Australian Migration & Recruitment Consulting

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» Healthcare Opportunities in Australia.

» Introducing Our Capital Cities.

» What AMRC can do for you?

» What Costs will I incur?

» Application Process for Gaining your Nursing Registration in Australia.

» Hospital Uniform Requirements.

» What Work Visa will I Need to Apply for?

» Health Insurance and Medicare.

» Tax File Number (TFN).

» Australian Currency Required on Arrival.

» Accommodation.

» Shopping for Your Home in Australia.

» Migrating to Australia with Children.

» Education.

» Getting Around in Australia.

» Living and Working in Australia: What Next?


	HEALTHCARE OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA

	Nurses are in great demand in Australia, which means working and migrating to Australia is relatively easy and quick if you meet the requirements to be a registered nurse in Australia. The Australian Healthcare industry offers excellent working condition to nurses including low patient- nurse ratio as well as a great remuneration package and the opportunity for promotion/education. Salaries are governed by the award agreements made between the Australia Nursing Federation (State Branch’s) and the State Government of each state. This means that every nurse is paid based on the years of experience that they have i.e. every nurse with 5 years experience is paid the same amount, every nurse with 8 years experience is paid the same amount, and so on. The salary is the same regardless of the clinical area that you work in. The award agreements vary slightly between the states and we can provide you with up to date salary information as requested. As a guide a nurse with 9 years experience could expect a base salary of approx. AUD$55,000 with shift penalty rates in addition to the base salary. Please ask us for the current rates for the state you wish to work in.

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	INTRODUCING OUR CAPITAL CITIES


	MELBOURNE


	Melbourne in Victoria has wide boulevards leading to fascinating arcades and laneways with irresistible shopping. It is famous for its restaurants and cafes. From the world renowned Grand Prix and Australian Open, to the array of festivals, theatre and sporting events, Melbourne has something for everyone. Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with 4 distinctive seasons. The average temperature range in C° is:


Autumn	March ~ May	11°c ~ 19°c

Winter	June ~ August	-1°c ~ 12°c

Spring	September ~ November	10°c ~ 20°c, average 17°c

Summer	December ~ February	21°c ~ 34°c, average 28°c

You can obtain more information by visiting the following website:
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au and www.vic.gov.au


	SYDNEY


	Sydney in New South Wales is famous for its Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as well as the beaches of Manly and Bondi. It offers endless numbers of restaurants catering for endless amounts of different cuisines. The art galleries, shopping and cafes all make Sydney a wonderful city to live in. Sydney has a temperate climate. The average temperature range in C° is:


Spring-Summer	September ~ February	19°c ~ 26°c

Autumn-Winter	March ~ August	8°c ~ 17°c

You can obtain more information by visiting the following website:
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au and www.nsw.gov.au


	ADELAIDE


	Adelaide in South Australia lies on the banks of the river Torrens. With its graceful colonial architecture and leafy parklands as well as an array of city cafes, restaurants, pubs, fresh food and wines, it is a wonderful city to live in.. Adelaide experiences mild winters & warm to hot summers. The average temperature range in C° is:

January

February

March

April

May

June

Maximum

28°c

25°c

22°c

18°c

16°c

Minimum

16°c

14°c

12°c

10°c

8°c

July

August

September

October

November

December

Maximum

15°c

16°c

18°c

21°c

24°c

26°c

Minimum

7°c

8°c

9°c

11°c

13°c

14°c

You can obtain more information by visiting the following website:
www.adelaidecitycouncil.com and www.sa.gov.au


	BRISBANE


	Brisbane in Queensland is renowned for its sub tropical climate, events and friendly atmosphere. It is a relaxed yet vibrant city, home to many riverside restaurants, cafes, galleries, museums, shopping centres and parklands. The average temperature range in C°:


Summer	December ~ February	21°c ~ 27°c

Winter	June ~ August	11°c ~ 19°c

You can obtain more information by visiting the following website:
www.ourbrisbane.com and www.qld.gov.au


