Special event and seasonal work in Australia
Melbourne has many special events occurring right throughout the year which presents great work opportunities in areas as diverse as retail, hospitality or even event management. Below are some popular events that may require casual event staff.
Australian Open Tennis
The Australian Open Tennis tournament is held at Rod Laver Arena, just a short walk from the city, over a two week period in late January.
Tennis Australia employs a variety of casual staff in the lead up to and sometimes during the Australian Open. Applications usually close in May of the year prior to the event.
Australian Grand Prix - Formula 1 Car Racing
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is held over four days (usually Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) early in March, at the purpose-built track around Albert Park lake, just 3-4 kms. south of the city centre.
The main type of casual employment opportunities that are available are in hospitality and crowd control/security. Go to GrandPrix Employment Opportunites for more information.
Spring Racing Carnival
The Spring Racing Carnival typically lasts for one month from mid-October through to mid-November and staff numbers peak during this time and the venues hire upwards of 300 extra staff to cope with the large crowds.
- The Victorian Racing Club advertises job vacancies in major and local newspapers in June and also on their website.
- The Melbourne Racing Club advertises on their website sometime in June or July.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The MCG is one of the most historical and famous sporting stadiums in the world. In addition to special events, there are sporting events there virtually on a weekly basis, especially during the Australian Rules Football (AFL) season from late March through to the end of September.
Event work occurs on weekends or late afternoons and evenings and hours vary according to the fixture of the sport or event being played. Check the Melbourne Cricket Ground website for information about the next intake.
Etihad stadium
Like the MCG, there are sporting events there on a weekly basis during the Australian Rules Football (AFL) season from late March through to September.
Event work occurs on weekends or late afternoons and evenings and hours vary according to the fixture of the sport or event being played.
- Go to Etihad Stadium Employment for recruitment information
- Students interested in hospitality work at Etihad stadium should go to Delaware North Companies International, Delaware North also supply staff for other major event venues such as Vodafone Arena and Rod Laver Arena.
Seasonal Work
Winter ski season
If you're a bit of a ski bunny, you might want to consider spending your winter vacation working in the ski fields. Here are some links to websites with information about jobs available in the snow.
Fruit picking
Many travellers and students spend several months travelling throughout Australia picking fruit on various farms.