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Build Your Future in the Goulburn Valley with the DAMA Program

The Goulburn Valley DAMA (GV DAMA) enables employers in Shepparton, Campaspe, and Moira Shire to sponsor overseas workers in critical shortage industries. It provides concessions on age, English, and salary, with direct permanent residency pathways via Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Goulburn Valley DAMA

Covers Shepparton, Campaspe, Moira Shire.

PR pathways after 2–3 years

No points test required.

Concessions Avaiable:

Age up to 55 years

Reduced English test requirements.

Salary concession: below CSIT if AMSR is met.

Family inclusion: Spouse and children can be included.

Endorsement managed by Greater Shepparton City Council.

Endorsement fee: AUD $750 + GST per position.

Goulburn Valley DAMA Program Overview

The GV DAMA is tailored to address workforce shortages across north-central Victoria

Administered by: Greater Shepparton City Council (Designated Area Representative).

Regions covered: Shepparton, Campaspe, Moira Shire.

Industries targeted: dairy and agribusiness, food processing, aged care, hospitality, construction, and mining support services.

Purpose:Allow employers to fill persistent shortages by sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers using tailored concessions not available under general migration.

👉 Example: A dairy farm in Shepparton can sponsor farm workers at reduced English levels and progress them to PR after 3 years. 

Eligibility

For Employers

Employers must:

Must be legally operating in Goulburn Valley for 12+ months.

Demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT).

Apply for endorsement from Greater Shepparton City Council (DAR fees apply)

Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs after endorsement.

Comply with sponsorship and workplace obligations.

👉 Example: A fruit processor in Campaspe unable to find local staff applies for endorsement, then nominates workers under GV DAMA. 

For Skilled Workers

Workers must:

Must hold an occupation listed on the GV DAMA occupation list

Have relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

Must pass health and character requirements.

Concessions available:

Age: up to 55 years.

English: lower test scores accepted for eligible roles.

Salary: up to 10–15% below CSIT if AMSR is met.

👉 Example: A chef in Shepparton may qualify with lower English scores and be sponsored for PR after 2 years on a 482. 

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for

Employers

1
Check the occupation is on the GV DAMA list.
2
Apply for endorsement via Greater Shepparton City Council (pay fee).
3
Apply for a labour agreement with Home Affairs.
4
Nominate eligible workers.

Skilled Workers

Secure a job offer from an endorsed GV employer.

Confirm concessions available. ​

Lodge visa application (482, 494, or 186). ​
Provide documents (skills, health, police checks).
Await decision (average 6–12 months).

Visa Subclass Pathways

VisaDurationPR PathwayKey Features
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa1–4 years (5 for HK/BNO)Subclass 186 after 2 yearsAge / English / salary concessions
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored RegionalUp to 5 yearsSubclass 191 after 3 years regional workSupports long-term regional settlement
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)PermanentDirect PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

👉 Example: A dairy worker in Shepparton may begin on a 494 and progress to PR via 191 after 3 years.

Visa Fees & Charges

Greater Shepparton Council - Endorsement Fees
Fee:AUD 750 + GST per position

Employer Charges (Home Affairs)
Standard business sponsorship (482)AUD 420
Nomination (482)AUD 330
Nomination (494)AUD 330
Nomination (186)AUD 540

VisaTurnover < $10mTurnover ≥ $10mNotes
Subclass 482AUD 1,200 / visa yearAUD 1,800 / visa yearPer visa year
Subclass 494AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off
Subclass 186AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off

Visa Application Charges (approximate, as at 1 July 2025)

Visa SubclassPrimary (AUD)Adult ≥18 (AUD)Child <18 (AUD)Notes
Subclass 186AUD 4,910AUD 2,455AUD 1,230Fixed
Subclass 482 (SID)AUD 3,210AUD 3,210AUD 805Short-term Income Threshold Concession (SID)
Subclass 494AUD 4,910AUD 2,455AUD 1,230Fixed

👉 Example (Shepparton dairy farm sponsoring a 482 worker for 2 years, turnover <$10m):

Endorsement fee = AUD 750 + GST
Sponsorship + nomination = AUD 750
SAF levy = AUD 2,400
Visa fee ≈ AUD 2,645 (primary applicant)
➡ AApprox. AUD 6,545 total before health/police checks.

Subclass 494: Refer to DHA Visa Pricing Table (indexed annually)

PrimaryAUD 4,910
Dependent over 18 AUD 2,455
Dependent Under 18 AUD 1,230

💡 Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator for current charges.

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members

Spouse or De Facto Partner: Full work rights in Australia

Dependent Children under 18: Access to schooling and Medicare.

Older dependents: May be included if financially dependent.

👉 Family must be declared at application stage or apply later as subsequent entrants. 

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Employers applying directly to Home Affairs instead of Council for endorsement

Assuming concessions are automatic they depend on occupation

Submitting incomplete Labour Market Testing evidence.

Tips for Strong Application

Always confirm the GV DAMA occupation list.

Budget for both endorsement fee and government visa charges.

Plan timelines carefully: endorsement + labour agreement stages can take months.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

 
It’s a regional migration agreement allowing Shepparton and surrounding employers to sponsor overseas workers with tailored concessions.

Shepparton, Campaspe, and Moira Shire. 

The Greater Shepparton City Council acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR)

Yes — AUD 750 + GST per position.

Subclass 482, 494, and 186 via labour agreement streams. 

482 → 186 after 2 years; 494 → 191 after 3 years

No — DAMA visas are employer-sponsored.

Dairy, food processing, aged care, construction, trades, and hospitality

You cannot apply under GV DAMA; consider other visa options.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.