	PERTH


	Perth in Western Australia is framed by the spectacular Swan River and the beautiful Kings Park Botanic Gardens. It is one of Australia’s most scenic cities. The climate in Perth is superb with summer days cooled by the arrival of an afternoon breeze. The average winter day temperature is mild. The average temperature range in C° is:

January

February

March

April

May

June

Maximum

30°c

31°c

29°c

25°c

21°c

19°c

Minimum

17°c

15°c

12°c

15°c

8°c

July

August

September

October

November

December

Maximum

18°c

20°c

22°c

25°c

28°c

Minimum

8°c

9°c

10°c

13°c

15°c

You can obtain more information by visiting the following website:
www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au and www.wa.gov.au


	WHAT AMRC CAN DO FOR YOU?


	BENEFITS OF APPLYING THROUGH AMRC

Once you have decided Australia is where you would like to live, work and play, AMRC will assist you with all your recruitment, migration and arrival needs to ensure you will ultimately be comfortable and happy in your new position and home.


	RECRUITMENT SERVICES

Our HR consultants with both Australian and international nursing experience will provide a personalized and caring service, which includes:


*	Seeking employment opportunities according to clinical skills and our client’s city preference.

*	Assistance in modifying CV’s to each hospital’s standard.

*	Liaise with hospitals on behalf of our client.

*	Provide advice and prepare our client for interviews.

*	Provide nursing registration assistance.


	MIGRATION SERVICES

Our qualified migration expert will take care of all your visa requirements and take the stress out of dealing with government departments. Our services include:


*	Provide advice and assistance with the following visa categories:

	» Skilled Migration

	» Business Migration

	» Spouse Migration

	» Family Migration

	» Student Visa

	» Visitor Visa

*	Follow up with applications.


	ARRIVAL SERVICES AND ORIENTATION

Once your visa has been approved, we will e-mail you a final pre arrival checklist to assist you in preparing for your move to Australia.


	PRE ARRIVAL SERVICES

Once we have received your confirmed arrival date, flight details & number of persons arriving, we will:


*	Source and book your temporary accommodation.

*	Finalize your start date and time at the hospital.

*	Confirm your arrival details and orientation procedure by e-mail.


	ARRIVAL SERVICES

An AMRC staff member or representatives will meet you upon arrival at the airport provided it is within working hours and take you to your temporary accommodation.

If you arrive outside business hours, you may be asked to take a taxi to your temporary accommodation. If you are asked to take a taxi to your accommodation, AMRC will refund your expense on presentation of your taxi receipt.

Depending on where you are coming from and the time of your arrival, a suitable time will be arranged for your half day orientation to take place either on the day of your arrival or the following day.


	ORIENTATION

Depending on individual requirements, orientation procedures will include all or some of the following:


*	Opening bank account.

*	Assistance in applying for Private Health Insurance.

*	Visiting the Nurses Board to obtain mutual recognition.

*	Visiting the hospital.

*	Visiting a real estate agent to source long-term accommodation.

*	Supermarket shop.

*	Assistance in applying for the Tax File Number.

*	Assistance in locating suitable schools/universities for students.


	WHAT COSTS WILL I INCUR

AMRC will not charge you for the service we provide. As a human resource provider, AMRC charges the hospitals for the service of recruiting them a nurse. You will however, be responsible for the following costs:

All costs incurred for your application for an Australian nursing registration.

Application fees for Australian Nursing Boards:

» Nurses Board of South Australia:

Stage 1: Assessment $120.00

Stage 2: Registration


Processed in the months of		Fee

July – Nov 2005		$175.00 AUD

Dec 05 – Feb 2006		$150.00 AUD

March – June 2006		$125.00 AUD

» Nurses Board of Victoria:

Application Fee: $120.00

» Nurses & Midwives Board of NSW:

Application Fee: $60.00

» Queensland Nursing Council:

Application Fee: $129.00

» Nursing Board of Western Australia:

Application Fee: $220.00

If, for some reason, you have obtained nursing registration in Australia other than with the Nursing Board in the state you intend to work in, you must then apply for Mutual Recognition.

