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Living in Perth
Pre-departure information guide
Darwin
Western
Australia
Brisbane
PERTH
Sydney
Adelaide
Canberra
Melbourne
Hobart
Warwick
Hillarys Lancelin
Boat Harbour
Sorrento Beach Balcatta PERTH
Trigg Island Beach
Mandurah
Innaloo
Swan Valley
Scarborough Beach
Bunbury
Mount Lawley Dunsborough
Floreat Beach
Northbridge East Margaret River
PERTH
Subiaco PERTH Perth
AIRPORT Albany
CITY
Claremont
Cottesloe South Perth
Beach
Rottnest Island
Cannington
Swan River
Applecross
Port Beach
MURDOCH CAMPUS
MURDOCH CAMPUS
FREMANTLE
PORT CITY
Bibra Lake
Murdoch University campus map
Table of Contents Welcome to Perth!
Quarantine Matters 1 Perth is a beautiful city with a wonderful Mediterranean climate.
It has lovely beaches and parks. Perth people are helpful and
International airports 1 welcoming. The lifestyle is relaxed and most people enjoy outdoor
International mail 2 activities such as sporting events, barbeques and picnics. Living in
Perth will be an enjoyable experience for you.
International cargo 2
We hope that you will be very happy here and be successful
Don’t risk it 2 with your studies. Most people adapt quickly when they move to
another country. However, students do occasionally get homesick
Customs 2
when they first arrive in Australia. Homesickness can take many
Weather and Climate 2 forms and sometimes you may even feel like returning home. You
are likely to find life a bit strange and different and perhaps not
Safety and Crime 2
what you expected. This kind of cultural adjustment can happen to
Police Services 3 people of any nationality when they live in a new culture.
Religion in Australia 3 How can you cope with homesickness and cultural adjustment?
Firstly by accepting that things are not quite what you expected. As
Places of Worship 3 soon as you get used to life in Perth and start to make new friends,
Restaurants 4 you will begin to miss your own country a little less. Discuss your
reactions with your family and friends, you’ll be surprised at how
Shopping Facilities 4 understanding they can be – remember that they are probably
Used Furniture and Household Equipment. 4 missing you as much as you are missing them
Banking Facilities 5
Driving 5
Insurance 5
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
General Information 6
Gambling 6
Keeping Appointments 6
Conversation 6
Social relations 6
Laundry and Dry cleaning 6
Car Parking 6
Car Hire 6
Public Transport 7
Taxis 7
Postal Information 7
Change of address 8
Telephone 8
Getting your phone connected 8
Phone card 8
Mobile phone use 8
Internet Access 8
Newspapers 9
Recreation and Entertainment 9
Maps and Tourist Guides 9
Accommodation 9
The Lease 10
General Real Estate Agents 10
Security & Quarantine Weather and Climate
Quarantine Matters Perth Western Australia’s weather and climate is best described as
These are important NEW facts to help international students Mediterranean, with long dry summers and mild rainy winters. There
when they arrive in Australia, or receive goods from home. are four distinct seasons:
Tougher new quarantine laws and increased on-the-spot fines suMMer: Dec - Feb
now apply in Australia. The hottest months are January and February, and temperatures can
• All international travellers entering Australia who do not declare frequently reach the mid to high 30’s Celsius (95-100F). Occasionally
quarantine risk items now face an on-the-spot fine of up to $220. the weather can reach 38 degrees Celsius or more (100+ Fahrenheit),
This could happen as a result of failing to declare something as lightweight cool clothing and sunscreen is essential.
small as a piece of fruit!
autuMn: Mar – May
• Smugglers of prohibited items may face fines of up to $60,000
Very similar weather to summer except milder, warm and sunny
and a criminal record. For example, a student arriving at
but cooler at night. You can expect things to start cooling down
Brisbane airport recently was fined $6,700 for trying to smuggle
toward the end of April and will need some warmer clothing.
less than a kilogram of dried meat into Australia.
