Welcome to

people passion personal touch

www.aussieos.com.au This booklet is provided to clients of Aussie Orientation Services. If you have acquired this booklet and require assistance in moving or relocating, please contact us on the below details for more information.

people passion personal touch

Head Office Sue Pember PO Box 1566 Managing Director Melville SOUTH WA 6156 Mobile: +61 (0) 412 742 380

Office: +61 (08) 9339 7079 Renee Jefferys General Manager www.aussieos.com.au Mobile: +61 (0) 467 799 977

Email: [email protected]

© Aussie Orientation Services Pty Ltd 2013. Except as provided by the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. Contents

Climate ...... 1 Pets...... 10

Getting to Brisbane ...... 2 Getting Around...... 10

Time Zones...... 2 Staying in contact...... 12

Sight Seeing...... 3 Family and Education...... 12

Beyond Brisbane...... 4 Childcare...... 12

Entertainment, Arts & Culture...... 4 Schools...... 13

Parks, Playgrounds & Picnics...... 6 Enrolment...... 14

Children’s Entertainment...... 6 Community groups...... 15

Gyms...... 7 Warning or Dangers...... 15

Shopping...... 7 Stay safe in Brisbane...... 15

Trading Hours ...... 7 Banking, Tax & Superannuation...... 17

Accommodation...... 7 Health and Medical...... 19

Cost of Living ...... 7 Medical Assistance...... 20

Where to live...... 7 Dental Services...... 21

Renting Property...... 8 Useful Links...... 21

Furniture...... 8 Schools in Brisbane...... 24

Setting up your home...... 8 Welcome to Brisbane! You’ve decided to move to Brisbane, we are thrilled for you! Brisbane is a beautiful city with great people and loads of things to see and do. Moving to a new city is an exciting and sometimes challenging experience – we are here to make it as easy as possible for you. No doubt you have a lot of questions – where will we live? What are the schools like? Can I get a decent cup of coffee? We are here to help – this guide will give you the answers to some of those questions and others you may not have even considered. We hope you enjoy it and it gives you a good taste of what life in Brisbane will be like. We look forward to meeting you soon and getting you started on your own great Brisbane adventure. Sue & the team.

How we help you… There is so much to do when arriving in a new city, our team can help make everything happen quickly and smoothly. Our orientation packages include: • Unlimited email support before you get here • Airport pick up (even at 3am!) • Assistance with setting up bank accounts, tax file numbers and drivers’ licences. • A personal orientation tour of Brisbane, including potential suburbs to call home, day care centres, schools, supermarkets and other necessities of life • Help with finding you a home, from shortlisting and taking you to property inspections to preparing lease applications. • Assistance with purchases – from cars, home furniture and teaspoons to TVs

How does it work? Whether you are relocating permanently or for a short time Aussie Orientation Services can design a package to suit you. Aussie Orientation Services will get to know you and what you are looking for before you arrive. So that we can tailor our service to your needs we ask you to complete a simple survey about your preferences, which may be followed up with an email or phone call to confirm any additional details. Using the information and our team’s knowledge of Brisbane we design an orientation tour to suit you, taking into account family dynamics, lifestyle preferences and budget. Darwin

Gladstone

Brisbane

Hello from Brisbane

Perth

Sydney Adelaide

Melbourne

Where we help you… We currently operate in:

> Perth > Sydney > Gladstone > Darwin > Brisbane > Adelaide > Melbourne

About Aussie Orientation Services Aussie Orientation Services specialises in tailor-made one-on-one relocation programs this ensures you settle into from the start. We can help you navigate the logistics of setting up in a new city, enabling you to hit the ground running in your new life in Australia. Relocating to a different country or state can be a very exciting, but stressful time. Aussie Orientation Services can help make it a positive experience. Our team of skilled relocation consultants has comprehensive knowledge of the city layout, suburbs, restaurants, entertainment, amenities and real estate markets. We also offer local knowledge and assistance with setting up bank accounts and obtaining tax file numbers and drivers’ licences. Sue Pember, Managing Director

Managing Director of Aussie Orientation Services, Sue Pember, has spent more than a decade assisting people and companies, with tailored relocation services in a range of industries. Sue’s many years of experience in looking after people and her intimate knowledge of the Perth real estate market will help you and your family make a positive move to Australia. Sue is very active in the Western Australian business community and currently sits on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Small Enterprise Network (SEN) Advisory Panel - SEN is a big voice for small business (www.cciwa.com/SEN/). Sue’s experience includes four years in the real estate industry as a sales representative, giving her great insight into the ins-and-outs of real estate. Before that Sue worked as a floor manger for ABC Television. Sue is married with two children and is proud to call Perth home.

What our clients say…

“The service did exactly what we were looking for, i.e., help ease the transition into a new city for me and my family. AOS came recommended to me and I will definitely be recommending you on to others.” “ Saleem and Family “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you (AOS) for a job well done. Everything was good and went according to plan and it was hassle free. I got up to speed since day one and everything felt good.” Andrew, Monica & the kids “Sue has excellent contacts in the local market and understands people’s requirements & is able to meet expectations.” Marcus & Jennifer Our Clients include:

Alstom Ltd Bechtel Brookfield Rail Cimeco CSIRO Downer GE Oil and Gas HWE Mining INPEX Leighton Contractors Mouchel Saipem Leighton Consortium Whelans Surveying Theiss Mapping and Town TSG Consulting Planning HYLC JV Brierty McDermott CB&I

Corporate Memberships

“We would like to convey our unbelievable satisfaction that AOS has afforded us in getting settled in our New Home place Australia! To our amazement, our AOS consultant was waiting for us at the airport after a gruelling 30 hour trip, which was my wife’s first time to fly. She was very active while we were getting settled, setting appointments, giving us local information and most of all - calming my wife’s concerns of a new culture, location and lifestyle of this beautiful city. I should only wish the future visitors to Australia are welcomed and made to feel as comfortable as she has for us.” James and Sheila Goldman

“I think the service you guys offer is fantastic and am really pleased my company engages you and offers this support to relocatees like myself.” Ken About Brisbane Welcome to Brisbane – the capital of the Sunshine State – and for good reason! Brisbane, the ‘River City’ is the perfect sub-tropical destination to enjoy the odd 300 sunny days Queenslanders enjoy each year. Brisbane will welcome you with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and buzzing local scene of outdoor festivals, urban villages and modern city pleasures. It is a haven for foodies and winos and home to world-class sporting venues and beautiful parklands. This guide will help you settle into life as a temporary or permanent resident of Brisbane. We have provided some general information and contacts to allow you to settle in quickly and comfortably. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Climate The weather in Brisbane is rated among the The winter days are mild and pleasant averaging best in the world. It is a sub-tropical mecca around 17 degrees Celsius, but can range from with warm to hot, humid summers and mild, 11-22 degrees Celsius. The average monthly dry winters. rainfall over the year is 96mm. In the Summer, we enjoy an average of 8 hours of For the past decade, Brisbane and its sun per day with the temperature ranging from surrounding temperate areas have experienced 20-30 degrees Celsius, with maximum average the most severe drought in over a century. temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. The However, severe flooding occurred in January summer months experience extremely hot 2011 resulting in devastation and damage. Level days therefore sunscreen, hats and protective 6 water restrictions were replaced with water clothing are essential. Thunderstorms are conservation measures, which can be accessed common from November to March with humid through local council websites. build-ups.