Application fees for Mutual Recognition are outlined below:


State		Mutual Recognition Fee

Victoria		$120.00 AUD

South Australia		$115.00 AUD

Western Australia		$120.00 AUD

New South Wales		$60.00 AUD

Queensland		$129.00 AUD

Note: all costs are estimated in Australian Dollars and subject to changes.

Application for a subclass 457 visa AUD 185.00.

Medical expenses of approximately AUD 300.00 per person.

Air tickets.

Accommodation – temporary and permanent.

Any other costs involved with your relocation.


	APPLICATION PROCESS FOR GAINING YOUR NURSING REGISTRATION IN AUSTRALIA

In Australia, as in most countries, the practice of a profession such as nursing requires evidence of an appropriate level of education and experience. To receive registration, your application process will depend on where you were originally trained, and the skill set you have obtained.

Nurses are required to obtain Nursing Registration with the nurse’s board of the state where they will work. If you have obtained your nursing registration in an Australian state/territory other than the one you intend to work in, you will have to apply for Mutual Recognition.

The general process of the assessment will be:

AMRC recruitment staff is here to assist you and guide you to register with the appropriate registration board, avoiding unnecessary and frustrating delays and expenses in your application and ultimately your move to Australia.

All applications to the Nurses Board are assessed individually.

You can obtain more information by visiting the following websites:

» Nurses Board of Victoria

» Nurses and Midwives Board, NSW

» Nurses Board of South Australia

» Queensland Nursing Council

» Nurses Board of Western Australia

» Nurses Board of the ACT

» Nursing Board of Tasmania

» Nursing Council of New Zealand


	AUSTRALIAN NURSING & MIDWIFERY COUNCIL (INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT)

If you apply for Permanent Residency (PR) later on, the International Section of the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC) is an assessing authority for the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).

The ANMC assesses Registered Nurses and Midwives who are migrating to Australia under the General Skilled Migration category. They have been authorised by DIMIA to undertake these assessments.

Through this process the ANMC determines whether nurses and midwives are suitable for migration or whether they may need to undertake further education in order to be eligible for migration.

You can obtain more information by visiting the following website: www.anmc.org.au


	HOSPITAL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

	The uniform policy in Australia is to have a neat and professional appearance at all times. The standard uniform is a white or pale blue shirt and navy pants with clean black shoes. Most hospitals provide the staff with their uniform or contribute to the cost.

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	WHAT WORK VISA WILL I NEED TO APPLY FOR?

	Once you have been offered employment by an Australian Healthcare provider, you will need to apply for a 457 visa. All your visa requirements and paperwork will be taken care of by AMRC consultants. We are here to assist you with all the paper work and forms required to ensure you obtain your visa and to take the stress out of dealing with government departments.

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	HEALTH INSURANCE AND MEDICARE


	PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

As per your 457 visa requirements, you must be insured from the time you land in Australia. This is compulsory not only to fall in with migration regulations but it is also a requirement of the hospital that you must be insured prior to starting work. All employers in Australia require overseas nurses to meet their health and medical costs by purchasing private health insurance while they work for them.

Please note that if you come out on your own first and your family joins you later, initially you will be able to take out individual cover but you will need to change it to a family cover once the family joins you.

NB: Private health insurance companies have the following conditions on their policy:


*	Waiting period of 12 months for the following conditions:

	» Psychiatric

	» Joint replacement

	» All pregnancy related services

	» Pre existing ailments, illness & conditions

	» Heart or artery related services

	» Rehabilitation

*	Lifetime exclusions for these conditions:

	» Assisted reproductive services (incl. IVF)

	» Cosmetic surgery

	» Refraction correction laser eye surgery

If you have any of the above mentioned conditions, we suggest that you reconsider your move to Australia to protect your own interest.


	MEDICARE

Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme cover all Australians and subsidise their payments for private medical services and for a high proportion of prescription medicines.

Contribution to the health care system is made through taxes and the Medicare levy based on their income, and through private financing such as private health insurance.

