Can this be true? Is Australia finally getting it? Are we going to see more of this?
I was really thrilled when I first heard about this fabulous job opportunity during today’s edition of Sunrise on Channel 7.
To me, it’s not even just about the perks of the job – being paid to swim and snorkel and live in the gorgeous Hamilton Islands in Queensland for 6 months. Yes, the work of Island Caretaker of the Great Barrier Reef sounds as close to a Fab Job as possible. Seriously.
I mean – what can you say about living in a 3-bedroom house, getting free airfare from the home city, reporting for various media outlets in Australia… and getting paid $150,000 AUD for this 6-month contract? It’s like getting a fantastic holiday – with pay and benefits!
What excites me though are the fact that:
A) Tourism Queensland is the one advertising for this position. (Yay! Massive webby points for you!)
and
B) They specifically ask for someone who can BLOG – write blog entries and do video blogs.
Wow-sers! It’s probably THE biggest blogging-related position that was ever offered here in Australia in a mainstream manner. At least, one that I’m aware of.
How can I not be excited?
It seems to be taking Australia a very long time to “get” web and social media. Sure, we have a lot of fabulous and talented bloggers here. And, it’s so much easier to mention the word “blog” nowadays in the mainstream – and not appear like an alien from planet XYZ. But, there’s definitely still a lot of room for things to grow around here.
So yeah, it’s exciting.
Will I be applying for it? Well, I’m gainfully employed in blogging already* (and living near the beautiful beaches here in South Australia too!). With a young family. So, no. I think I’m happy to give other folks a chance to get in to it. 
I’m just looking forward to what else is in store for Australia and the world of web and social media in the coming months.
* It’s funny how it works out sometimes.
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I lived and worked in the Whitsundays for almost two years so I have a slightly different take on that job. I worked on Hamilton Island, Long Island, Lindeman Island and Daydream Island and the reality behind the scenes is very different to what you see in the brochures. But as far as great jobs marketed directly towards the blogging community it is a great step in the right direction.
Melissa – That’s interesting that you have a different take on this job. Maybe it’s the length that will make a difference? Maybe a long two-year holiday doesn’t feel like one anymore?
But yeah, I do imagine that things are different behind the scenes. But, what exactly are the stories behind the scenes? Hmmm!! 
good news indeed
Cool, isn’t it, ibyang?
that’ll be a fab job for someone! not for me though…hard when you’ve got family sigh
Christine: You’re right. That’s how I felt too. Even if I could’ve motivated myself to apply… and even if they did get offered the job… it would be just way too difficult to do, what with kids and all.
This job opportunity sounds amazing! I can’t wait to find out who’s getting this!
And Shai, you’re perfect for this. Maybe another gig closer to home will pop up, who knows right?
Toni – Thanks for thinking that! And yeah, it does sound amazing. I’m looking forward to hearing the final winner too. On finding a similar gig closer to home… Hmmm… maybe! You never know.
I’ve also worked on Hamilton Island for five months. I love blogging, scuba diving, snorkeling and I’m a huge fan of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. This position would be a dream come true! I’ll give it a try.
Eva: Wow. That’s cool. Good luck with it! Let us know how it goes.
I think I would take my small family with me. It’s just me, hubby, and the kid. It would be a fabulous opportunity. But they are going to be FLOODED with entries. It’s going to be hard to get noticed. I wonder if they’d hire an American?
becky: You’re probably right about it being flooded with applications. But, you never know unless you try, right? An American? Who knows? Maybe!
If you try, good luck! Keep us posted.