International Student Family Resourcessydney.edu.au/stuserv/documents/issu/Families Booklet March 2011.… · Norton Street Plaza 51 Norton St, Leichhardt (Coles and other stores)

International Student Family

Resources

Counselling and Psychological ServicesLevel 5, Jane Foss Russell Building G02

The University of Sydney NSW 2006Telephone +61 2 8627 8437

Fax +61 2 8627 8482E-mail [email protected]

Updated 8 March 2011

Counselling and Psychological Services

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Contents

Living In Sydney 2Introduction 2Shopping 2Entertainment 4Interpreter Services 5Travel Arrangements 5

Child Care Information 7Long Day Care Centres 8Long Day Childcare Centres Associated with the University of Sydney 8Family Day Care Centres 8Pre-Schools 9Occasional Care Centres 9Play Groups 9Before and After School Care Centres 9Vacation Care 10Child Care Access Hotline 10Financial Assistance for Child Care 10

Schooling 12Primary School 13Secondary Schooling 13English Language Support 13Enrolling in School 13Choosing a Secondary School 14School Checklist 14

Health Issues for Partners of International Students 15Medical Costs 15Help & How To Get It 15University of Sydney Health Service 16Public Hospitals 16Area Health Services 16Emergency Services 16Interpreter Services in Public Hospitals 17Private Hospitals 17Pregnancy 17Car Restraints for Babies 17FPA Health 18Early Childhood Health Centres 18Immunisation 18Employment and Study Opportunities for the Partners of International Students 19Tax File Number 19International Student Partner Program 19Volunteer Work 20Employment resources 20Be Aware of Your Rights 21Study Opportunities for Partners 22

Page - 2 Counselling and Psychological Services

Living In Sydney

IntroductionSydney is the largest city in Australia with a population of 4.1 million people. Sydney is a multicultural city with people from a diverse range of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and this makes it both an interesting and exciting city in which to live. The suburbs surrounding the University of Sydney such as Glebe, Forest Lodge, Newtown, Camperdown, Enmore, Erskineville, Marrickville, Darlington and Chippendale are all residential suburbs with a high proportion of students. The following information is provided in order to give you a starting point to your exploration of Sydney.

Shopping There are several supermarket chains operating in Sydney. These include; Woolworths, Franklins and Coles. There are also several smaller supermarket chains such as Flemings and Aldi which sell food products and household goods at very discounted prices. These supermarkets provide fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, canned goods, meat, bread, laundry and cleaning supplies and much more. The larger supermarkets usually operate 7 days per week and besides providing an extensive choice of groceries they also have their own fruit and vegetable sections, butchers and delicatessens.

In most suburbs in Sydney there are also convenience stores such as 7-11 which often have extended trading hours and sell a range of groceries including milk, butter, bread etc. The goods in these stores are considerably more expensive than in supermarkets.

Shopping CentresThe following are shopping centres in suburbs surrounding the University of Sydney.

Broadway Shopping Centre Cnr Broadway and Bay St, Broadway (Coles, BiLo, K Mart, Target and other stores) Woolworths Metro Cnr George and Park Streets, Sydney CBD (Above Town Hall train station)

Marrickville Metro 34 Victoria Road (Woolworths, ALDI, Kmart)

Norton Street Plaza 51 Norton St, Leichhardt (Coles and other stores) Leichhardt Market Place Cnr Marion & Flood Streets, Leichhardt (Woolworths, BiLo, ALDI and other stores)

There are also a number of Asian grocery stores in the Chinatown District of Sydney around Dixon, Sussex, and Hay Streets.


Halal ButchersFor an updated list of halal butchers and restaurants in Sydney, please visit the NSW Islamic Council website: www.icnsw.org.au

Kosher ButchersFor an updated list of kosher butchers and restaurants in Sydney, please visit www.jewishaustralia.com

Eating Out• Sydney is a multicultural city and one effect of multiculturalism is the variety of food available.

Also as there are large numbers of students living in the suburbs around the University there are many cheap restaurants and cafes to choose from and therefore it may be possible to find food which is familiar to you.

• The main street of Newtown - King Street - and the main street of Glebe - Glebe Point Road - have a great variety of restaurants, cafes and take-away places to choose from including Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Lebanese, Turkish, Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and African.

• There is also a book called the Cheap Eats Guide to Sydney which lists many of the cheaper restaurants and cafes around the city of Sydney. The Cheap Eats Guide is available from most newsagencies and can also be found online www.eatstreets.com.au.

• There is a Food Court at the Broadway Shopping Centre which is open for extended hours.

Household Items and Clothing• The major Department stores in Sydney include David Jones and Myer. Both these stores

are located in the shopping district of the city centre and also in suburban areas, usually in shopping malls. An extensive range of clothing, shoes, household goods, electrical items can be purchased at the department stores but they can be expensive.

• Discount variety stores such as K-Mart, Best & Less, Target, and Big W often sell cheaper clothing than the Department stores. This is because they buy in large quantities.These stores also sell household goods such as linen, electrical items etc which are also often cheaper than the major Department stores. There is a K-Mart and other discount stores at The Broadway Shopping Centre.

