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Surf, mountains, and career growth for educators on the Sunshine Coast
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Fiona Alston
Sep 29, 2025
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For Kayla Fairbairn of Goodstart Baringa, the Sunshine Coast is the best place to work, live, and raise a family.
Stretching 60km along SE Queensland's coastline, the peri-urban region has a lot to offer staff who work at one of our 17 Sunshine Coast centres. We have a lot of open roles for passionate early learning professionals.Locals get to live among vibrant communities at pristine beaches, rainforests, national parks and historic villages, spending the weekends at the Glass House Mountains and quirky markets. Kayla recently celebrated five years with Goodstart. Here, she recounts how she designed her dream life moving to the Sunshine Coast and progressing her career to Educational Leader:
Career journey in early learning on the Sunshine Coast
Kayla Fairbairn is the Educational Leader at Goodstart Baringa. She has been with Goodstart for five years, working across centres on the Sunshine Coast, and in her role she supports educators and children from all learning environments each week.Kayla Fairbairn celebrates five years with Goodstart.
“I have called the Sunshine Coast home for the past 12 years, having originally come from the Southern Highlands in New South Wales,” she said.
“My only regret about the move is that we didn’t make it sooner.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, ‘You can’t have your cake and eat it too,’ but life on the Sunshine Coast proves otherwise.”
“With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, it truly offers the best of both worlds,” she said.
“Initially, the move with young children was for them, I wanted them to grow up in a place full of opportunities.”
“Mornings spent surfing before school, family bike rides before dinner, and weekends creating lasting memories made this lifestyle priceless.”
“My children are teenagers now, and riding their bikes with Mum and Dad is ‘so not cool’, but we still cherish the lifestyle and family time we enjoy together.”
Community, connection and culture
The Sunshine Coast, particularly Aura, where I live, is wonderfully multicultural. It offers countless opportunities to learn new traditions through the community events Stockland Aura hosts free of charge.
They also provide fantastic programs for children and youth, including skateboarding classes and festivals, and collaborate closely with our centre and local schools to create enriching experiences that support a brighter future for our children.
The Sunshine Coast is also home to many wonderful tourist attractions like Aussie World, The Ginger Factory(my favourite because we all love The Gruffalo), Sea Life, and of course, the home of Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo.
Aussie World, just off the Bruce Highway at Palmview, is a top Sunshine Coast theme park with 30 rides, attractions, and family-friendly experiences
3 'must-dos' for tourists and new locals alike
- Climb a mountain, there's no better place to take in the beauty of the Sunshine Coast than from the top of a mountain. If mountains aren't your thing, make them.
- Visit Aussie World, where the mix of rides for adults and children ensures nobody leaves with an empty bucket.
- Visit either the Eumundi or Caloundra markets. There truly is something for everyone here, especially if you're a foodie. Food is the way to the heart.
The iconic Glass House Mountains are an impressive group of volcanic peaks celebrated for their distinctive geology and rich cultural heritage
The Original Eumundi Markets, Australia’s largest art and craft market, offers a lively twice-weekly showcase of handcrafted goods, food, fashion, and local talent in a vibrant community atmosphere
Work/life balance and career development at GoodstartAs an Educational Leader, I don't work in one specific room. I am fortunate to engage with every learning environment, supporting educators and children across the centre each week.
Working for Goodstart feels like more than just a workplace; it's a community. The flexibility allows me to balance my professional and personal life, while the ongoing support from colleagues, leadership and practice professionals creates a true sense of family.
I value the professional development opportunities that enable me to grow and expand my skills. My contributions are appreciated, and I'm constantly encouraged to reach my full potential.
Being part of Goodstart means being part of a team that is passionate, collaborative, and dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
'Wow, this is a great place to work' is the feeling I get daily at Goodstart Baringa. It's honestly my home away from home.
Kayla Fairbairn is the Educational Leader at Goodstart Baringa. She has been with Goodstart for five years, working across centres on the Sunshine Coast, and in her role she supports educators and children from all learning environments each week.
Read the original article here and view Goodstart's upon roles on the Sunshine coast here.
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