LIV Relocation Guide

LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.
au
Relocation Guide
For Skilled and Business Migrants
in Melbourne and Regional Victoria
Contents
Moving to Victoria
3
Moving to regional Victoria
5
Visas 5
Customs and quarantine
6
Learning the language
6
Bringing a pet to Australia
6
Relocation assistance and support 7
Settling in Victoria
9
Temporary accommodation
12
Serviced apartments
12
Hotels and motels
12
Renting a home
13
Buying a home
14
Finding a property
14
Home loans
14
First home owner grant
15
Where to live
16
Melbourne and suburbs
16
Local government
16
Regional centres
18
Furniture 20
Essential home services
20
Power and water
20
Telecommunications
21
Telephone
21
Internet
21
Home insurance
22
Department of Business and Innovation

121 Exhibition Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
Authorised by the Victorian Government
Copyright State of Victoria 2008
This book is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process
except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Published August 2012
Throughout this relocation guide you are able to

link to other websites and services which are not
under the control of the Victorian Government. The
Victorian Government is not responsible or liable for
any information or services appearing on or accessible
through any linked websites and has no control over
the nature, content and availability of those sites.
The inclusion of any reference to any organisation or
person (by website link or otherwise) does not imply a
recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed
within them by the Victorian Government.
Working in Victoria
Looking for your new job
Researching job markets
Applying for a job
Attending interviews
Looking for work
Pay rates
Starting your business in Victoria
LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
23
25
25
26
26
27
28
28
Money and finance

29
Money 31
Banking 31
Tax 32
Saving for retirement
32
Education and childcare
33
Early childhood services
35
Maternal and child health service 35
Long day care
35
Occasional care
35
Family day care
35
Playgroups
35
Kindergarten
35
School 36
Outside school hours care
36
Primary school
37
Secondary school
37
Languages other than english
37
Tertiary education
38
University
38
Vocational education and training 38
Health and welfare
39
Medicare 41
Private health insurance
41
Ambulance and emergencies
42
Hospitals 42
Government benefits and payments 42
Sunburn 42
Enjoying the lifestyle

51
Food 53
Dining out
54
Nightlife 54
Sporting life
55
Cultural events
55
Shopping 56
National parks
57
Media 58
Newspapers
58
Television
58
Radio
58
Maps and other useful information 5 9
Telephone numbers
61
Telephone directories
61
Permanent water saving rules
62
Fire restrictions
63
Postal system
63
Smoking 63
Daylight savings
64
Public internet access
64
Relocation assistance and support 64
Metropolitan train system
65
Metropolitan tram system
66
Regional Victoria train system
67
Index 68
Getting around Victoria

43
Public transport in Melbourne
45
Public transport in regional centres 46
Disabled access
46
Taxis 46
Cycling 47
Street directories
47
Vehicles and driving
48
Driving laws and regulations
48
Vehicle registration and insurance 49
Petroleum
50
Tollways
50
Airport transfer
50
1
Moving to
Victoria
Relocation Guide
Moving to Victoria
The Victorian Government provides information and services to professionals,
tradespeople, business owners and investors who move to Melbourne and
Victorias regional communities to live, work and do business.
Ten things to do when

you arrive in Victoria
Free services for prospective skilled and business migrants include:
1. Organise long-term
accommodation.
visa nomination for some skilled visa subclasses

visa nomination for some business visa subclasses
information about migrating, living and working in Melbourne
and in Victorias regional communities
links to public and private employment and business services.
To discover the full range of services available to you, visit
LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/services
2. Apply for a tax file number.

3.
Register with Medicare.
4. Register for English classes

(if required).
5. Open a bank account.

6. Purchase a pre-paid mobile
phone account.
The attitude to life is

different hereits just as
professional as the UK but
its more relaxedtheres
less pretence.
Richard Downs, Company Director,
Heritage Motorcycles,Yarra Glen,
immigrated from the United Kingdom
Relocation Guide
Moving to regional Visas

It is important you have all your
Victoria
If you are a skilled or business
migrant and you want to take
advantage of the opportunities
in regional Victoria, local councils
can connect you with information
about employment opportunities,
occupational language, work
preparation training, and postemployment support.
necessary travel documents and

are holding the correct visa when
you enter Australia. Immigration
in Australia is overseen by
the Australian Department of
Immigration and Citizenship
(DIAC). You can find detailed
information about visas on their
website at www.immi.gov.au
7.
Apply for a drivers licence.
8. Enrol your children into

a school.
9.
Start looking for work.
10. Join a local sports or hobby club

to meet new people.
Customs and
quarantine
Learning the
language
Bringing a pet
to Australia
Relocation assistance
and support
There are strict laws governing what

you are and are not allowed to bring
into the country. Products that may
bring in foreign pests and diseases
are closely regulated. When you
arrive, you will go through customs,
where your items will be checked.
English is the official language in

Australia. Victoria, and Melbourne
in particular, is a very diverse
community with people from more
than 200 countries who speak over
180 languages and dialects.
The guidelines for bringing a pet

into Australia are stringent and it
is a lengthy process. You need to
plan early and check regulations
in your home country as well as
in Australia. The amount of time
your pet will spend in quarantine
depends on the country from which
you are arriving. Pets usually spend
30 or 60 days in quarantine, for
which the owner must pay. For
more information visit
www.aqis.gov.au/dogcat
There are a number of networks and

services that provide links and support
for new residents.
Customs will require a declaration

of all goods that may be restricted
and officials may quarantine some
goods for a specified period. A
charge to clean certain goods may
need to be paid to bring them into
the country, particularly those that
are made from, or that have been
in contact with, animal, plant and
wood products. To find out more
visit the Australian Customs Service
at www.customs.gov.au
The Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service determine what
will be quarantined to protect the
Australian environment. Visit
www.aqis.gov.au for more
information.
DIAC (Department of Immigration

and Citizenship) runs the Adult
Migration English Program (AMEP)
for new migrants who require basic
tuition in the English language. The
AMEP is also an opportunity to
learn more about Australian society,
culture and customs and to meet
other recently arrived immigrants.
Eligibility for AMEP will depend
upon your residential status in
Australia. There are approximately
50 AMEP service providers in
greater Melbourne and another 30
in regional Victoria.
Find your local Migrant Resource

Centre at www.whitepages.com.au
For more relocation information visit
www.newcomersnetwork.com
or www.relocationnetwork.com.au
Government agencies provide an

interpreter for non-English speakers
to use their services. If you need to
access government services, you can
call the Translating and Interpreting
Service on 131 450.
To find out more visit
www.immi.gov.au
Relocation Guide
Settling in
Victoria
Relocation Guide
We love Melbourne and

VictoriaIts welcoming,
peaceful and multicultural
with so much to offer
in the way of work and
business opportunities.
Lakshman and Sumana Ratnayake
Business Owners SML Mats, Berwick,
immigrated from Sri Lanka
Settling in Victoria
Victoria has a diverse range of accommodation options available,
from freestanding dwellings to terrace houses and townhouses, to
low-rise and high-rise apartments. The majority of Victorians either
rent or own their homes.
You can look at maps of Victoria and learn more about communities
in Melbourne and regional Victoria at LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
Most homes in Victoria are sold or leased through a real estate agent, who
must be licensed. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) provides lists
of real estate agents by geographical area on its website at www.reiv.com.au,
as well as codes of conduct and other useful information.
Detailed information about renting or buying a home in Victoria is available
from Consumer Affairs Victoria: www.consumer.vic.gov.au
10
Relocation Guide
Where do you
want to live?
Can you see yourself living in a
coastal town, in Victorias relaxed
spa district, or maybe nestled
in a picturesque alpine town?
Theres so much to choose from
in Victorias regional areas and
the city bustle of Melbourne is
never far away.
To learn more about Victorias
unique regional communities
including schools, recreational
facilities and where your skills
are needed, visit
LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/regions
11
Temporary accommodation
Renting a home
Many new residents choose to stay in temporary accommodation such as

a serviced apartment or a hotel when they first arrive to allow themselves
time to search for a more permanent home. You should always book
accommodation as far in advance as possible to ensure availability.
There is a high level of demand for short-term accommodation, particularly
during peak holiday seasons and during major international events.
When renting a house, apartment or unit, it is important to understand

the rules and regulations that govern the real estate and renting industry.
Whether renting as a tenant or leasing as a landlord, you must be aware
of such issues as lease agreements, rental bonds, inspections, owners
corporations, repairs and maintenance.
If you do choose to stay in temporary accommodation when you arrive

in Victoria, you may need to put some of your belongings in storage,
until you make longer-term plans. You can find a storage facility at
www.selfstorage.com.au
Serviced apartments
Serviced apartments are fully furnished and ready to live in.
Prices range from around $60-$300 a night. Generally, a cheaper rate is
available if you stay longer. Most serviced apartments in Melbourne are
located in the inner and bayside suburbs. For more information about
serviced apartments in Victoria, visit one of the following websites:
www.visitvictoria.com
www.aussieapartments.com.au
You should inspect the rental property before you sign any agreement
and carefully check that everything works properly including the oven,
plumbing, lights, heating, security systems, door and window locks. Any
issues should be agreed with your real estate agent and recorded on a
rental inspection sheet before you sign a lease.
You will be required to pay a bond and you will often need to pay rent in
advance. Make sure you understand your lease or Residential Tenancy
Agreement before you sign it.
For more information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
and the process for renting a property visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria
website at www.consumer.vic.gov.au or call 1300 55 81 81.
Metropolitan and regional newspapers have rental property listings, or
you can ask a real estate agent directly about current vacancies. To find a
comprehensive list of properties for rent in Victoria visit:
www.realestate.com.au
www.australianexplorer.com/victoria.htm
www.domain.com.au
www.serviced-apartments.com.au
Hotels and motels

