Young Aussie reveals truth about making 'unbelievable money' in remote mining town

Yahoo

01-06-2025

There are few Aussies who haven't considered picking up one of the many highly-paid jobs in Australia's booming mining industry at least once or twice in their lives. Mining workers are among the highest paid in the country, with even entry-level roles starting at over $90,000 per year.
While many who opt into the industry do so on a fly-in and fly-out (FIFO) basis, there is a smaller group of Aussies moving into the regional centres to live — with free accommodation offered as a perk by many mining companies.
One such couple is Georgia and David, who told Yahoo News they packed up their lives on the Gold Coast three years ago. They made a life for themselves in Port Hedland, a town so remote that the nearest major city is a whopping 17-hour drive away. But what's it actually like to live there?
Georgia revealed to Yahoo News there is incredible wealth to be made in the area, but those who come should "be warned" about the tough living conditions.
"It's a hard place to live," she explained, but added "the money you can make in Hedland if you have the right attitude and work ethic is unbelievable."
The town is known for its major industrial port, a major hub for the mining industry, which handles millions of tonnes of iron ore and salt annually.
The desert climate is particularly harsh, reaching temperatures in the 40s, and even the 50s in the summer. "It is a completely different part of the world," she said.
"This summer just gone was horrific, it was awful," she said.
The dust, which is so bad in parts of the town, the state government announced a $200 million, industry-funded voluntary buyback of more than 400 homes, was the biggest adjustment for Georgia.
"I am a clean person, and I hate stuff on my feet. I had to mop the floors every two days. That was such a culture shock," she said. "Now I'm just covered in dust every day."
Getting fresh produce is also difficult, with empty shelves commonplace due to either lack of supply or chronic staff shortages.
"Whenever the shelves are stocked with fresh berries, they're gone in seconds," she said. "A lot of the time, the shelves are pretty bare."
She's not just talking about recent weather events that prevented trucks from making their way into town, explaining its a common occurrence.
What's more, prices are higher than in major cities. Some regional communities are paying more than double for necessities compared to prices available across Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and IGA supermarkets in the capitals.
It's something the Australian government has promised to do something about by locking the price of essential grocery items in remote communities to city prices.
What's more, unlike many parts of Australia where bread is baked fresh, the household staple is stored in the freezer in Port Hedland. "I remember asking where the bread is when I first moved, and the worker said it's in the freezer section," she laughed.
Georgia said she would recommend her rural life to anyone who is considering a move and struggling financially.
"I don't know anywhere else in Australia that offers you a higher salary but also gives you free housing," she said, adding it's all about "taking it and running with it".
"I'd say do it but be warned," she sad. "The heat in summer time is disgustingly hot. The flies are really bad, the mosquitos are horrific.
"What people say about having golden handcuffs is true," she said. Georgia said she witnesses many who come to the town get trapped after getting into debt buying expensive boats, cars and caravans with their large incomes.
Despite some of the harder elements of living rurally, Georgia explained the incredible scenery just moments away and the lifelong friendships make the long working hours, empty grocery stores and hot weather worthwhile.
"You're right on the water and that's such a beautiful place to be," she said adding that "being able to make friends who are in the same situation as you" has been invaluable.
"Everyone is suffering together, and the people really make Port Hedland," she said.
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