Despite advertising the position for 12 months and boasting a new early learning centre, the town – 1700 kms northwest of Brisbane – has been unable to attract the right candidate.

Now Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell has resorted to writing to Santa and asking for help.

“We are a booming outback community, and we are desperate for an Early Childhood Teacher. In fact, we need a few,” he wrote in his letter, signing it the “people of Cloncurry”.

The job at the Curry Kids Early Learning Centre pays more than $100,000 plus superannuation and accommodation, with five weeks annual leave. The Cloncurry Shire Council will help pay relocation expenses.

The centre has 58 places for children but there are 34 more on a waitlist.

“Childcare is a key obstacle for parents looking to return to work. If the Shire can offer childcare services to more families, more parents will be afforded the opportunity to return to the workforce and it will remove a barrier for businesses trying to attract new families to the area,” Campbell said.

“So, come to Cloncurry; the kids are here and the country is spectacular!”