WELCOME TO BRISBANE
WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN WORKING ADVENTURES
This page is an explanation of all that happens in our programme when you join us here in Brisbane.
It is also a checklist of things you must do to be ready.
(NB Some sections may not relate to you if you are already in Australia when you join us)
IT IS NOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ AND ACTED ON THE ADVICE GIVEN HERE.
YOU MAY ASK US QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME
WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN WORKING ADVENTURES
This page is an explanation of all that happens in our programme when you join us here in Brisbane.
It is also a checklist of things you must do to be ready.
(NB Some sections may not relate to you if you are already in Australia when you join us)
IT IS NOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ AND ACTED ON THE ADVICE GIVEN HERE.
YOU MAY ASK US QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME
CLICK THE BARS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION - CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US
You should be able to find all that you need here.
If not please contact us using the Whatsapp address or email below.
If not please contact us using the Whatsapp address or email below.
programme outline
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
ARRIVAL AND WELCOME ACTIVITIES (DETAILS / ACTIVITIES INCLUDED DEPEND ON YOUR BOOKING)
FARMWORK PREPARATION COURSE
SATURDAY OR NEXT FEW DAYS
ARRIVAL AND WELCOME ACTIVITIES (DETAILS / ACTIVITIES INCLUDED DEPEND ON YOUR BOOKING)
- ARRIVAL - NORMALLY ON THURSDAY MORNING, BOOK IN TO THE HOSTEL
- ACCOMMODATION (SELF CATERING, THURSDAY TO SUNDAY)
- THURSDAY - WELCOME MEAL, BRIEFING AND ADMIN SET-UP
- FRIDAY - GROUP ACTIVITIES, BRIEFING
- SATURDAY / SUNDAY - RELAX, ENJOY, INDEPENDENTLY EXPLORE BRISBANE, GOLD COAST, SUNSHINE COAST
FARMWORK PREPARATION COURSE
- ACCOMMODATION - SUNDAY NIGHT IF REQUIRED
- MONDAY - MINIBUS TRANSFER TO THE FARMWORK PREPARATION COURSE
- MONDAY-FRIDAY - FARMWORK PREPARATION COURSE
- FRIDAY - RETURN MINIBUS TRANSGER TO BRISBANE
- ACCOMMODATION - FRIDAY EVENING IF REQUIRED
SATURDAY OR NEXT FEW DAYS
- ONGOING BRISBANE HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION AT YOUR OWN COST IF REQUIRED
- TRAVEL ONWARDS INDEPENDENTLY TO YOUR EMPLOYMENT (NB TIMINGS OF THIS MAY VARY)
SET UP YOUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH US
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COMMUNICATIONS
Lets get you set up to communicate easily with us. We use Whatsapp, email and voice calls. NB BUSINESS AND REGULAR WHATSAPP When you arrive here you will need to set up an Australian Phone number for communication with employers, and also to make your phone and data needs here more affordable. We recommend downloading Whatsapp Business as well as regular Whatsapp. Ideally you will have a dual SIM phone, meaning that you can have Whatsapp accounts with your home and your Australian number. ADD OUR CONTACT DETAILS TO YOUR PHONE NOW ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS Enquiries and Bookings - [email protected] Whatsapp 0415 508135 Joanna Burnet - [email protected] CALLS 0721 118473 BRISBANE ARRIVAL TEAM [email protected] Whatsapp and calls 0498 735783 JOBS TEAM [email protected] Whatsapp and calls 0458 685727 |
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CASH MONEY BANK ACCOUNT
This section will be personal to you. However in general we recommend the following.
Bring some cash (but not too much)
You may need approximately $200-300 of Australian Dollars in cash when you first arrive in Australia.
This includes having small notes and coins at the training farm.
Bring an overseas payment or credit card
You will need a card and / or cash for purchases during your first few days, and for the period before you receive your first employment payments. Make sure that the card will work in Australia, and that it is set up / authorised for overseas payments and that funds can be easily transferred into it if required.
