The Village People
A regular guest shares what it really takes to thrive while working away.
"When people hear that you work away, everyone talks about the money. But if you think it's all about the money, you'll struggle. It's a lifestyle choice, and you've got to love it, not endure it."
We are talking with Cameron, a working-away veteran and regular face at Collie Hills Village. After more than two decades, he has learnt that making the most of life on the swing is the key to longevity.
"The hardest part isn't the actual work – you're usually too busy when you are on site. It's the downtime if you let yourself become isolated. But there is also a stack of great things about it. If you're on a good crew and a good swing, it can be a brilliant lifestyle with a lot more time off than a nine-to-five,"
Cameron says.
The mental health risks of working away are now widely recognised, and services like Lifeline recommend against isolating yourself in your room. It's a message that resonates with Village Manager Chris Brettig.
"If your swing becomes work, eat, sleep, repeat, you can get into a dark place. Connecting with others is important, and where you stay makes a big difference in whether that can happen naturally."
At the Village, this is addressed both physically and culturally.
"Intentionally designing an environment that encourages connection was important, and we made sure that was reflected in the building plans," says Jason Lane, Operations Manager. "But more than that, there's the cultural piece, and we take that extremely seriously. Our staff—from reception to housekeeping, from management to the kitchen—know we're in the people business. Those small, warm, everyday interactions can make a real difference."
"Reception knows the rooms I like. The chef starts cooking my steak medium rare before I ask. The housekeeping staff are always friendly and respectful,"
Cameron shares.
For Jason, that feedback is exactly what the team hopes to hear.
"We invest a lot of training and effort into making sure our guests are cared for as people, not just customers. It's rewarding to hear that those little things are noticed."