• There are numerous clothing factory outlets particularly in the area around Surry Hills which sell clothing at reduced prices. Check The Bargain Shopper’s Guide to Sydney www.bargainshopper.com.au for further details.

MarketsMarkets are a good venue to purchase new and secondhand clothing and all sorts of household goods and even food. There are a number of markets around Sydney which are usually open over the weekend. It may be possible to bargain a little at markets.

• Paddy’s Market: Paddy’s sells fresh fruit and vegetables and has numerous stalls that sell clothing, shoes, electrical goods and a wide variety of other products at great prices. For more information, please visit the website: www.paddys.com.au. Paddy’s operates at two locations: Haymarket and Flemington.

• Haymarket, cnr of Thomas & Hay Streets, City. This market is located in the centre of Sydney’s Chinatown district and is open Thursday to Sunday from 9.00am – 5.00pm.


• Flemington Markets, Parramatta Road, Flemington. This market is open Friday 10.00am - 4.30pm and Sunday 9.00am - 4.30pm.

• Paddington Bazaar Oxford Street, in the grounds of the Anglican Church, Paddington. This is a very popular market and is open all day Saturday.

• Details of the above markets can be found at www.sydneymarkets.com.au, www.discoversydney.com.au, www.bargainshopper.com.au, and the Metro guide in Friday’s edition of The Sydney Morning Herald.

• Second-hand clothes, household goods and furniture can be purchased at St. Vincent de Paul stores. Please search “St. Vincent de Paul” in the White Pages (www.whitepages.com.au) for an updated list of their stores.

• There are a number of second-hand furniture stores near the University where desks, tables, cupboards, chairs etc can be purchased. The ISSU has compiled a list of these stores and their contact details. Please visit the ISSU for a copy.

• For information on where to find other bargains in clothing, shoes, household goods, furniture and much more check either “The Bargain Shoppers Guide To Sydney” (www.bargainshopper.com.au) or the Trading Post (www.tradingpost.com.au). They can also be purchased at most newsagents.

• Please also check: www.gumtree.com.au and UniSwap.com.au

Entertainment

• The Friday edition of The Sydney Morning Herald contains an extensive entertainment guide to activites in Sydney over the weekend and into the following week. The guide is called Metro and provides a listing of community events, exhibitions, live music (jazz, rock, classical and even country) comedy, theatre, lectures, courses and private tuition, fairs, concerts and children’s activities many of which are free. Please see www.smh.com.au.

• The website www.sydney.citysearch.com.au also provides information on current community events in Sydney.

• Look for half-price days at the various cinema chains such as GREATER UNION, HOYTS, VILLAGE or your local independant cinema. The half-price days are usually on Tuesdays. Sydney has an extensive range of independent cinemas which show foreign language films and art house movies. The independant movie theatres are Stanmore Theatre, Paddington Twin, Chauvel. Hoyts Cinemas are at the Broadway Shopping Centre.

Interpreter ServicesTelephone Translating & Interpreting ServiceIf you or a family member are in a particularly difficult or confusing situation it may be helpful to have an interpreter. If you are having difficulty communicating in English, call the Telephone Translating & Interpreting Service for the cost of a local phone call.


Interpreting Service: 13 14 50 (24 hours / 7 days a week : cost of a local call)

Government Departments & Statutory Authorities - Interpreter The Ethnic Affairs Comission of NSW provides interpreter services to government departments and statutory authorities. These include public hospitals, the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority), the Department of Education, the Police Department and the Department of Community Services. You should ask the person with whom you are dealing to arrange the interpreter for you. You will not have to pay for this service. The interpreters are available to most departments during normal business hours however the Police Dept can contact interpreters 24 hours a day.

Travel Arrangements

International Domestic Flights

Due to a recent increase in domestic airline companies, the cost of air travel within Australia has become very reasonable. As a result, flying can sometimes be cheaper than traveling by train or bus! You can also save on the cost of tickets if you book early and during non-peak season (Avoid public school holiday period!). Look out for specials in the newpapers and on the internet. The following are contacts for airlines companies or agencies:

Virgin Blue www.virginblue.com.au

Qantas www.qantas.com.au

Jetstar www.jetstar.com.au

Flight Centre www.flightcentre.com.au

STA Travel www.statravel.com.au Level 3, Wentworth Building, University of Sydney.

Interstate Rail Travel

Travelling interstate by train is not always the cheapest way to travel. By train however, you will be able to see more of the beautiful Australian landscape.

Countrylink provides travel within NSW, to Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Victoria.They offer student priced tickets to international students but you must present to them the International Student Identification card (ISIC). To obtain one, contact STA Travel (contact details above). It costs around $15.

Countrylink also provides bulk tickets that provides unlimited travel for a certain length of time. This is an economical way to see and experience Australia.

Countrylink www.countrylink.info Ph. 13 22 32


Bus and Coach TravelTravelling by bus is a great for short distances within NSW. The cost is similar to rail travel.