• The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) now Winter: Jun - sep
inspect most international passengers, cargo and mail coming This is the rainy season, interspersed with chilly yet sunny days. A
into Australia. typical Perth winter day may fall between 16-18 degrees Celsius
(60-65 degrees Fahrenheit). There are however, occasionally storms,
international airports characterised by thunder, lightning and heavy downpours of
Most travellers coming into Australia’s international airports will rain and strong winds. It is advised to have warm clothing and a
now have their luggage screened by customs officials. In the past waterproof jacket and umbrella handy.
year AQIS has placed around 1,200 extra staff, 35 extra detector dog
teams and 48 new x-ray machines at airports across the country. spring: oct - Dec
International students must declare ALL food, wooden items or Spring begins at the start of September and from this point the
items of plant and animal origin that they are carrying with them. weather quickly warms to fine sunny but windy conditions. The
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
temperatures will continue to rise in the lead up to the next summer.
international Mail
All letters, parcels and packages sent by mail into Australia are Weather Conditions in Perth
screened by x-ray machines, detector dogs and quarantine officers . Summer Autumn Winter Spring
at international mail centres across Australia. Prohibited items will . Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
be removed from parcels and destroyed. Some articles may need Max 27 30 30 29 25 21 19 18 18 20 22 25
to be treated to make them safe. Min 16 18 19 17 14 12 10 9 9 10 12 14
Students must ensure that their families do not send ‘quarantine Rainfall-mm 14 9 12 19 46 123 182 173 135 80 55 21
Rainy Days 4 3 3 4 8 14 17 18 17 14 11 6
risk’ items through the mail.
international cargo
AQIS screens all cargo coming into Australia - including personal
effects such as clothing, cutlery, food, books, bicycles, sporting Recreation & Entertainment
equipment, dried flower arrangements, kitchen appliances,
souvenirs and other items. Australians are very enthusiastic about sport, whether as spectators
Cargo sent by sea or airfreight may need an import permit or or participants. Most suburbs have sporting clubs catering for
treatment and packing materials such as straw and containers such various sports. Information about contacting these clubs can be
as fruit and vegetable cartons are prohibited because they are a found in the telephone book or at the Student Services Office.
pest or disease risk. Because of the favourable climate in Perth, picnics and barbeques
Don’t risk it are a common weekend activity for family groups, especially at the
Australia has a unique natural environment with plants and animals beach, by the river or in one of Perth’s many parks.
that are found nowhere else in the world, as well as a $22 billion The entertainment pages of the local newspapers are a useful guide to
agricultural industry. We all have to play our part in protecting movies, theatres, clubs, restaurants, hotels and other entertainment.
these. One item could have devastating consequences. Films (Movies): City and suburban cinemas show a wide variety of
For more important information: www.aqis.gov.au. films. There are also some specialist cinemas which concentrate on
foreign language films including Chinese and Indian.
custoMs
Theatres: There are several professional theatre companies in Perth.
When traveling to Australia, please be aware that if you are carrying
Details of performances can be obtained from the daily newspaper.
a total of AUS$10,000 or more in cash of any currency, you MUST
Students are entitled to concession rates for most shows.
declare the money on your Incoming Passenger Card and when
questioned by Australian Customs officials upon arrival. A failure to Maps anD tourist guiDes
declare this money may result in the money being taken and you Maps and street guides of Perth can be purchased from any bookshop
being arrested and prosecuted. It is not an offence to bring this or newsagent. The Western Australian Tourism Commission at Forrest
money into Australia. The offence is not declaring the money. Place Perth provides information on tourist attractions in W.A.
You can collect a free map of Perth’s city centre from the Student
Services in the basement. Check the WA Tourism Commission
website www.westernaustralia.com for more information.
Safety and Crime Religion in Australia
Perth is a small city and is quiet and peaceful when compared with Australia has laws that uphold religious freedom. This means that in
other cities throughout the world. However, like every city it has Australia everyone is free to follow their own beliefs and religious
its own criminal element and students should always take sensible practices, provided these do not coerce or harm anyone else.
precautions to look after themselves and their belongings. This freedom also means that people are free to spread their
When you go out at night, keep to well-lit streets, go in a group beliefs. Many students have had the experience of being visited by
and do not walk home alone late at night, if you have to travel late one or two people who wish to discuss religion and leave religious
at night, it may be safest to order a taxi. Hitchhiking or accepting literature behind. You are free to listen or to politely refuse to listen.
a ride from strangers is not recommended. Bag snatching does If you do stop to talk, you may find that the callers will take this as
occur, so be careful to keep your bag with you at all times and a sign of your interest and will keep coming back to visit you. By
never leave it unattended in a public place. contrast visitors from mainstream Christian churches will usually
When selecting accommodation in Perth you should check it has simply give a greeting and leave a contact card or list of service
adequate security and that doors and windows can be properly times. Any further contact is up to you.
secured. It is recommended that personal possessions of value Australians in general are Christians. Traditionally, Sunday is a day
such as TVs, videos, cameras, etc., be insured against theft. (See off work for most people. The Christian festivals of Easter and
section re Insurance) Christmas are important public holidays in Australia.