Victorias hotels and motels offer short-term accommodation options to
suit a range of budgets within metropolitan and regional Victoria. Hotels
and motels typically offer single or multiple room style accommodation.
Find a hotel or motel in Victoria at www.visitvictoria.com
12
Relocation Guide
13
Buying a home
Buying a house is an exciting step
and can be a daunting process. Its a
big financial commitment so make
sure youve done your research
and carefully considered all of your
options and obligations.
Finding a property
First Home Owner Grant
You can find a comprehensive list of properties for sale in

Victoria at www.homepriceguide.com.au, www.realestate.com.au
or www.domain.com.au
The First Home Owner Grant provides a grant from the Federal
Government to eligible first homeowners. You may also be entitled to
receive an additional payment from the Victorian Government (subject to
meeting certain requirements), which is known as the First Home Bonus.
These websites show detailed listingsusually with photographs

of properties listed by hundreds of different agents across the state.
Metropolitan and regional newspapers also have property listings.
Homes in Victoria are most commonly purchased through a real estate
agent but you can also buy directly from the owner. Many residential
properties in Melbourne are also sold through auction, and starting bid
prices listed are only indicative. You can find information on auction
results at www.domain.com.au/public/apm/saleshistory/ and in some
major newspapers.
Home loans
There are a number of different options for borrowing money for your
home including the major banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, building
societies and specialist home loan lenders. All lenders are different and
offer products with different features and conditions. Do your research
carefully to understand the various options available to you. Take the time
to understand costs and considerations such as in-built fees including exit
fees, and interest structure (variable or fixed term).
There are many costs involved in buying a house and these can include:

a deposit
loan application fees
stamp duty and land transfer registration fees
government taxes, conveyancing and legal costs
insurance including mortgage insurance, home and contents insurance
building inspection fees
rates and utility connections
moving costs
ongoing mortgage repayments.
For more information about the First Home Owners Grant visit
www.sro.vic.gov.au and click on the First Home Owner Grant/Bonus link.
Median home prices

Median home prices - metropolitan Melbourne (September quarter 2011)
Houses: $551,000
Units and apartments:
$456,000
Median house prices - regional Victoria (September quarter 2011)
Houses
Ballarat: $285,000
Greater Bendigo:
$277,500
Greater Geelong:
$390,000
Source: Real Estate Institute of Victoria Ltd, Property Update September 2011, www.reiv.com.au
Many lenders will provide you with a pre-approval service so you know
how much you can borrow before you begin house hunting.
To learn more about buying a property visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria
website at www.consumer.vic.gov.au and search for Real Estate A Guide for Buyers and Sellers.
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Relocation Guide
15
Where to live
Melbourne and suburbs
The city of Melbourne is situated on Port Phillip Bay.
The inner city itself is known as the Central Business
District (CBD) and it is becoming increasingly popular
as a residential area. The suburbs radiate from the CBD.
The inner suburbs, such as South Melbourne, South
Yarra, Carlton and Fitzroy, contain some of Melbournes
oldest housing, as well as some new developments.
Real estate in these areas is relatively more expensive,
although there are some affordable options.
The bayside suburbs stretch south along the eastern
edge of Port Phillip Bay. Close to the city are the
popular areas of Port Melbourne and St Kilda. These
are very fashionable areas that are renowned for their
restaurants, bars and nightlife.
The inner eastern suburbs contain some of
Melbournes most exclusive areas including Toorak,
with its large houses and beautiful tree-lined streets.
Further out, suburbs such as Hawthorn, Kew and
Camberwell are slightly more affordable and very
attractive areas for families.
The inner northern and western suburbs are historically
industrial areas which are undergoing a transformation.
Suburbs such as Kensington and Yarraville are
considered to be Melbournes up-and-comers. They
are very close to the city, are well serviced and are still
relatively well priced.
As you travel further from Melbourne, property

generally becomes less expensive. At the same time,
houses are on larger blocks of land. In the east, the
suburbs stretch out to the picturesque Dandenong
Ranges. The outer northern and western suburbs
are generally Melbournes most affordable. There are
many new community developments in these regions
that offer affordable housing and a rich source of
community life.
Sunbury
Bacchus Marsh
Craigieburn
Melton
Caroline Springs
Brunswick
Lilydale
Kensington
Altona
Local government
Carlton
Kew
South Melbourne
Toorak
St Kilda
10km
Point Cook
Victoria is divided into 79 local government areas.

Of these areas, 48 make up regional Victoria and
the remaining 31 make up the Melbourne
metropolitan region.
Local governments run a wide variety of programs,
including sport and recreation services, local childcare,
community health centres and more. Most local
government services are provided cheaply or free
of charge.
Eltham
Glenroy
Werribee
20km
Geelong
Springvale
Dandenong
40km
50km
Glen Waverley
Ferntree Gully
Sandringham
30km
60km
Brighton
Box Hill
Berwick
Carrum
Port Phillip Bay
Frankston
Cranbourne
Each local government area is administered by a

local council. Your local council is a good source of
information on available services. They can also provide
referrals to other appropriate organisations within your
community. If they cannot provide you with a service,
they are always able to point you in the right direction,
as they will know exactly what is available within your
local community.
To find out more about your local council go to the
Local Government Victoria (LGV) website at
www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au
16
Relocation Guide
17
Regional centres
Victorias regional centres, each have
their own character, and a good range
of housing options.
For more detailed information about regional areas and

centres please visit LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/regions or
www.goodmove.vic.gov.au
Ten things to know about regional Victoria

1. Victoria has many distinct regions offering a diversity of
Generally, Victorias regional areas have a greater

proportion of free-standing houses with gardens,
although townhouses and apartments are available.
In addition, property is generally less expensive.
environments. From coastal villages to alpine mountains,

vibrant urban centres and tranquil rural communities,
youll find a place thats perfect for you and your family.
2. The population of regional centres ranges from 10,000

to 200,000 and the city bustle of Melbourne is never far
away.
3. Regional Victoria has all the services and facilities of

Melbourne, with excellent education and health services,
sporting and recreational facilities, retail shopping,
sophisticated wine and food sectors, established arts
communities and a busy calendar of festivals and events.
4. Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse and

harmonious societies in the worldVictorians come from
over 200 countries, speak over 180 languages and dialects
and follow over 110 religious faiths.
5. Melbourne families are moving to the states regional

areas for the exceptional lifestyle, affordable housing
and professional opportunities. Some of Victorias best
schools, universities and adult education facilities are in
regional locations.
18
Relocation Guide
6. If youre into the outdoors youll love the climate

and distinct seasons of warm dry summers,
cool winters, sunny springs and mild autumns.
Try surfing, skiing, cycling, camping, bush walking,
and rock climbingor just enjoy the open space.
7. A diversity of affordable housing is available, from

century-old to new homes in or near major centres,
as well as bush retreats just a few minutes from
smaller towns.
8. There are stunning natural landscapes, charming towns

with gold-rush era architecture and all the advantages of
modern infrastructure.
9. Because of Victorias size, everything is within easy

reach by road, rail and air between regional cities
and Melbourne.
10. Theres never been a better time to start a business in

regional Victoria. Its growing population, reasonable
business costs, stable workforce, quality transport
infrastructure and supportive planning authorities are key
advantages.
Learn more about Victorias regions at
LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/regions
19
Furniture
There are many options in Melbourne when it comes
to furnishing your home. Some rental homes are
advertised as fully furnished. In this case you will not
need to purchase major items of furniture, but you may
still require smaller items such as kitchen utensils.
Furniture stores are generally able to organise delivery
of your purchases. A range of furniture retailers from
exclusive to budget are available across the state,
although they may be limited in regional areas.
There are also many second-hand and discount
furniture stores for home wares.
Unless specifically stated, homes for rent do not come
furnished. You will need to buy or rent your own
furniture and appliances. Your real estate agent can
advise exactly what is provided with the home.

Power and water
Telecommunications
Internet
Households can choose between different providers

for electricity and gas. No choice is available for water
providers, as only one operates in each area.
There are many different telecommunications

providers in Victoria. Providers often offer discounts for
combining your home telephone, mobile phone and
internet services.
Broadband internet service is available in most

metropolitan and regional areas. To get internet access
you need to subscribe to an internet service provider
(ISP). There are hundreds of ISPs available across
Australia. Many services are based on 12 or 24-month
contracts and you pay a monthly rate which allows you
to download a certain amount of material at a certain
speed. There are often high exit fees if you decide to
terminate the contract before it is complete.
The Essential Services Commission is the body

established by the Victorian Government for regulation
of the water, electricity and gas industries.
For more information including a listing of gas,
electricity and water providers visit www.esc.vic.gov.au
If you choose to rent your home, selection and
connection of essential services is often made easy for
you by your real estate agent. They will put you in touch
with services that can advise you and organise the
connection of utilities for when you move in. This is a
free service although you will still be charged separate
connection fees by each individual provider.
Connecting to essential
services made easy
Services such as ConnectNow and UtilityOne can
organise connection of your home facilities and
utilities such as power, water, internet and telephone
on your behalf. Visit www.connectnow.com.au or
www.utilityone.com.au for more information.
20
Relocation Guide
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides information and

advice for all issues related to telephone and internet
access. Visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Telephone
Local phone calls in Australia are low cost and are not
timed. Higher rates apply to long distance domestic
and international phone calls and mobile phones, these
calls are timed. International phone call rates vary from
country to country and also depend on your service
provider and the plan you are on. Pre-paid phone
cards are often a cost-effective option for overseas
phone calls. These cards can be purchased at your local
newsagent, convenience store or online.
Melbourne is also well serviced by wireless broadband

networks and third generation (or 3G) communications
technology. This provides access to the internet easily
with a laptop computer, mobile phone or other
portable devices.
To find your nearest public internet access facility visit
www.internet-access.vic.gov.au or call 1800 629 835.
To make an international call without a calling card, first

