Living in Perth W.A.
PERTH
Perth was foundered in 1829 and is the 4th largest city in Australia and is the Capital city of Western Australia. Perth is the fastest growing Capital City in Australia (10% p.a.) and has a population of approximately 1.6M people. Due to Australia being about 5,000 Klms (3,500 Mls) wide, Perth is relatively remote from the rest of Australia. Even though there is some feeling of isolation from the other States and Capital Cities, Perth is the most progressive State in the Commonwealth of Australia. Mining is the major catalyst for the drive in expansion. There are other growing industries such as the wine industry around the Southern Region with Margaret River one of the most famous. Tourism, the pearling industry, oil and fishing have a major contribution.
Temperatures range from an average minimum of 9 degrees and an average maximum of 30 degrees, occasionally rising to 35 degrees during summer. The “Fremantle Doctor”, which is a breeze off the Atlantic Ocean, passing over Perth’s major port, Fremantle first, has a cooling effect in the afternoon in Perth.
Perth’s population has a large English emigrant community, with Scottish, Irish, Italian, Greek, Dutch, Germans, Chinese and more recently South African and Eastern Europeans. “Packing for Perth” became a catch phrase for those moving to Australia from South Africa in the 1980’s and 1990’s, whether they were going to settle in Perth or not.
The diversity of occupations are the same as with any major city worldwide, and due to the Skilled shortage in so many occupations, opportunities exist for the Accountant, Doctor, Registered Nurse, Teacher, Electrician, Mechanic, Carpenter, Plumber, Welder, Sheet Metal Worker. The list is endless. The mining industry is booming and the short fall of virtually all skilled tradespersons is immense and large wages are paid to attract those with the skills to outback Western Australia.
Housing prices are currently growing at about 2.0% which is less than the majority of Capital Cities (Hobart 3.8%, Brisbane 2.9%, Darwin 2.8%), with units for $250,000 and houses from $350,000. These prices will be in the outer suburbs, with houses on the Swan River and the bay at $3-5M plus.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are many Private Colleges (girls only, boys only as well as mixed), TAFE Colleges, Universities, Museums, Art Galleries, Performing Arts, Live Theatre and Music Academy.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Living in Melbourne, Victoria
MELBOURNE
Melbourne was foundered in 1835 on the Yarra River and is the Capital City of Victoria with a population of approximately 3.8M people. It is a multi cultural city with large communities of Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, New Zealand, India and Chinese Australians. There is always a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney in all walks of life. Victoria, but in particular Melbourne, has a reputation of being sport fanatics. It has facilities catering for all sports, which were enhanced only recently because of the Olympic Games. Melbourne is built around Port Phillip Bay, spreading South around both sides of the bay as well as all other directions. Surrounding Melbourne are some of the best wine growing facilities with a world famous reputation.
Temperatures range between an average low of 6 to and average high of 26 degrees with the occasional burst of up to 35 degrees during summer. During winter, ski fields are a short 2-3 hour drive, so many residents either own a lodge or holiday on the slopes as well as weekends skiing.
The diversity of occupations is the same as with any major city worldwide. As well as being Australia’s busiest port, Melbourne manufactures cars by Ford and Toyota as well as engines for Holden (General Motors). It is a major hub for business, banking and financial arenas. Due to the skilled shortage in so many occupations, opportunities exist for the Accountant, Doctor, Registered Nurse, Teacher, Electrician, Mechanic, Carpenter, Plumber, Welder, and Sheet Metal Worker. The list is endless.
Melbourne has been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities on several occasions. Housing prices are currently growing at a meagre 1.5% which is less than the majority of Capital Cities (Hobart 3.8%, Brisbane 2.9%, Darwin 2.8%), with units for $250,000 and houses from $350,000. These prices will be for suburbs in the outer circle, while houses on Port Phillip Bay and inner suburbs at $3-5M plus.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are many Private Colleges (girls only, boys only as well as mixed), TAFE Colleges, Universities, Museums, Art Galleries, Performing Arts, Live Theatre and Music Academy.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Living in Hobart, Tasmania
HOBART
Hobart was founded in 1803, is the Capital City of Tasmania and has a population of approximately 210,000 people. Tasmania is separated from the rest of Australia by Bass Straight, one of the most treacherous pieces of water in the world. It is on the Southern side of Tasmania, some 35 Klms (20Mls) up the Derwent River. There are ferry services from Hobart & Launceston (on the Northern side of Tasmania), to Melbourne and Sydney.
