Dozens of extra flights expected to bring rush of tourists, plenty of jobs on offer

Qantas is launching a new direct route from Melbourne to Ballina, while major hospitality employers try to fill jobs.

Airlines and tourism operators are expecting an explosion of visitors to Northern NSW from November 1, but staff shortages have them concerned about being able to cater to demand.

A Jetstar spokesman said the airline would operate 29 return weekly flights between Ballina and Sydney, and would be adding a weekly return service between Ballina and Melbourne, for a total of five a week.

Qantas is also launching a new direct route from Melbourne to Ballina on November 12.

Qantas will fly a Boeing 737 to Ballina three times a week to add more than 1000 seats to the Melbourne route every week.

Meanwhile, Virgin and Rex have also reinstated their offerings between Sydney and Coffs Harbour Airport.

Accommodation providers have reported strong bookings for the Christmas period since September.

Ballina RSL Club CEO Bill Coulter said the venue would reopen its ground floor dining area with a Melbourne Cup Luncheon on November 2 for 150 guests.

“Our biggest challenge has been providing services and having the staff numbers to support that,” he said.

“That’s been a challenge right throughout the industry and across many businesses.”

From November 3, the ground floor will be open for lunch and dinner, but bookings will be required.

As the second biggest employer in Ballina, Mr Coulter said the club had looked within the Northern Rivers and beyond to entice people to take up jobs as baristas, chefs, bartenders and waitstaff.

He said he had between 20 and 30 positions to fill.

“We offer such diversity on what they can do, and we offer a career path, and managers that are able to coach and mentor people,” he said.

But like many employers, the club is trying to manage a requirement for patrons to be fully vaccinated while not demanding the same from staff.

Mr Coulter said some staff had received their first dose of the Covid vaccine but would not be fully immunised by November 1.

“They have some leave provision that they can use until they get their second dose,” he said.

“We’ve got a pretty good result in regards to vaccination among our staff, but we still need more people to open up more services to members and guests.”

Mr Coulter said the cost of living in Northern NSW — particularly housing and petrol — was the main obstacle for people to accept jobs in the area.

“That’s a real problem for younger people who are starting off in a career,” he said.

“Transport is an area where we can look to support people to come to work, and providing affordable rental options.

“We are in discussions with several organisations in town as to how we can set that up.

“We are also looking at providing benefits in healthcare and health insurance.”

The former Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is now owned by the Crystalbrook Collection Group. Photo: Supplied.

In Byron Bay, a spokeswoman for luxury operator Crystalbrook Byron said the business was also getting ready for a busy summer.

“We’re currently hiring for multiple positions across each area from chefs, to bartenders and baristas, housekeeping attendants, front office and spa therapists,” she said.

“In particular, we’re looking to recruit five new spa therapists in Eléme Day Spa to offer bespoke facial and body therapies”.

To apply, applicants should visit crystalbrookcollection.com/careers.