Greyhound www.greyhound.com.au Firefly Express www.fireflyexpress.com.au

Cars

If you have children or if you study and live in a remote campus (eg Camden, Orange) you may want to consider getting a car.

Secondhand cars are quite cheap in Australia but you must bear in mind the cost of annual registration, annual safety inspection (if your car is over 3 years of age), extra insurance, maintenance costs and the high cost of parking (especially in the city). Before buying a car, please read “Car Buyers Handbook” (Office of Fair Trading) on the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) website, www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

In general international students who intend to return to their home countries after they complete their degrees are permitted to drive in NSW with their home driver’s licence. Your licence must be current and you must have a translation if it is not in English. Even though you may not be required to take the knowledge test, you are still strongly encouraged to study The NSW Road User’s Handbook (www.rta.nsw.gov.au).

There are many strict traffic rules in NSW. For example, severe penalties will apply for driv-ers caught driving over the legal blood alcohol limit, without appropriate seating for young children (refer to section on child restraint in cars later in this booklet) or while driving and talking on a mobile phone. Please visit the RTA website for more detailed information.

Secondhand cars are commonly advertised in the newspapers and in the trading post (www.tradingpost.com.au).


Child Care Information

You may find that the system of childcare is quite different in Australia compared to your home country. There are many different types of child care available in Sydney. Information and descriptions on the different types of childcare are contained in this booklet.

When thinking about child care, you will need to consider whether you want your children cared for in a home environment with a small group of children, in a child care centre, or with family or friends.

You may wish to use child care near home or work, or on the way to work. In either case you should visit the child care services or carers in their area to determine the type of care that best suits your needs and those of your children.

Below are some points you may wish to consider when visiting services or carers:

* Is the atmosphere relaxed and happy? * Are you welcome to visit at any time? * Is there an orientation process for new children and parents? * Do carers spend time talking to and encouraging the children? * Do toileting, nappy changing and rest times meet individual needs? * Are nappies provided?* How long does the centre close at the end of the year?* Is there a wide range of toys and activities for the children? * Does the service/carer have a planned program of day to day activities for the

children? * Is information readily available about the service’s/carer’s policies eg. discipline, hygiene

procedures? * Do you feel welcome to discuss your child and child care policies with carers? * Are cultural differences recognised and accepted? * Do snacks and meal arrangements meet individual needs? * Will your child’s individual needs be met? * Is the long day care centre participating in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation

System? (http://www.ncac.gov.au)

You may discover that attitudes, facilities and costs vary markedly compared to your home country. In Sydney full-time childcare places can be difficult to find, particularly for under two year olds. There are waiting lists at most childcare centres and these lists can be very long, sometimes as long as one year or more. So it is important to put your name down on child care centre waiting lists as soon as possible.If you usually have family members available to assist you with childcare it may take some time for both you and your child to become used to child care centres. Many people in Sydney do not live close to parents or other family members and may not be able to afford the cost of childcare, therefore it is also quite common that trusted friends or neighbours help each


other out on an equal basis with childcare.

Child Care Information OfficeThe University runs a Child Care Information Office which can assist you with your childcare needs. Please see their brochure in your Families Bag. Below are their contact details:

Office: Level 5, Jane Foss Russell Building (beside Manning Wentworth) (open from 9.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday)Phone: 8627 8420Email: [email protected]: http://sydney.edu.au/stuserv/child_care/

Long Day Care CentresLong Day Care Centres provide an educational program to meet the developmental needs of children in a caring and stimulating environment. Centres are licensed by the Department of Community Services, and are open for long hours (e.g. from around 7.30am or 8.00am to 6.00 pm, five days a week for most weeks of the year). These centres are primarily used by families where the parents are working and/or studying.

Managed by qualified staff these centres provide programs of activities which are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs of the individual child. You will need to contact the individual centres for information about current fees, eligibility for subsidies, enrolment procedures and waiting lists, etc. Contact details for Long Day Care Centres can be found on the the Childcare Information Office website http://sydney.edu.au/stuserv/child_care/.

Family Day Care CentresFamily Day Care provides quality care for children up to 12 years of age in the homes of Family Day Care Carers. A Family Day Care service provides care through a network of approved Family Day Carers, who are organised and supported by a professional coordinating team.Family Day Care provides a safe, secure and stimulating home environment for your children, and care is being provided for small groups of children in the carer’s home. Family day care provides the opportunity for you and your children to develop a close relationship with your Carer.In Family Day Care, the hours of care are flexible and can be matched to your family’s needs. Family Day Care may be available on weekends or overnight if needed.Types of care provided include:

• Full-time care• Part-time care• Casual care• Care for children of shiftworkers• Before/after school care• Vacation care


You can find out which services in your area provide Family day Care by contacting the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800-670-305.

Pre-SchoolsThese centres usually operate only between 9am and 3pm during school terms. These centres provide care for children aged between 3 and 5 years on either a sessional basis (ie. morning or afternoon), a full day session or a mixture of both. Pre-schools are also often referred to as kindergartens but they are not a part of the State school system. Pre-schools are usually privately run and managed and offer an opportunity for children to mix with others in a stimulating environment.