Brisbane Temperature Averages DEGREES CELCIUS (Bureau of Meteorology) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec YEAR Av High 30.3 30.0 28.9 27.1 24.4 21.9 21.9 23.1 25.6 26.8 27.8 29.2 26.4 Av Low 21.3 21.4 19.8 17.3 13.4 11.6 9.9 10.6 13.7 16.3 18.6 20.3 16.2

1 Getting to Brisbane Time Zones

Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and Brisbane is situated to the West of the Queensland’s capital. It is easily accessible International Date Line and lies on the Eastern by air, car, coach, cruise and rail. Brisbane’s seaboard of Australia. It is ahead of most other International and Domestic Airports are 15km international destinations, as well as ahead of or a 20 minute drive from the CBD. There is the central and Western states and territories. also a 25 minute AirTrain CityLink passenger Time differences between Brisbane and the rail service available to link the International following cities are: Terminal to the Brisbane CBD and Gold Coast. (NOTE: GOCARD is an electronic ticket allowing New York*: 14 hours behind you to travel seamlessly on TransLink’s network London*: 9 hours behind of bus, train and ferry services, including Paris*: 8 hours behind AirTrain. It’s cheaper compared to the cost Moscow: 6 hours behind of a paper ticket, is easily topped up and you Bangkok: 3 hours behind can register your card to protect your travel Hong Kong: 2 hours behind balance if it is lost or stolen.) There is also Tokyo: 1 hour behind ample short and long-term parking available at * adjusted for Daylight savings both airport terminals and offered by private companies such as Andrew’s Airport Parking Brisbane is located within Eastern Standard Time (http://brisbane.andrewsairportpark.com. (EST), one of three time zones in Australia: au). Shuttle buses and taxis are plentiful and • Eastern Standard Time (EST) operates are located outside the main entrance of both in Queensland, New South Wales, the airport terminals and car hire is also available Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria from within the terminals. and Tasmania. The two officially recognised taxi services are: • Central Standard Time (CST) operates in the Yellow Cabs 131 924 Northern Territory and South Australia.

Black and White Cabs 131 008 • Western Standard Time (WST) operates in Taxi fares are approximately $2/km or $0.75/ Western Australia. minute but incur flagfall and booking fees, depending on the time of trip. Passengers are EST is half an hour in front of CST and is two also responsible for all tolls and road charges. hours in front of WST. Queensland and Western An additional fee is charged for all taxis leaving Australia do not operate on Daylight savings the International and Domestic airports and the time. Daylight savings operates in Summer Roma Street Transit Centre. in New South Wales, the Australian Capital

2 Territory (ACT), Victoria and South Australia It is an incredible display of colour pumped out (from the end of October to the end of March) to an awesome soundtrack. You can tune into and in Tasmania (from the beginning of October one of Brisbane’s most popular radio channels, to the end of March). Triple M (104.5FM) for a live broadcast and watch on TV. However, it is worth going out of Sight Seeing the house for! XXXX Brewery and Alehouse: If you are a true Brisbane is renowned for its near perfect Queenslander, then you love our beer! XXXX is weather. Most days of the year, you will be able the quintessential thirst-quencher for any local to enjoy the experience of this River City which and the brewery, hosting tours and functions, is foot-friendly with a buzzing, urban feel. Two is conveniently located in our midst. A Brisbane bridges connect both parts of the city, which institution and must do for any red-blooded lies in the bend of the . male (and female) who enjoys the odd ale! The CBD offers a range of retail City Centre: Sport and Outdoor: From Kangaroo Point you and commercial experiences. The Queen can enjoy abseiling, kayaking and rock climbing Street Mall has over 500 shopping outlets or take it easy with a bicycle ride or leisurely ranging from designer labels to boutique and stroll below the cliffs on the river bank. The mainstream outlets. You can enjoy the glamour Climb is popular with locals and of the , the historic Sandstone visitors and worth doing at sunset to take Cathedrals and the newly refurbished Town advantage of the views across the river and city. Hall, all within walking distance of each other. The newly built Queensland Centre hosts The CBD also boasts the huge Roma Street the . Queenslanders also Parklands and Botanic Gardens, both located in love watching Cricket, so if you get a chance, the centre’s hub. catch a match at ! This is the heart of the Southbank: Nightlife and Pub scene: The ‘Valley’ as it entertainment, culture and art precinct is affectionately known by locals, refers to located right on the banks of the Brisbane Fortitude Valley, home to the most popular River, easily accessible by foot, over one of bars, clubs and nightlife in Brisbane city. the two bridges from the CBD or by a CityCat Live, Loud and Proud is a fitting motto for this stop. Southbank hosts great restaurants and entertainment precinct and the Chinatown bars, boutique shopping outlets in its very own mall. Alternatively, enjoy a casual Sunday ‘Little Stanley Street’ and the Queensland Art session in some of the most relaxed watering Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Qld Museum holes; Fridays Riverside in the city and The Royal and Sciencentre, Queensland Performance Exchange (RE) and Regatta Hotel in Toowong. Art Centre and State Library. It is where the So many watering holes, so little time……. popular man-made Streets Beach is enjoyed all year round within the 17 hectares of Southbank CityCat Cruise: A fast, easy, cheap and relaxing Parklands and it neighbours the vintage and way to access the city sights and view the eclectic West End. attractions of the CBD from its best asset; the Brisbane River. This is a TransLink service with Mt Coot-tha Lookout: This lookout has the built in Wi-Fi. best views of Brisbane. Mt Coot-tha hosts the Botanic Gardens, Planetarium, Herbarium and Brisbane Valley: Worth a drive to explore the iconic Summit Restaurant. Walking, bike and serene wilderness, just out of the CBD. Many even horse tracks can be found around Mt Coot- locals enjoy a Sunday drive, falling on small tha. It is worth enjoying a picnic with family on coffee shops or locals pubs offering great lunch a clear day. ‘grub’ and choose to stay in any number of B&Bs along the route. The Brisbane Valley can Brisbane Festival’s Riverfire: This is the City’s also be enjoyed by walking or hiking within the favourite, annual event not to be missed! national parks. Commencing early September, stake your spot early along the banks of the Brisbane River, mostly enjoyed from the Southbank Parklands.

3 most beautiful areas to enjoy another family Beyond Brisbane day outdoors. From outdoor sailing, surfing, quad biking and sand tobogganing to a slower Brisbane Coastal: Manly, Cleveland, Scarborough pace of dolphin and whale watching, turtle and and even Redcliffe are little local treasures, birdlife spotting, you will find it all at one of worth a visit if you have time for a short drive. the islands just off Brisbane’s coastline. Bribie Fish at Wellington Point, walk the Jetty at Island is the northern most island, connected Redcliffe and enjoy markets, playgrounds and to the mainland by bridge and is just 1.5 hours local seafood delights; all within a stones throw drive from Brisbane. Bribie Island or Peel Island of the CBD. are great day trips for families of all ages, as Gold Coast: The ‘Goldy’ is a beach loving, is the smaller, less inhabited alternative of coastal paradise with a serene backdrop of Coochiemudlo Island. However, if its adventure Rainforest Hinterland, found about 80km south you want, then Moreton Island is for you! of Brisbane. Surfers Paradise and Southport One of the World’s largest sand islands hosts are both thriving tourist and commercial shipwrecks and reefs great for scuba diving, centres which can easily boast some of the best snorkelling, aquatic, surfing and fishing action beaches in the world between them. However, and the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort is a avoid the mall at the end of November when great spot for families to feed the dolphins. for 3 straight weeks the NSW, QLD and Victorian Stradbroke Island: Also close by are the islands School-leavers or ‘Schoolies’ descend on the enjoyed by locals; North and South ‘Straddie’. Gold Coast. You will also find great family North Stradbroke Island has a strong residential swimming and surfing at these beaches. community and locals enjoy swimming, surfing, The Gold Coast is renowned for its awesome fishing, 4wd driving and bushwalking on the theme parks and entertainment. Seaworld more populated and developed island of the Resort and Water Park is situated on ‘The two. South Stradbroke is home to unspoilt Spit’ at Southport, with the other main theme beaches, freshwater lakes, waterways and parks just a short drive toward the hinterland lagoons and there is kms of fishing beach all at Coomera, where you will find Dreamworld, year round. For a treat, stay at the luxurious Wet n Wild, White Water World and Warner Bros Couran Cove Island Resort. Both islands can be Movie World. Also located here is the absolute accessed by water taxi and boat. must see experience of the Outback Spectacular. Fraser Island: This is the largest sand island The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, just south of in the World! It is approximately a 4.5 hour the Gold Coast is also worth a visit. drive or 320km from Brisbane and is a popular Hinterland: Whilst driving south through the camping and fishing spot. Natural rainforest, beautiful and scenic hinterland areas, choose lakes, beaches, cliffs and shipwrecks lie along from any number of stops such as Tamborine the 125km long island where you will marvel Mountain Village, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, at lakes stained red with tannin against pure Binna Burra Mountain Lodge and Campsite and white sand beaches and the freshwater Lake even Mt. Warning for a picnic and bushwalk Wabby and Eli Creek. This World Heritage Site through the rainforest. rivals the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Kakadu and is a must if you have the time and seek a Sunshine Coast: Heading north out of Brisbane little adventure! for approximately 150km, you come across the Sunshine Coast towns of Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra. Each possessing their own fantastic Entertainment, beach, shopping and outdoor adventures, all are great spots for a family holiday or day trip. Arts & Culture Don’t forget to head to Steve Irwin’s famous The Brisbane art scene is eclectic, colourful and Australia Zoo with the kids, on your way up or exclusive. There is no end to its up-and-coming way home. gallery, theatre and museum experiences often Moreton Bay and Islands: Just 60km and a hosting limited season viewings and productions ferry trip later; will land you in some of the from around the World.