Try to avoid anyone who is involved in illegal drugs. If someone Many people from other religions have settled here over the years
approaches you with an offer to supply drugs to you, refuse them and have established their own places of worship. You will find that
and avoid their company. many churches have a special interest in welcoming international
Some international students have been the victims of confidence students and enjoy interacting with guests from other countries
tricksters. These are often people who pose as friends, then borrow and cultures.
money because they are ‘in trouble’ and cannot pay their tuition or
living expenses. Sometimes these un-repaid loans have amounted
places oF Worship
to thousands of dollars.
These are listed in the telephone book and in street directories
Please do not lend money to anyone while you are a student. Your
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
under denominational headings or the religion’s name. To help you
responsibility is to yourself. Any request that you lend money, even find a suitable place of worship, details are given below of some
if it comes from someone you think you know very well, should be centres of the major religions in Western Australia, as well as details
regarded with suspicion. of some local Christian churches. The list of churches is alphabetical
police services according to denomination:
The Police in Australia are part of the Public Service and are
not under the control of the Armed Forces. Also the Police are Contacts for Religions
independent of political direction. Their job is to prevent and solve
crimes, to maintain law and order, and to protect the population
(and visitors) from any criminal and illegal activities. Police in buDDhist MusliM
Australia can be trusted. Buddhist Society of W.A. Perth Mosque
REMEMBER that the police in Australia are there to help you. If 18 Nanson Way, Nollamara 6061 427 William Street, Perth 6805
you witness a crime, or are the victim of crime tell the police Tel: (08) 9345 1711 Tel: (08) 9328 8535
immediately.
International Buddhist Islam Council of WA
to contact the Wa police please call 131 444 or Association Inc. 7 Malvern Road, Rivervale 6103
For an eMergency Dial 000. 282 Guildford Road, Tel: (08) 9362 2210
Maylands 6051
Tel: (08) 9371 0048 sikh
Sikh Association of WA
Indonesia Buddhist Association Gurd Wara
of Australia 123 Saddleback Gr,
Kuan Yin Monastery Canningvale 6155
2023 Albany Highway, Tel: (08) 9256 1314
Maddington 6109
or (08)9455 7220
hinDu
Hindu Temple
Warton Road, Canningvale 6155 Christian churches overleaf...
Tel: (08) 9455 2097
Religion in Australia Banking & Money
christian churches catholic Mass anD banking Facilities
Anglican services in chinese Business hours for most banks are:
St George’s Cathedral Further information phone: Monday – Friday 09:30 a.m. - 16:00 p.m.
38 St George’s Tce, Perth 6000 9478 1038 Saturday Most are closed.
Tel: (08) 9325 5766 Most banks have branches within easy walking distance of the
St. Mary’s Cathedral - Catholic Alexander Centre.
St. Peter Anglican Church Victoria Square, Perth 6000 There are a number of alternatives open to you for your banking
11 Leonard St, Victoria Park Tel: (08) 9221 7238 needs. You should enquire about the bank charges and rates of
6100 interest before opening an account. The most popular account
Churches of Christ used by students is the access type using the ATM (Automatic
Tel: (08) 9361 1233
Telling Machine) card - this type of account does not incur
142 Beaufort Street, Perth 6000
associated fees.
St. Barnabas Church Tel: (08) 9328 1499
Money can be deposited in a conventional bank or a credit society.
104 Woolwich St, Leederville A cheque account with a bank is convenient because you can pay
6007 Churches of Christ your accounts by cheque, however if the amount in your account
Tel: (08) 9381 9824 29 Darnell Ave, Mt Pleasant 6153 falls below a minimum, the bank will levy a monthly charge for
Tel: (08) 9364 8637 keeping the account open.
Perth Christian Fellowship A savings account is a convenient way for you to keep your money
- Assemblies of God and you will receive interest on your money in some accounts.
Full Gospel Assembly Perth
There are branches of savings banks and credit societies in the
Riverword City Church, Perth 32 Dumond St, Bentley 6102 Perth central business district.
6000 Tel: (08) 9451 5788 A Cashcard Account has the convenience of after-hours
Tel: (08) 9471 7118
banking. The bank issues you with a plastic card and a Personal
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
Lutheran Church of Australia Identification Number (P.I.N. number) with which you need to
Christian City International 16 Aberdeen Street, Perth 6000 activate the account. With it, you are able to deposit or withdraw
233 South Terrace, Fremantle money over the Bank counter or from automatic teller machine
Tel: (08) 9227 8072
6158 (ATM) outside the bank. If you lose your Cashcard you must notify
Tel: (08) 9336 3317 the Bank immediately.
