a practical guide to:

Visas • Job seeking • Healthcare

• Accommodation

Get the facts first …

 contents
2 Thinking of Going to Australia?

3-6 The Visa

7-8 Before You Go – Handy Hints

9 Things To Bring

10-12 How To Find a Place to Stay

13-14 How To Stay Healthy and Safe

15-17 How To Get a Job

18 Sample Curriculum Vitae

19 Drink and Drugs

20-24 Sydney Factsheet

25-28 Melbourne Factsheet

29-31 Perth Factsheet

32-34 Tasmania/Hobart Factsheet

35-36 Other Useful Contacts

 …THINKING OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA?

Do you know?
• Periodically, Australia has been described as entering an
economic downturn. Whether or not this is the case the fact
remains that occasionally limited term casual work can be
difficult to come by. In 2002 and 2003 some Irish returned
before their one year visa expired because they couldn’t find
work.
• If you intend travelling around short-term accommodation
may be difficult to find. You may have to stay in tourist
think again

hostels.
• While public transport in Australian cities is of a good
standard, owning a car is an advantage when seeking
employment or travelling.
• The most popular destination for Irish tourists is Sydney,
New South Wales.
• It normally takes about twenty four hours to fly from Dublin to
Sydney.
• Australia has 140 species of land snake, 32 species of sea
snake and 12 of the world’s top 15 most poisonous snakes.
• Australia’s aboriginal population near Ululru (Ayer’s Rock)
have requested that tourists do not climb this sacred site.
• Australia is 2,966,200 square miles in size but has only
16,849,496 inhabitants, most of which are grouped around the
urban centres and on the coastline.

2
THE VISA

WHAT IS THE ONE-YEAR WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?

This visa aims to give young people an opportunity to holiday in

Australia and to supplement funds through incidental work.

WHO IS ELIGIBILE TO APPLY?

Citizens of Ireland, Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy,

Japan, Korea & Malta can apply. You are only allowed one visa
regardless of how many passports you have.

the visa
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF APPLYING?

• To apply in Ireland you must be a citizen of the Republic of

Ireland, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden or
Denmark. Citizens of Germany, Malta, Japan, the Hong Kong
Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and
the Republic of Korea must apply for a working holiday visa
in their country of citizenship.
• You must be aged between 18 and 31 at the time of
application.
• If aged 26 –31 you have to provide extra material to support
your application; you must prove that Australia would benefit
from your visit.
• can be single or married but must not have dependent
children.
• Your bank balance must be at least €3200.
• You must prove binding ties to Ireland as proof of your
intention to return.

3
 DO I NEED A MEDICAL?

A chest x-ray (using form 160 – available from your nearest

embassy or downloadable on the Internet at www.immi.gov.au) is
required if you:
• are involved in health care (nursing homes, hospitals,
pharmaceutical laboratories or childcare facilities).
• spent more than 3 consecutive months in the last 5 years in a
country/countries considered being of high risk of
tuberculosis – Form 1163i (available on the Internet at
www.immi.gov.au) lists those countries.
• you’re likely to spend time in an Australian hospital or care
facility (including nursing homes).
• You’re likely to be involved in an Australian child care centre
the visa

(including crèches & pre-schools).

The x-ray is done by one of a panel of radiologists supplied by

the Embassy on request.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FORM?

Form 1150, is available at your nearest embassy or can be

downloaded from www.australianembassy.ie A self-addressed
stamped envelope must accompany all requests for application
forms as it is not possible to visit the embassy in person. If you
are over 26 you must complete additional paperwork so mention
your age and the form will be supplied by the Embassy. If you
require help completing the application contact Emigrant Advice
or your local Youth Information Centre.

EVERYTHING STATED ON YOUR APPLICATION FORM MUST

BE QUALIFIED BY SUPPORTING DOCUMETATION.
REMEMBER, THE ONUS/BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON YOU.

