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Wild horses, woodfired pizza and remote classrooms: A journey to Bamaga

 
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​​​​​​I’m learning so much about our Indigenous culture, by living it, breathing it, respecting traditions and truly immersing myself.When Flying Squad teacher, Robyn sent us a screenshot of her weather app with the cheeky subject line, ‘Check this out—​who wouldn’t want to teach up here!', it perfectly captured the essence of why our Teacher Flying Squad (the squad) is so important.

An image of Pajinka, the tip of Australia​The squad offers teachers and teaching couples the chance to explore Queensland’s rural, remote and regional areas on a short-term basis. It not only creates opportunities for students and staff in these communities, but it enriches the lives of the teachers who take part.

​For Robyn, joining the squad wasn’t just about exploring; it came from a deep sense of duty. ‘It was a call to action by the department, an opportunity to support the needs of students and staff based here,’ she explains.

When the team contacted Robyn about Bamaga, her decision was an easy one. 

‘I’ve always had a fascination with the edges of our country. I’d already stood on three corners of Australia, and Bamaga offered me the chance to conquer the fourth—Pajinka, the tip of Australia. Plus, it’s a part of the state I hadn’t yet explored,’ she says.

There’s something undeniably striking about Bamaga, a place Robyn describes as ‘tropical and green, but you’ve also got this red, red dirt. The beaches are stunning, but you quickly learn they’re shared with crocodiles and sharks!’ 

A view of a sandy beach and calm ocean, framed by a large tree branch hanging over the sand with a purple shoe tied to it; The view from the passenger seat of a 4 wheel drive driving along a long, straight, red dirt road surrounded by dense green forest; A yellow warning sign on a beach, cautioning that crocodiles inhabit the area and attacks may cause injury or death; A vehicle's view of a deep brown, murky creek in a forested area. 


​It’s more than just nature, though—Bamaga buzzes with activity. ‘The place is alive with tourists and caravanners in their four-wheel drives, all making the trek to the very top of the country,’ Robyn says. 

She paints a vivid picture of day-to-day life in the town. 

Three fish tacos with shredded red and white cabbage, a creamy orange sauce, and a lemon wedge are arranged on a light blue plate.‘There are always smiling children, wild horses wandering the streets and sleepy dogs loafing about. And when it comes to dining, the options are incredible—you’ve got locally-caught fish and chips, or even woodfired pizza whilst dining on the beach, in camping grounds and fishing clubs. It’s a lifestyle that feels completely removed from anywhere else,’ she shares. 

She also recalls the unique quirks of life in Bamaga. 

A brindle-coated dog with floppy ears and white paws stands on the grass‘The kids were absolutely amazed that I walk my dog on a lead. Here, there are no dog collars, no leads. Dogs roam freely, even though they’re all owned. It’s just the way life works. And seeing students jump on wild horses like city kids might jump on e-scooters? That’s something you can’t make up. They use them to ride to wherever they’re going, then just hop off and let the horses roam again. No saddle, no reins; it’s incredible,’ Robyn remarks. 

What has stood out most for Robyn, though, is the community in Bamaga. It was a key reason why she decided to return for her third stint in Term 4. 

‘Being part of Bamaga is special. You’ve got locals who welcome you and thank you for reaching out to help their community, specifically their children. And then you’ve got this fly-in, fly-out expat-style network. Teachers, health workers, police, builders—we all form a close-knit bond. It’s a kind of camaraderie you don’t often experience elsewhere.’ 

The classroom has brought its share of surprises too, with lessons that are both energetic and joyful. ‘Teaching in Bamaga means you’ve got constant movement breaks full of singing and dancing… it’s part of the rhythm of life here. The students are so connected to their environment. They’re outdoorsy, curious and physically active in a way I just don’t see elsewhere,’ Robyn explains. 

A group of off-road vehicles and campers are parked on a wide, red dirt lot, with a rocky hill in the background.During the school holidays, the adventure doesn’t stop. ‘Kids here camp on beaches, go spear fishing for sea turtles... They’re always running and being active. Gaming and screens aren’t a big thing here,’ she says. 

Robyn’s experiences in Bamaga aren’t just about supporting the community. For her, they have been transformative. 

‘This experience has made me prouder than ever to be Australian. The squad allows us as teachers to grow in ways we didn’t expect. You become a better multitasker, more adaptable and so much more aware of different languages, customs, and ways of seeing the world.’

She also highlights the professional rewards of being part of the squad, having connected with local teachers and others participating in the Flying Squad. 

A group of four teachers smiling as they stand in front of a school sign that says, ‘We are respectful, we are safe, we are learners.’‘The teachers here are phenomenal. But there’s such a need for more. Everyone, no matter where they live, deserves the very best education. Being able to bring that to a remote community like Bamaga is the kind of privilege that really sticks with you.’

For Robyn, the experience hasn’t been without its challenges.  ‘It’s not as comfortable as home and you have to adapt to what feels like a whole different normal. But I’ve learned to go with the flow and em​brace every day as a new opportunity to grow and connect. It’s been challenging but also rewarding in a way I never expected.’

For those considering a similar journey, Robyn has simple but powerful advice: ‘Go for it! Don’t miss this opportunity. It’s incredibly rewarding and enriching, and time truly flies. You’ll gain just as much as you give, if not more.’

Robyn’s story is just one example of how the Teacher Flying Squad program enriches lives—not just for students, but for the teachers themselves. Programs like this create unique opportunities to connect with diverse Queensland communities while experiencing personal and professional growth in ways you may never have imagined.

If you’re a Queensland state school teacher inspired by Robyn’s journey, why not take the next step? Learn more​ about our Teacher Flying Squad to explore the opportunities waiting for you.

If you’re considering Bamaga for your next move, the real question isn’t ‘Why teach up there?’ but rather, ‘Why wouldn’t you?’ Submit your application​ and let us know you're interested in joining this incredible community. If you’re already teaching with us, talk to your principal about applying for a transfer to Bamaga—it might just change your life.​​

Apply now​

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Last updated 26 September 2025