News!

Through innovative changes announced in June 2010, the Australian Government will be simplifying and streamlining Australia’s complex visa system.

Specifically, the government has committed to reduce by 50 per cent the number of temporary working visas by 2012 and to target 50 per cent reduction in the total number of visa subclasses by 2015.

The Visitor visa phase of the simplification and deregulation process commences with the release of the Simpler Visas: Making Visitor Visas Simpler discussion paper for public consultation. This discussion paper builds on earlier papers and seeks views on the deregulation of the Visitor visa group which is proposed to be implemented by September 2012.

Links

Australia, States and Territories

Employment, Schools, Churches

Online Employment

Please do not assume that your curruculum vitae or resume should look the same as in South Africa. In general, in Australia these should be simplified, reflect personal strengths, personal goals, and not have a whole pack of certificates and referral letters attached.

Do write a cover letter and make sure you have read our Cultural Alignment page.

Churches

Although around 70% of Australians think of themselves as 'Christian' there is a very small minority that actually go to church regularly or spread the Gospel. Traditionally Catholics and Anglicans make up the vast majority of Christians in Australia although there are noteable exceptions such as the well-known Hill Song church in Sydney, which is Charismatic.

If you are of the Christian faith we really recommend that you find a church where you will be comfotrtable and join in. This is a good way to build a support network and you are likely to find other migrants there - people from the UK, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand with whom you can identify.

Online Christian radio
Rhema FM (Google "Rhema FM" and find a station in your area)
Christian TV channel (found on Foxtel/Ausstar, which is like DSTV)
Christian TV content
Schools

Banks

Personal Services

Personal Insurance (premiums are often paid annually)
Short-term insurance (premiums are often paid annually)
Superannuation (employers must pay 9% "Superannuation Guarantee" to employees' Super fund. Super is much the same as 'Pension')
Wills & Testaments (you may need to re-do your pre-marital contract and final will & testament. Additional aspects such as a 'living will' may be adopted)

Everyday expenses

Online groceries (use this link to help work out how much you will be paying on groceries every month. Use the post code link hereunder if you know where you will be staying)
Online groceries
Post codes

Email us and we will send you a Migration budget. Use the above links and the currency converter to update that budget with that which makes up your lifestyle at present. Then, if neccessary, make adjustments and see what your lifestyle will be like. This way you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead in terms of your future way of living in Australia.

Clothes, Electronic & Household goods

Clubs & Community organizations

If you are truely interested in integrating with the Australian people the above community organizations are really good to develop a base of Australian friends.

The SAbona and Afrikaanse Klub organizations are good to network with ex-South Africans from whom you will be able to source tips and insights.

Last update: April 2011