4 Entertainment: The entertainment hub of Museums and Galleries: Southbank holds the Brisbane City is undoubtedly Fortitude Valley. must-see of museum and gallery culture. The The ‘Valley’ is home to funky niche clubs /Gallery of Modern Art and bars. The pub scene is one of the more (QAGOMA) has hosted some of the most exclusive endearing parts of Brisbane’s relaxed and and mainstream successful exhibitions. It is an casual vibe, no doubt due to the beautiful beer- absolute must for any local or visitor wanting garden weather that lends itself to a mandatory to experience a sometimes ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Sunday session. To help you narrow it down, opportunity to view world renowned pieces and head to any of the following for perhaps a exhibitions. quintessential Brisbane pub experience; Royal Exchange (RE) or The Regatta, its friend and Brisbane is host to so many credible museums rival just around the corner, both found in and galleries it is difficult to narrow down Toowong, The Story Bridge Hotel at Kangaroo any one so choose from any of the following Point, the Breakfast Creek Hotel or the infamous options for a little bite of culture; Brisbane Caxton Street, parading sporting teams after a Convention and Exhibition Centre, QUT Art victorious game. For more of a nightlife jive, Museum, William Robinson Gallery, Museum of head to Friday’s Riverside, the Press Club with Brisbane, Qld Museum and Sciencentre, Qld other young professionals, the Limes Hotel in Police Museum, Commissariat Store, Macarthur Fortitude Valley for an extensive wine list and Museum, Bleeding Heart Gallery, Qld Maritime rooftop views with the hot crowd, is Museum; to name a few! possibly the most opulent bar in Brisbane to sip a beer or wine or the Lychee Lounge, a jewel Cinemas: Brisbane hosts premiere movie in the West End for a little more alternative experiences in both indoor and outdoor culture. locations. Mainstream options such as Birch Carol and Coyle and Hoyts cinemas are located Theatre: From the classics and comedies to in many of the major shopping centres and emerging Australian playwrights and Broadway more art house cinemas include Fiera-Barracks musicals you will enjoy it all in one of the and Blueroom Cinebar. many theatres scattered across Brisbane City. QPAC; the largest complex situated on the banks of the Brisbane River at Southbank, hosts Outdoor and Sporting: Suncorp Stadium is one International and Australian performances, of Qld’s première Sport and Outdoor Concert musicals, plays, ballet, opera and concerts venues. It hosts the Brisbane Broncos, Qld Reds, in its Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Playhouse, Wallabies, Brisbane Roar, Qld Rugby League, Cremorne Theatre and Tony Gould Gallery and Football Australia and the infamous State of other studio and function spaces. It is home to Origin attracting huge local enthusiasm with Queensland’s leading companies such as the its 525000 seating capacity. League, Union, Qld Theatre Company, Qld Orchestra, Qld Ballet Soccer, Music; you name it, it holds it! The and Opera Qld. Find other intimate, art house Gabba is home to cricket and AFL games and and mainstream productions at the Brisbane tennis is played on an international scale at the Art Theatre, Twelfth Night Boutique Theatre, . Princess Theatre, Palace Centro Cinemas, Powerhouse Theatre, Palace Barracks and the The Brisbane Entertainment Centre is also a known La Boite Roundhouse Theatre. major arena seating 135000 people and hosting international music, sporting and meeting

5 events. The RNA Showgrounds stages events Park at Pandanus Beach are also popular from musical festivals to trade shows, sport and spots. Alternatively if it’s a great picnic spot cultural events to intimate private functions. you are after, head for a daytrip to the Glass The annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run held House Mountains, Lamington National Park, in September and the City2South iconic run Springbrook National Park, Kondalilla Falls or in June is widely participated by locals and Maiala National Park. visitors from all walks of life. The Australian V8 Supercars Series is also held annually at the Gold Coast in October. It is a three-day festival Children’s of motoring, parades, concerts and parties not to be missed. Entertainment

Roma Street Parklands Parks, Playgrounds www.romastreetparkland.com & Picnics Theme Parks, Gold Coast www.seaworldresort.com.au There are any number of exquisite gardens www.dreamworld.com.au and parks to wander through to waste a lazy www.wetnwild.myfun.com.au afternoon. There is Wi-Fi offered by the www.movieworld.com.au (ph. 1300 780 115) in 22 www.whitewaterworld.com.au places dotted around Brisbane including cafes, www.infinitygc.com.au parks and playgrounds with shady river views, www.cws.org.au smaller or larger picnic or adventure grounds. www.ozball.com.au Picnic in Roma Street Parklands where you can experience ‘Catch and Release Fishing Days’ The Children’s Art Centre, QAGOMA and the Parkland Explorer train, www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/kids or City Botanic Garden and enjoy river views right in the centre of the CBD. The Sciencentre www.sciencentre.qm.qld.gov.au Watch abseiling, rock climbers, bike riders and walkers at the bottom of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point or sit on Streets Beach at Southbank Qld Museum Parkland; an artificial sandy white beach on www.qm.qld.gov.au the Brisbane River. Tucked under the Story Qld Museum, Southbank Bridge at Kangaroo Point, Captain Burke Park www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au also has its own sandy beach beside the river and the Wading Pool at Wynnum, Mt Coot-tha The Workshops Rail Museum Botanic Gardens in Toowong and the Whale www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

Lone Pine Sanctuary www.koala.net

Australia Zoo www.australiazoo.com.au

Brisbane Alma Park Zoo www.almaparkzoo.com.au

Rock Climbing www.rocksports.com.au

Currumbin Sanctuary www.cws.org.au

6 Kiddywinks Puppet Theatre www.kiddywinkspuppets.com.au Accommodation Tiddlywinks, Nundah www.tiddlywinks.com.au Cost of Living www.weekendnotes.com Many prospective migrants and visitors want to www.webchild.com.au know about the cost of living in Australia and www.brisbanekids.com.au whether they will have a better standard of living if they make the move. This is not an easy question to answer and Gyms everyone’s situation is different. The following Most gyms carry a membership fee and can website can provide some helpful evaluation work on a monthly payment plan. tools: www.aussiemove.com/aus/costlive.asp To find a gym near you visit: www.goodgymguide.com.au Where to Live

