Guide for Muslim Students
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WA MUSLIM GUIDE Contents Welcome messages 2 Fast Facts on Perth & Western Australia 4 Australian Visa Information 6 Travel Information 7 Translators and Interpreters 9 Taxi 10 Public Transport 11 Consulates 12 Western Australian Islamic Organisations 13 Education for International Muslim Students 14 Islamic Schools 15 School & Public Holidays 16 Perth Muslim Student Support Services 17 Mosques & Prayer Halls 18 Halal Outlets 21 Useful Contacts 34 Disclamer: Useful Apps 37 Western Australian Global Network 40 The information provided in this Guide is correct at the time of publication (2015). StudyPerth provides the information in the Guide in good faith. It does not endorse or verify the quality of the agencies or services mentioned in this Guide. Users must decide for themselves weather the service or organisation is of an appropriate standard. StudyPerth would like to thank all who contributed to this Guide including the Islamic Council of WA and the WA Office of Multicultural Interests. 01 Welcome messages Message from the Office of Multicultural Interests Message from Islamic Council of WA Western Australia is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society whose All praise is to Allah, the magnificent and the merciful, that Western Australia is blessed members are drawn from a rich heritage of cultural traditions and histories. In this vast, with countless bounties and exquisite natural beauty. The Western Australian Muslim diverse State, Aboriginal inhabitants live, work and study along with people originating community welcomes you to our beautiful and vast State that constitutes an important from more than 200 countries. part of the Australian commonwealth. Western Australia’s citizens speak as many as 270 languages (including Aboriginal The Muslim Guide to Western Australia booklet will be a useful during your visit, languages) and identify with more than 100 religious faiths. Almost one-third (31 per cent) offering information for Muslim business visitors, tourists and international students of Western Australians were born overseas and, in addition to English, 15 per cent of the from across the Muslim world. The Guide includes various services offered, including population speaks a language other than English at home. consular services and helpful contacts. More than 40,000 Muslims live in Western Australia, and festivals like Eid-ul-Fitri and Muslim Australians are an integral part of our rich multicultural and social fabric that Eid-ul-Adha are major community events that are celebrated across the State. There are makes Western Australia one of the most multicultural and socially integrated States three Islamic colleges and one Islamic school as well as 20 major mosques or prayer halls of Australia. Close geographical proximity, trade connections and time zones shared in metropolitan and regional communities. by WA with the most populated Muslim neighbour, Indonesia, makes our State truly unique as a future hub for international business and a future platform for enhanced The Muslim Guide to Western Australia is a valuable tool offering useful information for cultural and economic interaction with the Muslim world. Muslim business visitors, tourists and students. When you come to Western Australia to study, visit or live as a new migrant you will in The guide features travel information, such as domestic and international airline services, due course learn about the rich and dynamic history of its people, both ancient and lists consulate offices in the metropolitan area. A list of translators and interpreters, Aborigines and modern Australians. You will surely be enlightened that the Australia’s halal outlets and mosques is also included. oldest post- federation mosque was built in 1905 and is situated in metropolitan Perth. The historical and significant contribution of early Muslims in late 19th century in If you are planning a longer stay in Western Australia, you can find education information economic development of Western Australia is also well cherished and enshrined in including details of Islamic schools and associations in this guide. Details of Federal and history of Australia. State Government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Immigration and Border Control, are also listed. Thank you for choosing Western Australia as your tourist, education or a migrant settlement destination. Western Australia is a diverse and exciting place to work, invest, study or holiday. We hope the Muslim Guide to Western Australia will help you enjoy a memorable and valuable On behalf of Western Australia’s Muslim community I wish you a pleasant and blissful stay. stay in Western Australia. Aziz Khan BA, LLB Secretary Islamic Council of WA 02 03 Fast Facts on Perth & Western Australia Airport Ethnic Groups Languages Perth International Airport is 18 kilometres At the 2011 Australian Census, 31% of Western English is the widely used language. from the city centre. Australia’s total population were migrants. The However, because of the European and largest migrant groups (by percentage of WA Asian immigrant population there is a wide Business Hours population) were: range of other languages spoken such as Standard business hours are Monday to United Kingdom (10.3%) Italian, Malay and Chinese. Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. New Zealand (3.2%) South Africa (1.6%) Population (as of September 2014) Climate India (1.3%) Australia: 23.58 million Perth has an average of eight hours Malaysia (1.1%) Western Australia: 2.58 million sunshine a day. Summer is hot with an Italy (0.9%) Perth: 2.02 million average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius Philippines (0.8%) (°C) during the day and 17°C at night. China (0.7%) Religion Winter is from June to August and is mild, Ireland (0.6%) Christianity 1,300,375 (58.1%) with an average temperature of 18°C Singapore (0.6%) Buddhism 47,395 (2.1%) during the day, and 10°C at night. (Census 2011. ABS) Islam 39,118 (1.7%) Hinduism 21,025 (0.9%) Clothing Government Other 247,885 (11.7%) Lightweight suits are the trend for business Australia is a democratic, federal-state system, No Religion 571,949 (25.5%) clothes. Casual dress is worn on all other and a member of the British Commonwealth. (Census 2011. ABS) occassions. Three bodies established by the Australian Constitution - Parliament (legislative), Time Zone Credit Cards Commonwealth Executive (executive) and Local time is 8 hours ahead of Credit cards are acceptable in Perth. Federal Judicature (judicial powers) - make Greenwich Mean Time. The most common are Visa, MasterCard, Australia a constitutional monarchy, a Bankcard, American Express and federation and a parliamentary democracy. Tipping Diners Club. It is not compulsory to leave tips in Perth, Health Risks however it is appreciated especially in Currency The sun is very intense. Hats, sunglasses, hospitality venues. If you decide to leave a tip, The currency that is used is the Australian and sunscreen are recommended even on it is suggested that between 5-10% of the total Dollar (AUD). The denominations are $100, cloudy days. bill is sufficient. $50, $20, $10 and $5 notes, and coins, $2, $1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, and 5¢. Electricity The normal current is 220-240 volts AC; 50Hz. The three pin power outlet is different from many countries including Asia. It is recommended to look for an Australian adaptor socket. 04 05 Australian Visa Information Travel Information To enter Australia, you must obtain an Australian visa by completing a Visa Application Form. Perth Airport has four terminals that offer regional, interstate and international commercial air services. International Terminal 1 (T1) and Domestic Terminal 2 (T2) are located off Horrie Miller Tourist and Business Visitor visas may be available as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Visitors Drive and Domestic Terminals 3 and 4 (T3 & T4) are located off Brearley Avenue. should apply for an ETA at least two weeks before their visit through a travel agent, international airline, an overseas Australian diplomatic office or online from the Australian Department of Immi- It is important to check your itinerary carefully or contact your airline to ensure you go to the correct gration and Border Protection website. terminal, as a number of airlines operate from more than one terminal. https://www.border.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/55eta#b Perth International and Domestic Airports If you do not hold a passport suitable for ETA, you will need to apply for a ‘label’ visa from Australian Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates overseas. Administration Baker Road To make a valid application for a visa for Australia, you must: Perth WA 6105 Tel: +61 8 9478 8888 • Indicate the type or class of visa you want; www.perthairport.com • Use the correct form; • Pay the required charge; DOMESTIC AIRLINES SERVICING • Provide the correct documentation in support of your application; WESTERN AUSTRALIA • Satisfy all requirements for the visa you are applying for; and • Send or deliver your application to an Australian diplomatic office overseas. Jetstar Reservations within Australia: 13 15 38 Each person with their own passport must complete a visa application. www.jetstar.com.au Tourist and ETA visas are valid for three months. Visitor visas are usually valid for one year for QantasLink multiple journeys to Australia. You can apply for a visa allowing multiple travel for up to four years, Reservations within Australia: 13 13 13 with a stay of three or six months on each visit. www.qantas.com.au If you wish to visit Australia for tourism and other recreational purposes, for business, or to study, Tigerair please visit the website below for application forms and further information. Tel: +61 3 9034 3733 Tel: +61 2 8073 3421 www.border.gov.au www.tigerair.com Please note that you should always check with your nearest migration office which visa application Virgin Australia forms need to be submitted in your specific circumstances.