British Expats

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-   -   WORKING IN THE MINES (https://britishexpats.com/forum/australia-54/working-mines-723024/)

ozzieeagle Dec 3rd 2011 8:39 am

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
One of the supposed outcomes I've heard about working in the mines whilst the family stays back here in the East is "It's a fast track to Divorce" So if thats true then it could cost a lot more than any potential income. Although that could be just Urban Myth ?

Anyone know if working in the Mines does cause marriage breakups ? The other thing I've heard is that it's so damn expensive to live there that you have to live like a pauper just to save any money ? Is that Urban Myth as well ?

I've only heard 2nd hand of people working there. If it's so good why does my WA Builder mate choose to live in Melbourne... even though he wants to go back as a Builder ? Main reason he tells me is that his income would suffer because his Wife's business as one of the Melbourne Northern Subs main female Handymen(person) business wouldn't be taken seriously over there therefore the family income would suffer.

Therefore based on the few WA people I know, and I admit it is a very few. I dont think working in the mines is all it's cracked up to be.... Unless your single and prepared to live frugaly over there.


Wife and I could go and work on my BIL's Station out of Goondawindi @ 600 bucks per week each.... All Accom, expenses and most food paid... But that would be a hellish life for us. Plus we've got kids, so it's out of the question... might do some Woofing there in the future. I reckon we would only last 3 months. Potentially though that could be more lucrative than the mines... because of the expenses paid.

To sum up there could be just as many opportunities in Qland as there are in WA

Tramps_mate Dec 3rd 2011 9:46 am

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
Iv just been offered a Geo job and it's 2 on 1 off, but whilst working all food and accom are paid for. Iv been told I could literally spend no money whilst at work! I think the potential to save some cash is good!

sheene Dec 3rd 2011 10:09 am

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by Tramps_mate (Post 9768595)
Iv just been offered a Geo job and it's 2 on 1 off, but whilst working all food and accom are paid for. Iv been told I could literally spend no money whilst at work! I think the potential to save some cash is good!

According to Wiki, a Geologist studies solid and liquid matter - is that why you need to be one to take part in a threesome?

Turban Explorer Dec 3rd 2011 10:47 am

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by Tramps_mate (Post 9768595)
Iv just been offered a Geo job and it's 2 on 1 off, but whilst working all food and accom are paid for. Iv been told I could literally spend no money whilst at work! I think the potential to save some cash is good!

Bare in mind the accommodation might be a shared portacabin and the food strictly fried slop. The miners I know have a good bitch about their accommodation in Moranbah.

IvanM Dec 3rd 2011 11:38 am

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
Some sites have great food with basic but comfy cabins.

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer (Post 9768648)
Bare in mind the accommodation might be a shared portacabin and the food strictly fried slop. The miners I know have a good bitch about their accommodation in Moranbah.


Turban Explorer Dec 3rd 2011 11:42 am

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by IvanM (Post 9768687)
Some sites have great food with basic but comfy cabins.

Apparently there are alot of hookers in Moranbah too for added comfort!

IvanM Dec 3rd 2011 12:23 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
The rugby teams do not know what to do with them all.

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer (Post 9768690)
Apparently there are alot of hookers in Moranbah too for added comfort!


smee Dec 3rd 2011 1:10 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by pixie1 (Post 9767956)
I would not recommend flying over to do a two week course. Without naming names my partner did a course, cost alot, had no help after to find a job which was promised. Applied for loads of jobs but nobody interested without at least two years on site experience.

The whole thing was a waste of money but good luck to you anyway!!

Sounds like he got conned by a company who promises the offer of a job after he completes the course costing thousands. The only job on offer from these companies is a con job. There is NO need to spend thousands to get the necessary lisense. But the offer of help in finding a job sucks people in.

All my daughter and son did was 4 x 1 hour lessons costing approx $500 then took their test, passed and are now both working fifo driving haul packs, daughter for 4 years in Newman up North, and my son for 1 year in Boddington down south.

smee Dec 3rd 2011 1:23 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by ozzieeagle (Post 9768507)
One of the supposed outcomes I've heard about working in the mines whilst the family stays back here in the East is "It's a fast track to Divorce" So if thats true then it could cost a lot more than any potential income. Although that could be just Urban Myth ?

