Hi, we are relocating to port headland from Adelaide in January. My husband has been offered a house job with great pay. We have a 14 year old boy that’s not keen on the idea. Has anyone relocated to port headland with teenage ages kids? What’s the town like? Also I’m not going to know a single person in town.
Relocating to port headland
Relocating to port headland
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Health & Wellbeing, Things to do and see, Education, Teenagers, Tips and Advice
7 Replies
It's not the best!
Maybe you could suggest boarding school if he really hates it, or boarding with a friend/relative there during term time if you have someone you trust.
Also show him on a map how close it is to Bali. And show him all the amazing things to see and do there- ningaloo reef, Broome, monkey Mia, the Kimberley, rottnest island the quokkas etc. Inspire him to see it for a year, don't make it permanent and he might try it a bit more willingly. But at 14, hes never going to be happy about leaving his mates and his home.
Rottnest island is closer to Adelaide than Port Hedland 😂
But if you're going to port hedland you'll be getting out more on holidays, no? Its the life there, you get the money and you get out on holidays.
It will be a huge change for him. My husband grew up in hedland and now works there FIFO from Perth. It has a large aboriginal community and a lot of natural wonders for outdoorsy type kids to do - fishing, diving, boating. If he’s into those things he will make the most of it. The town itself isn’t great, it’s hot, dirty, dusty. Going from a city to a country town, he’s going to need to want to actually get out and do stuff to make the most of it.
We live in Newman (4hrs drive from Port Hedland) with younger children.
Some people love the lifestyle of remote living...but it depends on what kind of person you are and what your child is interested in.
It sounds like job has been accepted and move is definitely taking place?? If not - I would suggest doing a quick trip over and checking Port Hedland out yourself.
Also go onto myschool.edu.au to give you an idea about the schooling.
There are positives and negatives. For us we love the travel - Broome, Exmouth, Karijini, Coral Bay... even 12hr drive to Perth!! Mild winters are good. Most people are friendly in these towns as we are so far away from family.
We dont like the remoteness, lack of shopping options, red dirt, summer heat is pretty bad too!!
Financially its a good move.
Keep busy, organise holidays and get involved in school/sports etc.
Best of luck.