Bushy has hit the nail on the head regarding wages with the organisations you'd be looking at in Cairns, you'll probably be standing in a que for a while.
West Wing at Mount Isa is definately worth consideration, a solid company that pays well (award) has solid contracts and based in a largish city, fleet of B58, C310, C402, C404, PA31, B200, probably something bigger if the new Zinifex contract advertised in todays Australian come off.
I've lived in worse places than Mt Isa and i'd reckon there's more Kiwis in Mount Isa than the whole of NZ.
Do not ever work for less than you are entitled too.