Welcome to Australia Blog

How do we shop here in Australia?

According to IBIS World predictions there is a shift in the way we shop here in Australia.

For immigrants coming in,

Shopping online in Australia

this can be a relief.

We are rapidly increasing our online shopping with ‘Generation Y’ leading the way. Whilst the up and coming generation are doing it tough on the job market, it is predicted that they will increase their earnings over the next 10 years, fuelling growth in online spending – their preferred means of purchasing.

We should start to see a multi-channel approach integrating the Internet and associated online technologies to a greater extent than we see today. Additional service options for online buyers, such as the opportunity to return goods online and interact with customer service staff are on their way.

North Brisbane French Preschool

French Language classes in Brisbane.

Roger Garin-Michaud, long-term French teacher / tutor and entrepreneur, is initiating the creation of a French Preschool in Northern Brisbane area, on the same model as the Australian French Preschool, for a start in 2012.

This will no doubt be very welcomed… Please express your interest to Roger, see his web-site here:

http://www.golden-wheel.net/

Is Australia a Rich Country?

Australian Sun, Sae, Sand.

Sun, sea and sand has attracted millions of people to apply for visas over the last few years.

Is Australia really as prosperous as many would have you believe?

How much do we work in Australia?

Hard Working

The trend on the rise is the work life balance.

More people want part-time work and talk about job share options, this can be be due to family commitments or for a gentle retirement.

Is a strong work ethic alive & well? Do we in Australian work hard? Have your say….

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.

Looking at childcare again?

Our network has expanded, changed and fluctuated over the years we’ve lived here.

Child Care options

In our pursuit of teaching our children French, visiting au pairs have also become a thinkable option.

Having had children and continually tried to balance work, childcare and a school aged child, an au pair could also be just the long term option.

A professional agency can do the pre-screening, initial interviewing and checking, as well as understanding you, your family and your work needs.  The International Au Pair Agency Association (IAPA) is an important accreditation for agencies.

Type of jobs that au pairs can be given:  after school care, help with homework, school runs, baby sitting, housework, language assistance, meal preparation & cooking.