Brisbane can be loosely separated into 5 main Shopping geographical areas: Inner City, Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western suburbs. Brisbane is home to a variety of shopping experiences such as huge department stores, A further divide and brief description of the boutique, vintage and alternate treasures choices are as follows: and can boast internationally recognised local fashion labels such as Sass and Bide. Queen Inner City Brisbane – Like in any inner-city Street Mall and Queens Plaza is home to most suburb, it can boast location, location, retail and designer brand names but if it’s location; however, it comes at a cost. CBD and more of an upscale, vintage, indy look you are inner suburbs include Spring Hill, Kangaroo after, then head to Fortitude Valley. Boutique, Point, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Newstead gourmet, vintage and designer, antique and and Teneriffe. gallery shopping is best at places such as Given Inner Northern – chic and influential, more and La Trobe Terraces at Paddington as well as prestigious suburbs such as Clayfield, Ascot, New Farm, Teneriffe, Milton and Rosalie. Head Hamilton, Windsor, Newmarket, Kelvin Grove. to West End for a bohemian, alternate and more eclectic fashion scene. North Eastern – new housing estates in Bracken Ridge, Boondall, Carseldine all servicing the growing business and industrial areas and the Trading Hours airport precinct, also including suburbs such as Nundah, Nudgee and Eagle Farm (Racecourse) Businesses in Brisbane City traditionally trade seven days a week. Generally, trading North Western – a combination of long hours are as follows: established suburbs, as well as new housing and a major army barracks at Enoggera which Monday - Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm attracts defence families. Suburbs include Friday: 9:00am – 9:00pm The Gap, Ferny Hills, Ferny Grove, Everton Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Park, Albany Creek, Stafford Heights, Alderly, Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm Grange. Western – suburbs in the prestigious Western However, it is best to check individual stores or corridor includes St Lucia (University of Qld), centres for exact opening hours. Some stores Indooroopilly, Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, operate outside of these hours. www.bnecity. Kenmore, Brookfield, Pullenvale, Moggill (Ferry com.au/Centres/Default.aspx service), Mt Coot-tha, Ashgrove, Paddington, Milton, Auchenflower, Toowong.

7 Southern – a demographic mix of industry and commerce in Rocklea and Archerfield, Moorooka Renting Property ‘Magic Mile’ to river frontage areas such as West Properties in Australia are usually rented End and Southbank, Woolloongabba (GABBA), through Real Estate Agencies or directly through Yeronga. private owners/landlords. Available properties Inner-South Eastern – older and prestigious to rent, share and buy are listed in newspapers Balmoral, Norman Park, Bulimba and relatively and on property websites. There are three main newer Carindale and Carina. Other suburbs are websites to use for this purpose: East Brisbane, Morningside, Kangaroo Point, www.realestate.com.au Greenslopes, Holland Park. REIQ – Real Estate Institute of Qld South Eastern – new suburbs mixed with middle- www.reiq.com upper market areas including Acacia Ridge, Coopers Plains, Mt Gravatt and Sunnybank. RTA – Rental Tenancies Authority Upper Mt Gravatt is a huge business centre www.rta.qld.gov.au outside the CBD serviced by public transport. Mt Gravatt, Salisbury, MacGregor, Eight Mile Plains, Sunnybank, Runcorn and Stretten. Furniture As most properties in Australia are rented South Western – fastest growing areas with the unfurnished, you will need to rent or purchase Lakes District and Centenary, Darra, Durack, furniture. There are many furniture stores in Jindalee, Mt Ommeney, Oxley, Sinnamon Park, Brisbane, however it can be easiest to go to a Gails, Goodna, Springfield. Homemaker Centre. These centres will have If you wanted a ‘quick’ general guide….. a variety of stores to help you furnish your new home. Possibly the more affordable and South side and River – Bulimba and Balmoral popular choices are stores such as Super Amart, CBD Culture – Southbank, South Brisbane, Freedom and Ikea, however there are so many Kangaroo Point others to choose from. On the Bay – Manly North Western Family suburb – The Gap South side, leafy family suburbs – Camp Hill Setting Up Your Home and Greenslopes Whether you rent or buy a property in Australia, Leafy, café culture, quiet and family friendly you will need to get the Electricity and Gas Rosalie and Bardon connected. Urban Hotspots – Fortitude Valley, West End, New Farm There are 9 main energy retailers in south east Queensland: There are many factors to consider apart from location; quality of housing, standard of schools, AGL: 131 245 number of parks and open spaces. Naturally the www.agl.com.au median house price is a good indicator of how Australian Power and Gas: 133 298 desirable the suburb is, taking into account all www.australianpowerandgas.com.au of these attributes. Click Energy: 1800 77 59 29 www.clickenergy.com.au

Aussie Orientation Services will provide Dodo Power and Gas: 13 36 36 you with a detailed list of potential http://www.dodo.com/power-gas/quick-links/ suburbs based on the criteria you about-dodo-power-gas/ have already provided to us. Energy Australia: 133 466 www.energyaustralia.com.au Integral Energy: 133 753 www.integral.com.au

8 Lumo Energy: 1300 11 58 66 www.lumoenergy.com.au Origin Energy: 13 24 63 www.originenergy.com.au Powerdirect: 1300 307 966 www.powerdirect.com.au There are a number of Gas suppliers depending on whether you have natural gas available or choose to use bottled gas. It is best to make your comparisons using the Switchwise site www.switchwise.com.au • Watering of gardens and lawns Water permitted before 10am and after 4pm on any day except Monday. Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) delivers • Using a hose with a twist or trigger water and wastewater services to customers nozzle or water efficient irrigation in Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic systems (in accordance with the Rim and Somerset. Brisbane ratepayers receive government’s Irrigation Guideline). a water and wastewater account from QUU • Watering with a bucket is permitted separate to their Rate account. However, other at any time. outer Brisbane residents should contact their • Cleaning outdoors including vehicles, local council for water consumption queries, as equipment and buildings, and water most local councils pass on the water charges for construction activities can occur within their own Water and Rates notices. at any time using water efficient Brisbane residents can contact Queensland cleaning devices. Water efficient Urban Utilities on 13 26 57 for enquiries about cleaning devices include high pressure water and sewerage charges, burst mains, cleaning units, hoses with a twist or water and sewerage leaks, pressure and leakage trigger nozzle, or a bucket of water. management, water quality and treatment, • Paved areas including driveways, are recycled water, design and connections, not to be cleaned using water except metered standpipes and fire hydrants and trade where there is significant soiling or a waste. health or safety risk. Current water restrictions • Residential swimming pools and spas can be topped up with town water only The Queensland Water Commission’s (QWC) where the following water efficiency Permanent Water Conservation Measures are measures are in place – a rainwater in effect from 21 April 2012. These measures tank or downpipe diverter and three apply to all areas serviced by Queensland of four efficiency measures. Urban Utilities, including the Brisbane, Ipswich, • Non-residential swimming pools and Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset local spas can be topped up with town government areas. These restrictions have been water only where the following water designed to support the continued efficient efficiency measures are in place –a outdoor use of water in South-East Queensland rainwater tank or downpipe diverter, and to help achieve long-term demand sub-meter, clear view screen on the management objectives for water. backwash line and water efficient taps and showers in common areas. The QWC website provides detailed information about the new water conservation measures for WATER CHARGES FOR RENTERS both residents and businesses. Lessors (landlords) are allowed to pass on the Current measures that apply to the use of town full water consumption charges (including bulk water supplies include: water charges) to tenants, provided all the minimum criteria have been met. Lessors are

