THINKING ABOUT TEACHING IN
Not only is Mount Isa Western Queensland’s largest township, it is a vibrant multicultural city, a regional hub for business and is surrounded by a number of natural wonders, all within short driving distances.
As a Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) teacher, you also have the choice of working within three amazing school communities and will be eligible for our Incentive Payments Remote Area Staff Scheme (IPRASS)
This guide has been developed to share with you the benefits you can receive as well as assist you with your research on what would make Mount Isa the perfect move for you!
MOUNT ISA IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE VIA SEALED ROADS, RAIL & PLANE
A City like no other
Mount Isa has the facilities of a city but the feel and pace of a country town.
There is always something to do if you are willing to embrace the community and try new experiences
Festivals, tourism, retail, sport Mount Isa has something for everyone.
Teaching in rural and remote locations is a rewarding experience that can take you places. Many of the school leadership positions across our 29 Catholic schools within the Townsville Diocese are filled with highly skilled and resilient leaders who have either started or spent time during their careers working in the regions.
Kath Tarttelin, Principal of one of Townsville largest Catholic primary schools, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Cranbrook and foundation Principal of St Clare’s Catholic School said her experience teaching in Mount Isa is one of her best career memories.
“Teaching in remote and rural areas of our diocese has not only been professionally and socially rewarding, but provided me with avenues very early in my teaching career to pursue my interest in leading in different areas of school life. I honestly believe I am the leader I am today due to the amazing opportunities and support I received in the early days of my teaching career out West!”
School
Joseph’s Catholic School
Schools
Mount Isa is home to three Catholic schools.
Our mission is to provide services to our Catholic school communities which support them in achieving quality outcomes for students and in promoting the ongoing development of Catholic Education
IPRASS Benefits
Travel Allowance
As a teacher in Mount Isa, you will receive an additional $2,000 annually, distributed across your fortnightly pay to assist with your travel costs or adventures to further explore the region Teachers also receive additional leave days to allow for travel.
Wellbeing Allowance
As a teacher in Mount Isa, you will receive an additional $1,200 annually, distributed across your fortnightly pay, to use for your wellbeing. This could be saving up for a flight or a wellness retreat, using for a gym or club membership or simply towards enjoying your western experience
subsequent
Allowance
As a teacher in Mount Isa, you are eligible for an IPRASS Allowance which increases annually for four years Once you reach the maximum allowance, you will remain on that level for each year you remain working within the region
If you choose to transfer between IPRASS locations, you will also retain your existing years of service and equivalent IPRASS allowance within the new region TCE IPRASS locations include Cloncurry, Winton, Hughenden and Collinsville.
St Kieran’s Catholic
St
Good Shepherd Catholic College
Living & Accommodation
Another benefit TCE offers for teachers within Mount Isa is a Living & Accommodation Allowance (LAA) for those staff who source private accommodation. Received fortnightly, the LAA sees an additional $350* (full time rate) to put towards choosing the perfect accommodation for your needs.
Before you make the move to Mount Isa, don’t forget to keep information and documentation you will need for your application for residential tenancy with you. Rental applications and agreements require documentation such as bank statements, phone/electricity bills, rates notices, birth certificate and passports.
Real Estate
There are a number of great housing options in Mount Isa, however real estate can be competitive. To assist you in finding the home that best suits you, here are a list of local agents.
*Allowance for leadership positions may differ. Allowance is not paid to staff residing in TCE-provided accommodation.
Realestate.com.au is a helpful website to search for rental vacancies, costs and availability
REAL ESTATE AGENCIES SHORT TERM STAY
Relocating Assistance
Another area where TCE will assist in a smooth transition to Mount Isa is by covering personal and family relocation costs.
You and your family covered
TCE will cover the cost for you and any additional household members to relocate either through flights from your current residence to Mount Isa or reimburse all reasonable costs you incur travelling by road up to a maximum limit.
Motor vehicle covered
If travelling by air, TCE will arrange for one motor vehicle per family to be transported from your home location to your new residence
When planning the transportation of a vehicle consider the delivery date to ensure you have access to transportation when you arrive
Travelling through the wet season
If you are planning your trip during the wet season, please check Queensland Traffic or RACQ Road Conditions for information on current road conditions.
qldtraffic qld gov au racq.com.au/cars-and-driving/safety-on-the-road/road-conditions
Removalist covered
TCE will also assist in relocation of your household belongings by allocating up to $6,000 plus $500 for each additional member of the household for removal and relocation of household items.
When planning your relocation, if you require furniture once in Mount Isa please note that some items can take longer to be supplied if not in stock. You may need to consider purchasing these goods prior to moving.
TCE’s preferred supplier is Kent Removals The TCE Accommodation Coordinator will arrange, through Kent Removals, to transport your household belongings if you relocate to a private residence.
If you choose to reside in TCE accommodation, personal items only will be transported by Kent Removals
Other helpful information about Mount Isa There’s lots of entertainment options in Mount Isa...
Mount Isa has a comprehensive range of health services and regional businesses located within the city centre. Below is a list of key facilities and lifestyle shops.
We recommend a visit to the Outback at Isa when you’re new to town. There is plenty of help with local information on places to explore around Mt Isa, however here are some of our top picks
For the adventure and nature lovers, Mount Isa has Lake Moondarra, situated 13km from town, where you can fish or enjoy water sports The Lake is also used to hold triathlons in the summer months and is the start of the Outback to the Stack half marathon in July There are a multitude of camping spots around the district and if you enjoy the outdoors and (real) camping the possibilities are endless Approximately four hours away is the Gregory River which allows for camping and swimming. Whether you’re a budding musicians or simply enjoy music, there are a number of places to practice your craft. ‘The Shack” is a community run group for all who play or listen to live music and is held every fortnight.
For thespians MITS (The Mount Isa Theatrical Society) is a non-profit amateur theatre group that performs a variety of plays each year.
Mount Isa also provides access to a fossil heritage trail throughout the district with the centre between Richmond-Hughenden-Winton There is the opportunity to join archaeological digs and see exhibitions in Richmond and Mount Isa.
If sport is more your thing…
The iconic Isa Rodeo is held on the second weekend of August every year and attracts spectators from afar. There is a street festival with street stalls with food and entertainment. The Catholic schools in Mount Isa enjoy a day off on the Friday of the rodeo weekend and there is a parade where the staff and students are encouraged to enter floats.
Splashez Aquatic centre is a great place for families and has a 50m pool and the family fun park next door has a variety of swings and play equipment including a skate park and PCYC
mountisa.qld.gov.au
discovermountisa com au commercenorthwest.com.au
mountisarodeo com au outbackqueensland.com.au savannahway.com.au For more information about Mount Isa, visit: E: teacheraccommodation@ tsv.catholic.edu.au