Tourism is a large part of Tasmania’s economy, with people wanting to witness the historic inner suburbs and the penal colony first hand, as well as rafting and hiking on the Franklin River. Cradle Mountain is a great draw card for hikers and wilderness lovers alike. Hobart is renowned the world over for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which starts on the 26th December each year from Sydney, attracting entries from the around the world. Just a few kilometres from Hobart is Port Arthur which has historical significance. Port Authur is the site of Australia’s best preserved convict settlement and an essential place to visit for anyone wishing to engage with Australia’s history and culture. <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> There is also a high speed Catamaran Ferry Factory which exports around the world and Cadbury Chocolates have their Factory in Hobart and is a popular attraction.
The temperatures, due to the fact that there is no significant land between Tasmania and the Antarctic, are some of the lowest in Australia with a range from 5-25 degrees, occasionally rising to 30 degrees. Because Tasmania is so close to the Antarctic, all Australian and French expeditions emulate from Hobart.
Tasmania is classified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, as a Regional Area. This fact alone has been having a significant effect on hopeful emigrants. Those with skills, who may be nearing the 45 year age cut off, or lower scoring skilled occupations (40-50 points), have an opportunity of achieving their migration goal. The majority of emigrants have come from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany and the Netherlands.
Housing prices have been through a slump, but unlike most of the other Capital Cities, Tasmania is experiencing a resurgence of 3.8%, with units for $100,000 and houses from $200,000 upwards. These prices will be for the outer suburbs, with houses in the inner suburbs and over- looking the Derwent River from $500,000 up.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are many Private Colleges (girls only, boys only as well as mixed), TAFE Colleges, Universities, Museums, Art Galleries, Performing Arts, Live Theatre and Music Academy.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing,Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Living on the Gold Coast Qld
GOLD COAST
This is the name given to an area of the Australian coastal strip, in the South Eastern corner of Queensland, 80 klm (50 mls) south of Brisbane, between Sanctuary Cove and Coolangatta. It includes the world famous section called Surfers Paradise. The population is approximately 500,000 and is the fastest growing Region of Australia. The temperature range is from 18-30 degrees with mostly sunny days. The saying “Beautiful one day, Perfect the next” was coined to describes the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is a cosmopolitan mix of people from all over the world.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are TAFE Colleges, Griffith University and the world famous Bond University.
Housing ranges from AUD$100,000 for a 1 bedroom flat to 3 bedroom houses $350,000 to 6 or more bedrooms $1M plus.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Tourism underpins the Gold Coast Region, with the main attraction being the miles and miles of uninterrupted white sandy beaches, which boast some of the most famous beach breaks in the world. With 4 Theme Parks and a variety of Hotels and Apartment Buildings providing for the safisticated as well as the family, the Gold Coast proudly boast being the Tourist capital of Australia. Brisbane is just 80 kilometres drive or train ride north and the Sunshine Coast is another 100 kilometres further north, boasting Steve Erwin’s Australia Zoo and many popular Tourist towns.
The infrastructure rising from this is mainly small to medium size businesses, from the construction industry, manufacturing, boat building, retail and the various white collar industries necessary such as Accountants, Lawyers.
Living in Darwin N.T.
DARWIN
Darwin is the Capital City of the Northern Territory with a population of approximately 115,000 people. It is the most northerly Capital City, is situated on the Timor Sea and is the largest city, by far of any in the N.T. There is a highway which commences in Darwin and travels due south for approximately 4,800 klms (3,000 mls), passing through Alice Springs and ending in Port Augusta in South Australia.
Temperatures in Darwin vary between 30-35 degrees throughout the year and it has a wet season (November-March) and a dry season (April-October). During the wet season, Darwin is extremely humid and is famous for its lighting storms and cyclones. The most famous was Cyclone Tracy on Christmas day 1974 devastated Darwin with 71 lives lost.
Darwin has an old established part of the city and a new satellite city called Palmerston, 20 klms south, which is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia.
The major emigrant population is English, Irish, Scottish, Chinese, Greek and Italian.
