Port Lincoln/Galinyala (“place of sweet water”) is a regional coastal town with a population of 16,000 people. It is situated on Boston Bay, one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world.
The surrounding area of Eyre Peninsula is the traditional home to the Barngarla, Nauo and Wirangu people and was settled by non-indigenous people in 1839. A further influx of migrants from Southern European from 1950-1980 expanded the regional focus from agricultural to extensive global commercial fishing enterprises.
The multicultural influences on the town are reflected in the architecture of buildings, landscapes, festival events, award-winning wineries, and globally recognised seafood production. The region is physically characterised by rolling hills, coastal cliffs, sand dunes, surf beaches, small country towns, national parks, and agricultural holdings.
Port Lincoln is known internationally as the seafood capital of Australia, hosting the largest fishing fleet in the southern hemisphere, and home to the Southern Bluefin Tuna, Prawn, Rock Lobster, Mussel, Abalone and Oyster industries. These industries contribute millions of dollars to the state’s economy and employs thousands of people in industry roles or support industries.
The outlying smaller towns in the region host leading global aquaculture ventures in Kingfish farming and exploratory ventures into global methane beef feedlot supplements, targeting the region for future expansion and increased growth.
Port Lincoln is situated 647 km from Adelaide and takes approximately 7 hours to drive. It is also serviced by air direct from Adelaide. Flights run several times a day.
The area is a thriving international tourist destination with unique experiences including fishing charters, shark cage diving and swimming with the sea lions. Port Lincoln is also known for award-winning wines and culinary tours making it a seafood lover’s paradise.
The area has a semi-arid climate with summers being mild to warm. Sea breezes generally keep the temperature around 30 degrees celcius. During the winter months, the temperature can vary from 16-26 degrees.
The thriving art community hosts regular art shows and community concerts in the Nautilus theatre, while the cinema, aquatic and sporting centre, gyms, yoga studios and sporting clubs, along with dirt car racing and go kart tracks, give many opportunities for regular family entertainment.
Working with the Department for Child Protection in Port Lincoln
The Port Lincoln office is situated within a newly renovated workspace in the town centre business hub close to essential services, cafes, restaurants and hotels.
As a member of this team you will work within a thriving environment of supportive and passionate professionals delivering services and contributing to improving outcomes for families and children throughout the Eyre Peninsula community. You will also work with and develop strong partnerships with other internal and external partners.
The Port Lincoln office currently employs approximately 24 people and is a quick one-minute walk from the foreshore beach, offering opportunities for enjoy relaxing lunch breaks watching the seals and dolphins playing in the bay.
Port Lincoln is a great place for families to call home, thanks to its readily available schooling, health and public services.
Schooling, Pre-school, Kindy and Childcare
The town and the surrounding areas offer a range of educational options for families, including independent Steiner Waldorf education models, Catholic and Lutheran schools, government junior, primary, secondary and area schools, kindergartens, rural care, and a special needs Education Support School.
Educational sites for school-aged children:
- Port Lincoln Junior, Primary & High School
- Port Lincoln Special School
- Lincoln Gardens Primary School
- Navigator College
- St Joseph’s School
- Kirton Point Primary School
- Poonindie Primary School
- Wangary Primary School
- Cummins Area School
- Tumby Bay Area School
- Eyre Peninsular Steiner- Waldorf school initiative
Kindergartens
- Bishop Kindergarten
- Park Terrace Kindergarten
- Kirton Point Children’s Centre
Outlying towns also have rural care and kindergarten options
Port Lincoln has numerous Child Care Centres including:
- Port Lincoln Children’s Centre
- Tiny Tafe Child Care
- Little Learners Child Care Centre
- Kirton Point Children’s Centre
- ToyBox Community Child Care Centre
Vocational Education and Universities
There is a TAFE SA campus (external site) in Port Lincoln and a UniSA regional hub (external site) available for tertiary educational support, along with a Maritime College that services global education qualifications in all aspects of the maritime industry.
Employment Prospects in Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln offers employment opportunities in a range of industries including fishing, farming, tourism, and Health and Community Services.
There are several employment service providers and recruitment agencies in Port Lincoln to assist with finding employment opportunities for partners and or family members.
Community and Annual Events
Port Lincoln has many festivals and events throughout the year reflecting the diverse cultural interests of the community. Some of these include:
- Annual Port Lincoln yachting regatta
- Australian Salmon Fishing Competition
- Port Lincoln Tuna Classic
- Community Art, Craft and Produce Markets
- Eyre Peninsula Field Days
- Port Lincoln Community Bank Tunarama Festival (external site)
For more event listings, visit the Port Lincoln Tourist Centre Events Page (external site).
Parks and Sporting Facilities
Port Lincoln offers reserves, parks, playgrounds and ovals for the community to use and enjoy. Many of these spaces have free BBQ facilities and shelters, along with play equipment for children.
With a large number of sporting facilities and clubs firmly established within the town, sports such as AFL, athletics, baseball, basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, soccer, tennis, bowling, boxing, bocce and golf are popular and offer many opportunities for sporting activities. There is also a range of fishing, diving, 4WD and surfing social groups for more opportunities for outdoor activities.
You can view what's on offer on the Port Lincoln Council (external site) website.
Manage all your day-to-day activities in the local area.
Banks
Major bank branches in town include NAB, Beyond Bank, Bank SA, Commonwealth Bank, and Bendigo Community Bank. There are also a number of ATMs located throughout the town.
There are independent lending specialists also situated within the business hub.
Shopping
All major retail shopping chains have outlets in Port Lincoln, including:
Grocery stores:
- Woolworths, Coles, and Drakes operate within the business district
- Ethical Kitchen and The Bulk Food Shack are organic bulk food stores that provide natural alternatives, and The Market Plaza hosts a range of fruit & veg
- Several Butchers and bakeries provide more food options
- There are factory outlet seafood stores located at the marina and along the industrial areas of the town, providing fresh fish and seafood
Retail stores:
- Kmart, SportsPower, and a large range of speciality clothing, giftware, surf wear and sporting shops service the town
- Hardware stores, automotive, electrical, paint and decorative effects shops provide an even larger range of services
Health Services for you and your family
Port Lincoln Hospital and Health Service is part of the Eyre and Western Health Services. The hospital is a modern 50-bed complex complete with high dependency unit, renal dialysis, maternity services and operating facilities. Private patient arrangements are also available.
The hospital works in partnership with acute service and other providers to promote, maintain and restore the health and wellbeing of residents of Port Lincoln and the surrounding area.
Port Lincoln Hospital’s accident and emergency, and reception are open 24-hours a day.
Other services include:
- Physiotherapy
- Mental Health Case Management/Continuing Care
- Nephrology Services
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- General Surgery
There are also a number of Health Practices and Clinics available within Port Lincoln, including specialist services for Aboriginal Health and Mental Health.
Housing in Port Lincoln
The median house price in Port Lincoln as at June 2018 is $385,000 and the median weekly rent is $400 per week. The price of housing and rental changes depending on size and location of the property.
Port Lincoln is considered Remote and may attract the following additional incentives for certain roles:
- Remoteness Area Payment up to $8,000
- Attraction Difficulty Payment between $3,500 and $5,000
- Airfare Allowance up to $1,000
Travel Leave up to 3 days’ travel leave may be granted per year, non-cumulative for eligible employees to attend personal matters that cannot be attended to in the centre.