4
THE FORM’S COMPLETED? WHAT’S NEXT?

Attach to the form the following:

• Proof you will return to Ireland after your authorised stay –

i.e. a letter from your job on company letter headed paper
indicating you will be returning to work on a specified date
after your annual leave. A letter from your college registrar
to prove you’ve registered for the following year might also
suffice.
• Proof in the form of a bank statement or letter from your
bank/building society/credit union stating you have at least
€3200 in the bank. Cash machine payments are not
acceptable as they do not show the account holders name.
• €95 fee – payment can be made by credit card (with

the visa
authorization form), cheque, money order or postal order
made payable to the “Collector of Public Monies”. NOTE:
Application charges are not refunded.
• Passport valid for the length of your proposed stay in
Australia.
• A medical if applicable. Some Radiologists will forward it
directly to the Embassy while others will give it to you to
attach to the application. Chest x-ray should not be sent
unless requested by the Embassy.
• Self addressed stamped envelope for return of passport.

Attachments should be stapled to the form and submitted to the

Embassy. The average processing time is 3-4 weeks. Until
processing is completed, you cannot speak to an Embassy
representative.

DO NOT MAKE PLANS TO TRAVEL UNTIL YOU

KNOW THE OUTCOME OF THE VISA

5
 TERMS

• You can only be granted this type of visa once regardless of

the number of passports you might have – the visa is issued
per person not per passport!
• This visa allows a stay of 12 months from the date you first
enter Australia. The visa is multiple entry. Your first entry
must be made within 12 months of the date the visa is issued.

YOU CANNOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, HAVE YOUR

VISA EXTENDED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE TIME YOU SPENT
OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA
the visa

• You cannot work in any one job for more than three months –
if caught working beyond the approved period your visa
could be cancelled and you may be required to leave
Australia.
• You cannot undertake studies or training for more than three
months.

6
BEFORE YOU GO – HANDY HINTS

1 Be Prepared

before you go – handy hints

For information and advice contact:

Emigrant Advice
1a Cathedral Street, Dublin 1
Tel: (01) 873 2844
Email: info@emigrantadvice.ie
Web: www.emigrantadvice.ie

Diocesan Emigration Services

34 Paul Street, Cork
Tel: (021) 4274520

Youth Information Centres

(see Golden Pages “Youth Organisations” to find the one
nearest you). Web: www.youthinformation.ie

Australian Visas (independent visa service provider to DIMA)

13 Anglesea Street
Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 679 5452
Web: www.australianvisas.ie

Australian Embassy
Fitzwilton House
Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 676 1517
Web: www.australianembassy.ie

Australian Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs

downloadable immigration forms available at:
www.immi.gov.au
7
 2 Buy a return ticket - or be able to show you have sufficient
funds for a return or onward fare, usually A$5000.

3 Invest in a budget guide book – this should supplement the

before you go – handy hints

information in this guide in relation to cheap eats and sleeps

as well as tourist spots worth visiting around the whole of
Australia.

4 Organise Health Insurance.

5 Organise somewhere to stay in advance - book a hostel in

advance (usually with a credit card). If planning to stay with
friends make sure that you have up-to-date contact details
and that they’re expecting you.

8
THINGS TO BRING

IDENTIFICATION PAPERS

• Passport – valid for the duration of your stay.

• Long Form Birth Certificate – a baptismal certificate is
not acceptable I.D.
• Irish/International Drivers license.
• International Students Card – if applicable.

things to bring
DOCUMENTS FOR WORK

• Leaving, trade & any other relevant course

certificates.
• C.V. – preferably on disc so you can alter it as your
circumstances change.
• References – School/College & Employers; Character
References.

MONEY

• Plenty!
• Don’t carry lots of cash – use credit card/suitable
ATM card or travellers cheques.

OTHER THINGS

• Details of your private health insurance – if

applicable.
• Contacts – Make sure they’re up to date and
addresses are complete with zip codes.
9
 HOW TO FIND A PLACE TO STAY

Salaries and prices vary between urban centres in Australia, with

Sydney normally proving itself most expensive in the majority of
living costs. The difference between urban centres and bush
how to find a place to stay

towns not on the tourist trail is significant. Sydney is the centre

that receives most immigration and so rental properties in popular
tourist areas such as Bondi and Coogee can be expensive. Rental
properties in Australia are normally administered by Estate
Agents. Most suburbs will have a number of agencies and each
will produce a weekly or twice weekly list of available properties.
The list can be obtained from the agents’ office.

COSTS

Be prepared to spend A$900 to A$1500 on rent monthly

depending on where in most cities you choose to live. More
popular or trendy suburbs, for example Newtown in Sydney or St.
Kilda in Melbourne will normally command a higher rent.

