Teaching and living in Central Queensland can be a rewarding experience for those who are looking for a challenging and fulfilling career in a beautiful and friendly community.
The region includes the cities of Rockhampton, Mackay and Gladstone on the east coast and extends west to the borders with South Australia and the Northern Territory. Central Queensland includes coastal areas such as Yeppoon, Agnes Water and 1770, and rural and remote communities like Barcaldine, Boulia, Diamantina, Emerald, Longreach and Winton.
With the region's economy heavily dominated by mining and agriculture, there are many and varied communities to explore and employment opportunities for non-teaching partners are abundant.
Benefits in the region
Unique teaching opportunities
The region offers a broad range of school settings that cater for students across kindy to senior secondary learning phases supporting the needs of individual communities. This includes small schools in rural and remote communities, schools with increasing enrolments in rural towns and large schools in regional centres and cities. The Central Queensland region also offers access to special schools and learning through two schools of distance education.
High demand for teachers
There is a current and continuing strong demand for beginning and experienced teachers, and school leaders in state schools across the Central Queensland region. This means increased job security and permanent employment, as well as opportunities for career progression and a move into school leadership.
Many rural and remote schools also offer smaller class sizes, and greater opportunities to work collaboratively and be supported by colleagues.
Financial incentives
A range of generous financial incentives and personal benefits are available to teachers across the region. These include incentives for attracting new teachers to the region and others that support and recognise those who continue to teach in these communities. The various incentives include the
Beginning teacher support payment, regional recognition of service payments, locality allowances, prioritised relocation and settlement assistance, and
rent assistance.
Affordable lifestyle
One of the significant advantages of living in the region is the affordable cost of living, with many locations regularly appearing on the list of Queensland’s most affordable suburbs. Housing prices and rental rates are generally lower than in major cities, delivering you more value for your money. This affordability extends to everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation and leisure activities. This can enable you to enjoy a more comfortable and balanced lifestyle, especially when you consider the
financial incentives and benefits on offer to teachers across the region.
Professional and career development opportunities
Teachers and school leaders across the region can access a variety of school, regional and state-wide
professional development opportunities, including those provided by the Education Futures Institute. Regional, rural and remote schools often provide increased opportunities for teachers to take on formal and informal leadership roles within their school and across the region, and provide access to aspiring leader programs.
Community and connection
People across Central Queensland are well-known for their strong sense of community. Their welcoming and friendly nature immediately creates an environment where you can build meaningful connections and feel a sense of belonging. Community events, local markets and social activities provide ample opportunities to meet new people, and embrace and be part of the local lifestyle.
Work-life balance
Whether you are looking for a fresh start or considering a move away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Central Queensland provides an environment where you can truly thrive while enjoying a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle. The region boasts a lower population density compared to metropolitan areas, which translates to less traffic, more open space and a healthier living environment.
With warm summers and mild winters, the region enjoys plenty of sunshine, allowing for outdoor activities throughout the year. Whether it's spending weekends at the beach, hiking in national parks or enjoying local events, the region offers plenty of leisure activities to help you unwind and recharge.
Natural environment
Central Queensland is a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, and home to stunning landscapes, from tropical rainforests to vast outback terrain. From the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the vast inland landscapes, this region is home to unique wildlife and plant species that thrive in its varied habitats. If you love outdoor activities, there are lots of great places for hiking, swimming and snorkelling across the region.
Find schools in the Central Queensland region
Explore the schools and communities across our Central Queensland region via the
Department of Education’s interactive map.