Occasional Care CentresChildren from birth to 5 years of age may be cared for in these centers for limited periods of time per week up to a maximum of 24 hours per month. Occasional care Centres provide an important service to home based parents who have no one else available to assist with the care of their small children. Generally parents use occasional care so that they can have dental or medical appointments, go shopping, study.

Occasional care is available from the Ngallia Child Care Centre at the Cumberland campus. This is subject to places available at the centre on the day in which occasional care is needed. Contact details for Occasional Care Centres can be found on the the Childcare Information Office website http://sydney.edu.au/stuserv/child_care/.

Play GroupsA Playgroup is an informal two-hour session where parents, carers babies and children can come together in a relaxed environment and socialise. Both adults and children can gain from a regular Playgroup session – a time to talk, make friends and share experiences. It is a place to share cultural differences and experiences. Ideally Playgroup is a time of interactive play with both parents and children joining in activities. These activities can open up a new world to your child. Playgroups usually meet once per week and provide fun learning activities for children from birth to school age. All the activities run at Playgroup are “no cost” or low cost”. If you would like to find out more about Playgroups and the particular Playgroup in your area then contact the

Playgroup NSW Website : http://www.playgroupnsw.com.au

Before and After School Care CentresThese programs care for primary school children aged from five to twelve years before and after school. The times are usually from 7.00am to 9.00am and then from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Centres are often located in or close to the school which the child attends and fees are charged.


Vacation CareVacation care services provide care, including indoor and outdoor activities during the school holidays for primary school children. There is usually some charge for these activities.

During school holidays (coinciding with semester breaks) the Sydney University Sports conducts multi sports camps for children aged 7-12 years. The camp is designed to encourage all children to participate in a variety of sports. Some sports included are lacrosse, hockey, netball, archery, basketball, tennis, T Ball, fencing, cricket, golf, softball, soccer and volleyball. Summer programmes also include swimming. For information on fees and availability contact:

Sydney University Sports OfficePhone 9351-4960 or 1800501893 (toll free) Fax 9351-4962Address:HK Ward Gymnasium, University of Sydney NSW 2007Website: http://www.susf.com.au

Some schools also conduct vacation care programmes. Contact your local schools directly for information and availability. Contact details for Vacation Care can be found on the Childcare Information Office website www.usyd.edu.au/childcare.

Child Care Access HotlineThe Child Care Access Hotline — a telephone service that provides you with information to help you choose a child care service that meets your needs.

When calling the Hotline on 1800 670 305, a professionally trained operator will provide you with information about:

* child care services in your area;* types of child care available;* quality issues; and * whether you might be eligible for government financial assistance.

Various child care options such as long day care, family day care, in-home care, outside school hours care and occasional care will be explained so that you can make an informed choice.

For further information call the Child Care Access Hotline between 8am to 9pm, Monday to Friday on 1800 670 305 (a free call unless calling from a mobile phone), Eastern Standard Time. A Translator Information Service is also available.

A TTY Service is available on 1800 639 327 for people with a hearing and/or speech impairment.

Financial Assistance for Child CareChild Care Benefit is a type of government assistance available to Australian residents and to a limited category of international students. Under Australian Government guidelines, only those international students who are directly sponsored or subsidised by the Australian government (eg: AusAID or IPRS scholarship holders) are eligible for this form of assistance.

The amount of Child Care Benefit you receive depends on your income. You need to complete


an application, available from most childcare centres or Centrelink (or Family Assistance Officers within Centrelink) and lodge this with Centrelink who will need details of your income to assess your eligibility for the benefit. You will also require a Tax File Number. Please see page 20 for more information on Tax File Number applications.

Centrelink - Childcare Benefit ContactThings you need to know about Childcare Benefit - queries regarding eligibility for Childcare Assistance. Website www.familyassist.gov.au


Schooling

In New South Wales schooling is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 15 years, although children may attend school from the age of 5 years. Dependants of international students are eligible to enrol in government schools. Most students holding a Temporary Residents Visa or Visitor Visa are required to pay the Temporary Visa Holders Education Fee and a non-refundable Administration Fee.

In 2011 the fees for a 12 month (40 week) period are:Years K-6 Primary School A$4,500Years 7-10 Junior High School A$4,500Years 11-12 Senior High School A$5,500Administration Fee: A$110 (non-refundable and GST inclusive)

Some Visa categories are automatically exempt from payment of fees. Individual exemptions will be considered on a case-by case basis. Visitor Visa holders and Dependent Student Visa holders are not eligible to seek exemption. Please refer to the Information and Application kit.

The information and application package is available on the NSW Department of Education and Training website, www.detinternational.nsw.edu.au/schools, or you can contact the NSW Department of Education and Training, Temporary Visa Holders Unit by ringing 1300 300 229, or email on [email protected].

NSW School Terms 2011Term 1: 28 January – 8 AprilTerm 2: 26 April – 1 JulyTerm 3: 18 July – 23 SeptemberTerm 4: 10 October – 20 December


Primary SchoolNSW government primary schools are open to any child whose fifth birthday falls on, or before, July 31 in the year in which they wish to enrol. If your child’s fifth birthday happens to be after that date, your child may be admitted to school the following year.

