Mackay is a coastal city which acts as a gateway to both the Whitsundays and the Central Queensland Highlands. Known as Australia’s sugar capital, it’s surrounded by emerald-green sugarcane fields, but its charm goes far beyond agriculture.
The area boasts a dynamic arts scene, charming Art Deco architecture, and a relaxed, tropical vibe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the free Bluewater Lagoon, Sarina’s Sugar Shed and the tranquil Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. For nature lovers, the Mackay area offers unforgettable experiences—from sunrise beach encounters with kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough National Park to platypus spotting in the lush rainforest of Eungella National Park.
With stunning beaches, a growing community, and a perfect mix of modern conveniences and natural beauty. Mackay and its surrounding areas are part of our
Central Queensland region and home to approximately 30 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, a special school and an outdoor education centre—offering plenty of opportunities for teachers and their families to thrive.
Beginning teacher support
Schools in the Mackay geographic area provide beginning teachers with targeted support designed to help them succeed.
Katie, who began her teaching journey at
Beaconsfield State School shares, ‘During my first year of teaching, I received extra allocated non-contact time, including time with an experienced mentor teacher.’
She also attended behaviour management PD sessions and a beginning teacher conference, which helped her connect with others and build a strong support network.
Alex, an English teacher at
Mackay State High School moved from New South Wales and was impressed.
As a first-year teacher in a new state, I had so many questions about school systems and the curriculum differences between NSW and Queensland. My buddy teacher was so thoughtful and patient in answering my questions.’
He also commended the beginning teacher program for helping him understand key school and departmental systems (such as OneSchool and OnePortal) as he settled into his new permanent position.
Career progression and professional development (PD)
Teachers in Mackay and surrounding schools are supported to grow at every stage of their career, whether it’s developing new skills or stepping into leadership.
Lisa moved to Mackay from a remote Northern Territory community and welcomed the opportunity to work in a larger school setting and develop her skills.
‘Fitzgerald State School has given me the opportunity to experience a much larger school, where I’ve accessed targeted PD and learnt so much working alongside a diverse team of experienced colleagues. The collaborative environment has helped me grow in confidence and expand my teaching skills.’
Jess began her career at
Sarina State High School in 2017 when her professional experience placement turned into an offer of employment after graduation. Now a Head of Department, she credits the support of her leadership team.
‘Teaching in Mackay offers support for all career stages… At my school, the leadership team develops capability for aspiring leaders in multiple ways, encouraging and providing time for staff to work and lead collaborative teams for curriculum and assessment program and delivery. They also support all applications for QCAA involvement, PD and endorsers, confirmer and marker roles,’ she shares.
Financial and relocation support
For those relocating to Mackay and its surrounding communities, the move can be seamless and supported.
Alex shares, ‘The process was very quick to secure the job. Within a fortnight of applying, I completed a video interview and received a call from the principal explaining my next steps to teach at Mackay SHS.’
He says that the
Rural and Remote Housing Incentive Scheme (RRHIS) helped make the transition stress-free.
‘I was eligible for the department to fund my entire move from New South Wales to Central Queensland. This included my drive up there, removalists and 3 weeks’ accommodation while we sorted out where we were going to live. The department has also helped with our first year in Mackay by subsidising our rent. Overall, the process was very easy and removed a lot of stress for me and my partner,’ he reflects.
Active weekends and a balanced lifestyle
One of the benefits of living and teaching in and around Mackay is the lifestyle. It’s got something for singles, couples and families.
Matt, Deputy Principal at Sarina State High School, moved from the Sunshine Coast to Sarina 22 years ago and hasn’t looked back.
Jess has found endless ways to stay active.
‘I’ve joined all sorts of activities here—from surf lifesaving to hiking, snorkelling, bike rides along the Bluewater trail and even becoming a fitness instructor. It’s such an active, welcoming place to live.’
Katie agrees. ‘There are lots of beautiful places to explore like National Parks, rainforests, creeks, beaches (like Cape Hillsborough, pictured), and waterfalls. It’s a great place for people who love camping too… It also has welcoming sporting clubs. When my friend Janita and I moved to Mackay, we made friends very quickly from indoor netball.’
And for those who prefer indoor pursuits, Mackay’s community doesn’t disappoint.
Alex shares ‘I find myself more aligned with indoor activities, so I was worried I wouldn't have a 'nerdy' outlet or community. My expectations were quickly shattered when seeing there is a thriving community that shares many of my interests on tabletop board games and card games… it didn't take long to find other teachers at school who shared these “nerdy” hobbies too.'
Mackay also offers plenty for families.
‘There’s heaps of support for young families, with plenty of playgroups, parks and centres in every suburb,’ Jess shares, while Lisa adds, ‘During soccer season, Saturdays are spent watching our son play and we travel quite a bit across Central and North Queensland for him to compete in BMX carnivals. Sundays are our family day—we like to get out and explore somewhere new around town or nearby.'
Ready to make your move?
If you’re ready to live and teach in one of Queensland’s most vibrant communities, the Mackay region could be the perfect fit for your first or next teaching role. Let us know you’re interested and submit your application to teach in Queensland state schools.