dial 0011 followed by the country code, area code and
phone number.
The Do Not Call Register allows you to reduce the
number of unwanted telemarketing calls you receive.
If you register your home telephone or mobile numbers,
telemarketers are required, by law, to stop calling you.
Telephone numbers can be registered only if they are
used primarily for private and domestic purposes. Visit
www.donotcall.gov.au for more information.
21
Working in
Victoria
Home insurance
Whilst not mandatory, most Victorians take out
insurance cover for their homes and belongings.
There are many different companies offering insurance
products. It is important that you consider your
insurance policy carefully and check for no claim
periods and premiums which must be paid before a
claim will be paid.
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission
(ASIC) provides advice on selecting an insurance policy.
Visit www.moneysmart.gov.au and type home and
contents insurance into the search tool.
22
Moving in checklist
q
Connect electricity, gas and water services.
Connect telephone, internet and pay TV services.
D
istribute your new address to family, friends and
relevant companies.
P
urchase home and contents insurance and
security if required.
Find cleaning and gardening services.
Register with local childcare service or school.
Source a copy of the local newspaper for trades services.
Introduce yourself to your new neighbours.
Find your local library and public transport connections.
Relocation Guide
23
Working in Victoria
Looking for your new job
New residents find work in Victoria in a number of industry areas including
engineering, teaching, health, finance, information and communications
technology as well as some trades.
Finding employment in Victoria is essential to settling in and involves a
number of steps:
Researching job markets
Searching for a job involves looking at the advertised job market as well
as tapping into networks and approaching companies for jobs that are
not advertised.
The advertised job market comprises less than a quarter of the overall
market, and more than 65 per cent of jobs are not advertised. Therefore,
you need to concentrate on both avenues. You can access unadvertised
jobs by contacting employers directly, and by utilising your personal and
professional networks.
Employers in Victoria place job advertisements in the metropolitan,
regional and national print media as well as in the electronic media.
The two metropolitan daily newspapers in Melbourne publish the most
comprehensive range of advertisements on Saturdays, although, both
also carry job advertisements throughout the week. Many trades and
professions also have dedicated publications and websites which may
contain job advertisements.
We wanted a new lease

of lifewe were living in
Hampshire in England
and I was travelling to
London every day for
worktwo hours each
way. Now I travel about
20 minutes and theres no
traffic. Its amazing.
Employment websites publish new job advertisements daily. You can also
have job alerts emailed to you based on criteria you have chosen, such as
industry sectors and locations or to include your resume in a database that
can be searched by potential employers.
Bob Viner, self employed carpenter,

Geelong, immigrated from the United
Kingdom
24
Relocation Guide
25
Applying for a job
Attending interviews
Whatever job you are applying for, the key to success

is being prepared.
The interview is one of the most important stages in

gaining employment and you may be asked to attend
an interview after submitting a job application.
Ensure that you have an updated resume describing

your skills and experience. It is important that your
resume is in an appropriate format that will appeal to
Australian employers. If you are approaching employers
directly, you will need to be prepared to sell yourself
and your skills in a way that convinces the employer
of your suitability for a role or position within their
organisation. For information about preparing a
resume visit LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/jobs
Looking for work?

Some useful job search websites
to get you started:
The interview can be a face-to-face meeting or take

place over the telephone or by video conference. It
helps you and the organisation decide whether you are
the right person for the role.
www.seek.com.au
www.jobsearch.gov.au
www.careers.vic.gov.au
For more information about employment and working

in Victoria, visit LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
www.careerone.com.au
www.mycareer.com.au
www.nowhiring.com.au
You may need to have your skills assessed against

requirements in the Victorian job market, and may
want to upgrade your skills or knowledge through
undertaking further training or education.
www.careerjet.com.au
www.linkme.com.au
For many jobs, you will need to submit a formal written

application. This will generally include a cover letter and
your resume. It may be submitted online or delivered in
the more traditional way by mail or in person.
Your application should demonstrate that you have:
understood the job advertisement
the skills, qualifications and experience needed
to do the job
the attitude and attributes valued by the company
an understanding of the terms used in
the workplace.
26
Relocation Guide
27
Money and
finance
Pay rates
Starting your
business in Victoria
Earnings vary widely across industry

sectors and between public and
private sectors. For information
on workplace rights and rules as
well as pay levels visit
www.fairwork.gov.au
Victoria is known as a good place to

get a new business up and running.
There are a number of processes
and regulations that guide the
establishment and operation
of a business.
For a guide to the salary range

for your occupation visit the
My Career Salary Centre at
www.mycareer.com.au/salary-centre/
and select Victoria in the drop down
search tool.
The Business Victoria website at

www.business.vic.gov.au is an
invaluable resource for business
owners.You can find step-by-step
guides, contacts, licence information,
events and training, and information
about grants and other assistance.
You can also learn more about

salary levels by looking up your
occupation on the Hays Salary
Survey at www.hays.com.au/salary
Throughout Melbourne and regional

Victoria there are 16 Victorian
Government Business Offices
which offer over-the-counter
information on private and
government business services.
For more information about starting
a business in Victoria and to find
your nearest business centre visit
www.business.vic.gov.au
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Relocation Guide
29
Money and finance

Money
Banking
The unit of currency in Australia

is the Australian dollar (AUD)
and there are 100 cents in a dollar.
Australians commonly use credit
and debit cards as well as online
payments for most major purchases
and paying bills, and less commonly
cash or cheques.
Australia has a deregulated finance

industry, with many international
financial services providers. The
four major banks in Australia
are National Australia Bank,
Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank
and Westpac. All banks offer a
wide range of services to help you
manage your money.
To find todays foreign exchange

rate for your chosen currency, visit
www.x-rates.com
If people are really

thinking of coming here
Id say give it a go, give
it 100 per cent because
if you dont give it a try
youll never know.
Relocation Guide
The Australian Securities and

Investments Commission (ASIC)
is the official government body
responsible for regulation of
financial services. They look after
corporate and consumer interests.
For example, they ensure that all
banks follow the correct procedures.
The most useful independent site
for financial tips and safety checks
is www.moneysmart.gov.au
For everyday banking procedures

you can visit your local branch,
however, many banks charge fees
for face to face transactions. Basic
procedures such as withdrawing
cash and depositing cheques can
be completed at Automatic
Teller Machines (ATMs).
Nick and Tracey Cardew, Mechanical

Engineer, Ballarat, immigrated from the
United Kingdom
30
Some banking institutions can set

up an account for you before you
arrive and some banks have this
facility available online. Each bank
is slightly different but most require
you to present your passport within
six weeks of your arrival. Following
this period, you will be required to
complete the 100 point check. This
is an identity test used by banks to
provide security of your funds. To
reach 100 points you would need,
for example, an Australian drivers
licence as well as your passport.
Internet banking is also a popular

and often cost effective way to
transfer money, pay bills and view
statements.
31
Education
and childcare
Tax
Like most countries around
the world, the Australian tax
system has many intricacies. If
you have detailed questions, it is
recommended that you see a tax
specialist or accountant. You can find
a tax specialist or accountant using
a directory such as the Yellow Pages
website www.yellowpages.com.au
Tax is collected by the Australian
Taxation Office (ATO). If you earn
any money in Australia you must
have a Tax File Number (TFN). You
can apply for a TFN online from
the ATO at www.ato.gov.au or in
person at the ATO or Centrelink.
Visit www.centrelink.gov.au for
office locations. It is important to
do this early after your arrival.
It is also important to provide your
bank with your TFN when opening
an account, as this will reduce
certain fees and charges.
Saving for
retirement
Personal income tax is levied on a
sliding scale. Australian residents
are not taxed on the first $6000
earned in any one yearthis is
called the tax-free threshold. You
may not be classed as an Australian
resident if you have been living
in Australia less than six months,
meaning tax is payable on every
dollar earned. The standards used
to classify you as a resident for tax
purposes are not the same as those
used for classification for your
immigration and visa status.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST)
is a tax of 10 per cent on most
goods and services, known as a
value-added tax, or VAT, in some
countries. GST is included in the
advertised or ticket price on items.
When you receive your receipt of
purchase, it will state how much
GST you have paid for the items.
GST does not apply to most food,
education, health services and
eligible childcare, as well as other
goods and services.
Australia has a mandated

pension savings scheme known
as superannuation, or super.
All employers must pay their
employees a further nine per cent
of their wages into an approved
superannuation fund. This fund
is invested on your behalf by the
superannuation provider and
cannot be accessed until your
retirement, usually at the age
of 60 to 65this varies for
women and men.
You may either choose you own
superannuation fund manager,
or allow your employer to make
payments into their selected fund.
You can also choose to pay extra
money into your superannuation.
Check with the ATO or your
employer for more details.
For more information about
superannuation visit
www.moneysmart.gov.au or
www.ato.gov.au
Visit www.ato.gov.au to find out

more about taxation in Australia.
32
Relocation Guide
33
Education and childcare

Victoria has a range of services available to assist you
and your child from birth through to adulthood. In
Victoria, children are provided with high quality early
childhood development programs and a smooth
transition to the school system and beyond.
Early childhood services
Our two eldest children

are both at schoolThey
are very excited about
going to school in the
morning and they are
both doing very well.
They also are making
friends very easily and
really enjoying the
lifestyle here.
Nadeem Hussain
Environment Protection Officer EPA,
immigrated from Pakistan
Relocation Guide
Occasional care allows children to be cared for on

an irregular basis, usually for a short period of time.
Occasional care centres are run by a range of service
providers including local councils and sessions
are usually 2-3 hours in length and cost $14-$20
per session. Contact your local council for more
information.
Childcare available for young children includes long day

care, kindergarten and occasional care. These services
Family day care
are required to be licensed. For more information on
Family day care is a system where up to five children
early years services visit
are looked after in a carers home. Carers must qualify
www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement
to look after children, but they are not licensed in the
same way centres are. This is a less expensive form of
childcare, which is coordinated by councils.
Maternal and Child Health Service
The Maternal and Child Health Service is a primary care
service for Victorian families with children from birth to
school age. The service provides a comprehensive and
focused approach for the promotion, prevention, early
detection, and intervention of the physical, emotional or
social factors affecting young children and their families.
For more information visit
www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/matchildhealth
Long day care