Under Medicare, the Australian and State governments also jointly fund public hospital services so they are provided free of charge to people who choose to be treated as public patients. Australian Government funding of the 30% Rebate and other key incentives support people’s choice to take up and retain private health insurance.

Medicare provides access to:


*	free treatment as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital, and

*	free or subsidised treatment by medical practitioners including general practitioners, specialists, participating optometrists or dentists (for specified services only).

As a subclass 457 visa holder, you are not eligible to access Medicare, unless you come from a country that has Reciprocal Health Care Agreement such as, United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Malta and Italy.

If you apply for Permanent Residency (PR) later on, you will be eligible for Medicare which is sponsored by the government and you will no longer be required to take out additional private health insurance if you don’t want to.


	TAX FILE NUMBER (TFN)

	You are also required to apply for the Tax File Number (TFN) upon your arrival in Australia. It is, as its name suggests, for taxation purpose and every overseas employee must have a tax file number otherwise the Australia Government will deduct the maximum tax from your salary. AMRC will apply for the TFN on your behalf.

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	AUSTRALIAN CURRENCY REQUIRED ON ARRIVAL

We recommend that you have raised a minimum of AUD 3000.00, over and above the cost of your airfare to ensure that you have enough money to cover the following:


*	Temporary accommodation.

*	Long term accommodation.

*	Basic furniture and household necessities.

*	Food, transport and personal expenses.

Please ensure that you have Australian currency with you on arrival. Most venues accept Credit Cards but only if they are VISA or Master Card. Please note that if you bring an overseas bank cheque, it will take the bank three days to clear it. Therefore, it will be better if you can bring some cash or traveler’s cheques with you.

When you arrive we will assisted you in opening a bank account. You will need to ensure that you have enough funds to put into the account, to cover accommodation, private health cover, transport, food, and any other personal expenses you might incur over a period of four weeks.

Remember that you will be paid fortnightly and that you will only start working a couple of days after your arrival. You will therefore only get your first pay cheque paid into your account after two week’s work.


	ACCOMMODATION

Generally, Australian hospitals do not offer accommodation to the nurses on arrival.

AMRC will assist you by booking temporary accommodation upon arrival but the client is responsible for payment.

As temporary accommodation in a big city is pricey and Australia is no exception, we recommend that all nurses with families come to Australia on their own initially and have the family join them a month or two later once they are earning Australian dollars and have had a chance to establish themselves.


	TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION (2 WEEKS)

We will book temporary accommodation for you for a period of two weeks. More often then not, you will be able to find and move into suitable long-term accommodation within a week. You will be able to cancel the pre booked accommodation by giving 48 hours of notice.

Prices vary depending on the location of the hospital, and the type of accommodation available in the area. Expect to pay more the closer you are to the CBD. An indication of prices is as follows:


*	Motels:

	» AUD 70.00 and AUD 110.00 for a standard room per night in a motel.

*	Apartments:

	» AUD 145.00 per night for a one bedroom serviced apartment.

	» AUD 165.00 per night for a two bedroom serviced apartment.

	If you are coming with your family, often an apartment is advisable as it has a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen, which enables you to save on the cost of food.

*	Hostels (Not available in the outer suburbs of the city):

	» Shared room AUD 140.00 per week.

	» Small single AUD 180.00 per week.

	» Large single AUD 195.00 per week.

	Rates are inclusive of furniture, linen, cooking equipment and electricity/gas/water charges.


	PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION

*	Renting:

	Once you move out of temporary accommodation and into permanent accommodation, your expenses may come down. You will be required to put down a month’s bond in cash, over and above your first month’s rental when the rental agreement is signed. That is to say, if your monthly rental is AUD 800.00 you will be asked to pay AUD 1600.00 before moving into the property. AUD 800.00 is for the bond and the other AUD 800.00 is for the first month’s rental. This bond will be refunded to you once you vacate the premises provided they are in the same condition as when you moved in. Again, this cost will vary greatly depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose which is available in the area. You will also need to buy furniture if you rent unfurnished accommodation. Below are some useful websites for rental property. www.domain.com.au or www.realestate.com.au