FURNITURE

Rental properties are normally unfurnished apart from a cooker,

washing machine and a dryer (or outside drying facility for
example, a washing line). There are furniture rental businesses in
all Australian cities. Rates vary from location to location and item
to item but most household furnishings are available (fridges,
television, tables, chairs, etc.). A deposit and direct debit
payment are normally required.

10
HEAT/POWER/WATER/WASTE

It is unlikely that rent will include utilities. Check if you are in

doubt. Most Australian rental properties will also have charges

how to find a place to stay

for excess water use, waste management/recycling as well as
the normal utility charges. Your rental agreement will usually
state that charges for waste management and excess water use
are payable by the tenant.

TELEPHONE

Generally phone charges in Australia are significantly cheaper then

in Ireland. A variety of providers operate country-wide so shop
around for the best rates. I.D. usually in the form of a passport
number and a deposit/direct debit payment may be required.

BOND

A rental bond (deposit) is payable at the beginning of tenancy.

The maximum bond that can be charged is the equivalent of the
first four weeks rent for unfurnished property and the equivalent
of the first six weeks rent for furnished properties if the rent is
less that A$250. The bond money is paid to your landlord or their
agent who must then lodge the money with the Rental Bond
Board of the Office of Fair Trading. The tenant must fill out a bond
lodgement form that is then signed by them and the landlord or
their agent. The bond lodgement form must then be lodged with
the Rental Bond Board within seven days.

You will receive a rental bond number from the Rental Bond
Board. If you fail to receive a bond number in the post then you
should contact the Board. Under Australian law it is an offence
for a landlord or their agent to fail to lodge a bond.
11
 At the start of your tenancy you will need to fill out and sign a
condition report which sets out the condition of the rental
property at the start of the lease. When it comes to the end of the
lease the property will receive an inspection and if there are
how to find a place to stay

legitimate damages the landlord or their agent may lodge a claim

with the Rental Bond Board. If you agree with the claim you can
sign off the claim and receive a refund of the remainder of your
bond. If you do not agree you can appeal the claim.

Bonds can be transferred from one tenancy to another.

Contact: Office of Fair Trading,

Rental Renting Services Branch, Level 4,
234 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
or Locked Bag 19, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
Phone: + 61 2 9377 9000
or from Sydney 1800 422 021.

TRANSPORT

Check if your rental property comes with on-street or off-street

parking.

To find an apartment, house or share accommodation check

with:

• Friends and relatives

• Estate agents (weekly or twice weekly rental lists)
• Newspapers
• Backpacker hostels
• Local retail centres and even lampposts in backpacker
suburbs

12
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE

Ireland has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia which

entitles Irish nationals who are temporarily resident in Australia
to emergency medical cover and financial help with drugs
prescribed on the same basis.

how to stay healthy and safe

Despite the fact that a large section of Australia lies in the
tropics, the continent is free of many dangerous diseases
normally found in such a climate. Tropical diseases (for example,
malaria) are unknown and most causes of illness can be quickly
addressed through the country’s high standard medical service.

No vaccination requirements exist for travel to Australia.

Despite water-related health scares in the Sydney area in the

last three years, town and city water supplies are safe for human
consumption. Outback towns do often rely on bore water and
rain water so if you’re unsure of the water quality drink bottled
water or boil your water.

Australia has one of the highest global instances of asthma and

the climate can increase the likelihood of asthmatic attacks. If
you use inhalers carry one with you and bring your prescription
with you to Australia.

Be aware of heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion caused

through dehydration can be a risk for those unaccustomed to a
humid and hot climate. Similarly prickly heat, an illness caused
by excessive sweat caught under the skin can strike people who
are newly arrived in humid climates. Keeping cool, bathing
frequently and using prickly heat powder can alleviate the
symptoms.

13
 Scratches and cuts should be washed and cleaned and treated
with an antiseptic. This is particularly the case if hiking. Cuts
how to stay healthy and safe
inflicted by coral should be cleaned thoroughly as coral can
become lodged in the flesh. Coral cuts often scar and so should
be treated promptly.

A large number of the world’s most venomous snakes and

spiders are found in Australia. Similarly Australian seas have
numerous risks from sharks to stinging jellyfish. In all situations
the traveller should familiarise themselves with the realistic risk
of harm from Australian wildlife and take appropriate steps to
have bites and stings treated.