Primary School comprises the 7 years from Kindergarten to Year 6. Children in Primary School are generally aged between 5 and 11-12 years. Primary School lays the educational foundation for children by providing basic skills and competencies. The areas of learning in Kindergarten to Year 6 are:* English - students learn about, and learn to use written language.* Mathematics-students develop the ability to investigate and solve non-routine

problems.* Science and Technology - students learn about natural and man-made environments.* Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) - this area deals with peoples’ interactions

with one another and with their social, cultural and physical environments.* Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) - aims to develop

knowledge and understanding, skills, values and attitudes that will help students to adopt active, healthy and fulfilling lifestyles.

* Creative Arts - students explore and experience different art forms including Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.

* Languages - students may have the option of learning and using languages other than English.

The Board of Studies develops a syllabus for each of the learning areas. Along with a defined aim, each syllabus has a set of objectives and outcomes, expressed in terms of knowledge and understandings, skills, values and attitudes.

Secondary SchoolingJunior High School comprises the first four years of secondary schooling (Years 7-10). At the end of Year 10, the NSW Board of Studies awards the School Certificate to students who have completed these years of study.

Completing Senior High School (Years 11 and 12) leads to the Higher School Certificate (HSC). This certificate is granted on the results of the previous two years assessment and a series of external examinations held in October/November of Year 12. School assessments are adjusted to ensure that results around NSW can be fairly compared.

The subjects offered in Years 7-10 and Years 11 and 12 can be found on the NSW Department of Education and Training website under Teaching and Learning.

English Language SupportIf your child has limited or no English when enrolling at school, English as a Second Language (ESL) support may be provided at the school.

Enrolling in SchoolTo enrol your child in school you will need to make an appointment at your local or chosen school to discuss the enrolment. You will need to take your passport, all visa documents and proof of residence with you. The school will provide you with an application form to fill in.


Choosing a Secondary SchoolUntil recently there was very little choice in government high schools as children were expected to attend the nearest school to their home. Dezoning has given parents and children wider choice.

Comprehensive High SchoolsThe majority of State High schools in Sydney are comprehensive high schools. If you are selecting a government high school in which to enroll your child, you are not limited to the local high schools. You may also apply to as many as four other comprehensive state high schools.

Enrolments for students from outside a comprehensive school’s drawing area are at the discretion of the principal and are offered only if there is adequate space after local students have been accommodated. Whilst all students are guaranteed a place in their local comprehensive high school, availability of space, particularly in the senior years, is at a premium and very competitive. These factors should be taken into consideration specially if you wish to apply to a school outside your local area.

Selective SchoolsWhilst there are a number of selective schools throughout the Sydney Metropolitan Region,the dependants of international students are not eligible to attend such schools.

School ChecklistWhen choosing either a primary school or a high school you should consider your children’s needs and your own expectations and values. First ring the schools you are interested in or the schools you have been allocated and ask for further information (some schools may have a handbook). Go along to any open days and talk to the teachers, make an appointment to speak with the principal and deputy principal.Compile a checklist of features important to you and your child. Then think about the questions that you need to ask to get the information that you need. Such questions may take into consideration the following points. (Remember that these points are used only as a guide to assist in decision making):• The school’s aims and philosophies• Curriculum• Academic performance• Class sizes and structure - (What is the average class size? What is the pupil/teacher

ratio?)• Facilities of the school (such as computers, etc) • Extra curricular activities (such as sports, music, drama) • Homework (how much and what kind is expected at the various year levels)• Parent participation (is this encouraged both in & out of school)• Costs• Admission policy• Access to transport - (How much travel is involved? Are school buses available?) • Discipline - (What are the school rules? How are they enforced? What punishments exist?

Are parents made aware of any infringements?)


Help & How To Get ItIf you are experiencing problems with your child’s schooling, it is important to have those problems addressed quickly. Parents should first approach the child’s teacher. The list below suggests avenues for assistance available to parents.Teacher - can advise about student progress.Career Advisers - can advise about current and future training and career options for students in secondary schools.School Counsellors - can help students who experience a range of personal, social, psychological and learning problems and are available to discuss relevant issues with parents when requested.Principal - can assist parents when problems arise and is responsible for the overall running of the school.Director of Schools - can assist with any problem that goes beyond an individual school or has not been properly addressed by a school. The Director encourages contact between schools and is a link between the school and the regional office.Regional Office - can provide assistance in relation to any school in the region.

Health Issues for Partners of International Students

It is a requirement of entry into Australia that all international students and their dependants have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Without this health insurance medical attention in Australia would be extremely expensive. If a partner or dependant enters Australia on a visitors visa they are not eligible for health insurance through OSHC. Dependants must enter Australia on a dependants visa to be eligible for OSHC. The 2010 cost of family cover OSHC from Worldcare Assist (the university’s prefered insurer www.oshcworldcare.com.au is $780 per year (family defined as 2 adults and 2 children).If you or a family member are ill you are encouraged to seek medical treatment and you can see any doctor that you wish - that may be a doctor in a private clinic or a doctor at the University Health Service.

