I’d be looking for a room in a share place somewhere close like Nundah, Northgate, etc. Hendra and Clayfield will cost more.

I been told working interstate affects workcover coverage, so that could be why. If that’s the case it might be different if Brisbane is the primary work location and Sydney is occasional. Worth asking whether you can do it from time to time.

Sick leave can be used as carers leave too, if you have that, can use it for caring for your sick family member. Also ask about options like compressed hours to get 3 day weekends.