It comes after the vice president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Education Union, Justin Mullaly, said breaking into both the rental and property market were significant challenges for recent graduates, particularly in the inner city. 

But Mr Lynch said teaching graduates at Stawell Secondary had successfully done this because of their choice to move regionally. 

”Victoria is bigger than Melbourne,” he said.

“Here in Stawell we have had four second year teachers who have bought their first homes. 

“They are paying less for a home here than what their friends would be paying on rent in Melbourne.”

A challenge is further presented for teachers on contracts, which accounts for between 50 and 70 per cent of new teachers in Victoria, according to the union.

But Mr Lynch said the school made deliberate efforts to make work ongoing.

”When the bank knows they have ongoing work it becomes much easier to break into the property market,” he said. 

Second year teacher at Stawell Secondary Sarah Tregoning made the move from Melbourne to accept a role at the school last year.  

She recently purchased her first home in Ararat. 

“It has been easier to buy a home and build a life out here,” she said.

“This is something I would never have even dreamed of while at university.

“Now if I was to move back to Melbourne, I would definitely be in a better position to break into the property market there.”

Second year teacher Heidi Sudholz, who bought her first home in the Stawell area, said working regionally meant she could develop more meaningful relationships with her students and their parents. 

“You form connections outside school and you watch students grow and mature,” she said. “Starting your career in Melbourne is not the only option.”