Perth Chinese Christian Church To open a new account you will need to produce your passport
146 Flamborough Street, showing your visa entry date. You will need to apply for a Tax File
Baptist Church Doubleview 6018 Number, otherwise your bank may be required to withhold part
10 James Street, Perth 6000 Tel: (08) 9244 2364 of your interest and send it to the Australian Tax Department. You
Tel: (08) 9328 6507 cannot have that money refunded until you lodge a tax return at
the end of the financial year (June 31or when you leave Australia
Riverview Church
Baptist Church permanently at the completion of your studies).
1 Thorogood Street, Burswood,
59 Chapman Road, Bentley 6102 Application forms for a Tax File Number are available from the
6100
Student Administration Officer.
Tel: (08) 9458 1628 Tel: (08) 9416 0000
Please keep your passbook or cheque book in a safe place and
immediately notify your bank should you lose it
Uniting Church in Australia Memorise your P.I.N. Number and do not write it on a piece of
93 William Street, Wesley paper. Never tell anyone else your P.I.N. number, not even your
Mission, Perth 6000 best friend.
Tel: (08) 9321 9711 If money is being sent to you from home, a telegraphic bank
transfer is the best method. A personal cheque from your parents
Westminster Presbyterian could take up to forty days to clear. Please inform your parents
Church of your new bank, branch address and account number to avoid
any problems when your allowance is sent to the bank. Similarly,
32 Bullcreek Drive, Bullcreek
your parents should let you know the bank from which the
(Indonesian Services)
payment is coming. It is safer to get your allowance from home in
Tel: (08) 9332 6300 small amounts, for example in monthly installments, rather than
annually, as then there is less temptation to waste your money or
to gamble.
If you need a student loan or line of credit, talk to your bank.
If you bring a large amount of cash with you, open a bank account
and deposit it IMMEDIATELY. Do not keep large amounts of cash
with you or even in your room. The only safe place is your bank
account
Transport
Driving public transport
You need have a valid licence to drive in Australia. The Student Perth has a coordinated transport system called TRANSPERTH,
Services Manager has information booklets detailing how to get a which provides train, bus and ferry services. Many different types
licence and from where. of fares apply.
Remember when you register your car, you are only getting 3rd 1. Multi-rider – The ticket allows you 10 trips with a saving of 15%
party insurance, which means if you collide with someone else’s car over cash fares. Multi-rider Plus gives you 40 trips with a saving of
and it is your fault, you will pay for all damages unless you’ve taken 25% over cash fares.
out full insurance. You can buy Multi-rider/Plus tickets from your local newsagent
insurance or Transperth InfoCentre. Infocentres are located in Plaza Arcade,
Many different types of insurance are available to protect people Wellington Street Bus Station, the City Busport and Perth Train
against possible financial hardship. The two types most relevant Station in the City.
to international students are (a) insurance of personal possessions 2. The minimum adult fare applies for up to two zones (approx. 2
against all risks, and (b) insurance to cover you whilst driving a km). After two zones, various fares apply according to the distance
vehicle. traveled. The transfer time for travel over one to four zones is 1
(a) Insurance of Personal Possessions hour and 30 minutes, travel over five to eight zones is 2 hours. You
may transfer as many times as you wish between bus, rail and ferry,
You should consider insuring all the valuable possessions that
provided the travel is within the nominated fare zones and time limit.
you own, such as cameras, radios, jewellery, sound equipment
and watches against any loss or damage. Living in shared 3. 50c student fare
accommodation means you may be exposed to more risk of theft Primary and secondary school will pay a maximum of 50c when
than if you were living with your family and will be covered if the travelling to or from school on a Transperth bus, train or ferry or on
stolen things are insured. any regional bus service, regardless of how many zones they travel.
Wherever you live, your possessions are your responsibility and are Ticket is valid:
not covered by Alexander Education Group, your homestay or the • Available from Monday to Friday from the first gazetted school
day of the year to the last gazetted school day of the year.
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
hostel. It is your responsibility to insure them.
(b) Vehicle Insurance • Available during the mid-year school term holiday and on any public
Third Party Property Insurance holidays that fall from a Monday to Friday during the school year.
This insurance is the least expensive to purchase. It will help pay for • Not available on weekends and on any day during the summer
damages to other peoples cars or property if there is an accident school holiday period.
which is deemed to be your fault by the police or magistrate. If Can be purchased as a:
you do not have any insurance, you will have to pay the cost of • 10 trip ticket costing $5.00 or a 40 trip ticket costing $20.00 from
repairing your own vehicle and the other person’s car as well. This Newspower Newsagents or Transperth InfoCentres.
can be very expensive, possibly thousands of dollars. Third Party • Not available as a cash ticket.