In general Australia is a safe place for travellers although you

should take the usual sensible precautions: avoid walking home
alone late at night, avoid hitch-hiking alone etc. Australian
culture is open-minded about homosexuality, however outside
the urban centres homophobia may be more common. For
homosexuals the age of consent differs from State to State.
Awareness of disability is high in Australia and most tourist
offices will have information about disable access and tourist
sites. Accessible transport vehicles are available by rail, by taxi,
by bus and by car hire.

14
HOW TO GET A JOB

The Working Holiday Visa programme allows Irish participants to

work and travel for 12 months in Australia (up to 3 months with
any one employer). A variety of jobs are open to people on the
programme but there are a number of core areas normally
accessed by working holidaymakers: temporary office work,
labouring/trades, farming/fruit picking and hospitality. All of these
areas are serviced by employment agencies. In Australia much
of the lifestyle is dictated by the seasons. Similarly, employment
is affected by the seasonal change, even in urban centres.

how to get a job

SUMMER (beginning of December to the end of February)

• During the summer most offices are either closed or

experiencing slow business. Consequently office temping
work is hard to come by.
• Similarly, the building industry slows down during the summer
months and regular employment is harder to come by.
• Farm work and fruit picking enters its peak season with the
summer months. Jobs vary from day to day, but using an
agency and having your own transport increases your
chances of securing work.
• The hospitality industry has vacancies mainly in coastal
areas.

AUTUMN (beginning of March to the end of May)

• In the major cities office work and opportunities for temping

increase at the end of the summer.
• The building industry usually experiences a significant
increase in activity towards the end of the summer.

15
 • By the end of March seasonal fruit picking and farm
labouring is effectively unavailable except through specialist
programmes.
• In the hospitality industry recruitment begins for the ski
season which runs from June to August.

WINTER (beginning of June to the end of August)

how to get a job

• Ongoing office work and temping opportunities.

• Ongoing building industry employment.
• In the hospitality industry most vacancies are in Queensland.
• Limited fruit picking available in Queensland.

SPRING (beginning of September to the end of November)

• Ongoing opportunities for office temping work.

• Ongoing opportunities for building industry employment.
• Recruitment begins for summer work in the hospitality
industry.
• Beginning of job opportunities in the farming/fruit picking
sector.

SOME SAMPLE AVERAGE EARNINGS (PER HOUR)

Banking A$ 15 – 40
Construction A$ 18 – 60
Harvest Work A$ 10 – 12
Sales A$ 12 – 45

16
TAX FILE NUMBER (TFN)

A Tax File Number (TFN) is the equivalent of an Irish PPS

(previously RSI) number. It is issued by the Australian Tax Office.
As with an Irish PPS number it is to your advantage to have a
TFN. If you fail to acquire a TFN you may pay more tax then is
necessary and in the long run you may not be able to get
government benefits you are entitled to receive. Only one TFN is
issued to you in your lifetime – your TFN remains the same even
if you move home, job or change your name, etc.

how to get a job

The Australian Tax Office in conjunction with the Department of
Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs has
developed an online registration process that enables temporary
visitors to Australia to apply for an individual TFN via the internet.
For further information and to apply online visit: www.ato.gov.au.

PUTTING TOGETHER A CURRICULUM VITAE

• Do not submit a hand-written curriculum vitae (CV).

• If possible, keep your CV to one page but do not cram in
information if it would look better spread out over two pages.
• Proof-read your CV. Ensure you CV has no spelling mistakes,
grammatical errors or an unprofessional appearance.
• List your education in reverse chronological order (the most
recent first).
• List your employment experience in reverse chronological
order (the most recent first).
• Include a cover letter with your CV.
• Your cover letter should be a maximum of one page in length.
• Your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, so be
clear, succinct and positive!

17
 Joe Sydney
sample curriculum vitae
15 Australia Street
Newtown, Sydney NSW 2042

Email: joesydney@hotmail.com
Mobile: 0407 123 456

Objective
I am in Australia on the one year work and holiday visa and hope to
work in a field related to my degree and which makes use of my
language skills.

Educational Details
1995 – 1999 Bachelor of Arts, Russian and French
Galway University, Ireland.

Work Experience
2002 – 2003 Translator
Institute of Language Studies, University of Dublin,
Ireland.