Long day care services are provided in centres
throughout Melbourne and Victoria and offer care and
education for young children. Centres are operated by
qualified staff and are usually open for at least eight
hours a day.
Generally, costs range from $25-45 a day for councilrun centres and $45-75 for private centres. Waiting lists
often apply.
34
Occasional care
Playgroups
Playgroups are groups of parents, carers and their
young children who meet regularly. Playgroups provide
opportunities for children to learn and develop through
play and for parents/carers to develop friendships and
support. These groups are largely self-directed, and
parents are responsible for the care of their children
when attending playgroup. For more information,
visit Playgroup Victoria, at www.playgroup.org.au
Kindergarten
The Victorian kindergarten program is usually for one
year prior to children entering school. All four year olds
have the opportunity to attend kindergarten where they
develop social and physical skills. For more information
visit www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/
careankinder
35
School
Primary school
Most students in Victoria (65 per cent) attend government
schools. To find information about schools in a particular
area visit www.education.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline
School staff will provide you with the appropriate

enrolment forms and will organise an interpreter
if required.
In addition to government schools, Victoria also has

many Catholic and independent schools. For more
information, visit the Association of Independent
Schools of Victoria website at www.ais.vic.edu.au
or the Catholic Education Office website at
www.ceomelb.catholic.edu.au
The Victorian education system follows a policy of

integration, whereby students with special needs attend
regular schools and receive the assistance they require
within their school where possible. However, there
are some Government schools in Victoria that cater for
students with specific disabilities and special needs.
Victorias school year runs on the calendar year,

beginning in late January or early February (depending
on the year) and ending in December prior to the
Christmas period. There are 13 years of school in
Victoria, which are divided into primary and secondary.
School is compulsory for all children between the ages
of 6 and 16.
There are also other types of schools available,

including English language schools and centres,
Distance Education: www.distance.vic.edu.au, Selective
Entry Schools (schools catering for high achieving,
academically gifted students in Years 9-12) and schools
specialising in the arts, music, science and sport.
Various documents are required to enrol your child in

school in Victoria. These include:
evidence of your childs date of birth
n
ames and addresses of the child and parents,
guardians and carers
p
arents phone numbers (home, work, mobile) and
email addresses
names and contact details of emergency contacts
doctors and dentists names and phone numbers
Immunisation Status Certificate
h
ealth and welfare information (for example, does
your child have asthma, diabetes, allergies, poor
eyesight or hearing, specific custody arrangements)
information about the language/s your child speaks
and hears (to help the school build on your childs
knowledge).
36
Outside school hours care

Many Victorian government schools provide outside
school hours care as part of their education services.
Outside school hours care are services which offer a
childcare environment for children between five and
twelve years of age. These services include beforeschool care, after-school care and vacation care. Care
may also be provided on schools pupil-free days.
Education fees
Instruction fees for government schools in
Victoria are voluntary for all permanent residents
and some temporary residents, although some
costs may be applicable for goods and services.
Fees are payable for private schooling and for any
post-secondary education.
Children in Victoria start primary school in prep.

Children attending government schools must be five
years of age or older by 30 April of the year they start
school. This is followed by grades one through to six.
Secondary school
Children usually begin secondary or high school when
they are 12 years old. Secondary school begins with
year seven and goes through to year 12. In years 10 to
12 students continue exploring future pathways such as
tertiary education, training or employment.
In their final two years students complete the Victorian
Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian
Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) which
recognise the successful completion of secondary
education. The VCE provides opportunities for students
to acquire skills and knowledge in a wide range of
studies. VCE results also allow for entry to further
education. The VCAL is a hands-on option for Years
11 and 12 students, offering practical work-related
experience and learning. Like the VCE, VCAL is an
accredited secondary certificate and may lead to further
education and training.
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) in
Schools programs comprise nationally recognised VET
certificates undertaken by senior secondary students as
part of their VCE or VCAL. They provide a vocationally
oriented program of studies leading to a secondary
school certificate. VET in Schools programs are typically
delivered through partnership between schools,
industry and training providers.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is

becoming increasingly popular in Victoria. As well as
being an approved alternative to the VCE, students who
obtain the IB Diploma are also eligible for admission to
universities in 110 countries worldwide. There are
17 schools in Victoria that currently offer the
International Baccalaureate.
Languages other than English

The majority of schools in Victoria teach one or
more languages other than English. There are
schools that offer dedicated bilingual programs
and immersion language programs. In these schools,
students are taught some of their regular classes
in a foreign language.
The Victorian School of Languages (VSL) is a
government school that provides language programs
for students in Years one to 12 who do not have access
to the study of those languages in their mainstream
schools. The schools language program is delivered
through face-to-face teaching in language centres
across Victoria and through distance education mode.
There are also many community language schools that
offer tuition in languages outside of the regular school
hours, for example, in the evenings or on weekends.
For more information on those available in your area,
contact your local council.
To learn more about the Victorian education system visit
www.education.vic.gov.au
You should always check fees and other costs with

individual education providers.
Relocation Guide
37
Health and
welfare
Tertiary education
Melbourne is renowned for its universities, vocational
education and world-class research institutions.
University
University students can gain a professional qualification
with a theoretical focus. Some courses provide specific
work skills, (e.g. accounting or medicine) while others
provide more generalist skills.
There are nine universities operating in Victoria eight Victorian public universities and two campuses
of the Australian Catholic University, which operates
in several States and Territories. Four of the nine
universities are dual-sector institutions, having both
a TAFE division and a university. These allow more
flexible pathways into higher education through
the transfer of credits between TAFE and higher
education courses.
Higher education in Victoria is delivered by public
universities and private higher education providers,
including TAFE institutions and interstate universities.
Private providers who are accredited to deliver higher
education courses in Victoria, offer courses equivalent in
standard to those offered by public universities.
Domestic students are eligible for Commonwealth
supported university places. These places are primarily
funded by the Australian Government, and the student
makes a partial contribution which can be paid upfront
or deferred. The loan is repaid once a student graduates
and their income passes a minimum repayment
threshold. Fees vary according to the course of study.
Vocational education and training

The Victorian Vocational Education and Training
(VET) system comprises 18 public TAFE (Technical
and Further Education) institutes (including four dual
sector universities) and a further 880 private and Adult
Community Education (ACE) VET providers.*
TAFE provides training and further education for a
range of occupations and levels in all industries.
TAFE courses are provided by registered training
organisations (RTOs). RTOs are authorised by
Government to deliver training that is nationally
recognised around Australia. You can study at a
TAFE institution or via a private training provider.
Apprentices and trainees also do the formal part of
their training at TAFE.
Entry requirements for TAFE courses vary depending
on the course. Many TAFE courses require satisfactory
completion of VCE (Year 12 of secondary school).
Other courses may accept school leavers who have
successfully completed Year 10 or Year 11, as well as
mature-age students. Some courses do not have any
specific educational conditions.
Fees and charges for training and further education
depend on whether a course is offered on a fee-forservice basis or supported by the government.
To find out more about Victorian higher education
or vocational education and training, visit
www.skills.vic.gov.au
Higher education in Victoria is offered at two levels:

undergraduate and postgraduate.
Visit www.goingtouni.gov.au for more information
about Victorias universities.
For information on university courses for international
students visit www.studymelbourne.com.au
38
* These figures are based on providers reporting training

activity to Skills Victoria
Relocation Guide
39
Health and welfare

Victoria has a world class health system providing
quality health care to the community with both a public
and a private system operating in unison.
Medicare
Most regular health services, such as doctors, hospital
care and optometry, are available free or at low cost
through Medicare. Medicare is funded by the Australian
Government through taxes and the Medicare levy.
Mostly what we wished

for in India was to give
ourselves and our children
the best opportunities to
succeed, and have a good
life. I definitely believe
all those things are here
in Australiaquality
education, medical
facilities, universities
everything is here and
everything is within
reach.
As a new entrant to Australia you may not immediately

be eligible for Medicare services. To be eligible for
Medicare, you must be an Australian citizen, have a
permanent visa or have applied for a permanent visa
(in which case other requirements may apply). New
Zealand residents are eligible for Medicare.
For some health care services, a fee is charged. You can
pay the account and then claim the benefit amount
from Medicare or claim your unpaid account from
Medicare and receive a cheque made out in the doctors
name which you give to your doctor along with any
outstanding balance.
Australia has reciprocal health care agreements
with the Republic of Ireland, the UK, Sweden,
Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Malta and Italy.
Residents of these countries may be eligible for
some Medicare services.
To find out more about Medicare visit
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Rajan Gautam, Research and

