Seasonal work: 600+ casual jobs waiting to be filled for Christmas
No surprise that retail, hospitality top Illawarra vacancies
With five weeks until Christmas, Illawarra jobseekers still have time to secure seasonal work. Despite perceptions that the hiring window closes early, employers across the region continue to advertise short-term roles.
Part-time employment is a significant part of the Illawarra workforce. According to regional data, almost 34% of employed people in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven district worked part-time in the past two years.
Based on current job ads and labor-market data, there are about 600 casual and/or part-time job listings for the Wollongong/Illawarra & South Coast. Retail is the most dominant sector while casual hospitality jobs are relatively common.
There also are a number of casual roles in aged care, medical reception and pathology.
From retail to fashion and beyond
There are still are number of opportunities available for the 2025 Christmas-summer season, from retail to fashion, homewares, and a few specialty stores.
Many seasonal roles initially specified availability through to January or early February, and some may explicitly offer above-award pay and penalties. As always, check the fine print.
Some roles do mention a requirement for full availability over key dates (Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s) while others mention the possibility of converting to longer-term roles once the season ends.
Christmas casuals
Here’s 10 casual jobs advertised for Christmas this week across the Illawarra:
Peter Alexander, Shellharbour
Rebel, Wollongong
Jay Jays, Dapto and Shellharbour
MyHouse, Wollongong and Shellharbour
Neverland Store, Shellharbour
Supercheap Auto, Dapto
The Reject Shop, Albion Park
dusk, Blackbutt
Connor, Wollongong
Goldmark, Shellharbour
Summer hospo roles
Hospitality-based casual roles remain available but are more limited than retail. Jobseekers with flexibility, strong customer-facing skills and relevant certifications still have a good chance of securing work.
The sector typically experiences short-term, high-intensity demand, meaning more positions may open in the coming weeks.
One key opportunity is The Sebel Kiama’s recruitment day on November 26, 2025, starting at noon. Roles are available at Yves Social (F&B, bar and events), The Sebel Kiama (hotel reception) and Kitchen (chef and kitchen hand positions). Walk-ins are welcome or applicants can pre-register by hitting “quick apply” on Seek.
“Bring your CV, RSA (if you have one) and a quick intro about yourself. We’ll show you around the venue, then have a relaxed, informal chat with our management team and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions along the way,” management says.
Additional chef roles are available at Cin Cin Wine Bar and Kiama Leagues Club, while Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay is recruiting across its eco retreat and restaurant.
The Feros Group also has openings across its 10-venue portfolio, including Shellharbour’s Ocean Beach Hotel and the Berry Hotel, which are both seeking bar and floor staff with extra positions available in Berry.