Contents Why a move to Regional Queensland is the right one 3 A more relaxed lifestyle 3 Great affordability 3 Diverse employment opportunities beyond education 4 Education investment in Queensland 5 Frequently asked questions about teaching in Regional Queensland 6 Getting to know Queensland’s regional areas 8 The Darling Downs 9 Toowoomba 10 Central Queensland 11 Emerald 12 Gladstone 13 Rockhampton 14 Mackay 15 North Queensland 16 Townsville 17 Charters Towers 18 Mt Isa 19 Far North Queensland 20 Cairns 21 Sought-after opportunities 22 Next steps 22 About us 23 2 Why a move to Regional Queensland is the right one Queensland is the fastest growing state in Australia, largely as a result of migration from the other, colder states in the country. A warmer climate and the obvious lifestyle benefits of that are just some of the many advantages of choosing to live in Queensland. A more relaxed lifestyle Queensland in general has a strong reputation for offering a great lifestyle. This is even more the case in Regional Queensland, with its stunning uncrowded beaches and a very relaxed way of life. Great affordability Not only does Regional Queensland offer an ideal lifestyle, the cost of living is considerably lower than other areas on the Eastern Seaboard, particularly when it comes to housing in comparison to the median house prices in major metropolitan areas. Regional Queensland median house prices Far North Queensland Cairns $422,000+ North Queensland Charters Towers $86,250* Mount Isa $243,000+ Townsville $330,000+ Central Queensland Emerald $320,000* Gladstone $295,000+ Mackay $275,000* Metro median house prices Rockhampton $285,000+ Sydney $1.168 million Darling Downs South West Melbourne $918,350 Roma $225,000* Brisbane $584,778 Toowoomba $370,000+ 3 Sources +Domain House Price Report March 2020 *realestate.com.au Sept 20 Diverse employment opportunities beyond education Queensland offers a diverse range of employment opportunities with something for all skills and specialties. With the rise in remote working as a result of COVID-19, there is greater opportunity to work remotely in roles that were traditionally based in metropolitan areas. Aside from that, Queensland’s key employment markets include: Tourisim Business services Agriculture Essential services Mining 4 Education investment in Queensland The Queensland Government has committed significant investment to both the private and public education systems across Queensland, providing educators with the resources they need to do the important work they do. The Queensland Department of Education’s “Building Education Program” for 2019/20 includes programs to deliver the following: 1,249 state schools • 191 secondary schools • 920 primary schools • 44 special schools • 92 combined primary and secondary schools • 2 specific purpose schools • More than 35,000 learning spaces and support facilities For 2019-2020 This investment will benefit: • $1.464 billion has been invested into • Over 560,000 full-time Queensland state schools students • $233.5 million has been allocated to • Over 53,000 teachers maintenance. This included: • Over 92,000 $225.71 million for schools departmental employees $2.69 million for Early Childhood • 250 independent public Education and Care centres schools. $5.08 million for employee housing Many schools also offer incentives to • $1.3 billion has been allocated towards teachers moving to teach in rural and progressing the Building Future remote areas. Schools program • 8 new schools are being prepared for 2020 • 5 new schools are being prepared for 2021 5 Frequently asked questions about teaching in Regional Queensland Why would we relocate to Regional QLD for teaching opportunities? Regional QLD offers extensive professional development opportunities often not afforded in metro regions. You will have access to onsite professional development programs, as well as metro and online-based programs. Whether it is furthering your own education or looking to grow your career, the opportunities abound in Regional Queensland. There are also more permanent employment opportunities in rural and remote schools than in schools in Brisbane or the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. 1. What is the ‘normal’ interview process like? There is no ‘one size fits all’ with schools in their interview processes. In general, you can expect to have either a phone call or video interview. Some schools will then look to fly you to their location or have a follow- up interview before formalising an offer; others will offer (pending all the necessary checks) following the initial interview. When schools are flying you over or conducting a second interview, this is generally a very good sign that you have impressed at the first interview. Flying candidates to their location is generally at the expense of the school and whilst they see you as a great fit on the phone/video, they also feel it’s important for you to look at the local area and school to ensure a great culture fit for both parties. 