Skilled Visa Workers Boost Australia's Dairy Industry Growth

Australia's dairy industry has long relied on a diverse workforce, with approximately 13% of dairy workers coming from non-English speaking countries. Many of these skilled migrants hold permanent visas, bringing invaluable expertise and a strong desire to build their futures within Australia’s dairy sector.

The Role of Migrant Labor in Australian Dairy Farming

Dairy Australia has been actively collecting data on the contributions of international workers, with survey results expected to be released soon. However, interviews conducted by Dairy News Australia already shed light on the significant impact of the migrant workforce. Many of these individuals have sought asylum in Australia or relocated for better opportunities, enriching the dairy industry with skills in engineering, machinery maintenance, carpentry, and veterinary care.

In a 2022 submission to the Federal Government’s Migration Review, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) highlighted that one in four dairy farms in Australia struggle to find the skilled labor necessary for growth and operations. ADF advocates for a visa pathway that provides permanent residency to migrant dairy workers, as opposed to relying on temporary or seasonal visa options. This move would align Australia with global competitors like Canada and the European Union, where the cost of migration is lower and pathways to residency are more accessible.

Migrants Shaping the Future of Dairy in Australia

Interviews with various international workers currently employed in Australia's dairy industry offer personal insights into their motivations and experiences. These stories reveal a common theme of determination, with many individuals leaving their home countries to pursue stability and success in Australia.

Veterinarians Herbert and Karen Apostol arrived from the Philippines in 2012 after being granted permanent visas. Initially considering both Canada and Australia, they chose the latter for its growing dairy sector. Today, they manage a dairy farm in Glengarry, Victoria, contributing significantly to the farm’s operations with their extensive veterinary knowledge.

Similarly, Javi Almonacid, a political lawyer from Chile, has transitioned to calf rearing after starting out milking cows on an Australian dairy farm. Her partner, German musician Ferdinand Wiesemann, joined her three years ago, and together they aim to build their future in Australia through the dairy industry.

Other professionals, like Dominik Da Silva Ribas, have also found new beginnings in dairy farming. A former cabinet maker and carpenter from Germany, Dominik moved to Australia with his wife after hearing about the opportunities from his wife’s grandmother, who frequently traveled to the country. The couple now works on a dairy farm in Fulham, Victoria, where they plan to settle long-term.

Skilled Migrants Filling Critical Labor Gaps

A wide range of backgrounds can be found among Australia's dairy workforce. Food technician Lisa Reichert moved from Germany to New Zealand and later Australia, where she now milks cows and raises calves on a dairy farm near Kilmany, Victoria. The attraction of working in Australia’s dairy sector was on her bucket list, reflecting the country’s growing global appeal.

New Zealand native Robbie McKillop has also made a home in Australia’s dairy industry. With a background in dairy farming and machinery operation, Robbie now works at a dairy farm in Nambrok, Victoria, and dreams of sharefarming within five years to further secure his family’s future.

Frenchman Numa Heritier, a former machinery maintenance technician, moved to Australia to pursue a career in farming. In the past year, he has fallen in love with his work and has become an essential part of the general operations at a Nambrok dairy farm.

Even engineers like brothers Gurkan and Gurcan Tiryaki from Turkey have made the shift to dairy farming. Gurcan first arrived in Australia on a protection visa five years ago, with his brother Gurkan following three years later. Both now work for Aurora Dairies and express satisfaction with the improved pay, work conditions, and opportunities in Australia compared to their previous employment.

Australian-Born Workers Also Embrace Dairy Opportunities

The opportunities presented by the dairy industry aren’t lost on Australians. Alex Simmons, a native of Sale, Victoria, has worked in dairy for three years and is currently studying for a Certificate IV in Agriculture. His goal is to manage a dairy farm in the near future, contributing to the local industry’s growth.

Likewise, David Softley, a former fisherman from Darwin, has transitioned to a senior farmhand role in Gippsland. With nearly a decade of experience in dairy, David manages workers, trains staff, and oversees herd management. His passion for working with animals has kept him dedicated to the sector, where he’s been thriving for years.

A Pathway to Permanent Residency

The ADF’s call for a more accessible pathway to permanent residency for dairy workers highlights the importance of migrant labor in sustaining and growing the Australian dairy industry. Reducing visa costs and offering clearer routes to residency would not only retain skilled workers but also attract more international talent eager to contribute to the sector.

As more migrant workers enter Australia’s dairy industry, their diverse skill sets continue to enrich farming practices, benefiting both small family farms and large corporate enterprises. For many, Australia represents a land of opportunity where they can build wealth, security, and a bright future in one of the country's most vital industries.

By offering permanent residency options, Australia has the potential to become a global leader in attracting skilled dairy workers, fostering long-term industry growth and prosperity.

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