Insurance does not cover the cost of repairing your own vehicle 4. Student SmartRider
only the driver of the other vehicle.
As part of the new SmartRider ticketing system being
Comprehensive Insurance impletmented in 2006, the Transperth student travel permit
This is more expensive, but it covers the cost of damages to all currently carried by secondary students will be replaced by the
vehicles in a crash. The insurance company will pay for most of the new Student SmartRider card. The Student SmartRider card also
repairs though you may still have to pay excess (the first part of any acts as your student identification card because information such
claim). This varies with age. Contact any insurance company for as your name, date of birth and student number is printed on the
further details. reverse of the card. Some schools have elected to use the Student
car parking SmartRider card for school purposes too. These cards may have other
There is no student parking facilities at the Alexander Centre. The information included on the back such as a student photo and school
nearest parking areas are the Bus Station and the public car park name. Student SmartRider are issued at the library on campus.
under Central Park. All public car parks in the central city area There are Central Area Transit (C.A.T.) buses which can be used free
require you to pay by the hour. of charge around Perth City.
For further information regarding timetables, concessions and
car hire
to purchase tickets contact Transperth’s information offices at
Western Australia is a large state and you may wish to hire a
Plaza Arcade, the Busport and Wellington Street Bus Station.
car during the vacations to explore the countryside. At the car
Alternatively, you can telephone them on 132213 or visit their
hire firm make sure that you read all the small print on the hire
website at www.transperth.wa,gov.au
agreement form and that you full understand all the conditions of
hire before signing the form. An example of a condition of hire is taxis
that only the person(s) whose name(s) appear on the agreement Travel by taxi can be expensive in Perth. Charges are fixed, meters are
are authorised to drive the car. Also take special note of what used at all times and the fare is NOT negotiable between passenger
excess (Insurance) you are being charged. Some of the cheaper and driver. There is an extra charge after 6.00 p.m and on weekends
hire companies charge up to $5000 excess. We advise that you ask and on public holidays. There is no extra charge for luggage.
if there is extra insurance you can buy to lower the excess. Telephone numbers for taxi service in Perth are:
To rent a car, you need a valid driving licence and to be over 21 Swan Taxis Tel: 131330 of Black & White Taxi Tel: 131008
years of age.
General Information
restaurants gaMbling
Perth has a wide range of restaurants that cater delicious cuisine In Australia gambling is common, especially on horses, lotteries
to suit every type of taste bud and budget. To find a particular and card games. It is illegal, however, for persons under 18-years of
type of restaurant in a suburb close to where you live look in age to gamble, and it is illegal to gamble in unauthorised places.
the yellow pages telephone directory or on the internet. A great Every year there are a number of international students who lose a
site for finding a suitable restaurant in Perth is: http://www. lot of money at the Burswood Casino and are sometimes tempted
bestrestaurants.com.au/perth_restaurants.asp. If you would to extort money from other students to cover their losses. This is
like particular information on halal food contact the Student illegal and regarded by the police and immigration authorities as a
Administration Officer. very serious offence. You are liable for deportation if you break the law.
shopping Facilities Gambling can be as addictive as drugs and should be avoided.
Departmental stores and most other shops are open during the keeping appointMents
following hours: Punctuality or ‘being on time’ is regarded as very important in
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Australian culture. For a business or medical appointment, it is worth
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. arriving a few minutes early. When you are invited to a function, ask
what time you should arrive and ensure that you arrive at that time.
Sunday afternoon trading from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. is available conversation
in Perth, Fremantle and Rockingham city centres. Thursday is late- Do not be worried if you are not fluent in English. Australians are
night shopping night in the suburban centres, where many shops used to international students and visitors, and enjoy talking to
stay open until 9.00 p.m. and Friday is the night for shopping late in them. Most people will understand that you will speak slowly. If
Perth City. they speak too fast, ask them to speak a little more slowly. The
Food stores and convenience stores, or delicatessens, are often more you speak English, the more fluent you will become.
open after 6.00 p.m. and during the weekend (including Sunday).
social relations
Departmental stores are located in the central city and suburban
Australians are used to a very informal style of social interaction. If you
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
shopping complexes. Stores like David Jones and Myer specialise
are invited to attend a social function by an Australian you should feel
in clothes and household items such as cooking utensils, crockery,
free to refuse politely if you do not wish to accept. If you are in doubt
etc. while K-Mart, Target and Big W Discount Stores carry a cheaper
about the correct way to behave or respond to a situation please
range of household items.
feel free to approach the Student Services Manager, or one of your
Self-service supermarkets are located in nearly all suburbs. Items teachers. They will be very happy to give you some advice.
such as fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat can also be purchased
Men and women have equal status in Australia and should be
from small stalls and shops found in every suburban shopping
treated with the same amount of respect.
centre and in the City.