2. Do schools offer relocation assistance? Again, there is no ‘one size fits all’ with schools around relocation assistance. If a particular school does offer a relocation assistance package, the amount set aside for teachers (and their families) varies depending on the organisation and school location. The amount can range from $0 to $2000 or more. 6 4. What other incentives do I have access to? Similar to the housing situation, the 3. Is housing included? further away from a major regional centre you are located, the more This varies and is dependent on incentives there are. Some of the numerous factors – location, whether incentive schemes include: The or not the school in question is a stand- Incentive Payment – Remote Area alone independent school or part of Staff Scheme (IPRASS), Isolated a larger organisation (e.g. Catholic Teachers Assistance Scheme and Education or Education QLD), and size of Remote Area Incentive Scheme the teaching faculty – but generally, the (RAIS). Additionally, some remote further away from a major regional centre schools offer one or two return the school is located, the more incentives flights to Brisbane or a major and benefits are likely to be offered. regional centre and additional leave. Some schools will fully cater for teacher housing, others will offer subsidised housing, and others will have nothing. 5. Are there school options for my children? All major regional centres in QLD have plenty of Primary, Secondary, and P-12 schools to choose from and this comes down to individual circumstances and preferences. Rockhampton, Townsville and Toowoomba have highly regarded universities. Overall, regional communities offer a safe, family- friendly environment where teachers and their families are embraced in community life. 7 Getting to know Queensland’s regional areas BRISBANE Darling Downs South West The Darling Downs region of Queensland is situated along the News South Wales border. The region is The Darling Downs region has renowned for its rich, fertile agricultural land and charming, historic towns. The proximity to NSW means • 156 primary schools residents enjoy a slightly cooler climate. The warm • 22 secondary schools country hospitality, excellent produce and award- 27 P-10/12 schools winning wineries are just some of the fantastic lifestyle • opportunities this region has to offer. • 3,571 teachers Most of the towns in the Darling Downs region are • 42,449 students within 60-90 minutes drive of Toowoomba and two hours or so from Brisbane. 9 Toowoomba Bordered by “growth path” towns and offering diverse employment opportunities, Toowoomba offers all the benefits of the city along with a relaxed regional lifestyle. Toowoomba is expected to be one of the fastest-growing regional areas in Australia between 2013-31, and is renowned for its lively food and cultural scene. Key schools in and near Toowoomba • Holy Name Primary School • Concordia Lutheran College • The Glennie School • Downlands College • St Saviour’s College • St Mary’s College • St Ursula’s College • St Saviour’s Primary School • Mater Dei Primary School • St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School • Toowoomba Grammar School • Toowoomba North State School • Toowoomba East State School • Newtown State School • Gowrie State School Tertiary education • The University of Southern Queensland • The University of Queensland Gatton College 10 Central Queensland The Central Queensland region covers the coastal towns of Mackay, Gladstone and Rockhampton and The Central Queensland extends west through the Gemfields to Emerald and region has: out to Longreach. • 142 primary schools Residents enjoy a sub-tropical climate and an • 25 secondary schools abundance of sunshine, with an average of 300 days of sun a year – perfect for an outdoor lifestyle. Living in • 18 P-10/12 schools Central Queensland means you have access to desert • 3,710 teachers plains, outback towns, tropical rainforests, vast and • 46,730 students expansive beaches and even the Great Barrier Reef. Frontline Education has been very swift in responding to applicants once an application for a role is submitted. They seek to understand why a person is applying for a job and personalise their support accordingly. Based on my reasons for my job search, Frontline Education continued to source other possible employers when my application was initially unsuccessful. Frontline Education have been excellent in liaising with me as an applicant and a possible employer. They provided tips on how I can prepare for an interview and readily answered questions that I was not too clear on. I can’t stress enough the fact that the assistance/service provided by Frontline Education was personalised for me, and very professional. I would give them a 10/10 score. I’m very happy that Frontline Education has assisted me in securing a teaching job for 2021. Thank you. Dianne Austrai-Ombiga 11 Emerald Emerald is a thriving rural town located 270 km west of Rockhampton and 878 km northwest of Brisbane via Rockhampton. It is the major regional centre of the Central Highlands and is the gateway to the Central Western district.