AccommodationRental services, public housing, short-term stay options, real estate agentsHow to find rental accommodation (websites, agents)Understanding leases, bonds, and tenants’… Banking ServicesOpening bank accounts, understanding financial services, budgeting support. Community Centres and NetworkingLocal neighbourhood houses, cultural groups, libraries, and meeting spaces. Driving and TransportGetting a Victorian driver’s licence, road rules, public transport, bike paths.Overseas licence conversionOwning and registering a vehicleLocal driver education… Employment ServicesJob search assistance, resume writing, interview prep, Workforce Australia providers.Job search platforms and local job networks (eg: Jobs & Skills Centre)Qualifications… Family ServicesParenting support, childcare, maternal and child health services. Government ServicesCentrelink, Medicare, myGov setup, Department of Home Affairs, local councils.Applying for a TFN Health and Medical ServicesGP clinics, hospitals, dental, mental health, women's health, immunisation. Interpreting and TranslationAccess to free language interpreters, document translation. Justice and Legal AssistanceLegal aid, tenancy advice, consumer rights, police services, local courts. Kindergartens and Early learningEnrolment processes, eligibility, fee assistance.Accessing childcare subsidy (CCS) Language and literacy SupportAMEP (Adult Migrant English Program), ESL classes, conversation groups. Multicultural & Migrant Support OrganisationsDiversitat, AMES, MiCare, local migrant resource centres, refugee support networks. Orientation ProgramsWelcome sessions, city tours, cultural briefings, support group introductions.Overview of the region (geography, climate, lifestyle – similar to current welcome pack)SETS… Police & Safety ServicesCommunity policing, emergency contacts (000), neighbourhood safety.106 text based service (intended for those with speech impediment but can be used by those with limited English)… Qualifications & Skills RecognitionOverseas qualification assessment, trades recognition, licensing. Refugee & Asylum Seeker ServicesVisa support, casework, trauma counselling, legal pathways. Schooling & EducationEnrolment in public/private schools, TAFE, university options Tenancy AdviceRent rights, lease agreements, bond assistance, VCAT info. Utilities & InternetSetting up electricity, gas, water, phone and internet. Work Rights & Fair TreatmentFair Work Ombudsman info, workplace safety, employee rights. Youth ServicesSupport for migrant young people: education, employment, recreation. Zero-Cost SupportFree services available to migrants: legal clinics, English classes, local events. Local News OutletsNewspapers/ Digital, Commercial and Public Radio, Community Radio
This guide will continue to be updated over time. If your organisation or service should be included, please email ecodev@warrnambool.vic.gov.au with the subject line “Settlement Guide Listing Request”. We’ll review submissions for future updates.