9 able to pass on the full water consumption For more information on bringing cats and dogs charges to tenants if: (and other animals) into Australia contact: • the rental premises are individually Department of Agriculture, metered (or water is delivered by Fisheries and Forestry. vehicle), and www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cats-dogs • the rental premises are water efficient, and Dogtainers • the tenancy agreement states www.dogtainers.com.au the tenant must pay for water 1300 135 252 consumption. For more information contact the Residential Getting Around Tenancies Authority (RTA) www.rta.qld.gov.au or call on 1300 366 311. Public Transport

www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/ There are any number of transport options for water/water-supply-and-sewerage/index.htm travel within and around Brisbane and locals and visitors should consider purchasing the GOCARD www.urbanutilities.com.au which is TransLink’s electronic ticket. It allows www.qwc.qld.gov.au you to travel seamlessly on all TransLink bus, train and ferry services and entitles you to Insurance: travel savings and discounts. There is also a It is recommended that you take out a Home free CityCentre Loop service which operates and Contents insurance policy to protect you within the CBD. from any fire and flood damage, theft etc that For local transport timetables and options may occur. There are many sites that compare for bus, train and ferry visit the following policies for you, such as iselect.com.au and websites: youi.com.au and most of these go through a broker. Alternatively you can go directly to TransLink www.translink.com.au companies such as RACQ www.racq.com.au to Brisbane City Council http://www.brisbane. obtain a more individualised quote. qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/ index.htm Pets A new initiative for a more active and sustainable public transport option, which Many families have pets they would like bring reduces traffic congestion is CityCycle. This is to Australia. Australia is free from a number of open to residents and visitors over 17 years of cat and dog (and other animal) diseases and age and operates from 5am-10pm. Visit www. has a hugely favourable animal health status. citycycle.com.au for more information. Please Quarantine allows the Australian Department note that you are required by law to wear a of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to helmet when riding a bicycle in Queensland. maintain the safety and integrity of its human, animal, flora and fauna life. The time your The two officially recognised taxi services are: animal is in quarantine varies depending on what category the country you are travelling from is Yellow Cabs 131 924 classified as under Australian DAFF guidelines. Black and White Cabs 131 008 There is a minimum of 30 days quarantine, regardless of where you are travelling from Drivers License and you will need to check with DAFF for more individualised information. DAFF’s website also In order to drive on Queensland roads, you offs tips for animal pre-adjustment measures, should first check the Department of Transport safe travel etc. Please note that Heat Stress is and Main Roads current requirements. a common concern for all animals travelling to www.tmr.qld.gov.au Australia.

10 When you take up permanent residency in Qld, you are no longer considered to be a visitor. You must apply for a Qld driver’s license and can get more information on this at the above website. For driving in Queensland with an interstate or foreign license check their site: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/link.aspx?_id=06B100BA 965448C095C3069EDDC488EE&_z=z When driving on a road in Queensland under your valid foreign driver licence you must: • only drive the class of motor vehicle authorised on that licence • comply with the conditions (if any) of your licence • show your licence to a police officer when asked to do so. road hosting all new and used vehicles in one location. It is also worth checking carsales. If your licence is in a language other than com.au. A vehicle’s purchase price does not English you should carry a recognised English usually include the costs of registration, stamp translation of the licence. duty, change of ownership and compulsory third party insurance. Hire Cars You can arrange vehicle insurance, motoring If you don’t require a vehicle for regular use, advice, roadside assistance, finance and travel a hire vehicle is an easy alternative. There are information via the RACQ website. many companies with vehicles ranging from small and large cars to utes, trucks and vans. Royal Automobile Club of Qld (RACQ) Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle, www.racq.com.au length of hire and the distance and amount of 131 905 kms you will drive. Some companies include: For further vehicle information, contact the Avis Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads www.avis.com.au www.tmr.qld.gov.au 13 23 80 Hertz www.hertz.com.au Car Safety for Children

Budget Children and adults must be properly restrained www.budget.com.au to ensure their safety while travelling in motor vehicles. Thrifty www.thrifty.com.au A revision of the Australian and New Zealand standard for the design and performance of child Buying a Car restraints was released on 24 February 2010 New and used cars are advertised in the that classifies restraints based on approximate classified sections of most newspapers as well age and seated height, rather than the previous as being available from car dealers. If you are weight and age range. From 11 March 2010, it’s looking to purchase a vehicle in Brisbane, then the law for all children up to seven years of age you should visit ‘The Moorooka Magic Mile’, to be correctly restrained according to their located on Ipswich Road. It is a stretch of size and age. It is important that the correct child restraint is chosen and installed.

11 If the car has one row of seats only (for Three example, a ute) www.three.com.au

A child of any age can sit in the front seat if Virgin the vehicle has only 1 row of seats and they www.virginmobile.com.au are properly restrained. If the vehicle has a passenger airbag fitted, a rearward facing child Vodafone restraint should not be used if the restraint is in www.vodafone.com.au front of the airbag. Where there are 2 or more rows of seats It is best to shop around before deciding on your mobile service provider as the costs vary A child under 4 years of age cannot sit in the between providers. front row of a vehicle that has more than 1 row of seats, even if the child is 3 years of age and Landline/Home Phones and Internet large enough to be seated in a booster seat. A child aged between 4 and 7 years of age Australia has two major telecommunications cannot sit in the front row of a vehicle that has companies that provide landline/home more than 1 row of seats unless all the other telephone services. Both companies provide seats are occupied by children under 7 years of mobile and internet services, bundling your age. Please note: If the back seat has 2 child communications will give some discounts. restraints fitted and there is no room for a third Optus child restraint, a no tethered booster seat or www.optus.com.au booster cushion can be used, providing the child using the booster seat is between 4 and Telstra 7 years of age. www.telstra.com.au The penalty for incorrectly securing a child is There are many internet service providers and A$330 and three demerit points. we recommend you research the best deal for your internet needs. A great guide is available at the following links, which answers many of the frequently asked questions. Family and Education www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Safety/ Driver%20guide/Child%20restraints/Child_ Childcare restraints_qanda.pdf There are many types of full and part-time childcare services available for children too Staying in Contact young to attend school, and for outside school Mobile Phones hours. These include: • preschools and kindergartens which Most mobile phone companies will not allow prepare children for school; you to enter into a contract unless you are a • child care and day care centres which permanent resident of Australia. look after younger children during the The following mobile companies offer pre-paid day and school age children before mobiles: and after school; and • family day care where children are Optus looked after by another parent along www.optus.com.au with their own family.

Telstra The National Childcare Accreditation Council www.telstra.com.au (www.acecqa.gov.au) is a great place to see the options available in your area.

12 schools and can be separated into 3 sectors; Government (also known as state or public), Independent (private) and Catholic (private). There are 1723 schools across Queensland and about 544 in the Brisbane area (58 Gold Coast schools). In Queensland, there is a non- compulsory preparatory year of schooling (Prep) in the year before Year 1 for 4.5 to 5.5 year olds.

Sector Years Age of Entry

Pre Year 1 Kindergarten and Non-compulsory You can also access information through the Early Childhood Child Care Access Hotline – a telephone service Education established by the Australian Government. Pre Year 1 Preparatory (Prep) Non-compulsory Professionally trained operators will advise you 5 years old by on: June 30th

• Types of child care available Primary 1-7* • Quality issues; and • Government financial assistance with Secondary 8-12 the cost of childcare. Post- Implemented within 15 years and secondary Secondary school above Call 1800 670 305 to speak to an operator about and afterward your child care requirements. * Year 7 will be moved from the Primary to the Secondary Sector in 2015, Early Childhood Department information with some schools already running Pilot Programs. deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/about/ For a listing of all Primary and Secondary schools contact.html and colleges in Queensland go to the Find a School area on the Education Qld site. You can Kindy Hotline do advanced searches or limit your search to 1800 4 KINDY (1800 454 639) government, independent, location etc: Early Childhood Information Service www.education.qld.gov.au/directory/schools/ [email protected] index.html 13 QGOV (13 74 68) Alternatively go to their Metro Map to view schools via location: www.education/qld.gov. Primary and Secondary au/schools/maps/pdfs/metropolitan.pdf Another two sites you may find useful when Schools deciding upon a school are: The structure of Primary and Secondary My Schools Guide schooling in Australia varies between each state www.myschool.edu.au and territory. You should contact your specific state education department for detailed Better Education information and some contact details are given www.bettereducation.com.au at the back of this guide. However, the most Each year, a number of organisations publish relevant Qld education body to contact is: their findings on Qld school results. The Department of Education Qld following links may give you more detailed www.education.qld.gov.au information: (07) 3237 0111 www.bettereducation.com.au/Results/QCE_ OP.aspx The Queensland education system traditionally www.couriermail.com.au/schoolsguide consists of preparatory, primary and high