Medical Costs

The Australian Government sets a recommended fee or a schedule fee for all medical services including consultations with doctors, radiology, pathology services etc. It is legal in Australia for a doctor to charge above the Government’s schedule fee. The most important point about your OSHC is that this health insurance will only cover 85% of the Government’s schedule fee. Therefore you will have at least a gap of 15% which you must pay yourself unless you use the University of Sydney Health Service which only charges 85% of the Government’s scheduled fee. This means that it is free to see a doctor there.


University of Sydney Health Service

The University Health Service is available on campus to both students and their families. There are both male and female doctors available. Your Overseas Student Health Cover will cover the full cost of seeing a doctor at the University Health Service. The doctors will refer you to a specialist doctor or other specialist services as required. Appointments may be made to see the doctor of your choice and there is a doctor available for urgent walk-in appointments each day.

Holme Building Ground Floor Ph. 9351 4095 9am - 5pmWentworth Building 3rd Floor Ph. 9351 3484 8.30am - 5.30pm

The doctors at the University Health Service only charge 85% of the Government schedule fee and OSHC only covers 85% of the Government schedule fee, so seeing a doctor at the University Health Service is effectively free. To do this you must bring your Worldcare Assist Card with you.

Public Hospitals

Public Hospitals in NSW are funded and run by the State Government. They are often associated with Universities and seen as teaching hospitals, and the staff are trained to high standards. Once you and your family have found permanent accommodation in Sydney it is important to determine which is the nearest Public Hospital to where you live in case you need to use the services of the hospital eg. The Accident & Emergency Department. If you are unsure which Public Hospital is the nearest to where you live, you should call your Area Health Service (AHS) or your Local Council.

Area Health Services

You can search for your nearest area health service on this website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Emergency Services

If there is a medical emergency or you or a family member require treatment urgently then you can go to the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest public hospital for treatment. If you require an:

* Ambulance or * Police Assistance or a * Fire Brigade

then you must dial the emergency telephone number 000. Give your name, the address of the emergency and your contact phone number. No money is required when making an emergency phone call from a public phone.


Interpreter Services in Public HospitalsIf you or your family are admitted to a public hospital and are having difficulties understanding the doctors or nursing staff you may ask the nurse in charge of your ward or the ward clerk for an interpreter through the Health Care Interpreter Service. This is a Government funded service and there is no charge to patients for this service, only in the Public Hospital system.

Health Care Interpreter Service 9926 7560 (8.30 -5.30pm Mon-Fri) 9962 5772 (after hours)

Private HospitalsPrivate Hospitals are privately owned and charge well above the schedule fee so your OSHC will only provide some cover towards the total costs. You will be responsible for paying the difference. Before agreeing to be admitted into a Private Hospital for treatment, check your health insurance entitlements with OSHC.

PregnancyOverseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covers pregnancy-related services (this includes the termination of a pregnancy) if your student visa is over 3 months.If you think that you are pregnant you should make an appointment early on with a doctor to confirm your pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to answer any of your questions about pregnancy and how to care for yourself at this time. Your doctor should also explain how to book into a Maternity Ward of a Hospital in Sydney.It is important that you book into a maternity ward of a Hospital several months before your expected date of delivery so that you are able to see a doctor in the hospital clinic for regular check ups and in order to participate in ante-natal classes. These classes explain what happens during pregnancy and labour and the different positions and breathing techniques you can use to relieve pain. Your partner or a friend can attend ante-natal classes with you and stay with you throughout the labour and delivery.

Car Restraints for BabiesIn NSW it is illegal for a baby to travel in a car without an approved safety restraint. If you have a car then it will be necessary to arrange to rent a restraint for any child under the age of 2 years. New laws will soon be passed requiring children up to 6 years to be restrained in cars. This will ensure your child’s car travel safety needs are met. Check with your local hospital or Motor Registry www. rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/children for more information on child restraints. If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you contact your local rental plan co-ordinator at least 6 weeks before the baby is due. For a free copy of the brochure, A Buyer Guide To Child Restraints, call 1800 060 607. Please also check kidsafensw.org and www.kidsandtraffic.mq.edu.au.


FPA HealthThe Family Planning Association of NSW provides free advice and information regarding contraception options. All consultations are private and confidential. You can phone 8752 4300 to make an appointment in Ashfield (328-336 Liverpool Road). For more information please go to www.fpnsw.org.au

You can also call Marie Stopes International on 1800 003 707 (open 24 hours), which provides sexual health advice and pregnancy choices. Website: www.mariestopes.com.au

Early Childhood Health CentresThese Centres provide free information, support and advice to new mothers on their child’s health and development, immunisation, mothercraft consultancy, baby health screening, post-natal care and education. Below find centres near University. Otherwise you will find many other centres in the metropolitan area in the whitepages : whitepages.com.au, or please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

Camperdown : King George V (opposite RPA Hospital), Missenden Road Phone : 9515 9944 Glebe : cnr Pyrmont Bridge Rd & Glebe Point Rd Phone : 9660-3451 Redfern : Wellington St, Waterloo Phone : 9698-1613 Ashfield : 260 Liverpool Road Phone : 9716-1853 Look under Early Childhood Centres in the Telephone Book (A-K White Pages) for the Centre nearest to where you live. You can also call the Royal Society for the Welfare of Mothers and Babies (TRESILLIAN) on 9787 0855 (24-hour parents helpline) or see their website: www.cs.nsw.gov.au/tresillian.