Tourism and Mining are the largest industries driving the economy in not only Darwin, but the Northern Territory. During the wet season, tourism is quiet due to the humidity and the rain, but for the remainder of the year, tourism is the dominant industry from within Australia as well as from overseas. The Military presence in Darwin is a significant employer also.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. This has just been re-structured to Primary, Middle & Secondary. The Charles Darwin University caters as both a University and a TAFE College, covering Vocational and Academic Courses. For some, the option of boarding school is available in any of the major Capital Cities or some Regional cities such as Toowoomba or the Gold Coast.
Housing varies from 1 bedroom flats in central Darwin $100,000 to 3 or 4 bedroom houses from $400,000 to $600,000 and larger homes from $800,000.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Fishing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Hockey, Basketball and Netball.
Living in Canberra A.C.T.
CANBERRA
Canberra is in the Australian Capital Territory and is the Capital of Australia with a population of approximately 340,000 people and is the largest inland city. As the seat of the Australian Government, Canberra has the House of Parliament as well as the High Court. Canberra is also the home of virtually all Government Departments including, all the Defence Forces, as well as the Australian War Museum, National Museum, National Art Gallery, as well as foreign countries Embassies.
Temperatures in Canberra vary in winter from a minimum -4 to a maximum 11 degrees Celsius and in summer from a minimum 13 to a maximum 28 degrees Celsius, with snow during winter months and the ski fields within a couple of hours drive. The average age of Canberrans is 32, well educated, with significant migration from Germany, Italy, Vietnam, China, Greece and Croatia.
Centrally situated between Sydney and Melbourne, the majority of employment is within the public sector and it has unemployment of about 2.8%, compared with the National average 4.8%. The average wage is $1,200.00 per week and the median house price is approximately $435,000 which is lower than Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are two main tertiary institutions which Aare the ANU, Australian National University and the UC, University of Canberra.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Living in Brisbane, Qld.
BRISBANE
Brisbane is the Capital city for Queensland. It is the 3rd largest city in Australia with a population of approximately 1.75M people. Queensland is the fastest growing State in Australia with migration from the Southern States as well as from Overseas.
The temperature ranges from 15-30 degrees with occasional highs of 35 degree. It has a more tropical feel due to Brisbane being close to the Tropic of Capricorn.
Brisbane has been a more laid back city compared with Sydney and Melbourne, but with the growth in population and popularity, Brisbane has become a much livelier city. It has a cosmopolitan mix which has expanded the night life, restaurants and cultural events throughout the year.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are many Private Colleges (girls only, boys only, as well as mixed), TAFE Colleges, Griffith University, Museums, Art Galleries, Performing Art Centre, Live Theatre, Music Academy.
Housing ranges from AUD$125,000 for a 1 bedroom flat to 3 bedroom houses $350,000 to 6 or more bedrooms homes for $1M plus. Brisbane is quite hilly in sections which give both views and variety, but the beach side suburbs are well sought after also with protected bays, inlets & mariners.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Brisbane has the full range of occupations just like any other large progressive city, but because of the overall skills shortage throughout Australia, Brisbane is not immune from shortages, which allows for emigrants to find employment relatively easily.
Living in Adelaide S.A.
ADELAIDE
Adelaide is the Capital city of South Australia with a population of approximately 1.25M people. Known as the “City of Churches”, it stretches North, South and East from Spencer Gulf. South Australia has a worldwide reputation for its quality of wines. There have been a number of large industries close in the Adelaide region, which has led to a decline in its population. This has also led to a fall in property prices. The South Australian Government is aggressively marketing the State, encouraging people to move.
The entire State is classified as a Regional Area by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). This fact alone has been having a significant effect on hopeful emigrants. Those with skills, who may be nearing the 45 year age cut off, or lower scoring skilled occupations (40-50 points), have an opportunity of achieving their migration goal.
Temperatures range from 10-35 degrees and it has a dry humidity.
The people are very open and friendly and the pace of life is a little slower than the larger cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
The diversity of occupations are the same as with any major city worldwide, and due to the Skilled shortage in so many occupations, opportunities exist for the Accountant, Doctor, Registered Nurse, Teacher, Electrician, Mechanic, Carpenter, Plumber, Welder, Sheet Metal Worker. The list is endless. The mining industry is booming and the short fall of virtually all skilled tradespersons is immense and large wages are paid to attract those with the skills to outback South Australia.
Housing prices are currently stable, unlike other Capital Cities (Hobart 3.8%, Brisbane 2.9%, Darwin 2.8%), with units for $150,000 and houses from $250,000, perhaps $300,000.00 upwards. These prices will be for the outer suburbs, with houses in the inner suburbs from $750,000 up.
