A Us

a practical guide to: Visas • Job seeking • Healthcare • Accommodation Get the facts first …

Thinking of Going to Australia? The Visa Before You Go – Handy Hints Things To Bring How To Find a Place to Stay How To Stay Healthy and Safe How To Get a Job Sample Curriculum Vitae Drink and Drugs Sydney Factsheet Melbourne Factsheet Perth Factsheet Tasmania/Hobart Factsheet Other Useful Contacts

contents

2 3-6 7-8 9 10-12 13-14 15-17 18 19 20-24 25-28 29-31 32-34 35-36

…THINKING OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA?

think again

Do you know?

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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.

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If you intend travelling around short-term accommodation may be difficult to find. You may have to stay in tourist hostels.

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While public transport in Australian cities is of a good standard, owning a car is an advantage when seeking employment or travelling.

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The most popular destination for Irish tourists is Sydney, New South Wales.

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It normally takes about twenty four hours to fly from Dublin to Sydney.

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Australia has 140 species of land snake, 32 species of sea snake and 12 of the world’s top 15 most poisonous snakes.

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Australia’s aboriginal population near Ululru (Ayer’s Rock) have requested that tourists do not climb this sacred site.

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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.

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.

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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.

the visa

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF APPLYING?

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the visa

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 (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.

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THE FORM’S COMPLETED? WHAT’S NEXT? Attach to the form the following: •

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the visa

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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 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 •

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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.

the visa

YOU CANNOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, HAVE YOUR VISA EXTENDED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE TIME YOU SPENT OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA

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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.

BEFORE YOU GO – HANDY HINTS 1

Emigrant Advice 1a Cathedral Street, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 873 2844 Email: [email protected] 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

before you go – handy hints

Be Prepared For information and advice contact:

Australian Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs downloadable immigration forms available at: www.immi.gov.au 7

before you go – handy hints 8

2

Buy a return ticket - or be able to show you have sufficient funds for a return or onward fare, usually A$5000.

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Invest in a budget guide book – this should supplement the information in this guide in relation to cheap eats and sleeps as well as tourist spots worth visiting around the whole of Australia.

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Organise Health Insurance.

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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.

THINGS TO BRING IDENTIFICATION PAPERS

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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.

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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

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

things to bring

DOCUMENTS FOR WORK

OTHER THINGS

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Details of your private health insurance – if applicable. Contacts – Make sure they’re up to date and addresses are complete with zip codes.

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how to find a place to stay

HOW TO FIND A PLACE TO STAY

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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 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.

HEAT/POWER/WATER/WASTE

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.

how to find a place to stay

It is unlikely that rent will include utilities. Check if you are in doubt. Most Australian rental properties will also have charges 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.

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how to find a place to stay 12

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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how to stay healthy and safe 14

Scratches and cuts should be washed and cleaned and treated with an antiseptic. This is particularly the case if hiking. Cuts 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.

HOW TO GET A JOB

SUMMER (beginning of December to the end of February) •

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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.

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.

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

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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.

how to get a job

WINTER (beginning of June to the end of August) • • • •

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 Construction Harvest Work Sales

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A$ 15 – 40 A$ 18 – 60 A$ 10 – 12 A$ 12 – 45

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.

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!

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.

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sample curriculum vitae

Joe Sydney 15 Australia Street Newtown, Sydney NSW 2042 Email: [email protected] 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

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Interests

Hill Walking/Bush Walking

References

Available on Request

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.

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.

drink and drugs

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

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sydney factsheet

SYDNEY ACCOMMODATION

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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. • 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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sydney factsheet

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Online Australia (and New Zealand) jobs database with daily email alerts: http://www.seek.com.au.

IRISH CENTRES

sydney factsheet

If you require any assistance while in Sydney, contact: •

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

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Fr. Tom Devereaux Irish Chaplaincy St. Patrick’s Church 2 Wellington Street Sydney NSW 2026 Tel: (02) 9365 1195 Email: [email protected]

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Irish-Australian Welfare Bureau PO Box 445 Rockdale Sydney NSW 2216 Tel: (02) 9211 8202 Email: [email protected]

DRUGS & ALCOHOL SERVICES •

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Central Sydney Area Health Services: Drug & Alcohol Services Web: www.cs.nsw.gov.au/drugahol

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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 •

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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: [email protected]

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Mental Health Association NSW Inc. 62 Victoria Road Gladesville NSW 2111 Tel: (02) 9816 1611 Fax: (02) 9816 4056

sydney factsheet

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For links to Gay Catholic organisations in Australia check out: http://mywebpage.netscape.com/acceptsyd. 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.

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sydney factsheet 24

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Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Building 27, Old Gladesville Hospital, Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111 Tel: (02) 9878 2053 Fax: (02) 9878 1270 [email protected] www.sfnsw.com.au

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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.

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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.

MELBOURNE ACCOMMODATION

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.

melbourne factsheets

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 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.

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melbourne factsheets

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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. 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 •

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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/jobsemployment.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

IRISH CENTRES Celtic Club 320 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Tel: (03) 9670 6472 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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

melbourne factsheets

•

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

melbourne factsheets

Australia at 03 9827 8544 (Metropolitan area) or 1800 184 527 (Victoria) Check out: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~glswitch.

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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT • Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) 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

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Non Government Psychiatric Disability Support Services in Victoria 269 High Street Preston VIC 3072

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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

PERTH ACCOMMODATION

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.

perth factsheets

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 booking.

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perth factsheets

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 www.s1jobs.com/directory/Perth.

IRISH CENTRES •

DRUGS & ALCOHOL • • • • • •

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The Irish Club of Western Australia 61 Townshend Road Subiaco WA 6008 Tel: +61 8 9381 5213 Web: www.irishclubofwa.com.au

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.

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

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WA Network Alcohol & Drugs Agencies Citywest Lotteries House 2 Delhi Street West Perth, WA 6005 Tel: 9420 7236 Fax: 9486 7988

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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.

perth factsheets

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tasmania/hobart factsheets

TASMANIA/HOBART ACCOMMODATION

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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 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-estatetasmania.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

EMPLOYMENT

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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: [email protected]

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The Tasmanian Irish Association The New Sydney Bathurst St Hobart TAS 7000 Migrant Resource Centre 49 Molle Street Hobart TAS 7000

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tasmania/hobart factsheets

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DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Alcohol and Drugs Information Service Tel: 1800 811 994 (24 hours)

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HEALTH CONTACTS TASMANIA:

tasmania/hobart factsheets

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

GAY & LESBIAN •

Gay and Lesbian Community Centre Post Office Box 818 Sandy Bay TAS 7005

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

GAELIC GAMES ASSOCIATIONS

IRISH EMBASSIES/CONSULATES IN AUSTRALIA Canberra Embassy of Ireland 20 Arkana Street Yarralumla ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6273 3022 Fax: (02) 6273 3741 Email: [email protected] Perth Honorary Consulate General of Ireland PO Box 250 Floreat Forum WA 6014 Tel: (08) 9385 8247 Fax: (08) 9385 8247

other useful contacts

The website of The Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of 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.

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other useful contacts

Sydney Consulate General of Ireland Level 30 400 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: (02) 9231 6999 Fax: (02) 9231 6254 Email: [email protected]

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1A Cathedral Street, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 873 2844 www.emigrantadvice.ie [email protected]

Emigrant Advice is a project of

CROSSCARE

THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICE CONFERENCE