Hi Sim.
Have you thought about relocating ie I live in the Alice and I know there is a massive short fall of tradesmen up here. The government has a renuumeration package to entice people to move to rural/remote areas ($5000 to $10,000) I think - I have heard Darwin falls into this catagory as well. The wages are generally better up here and it is a great lifestyle and is easy to raise a family (sensational 4wding as well). Point is there are lots of opportunities up here in all fields not just the trade you are qualified in. Just a thought I hope it all works out for you.
cheers JP