13 For general information about Queensland’s need to take your visa and entry to Australia Department of Education and schooling system, documents, proof of their date of birth and any the following relevant bodies may be of use: papers relating to their previous education, immunisation record and proof of address. Department of Education Qld www.education.qld.gov.au (07) 3237 0111 Queensland term dates - 2013 Term Dates Length Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) (state) Term 1 Tuesday 29 January - 9 weeks www.deta.qld.gov.au Thursday 28 March (07) 3237 0111 Term 2 Monday 15 April - 10 weeks Friday 21 June Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) www.qsa.qld.edu.au Term 3 Monday 8 July - Friday 11 weeks 20 September Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) (federal) Term 4 Tuesday 8 October - 10 weeks Friday 13 December www.deewr.gov.au 1300 363 079 13 33 97 (Qld office) Queensland term dates - 2014 +61 354 545 345 International callers Term Dates Length Post-secondary, Tertiary and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Term 1 Tuesday 28 January 10 weeks - Friday 4 April Many Secondary schools offer alternate Term 2 Tuesday 22 April - 10 weeks academic as well as practical pathways into Friday 27 June university and employment. It is best to speak to the Principal of your chosen school to gain Term 3 Monday 14 July - Friday 10 weeks information on who to speak with in relation to 19 September

your child’s study options. The following sites Term 4 Tuesday 7 October - 10 weeks may also be of some help: Friday 12 December Apprenticeships Information www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au Queensland term dates - 2015 1800 210 210 Term Dates Length Skilling Solutions Qld Term 1 Tuesday 27 January - 10 weeks www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au Thursday 2 April 1300 654 687 Term 2 Monday 20 April - 10 weeks TAFE Qld Friday 26 June www.tafe.qld.gov.au Term 3 Monday 13 July - Friday 10 weeks 1300 308 233 18 September

Training.gov.au (TGA) Term 4 Tuesday 6 October - 10 weeks www.training.gov.au Friday 11 December

University Admissions Public holidays www.uac.edu.au

For public holidays, show holidays and special Enrolment holidays in Queensland, visit the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’s website. To enrol your child in a school, contact the www.justice.qld.gov.au/fair-and-safe-work/ school by telephone or in person. You will industrial-relations/public-holidays/

14 UVB - responsible for causing sunburn and skin Community Groups cancer. FIFO Families UVC - does not reach the earth’s surface but can be produced artificially (eg. by arc welding If you have a partner who works on a fly in fly equipment). out basis (FIFO) or drive in drive out (DIDO) FIFO Families gives you the opportunity to Lifeguards and lifesavers treat dehydrated connect and make friends with other families. persons almost every day during summer and FIFO Families provides community events and getting sun burnt is far too common, which may support. have serious immediate results and later on in life. Ongoing over-exposure to the sun without www.fifofamilies.com.au proper protection can have immediate results www.fifocounselling.com.au such as soreness of your skin, becoming too hot Buggy buddys and feeling sick. A common long term result is skin cancer. Buggy buddys arrange community and social Australia has the highest per person rate of events in your neighbourhood so you can skin cancer (melanomas) in the world! The heat connect with other families. created by the sun can affect you in a number They have a great website with events, kids of ways. It can cause your body temperature to activities, mum’s nights out, playgroups and rise and loose fluids by sweating. If you are not much more. mindful of this you can become dehydrated, which essentially means you become too hot www.buggybuddys.com.au and do not have enough fluids in your body. Headaches and fatigue are common symptoms Queensland warnings of dehydration. To avoid sunburn and dehydration while you or dangers enjoy a day outside, follow these simple steps: Skin Cancer and Sun Safety SLIP-Slip on a long sleeve shirt to get the best protection from the suns rays Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and Queensland has the SLOP-Slop on some SPF30+ sunscreen at least most number of cases of skin cancer of any 15 minutes before you go out in the sun and place in the world. Australia is known for its hot then don’t forget to reapply every two hours sunny days which make the beach even more after that enjoyable. However, the hot sun means there is increased exposure to the heat and the suns SLAP-Slap on a hat, a wide-brim hat will provide rays (UV rays). the best protection to your head and face About UV SEEK-Seek some shade, particularly between the hours of 10am and 3pm when the sun is at Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the part of the its hottest sunlight that causes sunburn and skin damage, leading to premature ageing and skin cancer. SLIDE-Slide on a pair of UV rated sunglasses Damage to the skin occurs as soon as skin is SLURP-Drink plenty of water in moderation exposed to UVR, with sunburn being the result and avoid fizzy and alcoholic drinks that will of extreme damage. The effects of UVR on dehydrate you skin are cumulative, so damage builds up even without burning. Stay safe in Brisbane There are three types of UVR: UVA - responsible for causing sunburn and skin We want you to love your time in Brisbane and damage like wrinkles and discolouration. stay safe. Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting settled into your new home town.

15 Beach Safety Ask a lifeguard for safety advice Every beach has permanent and occasional Lifeguards are highly trained and very hazards that you may need to look out for. To knowledgeable about beach safety and assist you in looking out for these hazards and conditions. When you arrive at the beach look to show supervised areas, lifesaving services for and identify the lifeguards. Feel free to ask use a number of safety flags. them about the day’s conditions, as well any additional beach safety advice they might have for that specific beach – because every beach is different. Swim with a friend Not only is swimming with a friend (or family member) a fun way to enjoy the beach, it is also very sensible. While you are swimming together Red and yellow flags you can keep an eye out for each other, and if further assistance was required, one person Sun Safety could call or go for help. If everyone swimming together knows their own limits it is a good idea The red and yellow flags show the supervised to let the others know so you can all stay within area of the beach and that a lifesaving service everyone’s comfortable limits. is operating. No red and yellow flags indicates there is no supervision. NO FLAGS = NO SWIM If you need help, stay calm and attract attention IT IS ONLY SAFE TO SWIM BETWEEN THE RED AND YELLOW FLAGS. Even the most careful people can find themselves out of their limits. If you are not RED ONLY FLAG: Indicates that the beach feeling comfortable in the water and you require is closed and that you should not enter the assistance by a lifeguard to get back to shore, water. stay calm, raise your arm in the air and wave it YELLOW ONLY FLAG: Indicates that there are from side to side. This will attract the attention potential hazards in the water. Look out for the of a lifeguard who will be able to come to your yellow warning sign that should be displayed assistance. You should conserve your energy by with the yellow flag for further advice. floating on your back and staying calm, this will ensure you have the energy to remain afloat Always swim between the red and yellow until assistance arrives. flags Dangerous Animals When you see red and yellow flags on a beach it indicates that there is currently a lifesaving Australia is famous for cute koalas and kangaroos service operating on the beach. The lifeguards but is also home to some of the world’s most have chosen a section of the beach that is best painful and poisonous creatures. It is easy to for swimming and they will closely supervise avoid these creatures by following a few simple this area. Lifeguards pay more attention to the guidelines: area between the red and yellow flags than any other part of the beach. • Never ignore warning signs, they are there for a reason. Read the safety signs • Many spiders, snakes and other Before you go on to the beach be sure to read dangerous creatures live under logs the safety signs. This will ensure you are aware and rocks. Be careful when picking of any warnings or dangers on the beach. You up things such as rocks, logs or shells can also find other helpful information to make on the beach as they can be home to your day at the beach more enjoyable. You spiders, snakes and other dangerous might also find single signs placed on the beach creatures. Redback spiders are very to highlight specific warnings. common in WA, even in the metro