Responsibilities/Role
• Handle one-to-one translation and interpretation;
• Conduct text translation from English to French;
• Deal with initial client contact.

1999 – 2002 Administrative Assistant

J.P. Henry and Co. Shipping, Galway, Ireland.

Responsibilities/Role
• Maintain administration for shipping clients and
government agencies;
• Handle written and internet communication with
clients;
• Organise research data and reports.

Computer Skills Lotus, MS Office, Apple Macintosh, HTML,

Dreamweaver

Interests Hill Walking/Bush Walking

References Available on Request

18
DRINK AND DRUGS

Persons under the age of 18 are forbidden to buy or drink

alcohol. It is illegal to sell alcohol to persons who are drunk and
it is an offence to be drunk and disorderly in a public place.
Many public places in urban centres display signs prohibiting the
consumption of alcohol between specific hours.

drink and drugs

Possession, use, supply and manufacture of amphetamines are
illegal in Australia. Possession of Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy or
LSD is also illegal.

Each Australian state (Victoria, New South Wales, Western

Australia, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital
Territory and the Northern Territory) has slightly different
regulations on the possession and use of marijuana. Legislation
covers the use and possession of 25 plus grams of marijuana and
penalties range from a small fine to a significant prison sentence.

For further information check out the Australian Institute of

Criminology at: www.aic.gov.au.

19
 SYDNEY ACCOMMODATION

Short-term accommodation
• It is advisable to book a hostel in advance of travelling to
Australia. It is a good idea to have a base from which you
can source longer-term arrangements.
• Check out www.hostelsydney.com,
www.kangaroobakpak.com.au and www.hostelscentral.com.
sydney factsheet

• This site gives you the address and information on particular

hostels so it allows you to check them out before you decide
to commit to anything:
www.australianexplorer.com/hostels/sydney.htm.
• Expect to pay anything between A$20 and A$40 per night.

Long-term accommodation
• For long-term accommodation, you should check out the
Sydney Morning Herald at www.smh.com.au.
• Check out: www.flatmatefinders.com.au. This site allows you
to create a profile of where you would like to live in Sydney.
The first 20 matches are for free. Subsequent searches cost
A$15 per month.
• Estate agents are an option but they may charge for the
service they provide. Try to avoid agencies that charge a
“finder’s fee” and use free listing agencies instead. Once you
have agreed to rent a property there may be a charge for
completing the lease. A list of estate agencies nearest to
you can be found in the Yellow Pages. Check out:
www.yellowpages.com.au.
• You should check out the notice boards at Sydney University,
the University of New South Wales and the University of
Technology. Information boards can be found in student
unions, libraries and on major walkways at the university
campuses.

20
• Expect to pay anything between A$900 and A$1500 monthly
depending on where you choose to live. Anywhere within
10/20km of the city centre will be expensive. The suburbs are
cheaper but may require a long commute each morning and
evening. Some trendy areas are Coogee, Bondi, Newtown
and Erskenville.

EMPLOYMENT

• Sydney is Australia’s biggest employment centre and the

sydney factsheet
jobs are there provided you know where to look for them.
Jobs available include: Sales, Marketing, Nursing, Building,
Labouring, Accounting, Secretarial, Computer, Bar and
Waitressing and Manual Labour. Most of these jobs will be
found by approaching businesses or agencies once you
arrive in Sydney.

• Useful contacts:
• Check out the notice board of your hostels, including the
notice board at: Kangaroo Bakpak, 665 South Dowling Street,
Surrey Hills, Sydney NSW 2010. Web:
www.kangaroobakpak.com.au.
• Kangaroo Bakpak have an extensive jobs board and receive
daily faxes from Sydney’s leading Temp agencies.
• Check out: www.sydneyexchange.com.au. Sydney Exchange
employment classifieds offer jobseekers, employers and
consultants an opportunity to find suitable candidates &
positions vacant.
• For a list of job agencies online, check out:
www.bcl.com.au/sydney/jobs.htm and
www.webwombat.com.au/employment/nsw.htm.
• Also check out this site for ideas about where to apply for
jobs: www.irishabroad.com/irishworld/Sydney/Employment.
21
 • Online Australia (and New Zealand) jobs database with daily
email alerts: http://www.seek.com.au.

