Come for the adventure
Experience the serenity
Stay for the people
We have regular staffing opportunities and are keen for visitors who’d like to offer new experiences for our kids. Especially talented couples as accommodation is tight.
Let us know what you can offer and I’ll add your name to the waiting list.
Eric (Eric.Barrows@education.nt.gov.au)
Having lived and worked in remote NT since 2009 I find that Peppimenarti is the cleanest, quietest, and safest place I have visited and most people who have experienced the territory will agree. The people are friendly the children are healthy the services are functional, there are no Cheeky Dogs! There are however, various vested interest that feed on bad publicity and continually put out exaggerated press releases regarding the living conditions here and even lies about the school do not believe it, just ask Slim Dusty. Peppi is a paradise.
However some general guidelines that apply to any remote indigenous community.
COMMUNICATION:
Telstra is the only phone company with community coverage. (apart from satellite phones) you will need a Telstra sim.
- You will be out of range when traveling so let people know when you are heading their way so they can watch out for you. Even when flying, because you’ll need someone to meet you at the airport.
- You will live or die by the good will of the locals so be nice to everyone.
SECURITY:
However, do not trust everyone. Like anywhere in the world cars do get stolen and if you leave your house unlocked people will let themselves in.
- Let me emphasise – You will have more issues in the city with car and house safety, but because it’s so relaxed out here people sometimes forget basic security measures.
DRESS CODE:
It can be hot, but cover up.
- Mosquitos, sunstrike and snakes do pose health risks, so collared shirts, long pants and covered shoes are recommended.
- You can of course wear whatever you like but, indigenous communities tend to be very conservative.
- Tight-fitting clothes around the thighs and groin (and sometimes upper arms) may be considered promiscuous or offensive.
- You may be invited to sit on the ground so wear clothes that won’t cause embarrassment or discomfort in such a situation.
Indigenous communities tend to be very polite and will not cause offence to you by commenting on your choice of clothing but, if you are respecting a respectful interaction don’t wear:
- Tight figure-hugging clothing eg tight jeans, hipsters, skirts, shorts above the knee.
- See-through clothing or clothing that exposes too much.
DRIVING:
If you are thinking of staying long term in the Territory bringing a serious 4X4 vehicle is a must and four wheel driving training is recommended, the department will try to provide this training before you take up your appointment, but if not don’t hesitate to ask us for a session.
In school vehicles;
- Engage 4×4 on all dirt roads, only disengage the hubs when you get to Daly River.
- Drive with your headlights on.
- Don’t exceed the speed limit, if transporting students stay below 80k.
- Give oncoming vehicles a wide birth to avoid windscreen damage.
- Don’t drive in a vehicles dust you need to know what’s coming.
- If coming in from Darwin, fill up all tanks at Adelaide River as there may not be fuel here at Peppi.
- Take extra water, if you break down it can be a long time between drinks.
- Check your recovery gear before heading out, you might not get stuck but you can often help someone else out of trouble.
RELOCATION:
The department will relocate you from anywhere in Australia, however different contracts, times and places will entitle you to differing uplifts so just ask.
ACREDITATION:
- The NT Teacher Registration Board will need to accredit your qualifications. Don’t assume you are ineligible, have a chat to them and see what can be worked out.
- You will also need a Working With Children card which is basically proof of a police check.
- Working Visas take a long time to get in Australia, but if you are patient anything is possible, however the Department does not relocate staff from overseas at this time however, teacher pay rates in the NT are the best in the world. Whilst we would love to sponsor your visa, we cannot do so as all jobs here require immediate filling and the visa process takes time.
HOUSING:
Peppi has five furnished houses for Teacher accommodation. Power and water etc are covered so all you’d need to bring is bedding. But to make it like home you can bring all your gear, however sometimes the freight trucks don’t start running till June (and stop in December) so talk it through before deciding what to bring.
SOCIAL LIFE:
Peppi has a club, and in the dry you can drive to the coast or Daly River and there are many scenic picnic spots on the way. But it’s a small place so don’t expect any nightlife other than the fruit bats and feral pigs.
INTERNET:
The school has a fibre connection and reliable high speed internet and most households rely on 4g broadband or subsidised satellite connections. Merrepen homeland and Peppi school have free community WIFI access points but in the other homelands you’ll need a sat phone. The school has two satellite phones in case of emergency.
ADITIONAL READING:
Remote Ready, Growing up our way, Your in new country now.