by Barry de Silva
We savour juicy blueberries on our pavlovas at Easter and Christmas, yet rarely do we stop and consider the hands that picked them. Behind each berry lies a story of early mornings, long days in the sun, and the quiet sacrifice of workers who have travelled far from home. Across the stretch from Grafton to Macksville, more than 140 blueberry farms rely on overseas labour to bring in the harvest. It is a workforce hidden in plain sight, yet essential to the fruit on our tables.
Many of these workers arrive through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which brings people from countries such as Timor Leste, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Fiji to regional Australia for up to nine months. Workers from the Philippines are currently not included under this scheme.
While these seasonal workers support regional economies and are offered a life-changing income for their family, the experience isn’t always positive. Being far from home, often with limited English, can leave workers isolated. Some face tough conditions. Others encounter treatment that raises major concerns.
Sharing Christ’s love
The Church’s involvement began with a quiet moment in the pews of St Patrick’s Church, South Grafton. Sr Denise Laverty noticed five unfamiliar women at Mass one Sunday in 2022. They introduced themselves as blueberry pickers from Vanuatu, living in South Grafton and travelling daily to Coffs Harbour for work.
Not long after, Teresa Olid-Pryer, Pastoral Associate at St Augustine’s Parish in Coffs Harbour, met the same group. “My instinct has always been to help people doing it tough,” Teresa says. “When I met these women, I was drawn to them. It all unfolded very naturally.”
Since then, Teresa and Sr Denise have quietly supported workers in Coffs Harbour and Grafton. They’ve built relationships, offered transport to Mass, helped source food and essentials, and simply shown up to listen and be present in their lives.
Last Christmas, Sr Denise and Teresa even hosted a special liturgy and meal for 13 Timor Leste workers, bringing the flavours of home to those missing family. “Being Filipino, I understood how much these small gestures would mean,” Teresa recounts. “I was able to collect gifts, prepare traditional food and drinks, and create a familiar, joyful atmosphere. They were amazed someone would do this for them.”
Even in parishes without overseas workers, Catholics are responding. “People have come forward from parishes across the Diocese offering groceries and clothing—they just want to help,” says Sr Denise.
What employers can do
Mountain Blue, one of Australia’s major blueberry producers, operates five farms across the North Coast. Managing Director Andrew Bell says they enjoy strong worker retention and high productivity: “We have the same people coming back season after season. That consistency builds trust and helps both sides.”
Mountain Blue inspects housing before the season begins and works closely with contractors and universities to make sure accommodation is safe and affordable. “Looking after marginalised people is a big part of who we are,” Andrew says. His company previously dropped a labour contractor who failed to pay superannuation and Mountain Blue had to step in and manage the issue directly. “We’ve made it clear to contractors: ethical standards matter.”
But Andrew says stronger regulation is overdue. “Our regulators are letting people and the industry down—more needs to be done. There must be harsher penalties, because until these farms are hit commercially, they’re going to continue to push the boundaries.”
Economic pressures
According to Professor Joseph Cheer, lecturer of sustainable tourism and heritage and Associate Dean at Western Sydney University, the situation for seasonal workers reflects deeper economic pressures.
“Low prices from supermarkets force farms to cut costs, and it’s often workers who feel it,” Professor Cheer says. “Seasonal workers are vulnerable. They rely on their employer for housing and transport. Speaking up can put their job at risk.”
In addition, Professor Cheer added that the power dynamics and the vulnerability of workers means that many are reluctant to speak out about poor living and working conditions.
“It’s challenging to get evidence, because a lot of the time you need access to the workers to get their experiences,” he explained. “Workers are often cautious about speaking with outsiders, worried it might put their job or visa at risk, and employers aren’t always open to third-party involvement.”
Work of the Gospel
For Teresa and Sr Denise, this is the work of the Gospel. Their presence reminds seasonal workers that they are not forgotten. They are seen, valued, and loved. Not because of what they help produce, but because of who they are. So next time you next enjoy a punnet of blueberries, pause to remember the hands that picked them and the hearts that welcomed them.
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