Local small supermarkets remain open until late but they may launDry anD Dry cleaning
charge higher prices in return for their longer hours of service. You will be responsible for laundering your own clothes whilst
Many carry processed and canned foods and a few stock Asian staying in Perth. Most homestays and hostels have washing
cooking ingredients as well. In addition there are shops that specialise machines, and you will find self-service laundries, commonly
in Asian and other ethnic foodstuffs; they are located in Northbridge, known as laundromats, laundrettes or laundrobars in most
Canning Vale, Fremantle, Midland, Wanneroo and Subiaco. suburbs. The instructions in these places are easy to follow and you
Please note that all departmental stores and supermarkets employ must provide your own washing powder or purchase some at the
plain-clothes detectives and use closed-circuit television cameras laundromat. The use of clothes dryers costs extra.
to guard against shoplifting (stealing) and pilfering. Penalties are Some tips to assist you in looking after your clothes:
high and may result in a jail sentence. • To avoid ruining clothes, first check the label to obtain the
Prices are fixed in Australia. Bargaining is not practised, although a correct laundering instructions.
discount may be given for cash purchases at white goods stores such • Always wash woolen garments in water that is just warm, never HOT.
as Good Guys. If you attend garage sales or follow up advertised items • Never place woolen garments in a dryer as most articles will shrink!
from the ‘Classified’ section of the newspapers, you are invited to make
• Test bright colours to check that the dye does not run and stain
your own offer, and you can negotiate a suitable price.
other clothes.
useD Furniture anD householD eQuipMent Dry-cleaning services are also available throughout metropolitan
There are a number of shops run by charitable organisations where shopping centres, with costs varying according to the article to be
you can buy used furniture, second-hand clothes and household dry-cleaned.
equipment very cheaply. Organisations such as Salvation Army,
Good Samaritans, St Vincent de Paul, Red Cross and Anglicare can
be contacted for details.
servants
Australians do not have servants. Most people, including the
wealthy, clean their own homes and cars and paint their own
houses. Household chores are usually shared amongst family
members and children are expected to help as well - at least by
keeping their own rooms tidy and clean.
Communication
postal inForMation Present Costs of calls
Postal services in Australia are controlled by the Australian From private telephone (unlimited time) 25 cents
Postal Commission, and Post Offices can be identified by the From public telephone 40 cents
Commission’s symbol – white P on a red circle. The services
Long distance & international call costs Check Telstra’s website
provided by post offices include lettergram and fax, letter and
www.telstra.com.au
parcel posting as well as some banking, money transfer facilities
and bill paying. Public telephones are available at post offices. A Phone card
post office guide providing information on services and charges Some public telephone boxes have been converted to accept
is obtainable free from post offices. There are special facilities for phone cards, some credit cards as well as coins. Phone cards
overseas telephone calls at the Perth GPO (General Post Office), costing $5, $10, $20, $50 can be purchased from newsagencies
Forrest Place, Perth. and some other outlets near to the converted phone boxes. Many
Post offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. pre-paid phone cards still attract the cost of a local call when used
They are not usually opened on Saturday or Sunday although some from a private phone.
shopping centres have Australia Post Shops which are opened Overseas Calls
until 12.00 p.m. on Saturday. In Australia, letters are delivered once For information on cheapest times to phone overseas, dial 12552.
a day, on weekdays only. For other information on overseas calls look at the Telephone
Parcels from home which contain foodstuffs or medicine are Directory. Phone cards offering excellent international call rates can
liable to examination by Postal/Customs Authorities. You may also be purchased at Newsagents.
have to collect parcels personally from your suburban Post Office.
Medicines particularly are subject to analysis and you may require Mobile phone use
the approval of a local doctor to gain possession. Mobile phones are now an everyday part of modern
communications globally. In Australia there are separate phone
Change of address networks, each with different transmitting and receiving
If you change your address in Australia, it is advisable to fill out a equipment.
