Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Local News

New Traralgon company offers cultrual exchange opportunities

Opportunities for 17 - 30 Year olds as Nannys, AuPairs and Hospitality workers overseas

By John VanderWerff - 26th February 2003 - Back to News

JCR Aust/NZ Intercultural Exchange Programs Pty Ltd ; whose Australian head office is in Melbourne, has now opened in Traralgon to assist young people in Central, East, West and South Gippsland find rewarding and enjoyable childcare placements in, among others, the USA, UK, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, Korea, New Zealand, Guadeloupe in the French Leeward Islands and even Interstate within Australia.

JCR in association with EurAupair Intercultural Child Care Programs within the Asia Pacific Region, one of the World leaders in international placements of Nanny’s and Au pairs in the USA; a U.S. not-for-profit, public benefit organization, founded to improve understanding among people of different countries through cultural exchange. Through its network of affiliated overseas offices, EurAupair accepts young people who want to become aupairs from many countries world wide.

JCR Australia & New Zealand, operates from Melbourne and throughout Australia and New Zealand and has successfully placed young men and women with families in many different countries.

After researching this region thoroughly it was decided to open an agency in Traralgon as the central contact location for young people throughout the Gippsland area. JCR have appointed Heather and John VanderWerff as their local agents in Gippsland.

"We felt it was important that we make our young clients feel they are dealing with people that understand the excitement, difficulties and concerns that they, and their parents, feel when they decide to experience life and work in another culture. We want our young clients to know that we have their best interests at heart and that every placement we arrange is with a family in the Country or State of their choice, and that the family they are going to help have been fully screened to ensure they are in the best and safest environment possible."

JCR Australia (Gippsland) also place young people into the Hospitality industry overseas (UK). These positions are great for those, who have some bar and hospitality work experience, and want to add overseas work experience to their portfolio. All placements are in 3–4 and 5 star hotels and include allowances for accommodation and board as part of the package.

JCR (Gippsland) are also looking to open the Gippsland region to overseas youth (18—30 age groups) as a reciprocal venture, by locating Companies, Businesses, Hotels, Resorts, Farms and Families that have a need for short term workers as Nannies, Au pairs, Hospitality Workers, Farm Hands (milking, hay bailing, fruit picking) and the like.

"All we ask is that they provide a minimum wage, liveable accommodation and board for young people from overseas for a period of 3 months. These young people are all prepared to learn and experience Australian culture in an environment usually very different to the one they grew up in. Just like our youth have been doing for many years".

Any one interested in taking part in a JCR Australia Intercultural Exchange Program or the JCR Euraupair Program can contact Heather or John on (03) 5176 5599 or 0401 309 731 or by Email to youthos@bigpond.net.au to discuss their future and receive a pre-registration form. You can also view our website at www.jcraus.com.au

The following testimonials are emails and letters from young people currently or recently on placement overseas. They are representative of the feedback we receive regularly from our young participants and are all un-solicited and unaltered in any way.

Testimonials

From S.C. – Melbourne in the UK

JCR is an exceptional agency as it takes extra steps to look after the girls wellbeings. The ensurance from both the English and Australian groups have been fantastic, and I have no queries about recommending anyone to your organisations.

From N.V – Queensland in the UK

I am really enjoying my time here in London. Aisling and David are wonderful people to work for and the baby is so good.I have done a lot of traveling since I arrived. Twice to Ireland with them and twice to Spain with them.

Have also been to Wales 3 times, France twice and a 2 week trip to The Italian Lakes and Austria all on my own.Have also done lots of one day trips in England to places like Brighton, Stone Henge, Bath, Cambridge, Cotwolds, and so on.

We are going to Spain again next week for 8 days so am looking forward to that.Them I am going for 3 days to Manchester. I am coming home for xmas for 4 weeks then back here for another year.

From M.R. – Melbourne in Holland

I've been in Holland for nearly 2 weeks and I am having a great time. I'm so happy that I made the decision to come here. Thank you for your advice.

The Selles family are very nice people, especially Nicole (the mother) and the kids are great. I work Monday, Thursday and Friday and my work involves taking Edwin to school, cleaning the house and cooking dinner. I made friends with a Czech au pair in Utrecht and we went out on the weekend. I've spoken to Christelle (JCR Holland) and she is very friendly and helpful.

From K.T. – Melbourne in USA

Just writing to let you know that I received your email.

And once again, I can't even begin to express how thankful I am to you for the help you have been to me. It is wonderful to know that there is people out there, keeping hope in peoples lives. You really have made a difference to mine, and I am ever grateful.

From A.B. – Perth in USA

I don't regret that I came here, I actually feel lucky that I got to see the twin towers. Anyone that is thinking of being an aupair in America should do it. I've met so many nice American families.

My host family is so great, they include me in everything and i feel really comfortable here, like i do at home. I take care of a baby who is 14 and a half months now, I have watched her grow up and i am really attached to her, it will be hard to leave.

During my time here i have been to LA, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, Florida three times, Disney world, Orlando and Vancouver Canada. These trips have been parts of my weeks off, trips with my host family, and trips with aupairs that i have met.

There are so many place to see and it is a great opportunity to meet people from other countries. I have also had some fun times in New York city, there are lots of shops, Broadway shows, museums, people! aupairs are still coming to America and it is still the same cool country, with everything you dream about.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year here.

From M.F. – Mildura in the UK

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: youthos@bigpond.net.au

• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
  Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
  Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025.
• Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
  Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.