Make the move

Stack cash, not time in traffic


Mohamed swapped Brisbane rent and traffic for 4WD weekends, BBQs with mates for a financial gap year and is already stacking savings. Out here, costs are lower, there’s less to blow your pay on and your money goes further.

Stack cash, not time in traffic


Mohamed swapped Brisbane rent and traffic for 4WD weekends, BBQs with mates for a financial gap year and is already stacking savings. Out here, costs are lower, there’s less to blow your pay on and your money goes further.

Why Mount Isa?

Lower cost of living

Financial gap year = spend less, pocket more.

Career pathway

Get your foot in the door to long term mining opportunities.

More living

Weekends of 4WDs, fishing, camping and rodeos.

Big pay

Earn up to $100K a year in entry level roles. 

No experience needed

Just bring your licence and the right attitude.

Mates for life

New mates, new stories, real memories.

Make the move

City prices? Forget it.
Isa’s different.

What you save moving from Brisbane to Mount Isa for a financial gap year:


Houses: $755/week → $490/week

Units: $578/week → $290/week

Commute: 45 mins → 10 mins

Tolls: Brisbane $58/week > Mount Isa $0

Parking: Up to $50/day → Free

Weekends: $200+ nights out → BBQs, fishing, rodeos (free or under $50)


Save $15,000+ a year by leaving Brisbane. 


That’s 3,000 coffees… or your next adventure fund. That’s life in the Isa. 

Check the numbers.  Decide for yourself.

Roles up for grabs

Mohamed came to check the Isa out and now he’s living it. If you’re serious about relocating, get movin’, we’ve got jobs that’ll give you a financial gap year.


  • Met Plant Attendant (Process Plant Attendant)
  • Underground Nippers
  • Underground Driller Offsider
  • Underground Dump Truck Operators


What we’re looking for

People who want to relocate to Mount Isa, save cash, live simply and enjoy the outdoors. No mining experience? No worries.


Bring your licence and the right attitude, we’ll back you.

Make the move

“When I started at Curragh mine, my car was in the shop so I didn't have a car to get out to site for my first swing. Jess drove me out there and dropped me off and came back to pick me up at the end of my swing.”


- Rob, MC Load & Haul Operator 

THIS COULD BE YOU

Ready to
give it a crack?

Only fill this out if you’re serious about a financial gap year and making the move to Mount Isa.

If that’s not you, best sit this one out. 


Fill out the form and Sam and Shantell will be in touch. 


Contact Us

in the media

Others who have taken the financial gap year

"But even so, the cost of rent here is about a third that of Sydney or at least what it used to be. My mortgage for my one-bedroom apartment would be approximately 50 if not 60 per cent of my income [in Sydney] and it just gives me that little bit of freedom."


Hayley Reynolds told ABC

Read the article

"I was finding it really hard to save meaningful money and once I kind of added up how much I was spending annually … I was like, 'I can't keep paying almost $40,000 a year to live in Sydney.'"


Tim Abbott told ABC

Read the article

"I think one of the great things is, you know, you're being intentional about your finances. You're not sort of thinking: 'I'm just living pay cheque to pay cheque' … it's sort of helping you to focus on your long-term goals."


Andrew Grant told ABC

Read the article

"The money that comes in, normally I'd be like, 'okay, well that's going to bills, that's going to tolls, that's going to petrol, that's going to dinners, groceries, this, that, the other.’ Now, all the money that’s coming in, I'm like: 'Oh, this is my money and it's staying there,'"


Tim Abbott told SBS

Read the article
View more

FAQs

  • How to take a financial gap year

    If you’re thinking about leaving your job to earn money in a regional area for 12 months, here are four important steps to take.


    Crunch the numbers

    Figure out your total monthly costs in the city and compare that to a remote or regional setup. Factor in rent, transport, groceries, and healthcare.


    Have a savings goal

    Whether it’s $20k or $100k, having a target helps you stay motivated.


    Be realistic

    Remote work may be physically demanding or offer less flexibility. You may be far from support systems, entertainment, or healthcare.


    Plan your return

    Whether it’s six months or a year, consider what comes next — job prospects, housing and how the gap affects your long-term career path.


  • Is the job casual or full-time?

    The Multiskilled Operator positions are initially casual with the potential to become a full-time fixed-term role after six months.

  • What qualifications do I need to apply?

    You will need a Coal Board Medical, Standard 11 (SOA or SOC), a current unrestricted driver's license, and at least 12 months of experience operating relevant machinery in a coal mine.

  • What type of roster will I be working?

    The roster is a 7/7 day/night rotating schedule from Wednesday to Tuesday, with 12.5-hour shifts.

  • Are accommodation and meals provided?

    Yes, camp accommodation and meals are provided in Middlemount.

  • What machinery will I be operating?

    You will be driving haul trucks and two other machines such as a grader, dozer, wheel dozer, or excavator.

  • What kind of support can I expect from AWX?

    Working with us is like hanging out with your mates. We provide a supportive environment where you’ll show up for your swing with all of the info covered and supported every step of the way. 

  • Is there a bonuses?

    Yes, there is a monthly bonus of up to $1,000.

THIS COULD

BE YOU