mmg.com.au

They like the climate, hate the 40°C days and enjoy the chance to raise money that they blow on a holiday.

The backbone of the Goulburn Valley’s picking force, the overseas backpackers, are picking pears and peaches in our orchards this month.

They come from Europe, Asia and America, are usually aged in their 20s and are keen to earn enough money to pay for their Australian holiday.

Australia’s working holiday visa system encourages backpackers to work a minimum period so they can get an extended visa.

Helen Lordeau is more accustomed to working as a para-legal in a Paris office than plucking fruit from trees.

‘‘It’s a dream for me. I came here (to Australia) when I was 18 as a nanny in the Kimberleys,’’ she said.

‘‘I love the travel, the freedom and the sun.’’

She finds the work hard in the hot weather, but found the climate last week much better.

She expects to go back to office work in Paris when she has finished her year of travel.

Paris barmaid Steffy Gerault is travelling with other French friends and expects to be in the Goulburn Valley for about two months.

She finds fruit picking hard work, but not nearly as bad as picking tomatoes.

‘‘It’s $60 to break your back, with flies and no shade,’’ she said.

Steffy thinks she will probably continue travelling and will likely visit South America.

‘‘I wanted to travel as much as I could before I turned 30,’’ she said.

Diego Bagatti, from Italy, was at the same Shepparton East orchard last week and has been in Australia for nine months, working and travelling.

■For a video interview with Helen Lordeau, see the Country News home page.