Post updated: 24 November 2015
Don’s Backpackers have a horrendous reputation with regards backpacker employment. They operate in the Australian town of Mildura, northwest of Victoria. This employer often hides their business name when recruiting backpackers. They often advertise as simply as farm work in Mildura. We encourage backpackers to avoid this employer. Any jobs posted on our board from this employer will be removed immediately.
Be sure to do a Google Search for Don’s Backpackers.
Mildura
Mildura relies heavily on backpackers for labour as they are a small city, heavy with wine grapes and fruit crops, that need to be picked and packed throughout the seasons. The town is pretty great actually with a vibrant nightlife and country feel, and many fruit picking opportunities. There are reputable employers in this area, but we encourage backpackers to express caution.
A Current Affair – Don’s Backpackers
Don’s Backpackers
Don seems to have been operating not only a cash scam for young travelers from all over the world, but is also reportedly verbally abusive. He has some nasty little tactics that mean travelers end up stuck at his caravan lodgings, often with more people than there is room, with no way out and no money.
Reports say he will pick you up from the airport and take you straight to a cash machine so you can withdraw hundreds of dollars. It is alleged that you need to pay him a “work finders fee” before you can actually start working, plus a deposit of up to $150. This cash is said to be pocketed with no receipt issued or paperwork signed. If you don’t do this, witnesses say he will leave you on the side of the road.
Tell us your story
Do you also have a story to tell about working for Don’s Backpackers in Mildura? Can you provide any more information on the place, the tactics used, the money lost and jobs completed? Found him through another source? Please let us know via the comments below.
Backpacker Feedback
Please note the comments below are those of our website users and not those of the Backpacker Job Board or the management team. We remind all backpackers to take note of our safety guidelines.
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I want to report an advert you have on here which is a scam. Its for regional backpackers in Mildura, they say they get work for you when you need it and its 150 dollars a week but I have been here with no work, told to pay money up front and haven to give notice in writing to receive and additional 100 dollar bond you are made to pay which isn’t mentioned, the place is getting backpackers to post these adds to bring more people in yet provide no work, since I arrived the town has said this place is bad but I have already lost money here now. I want to warn you about them and hopefully you will take it down so others don’t fall for this scam. The advert is titled ‘farm work and fruit picking in Mildura’ at regional backpackers. Please be aware of this add as a scam and it needs to be removed, the owner is Don and its his backpackers.
Its known as dons backpackers, but it is down on the advert as regional, yes the different email accounts will be the other backpackers they get to set up the adverts. I spent a lot of money getting their and being their and they provided no work so have chosen to leave. Yet he is still getting the others their to make adverts and bring others in when their is no work that he provides. Their is a police issue going on with the place due to all this too. I just know the title of the advert was “Farm work and fruit picking in Mildura” and the name of the place said “Regional Backpackers” they charge 150 dollars a week for shared house, wifi, laundry and regular ongoing work for second year visa.
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Do not fall for this promise of paid per hour work. This is not the case and the person advertising the job you will not meet instead you will be greeted by ‘Don’ (look him up on youtube) a pathetic and evil man who mistreats humans and pays a pitiful rate of pay as well as putting you in accommodation only fit for a slave. He will intimidate you and take all your money, there are various jobs advertised in mildura and from what i’ve seen/hear they all are put on by him to con people. The guy is scum and deserves to be stopped.
