Workers offered $150,000 to live and work in this Australian state
Childcare workers are in high demand across Australia as a growing number of workers leave for higher-paying jobs in areas such as aged care.
But some towns in regional Western Australia are so desperate for childcare workers that they are offering up to $150,000 a year to attract and retain staff.
Those looking to work in the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Kimberley and Goldfields can earn eye-watering salaries depending on their qualifications.
The high salaries are needed to attract fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) childcare workers to mining towns, where staff shortages mean some services are at risk of closing.
Full-time FIFO employees work a two-week on, one-week off schedule.
“The pay rate is based on the casual pay rate, with a daily stipend for living at home,” Karri Hillier, CEO of One Tree Community Services, told me. 7News.
One Tree is a not-for-profit organization that has recently secured funding from the State Government for its new 12-month Regional Early Years Learn and Lead (REYLL) project.
This will help childcare providers in the area with hiring staff, training and resources.
Childcare workers (pictured) are difficult to retain across Australia as workers often leave for higher-paying jobs in other areas, such as aged care
But some towns in regional Western Australia are so desperate for childcare workers that they are now offering up to $150,000 a year to attract and retain staff. King George Falls in Kimberley, WA is pictured
One Tree helps the services within the REYLL program to recruit and train local employees. The gaps that arise are filled by temporary EduTribe FIFO employees.
Ms Hillier said the flexibility, freedom and adventure of the countryside appeals to many workers looking for a change.
“It’s also very rewarding work because it offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families, while benefiting the community and business at the same time,” she said.
FIFO also offers the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’.
“Some FIFO staff have chosen to move and live locally when they found a center they liked.”
Late last year, the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) released figures showing the sector was facing an ‘ongoing labour market crisis’, leaving thousands of Australian families unable to access childcare.
“Our members have reported for years that recruitment and retention is one of the industry’s biggest challenges,” ACA President Paul Mondo said at the time.
An aerial view of Porose Creek and Naturalist Island, Prince Frederick Harbour, Kimberley Coast, WA is shown. Kimberley is one of the areas trying to attract childcare workers with high salaries
“There is a critical need for more government support to attract and retain primary school teachers.”
Tensions were particularly palpable in regional towns, often referred to as ‘childcare deserts’ – where there are more than three children for every place.
“In rural and remote communities, some childcare centers are operating at 60 per cent capacity due to a lack of staff,” Ms Hillier said. “Some have had to close.”
WA’s regional mining towns hope the lure of making up to $150,000 a year will solve the problem in their areas.