*	Buying:

	The standard of private dwellings is very high in Melbourne. Over 70% of dwellings are fully owned or being purchased and the balance rented or covered by other arrangements. House prices vary according to location, type and size. Dwellings in the suburbs close to the CBD are more expensive than comparable ones in the outer suburbs. For example a three bedroom comfortable detached house with all amenities e.g. garage, in an outer suburb like Glen Waverley which is 25km from the city centre would cost on average AUD. 550,000 to purchase. A comparable house in Malvern, 10-12 km closer to the City, will be about AUD. 250,000 more expensive. Mortgages to purchase private dwellings are readily available if securities are satisfactory and the current interest rates average about 5.1% per annum. Moreover first time purchasers of private dwellings currently obtain a grant of AUD. 7,000 from the Federal Government.


	SHOPPING FOR YOUR HOME IN AUSTRALIA


	COLES & SAFEWAY


	Coles and Safeway are Australia’s biggest supermarket food chains. While Aldi is the cheapest supermarket, Safeway and Coles offer on-line shopping and a delivery service at a minimal charge. For more information, their websites are as follows: Coles - www.coles.com.au & www.colesonline.com.au Safeway - www.woolworths.com.au Aldi – www.aldi.com.au


	K-MART


	Kmart is a discount department store and sells clothing and accessories for men, women, and children as well as small household electrical appliances, household goods, soft furnishings and toys. For more information please visit: www.kmart.com.au


	TARGET


	Target is more up market than Kmart. Target sells clothing and accessories for men, women, and children as well as small household electrical appliances, household goods, soft furnishings and toys. For more information please visit: www.target.com.au


	IKEA


	Ikea offers a wide range of home furnishings for the whole home with good design and function at affordable prices. Most items are packed flat to enable you to get them home easily, and assemble them yourself but they do offer a home delivery and assembly service if required at a small charge. For more information please visit: www.ikea.com.au


	HARVEY NORMAN


	Harvey Norman specializes in computers and communications but also has a large selection of electrical home appliances and furniture. For store locations please visit: www.harveynorman.com.au


	CASH CONVERTERS


	Cash Converters are a second-hand goods dealer. For more information please visit: www.cashconverters.com.au


	MIGRATING TO AUSTRALIA WITH CHILDREN

If you are planning to bring your children to Australia it is important that you understand the following:


*	It is illegal to leave children under the age of 12 alone at night and leaving a child on their own under the age of 12 years during the day is certainly frowned upon especially as the child is new to the country and city and wouldn’t know who to go to for help in case of an emergency.

*	Children cannot be enrolled in a school until you have moved into permanent accommodation. That usually takes 2 weeks.

If you are coming to Australia with your child/children, as a single parent, it raises the issue of “Who will look after my child while I’m at work?” You should really consider the option of your child/children joining you at a later stage.

Maybe a month or two later, once you have settled and have everything in place. Airlines provide an unaccompanied minor service and you should contact them, regarding procedures.

If your child/children arrive in Australia on a Friday, it means that they then have the weekend to get over the jetlag, and to be kitted out in their uniform and be ready to go to school on the Monday.

If you are coming to Australia with your spouse, there will be no issue as the child/children will be supervised.


	EDUCATION


	PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLING IN AUSTRALIA

Education in Australia is of a high standard and schooling is compulsory for children from age six to fifteen. Schooling in Australia starts with a preparatory year followed by 12 years of primary and secondary school.

All schools provide subjects in the eight Key Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Studies of Society and the Environment, Science, Arts, Languages Other Than English, Technology and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

At secondary level, choice and diversity are increased, as schools are able to offer a wide range of subjects, delivered by highly trained and experienced teachers, and using state-of-the-art technology including the Internet, CD-ROM materials, multimedia equipment and laboratories.

The school year is divided into four terms and runs from late January/early February until December. There is a short holiday between terms and a long summer holiday in December and January.

