wood and water joey

plural wood and water joeys

1. AustraliadatedA person who performs odd jobs; a rouseabout or handyperson.

   As 'wood and water joey,' he was responsible for supplying wood for the fire and water for the camp.

   2011 December 1, Lennie Wallace, Cape York Peninsula, Boolarong Press, →ISBN, page 29

   3 more examples

   I have known a case where a gentleman, since the Premier of a neighbouring colony, recommended to the Government of which I was a member the appointment of two persons at New England, one of whom was, we were afterwards told, what is called a wood and water joey in a squatter's employment, and the other was a shepherd.

   1873, New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council, Votes & Proceedings, page 682

   "A wood and water joey"! The prospect of such a career for their son is not alluring to many a town father and mother, and hence their reluctance to permit the boy to take a job in the country even though he may feel the call of the land.

   1921, Queensland. Public Service Commissioner, Annual Report

   After the campaign commenced Bennett was determined that the AIF would take an active part in the defence of Malaya and not become just a collection of 'wood and water joeys' for the British.

   2021 March 30, D. M. Horner, The Commanders: Australian Military Leadership in the Twentieth Century, Routledge, →ISBN