Before moving into counselling, I spent years working in FIFO mining, including at Mount Cuthbert Copper Mine near Cloncurry and Mount Isa.
I also worked in emergency services while at Olympic Dam.
I understand that FIFO work can look good from the outside, but feel very different when you are actually living it day to day.
The money and opportunities can be good, but the lifestyle can come with real pressure.
Long swings away, fatigue, camp life, relationship stress, isolation, alcohol use, sleep disruption, and the constant switch between work mode and home mode can all take a toll.
For some people, the hardest part is not just the work itself.
It is coming home and trying to reconnect with normal life, family, friends, partners, or kids after being away.
It can feel like you are always adjusting, always catching up, and never fully settled.
Counselling can provide a private space to talk through what is going on without judgement.
This might include stress, anxiety, low mood, anger, alcohol use, relationship issues, grief, or feeling stuck and unsure what direction to take next.
The aim is to help you make sense of the pressure, understand what is happening, and find realistic ways to manage life better.
Sessions are available online via Zoom or phone, which can suit FIFO workers who are away on site, travelling, or based outside Adelaide.