‘change of address’ form, available at any Post Office, so that mail
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
Note: If you are under 18 years of age you cannot sign up to a
may be re-directed to you. There is a charge for this service and
long term mobile phone contract. You will have to buy a ‘pre-paid’
you can advise the Post Office the period you wish your mail to
mobile phone and rechargeable phone cards.
be re-directed, e.g. one month. The best way to get your mail is to
inform your relatives/friends of your new address. Good mobile phone manners are becoming increasingly important.
You must always turn off your phone when attending classes.
Remember: It is a condition of your stay in Australia that you
inform your Academic Institution and DIMIA whenever you move internet access
to a new address. Changes of address forms are available from the There are a number of places in the metropolitan area that offer the
Student Enquiries Officer on floor 13. general public access to the Internet, the main ones being Internet
cafes and libraries. Below is a brief guide to some of these places:
telephone
Telstra Australia is responsible for Australia’s telephone system. The local Fairlanes Cafe in the City: 175 Adelaide Terrace, Perth. Phone: 9325
telephone directory provides useful information regarding individuals, 4498. Services: One computer, $6.50 per half hour, $10 an hour.
organisations or businesses supplying various goods and services. No printing facilities. Hours: Daily 9 am until the bowling alley
closes, usually around 10.30 pm and 11 p.m. on Saturday.
The names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, dentists,
hospitals and other useful organisations are also readily available Smileys Internet Services and Cafe: Shop 18, Times Square, 337
in the telephone directory. It may be necessary to refer to the Stirling Highway, Claremont. Phone: 9335 5520.
separate Yellow Pages directories if you are looking for a choice of Alexander Library: Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge.
businesses to contact, e.g. car hire firms. Phone: 9427 3111. Services: Six computers, free half hour usage
Private telephones are expensive items in Australia. There is an but booking essential. Web browsing (some sites are restricted),
initial connection fee and a transfer fee payable by new tenants no e-mail, downloading or printing available. Hours: Monday-
moving into a house or flat where there is a telephone already Thursday 9.00am-8.00 pm, Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday & Sunday
installed. You can also use the online telephone directories: 10am-5.30pm.
www.yellowpages.com.au Local public libraries: Many public libraries in the metropolitan area
and suburbs offer Internet use to local residents. Some allow only
www.whitepages.com.au
Web browsing, for up to an hour a day, free of charge.
Getting your phone connected Keep an eye out for stand-alone public access terminals or web
Call Telstra Centre on 132200 to arrange the connection. There will terminals that look like an ATM machine. Instead of giving you money,
be a charge for the initial connection of the phone and the person you pay it (sometimes by cash, card or a pre-purchased card) to get
who organises for the phone to be connected and whose name online. There is one such machine in the Carillon Arcade in Perth.
appears on the phone bill will be responsible for the account.
Therefore, do not forget to have your phone disconnected if you neWspapers
move out of your present accommodation. It is possible to obtain overseas newspapers and less common
magazines by taking out a subscription. The national paper, The
There will be a connection fee, monthly rental deposit, call costs
Australian and major interstate papers can be obtained from the
and a transfer fee (payable if you move into premises where a
larger newsagencies. The local daily paper is The West Australian.
telephone is already connected).
The weekend papers are The Sunday Times and The Weekend
Note: If you are under 18 years of age you cannot connect a Australian. Many suburbs have excellent local free newspapers that
phone line. contain useful information about the area you are living in. These
often contain various advertisements for furniture and trade services.
Accommodation
This is a brief summary of common queries about finding Questions you should ask when viewing a property
somewhere to live. More assistance is available from the Student • What is the rent?
Services Offices in the Basement. • Does the rent include utilities (gas, electricity and water)?
Types of accommodation: • Is there a bond? How much?
• Homestay: Living with a family with breakfast and dinner • Must I pay rent in advance? How many weeks?
provided.
• Are there any other charges?
• Shared Accommodation: Flats, units, houses – either sharing
• If you need to sign a lease: how long is the lease? What happens
with other students or the owner of the accommodation. Usually
to the bond money?
you will have your own bedroom with the use of the household
facilities. Approximate cost is $80 - 180 per week depending on • How much notice will I have to give if I want to leave?
size, location and facilities. Other costs such as electricity, gas • In most cases you will be asked to leave one week’s rent as
and water are usually shared. deposit if you are keen and interested in the house, check how
• Hostel: approximate cost is $170 per week depending on length long it will take for them to approve your application?
of stay. The Lease
• Rental: renting your own flat/house, either on your own or If you are renting a house, flat or unit, you will be required to sign
sharing with others. Approximate cost for an unfurnished one a lease. READ IT CAREFULLY. If there is anything that you do not
or two-bedroom unit close to the city centre is $100 - 200 per understand, ask – either the agent or the Student Administration
week. Ongoing costs can be high. Officer. The lease is a binding, legal document and it is expensive
What to look for: to break a lease – so be sure you are happy with the conditions
and the accommodation.
