The Midwest region sprawls across a picturesque coastline and stretches into the stunning outback, showcasing Western Australia's finest landscapes.
Renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty, the Midwest boasts both marine and land biodiversity hotspots, along with UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a globally recognised and protected area. With over 340km of coastline and extending 600km into the central desert, the Midwest is Australia's sunniest and most diverse region.
Nearly double the size of the United Kingdom, the Midwest has a diverse population of around 58,000, with Aboriginal people representing 12% of the population, and a quarter of residents born outside Australia. Most of the population lives along the coastline with smaller towns and communities in the inland desert areas.
Find out what it's like to live and work in the Midwest.
Schools
Midwest schools prioritise student experience and wellbeing, aiming to enhance attendance rates and Year 12 completion. Given the vast distances between schools, diverse locations, and student demographics, collaboration among staff is crucial to ensure comprehensive support, engagement, and attendance.
Teachers in the Midwest encounter a spectrum of teaching environments, ranging from large regional centres to remote communities, requiring robust curriculum knowledge and adept behaviour management. Flexibility, resilience, and problem-solving skills are paramount, particularly in smaller schools where roles and teaching loads may fluctuate.
Students
Aboriginal students comprise around 30% of the student population and understanding the importance of culture and family is essential to establishing trust and positive relationships with students, their families and the wider community. It is essential that teachers provide a supportive and culturally responsive environment to engage their students in learning.
Teachers and staff
School staff members include early career teachers, school leaders new to the role and experienced staff members who have established themselves in the community. They are passionate about education and provide each other with high levels of support and enthusiasm to meet the needs of their students.
Our staff also work in the residential college in Geraldton and at the Western Australian College of Agriculture in Morawa. Support and services for schools in the region are provided by staff at the Midwest Education Regional Office in Geraldton.
Weather and climate
The region experiences hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters, with coastal towns enjoying refreshing sea breezes while inland areas may face extreme summer temperatures. Air-conditioned housing and subsidies help mitigate the additional costs of living in the region.
Economy
The Midwest region thrives on a multifaceted economy centred around tourism, fishing, agriculture, mining, and construction, showcasing the rich variety of opportunities available in Western Australia. The Midwest has the largest inland grain facility in the southern hemisphere as well as the highest-value fishing industry in Western Australia.
Regional services
While most schools are situated in the southern part of the region, main regional centres such as Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Exmouth offer access to a wide array of facilities and services. Small remote communities may have limited local amenities but typically provide essential services like food, childcare, and basic healthcare.
Benefiting from well-connected major roads from Perth and multiple regional airports, the Midwest boasts excellent transport links. Travel to Perth is convenient, with a 4.5-hour drive or a one-hour flight from Geraldton, and a 13-hour drive or a 2-hour flight from Exmouth.
Housing options
Subsidized housing is available through the Government Regional Officers Housing (GROH) program, with additional allowances and benefits for teachers, especially those working in or north of Geraldton.
Tourism
The Midwest region offers a remarkable combination of Western Australia's diverse landscapes, showcasing its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, expansive sandplains, vibrant wildflowers, and captivating national parks, providing an unparalleled outback experience.
People living in the Midwest enjoy convenient connections to Perth while also having a plethora of destinations to explore within their reach. From the coral-filled waters and abundant wildlife of the Abrolhos Islands to the rugged beauty of the inland gorges and bushland, the region beckons with endless opportunities for exploration.
Outdoor activities
Shark Bay and the Ningaloo coast, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, offer an array of exhilarating experiences for adventurers of all kinds. Whether it's four-wheel driving, hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, swimming, diving, or fishing, the Midwest promises unforgettable adventures amidst its natural wonders.
Community engagement
Living and teaching in the Midwest provides a gateway to embracing the quintessential country lifestyle while immersing oneself in the rich culture and vibrant community spirit of the region.