IRISH CENTRES

If you require any assistance while in Sydney, contact:

sydney factsheet

• The Irish Welfare Bureau

Level 1 / 64 Devonshire Street
Surrey Hills
Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9211 8202

• Fr. Tom Devereaux

Irish Chaplaincy
St. Patrick’s Church
2 Wellington Street
Sydney NSW 2026
Tel: (02) 9365 1195
Email: stpatbon@bigpond.net.au

• Irish-Australian Welfare Bureau

PO Box 445
Rockdale
Sydney NSW 2216
Tel: (02) 9211 8202
Email: iawb17@hotmail.com

DRUGS & ALCOHOL SERVICES

• Central Sydney Area Health Services: Drug & Alcohol

Services
Web: www.cs.nsw.gov.au/drugahol
22
• Another website with addresses and phone numbers of
treatment centres, as well as counselling, advice and
referral agencies:
www.svh.stvincents.com.au/drugandalc.htm

GAY AND LESBIAN

• For links to Gay Catholic organisations in Australia check out:

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/acceptsyd.

sydney factsheet
• Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service: information,
counselling and support. Counselling Line (4pm - Midnight 7
Days) (02) 9207 2800 or 1800 18 4527 from non-metropolitan
areas of New South Wales.
• For further information, check out the following web page:
http://www.gayaustraliaguide.bigstep.com.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT

• Mental Health Information Service

60 Victoria Road
Gladesville NSW 2111
Tel: (02) 9816 5688 (Sydney) or 1800 674 200 (NSW).
Fax: (02) 9816 4056
Email: info@mentalhealth.asn.au

• Mental Health Association NSW Inc.

62 Victoria Road
Gladesville NSW 2111
Tel: (02) 9816 1611
Fax: (02) 9816 4056

23
 • Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Building 27, Old Gladesville Hospital,
Victoria Road,
Gladesville NSW 2111
Tel: (02) 9878 2053
Fax: (02) 9878 1270
admin@sfnsw.org.com.au
www.sfnsw.com.au
sydney factsheet

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Groups are

run throughout Sydney at various times and at various
locations. For further information visit the Anxiety Disorders
Alliance online at: www.ada.mentalhealth.asn.au.

• Also for a nation-wide list of mental health support groups

check out the Drs. Reference Site at
http://www.drsref.com.au/support.html.

24
MELBOURNE ACCOMMODATION

Short-term accommodation
• While you are looking for accommodation, hostels are a
good and affordable option.
• The rate varies depending on the season. Single Rooms are
A$45, Double Rooms A$62, Four Bedroom Dorms A$24, Six

melbourne factsheets
Bedroom Dorms A$22 and Eight Bedroom Dorms A$20. More
information can be found at www.lordslodge.com,
www.backpackers.com.au and
www.stonedcrow.com/accommodation/main.htm.

Long-term accommodation
• For long-term accommodation, check out
www.flatmatefinders.com.au This site allows you to create a
profile of where you would like to live. The first 20 matches
are free however; additional use of this service costs A$15
for one month.
• Check out newspapers, for example, The Age at
www.theage.com.au and other local newspapers. Also,
believe it or not, lampposts are an excellent source when
looking for somewhere to live, particularly around
backpacker areas like St. Kilda and Prahran!
• The Northshore Flatshare Service (03) 9968 4707 is an agency
that can help you find a flat-share. There is a registration fee
that keeps you listed for eight weeks.
• Estate agents are an option but they may charge for the
service they provide. Try to avoid agencies that charge a
“finder’s fee” and use free listing agencies instead. Once you
have agreed to rent a property there may be a charge for
completing the lease. A list of estate agencies nearest to
you can be found in the Yellow Pages. Check out:
www.yellowpages.com.au.

25
 • Another source of information is TNT magazines. The
magazine has regional editions including a Victoria edition.
Like all travel-orientated magazines, TNT provides
information on accommodation, travel, social life, work,
maps and essential information such as banking, post and
health services. TNT magazines are available at Exchange
HQ, hostels, tourist attractions and central train stations.
melbourne factsheets

See: www.tntmagazine.com.au.
• Expect to pay anything between A$900 and A$1500 monthly
depending on where you choose to live. The more popular or
trendy suburbs, for example St. Kilda and other eastern and
southern suburbs will normally command a higher rent,
whereas the rent is normally cheaper in the northern and
western suburbs.

