Western Health is part of the largest growth corridor in Melbourne, and we are always on the lookout for the best talent. We welcome applications from interstate and internationally, and to help facilitate your move we have prepared the below resources:
Living in Melbourne’s West
The vast majority of our employees work at Footscray and Sunshine campuses. We also have employees working at the Sunbury and Williamstown campuses. These suburbs are set within the following municipalities:
These municipalities are responsible for providing local services to residents including health and wellness, car parking, rubbish removal, libraries, childcare and early learning services etc. and are governed by elected councils.
Visas
Depending on your visa, there may be restrictions on the type of work you can do in Australia. To find the right visa for your circumstances, check out the Visa Finder on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection Website.
Professional Registration
To work as a health practitioner in Australia, you need to apply for and be registered with the relevant national board. The authority for registration of health practitioners in Australia is the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). For information about overseas practitioners visit the AHPRA website.
Tax File Number
A Tax File Number (TFN) identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. Information you provide in your TFN declaration will allow your employer to work out how much tax to withhold from payments made to you. You must have a TFN to work in Australia.
If you are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor you can apply for an Australian TFN online on the Australian Taxation Office website.
Superannuation
Your employer will contribute 11% in addition to your gross salary to your chosen Superannuation account.
Superannuation is a tax-effective way to save for your retirement. Click here for more information on how super works.
Your superannuation fund may also offer insurance for loss of life and income protection.
Bank Account
You also need a bank account to live and work in Australia. The vast majority of employers will pay salaries directly to a bank account via electronic funds transfer. The dominant players in the market are known as the Big 4, and all allow migrants to open bank accounts before their arrival.
Click here for more information on how to choose the right bank account for you.
Access to Government Health Services
Depending on your visa, you may be eligible to access federal government services such as free hospital care at government-run hospitals (such as those operated by Western Health) and reduced fees for out-of-hospital services.
You will need a Medicare card to access these services. Pharmacies may also require you to present a Medicare card before they dispense certain prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Click here for more information on Medicare Cards and eligibility.
Finding somewhere to Live
The vast majority of houses for sale or rent are advertised online at Domain.com.au or Realestate.com.au. Listings include the details of the real estate agent managing the property transaction.
There is no shortage of locally based agents. For a locally based real-estate agent go to Real Estate Institute Victoria and search by suburb.
Western Health's campuses are located in the suburbs of Footscray, Sunbury, Sunshine and Williamstown.
Setting up Services
Utilities
Australia has an open market for electricity, gas, phone and internet which means there is a variety of retailers. You might like to explore a price comparison website to research the best rates on electricity and gas - https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/
Phone and Internet
There are several phone and internet service providers. The following price comparison sites may help: Whistleout and Compare Broadband
Childcare, Kindergarten and School
There are two categories of childcare centres, kindergartens and schools – government (public or community) and non-government (private or independent, including those with religious affiliations).
Early years, Childcare and Kindergarten
Local playgroups are a way for you and your child to interact with others and make friends. Playgroups are administered by Playgroup Victoria, in partnership with local groups and councils. Check your council website for information about free services that are provided for the younger years.
Young children aged from six weeks to six years old can be cared for in a childcare centre. The main types of childcare are:
- Private childcare centres
- Community childcare centres (not-for-profit and council-run centres)
- Family daycare
- In-home care - where children are cared for in their own home by a carer such as a nanny or au pair.
To learn more about early learning or to search for a childcare centre or kindergarten, visit Child Care Finder. Most childcare centres also offer a Kindergarten program for children who are three and four years old.
Kindergartens provide educational programs for three and four year old children to prepare them for primary school.
Primary & Secondary School
In the state of Victoria, to commence primary school, your child must turn five years of age by 30 April of the year that they start school. You may choose to delay school until the year that your child turns six years of age - this is the compulsory school starting age. Upon completion of Primary School, the student will transition to Secondary School.
For more information about the Australian school system click here
Look up Primary and Secondary schools in your area on the My Schools website
Transportation
Owning and Driving Your Vehicle
If you wish to purchase a vehicle, you can view vehicles for sale at carsales.com.au
To drive in Australia you need a drivers licence, and all vehicles must be registered. The motor vehicle and licencing authority in the state of Victoria are called VicRoads. VicRoads can help you to ensure you have the appropriate licence and will also register your vehicle.
Public Transport
Melbourne’s public transport network consists of trains, buses and trams. You can plan a trip or explore routes on the PublicTransport Victoria website.
To ride on Melbourne’s public transport system, you need a travel card with funds credited on it, called a Myki card.
Click here to find out how to obtain a Myki card.
Insurance
Typical insurance that people commonly purchase include:
Selecting the right type of insurance can be a daunting task. Click here to read more about your insurance needs and options. This site can make it easier to find the right health insurance for you https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/dynamic/search/start
Income and Life insurance fees can be taken from your Superannuation. In some cases your Superannuation will provide you with automatic cover, please speak to your provider about your options.
Need more information?
For more information, visit the following websites:
