Mr Crawford was a keen photographer and Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP) manager while Mrs Crawford was a Mount Isa School of the Air teacher. 

Mr Crawford has transferred to the Cairns based DATSIP office while Mrs Crawford will teach prep students at Hambledon State School. 

They held a low key farewell function at the Buffs Club before they left with their motorcycles shortly before Christmas last year. 

Mr Crawford originally came to Mount Isa on a two year secondment in 2011 while Mrs Crawford started work at Central State School.

He considered returning to work as a Senior Sergeant for the Queensland Police Service which he worked in for 30 years after the change of state government in 2012 but decided to remain in his position after having made so many friends in the community. 

Mr Crawford said he had many memories from his time living in the North West. 

“There are many success stories including seeing many young and older people achieve their aspirations and gain meaningful employment,” he said. 

“My heart was always broken seeing some families struggling with their day to day life, and is an area I will continue to work hard in.” 

Mrs Crawford said her favourite memories were while working as a teacher for School of the Air. 

“My highlight was meeting the wonderful families on the outstations, my friendships with School of the Air staff and experiencing a different way of teaching,” she said. 

“I didn’t see any downsides of living and working in Mount Isa at all.” 

They said they would never forget the opportunities they have had in Mount Isa. 

“We will really miss our friends and our Harley mates and long motorcycle rides,” the Crawfords said.