Development Purchasing Officer,
SPC Ardmona, immigrated from India
40
Relocation Guide
Medicare checklist
q
Register your family for the Medicare Safety Net.
Let Medicare know if you change your address.
q Take your Medicare card with you when you visit a

health care provider.
Show your Medicare card to your pharmacist when

filling a prescription.
Private health insurance

Australia has a dual health care systempublic and
private systems operating in unison. Public services
are available to Medicare members free of charge or at
minimal cost. If you are not covered by Medicare, you
have to pay the full price. A standard consultation with
a doctor costs around $50 while consultations with
specialists cost significantly more.
Many Australians also take out private health insurance
even though they qualify for Medicare. Private health
insurance is recommended if you are not eligible for
Medicare. Furthermore, Australian taxpayers who earn
above the Medicare levy surcharge threshold and dont
have private insurance are required to pay a surcharge.
There are many private health insurers throughout
Australia and policies and prices vary. To find out more
information about private health insurance policy
options in Australia and the Medicare levy surcharge
income thresholds visit www.privatehealth.gov.au
For information on Victorian Government health
services, visit www.health.vic.gov.au
41
Getting
around
Victoria
Ambulance and emergencies
Government benefits
and payments
The telephone number for emergency services

throughout Australia is 000. Dial this number for
ambulance, fire brigade and police emergencies.
Government benefits and payments are provided

through the Australian Government agency Centrelink.
Centrelink can help you with social security payments,
and benefits such as family tax and childcare benefits.
Many services are only available to Australian citizens
or permanent residents.
It is important to note that Australias ambulance

service is not free. If you have private health insurance
it may cover ambulance costs, but it is important to
check exactly what is provided. For example, some
policies may provide ambulance cover for only
one occasion per year. An ambulance trip can cost
over $5500. To be protected you need to become an
ambulance member, which costs $37.50 for singles and
$75 for families for a year.
To find out more, visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au
Centrelink has a website dedicated to people who have

just moved to Australia. Go to www.centrelink.gov.au
and look for Moved to Australia in the Individuals
section. This site provides information on benefits that
you may be eligible to receive and how to access them.
You will also find a link here to help you find material
and services in languages other than English.
Multicultural Commission
Community Directory
Hospitals
Find local community associations and organisations

by visiting www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/resources/
community-directory
Victoria has many hospitalsboth private and public;

and many hospitals have emergency wards where you
can receive after-hours medical care.
You will require private health insurance to be treated
in a private hospital; otherwise you will have to pay the
entire bill. Before purchasing a private health insurance
policy, it is important to understand exactly how much
cover it provides. Even with private health insurance,
you may be required to pay an excess or a fee to cover
the gap between what the hospital charges and
the amount for which you are covered by your
health insurance.
A list of Victorias hospitals can be found by visiting
www.health.vic.gov.au
Sunburn
UV radiation from the sun can cause serious short term
and long-term damage to your skin and your health
including skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest
rates of skin cancer in the world, so it is very important
that you protect yourself and your family from the sun.
You can protect yourself from the sun by:

wearing protective clothing

wearing SPF30+ sunscreen on exposed skin
wearing a hat
keeping in the shade where possible
wearing sunglasses.
For more information about sun protection visit

www.sunsmart.com.au
42
Relocation Guide
43
Getting around Victoria

Victorias compact nature and excellent road and rail network allows getting around easier and quicker than other
states in Australia. Moving around Melbourne is made easy by the citys convenient and integrated system of
public transportrail, tram, busand roads.
Public transport in Melbourne
Weve ended up in the

perfect suburb for us.
Weve found this place
thats a tram ride to the
city, which is great for
work, and its a quiet, little
building thats a block and
a half from the beach.
Laura-lee Innes, Chemical Engineer,
Environment Protection Authority,
immigrated from Canada
There are three forms of public

transport operating in Melbourne
train, tram (trolley/streetcar) and
bus. Tickets are transferable across
all forms of public transport. The
network is divided into two zones,
according to the distance from the
city centre. The price of the ticket
depends on the zone(s) in which you
wish to travel and the duration of
your ticket.
Melbourne is currently introducing
a new ticketing system. During this
process, all forms of public transport
will accept both the old tickets known as Metcards, and the new
tickets called myki.
Metcards - can be purchased at
train stations, newsagents and many
other outlets displaying a bright blue
Metcard sign. Metcards can also be
purchased on trams; however the
automated machines accept coins
only. Tickets must be validated by
inserting them in the green machine
at the beginning of each journey.
Failure to purchase or validate the
correct ticket can result in a fine.
There are many types of tickets
available, including two hour, daily,
weekly, monthly or yearly tickets.
There are also concession tickets
available for children, students and
pensioners. Approved identification
is required for concession tickets.
44
Relocation Guide
Myki - is a durable plastic card

similar in size to a credit card. myki
has been designed for our states
unique needs. And when myki
is fully rolled out, it will be one
of the worlds largest smart card
ticketing systems. myki can store
value and lasts for many years. myki
cards are available from premium
metropolitan train stations, the
MetShop (Melbourne Town Hall,
corner Swanston Street and Little
Collins Streets) and the myki
discovery centre at Southern Cross
Station.
You can top up your myki with two
types of value travel days (a myki
pass) and a dollar amount (myki
money).You can choose to top up
with either or both, depending on
how you use public transport. All you
have to do is keep your myki topped
up and touch on and touch off using
the yellow machines each time you
travel.
Trains and trams normally run
5am - midnight, Monday - Thursday,
with extended hours to around 1am
on Friday and Saturday nights. Many
of Melbournes bus routes have been
upgraded and run
6am - 9pm Monday - Friday,
8am - 9pm Saturday and
9am - 9pm Sunday.
A special late-night bus service,
called the NightRider, operates on

Friday and Saturday nights from
midnight until regular services
recommence the next morning.
For more information about public
transport in Melbourne visit
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
and www.myki.com.au
To view public transport maps for
Melbournes trains and trams go to
the Maps section of this guide on
page 65.
Tips for using public

transport in Victoria
Validate your ticket by inserting
it in the machine before each
journey.
Carry the correct change as
trams will only accept coins.
Leave plenty of time to get to
your destination.
Check the journey planner for
metropolitan Melbourne at
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Check the journey planner for
regional Victoria at
www.viclink.com.au
Always ensure you have a
validated ticket when you
travel. Failure to purchase or
validate the correct ticket can
result in a fine and tickets are
checked regularly by both
uniformed and plain clothed
inspectors.
45
Public transport in
regional centres
Disabled access
Taxis
Cycling
Street directories
Victorias regional centres have

a network of public transport
including buses, V/Line trains
and coaches. Many of Victorias
regional bus companies use
the Metcard system, with myki
able to be used on town buses
in Geelong, Seymour, Ballarat,
Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley
including Warragul.
Victorias public transport services

are progressively being made
accessible to people with special
needs. A number of programs
and initiatives are underway to
achieve this goal such as low
bus floor access.
Taxis (cabs) are readily available in

metropolitan and regional areas and
they are a quick and reliable form of
transport. Taxis are easily recognised
by their bright yellow colour. Fares
are metered so you can easily see
how much your trip is costing as
you go.
Cycling is fast becoming the preferred mode of

transport for many commuters in Melbourne and
regional Victoria. Whether you cycle for pleasure or
as a mode of transport, Melbourne is easy for cyclists.
Melbourne and regional Victoria have a network of well
maintained bike paths for commuting and recreational
rides. Most main roads in the CBD and the inner
suburbs have dedicated bicycle lanes to ensure smooth
traffic flow and increased safety for cyclists.
Melway is the name of the most commonly used

suburban street map. It covers all of Melbourne
and its suburbs, and much of regional Victoria.
Directions are often given in terms of their
Melway map reference.
Regional public transport services

are available for travel around
regional towns, between major
regional centres and for travel
between Melbourne and regional
centres. For more information about
public transport in regional Victoria
including a journey planner visit
www.viclink.com.au
To view public transport maps for
regional Victoria go to the Maps
section of this guide on page 67.
To find information about

mobility aid access, guide dogs,
publications in large print and
other accessibility initiatives visit
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/
accessible_transport
For information about public
transport services in Victoria to
assist people with a disability go to
www.transport.vic.gov.au and type
Accessible public transport into
the search function.
Extra charges apply for telephone

booking, toll charges and late-night
services. All taxis must be registered
and the driver must display his/her
identification in the car.
Taxi fares must be prepaid for all
trips between 10pm and 5am. For
information on this visit
www.transport.vic.gov.au/taxis
To hire a taxi in Victoria you can
make a telephone booking, wait on
the street at a signed taxi rank, or
hail a taxi from the side of the road.
You can find a listing of Victorias
taxi services under Taxi at
www.yellowpages.com.au
Cycling is also an easy and efficient way to move

around regional centres.
Most road rules for vehicles also apply to cyclists. It
is important for your own safety, and for the safety
of those around you, that you understand and obey
these rules. These rules include wearing a helmet at all
times; using lights at night; obeying traffic signals. If
you are going to use a bicycle on Victorian roads you
should familiarise yourself with Victorias road rules and
regulations for cyclists.
The RACV and VicRoads also produce the RACV

VicRoads Country Street Directory of Victoria which
provides detailed maps of Victorias regional centres.
Copies are widely available at bookshops, VicRoads,
service stations (petrol/gas stations), post offices and
convenience stores. To view free online street maps
and directions, visit www.whereis.com or
www.street-directory.com.au
The VicRoads website is an excellent source of

information on cycling. You can find maps of bicycle
paths, cycling safety tips and road rules for cyclists at
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Moreinfoandservices/
Bicycles
For information about recreational rides, metropolitan
and regional routes, Victorias cycling community and
other cycling tips, visit the Bicycle Victoria website at
www.bv.com.au
46
Relocation Guide
47

Vehicle registration and insurance
Victoria has a network of high quality roads.
VicRoads is the government organisation that is
responsible for building and maintaining roads, as
well as monitoring licensing and registration of
vehicles. Visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au for detailed
information about road rules and regulations.

If you have arrived in Victoria on a temporary visa,
you can drive on your overseas licence (as long as it is
a current, valid licence) for an indefinite period. This
is provided that your overseas licence is in English
(or you have an English translation), or you have an
International Driving Permit.
If you have arrived in Victoria on a permanent visa,
you can drive on your overseas licence for only three
months from the date you entered Victoria or from the
time a permanent visa was issued to you. After that
time you must apply for a Victorian driver licence if you
want to continue to drive in Victoria.
Driving laws are strictly enforced in Victoria and

personal and public safety is a high priority. Driving
under the influence of alcohol and other drugs is not
tolerated. For those with a full licence, blood alcohol
must be below 0.05 per cent. Probationary and learner
licence holders must have a 0.0 reading. Random
breath testing is common on Victorian roads.
It is also illegal to use a hand-held mobile (cell) phone
when driving. You must use a hands-free earpiece or
pull over to the side of the road to use your mobile
phone. Speeding is not tolerated by police. Penalties,
including fines and loss of licence, apply to those
caught breaking driving laws.
Seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and all passengers.
To download a free copy of Driving in Victoria: rules
and responsibilities, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Click on Licences and then Handbooks.
Drivers with a valid licence from some countries do

not need to complete any tests, but still need to visit
VicRoads to change it to a local one. These countries
are Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Ireland,
Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
48
The vehicle you drive must be registered and

this is also administered through VicRoads. Visit
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au for detailed information on
vehicle registration. All registered vehicles in Victoria
must have a roadworthy certificate which sets out basic
minimum safety standards.
When you buy a vehicle it must come with a
roadworthy certificate or you must have it tested by
a licensed roadworthy tester. A good place to find
information about buying and maintaining a car is the
Consumer Affairs Victoria website
www.consumer.vic.gov.au
There are a number of different kinds of vehicle
insurance available in Victoria. Basic insurance is called
third party insurance and protects you from the costs
of any damage you cause to other people, vehicles or
property in a car accident where you are at fault. This
can be extended to third party, fire and theft. This
means your car or vehicle is covered if it is damaged by
fire or if it is stolen. The most complete, and therefore
most expensive, type of insurance is comprehensive.
This covers all costs of repair or replacing a vehicle
regardless of who is at fault.
Visit the car insurance section under Managing my

moneyof the Australian Securities and Investments
Commissions (ASIC) website, www.moneysmart.gov.au
for more information on vehicle insurance.
The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) is the
largest body dedicated to car owners and related issues.
They offer roadside service assistance, insurance, vehicle
testing and much more. Visit www.racv.com.au for more
information.
All car dealers must be licensed, and this offers you
protection as a consumer. You can also buy cars
through private sales.
Looking for a car?

