Aussies invited to swap their day job for an ‘Odd Job’ in Tourism Tasmania campaign via HAVAS Red

Tourism Tasmania has today launched Odd Jobs, a tongue-in-cheek campaign developed in partnership with HAVAS Red and supported by Starcom. The campaign encourages Australians to swap their day jobs for a uniquely Tasmanian Odd Job this Off Season.

Odd Jobs features 10 different experiences designed by Tasmanian tourism businesses. Australians can apply for one of the hands-on Odd Jobs until July 8 via the Discover Tasmania website.

Up for the taking are one-off, uniquely Tasmanian experiences, with each successful applicant receiving travel, accommodation, a bounty of local artisanal goods for their time – plus they will get to add their Odd Job title to their resume and all bragging rights that come with it.

WATCH THE FILM

To bring the campaign to life across earned and social media, Tourism Tasmania has recruited Australian comedian, writer and actor Josh Thomas to give fellow mainlanders insight into the skills (or lack of!) needed for an ‘Odd Job’. A 60-second video on Tourism Tasmania’s website showcases Josh ‘on the job’ across Tasmania.

Viewers see Josh taking cheeky George the Wombat for a crisp morning stroll, expertly tending the flames as the Sauna Stoker, discovering his inner green thumb at Clover Hill’s vineyard, and finding tranquillity while immersed in the waters of Great Oyster Bay as an Oyster Organiser.

Says Lindene Cleary, chief marketing officer, Tourism Tasmania: “As temperatures drop during winter, we know Australians are seeking a well-being boost and a break from the daily grind. In contrast to their busy working lives, each ‘Odd Job’ is an opportunity to plunge into the heart of Tasmania’s Off Season in the spirit of adventure, whether it be creative stimulation or outdoor exhilaration, the company of animals, artisans, or absolutely no one – there’s an ‘Odd Job’ to suit everyone.”

Says Georgina Thompson, client services director at HAVAS Red: “Leading into winter, burnout skyrockets. In Tassie, working with your hands, engaging in anti-ordinary hobbies, and connecting with the earth is second nature. We thought, why not work with Tasmanian tourism operators to offer Aussies some seriously Odd Jobs? Whether it’s breathing in the fresh Tassie air while walking George the wombat, getting in touch with your spidey senses while investigating paranormal activity, or living your train-spotting dreams, one of Tasmania’s Odd Jobs could be just the thing you need to reconnect this winter.”

Says Sherie Meka, precision manager, Starcom: “Our role was to drive awareness of the campaign, maximising the amplification of the unique digital video content featuring the campaign ambassador, Josh Thomas. We’ve used a mix of social platforms, Meta to drive scale, but also LinkedIn to promote the ‘Odd Jobs’ amongst professionals that may be in need of a break from the usual 9-5. The campaign will also run across Digital Audio and Podcasts in partnership with ARN.”

Tourism Tasmania’s Odd Jobs are now open and accepting applications. Please visit Discovertasmania.com.au/oddjobs for more information. Applicants must complete a short submission of why they would be a great fit for the Odd Job. The most compelling applications will be shortlisted and successful applicants will be selected by the local businesses.

The 10x Odd Jobs available include:
● Wombat Walker – East Coast Natureworld – Set your alarm for sunrise and join the wombats at East Coast Natureworld for their daily walk. It keeps them happy and healthy and will do the same for you, too. There’s no better (or cuter) way to warm up on a chilly winter morning.
● Oyster Organiser – Freycinet Marine Farm – Pull on a pair of waders and plod through the tranquil waters of Great Oyster Bay. Lose yourself in the rhythm of the role as you clean and categorise, sort, shuck, and slurp – ensuring every oyster meets the highest standards.
● Sauna Stoker – Little Beach Co. – When your office is a wood-fired sauna overlooking the Tasman Sea, it’s hard to beat. Little Beach Co. needs a heat-lover to keep the flames fed and maintain a cosy temperature to contrast the winter chill. Nestled into the Tasmanian bush, it’s the ideal escape for those seeking some solitude.
● Wine Whisperer – Clover Hill – This Odd Job calls for a green thumb and a sensitive palette. It’s part tending, part tasting. You’ll wander among the vines pruning back the old growth to make way for the new, before sampling Clover Hill’s incredibly-crafted sparkling wines and letting them whisper their secrets to you.
● Paranormal Investigator – Tasmania’s Most Haunted – Test your nerve in an after-dark investigation of Willow Court Asylum. Follow your sixth sense to unearth its secrets and unravel unsolved mysteries, armed with the latest detecting devices and your keen investigative skills.
● Cave Conductor – Gunns Plains Caves – Go underground with local musician Charlie to set up for a subterranean concert in Gunns Plains Caves. Bring your instrument to improvise some tunes together to test the cavernous acoustics, ensuring the sound reaches every crack and crevice for his performance.
● Truffle Snuffler – The Truffledore – If trues are rare, then a good Truffle Snuffler is rarer still. Lead the hunt for these hidden gems alongside your highly trained true dog. Carefully unearth the elusive black winter true to be cleaned, graded, and, of course, sampled.
● Star Seeker – Rathmore – Pull on your puffer and connect with the cosmos. As a Star Seeker, you’ll navigate the night sky alongside astrology bus. Assist with celestial observations, telescope fiddling, and astro-imaging. It’s the ideal Odd Job to quiet your mind, unplug from civilisation, and revel in the majesty of the southern stars.
● Puffer Nut – West Coast Wilderness Railway – Don your overalls and join the Locomotive Crew. Warm your hands over the firebox, riding shotgun in the cab alongside the Driver and Fireman through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness.
● Soaksmith – Little Things Farm – Awaken your senses. Little Things Farm needs a Soaksmith to craft its signature scented bath salt, which captures the essence of the Off Season. Soak up inspiration from the winter landscape and channel your creativity into your creation.

For Aussies that miss out on their dream Odd Job, there is a wealth of similar Off Season experiences to be enjoyed in Tasmania this winter. Head to DiscoverTasmania.com.au to learn more.