EMPLOYMENT

• The employment market in Melbourne is the second largest

in Australia and provides ample choice of employment
opportunities.
Check out:
• General: www.melbourne-city-directory.com.au/ij-page/jobs-
employment.htm and www.jobsearch.gov.au.
• Employment agencies such as stoned crow. Web access at:
www.stonedcrow.com/employment/Agencies/vic_agencies.htm
• Manual Work: there are plenty of building sites scattered
across Melbourne. One option is to approach building sites
directly but many agencies recruit for casual employment in
this area. Be prepared for a little travel to areas such as
Shepparton, Swan Hill & Mildura

26
IRISH CENTRES

• Celtic Club
320 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9670 6472
Email: info@celticclub.com.au

melbourne factsheets
Web: www.celticclub.com.au

• The Australian-Irish Welfare Bureau is a non-profit voluntary

organisation whose aims are to assist, where possible, any
person or persons in the Irish community of Victoria or any
person who may be associated with the Irish community who
are in distress. Check out: www.irishaustralia.com

• The Australian Irish Network

316 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9670 5066
Email: info@tain.net.au
Web: www.tain.net.au

DRUGS & ALCOHOL SERVICES

• Contact details of agencies that offer advice and counselling.

See:
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/drugsaction/linkfiles/DrugCard.pdf

GAY & LESBIAN

• Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (Victoria) is a telephone based

Counselling, Information, and Referral Service, based in
Melbourne, Australia. Contact Gay and Lesbian Switchboard
27
 Australia at 03 9827 8544 (Metropolitan area) or
1800 184 527 (Victoria)
Check out: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~glswitch.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT

• Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)
melbourne factsheets

270 Church St
Richmond, VIC 3121
Tel: (03) 9427 0406
Fax: (03) 9427 1294
www.mentalhealthvic.org.au

• Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria

PO Box 359
Clifton Hill VIC 3068
Tel: (03) 9482 7832
Fax: (03) 9482 4871
www.mifellowship.org

• Non Government Psychiatric Disability Support Services in

Victoria
269 High Street
Preston VIC 3072

• Also for a nation-wide list of mental health support groups

check out the Drs. Reference Site at
http://www.drsref.com.au/support.html

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PERTH ACCOMMODATION

Short-term accommodation
• To book accommodation online before you leave check out:
www.yha.com.au, www.Travelmate.com.au and
www.bugaustralia.com/perth/accomm.html.
• The cost of short-term accommodation in hostels varies.
Most will offer the choice of a dorm bed or single or twin or
double room. The average for a bed in a dorm is from $17.50
per night and private rooms usually start at A$30.00 per night.
Some will only offer very basic accommodation and others
include a light breakfast. You should check this out before

perth factsheets
booking.

Long-term accommodation
• For long-term accommodation, check out local and regional
newspapers. The Western Australia (www.thewest.com.au)
is a good source. Real estate agents will usually charge for
the service they provide. Try to use agents that do not
charge a “finder’s fee”. A list of real estate agents closest to
you can be found in the yellow pages at
www.yellowpages.com.au A list of real estate agents can
also be found on
www.bcl.com.au/perth/realestate/default.htm.
• Like all the other major cities in Australia, check out TNT
magazine, www.tntmagazine.com.au, the notice boards in
internet cafés, backpacker hostels, bulletin boards in
universities and on lampposts in student and backpacker
areas.
• For a little help finding flatmates check out:
www.easyroommate.com.

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 Employment
• For lists of job opportunities, check out local and regional
papers, TNT magazines, bulletin boards in universities,
Internet cafés and hostels.
• Check out these sites for information on finding work in
Perth: www.bcl.com.au/perth/jobs.htm,
www.customerchoice.co.uk/Perth/jobs.htm and
perth factsheets

www.s1jobs.com/directory/Perth.

IRISH CENTRES

• The Irish Club of Western Australia

61 Townshend Road
Subiaco WA 6008
Tel: +61 8 9381 5213
Web: www.irishclubofwa.com.au

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

• The following website gives a list of support agencies and

their phone numbers: www.perthwa.com.au/today/support.
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) 24 hour service.
Telephone: 1800 198 024 (Free call).
• Drug help line. Telephone: 131570.
• Noongar Alcohol and Substance Abuse Service
Telephone: (08) 9221 1411.
• Yirra - Youth Substance Misuse Service
Telephone: (08) 9328 6755
• Lifeline. Telephone: 13 11 14.

