A wombat walker, oyster organiser, sauna stoker, paranormal investigator and star seeker.
Tourism Tasmania has launched Odd Jobs, a tongue-in-cheek campaign designed to encourage Australians to swap their day jobs.
Developed in partnership with HAVAS Red and supported by Starcom, Odd Jobs features 10 different experiences designed by Tasmanian tourism businesses.
Jobs include a wombat walker, oyster organiser, sauna stoker, wine whisperer, paranormal investigator, cave conductor, truffle snuffler, star seeker, puffer nut and soaksmith.
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.
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 will showcase Thomas ‘on the job’ across Tasmania. Thomas takes cheeky George the Wombat for a crisp morning stroll, tenders the flames as the sauna stoker, discovers his inner green thumb at Clover Hill's vineyard and finds tranquility while immersed in the waters of Great Oyster Bay as an oyster organiser.
“As temperatures drop during winter, we know Australians are seeking a well-being boost and a break from the daily grind," Tourism Tasmania CMO Lindene Cleary said.
"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.”
HAVAS Red client services director Georgina Thompson said in Tasmania, 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?" Thompson said.
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."
Starcom precision manager Sherie Meka said the agency's role was to drive awareness of the campaign, maximising the amplification of the unique digital video content featuring 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," she said.
Tourism Tasmania’s Odd Jobs are now open and accepting applications. 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.
