"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.
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.