If you're one of the 22% per cent of people in Australia1 considering a regional sea or tree-change; it's likely your decision revolves around finding employment.
The good news for teachers is there has never been a better time to make a lifestyle shift to rural and remote Queensland.
Those willing to relocate will find positions a-plenty in rural and remote locations across the state. So, with a job sorted, the next decision is the easy part - where in beautiful Queensland would you like to live?
Jesse Lehtinen was teaching on the Sunshine Coast when a range of lifestyle factors inspired a mid-north tree-change with his family to Biloela.
When he looked into the benefits and opportunities available for teaching in rural and remote communities on the
Teach Queensland website, the decision became simple.
'I was commuting an hour to work, with a baby on the way and my wife in a job she didn't love when I had a conversation with my deputy principal (on the Sunshine Coast) who was quite pro the 'rural move' he said.
With relocation costs covered, subsidised or sourced accommodation and potential further financial support; Queensland Department of Education aims to ensure the transition for teachers to their new post is seamless.
'When I looked into it, the positives greatly outweighed the negatives.'
After such a positive experience Jesse now wants to encourage more teachers and their families to make the move sharing three top transition tips.
1. Ask as many questions as you can during the process.
Whether it's virtual FaceTime tours of prospective houses, contacts for employment opportunities for partners, or advice on the best cafes, Jesse said EQ were there to help at any turn.
'The staff bent over backwards for us. They were really willing to help with anything; and with a bit of patience and consideration we were able to get everything we wanted. Including somewhere for our three pets!' he said.
2. Set yourself some goals to achieve during your post.
As the cost of living in metropolitan centres sky-rockets and housing affordability stretches out of reach, a tree-change to a rural community provides an invaluable opportunity to make genuine financial inroads for your future.
'We were fortunate to receive subsidised accommodation which saved us a quarter of the rent expense, which really adds up in this market and was not possible where we were living' he said.
Other lifestyle goals rural and remote teachers have realised include travel and exploring Queensland as a family and accelerated career progression.
For Jesse, securing a permanent position through the rural and remote posting has provided invaluable security for his and his family's future.
3. Establish relationships in your new home town.
Intending to commit to the standard three-year posting when they first moved to Biloela the Lehtinen's are now looking to stay long-term after embedding themselves as locals in the community.
“Build relationships with colleagues at work, join local playgroups or sports clubs and make use of the recreational activities available at your fingertips" advises Jesse.
“We enjoy all the usual recreational living we'd had on the Coast, with a great golf course and swimming pool at half the price, and in fact; as a big online gamer, the wifi speed is better here in Biloela" he laughs.
If you're interested in escaping the rat race for a change of pace, check out where you can teach in Queensland.
1Houghton K. and Vohra S. (2021), Strengthening Liveability: A Toolkit for Rural and Regional Communities Looking to Grow, The Regional Australia Institute, Canberra.