16 area, check for them on children’s the pool or spa. play equipment as a bite can make children very ill. • The pool must be fenced effectively. • Shake your shoes before putting them • The gate must be self-closing and self- on. latching and never propped open. • Don’t be tempted to try picking up • The pool should be regularly animals or reptiles as you are very maintained (checked at least once a likely to get bitten. month). • If you go walking in the bush stamp Visit www.homepoolsafety.com.au for a your way through. This gives any complete checklist. snakes that may be around advanced warning that you are coming. They CPR Training Courses. will usually move out of the way. Surf Life Saving Queensland offers a variety of • If you are unfortunate enough to come courses to the general public in the areas of face to face with a snake stay still and emergency care and aquatic rescue including wait for the snake to leave. cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). For more • Sharks are most likely to attack at information go to: dawn or dusk, so avoid swimming at these times. Perth beaches are Surf Life Saving QLD patrolled by helicopter during the www.lifesaving.com.au summer months so look out for any Other First Aid and CPR providers include, but warning signs and get out of the water are not exclusive to: if you hear a siren. QLD Ambulance But at end, for a list of Top 10 Dangerous www.ambulance.qld.gov.au Animals go to…… QLD First Aid www.australiangeographic.com.au/outdoor/ www.qld.firstaid.com -most-dangerous-animals.htm Pool Safety Banking, Tax & Every year in QLD children drown in home Superannuation swimming pools. These tragedies can be avoided by: Setting up a Bank Account • Active adult supervision of children in Opening a bank account in Australia is quite the pool; simple. You will need your passport and one other form of ID (credit/bank card, photo • An effective and well maintained driver’s license or student card). If you wish to fence or barrier around the pool; open a joint bank account both parties need to • A self-closing, self-latching gate. be in QLD to activate it.

Home Pool Safety Checklist: Australia has a number of banks with a variety of banking products and services available. We If you own a property with a pool you are recommend you shop around before opening responsible for maintaining the safety of your account to find the one best suited to that pool. If you are renting, the landlord is your needs. Bank charges are applicable to all responsible and you should contact them with accounts and you should compare all banking any concerns about pool safety. fees and interest rates before deciding on a At a minimum banking institution. • Children must be supervised within You can withdraw cash from international bank arms’ reach when in, on, or around accounts through most local banks and ATMs

17 (Automatic Teller Machines) provided your You can apply for a TFN online if you are bankcard has an international symbol, such as currently in Australia and you have a valid: Cirrus or Maestro. • permanent migrant visa, or Some commonly used banks are: • visa with work rights, or • overseas student visa, or ANZ • visa allowing you to stay in Australia www.anz.com.au indefinitely.

Commonwealth Bank Only one TFN will ever be issued to you. Once www.commbank.com.au you have a TFN you don’t need to reapply for one if your circumstances change, for example National Australia Bank if you change your name, have investments, or www.nab.com.au claim government benefits.

St George If you already have a TFN but do not know www.stgeorge.com.au what it is, go through this application process and indicate that you already have a TFN. A Westpac notice with your TFN will be forwarded to you. www.westpac.com.au If you know your TFN but wish to advise the Tax Office of changes to your details, go through this application process and enter your updated Tax in Australia details.

If you are planning to work in Australia we It is important to determine if you are a resident recommend you apply for a tax file number or non-resident for taxation purposes. (TFN). Non-residents pay tax differently from A TFN is not compulsory but it will save you residents. Fact sheets which outline how to paying more tax than necessary. determine if you are a resident for tax purposes are available at the ATO website. You can apply for your TFN at any main taxation office. It takes around four weeks to process. Tax in Australia is paid on a sliding scale and You will be issued with a registration notice the ATO website has current income tax bracket allowing you to work in the meantime. information as well as a handy tax calculator. Australian Tax Office Phone: 13 28 61 www.ato.gov.au Superannuation

Superannuation is best explained as a compulsory pension contribution. Superannu- ation contributions are compulsory, even for temporary residents. The current contribution is 9% of salary and your employer will automatically pay this on your behalf to a Superannuation Fund. Generally, employee superannuation must be held in a complying superannuation fund or RSA until retirement age, currently 65 for men and between 60 and 65 for women. Eligible temporary residents can access their

18 superannuation upon permanent departure from Australia, subject to a withholding tax. While employed in Australia it is important that temporary residents; • Are aware of the superannuation fund that their employer is contributing to on their behalf; • Keep a record of the amount of superannuation that they have; and • Contact their superannuation fund before leaving Australia to find out if they are eligible to access their superannuation contributions. For more information on superannuation and accessing superannuation when departing Australia call the Tax Office Superannuation information line on 13 10 20 (This number is only available in Australia) or visit the Tax Office website www.ato.gov.au/super You should enrol upon arrival in Australia, this Health and Medical can be done at any Medicare office. If you receive treatment before you enrol, Medicare Medicare benefits will be back paid if you are eligible.

The Australian Government has signed To enrol in Medicare you will need to take: Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) • Your passport with a valid visa. with the governments of the United Kingdom, • Identification showing you are Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, enrolled in your country’s national Malta and Italy which entitles you to limited health scheme (for example, a subsidised health services for immediately National Health Service card or similar necessary treatment while visiting Australia. certificate). If you are a resident of one of these countries If your application to enrol in Medicare is (excluding Malta or Italy) you are covered for the approved, you will receive an Australian duration of your approved visit to Australia. reciprocal health care card in the mail. As a resident of Malta or Italy you are covered Medicare does not cover: for six months from the date you arrive in • Medical or hospital treatment that Australia. is not immediately necessary. • Medicines not subsidised under the As a resident of one of these countries you are Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. entitled to the following for any ill-health or • Dental work and injury requiring immediate treatment while in chiropractic services. Australia: • Treatment arranged before your visit to Australia. • Free treatment as a public in-patient • Accommodation and medical or outpatient in a public hospital. treatment in a private hospital. • Subsidised medicines under the • Accommodation and medical Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. treatment as a private patient in a • Medicare benefits for out-of-hospital public hospital. medical treatment provided by doctors through private surgeries and For more information see community health centres. www.medicare.gov.au

19 Private Health Insurance AN AMBULANCE CAN BE REQUESTED BY CALLING 000 A number of private health funds provide Listed below are some of the contact details for health cover for overseas visitors. Benefits the main Brisbane hospitals: available, membership costs and eligibility can vary between funds. Private health funds cover Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital you for treatment in private or public hospitals 199 Ipswich Road and include some services Medicare does not Woolloongabba Q 4102 cover, such as dental, optical and chiropractic (Emergency access via Cornwall Street) services. Please note, there is a waiting period (07) 3176 2111 with some health funds and you are unable to claim for most services during this time. Mater Adult Hospital Raymond Tce We recommend you shop around before deciding South Brisbane Q 4101 on your health cover provider as the costs and (07) 3163 8111 benefits vary between providers. Mater Children’s Hospital Some commonly used Private Health Insurers Raymond Tce offering overseas visitors health cover are: South Brisbane Q 4101 (07) 3163 8195 AHM www.ahm.com.au Mater Private Hospital 301 Vulture Street BUPA South Brisbane Q 4101 www.bupa.com.au (07) 3163 1111 HBF Brisbane Private Hospital www.hbf.com.au 259 Wickham Terrace HCF Spring Hill Q 4000 www.hcf.com.au (07) 3834 6111 Medibank Private Royal Children’s Hospital and Health Centre www.medibank.com.au Cnr Bramston Terrace and Herston Road Herston Q 4029 Medical Assistance (07) 3636 8111 Emergency treatment can be obtained through Royal Brisbane and Woman’s Public Hospital Emergency departments of hospitals and some Butterfield Street medical centres. Public and Private hospitals Herston Q 4006 are listed under ‘Hospitals’ in the White Pages (07) 3646 8111 Directory www.whitepages.com.au. You can also The Wesley Hospital find a list of all public hospitals at www.health. 451 Coronation Drive qld.gov.au and all hospitals in Brisbane at www. Auchenflower Q 4066 myhospitals.gov.au/browse/qld/brisbane (07) 3232 7000 Toowong Private Hospital 496 Milton Road In an Emergency Toowong Q 4066 (07) 3721 8000 dial 000 St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital 457 Wickham Terrace For Police, Ambulance Spring Hill Q 4000 or Fire Brigade. (07) 3834 4444