Another useful resource : Sydney’s Child Magazine is a great guide for parents. It has a wide range of parenting topics, reviews on children’s books and movies, a comprehensive list of events and helpful information on schools. You can pick up a free copy of this maga-zine locally from

Kidz Stuff, 101 Parramatta Road, CamperdownKing George V Hostpital (Opposite RPA hospital), Camperdown.

or please contact www.sydneyschild.com.au if you would like to subscribe for around $40+ per year. Ph. 8876 4800

ImmunisationYour local doctor or Early Childhood Centre can give you useful information on immunisation in Australia. For more information, please go to the Immunisation Australia program website: www.immunise.health.gov.au.


Employment and Study Opportunities for the Partners of

International Students

Spouses/Partner work entitlements depend on the regulations of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Generally, students and their dependants are limited to 20 hours per week while the students’ course of study is in session. Students may work full time during the holiday periods. Spouses /Partners of Masters and Doctorate (PhD) students can work full time. If you have already begun looking for a job you may already know that positions can be difficult to find. However if you do find a job, it may involve work that is very different to what you have done at home and may require no proven skills or previous experience. Such jobs may include restaurant work, babysitting and house cleaning. These sorts of jobs can still provide valuable income and opportunities for further employment and they are typical of the sorts of casual jobs undertaken by both Australian and international students at all levels of study. It is therefore important to be flexible and to be prepared to accept alternatives when looking for a job in Sydney.

If you wish to try to find work in your particular profession or field of expertise (such as a teacher, social worker etc) then you will be required to have your qualifications verified by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). If you wish to have an assessment which will allow you to practise your profession please consult NOOSR’s publications on various professions as these will outline the relevant assessment procedure. There is an assessment fee but some applications can be free of charge. NOOSR can advise you of this. If you are uncertain about the kind of assessment you require or if you have any questions about the application process you may contact NOOSR at the address below:

National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) Ph. 1300 363 079 Website: http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/default.htm (click on Qualifications Recognition) Email: [email protected]

Tax File Number If you intend to work in Australia, you are strongly encouraged to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Without one, 48.5% of your salary will be deducted as taxes. A tax file number is also necessary if you are applying for Child Care Benefit or if you are earning a lot of interest from your bank account. For more information, please contact the Australian Taxation Office (phone13 28 61 or www.ato.gov.au) or the ISSU.

International Student Partners ProgramOften partners of international students find it difficult to find a job because of poor Eng-lish skills. To improve English skills, the ISSU provides free conversation classes for your spouse/partner throughout semester. These classes also provide a great chance to make friends. Partners can register anytime during semester. If you would like to register or have further questions, please contact ISSU (Ph. 8627 8437 Email: [email protected])


Volunteer Work When looking for work, prospective employers often require relevant work experience in Australia. This can present a difficult situation because without Australian work experience, you cannot get a job and without a job, you cannot get Australian work experience!Volunteer work is a great solution to gaining work experience in Australia. It is also helpful in breaking the ‘no-job cycle’ and building confidence. The following are some useful contacts:1) Volunteering NSWVolunteering NSW is a job centre for volunteers. It can help in finding you a voluntary job as there are thousands of jobs on their register. Daytime, evening and weekend work is available and positions can range from long term through short term to one off or special event. To register for a voluntary position please contact the Volunteering NSW at the contact details below. You will be matched with a position most appropriate to your skills, work experience and interests.

Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Ph. (02) 9261 3600 Website: www.volunteering.com.au or govolunteer.com.au.

2) Conservation Volunteers AustraliaThis organisation welcomes everyone with a love of the outdoors and an interest in the environment. Their volunteers come from a wide rage of background and you do not need any prior skills or experience.

Ph. 1800 032 501 (within Australia) or +613 5330 2600 (outside Australia)Email: [email protected]: www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

Employment resourcesThe Sydney Morning Herald www.smh.com.auThe Sydney Morning Herald is the major newspaper in Sydney and has a large employment section on Saturdays and Wednesdays and a smaller employment section throughout the week. Also there are local newspapers for different areas of Sydney, such as The Courier which covers the inner western suburbs of Sydney. These local newspapers have listings for casual, part time and full time employment.The Yellow Pages www.yellowpages.com.auThe Yellow Pages is the name for the telephone directory in Sydney. This can be a valuable source of employer information. If you are interested in a particular type of employment you will probably find these businesses listed in the Yellow Pages. The index to the business and service listings is at the front of the Yellow Pages. You may then wish to contact these businesses directly either by phone or by letter sending a copy of your resume and enquiring about vacancies.University of Sydney Campus Employment on the University campus is highly competitive and difficult to obtain. The Casual Employment Service and Careers Centre on campus can only assist enrolled students to find employment. International students and their partners may obtain University employment by being in the right place at the right time. Information about job vacancies will often come from simply talking to staff members and other students. So be sure to let your friends and contacts at the University know that you are seeking employment because it is often through these ways that you will learn about an available position.


