Personal opinion only, but I wouldn't take such a backward career step when other options are available.
Given the same circumstances I would try basing in MEL. Can you get a QLink basing there? It's then only an easy 3 hour drive from ABX to MEL. Almost a commutable distance.
Have a mate, who was a Rex ABX based skipper and couldn't wait to get away from Rex. He's now with Tiger in MEL. And ABX is my home town and his. I spent time with KD before the Ansett debacle. While it was a great company to work for then, anecdotal evidence suggests thus is not the case any more.
As I said. Personal opinion, for what it's worth.