• RWD Strategy
• Remote Locations
• Remote Entitlements
• Grants
• Scholarships
• Leadership Programs
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Developing our remote workforce

Delivering Northern Territory Government services to people living in remote parts of the Territory depends on the Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) workforce in those areas. In particular, remote NTPS staff have a crucial role in regional and Indigenous development.

About 13 per cent of the NTPS workforce, around 2,000 people, are employed in 132 remote locations. They include almost half of the total public sector teachers, one quarter of health workers and one sixth of police.

Living and working in the Territory’s remote areas brings opportunities and challenges. While remote workers sometimes feel isolated, many see the experience as one that enhances their lives and careers.

The NT Government has made remote workforce development a high priority through its NTPS Remote Workforce Development Strategy. The strategy, originally released in 2003, provides additional support and development options for remote employees.  Major initiatives include:

• scholarships so individuals can access professional development and training
• grants so agencies can offer professional development and training
• a newsletter to keep remote employees informed and in touch

Thinking about working in a remote Northern Territory community?

Deciding to live and work in a remote Northern Territory community is a big decision.  It can be rewarding, enriching and offer unique experiences but it requires real commitment, patience, flexibility, sensitivity, creativity and a sense of humour!

Beyond the exciting Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) employment opportunities, and the additional entitlements available to remote employees, there are many questions to think about ranging from ‘Can I bring my cat?’ to ‘Can I buy fresh fruit and vegetables?’ to ‘What’s the value of a non-Indigenous person working in an Indigenous community?’.

Perhaps the most important question to answer is ‘Why am I doing this?’  You’ll go back to this during the tough times and the good.
It’s important to consider all these issues (and more!) in the process of applying for an NTPS position in a remote community, and again before you commit yourself if your application is successful.

There are many sources of information to find out more about living and working in remote Northern Territory communities.  Even if you’re an existing NTPS employee, you will find useful information on the following websites:

• www.bushtel.nt.gov.au
  A website with a wealth of information about remote Northern Territory communities, including historical information, community profiles, and practical details such as location, goods and services available, travel options and road conditions.  The website also contains news, events and discussion boards.
• www.teaching.nt.gov.au 
  Find out about the diverse teaching opportunities in remote Northern Territory communities, including current vacancies, how to apply and teachers’ stories.
• www.nursing.nt.gov.au
  Find out about the diverse nursing opportunities in remote Northern Territory communities, including current vacancies, how to apply and nurses’ stories.
• www.pfes.nt.gov.au
  Find out about Police, Fire and Emergency Services careers in the Northern Territory.