Moving to a rural or remote community can be a life-changing experience for teachers and their families. For Bella, a former nurse-turned-teacher, this journey has been filled with excitement, challenges and unexpected rewards.
The decision to move
Bella's transition from nursing to teaching was driven by a desire for more autonomy and creativity in her career. After 15 years as a theatre registered nurse, she pursued a Master of Teaching (Primary).
When Bella was considering the move outside of South East Queensland, her two boys’ wellbeing and education was at the forefront of her mind.
‘I also kind of wanted that [a rural experience] for my kids as well, just a different experience. I felt like the hustle and bustle of the Sunshine Coast was kind of swallowing us whole,’ she said.
Despite the mixture of excitement and nervousness, Bella and her husband were ready to take the leap for her family's benefit.
Knowing they wanted to go remote, Bella and her husband attended the
Teach Rural Career Fair with a purpose. At the career fair, they spoke with school recruiters and principals, gathering crucial insights into remote teaching opportunities in Queensland state schools. After these focused conversations and submitting her online application for employment, Bella successfully secured her first teaching position at the
Northern Peninsula Area State College, in Far North Queensland.
The moving process
Relocating to a remote community requires careful planning and preparation.
Bella was surprised at how smooth and stress-free the move was, receiving support through the department’s
priority concierge service. Assistance included coordinating moving of personal items, organising travel to her new school community, booking temporary accommodation for Bella and her family’s arrival and helping to secure family friendly teacher housing. 'Just having someone come in and pack your stuff is hands down the best thing; I never thought I would ever experience that in my life.
'The process of getting here was super simple. It wasn't an issue which was lovely, and we've got a really great four bedroom house, it's just unreal.'
Family life in Cape York
The move to Bamaga in the Cape York Peninsula transformed Bella's family life, offering experiences far beyond their previous life on the Sunshine Coast. Her sons now embrace an outdoor lifestyle, spending hours exploring the outdoors and nature. The region's slower pace has gifted the family precious quality time together, with opportunities for adventure around every corner.
As keen fishermen even before the move, Bella and her family were blown away by the fishing around Cape York, describing the water as being ‘just out of this world’ and serving up incredible catches that have hooked the whole family even deeper into their new lifestyle.
Moreover, the tight-knit community welcomed Bella's family warmly, quickly introducing them to hidden local gems like nearby islands and unique regional attractions. These connections have not only enriched their understanding of the area but have also helped them integrate seamlessly into their new community, transforming what could have been a challenging relocation into an exciting, transformative journey.
Professional growth and support
As a beginning teacher, Bella has received strong support to help set her up for success and
progress her teaching career. The department’s
Starting Successfully programprovided valuable professional development, master classes and networking opportunities. Working with colleagues in her school has also allowed for meaningful collaboration and learning from peers. Initially planning to stay for two years, Bella now finds herself considering a longer stay, having fallen in love with the lifestyle and opportunities the move has provided.
For teachers considering a similar move, Bella's experience highlights the importance of keeping an open mind, doing thorough research and embracing the unique opportunities that living and teaching in rural and remote communities can offer. The journey may appear daunting, but for Bella and her family, it has been a rewarding adventure filled with personal and professional growth.
To explore the personal and professional benefits of living and teaching in a remote community, visit the
rural and remote benefits page.