30
GAY & LESBIAN

• For a list of Support Groups, including support and

community service organizations serving the Australia gay
and lesbian community, check out:
www.jwpublishing.com/gayscape/sgaustralia.html and
www.pinkpagesaustralia.com/Support_Groups.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT

• Schizophrenia Fellowship of Western Australia Inc.

212 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA

perth factsheets
PO Box 1243, Subiaco, WA 6904
Tel: (08) 9380 6688
Fax: (08) 9380 6699

• WA Network Alcohol & Drugs Agencies

Citywest Lotteries House
2 Delhi Street
West Perth, WA 6005
Tel: 9420 7236
Fax: 9486 7988

• Also for a nation-wide list of mental health support groups

check out the Drs. Reference Site at
http://www.drsref.com.au/support.html.

31
 TASMANIA/HOBART ACCOMMODATION

Shot-term accommodation
• To book accommodation before you go try:
www.bugaustralia.com/hobart/accomm.html
www.reservations.bookhostels.com and
www.worldescape.com
• Hostel accommodation in Hobart ranges in price from
tasmania/hobart factsheets

AUD$18 for a dorm bed, from AUD$34 for a single room and
from AUD $44 for double/twin rooms.

Long-term Accommodation:
• Renting costs vary from one area to the next. The most
expensive areas to rent are in Battery Point, Sandy Bay and
Acton Park.
• Check out www.domain.com.au for a list of properties
available for rent. Remember to choose the Hobart option.
• Real estate agents provide a good service but they will more
than likely charge for the luxury. Check out:
www.propertypoint.com.au and www.real-estate-
tasmania.com/rental.htm The latter site allows you to post
messages of what type of accommodation you are looking
for. Another great source is
http://Australia/themovechannel.com/Tasmania.asp
This gives a comprehensive list of estate agents. Click on the
rent option.
• Also check out the local papers, for example The Mercury,
Tasmania’s largest daily newspaper.
www.themercury.news.com.au

32
EMPLOYMENT

tasmania/hobart factsheets
• Check out the following employment websites
www.seek.com.au www.mycareer.com.au and
www.stonedcrow.com/employment/Agencies/tas_agencies.htm
• Also an excellent source is local newspapers that will be
available in backpacker hostels and regional newspapers
such as The Mercury.
• Keep an eye on notice boards in supermarkets, universities
and hostel accommodation.

IRISH CENTRES

• Irish Association of Tasmania

GPO Box 670
Hobart TAS 7001
Email: irishtas@iprimus.com.au

• The Tasmanian Irish Association

The New Sydney
Bathurst St
Hobart TAS 7000
• Migrant Resource Centre
49 Molle Street
Hobart TAS 7000

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Alcohol and Drugs Information Service

Tel: 1800 811 994 (24 hours)

33
 HEALTH CONTACTS TASMANIA:

• The Tasmanian Women’s Health Centre

The Hobart Women’s Health Centre
326 Elizabeth Street
North Hobart TAS 7000
Tel: (03) 62 313212
tasmania/hobart factsheets

GAY & LESBIAN

• Gay and Lesbian Community Centre

Post Office Box 818
Sandy Bay TAS 7005

34
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

GAELIC GAMES ASSOCIATIONS

The website of The Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of

other useful contacts

Australasia is located at www.gaelicfootball.com.au This site
lists all the men’s and women’s Gaelic games clubs and
associations in Australia and provides an online link to the
Auckland Gaelic Football Association. The email address,
telephone details and the location of the relevant clubs are
available from the website.

IRISH EMBASSIES/CONSULATES IN AUSTRALIA

Canberra
Embassy of Ireland
20 Arkana Street
Yarralumla ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6273 3022
Fax: (02) 6273 3741
Email: irishemb@cyberone.com.au

Perth
Honorary Consulate General of Ireland
PO Box 250
Floreat Forum WA 6014
Tel: (08) 9385 8247
Fax: (08) 9385 8247

35
 Sydney
Consulate General of Ireland
Level 30
400 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9231 6999
Fax: (02) 9231 6254
Email: consyd@ireland.com
other useful contacts

36
 1A Cathedral Street, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 873 2844
www.emigrantadvice.ie info@emigrantadvice.ie

Emigrant Advice is a project of

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