Living and working in regional Australia: A life beyond the big city
May 22, 2025
Australia’s regional towns offer an incredible lifestyle that combines career opportunities with a strong sense of community, affordability, and a connection to nature. As more healthcare professionals seek a balanced way of living, regional Australia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to escape the hustle of the major cities.
So why should you consider living and working in regional Australia?
First and foremost, for many, compared to capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne, regional Australia offers more affordable housing, lower living costs, and a better quality of life. Whether you’re renting or buying, you’ll often get more space for less money, making it ideal for families and professionals looking to establish long-term roots.
Contrary to common misconceptions, regional areas are home to thriving industries such as agriculture, mining, tourism, education, and renewable energy and of course have expanding healthcare needs. With government incentives and regional job programs, skilled professionals can find rewarding career paths in growing sectors. Many organisations and facilities in regional towns are actively seeking talent, offering competitive salaries and work-life balance.
One of the biggest perks of regional living is the slower pace of life. Forget long commutes—living in a regional town often means you can get to work in minutes rather than hours. With more time to enjoy nature, connect with the local community, and participate in outdoor activities, life feels less stressful and more fulfilling.
‘Australia is an extraordinarily beautiful place, and we should be, and can be, very proud of it.’
And regional Australia is known for its strong sense of community. Whether you’re moving as a single person, couple, or family, you’ll find welcoming locals and opportunities to engage in community events, sports clubs, and local initiatives. Unlike city life, where people can feel anonymous, regional living fosters meaningful connections.
Now, while the benefits are numerous, there are challenges to consider if you’re considering relocating on either a temporary or permanent basis. Some regional areas may fewer entertainment options or a smaller social scene compared to major cities.
So, what are our tips for a successful move to regional Australia
- Research the Area: Look into housing, schools, and lifestyle options before making a decision.
- Leverage Incentives: The Australian government offers regional relocation incentives and visa pathways for skilled workers.
- Build a Support Network: Engage with the community through local events, social groups, and networking opportunities.
Living and working in regional Australia offers a fulfilling alternative to city life, with affordable housing, career opportunities, a strong sense of community, and a better work-life balance.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, career growth, or a change in lifestyle, regional Australia has something unique to offer.
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Every year, social care organisations across Australia wait for one key announcement that can significantly impact their workforce budgets, service delivery models and recruitment strategies. But First, What Does SCHADS Stand For? SCHADS stands for the: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award - If you work in disability, community services, home care or social support, you've probably heard of the SCHADS Award . It's one of Australia's largest modern awards and sets the minimum employment conditions for hundreds of thousands of workers across the social care sector. The award is overseen by the Fair Work Commission and establishes the minimum standards employers must meet when employing eligible workers. Following the Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, a 4.75% increase to SCHADS Award wages has been confirmed, with the new rates taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. For employers across the social care sector, attention is now turning to workforce planning, compliance and budgeting for the new financial year. It covers employees working in areas such as: Disability support Community services Home care Youth services Family support Crisis accommodation Social and community programs And it's not just base pay that may change. Any increase can also impact: Weekend penalties Casual loadings Overtime rates Public holiday payments Sleepover and shift allowances Industry Insight "As a recruiter working closely with the NFP sector, I welcome the 4.75% SCHADS increase. Better pay will help attract and retain the incredible people who dedicate their careers to supporting others. But many leaders are already asking the same question: where will the additional funding come from? The success of this change won't be measured by wage growth alone, but by whether organisations are given the resources to sustain it." - Greg Forster ( Senior Recruitment Specialist | Talent Quarter, 25+ years' experience recruiting leaders across the welfare, community, disability, aged care and mental health sectors). What Does This Mean for Employers? For providers across healthcare, disability and community services, staying on top of award changes is critical. Now is the time to: ✔ Review employee classifications ✔ Check payroll systems are up to date ✔ Budget for increased labour costs ✔ Ensure compliance across your workforce Getting it wrong can create significant compliance risks. But, getting it right helps protect both your organisation and your employees. The Bottom Line The SCHADS Award isn't just about wages. It's a key part of workforce compliance, employee retention and operational planning across Australia's care sector. With the wage increase now confirmed, organisations that prepare early will be best placed to manage costs, remain compliant and continue attracting quality talent in an increasingly competitive market. Need Support Navigating Workforce Changes? Whether you're preparing for SCHADS Award updates, planning for workforce growth, or looking to strengthen your recruitment strategy, having the right people in place has never been more important. At Talent Quarter, we partner with healthcare, disability, aged care and community service organisations across Australia to help solve workforce challenges before they impact service delivery. From permanent recruitment and workforce planning to sourcing hard-to-fill talent, our team understands the unique pressures facing the care sector. If you're reviewing your workforce needs for the new financial year, we'd love to have a conversation. Get in touch with our Talent Quarter team to discuss your hiring goals, workforce challenges and talent needs.
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