Anyone know if working in the Mines does cause marriage breakups ? The other thing I've heard is that it's so damn expensive to live there that you have to live like a pauper just to save any money ? Is that Urban Myth as well ?

I've only heard 2nd hand of people working there. If it's so good why does my WA Builder mate choose to live in Melbourne... even though he wants to go back as a Builder ? Main reason he tells me is that his income would suffer because his Wife's business as one of the Melbourne Northern Subs main female Handymen(person) business wouldn't be taken seriously over there therefore the family income would suffer.

Therefore based on the few WA people I know, and I admit it is a very few. I dont think working in the mines is all it's cracked up to be.... Unless your single and prepared to live frugaly over there.


Wife and I could go and work on my BIL's Station out of Goondawindi @ 600 bucks per week each.... All Accom, expenses and most food paid... But that would be a hellish life for us. Plus we've got kids, so it's out of the question... might do some Woofing there in the future. I reckon we would only last 3 months. Potentially though that could be more lucrative than the mines... because of the expenses paid.

To sum up there could be just as many opportunities in Qland as there are in WA

Horses for courses.

You'll only hear the stories of things not working out. My husband was fifo for 17 years, he has been home permanently now for nearly 2 years, with only the odd trip to various sites. I have stayed home with the kids, relocated the family to many different sites and when the kids were independant I did fifo with him. We were fortunate enough to have accomodation supplied with each site we moved to.
I have experienced most aspects of a fifo life. It may not work for everyone but it does for most. I wonder if those that do crack up and split under the pressure of a fifo life would have cracked and split anyway for a different reason.

ozzieeagle Dec 3rd 2011 1:35 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by smee (Post 9768754)
Horses for courses.

You'll only hear the stories of things not working out. My husband was fifo for 17 years, he has been home permanently now for nearly 2 years, with only the odd trip to various sites. I have stayed home with the kids, relocated the family to many different sites and when the kids were independant I did fifo with him. We were fortunate enough to have accomodation supplied with each site we moved to.
I have experienced most aspects of a fifo life. It may not work for everyone but it does for most. I wonder if those that do crack up and split under the pressure of a fifo life would have cracked and split anyway for a different reason.

Good to hear from someone that actually does it as a family. Ahh Just looked up Fifo. Fly in Fly out ?

.

smee Dec 3rd 2011 1:46 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 

Originally Posted by ozzieeagle (Post 9768761)
Good to hear from someone that actually does it as a family. Ahh Just looked up Fifo. Fly in Fly out ?

.

Yes sorry, fifo is fly in, fly out.

seayork2002 Dec 10th 2011 8:20 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
Does anyone have idea of Admin/Accounts type jobs??? we are in the mood for a bit of a change.

lee28 Dec 11th 2011 6:44 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
Havent read through whole thread but thought I would share my experience.

Came here on a student visa studied plastering. Worked for nearly 3yrs as a general labourer. Worked with a guy who was on his 3month unpaid leave for you know what ;), for 2 weeks. He phoned me up a few months later and said he wanted to hire me as he seen I was a hard worker.

I never had any experaince or tickets and I was FIFO from Perth to Orange in NSW on a fantastic wage (3k a week after tax) was there for a few months and then got made redundant.

Got a glowing reference from them and then got some tickets, the usual ones which arent expensive either if you look around.

Worked for a couple of companies now on short term contracts and just got a new job FIFO to numan.

It is possible to get a good job, but be aware the mines arent for everyone, you dont just rock up and they throw cash at you.

4 weeks away from your family, takeaway ur travel days and your home for 5 real days.

There are a few companies that I know of that will look at you if your coming over.

PS: I am on a bridging visa waiting for a 485 grad visa, seems to me if you work hard then someone will notice and help you out.

timmerman Dec 11th 2011 7:19 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
What's the few companies that would look at you mate ?

E_Daniels Dec 12th 2011 4:46 pm

Re: WORKING IN THE MINES
 
I've read through this thread, and I'd like some help/information.

I'm trying to get work in the mining industry (willing to start off doing cleaning etc) and do have some related experience (cleaning/labouring/forklift etc), but no actual mining experience.

To add, I'm a QLD licenced/experienced Security/Crowd controller and wondered if anyone here knows where to go to to get mine/gatehouse security work?

Recently divorced, intent on relocation as soon as possible.

Any help greatly received :)


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