Students attend school from Monday to Friday each week. School hours vary slightly across Australia but are generally from 8:00am to 3.30pm each school day.


	STATE JUNIOR SCHOOLS

All government schools are open to any student who lives in the area and others are admitted if space is available. State schools charge an approximate fee of AUD 450.00 a year per child.

Uniforms are worn and parents pay for them. Books and stationary are provided by the school. Junior schools usually provide an outside school hours, care program, which usually runs before school from 7:30am to 8:45am and after school from 3:30pm to 6:15pm.

Parents using this facility are charged for it. Extra curriculum activities such as camps and private music lessons are paid by the parents.


	STATE SENIOR SCHOOLS

All government schools are open to any student who lives in the area and others are admitted if space is available. State schools charge an approximate fee of AUD 450.00 a year per child.

Elective subjects are costed individually and are over and above the set fee. Uniforms are worn and parents pay for them. Schoolbooks and stationary are provided by the parent. Extra curriculum activities such as camps and private music lessons are paid by the parents.


	CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

As an alternative to state schools, there are the Catholic schools. You DO NOT need to be a Catholic to send your children to a Catholic school. Fees will vary slightly from one Catholic school to another.

The following example of fees is from the Paramatta Diocese in Sydney.


		1st child	2nd child	3rd child

Primary school:	Years K - 6	$915.00 AUD	$684.00 AUD	$456.00 AUD

Junior High School:	Years 7 – 8	$1158.00 AUD	$867.00 AUD	$579.00 AUD

Junior High School:	Years 9 - 10	$1281.00 AUD	$960.00 AUD	$639.00 AUD

Senior High School:	Years 11 – 12	$1638.00 AUD	$1227.00 AUD	$819.00 AUD

IN ADDITION – Fees can be paid in 3 installments in the first 3 terms.
IN ADDITION – Building Levy of $ 360.00/family can also be paid in 3 installments.

These fees also apply to Australians citizens and many families choose to send their children to Catholic schools because of improved facilities and standards when compared with government schools.

Uniforms are worn and parents pay for them as well as books, stationary and any extra curriculum activities such as camps and private music lessons.

Junior schools usually provide outside school hours care program that usually runs before school from 7:30am to 8:45am and after school from 3:30pm to 6:15pm. Parents using this facility are charged for it.


	PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Private schools charge fees from +/- AUD 8,000.00 to AUD 14,000.00 a year per child. Uniforms are worn and parents pay for them as well as books and stationary.

Extra curriculum activities such as camps and private music lessons are paid by the parents. Most private schools run a laptop program, which requires each child to have their own laptop. The laptop is purchased by the parents and the cost is over and above the school fees.

Junior schools usually provide an outside school hour care program, which usually runs before school from 7:30am to 8:45am and after school from 3:30pm to 6:15pm. Parents using this facility are charged for it.


	IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO STATE SCHOOLS IN NSW

NB: New South Wales is the only government in Australia that imposes an education charge to 457 visa holders in their state schools.

The New South Wales Government charges yearly education fees to 457 visa holders as follows:


Primary school:	Years K - 6	$4,500.00 AUD Per Child

Junior High School:	Years 7 – 8	$4,500.00 AUD Per Child

Senior High School:	Years 11 – 12	$5,500.00 AUD Per Child

IN ADDITION, there is a NON-REFUNDABLE administration fee of $110.00 AUD..

However, as a 457 visa holder, you are eligible to apply for exemption from THVP Education Fee to have the school fees waived. Individual applications for an exemption based on capacity to pay must be submitted in writing to the TVHU. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis in relation to an applicant's capacity to pay.

Appealing, does not always guarantee that the fees will be waived, in which case, you might like to consider sending your children to a Catholic school.


	TERTIARY EDUCATION

Students at Tertiary Institutions are charged fees but the payment can be postponed under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) to the end of their studies when they start earning income from employment.

