Welcome to Australia Blog

Getting More Education in Australia.

Open Universities Australia and Kaplan are popular adult education choices.

Adult Education on the rise.

To increase the skilled labour force and address skill shortages, retraining is becoming more widely accessible to working adults.

Help for immigrants in Far North Queensland

A Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) team will visit regions of Far North Queensland affected by Cyclone Yasi in the coming days, as part of its regional outreach program.

Officers will travel to regions including Tully and Innisfail to provide support to temporary visa holders, including overseas workers and tourists who may be concerned about their immigration status.

“If people in the affected areas hold a visa which is about to expire, or work for a business which has been affected, the department urges them to contact DIAC as soon as possible to discuss their options,” a departmental spokesman said.

“DIAC officers will be on the ground in affected areas shortly to assist these people.”

Officers will also meet with local farmers and businesses to discuss potential sources of labour, such as working holiday makers, as they start the massive clean-up and rebuilding effort.

“Working holiday makers are an ideal option for Far North Queensland landholders who are seeking an immediately accessible labour force on properties affected by Cyclone Yasi,” the spokesman said.

“Many overseas workers in Queensland showed a keen interest to assist in the clean-up in regions of the state devastated by the recent floods, and DIAC is equally keen to assist the victims and volunteers as they cope with yet another natural disaster.”

Working holiday makers may also wish to volunteer in the clean-up and rebuilding and DIAC officers will be on hand to provide advice and information to ensure visa holders undertake volunteer work in a manner that is consistent with their visa conditions.

Construction work following a natural disaster, whether it is paid or unpaid, can be counted as part of the specified work in a regional area of Australia that visa holders need to complete to apply for a Second Working Holiday visa.

More information on working holiday visas and DIAC assistance following Cyclone Yasi can be found at www.immi.gov.au.

Why Australia is Great for Families

There are plenty of activities to do.

Exploring Australia

1. Traditional Australian Farmstays - learn how to throw a boomerang, crack a horse whip, ride a horse, milk a cow, make damper & billy tea. Great value near Warwick just south of Brisbane www.bestbrook.com.au

2. Zoos and Wildlife Parks -  feed koalas, get to know native Australian animals (snakes, spiders, crocodiles) at a safe distance.

3. Miles of spacious Beaches and camping grounds.

4. Museums – Brisbane city centre and any major town will have a historic and themed display with visiting international exhibits.

5. Factory Visits – cheese, ginger, beer……. tours plus tasting, and often children’s activities thrown in.

6. Theme Parks – both the Gold and Sunshine Coast have plenty to offer….Sea-world, Dreamworld, Movie World…

7. Island Hopping – explore fresh water pools and beaches with your 4wheel drive up the East Coast of Queensland.

8. Great Rail Journeys – visit Travel-train Holidays for more ideas.

Supporting the Immigrants in flood-affected areas.

Queensland is flooding

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is working to support visa holders in Queensland and northern New South Wales who may be affected by the devastating floods.

DIAC is aware there are significant numbers of temporary visa holders, including overseas workers and tourists, as well as migrants, in flood-affected areas.

If people in the affected areas hold a visa which is about to expire, or work for a business which has been affected, or are otherwise concerned about their immigration status, the department urges them to contact DIAC as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances and options available.

The department is also in contact with employers of visa holders in affected areas to offer advice and assistance. Businesses and sponsors who are concerned about the possible impacts on their overseas workers should also contact DIAC.

Affected visa holders or businesses can contact the department on 131 881.

DIAC expresses its sympathy to all people in those regions affected by the floods.

The Australian Government is continuing to support the Queensland Government by providing assistance to communities affected by the floods and monitoring the situation.

Brisbane River leaves a lot of muddy streets.

Muddy Streets left after Brisbane river flooded.

Brisbane River Flooding clear up continues.

Mud left as Brisbane Flood water subsides.

Cleaning up Brisbane CBD

Cleaning up Brisbane city centre.

Brisbane Flooding – shops start the clean up.

Tags: Flooding