Between 2001 and 2009 the Outback town experienced a 23 per cent increase in its overall population, which now stands at about 4500.

In the years to come it is expected the Far North region will play an important part in keeping South Australia’s regional population above the State Government target of 18 per cent.

Some have predicted Roxby Downs will blow out to over 10,000 people with the proposed mine expansion despite setbacks created by the global financial crisis and Clark Shaft accident.

But while it is Olympic Dam that dictates the fortunes and failures of the town, not everyone who has flocked to the town chooses to venture underground.

Jenna Farina, 21, is part of the 53 per cent of Roxby Downs’ population that does not work within the mining industry.

She moved to the town with her boyfriend Scott two years ago, so he could pursue a career with Woolworths.

“While we’re here it’s a really good opportunity to save money,” she said.

The bakery worker and part-time photographer said she had really enjoyed living and making new friends in the town.

“Everyone is heaps friendly. If you walk past people on the street they will say, ‘Hi how are you?’” she said.

“It’s a small town and people think of new social events basically every week.”

But while Roxby Downs has given the young couple a precious opportunity, she said she would be happy to move on when her boyfriend’s contract expired in 18 months.

Like many, Roxby Downs has offered her a platform for new things. “When we move back to Adelaide we’ll hopefully be able to buy a house and go overseas.”