For more information on the education system in the different states of Australia, please visit the following sites:

» Victoria - www.education.vic.gov.au

» New South Wales - www.schools.nsw.edu.au

» South Australia - www.schools.sa.gov.au

» Queensland - www.education.qld.gov.au

» Western Australia - www.det.wa.edu.au


	CHILD CARE AND KINDERGARTENS / PRE-SCHOOLS

Pre-schooling services are for children from six weeks to school age (5 or 6 years depending on the State). They offer caring, fun, safe, healthy and educational environments geared for learning and optimal development. Usually centres operate for 50 weeks a year between the hours of 7.30am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Average fees are:


	Babies / Toddlers	Pre-Kindy	Kindy / Preschool

Weekly Fee	$250 AUD	$240 AUD	$215 AUD

Daily Fee	$52 AUD	$50 AUD	$45 AUD

Age groupings are as follows:


	Babies / Toddlers	Pre-Kindy	Kindy / Preschool

Age of Children	6 weeks to 2 years	2 years to 3 years	3 years to 5 years

Number of Children Per Day	8	12	20

Staff for the Group	1 Group Leader & 1 Assistant	1 Group Leader & 1 Assistant	1 Early Childhood Teacher 1 Group Leader & 1 Assistant


	PLAYGROUPS

Playgroups are for children 6 months to preschool age. Parents take part in Playgroup sessions that normally run for 2 hours. Teachers are there to facilitate and monitor the child’s development and help with early intervention as appropriate.

Child focused experiences such as play dough, collage, painting, climbing, sand & water, music, drawing, dramatic play, puppets and blocks are always on offer.

Playgroups are also a great way for parents to meet other parents in a similar situation and have their questions answered by teachers qualified in early childhood development.

On average costs are AUD 14.00 daily, plus an administration cost building fund fee, which is paid by term, as well as an Annual Family Subscription and Annual Participation fee. Fee payments are made in advance by the term and are payable by cash or cheque only.


	BABYSITTING


	Babysitters can be found through babysitting services and the average cost to the parent is approximately AUD 12.00 per hour.


	GETTING AROUND IN AUSTRALIA


	PRIVATE TRANSPORT

Driver’s Licence:
A valid licence and an international driver's licence are required in order to drive in most Australian states. As a visitor to Australia, you can drive for the duration of your stay without applying for an Australian licence. If applying for permanent residency, you will need to apply for an Australian driver's licence in the state or territory in which you will be residing.

You can obtain more information by visiting the following websites:

» Victoria - www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

» New South Wales - www.rta.nsw.gov.au

» South Australia - www.transport.sa.gov.au

» Queensland - www.transport.qld.gov.au

» Western Australia - www.dpi.wa.gov.au


	PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transport services in Australia are excellent.

You can obtain more information by visiting the following websites:

» In Melbourne - www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

» In Sydney - www.cityrail.info

» In Adelaide - www.adelaidemetro.com.au

» In Brisbane - www.transinfo.qld.gov.au

» In Perth - www.transperth.wa.gov.au


	LIVING AND WORKING IN AUSTRALIA: WHAT NEXT?

Once you are living and working in Australia, you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Residency Visa (PR). Many hospitals will sponsor you for your PR visa once your 3 months probation period has passed and they are happy with your work. This means that by law they are required to keep you on for a minimum period of three years. Likewise, you will be bound to remain with them for the same length of time.

Should you wish to proceed with an application, the staff at AMRC are always ready and willing to assist you.

As you will have experienced, AMRC takes pride in providing a caring and responsible service. Again, we can provide you with advice, assist with the paperwork and follow up with the Immigration Department with regard to all matters relating to your application, taking the stress and tediousness of dealing with government departments from you.

As you know, our charges are very competitive and for nurses who have come to Australia through us, our professional fees for the PR service are further discounted.

If you wish us to represent you in this matter we will be happy to forward you a contract or,
should you require further information, Grace Xie will be more then happy to have a chat with you,
and you are most welcome to contact her by phone or come in for a chat at our office.

If you have family members, friends or associates that may be interested in coming to Australia, our other migration services include Skilled Migration, Business Migration, Spouse Migration, Family Migration, Student Visas and Visitor Visas.