The Education system has Public (Government run) and Private (Fees paid by parents) schools. There are a large number of Child Care facilities (0-5yrs), Pre-school (4-5yrs), some Pre-Prep (4-5yrs) and then years 1-12. There are many Private Colleges (girls only, boys only, as well as mixed), TAFE Colleges, Universities, Museums, Art Galleries, Performing Arts, Live Theatre and Music Academy.
Sports are too numerous to mention, but include Cricket, Soccer, Rugby (both codes), AFL (similar to Gallic football), Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Tennis, Horse Racing, Harness Racing, Basketball and Netball.
Time to get a visa
TIMING
The time involved in applying for a visa to enter Australia can vary, depending on the visa you apply for. Some visas can be applied for on-line (see www.immi.gov.au ). The temporary visas such as the “456” Business (Short Stay) and the “457” Business (Long Stay), once all the documentation has been gathered and the correct forms have been filled, can be applied for on-line and if complete, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), has 2 Processing Centres of Excellence which can provide a decision within a week. The majority of applications however, will take approximately 6-9 months for DIAC to provide a decision to either Grant or Refuse.
There are a small number of visas, including, but not limited to, Contributory Parent visas (2-3 years) and Parent visas (18-19 years).
DIAC require certified copies of Passports, Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Divorce Documentation, Death Certificates, and Educational Qualifications since leaving school with specific dates, all Certificate III, IV, Diploma/s, Bachelor or higher Degree/s, References, Statutory Declarations.
All of these documents must be copied, translated if in a language other than English and notarized by a Notary Public or similar.
It is obvious from the above that it is a “complex mine field”, just knowing what documents are required, to apply to which visa. The amount of time required can run into weeks before the application can be commenced.
Completion of the DIAC Forms can take 1 week.
Then the agonizing wait for DIAC to “pick” your file to review, which is the timing alluded to above.
Once picked, DIAC will either ask for more information, Grant or Refuse.
Professional advice should be sort from a Registered Migration Agent (RMA), to gain the maximum benefit, as timing is everything. It can make a difference of weeks, if not months, as the RMA’s knowledge of the correct visa, documents and forms can be paramount in the amount of time between the decision to move to Australia and arriving.
No Family in Australia? Migrate to Regional Australia!
Regional Australia is defined as all areas outside Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It is governed by post code and can be found by visiting www.immi.gov.au . The majority of emigrants have a desire to live where the majority of Australians wish to live – on the coastal areas and Capital Cities.
Australia has a skilled shortage, and those who have qualified with Certificate III, IV, Diploma, and Bachelor Degree or higher have a great opportunity to be successful in an application providing they are 45 years old or younger at the time of application.
To make sure there is an even playing field, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has in place 12 criteria from which skilled applicants must achieve a score of up to 120 points to obtain a Skilled visa: – Skill, Age, English skills, Specific work experience, Australian work experience, Study in Australia, Occupations in Demand (MODL), other language skills, partner skills, study in a Regional area, State or Territory Sponsorship and Family Sponsorship in Designated area.
Skilled applicants who are finding it difficult to achieve the 120 points still have options. If they have family already living in Australia who are either Australian Citizens or Settled Permanent Residents (2 years) may apply for a Sponsored Skilled Independent visa. This visa only requires 100 points to be achieved from the 12 criteria. If the family live in a Designated Area of Australia and are prepared to sponsor the applicant, the restrictions on the family are relaxed and expanded to include grandparent and first cousin and the applicant is awarded a massive 25 points. This, of course, is to encourage emigrants to move to the Regional Areas of Australia as they are struggling more so than the Coastal Areas. Designated Area is defined as all of Australia except Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Brisbane, and Perth.
If applicants do not have family in Australia, they have the opportunity of obtaining Sponsorship from one of the States of Australia or Territories being the Australian Capital Territory or Northern Territory (State/Territory Sponsorship). This requires research by visiting the various States’ web sites and finding the page which lists all the jobs they are looking for. Once contact and approval are obtained from the State/Territory, the applicant must apply for the State or Territory Sponsored Skilled visa. This is a 3 year Temporary visa which only requires 100 points. The applicant MUST live in the Regional area for at least the first 2 years, working for 1 of those years, after which they may move to any area in Australia.