You can browse the Careers Centre (www.careers.usyd.edu.au) and Casual Employment Centre (www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/casual_employment_service) website for useful information on interviews and job application.

Other Contacts:www.jobsearch.gov.auwww.careerone.com.auwww.mycareer.com.auwww.seek.com.au

Be Aware of Your RightsOne of the most important concerns that you will have after finding a job is how much your employer is paying you. Never start a job without determining the rate of pay and how and when you will get paid. It has become apparent that many employers are reducing the rate of pay as it becomes harder to find employment.

Awards: Industrial awards are legal agreements negotiated between Unions and employers in industrial courts. Awards set minimum rates of pay for a job, the hours of work, overtime, sick pay etc. Employers must by law pay the wages and benefits set out in the award. You can check your award rate of pay and your entitlements with the Department of Industrial Relations - Awards Section on Ph. 13 16 28 or at www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au

Casual Employees are paid on an hourly or daily basis. They receive an increased rate of pay to compensate for not receiving benefits such as public holidays, sick leave or annual leave. Casual employees tend to do irregular, seasonal or on-call work. As a casual you may be employed once only or one day per week for an on-going period.

Part-time employees are paid a lower hourly rate than casual employees but are usually entitled to holiday and sick leave payments. Part-time employees generally work for a fixed and constant number of hours per week on a regular basis.

Full-time employees are paid on either a weekly or fortnightly basis. They are eligible for sick leave and annual leave. Full time work hours are between 35 to 40 hours per week.

Payment: It can be difficult to start questioning an employer about payment if you have just found a new job especially if you have been searching for a long time. If you have not already discussed payment when you are accepting the job also say, “Could you tell me what the hourly rate of pay is?” or “We did not discuss the rate of pay?” If an employer is evasive and cannot answer your questions, offer to phone back later so they can give you the information. If you have doubts about the offered rate of pay phone the Department of Industrial Relations - Awards Section 13 16 28. If you discover that you are being underpaid this department will be able to assist you.

If you or a potential employer have any doubts about your eligibility to work contact the Stu-dent Section of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) phone 131881.


Legal SupportFor free and confidential telephone advice and information on pay; work conditions and rights; family issues; discrimination; sexual harrassment and part-time work, please go to Law Access online (www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au) or Inner City Legal Centre (www.iclc.org.au).

Study Opportunities for Partners A partner on a dependant visa can study as a full-fee paying international student for 3 months (maximum). (Part time studies are permitted for them and a pro-rata fee is charged.) If your partner wants to study for longer than 3 months, they must apply for a student visa.

UniversityInformation about courses (entry requirements, fees etc for international students & their partners) at the University of Sydney is available from the International Office, Services Building. Information about courses at other universities such as the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University can be sought from their International Student Centres.

TAFE (Technical And Further Education), Department of Education and TrainingTAFE consists of 130 campuses located throughout NSW. Qualifications range from short courses to diploma level in Applied Science, Business, Computer Studies, Engineering and English to name a few. Credit for study in TAFE NSW is offered by many universities. For further information about TAFE courses, costs and enrolment, please go to www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Centre for Continuing Education at the University of SydneyContinuing Education offers courses that are open to anyone - you do not need work experience or specific educational background. There are many short courses offered through the Continuing Education Program and these courses range from Business and Computer skills to Literature and Cultural Studies. Courses are generally held at the University of Sydney and are taught by recognised experts in their fields. The majority of courses are held in the evening or on weekends and vary in cost. For further information about any of the courses please contact :

Centre for Continuing EducationCnr Missenden Road and Campbell Sts, Sydney University Village, University of Sydney.Ph. (02) 9036 4789Website: www-secure.cce.usyd.edu.au


Sydney Community CollegeThe courses offered at the Sydney Community College range from Business, Computing, Languages, Visual Arts, Handicrafts and Cooking. The majority of courses are offered in the evenings over an 8-10 week period. For further information contact:

Sydney Community College, Cnr Perry Street and Balmain Road, LilyfieldPh. 8572-7555Website: www.sydneycommunitycollege.com.au(Bus number 440 from Parramatta Road or George Street)

WEA (Worker’s Educational Association)The WEA offers over 1,200 short courses. The courses are open to everyone over the age of 16 and are run by highly qualified experts. The courses range from computer and workplace skills to languages hobbies and general knowledge. The majority of courses are held over a 8 -10 week period and are offered both in the day and evening. For further information about the range of courses on offer you can visit their website at or contact:

72 Bathurst Street, Sydney NSW 2000Ph. 9264 2781Website: www.weasydney.com.au

Documents

International Student Family Resourcessydney.edu.au/stuserv/documents/issu/Families Booklet March 2011.… · Norton Street Plaza 51 Norton St, Leichhardt (Coles and other stores)