The day was finally here. After months of planning, cancelled flights, border closures and the uncertainty of covid, I was at the airport, mask on my face and ready to board a plane for the first time in 14 months! After three flights via Brisbane and Townsville, I arrived in Mt Isa just before sunset. I stepped off the plane onto the traditional land of the Kalkadoon people, the traditional owners of the land and known as the elite of the Aboriginal warriors of Queensland.
Mt Isa isnt a typical tourist destination. The town was built around the mining boom in 1924 and has thrived ever since. Located nine hours inland from Townsville, its a tiny dot on the map in Queensland, far from the coast and other major cities. Situated on the banks of the Leichhardt River, many groups move into the region from These include Dajarra, Camooweal, Boulia, and across the Northern Territory border, including Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash) and Tennant Creek. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 23.4% of the population of roughly 18,000 people.
Safety through my university. I would be working in the Assessment and Investigation department, assisting with notifications. From the Mt Isa Child Safety centre, they service surrounding areas, including Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Normanton, Eastern Creek, Boulia, Cloncurry. Some of these are closed and living in their traditional ways as much as possible.
The pace of life is different; the sun is blistering, and at times, it can feel like you are in another country. Some would argue this is real Australia, the outback, people connecting to their land, and culture. However, living alongside is a bustling mining town, FIFO workers and the city overshadowed by the smoke of the mine filling the sky.
One thing I loved about my work was talking to the cultural practice advisors. These Aunties and Uncles hired by the government to connect and us. They understand the lingo; they know all the families and have relationships with elders leaders. Although its safe enough to go out without one, our inquiries were much more likely to gain traction if they were with us. I started to pick up some of the language intricacies, including yarn instead
of chat, bub instead of baby, and Sorry Business instead of a funeral. It didnt take long for me to start picking up on this and using these words too!
There is no public transport in Mt, most people drive Utes or 4x4s suitable for the bush. I had the pleasure of walking everywhere, including a walk to work and back every day. The mine is very much in the centre of Mt Isa, and there is a constant stream of out from the chimneys. A few Sunday mornings, I got abruptly woken by the rumblings of the blasting which could easily be mistaken for earthquakes. One thing I loved about walking was seeing all the street art around Mt Isa. Inspiring quotes about change, intricate paintings of animals and cool statues made out of wires. Every morning, I stopped for a coffee at Bambino cafe, newly renovated, with a minimalist, fresh look. This place would fit perfectly down Manly Corso and attracts a young crowd.
I took several trips to Cloncurry, the neighbouring town, a drive from Mt Isa. We the remote satellite phone as there is no signal along the highway,
and you dont want to get caught out in the outback! The road is pretty quiet, and there are some beautiful sunsets. Driving at night is not advised as loose cows roam the road as well as kangaroos! Road trains get priority at all times of the day, and any other vehicles are required to veer off to the side of the road, which isnt always the safest!
I enjoyed a couple of Coronas after work with the team at the Mt Isa hotel, a popular hotspot after work. We sat out on the balcony and enjoyed the live country music playing. There isnt much to do at weekends in Mt Isa if youre not out in the bush or partying with friends.