20 Greenslopes Private Hospital Newdegate Street Useful Links Greenslopes Q 4120 (07) 3394 7654 (emergency) Australian Government Sites (07) 3394 7111 For after hours Pharmacy locations try the Taxation following sites: www.ato.gov.au Immigration and Customs www.afterhourschemist.com.au www.immi.gov.au www.brisbanekids.com.au/late-night- chemists-in-brisbane/ Medical and Health www.medicare.gov.au For non-emergency treatment, your first step www.health.gov.au should be to go to a GP or a medical centre. It is www.medibank.com.au best to call first, as some require you to make an www.hbf.com.au appointment. To find one closest to you check www.bupa.com.au the Yellow Pages Directory (www.yellowpages. www.myhospitals.gov.au/browse/qld/brisbane com.au) under ‘Medical Practitioners’. www.afterhourschemist.com.au Some GPs and medical centres bulk bill with Childcare Medicare and do not require you to make a wwwdeta.qld.gov.au/early childhood/about/ payment up front. If your doctor does not bulk contact.html bill you will be required to pay up front and [email protected] can then claim the cost back from Medicare (if www.echildcare.com.au eligible). Schools, Education and Training If you are unsure whether your complaint is an www.education.qld.gov.au emergency and are uncertain how to proceed, www.deta.qld.gov.au Healthdirect Australia 1800 022 222 is a toll www.deewr.gov.au free 24 hour, seven day a week health advice www.qsa.qld.edu.au line to all people calling from within Western www.myschool.edu.au Australia. Healthdirect’s experienced nurses www.goodschools.com.au will give you immediate professional advice on www.bettereducation.com.au how urgent your health concern is and what to www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au do about it. Healthdirect will also be able to www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au locate a locum doctor to come around late at www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au night if needed. www.tafe.qld.gov.au www.training.gov.au Dental Services www.gooduniguide.com.au Migration Services If you need to visit a dentist while in QLD you www.cciwa.com/migration can find a list of dentists in your area through The Dental Association. Public Transport, Driving and Flying www.translink.com.au www.dentist.com.au www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/ Dental treatments can be expensive and most public-transport/index.htm will require payment immediately following www.citycycle.com.au the service. Medicare does not cover dental www.tmr.qld.gov.au treatments. Private health cover may pay some www.racq.com.au part of the cost, depending on your level of www.qantas.com.au cover and waiting periods. www.virginaustralia.com www.jetstar.com www.webjet.com.au www.flightcentre.com.au

21 Hire Car and Airport Parking www.movieworld.com.au www.avis.com.au www.whitewaterworld.com.au www.hertz.com.au www.qagoma.qld.gov.au www.budget.com.au www.qm.qld.gov.au www.thrifty.com.au www.weekendnotes.com www.andrewsairportpark.com.au www.webchild.com.au www.bap.com.au www.ticketek.com.au www.ticketmaster.com.au Business Directories www.showbiz.com.au www.whitepages.com.au www.eventcinemas.com.au www.yellowpages.com.au www.hoyts.com.au Maps www.lifesaving.com.au www.whereis.com www.beachsafe.org.au www.maps.google.com.au/maps/mm www.sunsafety.qld.gov.au News Accommodation www.brisbanetimes.com.au www.stayz.com.au www.couriermail.com.au www.wotif.com www.theindependent.com.au www.lastminute.com.au www.medina.com.au Climate and Weather www.bom.gov.au Dining www.weatherzone.com.au www.gourmettraveller.com.au www.weatherchannel.com.au www.agfg.com.au www.eatingbrisbane.com Employment www.urbanspoon.com www.seek.com.au www.yourrestaurants.com.au www.mycareer.com.au www.careerone.com.au Networking–Parent, Professional and Single www.jobsearch.gov.au www.buggybuddys.com.au www.playgroupaustralia.com.au Buying a Car www.lindekin.com.au www.magicmile.com.au (Brisbane only) www.rsvp.com.au www.carsales.com.au www.eharmony.com.au www.redbook.com.au www.meetup.com www.drive.com.au Shopping Real Estate www.bnecity.com.au/Centres/Default.aspx www.realestate.com.au www.discoverbrisbane.com/brisbane/ www.reiq.com shopping.html www.rta.qld.gov.au www.truelocal.com.au › Shopping Centres › QLD TRAVEL, SIGHTSEEING, ENTERTAINMENT www.visitsouthbank.com.au and OUTDOORS www.visitbrisbane.com.au Shopping Centres www.brisbane.qld.gov.au www.brisbane-australia.com 9 Sherwood Road www.new2brisbane.com.au Toowong Q 4066 www.bnecity.com.au (07) 3870 7177 www.romastreetparkland.com Queens Plaza www.visitsouthbank.com.au 226 Queen Street www.brisbanefestival.com.au Brisbane Q 4000 www.seaworldresort.com.au www.queensplazashopping.com.au www.dreamworld.com.au (07) 3234 3900 www.wetnwild.myfun.com.au

22 The Barracks Carindale Shopping Centre 61 Petrie Terrace 1151 Creek Road Brisbane Q 4000 Carindale Q 4152 (07) 3368 4999 (07) 3120 5400 DFO – Direct Factory Outlet North Lakes Shopping Centre 1 Airport Drive North Lakes Drive Brisbane Q 4000 North Lakes Q 4509 (07) 3305 9250 (07) 3491 9072 Chermside Shopping Centre L 2, 145 Eagle Street Hamilton Road Brisbane Q 4000 Chermside Q 4032 (07) 3831 2711 (07) 3117 5300 Myer Centre www.freedom.com.au 91 Queen Street www.ikea.com.au Brisbane Q 4000 www.superamart.com.au (07) 3223 6900 Hardware Central Plaza Complex www.bunnings.com.au Level 37 Central Plaza One www.mitre10.com.au 345 Queen Street Brisbane Q 4000 Supermarkets (07) 3221 1499 www.coles.com.au www.woolworths.com.au Utilities 15 Adelaide Street Telephone Brisbane Q 4000 www.telstra.com.au (07) 3229 5233 Internet Wintergarden Centre www.iinet.com.au Queen Street Mall 15 Adelaide Street Electricity Brisbane Q 4000 www.energex.com.au www.wgarden.com.au www.ergon.com.au (07) 3229 9755 Gas Riverside Centre www.switchwise.com.au 123 Eagle Street Water Brisbane Q 4000 (07) 3833 2400 www.urbanutilities.com.au www.qwc.qld.gov.au Indooroopilly Shopping Centre 322 Moggill Road Banks and Finance Indooroopilly Q 4068 www.anz.com.au www.indooroopillyshopping.com.au www.commbank.com.au (07) 3378 4022 www.nab.com.au www.westpac.com.au Garden City Shopping Centre www.stgeorge.com.au Kessels Road Upper Mt Gravatt Q 4122 (07) 3452 5000

23 Schools in Brisbane

Top Ten Government Secondary Schools in Brisbane 1. Brisbane State High 2. Mansfield State High 3. The Gap State High 4. Kenmore State High 5. Indooroopilly State High 6. Kelvin Grove State College 7. Cavendish Rd State High 8. Kedron State High 9. Mt Gravatt State High 10. Centenary State High

Top Ten Private Secondary Schools 1. Brisbane Grammar School (Boys) 2. Brisbane Girls Grammar School 3. Anglican Church Grammar School (often called ‘Churchie’) (Boys) 4. Cannon Hill Anglican College (Co-ed) 5. Sheldon College (co-ed) 6. Ormiston College (co-ed) 7. Somerville House (girls) 8. Redeemer Lutheran College (co-ed) 9. Citipointe Christian College (co-ed) 10. Loreto College (girls)

Top Ten Brisbane Primary Schools 1. Bardon Primary School 2. Ironside Primary School 3. Ashgrove Primary School 4. Fig Tree Pocket Primary School 5. All Hallows’ School (private) 6. Seven Hills Primary School 7. MacGregor Primary School 8. Indooroopilly Primary School 9. St Joseph’s College (private) 10. Ormiston College (private)

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