Cost
Request a property condition report. Make sure it is signed and
Is the accommodation affordable? Initially it can be quite
witnessed. This protects you against any loss of bond money at the
expensive. Remember you may have to pay a bond (usually the
end of your tenancy for damages and loses for which you are not
equivalent of 4 weeks rent) and a letting fee (1 week rent), plus 2
responsible.
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
weeks rent in advance. This makes a total of 7 weeks rent. If your
rent is more than $125 per week, you can also be asked to pay When you move in you should be given an inventory list of
stamp duty. There will be other expenses such as food, gas, water, everything in the property. Check it carefully - count the knives
electricity and telephone to also be taken into consideration. and forks provided – move the sofa to make sure the carpet is
not damaged underneath etc. If there are discrepancies contact
Location
the agent/or owner immediately by phone and letter to get the
Is it close to the college? Cheaper accommodation may be found inventory changed. You will have to replace or pay for anything
further from the city but transport costs and time spent travelling that is missing at the end of your tenancy.
need to be considered.
Payment of bond - usually 4 weeks rent. You will get your bond
Condition back at the end of the tenancy if the property is in the same
Is it in good repair? Is it clean and secure? Are major repairs condition as when you moved in. Real estate agents can charge a
needed? Does everything work? letting fee: private landlords cannot. Never hand over cash for your
Furniture/Facilities bond or for your rent without getting a signed receipt – even if it is
Is it furnished or unfurnished? Will you have to buy or lease hand written!
furniture? What facilities are available – does it have a laundry? Property inspection
If you are sharing, what is communal property? Can you use the Routine inspections of your property will be carried out every 3-4
stereo etc? months by the Property Manager. You will be advised of these
How to find accommodation inspections at least 7 days before. You are not required to be
1 The West Australian newspaper on Wednesday and Saturday has present, but if you are concerned you should be present for the
a large “To Let” classified section. inspection.
2 Look in local papers such as the Post and Chronicle and the Note: Do not forget to keep all of your rent receipts. You cannot
Quokka. question the agent regarding your payments if you don’t have the
Telephone the provider receipts.
1 Introduce yourself and speak to the person advertising. You will need to contact Western Power (telephone 131353) to
have the electricity account put in your name and if required,
2 Explain who you are and where you found the information i.e.
Alinta Gas (telephone 131358) to have the gas account put into
the newspaper, the notice board at the Institute etc.
your name. There is a charge for this. You will receive an electricity
3 Ask if the accommodation is still available and if you can make bill every 2 months and a gas account every 3 months. For
an appointment to see it. Be on time, if you can’t keep the telephone connection phone TELSTRA (132200).
appointment telephone to say that you will be late or are
General Real Estate Agents
canceling. If you are not sure that you want the property do not
be talked into leaving a deposit. See the links below to useful real estate agents in Western Australia
with current listings of all rentals and shared accommodation:
Note: If you are using a property agent, he will give you the key for
you to inspect the property on your own. Take your passport for www.realestate.com.au
identification and be prepared to leave a cash deposit of between www.reiwa.com.au
$50 and $100 as surety for the key. www.shareflatmates.com
http://au.easyroommate.com
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The Alexander Education Group
MURDOCH UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
University Foundation Academic English Secondary Schooling
Programs: Programs: Programs:
• Murdoch University • English for Academic • Years 7 -12
Preparation Course Purposes • Western Australian
(MUPC) • General English Universities’ Foundation
• Diplomas in Commerce, • Preparation for program (WAUFP)
Mass Communiations, Secondary Studies
IT, Science
ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
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ALEXANDER EDUCATION GROUPnLIVING IN PERTH
Alexander Education Group
Institutions
Alexander Education Group
Level 4, 40 St Georges Terrace, Perth Western Australia 6000
Tel: (618) 9338 2000 | Fax: (618) 9324 1818
Email: info@alexander.wa.edu.au
Website: www.alexander.wa.edu.au
The information in this publication is correct at the time of printing as at March 2006, but may be subject to change.
Murdoch College reserves the right to change the content or method of assessment, to alter tuition fees, to withdraw Affiliated with
any unit or program, to impose limitations on enrolment or to vary the arrangements for any unit program.
A040 10/06
Comprehensive Education Pty Ltd trading as Murdoch College
CRICOS Provider Code 00429D ABN 90 009 281 501
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