Tips for transferring remotely
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 8, 2 November 2022, page no. 21
Transferring to a remote location can be daunting, as Acting Campaigns Communication Officer Beck Humphreys knows only too well. So, Beck, who is based in the small rural town of Aramac (174kms northeast of Longreach and 645kms west of Rockhampton), has come up with some advice to help make the transition easier.
So, you’re transferring?
I remember when I got my letter back in 2014 telling me I had been successful in securing a transfer to a small Central Queensland town. I hadn’t heard of Aramac, let alone felt prepared to move my entire life there.
I had done the transfer thing as thoroughly as I thought I could, however. I went to departmental rural and remote fairs, information nights and talked it through with my then principal, who had just taken up the post after a stint out west.
Adding to the complexity of my transfer was my concerns about being gay and whether I would be able to be as open and as out as I had been in my previous school.
So, asking questions is the first piece of advice I would give you – find out as much as you can. Your personal circumstances are something that does need to be considered when you transfer. I spoke with members of my own faculty who had gone out west, I spoke with my friends who had taken up posts when they left Uni, and I talked with regional HR representatives.
Secondly – once you have your placement – research. Maybe it’s the history teacher in me but I found out everything I could about Aramac. I Googled, of course, but I also spoke at length to the principal of my new school and asked everything I could about the town, lifestyle, and activities. We also spoke about practical things, like phone service, driving safety, internet access, and accessibility to services. Importantly, I arranged to drive out to Aramac (a 14-hour drive from Brisbane) to meet my principal and spend time at the school and community before I started there the following year.
Thirdly – while I went out west prepared with as much information as I could, there’s always more to learn, so I also went out with an open mindset.
I’m what they call a “lifer” now, not quite a local, but I’ve lived there a while. Next year will be my tenth year in Aramac, having met my partner in my first year of teaching out west. This was not something I ever thought would happen. Three years, then back to Brissy right? My partner and I laugh about this now, but sometimes you don’t know what life has in store for you. Teaching Senior Ag is also something that this English/History major never thought would be within my scope. But here we are.
Finally, my last bit of advice – get involved. My Union activism increased tenfold when I went west. I got involved in everything I could. The same with committees in my community, and I am still, after six years, the secretary of the Aramac Bowls Club. My touch footy career was, however, limited to one season…
If you’re transferring in 2023, you can find more detailed information about the Recognition of Rural and Remote Service (RoRRS) scheme at https://www.qtu.asn.au/brirorrs
The Department of Education also has information available for those interested in transferring to a rural and remote location: https://teach.qld.gov.au/teach-in-queensland-state-schools/pay-benefits-and-incentives/rural-and-remote-benefits