It is also going to lose another young family to south east Queensland when ‘Dingo’ Dan Leyden, his wife Bianca and their daughter Evie leave this week. 

A billboard outside of Mount Isa greeted travellers with a sign of Mr Leyden wearing an Akubra and budgie smugglers, as his prize for winning a national competition celebrating the average dad-bod last year. 

Friends of the family shared farewell drinks with them at the Isa Hotel on Saturday night. 

Most of Mr Leyden’s media appearances here have been during the past six months, mostly while pictured wearing budgie smugglers. But the Leydens have lived, worked and played in Mount Isa about eight years. 

Mr Leyden is a plumber and Mrs Leyden is a teacher, although currently on maternity leave.  

“It’s been nearly a good decade,” Mr Leyden said. “Once you have kids, being closer to family plays a big part in the choices you make in life.”