Little Things Farm
- Little Things Farm are looking for an Odd Jobber to craft a bath salt capturing the essence of the Off Season. The Soaksmith will immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of Tasmania in winter.
- Apply HERE
- Wombat Walker - East Coast Nature World
- East Coast Natureworld is looking for a Wombat Walker to keep these fluffy creatures physically and mentally happy, leading them on their morning waddles as part of their rehabilitation program
- Apply HERE.
- Oyster Organiser - Freycinet Marine Farm
- Freycinet Marine Farm is looking for someone who isn't afraid to pull on a pair of waders and plod through the tranquil waters of Great Oyster Bay as an Oyster Organiser.
- Apply HERE.
- Star Seeker - Rathmore
- Astronomy buffs gathering at Rathmore House require a Star Seeker to help them observe the Tasmanian night sky, assisting with celestial observations, telescope fiddling, and astro-imaging.
- Apply HERE.
- Sauna Stoker - Little Beach Co.
- Little Beach Co. need a heat-lover to tend their wood-fired sauna, keeping the flames fed and maintaining a cosy temperature in welcome contrast to the winter weather.
- Apply HERE.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for an Odd Job, please visit Discovertasmania.com.au/oddjobs for more information. Select your preferred role, and you'll be prompted to submit a short description as to why you are the perfect fit. Submission requirements may differ from role to role.
About Tourism Tasmania
There's a little island off an island at the world's edge, desired as one of the most unordinary places on Earth. It's a land where 'paddock-to-plate' means fresh truffles foraged that morning; where Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas and platypuses roam free; and where trailblazing cheesemakers, art collectors and whisky distillers prosper.
Tasmania's geographic isolation has shaped its unique biodiversity – globally significant and dazzling in its beauty – and fostered a rare community of creative, down-to-earth people with time to make you feel welcome.
Everything's close by in Tasmania. Cruise into the enchanting south-west wilderness by day, then sip cool-climate pinot in the vibrant capital by night. Weave in and out of edgy galleries and festivals, the same day delving into complex Tasmanian Aboriginal history and convict heritage.
Embrace abundant opportunities for wellness: homegrown and homemade produce markets, sustainable luxury retreats, just-caught seafood and hikes deep into the pristine rainforest. Seek out adventure – test yourself on wild mountain bike trails, tee off on golf courses perched over rugged coastlines, cast for wild brown trout in glacial tarns, and raft along scenic rivers. With four distinct seasons, there's always something new to see, feel and taste.
Take a deep breath of the world's freshest air. A journey to Tasmania is a chance to unplug, recharge and reconnect with the things that matter.
To access latest industry news, resources for industry and media releases, visit Tourism Tasmania's corporate website: www.tourismtasmania.com.au.
For travel information, visit Tourism Tasmania's consumer website: www.discover tasmania.com.au.
