G'day Johnny,
With your hours Cairns sounds like a good option. It has a well established GA scene and for the missus and ankle biter is definitely a far more liveable place than some of the more remote parts of Oz.
As mentioned numerous times on prune, you can sacrifice a small rainforest on sending out resumes but you won't really get any bites until you front up personally on their doorstep.
From the sounds of your post you are articulated and mature enough to get where you want to be so just keep your chin up because something will turn up. Don't listen to any jibes against Kiwis, there are plenty of Aussies in NZ and the rest of the world so its a two way street. Happy job hunting!!
