Life’s a beach: Irishman to learn Best Job in World fate

AN Irishman hoping to land what has been dubbed The Best Job In The World will know today if he has made the final cut.

Along with 15 other applicants from around the world, George Karellas, 31, is on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia to face the final selection process to land a six-month contract as caretaker of the island.

“Swimming is my passion and I would spend every minute by the sea if I could,” said George, from Bettystown, Co Meath.

George, whose mother is Greek, had already beaten competition from an initial 35,000 hopefuls from all over the globe to make the Top 50 candidates. Now that he is among the final 16, he is close to winning the contract worth €76,000. A spokesperson for Queensland Tourism, which is running the competition, said the Top 50 candidates were so impressive that the number was increased to 16.

The final selection process takes place today with the winning candidate being announced at 3pm local time (6am Irish time).

If George wins, he will enjoy flexible working hours, and key responsibilities will include exploring the idyllic and tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The successful applicant will begin work on July 1. “To be paid to get in the water and have fun would be my dream,” says George. “That’s why this job would be absolutely perfect for me.”

Travel Affiliate was the campaign partner in Ireland for the successful global campaign. The company’s managing director Michelle O’Keeffe said: “The prize is a once-in-a-lifetime dream job. If George Karellas wins, I might just have to visit him to check up and make sure he is doing this very tough job.”

George’s blog, meanwhile, shows he has already made himself at home on Hamilton Island.

“You really can’t read or be told about the islands and fully appreciate just how good it is to be on them,” he writes.

“They’re beautiful, picturesque and spectacular, but really for me what makes them are the people. If ever there was a race of people that seem like they have been let out to play it’s the Aussies on Hamilton Island.”