Major newspapers have classified advertisements for
cars and other vehicles on certain days of the week.
Other internet sites to search for used cars include:
www.drive.com.au
www.motoring.com.au
www.carsales.com.au
www.tradingpost.com.au
www.carcity.com.au
Relocation Guide
49
Enjoying the
lifestyle
Petroleum
Tollways
Airport transfer
There are different types of fuel

(gas) options for cars. All cars built
from 1986 onwards use unleaded
fuel. Cars built prior to 1985 use
lead-free super fuel or unleaded fuel
with a supplement added. Unleaded
fuel is available in two options at
most service stationsregular and
premium. Diesel is widely available
as is liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
Many people have cars converted to
LPG as it is cheaper.
CityLink is a network of toll roads

in Melbourne, it is clearly marked
with blue and yellow tollway signs.
It connects various highways to
the tunnels that allow you to
bypass city traffic. CityLink also
applies to part of the highway
linking Melbournes Tullamarine
International Airport with the city
centre. Visit the CityLink website at
www.citylink.com.au for full details.
Getting from Melbournes

International Airport, Tullamarine,
into the city is made easy with
Skybus.
Many service stations are now

offering unleaded fuel blended with
up to 10 per cent ethanol, which is
made from renewable resources.
Prices vary and change frequently,
according to global oil prices and
various other factors.
A similar toll road called

EastLink connects Melbournes
eastern and southern suburbs.
Visit the EastLink website at
www.eastlink.com.au for full details.
To use the tollways you must either
open an account before you travel
(and receive a remote monitoring
device, called an eTag, to attach to
the car) or buy a pass.
For occasional use, you can
purchase a day pass before
travelling on the tollways or up to
three days after your trip.
The Skybus Super Shuttle is

the official transit link between
Melbourne Airport and the centre
of Melbourne. It runs every 15
minutes from 6am and 10pm and
half hourly or hourly at other times.
The journey takes approximately
20 minutes. Skybus also operates a
free hotel transfer minibus system
to transport you from the Skybus
city terminal to your hotel or motel
based in the city. Plan your trip
to allow enough time for airline
check-in requirements. For more
information, visit
www.skybus.com.au
The taxi fare for a trip from the
airport into Melbournes CBD is
approximately $50.
You can purchase a pass online,

over the telephone or in person
at many outlets including
CityLink and Eastlink Customer
Centres, Australia Post offices and
participating service stations. Failure
to do so will result in a fine.
50
Relocation Guide
51
Enjoying the lifestyle

Victorians enjoy diverse lifestyles, taking advantage of a rich sporting and
cultural life, as well as fantastic shopping and dining.
Fresh produce
markets
Food
Many suburban areas in

metropolitan Melbourne have
well known markets which
also offer a wide range of fresh
produce including many ethnic
and specialty foods and other
items.
Melbourne has a large multicultural population and there are plenty of

outlets that supply foods from all nations.
Most locals do their regular shopping at large supermarkets such as
Safeway/Woolworths and Coles. There is also the Independent Grocers
Association (IGA) and the Aldi chain. Supermarkets are located at most
major suburban and regional centre shopping precincts.
My life is not as complex

here as in Taiwan but I
really like that. It means
I can focus on what
mattersstudying
and working hard and
enjoying family life.
Mainly I focus on my
children, watching them
grow up in a very good
environment.
To find specialty foreign food stores you may wish to consult your local
council or an ethnic community organisation.
There are also many large-scale open markets in and around Melbourne,
which offer a huge range of food and fresh produce. An absolute must-visit
market is the Queen Victoria Market. It is located on the corner of Elizabeth
and Victoria Streets, at the northern edge of the city centre. For more
information visit www.qvm.com.au
Regional Victoria and Melbourne have a wide range of farmers
markets which offer farm fresh food. To find a farmers market visit
www.farmersmarkets.org.au and click on the Victoria link.
Prahran Market:
www.prahranmarket.com.au
South Melbourne Market:
www.southmelbournemarket.
com.au
Preston Market:
www.prestonmarket.com.au
Dandenong Market:
www.dandenongmarket.com.au
Dr Sam Huang, former owner,

hydroponics farm. Currently completing
exams to practise as a doctor in Australia.
Immigrated from Taiwan
52
Relocation Guide
53
Dining out
As well as shopping for food,
Melbourne is regarded as a foodlovers capital. Whatever your
preference for dining, Melbourne
has excellent restaurants, cafes and
bars to offer. There are thousands
of places to eat in the city and
throughout the suburbs. Regional
centres all have a good selection of
restaurants to choose from as well.
Many restaurants are open all day;
others may only open for lunch and
dinner, or some for breakfast and
lunch. Depending on the restaurant,
you may need to make a reservation
as some are very popular and often
booked out weeks in advance.
Generally, cafes are more casual
and you can usually walk in off the
street and get a table.
Some restaurants are BYO (bring

your own). This means you can
bring your own alcoholusually
limited to bottles of wine. You are
then charged corkage, which is
a small fee added to the bill for
this service.
Smoking is banned by law inside
all restaurants and cafes as well as
bars and nightclubs or anywhere
food is served.
Tipping in restaurants in Australia
is not required, but is appreciated if
you feel you have received quality
service. Ten per cent is considered
a good tip. Tipping is less common
in cafes and bars, and is not usually
expected for most other services.
Two popular books listing
Victorias favourite restaurants,
are The Age Good Food Guide and
the The Age Cheap Eats. They are
available at most bookstores and
newsagencies.
Nightlife
Sporting life
Cultural events
Melbournes nightlife is as
exciting and vibrant as anywhere
in the world.
Melbourne is known as the sports

capital of Australia. It hosts many
world-class events, including the
Australian Open Tennis (January),
the Australian Formula One Grand
Prix (March), Australian Rules
Football (March to September)
and the Spring Racing Carnival,
incorporating the Melbourne Cup
(October/November).
Melbourne is also considered to

be the cultural centre of Australia,
with many world-class facilities
and events. In recent years, the
cultural life of the regional centres
has also grown significantly with
an increasing number of festivals,
events, exhibitions and other
activities.
There are various bars and

pubs all across Melbourne and
regional centres. Melbournians are
particularly fond of the many small
bars tucked in laneways throughout
the city centre.
Melbourne is also famous for its
live music scene. On any week
night and weekend you can see any
type of music you like. Melbourne
has a history of supporting small,
independent bands and helping
them grow and flourish to gain an
international presence.
These venues are licensed and you
must be 18, with identification, to
enter. There are also many under-18
concerts and nightclubs.
For more details and listings
of whats on:
www.melbourne.citysearch.com.au
Melbourne is also home to many

world-class sporting facilities,
including the historical Melbourne
Cricket Ground (MCG), which
hosts international cricket in the
summer and Australian Rules
Football in the winter, as well as
a variety of other sports and
special events.
Melbourne and the rest of Victoria
have an excellent network of local
sporting organisations and facilities
for every sport you could imagine.
Joining a local club is easy and
affordable. To find out more, contact
your local council.
You can also visit Sport and
Recreation Victoria at
www.sport.vic.gov.au for listings
of sporting organisations or go to
www.visitvictoria.com and click on
the Events link to find a listing of
major sporting events in Victoria.
54
Relocation Guide
Melbournes city centre has a

number of arts and entertainment
precincts. Federation Square
houses the Ian Potter Centrethe
Australian section of the National
Gallery of Victoria (NGV); the
Australian Centre for the Moving
Image (ACMI); the Australian
Racing Museum and many bars,
cafes and restaurants. It is also
home to the Melbourne Visitor
Centre, an excellent starting point
to find out useful information
about Melbourne.
Major events in Melbourne include

the Australian International
Airshow, the Melbourne
International Comedy Festival,
the Melbourne International Film
Festival, the Melbourne Food and
Wine Festival and the Melbourne
International Arts Festival.
There is also much to do and see in
Melbournes immediate surrounds.
Victoria is world-renowned for its
exceptional quality wines. Many
famous vineyards and wineries
are located within a short hourand-a-half drive from Melbourne,
in regions such as Geelong, the
Mornington Peninsula and the
Yarra Valley.
For a full list of cultural events
and activities go to
The Victorian Arts Centrea short

walk across the Yarra River from
the city centrehouses concert
halls and theatres. Further along
the arts precinct is NGV
International, as well as many
other theatres and arts centres
including the striking Australian
Centre for Contemporary Art.
55
Shopping
Melbourne has a vibrant retail
shopping scene whether you are
looking for high end, big-brand
fashion, cutting edge young designs
or a bargain. The small laneways
and alleys are favoured by many
locals, and are filled with tiny and
often little-known, yet highlyrespected, designer boutiques and
specialist accessories stores. There
are also two major department
stores in the Myer and David Jones.
Good shopping can also be found
in Victorias major areas and
regional centres. These areas usually
have large shopping centres which
can include department stores
as well as specialist retailers and
shopping precincts.
Almost all stores accept major credit
cards as well as cash and EFTPOS
(direct debit cards). Some places
accept cheques, although they are
less common. In general, exchanges
are accepted on faulty products,
provided you provide your receipt
of purchase. Many retailers may
offer an exchange if you change
your mind.
56
Ten things to do
in Victorias parks
National parks
General shopping hours are from

