commuting
Be aware that you will not have the use of staff travel for six months.
I took my first command in Cairns after having been an F/O for six years and commuted for 18 months.The novelty wears off rapidly, getting home about three times a month with growing children. There were a couple of us doing this and we were all worse off financially with the commute and accommodation, although the benefit of command hours was obviously the reason and a compensation.
Mildura could be a good option for you although I am Brisbane based and not too sure of the vacancies and movement. Good luck with following your dream, or addiction as your wife may call it.