"Crossroads of Australia"

As described by the Port Augusta council, Port Augusta is considered the "Crossroads of Australia" and Gateway to the Flinders Ranges, the outback and Spencer Gulf. It is situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the spectacular Flinders Ranges.

Port Augusta allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy water sports and recreational activities such as fishing and boating, alternatively there is easy access the nearby Flinders Ranges. A coastal path runs along the Spencer Gulf which you can walk or bike ride and enjoy the beauty of the region.

There is much to be discovered about the history of the city as a traditional meeting place for Aboriginal people and more recently as an Outback shipping port supporting the pastoral industry.

Port Augusta offers all the conveniences and facilities expected from a modern city and has a population of 13,985 residents. Modern shopping facilities and a variety of recreational facilities can be enjoyed. Port Augusta also makes an ideal base to explore the regions many attractions.

Port Augusta is 307 km from Adelaide and takes just over 3 hours to drive. You can also access Port Augusta by air, flying from Adelaide to Whyalla, only 45-minute drive away.

Port Augusta is served by an extensive network of Bus and Train services that link Australia's eastern states to the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Premier Stateliner and Greyhound Bus services run several times a day to and from Adelaide, with many services also connecting to Eyre Peninsula towns such as Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay and Ceduna.

Port Augusta is in a unique geographic position as it is a major service centre for travellers and freight trucks crossing the Nullarbor. Port Augusta may also be considered as the southern gateway to the Northern Territory.  Travellers heading north can do so via the Stuart Highway. An alternate means of transport is to take a more leisurely journey via the "Ghan" rail service which was extended from Alice Springs to Darwin in 2003.

Port Augusta has a warm desert climate with summers are hot and winters are generally mild and damp.  The average annual temperature is 18.6 degrees.  Port Augusta receives an annual rainfall of 245 mm.

Working for the Department for Child Protection in Port Augusta

The Port Augusta office employs approximately 34 people and is one of six offices in the region. As a member of this office you will work with other professionals to deliver services to Port Augusta, Iron Knob, Roxby Downs, Woomera, Andamooka, Quorn, Leigh Creek, Hawker and up to Maree (and everywhere else in-between!).

The Port Augusta office, provides a continuum of child protection functions from first engagement, removal (if necessary), to long term case management of children under the Guardianship of the Chief Executive. This affords staff the opportunity to develop a wide variety of child protection skills and knowledge which may provide career development pathways within this department.

Living and working in a country location, creates unique benefits and challenges that may not be experienced elsewhere. The importance of strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues and partner agencies, managing appropriately the complexities of client engagement and creating positive and sustainable outcomes within an environment of limited services, are just a few.

Port Augusta has a significant and established Aboriginal population. At different times of the year, Aboriginal people from other parts of the far north South Australia travel to Port Augusta. The opportunity to develop your experience, knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture makes working in this office unique.

Furthermore, the office consists of personnel with a range of qualifications and experience. Many staff come from a culturally diverse background which creates a positive environment for understanding and enhancing practices working with cultural diversity. The office has a reputation for working together collaboratively to achieve day to day outcomes.

Practice development and support feature strongly in the culture of this office complemented by regular supervision.

Although renowned as a transport hub, Port Augusta is also a great place for families to call home, thanks to its readily available schooling, health and public services.

Schooling, Pre-school and Kindy and Childcare

Port Augusta offers government schools, independent and Catholic schools, including an Education Support School.

  • Port Augusta Secondary School
  • Port Augusta West Primary School
  • Augusta Park Primary School
  • Carlton School
  • Wilsden Primary School
  • Seaview Christian College
  • Port Augusta Special School
  • Flinders View Primary School
  • Stirling North Primary School

For a younger family, there are a number of Kindergartens, including:

  • Port Augusta Children’s Centre
  • Port Augusta West Childhood Services Centre
  • Flinders Children’s Centre Inc
  • Flinders View Child Parent Centre
  • RICE Project Preschool

Port Augusta has numerous Child Care Centres including (but not limited to):

  • Port Augusta Child Care Centre Inc
  • Bubble ‘n’ Squeak Child Development Centre
  • Bond Street Early Learning & Kinder
  • Augusta Park Childhood Services Centre

Port Augusta also runs a School of the Air. This educational facility aims to serve the educational needs of outback children. In the School of the Air two way radio communication serving outback school children.

Vocational Education & Universities

TAFE has a campus at Port Augusta, with University of SA available in Whyalla, less than 1 hour away.

