Just arrived in Australia and not sure where to start?
No worries, LinkTo is here to help you get settled with clear, and practical tips.
Besides joining groups, and getting involved in the experience, here are a few things that will make your life much easier in Australia.
๐งณ Getting Started –ย Must-Know Links
๐ Looking for your first job?
Make sure your resume follows the Australian style: short, clear, and straight to the point.
Sign up on job platforms like Seek and Indeed, and explore local Facebook groups and LinkedIn job boards.
Also, many supermarkets and gyms offer special discounts for students and newcomers, donโt miss out!
๐ Explore resume templates and tips on Seek
๐ธ RSA โ Responsible Service of Alcohol
Required if you plan to work in bars, restaurants, or any place that serves alcohol.
๐ฐ Tax Return โ Lodging your income tax
Learn how to file your tax return properly in Australia.
๐ How to lodge your tax return (ATO)
๐ Important to know:
In Australia, the financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, not January to December like in Brazil.
If youโre filing for the first time, itโs a good idea to see a registered tax agent, but you can also lodge it yourself using myGov.
๐งพ TFN โ Tax File Number
You must have a TFN to work legally and be taxed correctly.
๐ Apply for your TFN
๐ข ABN โ Australian Business Number
If you’re working as a freelancer or running your own business, you’ll need an ABN.
๐ Apply for an ABN
WHITE CARD โ Construction work safety certificate
Required for all construction jobs in Australia.
๐ Complete your White Card course
๐ฎ Police Clearance โ Background check
Some jobs (especially with children or in government) may require a national police check.
๐ Request your National Police Check
๐ Resume Templates โ Professional Australian CVs
Your resume should match Australian standards โ clear, concise, and tailored to each job.
Seek offers professional templates and resume tips that are widely used across industries.
๐ Explore resume templates and tips on Seek
โค๏ธ First Aid & CPR Certificate
Often required in jobs such as hospitality, education, fitness, and healthcare.
๐ Book your First Aid & CPR course
๐ Car History Check
Before buying a second-hand car, check for accidents, debts, and more.
๐ฒ Bike Registration
Protect your bike by registering it with the local police database โ helpful in case of theft.
๐ Register your bike
๐ Brazilian Driverโs Licence
Find out if and how long you can use your Brazilian driverโs licence in Australia (rules vary by state).
๐ Check driver licence rules โ WA
๐ฅ Medicare โ Public Health System
Not all visas are eligible for Medicare. If your visa doesnโt include it, you still pay the Medicare levy through your taxes.
If you use private health cover instead, you may be eligible to claim the levy back in your tax return.
๐ Check if youโre eligible for Medicare
๐ผ Superannuation (Super) โ Retirement Fund
Superannuation is an Australian compulsory retirement savings system where employers contribute part of your salary.
๐ Learn more about Superannuation
๐
EOFY โ End of Financial Year
EOFY (End of Financial Year) offers special discounts in Australia before June 30. Buying work-related items during EOFY can help reduce your tax payable by claiming them in your Tax Return.
๐ Public Transport Cards
Each state has a smartcard for public transport:
-
NSW = Opal
-
VIC = Myki
-
WA = SmartRider
-
QLD = Go Card
Youโll need one for trains, buses and trams.
๐ Learn more about Public Transport in Australia
โป๏ธ 10c Refund โ Recycling Pays!
Return eligible cans and bottles at recycling points to get 10 cents per item.
Itโs eco-friendly and puts a few extra dollars in your pocket!
๐ Find a return point
๐๏ธ Setting up your home with Buy Nothing
The Buy Nothing group lets you receive free furniture, utensils, and other items from people in your local community โ perfect for furnishing your home without spending a cent.
๐ Learn more here
๐ Free English classes at the library
Many libraries offer free English classes to help immigrants and locals improve their language skills, with teachers and practice groups.
๐ Learn more here
๐ Finding Accommodation
Looking for a place to live in Australia? Whether you’re after a rental, shared housing, or temporary stay, there are plenty of options to suit your budget and needs. Start by checking websites like realestate.com.au and Flatmates.com.au for rentals and shared rooms.
๐ Learn more about finding accommodation here
๐ Renting Tips
Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Always read your lease carefully, understand bond deposits, and keep communication with your landlord clear.
๐ Check tenant rights and tips here
๐๏ธ Temporary Accommodation
If you need a short-term place, consider hostels, Airbnb, or serviced apartments. Some community organisations also offer emergency or low-cost housing support.
๐ Explore temporary accommodation options here
๐ฎ Australia Post
Need to send mail or parcels? Australia Post offers reliable postal services nationwide, plus you can easily track your shipments online. They also provide PO Boxes if you need a secure mailing address.
๐ Learn more here
๐ NAATI Translation
For official document translations in Australia, use NAATI-accredited translators. This is required for visa applications and legal purposes to ensure your documents are accepted.
๐ Find a NAATI translator here
๐ Certified (Juramentada) Translation
Certified translations are legally recognised translations of your documents. Make sure to get your papers translated by accredited professionals when required.
๐ Learn more about certified translations here
๐ฅ Gas, Energy & Water
Set up your utilities early! Compare providers for gas, electricity, and water to find the best deals. Many states offer online comparison tools.
๐ Check energy and water providers here
๐ Internet Providers
Stay connected with reliable internet services. Popular providers include Telstra, Optus, and TPG. Choose plans that fit your usage and budget.
๐ Compare internet plans here
๐ธ Wise (Money Transfers)
Sending money overseas? Wise offers low-cost international transfers with transparent fees and good exchange rates.
๐ Learn more here
๐ฆ Main Banks in Australia
The Big Four banks are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. They offer a range of accounts and services for newcomers.
๐ Explore bank options here
๐ถ Working with Children
If you want to work or volunteer with children in Australia, youโll need a Working with Children Check (WWCC) or equivalent clearance. This ensures you have passed background checks and are suitable for child-related roles.
๐ Learn more about Working with Children Checks across Australia here
๐ Many jobs in education, childcare, and community services require this clearance before you start.
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