Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.
Federal and state regulators have inspected berry farms and labour hire businesses across the Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley regions. The two-day operation, known as Operation Brambles, targets suspected wage underpayments, unsafe conditions and unfair business practices. A 2025 report by the Fair Work Ombudsman found 61 per cent of employers assessed in the Coffs Harbour and Grafton region did not meet their obligations under the Fair Work Act. Regulators are investigating possible breaches, including illegal phoenix activity. No findings from the latest inspections have been released.
Backpackers say recent changes to working holiday visas have removed the incentive to take regional jobs that many Australians avoid. Under the new system, second-year visas will require a ballot, and the number on offer is falling sharply. Irish backpacker Meghan Morris and Chilean backpacker Catalina Quiroga say the lottery makes regional work less worthwhile. Cherry grower Tom Eastlake in Young and winemaker Darren De Bortoli in Griffith say backpackers are essential to their harvests. The Department of Home Affairs says the reforms are designed to manage demand and support a fairer allocation of visas.
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Bonsai expert Melanie Delaney gave a free demonstration at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre's annual bonsai exhibition. She showed visitors how to create and care for the miniature trees. Delaney, a former IT specialist, said she particularly enjoys working with Australian native trees. Her demonstration used maple trees arranged in odd numbers to look natural. The arts centre encourages residents to join its bonsai group, where members can help look after each other's plants.
The second Wondai Garden Expo, held at the Wondai Showgrounds last month, was a success for organisers. Stalls were spread across the grounds, the cattle ring and two pavilions. Brisbane horticulturalist Claire Bickle spoke at the event. The Wondai & District Garden Club staged a display and a mini horticultural competition. Val Crawford of Kingaroy won the Champion Specimen ribbon, while Delwyn Schultz took the Best Exhibit In Pots and Champion Orchid.