9am - 5:30pm weekdays, or 10am to
6pm in the CBD, with many shops
open for extended hours, often
until 8pm or 9pm, on Thursday and
Friday. Most stores are open on the
weekend, at least on Saturday, and
many are also open Sundays.
1. Go bushwalking
In addition to shopping centres

and districts, many Victorians enjoy
shopping at a diverse range of
markets. Victoria has a wide range
of markets including artisan and
second-hand markets which offer a
diverse range of unique goods and
the odd bargain.
6. Enjoy the snow
Victoria has one of the most diverse

and representative parks networks
in the world. This diverse range
of unique and often undisturbed
ecosystems includes alps, mallee,
heathland, wet forests, dry forests,
grassland, inland waters and
wetlands, coast and intertidal shores
and marine environments.
2. Go for a bike ride

3. Go fishing
4. Go camping
5. Discover Victorias wildlife
7. Discover a new track

8. Go for a drive
9. Play a ball game
10. Have a picnic
Consumer Affairs Victoria serves to

protect consumers rights and offers
information about your rights and
responsibilities when it comes to
shopping. They can also tell you
what sort of products and scams
to watch out for. Visit
www.consumer.vic.gov.au
The Victorian parks estate includes:

45 national parks
13 marine national parks
11 marine sanctuaries
3 wilderness parks
25 state parks
30 metropolitan parks
60 other parks (including regional
and reservoir parks)
More than 2,700 natural features
and conservation reserves
More than 11,000formally
registered Aboriginal cultural
heritage places
More than 2,500 non-Indigenous
historic places
For more information about
Victorias parks visit
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Relocation Guide
57
Maps and
other useful
information
Media
Australia has an open and diverse media system.
Newspapers
Television
Radio
There are three major daily

newspapers that many people in
Victoria read. The two metropolitan
papers are The Age and the Herald
Sun. The Age is a broadsheet and
the Herald Sun a tabloid. The third
paper is The Australian, the national
broadsheet. You can read free online
versions of these newspapers at:
Melbourne has both free-to-air

and pay television (Pay TV).
The six free TV stations are
Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel
10, (commercial networks);
ABC (Australian Broadcasting
Corporation, which is the national,
publicly funded network); SBS
(Special Broadcasting Service, part
publicly-funded and specialises in
foreign language programming);
and, Channel 31 (privately owned
community network).
There are two bands of radio, FM

and AM. The FM dial consists of
many commercial and also public
stations playing popular and
classical music. AM radio has music,
talk and community stations.
www.theage.com.au
www.heraldsun.news.com.au
www.theaustralian.news.com.au
All regional areas have their own
local newspapers such as
The Courier in Ballarat, the
Geelong Advertiser and the Bendigo
Advertiser. Many local newspapers
are home delivered. This service
is sometimes free of charge. There
are also many foreign language
newspapers available throughout
Melbourne. For an alphabetical
listing of Victorias regional and
metropolitan newspapers visit
www.newspapers.com.au
Australian free-to-air TV is
becoming digital-only, requiring
televisions to either have an in-built
digital tuner or digital set top box.
The switchover is expected to be
complete by the end of 2013.
For more information visit
www.digitalready.gov.au/
Pay television is available in
Australia, and approximately a
quarter of the population subscribes
to either:
There are also a number of

community radio stations that
broadcast in ethnic community
languages, including:
3ZZZ (92.3FM) Ethnic Public
Broadcasting Association of
Victoria, broadcasting in 40 different
languages and representing over 60
ethnic groups.
3CR (855AM) not-for-profit
community radio broadcasting
programs in 18 different languages
covering music, current affairs,
womens issues and more.
SBS (1224AM and 93.1FM)
broadcasting in 68 languages. There
are also various outlets specialising
in foreign books and film.
Foxtel www.foxtel.com.au
Optus www.optus.com.au
Austar www.austar.com.au
Television program guides are
published regularly in major
metropolitan and regional
newspapers. You can also view the
television program guide for your
area at www.yourtv.com.au or
www.ourguide.com.au/vic
58
Relocation Guide
59
Maps and other

useful information
Telephone numbers
000 is the emergency number for police, ambulance and fire brigade.
This is a free call.
1800 telephone numbers are free calls from fixed line/home phones.
Charges may apply if you call free call numbers from a mobile phone.
13 or 1300 telephone numbers are the cost of a local call from anywhere
in Australia.
19 or 1900 telephone numbers are premium numbers. These are charged
by the minute at a higher rate that can vary from around 55c to $5 a
minute. Check details before making these calls.
I was very excited to

come because my brother
was already living here.
He said it was a good
place to livegood
income, good career
opportunities and a good
place to bring up a family.
Australias international country calling code is +61.

Victorias area code is 03. When calling a Victorian number from overseas,
the 0 is dropped, so the code you need to dial is 613 followed by the
regular telephone number.
Mobile phone numbers in Australia start with 04. When calling a mobile
phone from outside Australia, again the 0 is dropped, so the number starts
with +614, and dial the rest of the number as usual. Generally, calls to and
from mobile phones are more expensive than calls to and from fixed lines.
To make an international call, dial 0011 followed by the country code, the
area code and then the telephone number.
Naveed Ali Khan, Chef, Tandoori Indian

Restaurant, Wangaratta, immigrated from
Pakistan.
There are two main directories for telephone and addresses.
The Yellow Pages is used for business listings and is organised by category
of business; and the White Pages is used for residential and business
listings, arranged alphabetically. Both directories can be searched online,
at www.yellowpages.com.au and www.whitepages.com.au
Hard copies are delivered free of charge annually or can be obtained from
Australia Post offices.
60
Relocation Guide
61
Permanent water saving rules
7 1/2 Ways to save water
Fire restrictions
Postal system
Smoking
The Victorian Government has developed permanent

water saving rules for Victoria. This ensures the efficient
use of our water at all times.
1. Install a rainwater tank and connect it to your toilet,
Being a dry country makes Australia

prone to bushfires.
The postal system in Australia is run

by Australia Post. Post is delivered
to households once per day on
Monday through to Friday.
Smoking is banned by law inside

all restaurants and cafes as well as
bars and nightclubs or anywhere
food is served. It is also banned
in all shopping centres, enclosed
workplaces and in all covered
areas of train platforms, tram
and bus shelters.
The key permanent water saving rules are:

even and no-numbered properties can water on
even dates e.g. 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.
odd numbered properties can water on odd dates
e.g. 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.
everyone can water on the 31st
use manual watering systems only between 6-8am
and 8-10pm
use automatic watering systems only between
midnight and 4am
fit your hose with a trigger nozzle
no hosing paved areas
apply to fill a new pool.
These rules are in place at all times, and penalties
apply to those who dont follow them. When water
restrictions are also in place, more severe rules and
restrictions apply. Fines for non-compliance also apply.
For full details on current water restrictions visit
www.ourwater.vic.gov.au
Source: Office of Water, Department of Sustainability
and Environment. Our Water Our Future
laundry and garden hose. Tanks are available in various

sizes and stylesyou may qualify for a Water Smart
Gardens and Homes Rebate on the purchase cost.
2. Install a 3-star water efficient showerhead. Save up to

13,500 litres of water per person each year (based on a
seven minute shower average).
3. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and shaving.
Save 4000 litres of water a year (if you brush for 3
minutes). Instead, use a glass of water to rinse your
mouth. And remember to turn off the tap while shaving,
and save up to 3500 litres per year.
4. Install a dual-flush toilet, if you dont already have one.

For a family of four, this can save over 35,000 litres a year.
Depending on your toilet, a cheaper option is to place a
filled water bottle in the toilet cistern to use less water.
5. If youre buying a new washing machine, make sure it has

at least a four-star water efficiency rating. Did you know
that front-loader washing machines are typically the most
water efficient, using up to 50 per cent less water?
6. Make sure each washing machine cycle is full and use

an economy setting. Washing machines use about 120
litres of water per load. You can reduce this amount by
adjusting the water level to suit the size of the load of
washing.
Along with Southern California

and the Northern Mediterranean,
South Eastern Australia is the most
bushfire-prone region in the world.
There are various controls and
mechanisms that are used to reduce
the risk of fires.
In hot weather some days are
declared total fire ban. This
means you are not permitted to
light any open fire. Total fire ban
days are reported in the media.
To find out more about controlling
and regulating fires, visit
www.dse.vic.gov.au
For more information on total
fire ban days, you can also visit
the Country Fire Authority (CFA)
at www.cfa.vic.gov.au, call the
Victorian Bushfire Information Line
on 13 15 99 or 1800 240 677.
Standard letters cost 60 cents to

send anywhere in Australia. Stamps
can be purchased from Australia
Post shops or from a wide range of
retailers such as newsagents, milk
bars, corner stores and convenience
stores. Use the large red post boxes
for posting regular mail.
Express Post delivery costs more
but ensures your package will arrive
the next business day anywhere
in Australia. Use the large yellow
post boxes for Express Post. Nonstandard letters and packages
require extra postage.
You can buy prepaid package
envelopes that allow for posting of
larger sizes, or take your package
to an Australia Post shop, where it
can be weighed and measured and
charged accordingly for postage.
For more details on the
postal system, visit
www.australiapost.com.au
7. Look for water efficient rating labels when buying new

appliances. Remember, the more stars, the more water
efficient.
And a half. Halve your shower time and save 8 per cent
of your water.
Source: Office of Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Our Water Our Future www.ourwater.vic.gov.au
62
Relocation Guide
63
Daylight savings
Public internet
access
Victorians forward their clocks in the warmer months to provide an extra