Employment Prospects in Port Augusta

Reports and information published by the Port Augusta Council suggest that employment growth and work will continue to exist predominately in the areas of Health and Community Services, Hospitality, Public Administration and Construction and Engineering.

Port Augusta employs a high rate of people in the Government Sector, accounting for just over 40% of all jobs in Port Augusta.

Small Business makes up a large part of the community, with small to medium sized enterprises being the backbone of the regional community.  They perform work in the fields of transport, retail and tourism.

There are several employment service providers and recruitment agencies in Port Augusta to assist with finding employment opportunities for partners and or family members.

Community & Annual Events

Port Augusta has many festivals and events throughout the year reflecting the diverse cultural interests of the community. Some of these include:

  • Port Augusta Races
  • NAIDOC Week events
  • Family fun days
  • Gateway Markets
  • Wharfest

For more event listings, visit the Port Augusta Council Events Calendar.

Parks and Sporting Facilities

Port Augusta offers reserves, parks, playgrounds and ovals for the community to use and enjoy. Our Reserves often offer playground equipment, picnic tables, BBQs and shelters.  These areas provide ample space for active play, including ball sports. To view all of the Parks and Gardens available in Port Augusta, visit the Port Augusta Council webpage.

Port Augusta offers a number of sporting facilities, including the Ravendale Sporting Complex which offers sports such as AFL, Athletics, Baseball, Cricket, Hockey and Netball.  In addition, there are a number of ovals, tennis courts and reserves.  You can view what is on offer at on the Port Augusta Council website.

Port Augusta also offers a unique experience at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (AALBG).  The Garden opened in 1996 to research, conserve and promote the wider appreciation of Australia’s arid zone flora. Located on the shores of Upper Spencer Gulf with spectacular views to the ancient Flinders Ranges.  The Garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares.

Sporting is popular in the community, for all ages and all members of the community. There are a range sporting clubs available, including football, golf, croquet, soccer, tennis and bowling just to name a few.

Port Augusta also offers an RSL Club and a Senior Citizens Club.  Given the proximity to the water, Port Augusta also has a number of aquatic clubs and activities.  You may wish to join the Port Augusta Yacht Club, or maybe a fishing club.  You may wish to consider accessing one of many fitness centres in Port Augusta or use the Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre.

Facilities and Services (button)

All of your day to day necessities are available locally enabling you to manage all your day to activities in the local area.

Banks

Most major banks have a branch and ATMs  in town, including Beyond Bank, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Bank SA, Credit Union SA.

Port Augusta also offers a local Loan and Mortgage Broker and Accounting Firm.

Shopping

Port Augusta has a main shopping district with a range of options including:

  • Coles Supermarket
  • Woolworths Supermarket
  • K-Mart Hub & Big W Department Stores
  • A range of speciality shops including Saltbush Surf & Leisure, the Reject Shop, Rockmans, Uptown Girl, Office, just to name a few.

Health Services for you & Your Family

The Port Augusta Hospital and Regional Health Service provides acute services ranging from in-hospital care for adults and children by local general practitioners to outpatients and aged care beds.  Strong relationships exist with local health providers including the Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, to ensure families and children have their health and medical needs met.

The Port Augusta Hospital provides an accident and emergency response and is the local birthing hospital for expectant mums.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has it’s South Australian/NT base located at Port Augusta and contributes to access to relevant medical services in an emergency.

The Port Augusta Community Health Service of the Port Augusta Hospital and Regional Health Service has a range of multi-disciplinary teams providing a comprehensive range of community and hospital based health services. Our professional staff have a range of skills to support individuals and the community to manage and improve their health.

There are a number of Health Practices and Clinics available within Port Augusta, including specialist services for Aboriginal Health and Mental Health.  Additional health services include:

  • Calvary Community Care – Flinders Far North (Port Augusta Respite)
  • Headspace Port Augusta
  • Country and Outback Health
  • Victim Support Service
  • SA Dental Service
  • Early Years Parenting Centre

Port Augusta also has a local Optometrist, Dentist, Physio and a range of Medical Centres.

Housing in Port Augusta

The median house price in Port Augusta as at June 2018 is $138,000 and the median weekly rent is $240 per week.  The price of housing and rental changes depending on size and location of the property.

Up to May 2018, a total of 76 properties sold and a total of 192 properties rented in the past 12 months suggesting sufficient stock is available should you wish to purchase or rent.

Return to Working with us in Regional SA page to see benefits available in other regions. To see currently available regional opportunities go to the DCP Jobs Board.