hour of daylight. The ACT, NSW, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania all
start daylight savings on the first Sunday in October and end on the first
Sunday in April.
To find your nearest public

internet access facility visit
www.internet-access.vic.gov.au/
or call 1800 629 835.
Specific dates are set for daylight savings and you can find these dates on
the Victoria online website at www.vic.gov.au by clicking on the About
Victoria and Tourism link.
At start of daylight saving period,

move clock forward one hour at 2 am.
Metropolitan Melbourne train system
Relocation
assistance and
support
There are a number of networks
and directories that provide links
and support for new residents.
You can find services, advice and
even new friends through these
networks. For more information
visit www.newcomersnetwork.com
or www.relocationnetwork.com.au
At end of daylight saving period,

move clock back one hour at 3 am.
Source: Metlink Melbourne. www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/maps-stations-stops/metropolitan-maps/metropolitan-train-network-map/
64
Relocation Guide
65
Travelling with V/Line
Metropolitan Melbourne tram system
Regional Victoria train system
Geelong Line Train Service
Seymour Line Train Service
Ballarat Line Train Service
Gippsland Line Train Service
Bendigo Line Train Service
Coach Service
Please note: the below map does not show every destination available on V/Line services.
Correct as at September 2006. Not to scale.
Mildura
Robinvale
Ouyen
Griffith
Piangil
Manangatang
Pinnaroo
Swan Hill
Sea Lake
Finley
To Adelaide
Deniliquin
Tocumwal
Barham
Hopetoun
Kerang
Birchip
Barmah
Nathalia
Moama
Pyramid
Echuca
Warracknabeal
Nhill
Kyabram
Rochester
Donald
Dimboola
To Adelaide
Wedderburn
Stanhope
Elmore
St Arnaud
Horsham
Rupanyup
Murtoa
Dunolly
Halls Gap
To Adelaide
Creswick
Skipton
Hamilton
Casterton
Ballarat
Derrinallum
Mortlake
Mt Gambier
Heywood
Camperdown
Koroit
Portland
Port Fairy
Kyneton
Terang
Warrnambool
Port
Campbell
Woodend
Sunbury
Anglesea
Lorne
Apollo Bay
Cowes
Mt Beauty
Bright
Mansfield
To Narooma &
Batemans Bay
Mt Buller
To Canberra
Whittlesea
Craigieburn
Melton
Bacchus
Ringwood
Marsh
Werribee
Melbourne
Dandenong
Lara
(see inset)
Geelong
Colac
Beechworth
Wangaratta
Benalla
Seymour
Wallan
Yea
Castlemaine
Daylesford
Ararat
Glenthompson
Wodonga
Springhurst
Shepparton
Heathcote
Avoca
To Canberra
Albury
Rutherglen
Yarrawonga
Numurkah
Murchison
East
Bendigo
Maryborough
Stawell
Mulwala Corowa
Cobram
Cohuna
To Sydney
Cann River
Maffra
Orbost
Bairnsdale
Warragul
Lakes Entrance
Lang Lang
Traralgon
Korumburra
Leongatha
Anderson
Wonthaggi
Cape Inverloch
Paterson
Sale
Yarram
TO BENDIGO
TO SEYMOUR
TO BALLARAT
Sunbury
Craigieburn
Melton
Watergardens
Broadmeadows
Rockbank
MELBOURNE
Essendon
METRO
North Melbourne
Sunshine
Flinders St
Footscray
Newport Southern Richmond
Cross Station Caulfield
Werribee
(Spencer Street)
Clayton
TO GEELONG
Dandenong
Berwick
Pakenham
TO GIPPSLAND
Source: Metlink Melbourne.www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/assets/PDFs/maps/Train-and-tram-network/TramNetworkMap
66
Source: Metlink Melbourne www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/assets/PDFs/maps/Vline-Regional-Network-Map
Relocation Guide
Call 136 196 vline.com.au
67
Index
Accommodation
11, 12, 14
Airport transfer
50
Internet
21, 64
Insurance - car
49
Road laws and regulations
47-48
School 36-37
Ambulance 42
Insurance home
14, 22
Services
Banking home loans
14
Insurance - health
41-42
Shopping
53, 56
Banking setting up accounts
31
Jobs 23-28
Smoking
54, 63
Business starting your own
28
Kindergarten 35
Social support and welfare
Childcare 35-36
Languages 6
Sport 55
Culture and events
Licence - driving
48
Street directories
Local government / council
16
Suburbs 16
53-56
Customs and quarantine
5, 8, 16
42
47
Cycling 47
Maps
17, 65-67
Sunburn 42
Daylight savings
64
Media 58
Superannuation 32
Dining out
54
Medicare 41
Tax
Disabled access
46
Mobile phone
21
Taxis 46
48
Money 29-32
Telecommunications 21
Education 33-38
Moving in checklist
Telephones
Electricity 20
Multicultural resource directory 42
61
Emergencies 42
National parks
Telephone numbers
61
Employment 23-28
Newspapers 58
Television 58
English classes
Nightlife 54
Tertiary education
Entertainment 51-58
Parks 57
Tipping 54
Pay rates
28
Tollways 50
58
Training 38
20-22
5, 22
57
32
21, 61
38
Fire restrictions
63
Pay TV
First home owner grant
15
Pets 6
Trains
45, 65
Food 53-54
Petroleum 50
Trams
45, 66
Fuel 50
Postal system
Translating / interpretation service 6
Furniture 20
Power 20
Transport
Gas
Preschool 35
University 38
20 (Power), 50 (Fuel)
63
43-50, 65-67
Governments benefits
42
Public internet access
21, 64
Useful information
61-64
Guide dogs
46
Public transport - Melbourne 45, 65
Vehicle registration
49
Health and welfare
39-42
Public transport - regional
Health care
41-42
Quarantine 6
Visas 5
Health insurance
41-42
Radio 58
Water
Home insurance
14, 22
Real estate
Water restrictions
Home loans
14
Home prices
14-15
Regional centres
46, 67
13-16
20, 62
62
8, 11, 18, 19, 67
Relocation assistance
7, 64
Hospitals 42
Renting
Housing
Retirement 32
11-15, 18
48-50
11-13, 20
Disclaimer
The information contained in this relocation guide is for general information purposes only. The State Government of Victoria aims to keep this information as accurate
as possible however we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with
respect to the information providers or service providers represented.
Throughout this relocation guide you are able to link to other websites and services which are not under the control of the Victorian Government. The Victorian
Government is not responsible or liable for any information or services appearing on or accessible through any linked websites and has no control over the nature, content
and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any reference to any organisation or person (by website link or otherwise) does not imply a recommendation or endorsement
of the views expressed within them by the Victorian Government.
In no event will the Victorian Government be liable for any loss or damage risk incurred by you or any other person as a consequence (directly or indirectly) of the use, or
reliance on, or application of the relocation or any information or material contained in it including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss
or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this guide.
68
Relocation Guide
Contact details
For further information or assistance, contact:
Skilled and Business Migration Program
Department of Business and Innovation
State Government of Victoria
GPO Box 4509
Melbourne Victoria 3001
Australia
Skilled Migration
Tel: +61 3 9651 9756
Email: skilled@LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
Business Migration
Tel: +61 3 9651 9743
Fax: +61 3 9651 9792
Email: businessmigration@LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au

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LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.

Department of Business and Innovation

Throughout this relocation guide you are able to

Money and finance

Enjoying the lifestyle

Getting around Victoria

Ten things to do when

Free services for prospective skilled and business migrants include:

visa nomination for some skilled visa subclasses

2. Apply for a tax file number.

Register with Medicare.

4. Register for English classes

5. Open a bank account.

The attitude to life is

Moving to regional Visas

necessary travel documents and

Apply for a drivers licence.

8. Enrol your children into

Start looking for work.

10. Join a local sports or hobby club

There are strict laws governing what

English is the official language in

The guidelines for bringing a pet

There are a number of networks and

Customs will require a declaration

DIAC (Department of Immigration

Find your local Migrant Resource

Government agencies provide an

We love Melbourne and

Many new residents choose to stay in temporary accommodation such as

When renting a house, apartment or unit, it is important to understand

If you do choose to stay in temporary accommodation when you arrive

Hotels and motels

First Home Owner Grant

You can find a comprehensive list of properties for sale in

These websites show detailed listingsusually with photographs

Median home prices

As you travel further from Melbourne, property

Victoria is divided into 79 local government areas.

Port Phillip Bay

Each local government area is administered by a

For more detailed information about regional areas and

Ten things to know about regional Victoria

Generally, Victorias regional areas have a greater

environments. From coastal villages to alpine mountains,

2. The population of regional centres ranges from 10,000

3. Regional Victoria has all the services and facilities of

4. Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse and

5. Melbourne families are moving to the states regional

6. If youre into the outdoors youll love the climate

7. A diversity of affordable housing is available, from

8. There are stunning natural landscapes, charming towns

9. Because of Victorias size, everything is within easy

10. Theres never been a better time to start a business in

Essential home services

Households can choose between different providers

There are many different telecommunications

Broadband internet service is available in most

The Essential Services Commission is the body

Consumer Affairs Victoria provides information and

Melbourne is also well serviced by wireless broadband

To make an international call without a calling card, first

Connect electricity, gas and water services.

Connect telephone, internet and pay TV services.

2. Apply for a tax file number.

4. Register for English classes

5. Open a bank account.

8. Enrol your children into

10. Join a local sports or hobby club

2. The population of regional centres ranges from 10,000

3. Regional Victoria has all the services and facilities of

4. Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse and

5. Melbourne families are moving to the states regional

6. If youre into the outdoors youll love the climate

7. A diversity of affordable housing is available, from

8. There are stunning natural landscapes, charming towns

9. Because of Victorias size, everything is within easy

10. Theres never been a better time to start a business in

Register your family for the Medicare Safety Net.

q Take your Medicare card with you when you visit a

Show your Medicare card to your pharmacist when