Mastercard or Visa are most widely used here.
Bank account
We will help you to set up an Australian Bank Account with Suncorp Bank. This will be used for your pay.
The account is set up as soon as you arrive with us, and the physical payment card normally received within 10 days of your arrival in Australia. The bank account will be linked to the Australian mobile number that we will help you to set up, and you will be able to use phone banking.
Transfer money
You may wish to use international transfer to move money from home into this account.
We have found that Wise Transfer is a good value service.
Access to funds
The Working Holiday Visa requires that you have access to funds to support yourself for several months in Australia.
The amount is generally understood to be AUD$5,000.
Bring some cash (but not too much)
You may need approximately $200-300 of Australian Dollars in cash when you first arrive in Australia.
This includes having small notes and coins at the training farm.
Bring an overseas payment or credit card
You will need a card and / or cash for purchases during your first few days, and for the period before you receive your first employment payments. Make sure that the card will work in Australia, and that it is set up / authorised for overseas payments and that funds can be easily transferred into it if required.
Mastercard or Visa are most widely used here.
Bank account
We will help you to set up an Australian Bank Account with Suncorp Bank. This will be used for your pay.
The account is set up as soon as you arrive with us, and the physical payment card normally received within 10 days of your arrival in Australia. The bank account will be linked to the Australian mobile number that we will help you to set up, and you will be able to use phone banking.
Transfer money
You may wish to use international transfer to move money from home into this account.
We have found that Wise Transfer is a good value service.
Access to funds
The Working Holiday Visa requires that you have access to funds to support yourself for several months in Australia.
The amount is generally understood to be AUD$5,000.
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS / ARRIVAL
Booking your flights:
These flights are in good time for 9 am bus – these are the best flights for joining the programme if you can connect with them from your home city. The Greeter service and Con-x-ion bus will be included for you.
QF 52 Singapore | SQ 235 Singapore | NZ 201/143 | EK 434 Dubai | AC 35 Vancouver | OD 157 Kuala Lumpur | KE 407 Korea | QF 16 Los Angeles
These flights are in good time for 9 am bus – these are the best flights for joining the programme if you can connect with them from your home city. The Greeter service and Con-x-ion bus will be included for you.
QF 52 Singapore | SQ 235 Singapore | NZ 201/143 | EK 434 Dubai | AC 35 Vancouver | OD 157 Kuala Lumpur | KE 407 Korea | QF 16 Los Angeles
Planning to fly via the USA ? – you need an ESTA https://esta.cbp.chs.gov allow an extra day to travel
PLEASE give us your flight arrival details – flight Number, airline and arrival time and date.
If you arrive at any time into the Domestic Terminal (travelling via Darwin, Perth, Sydney or Melbourne) there is no Greeter and so you cannot be met and should make your own arrangements to stay at the IBIS and / or travel into the hostel. The buses to the City Backpackers leave at 9.00, 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00 from the Domestic terminal – you need to buy a ticket from the Con-x-ion desk in the Domestic Terminal. You can also book on the Air Train, but there is an 8-minute walk from Roma Street Station to the City Backpacker Hostel the last bit is uphill.
PLEASE give us your flight arrival details – flight Number, airline and arrival time and date.
If you arrive at any time into the Domestic Terminal (travelling via Darwin, Perth, Sydney or Melbourne) there is no Greeter and so you cannot be met and should make your own arrangements to stay at the IBIS and / or travel into the hostel. The buses to the City Backpackers leave at 9.00, 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00 from the Domestic terminal – you need to buy a ticket from the Con-x-ion desk in the Domestic Terminal. You can also book on the Air Train, but there is an 8-minute walk from Roma Street Station to the City Backpacker Hostel the last bit is uphill.
HOSTEL INFORMATION
If you arrive at any time into the Domestic Terminal (travelling via Darwin, Perth, Sydney or Melbourne) there is no Greeter and so you cannot be met and should make your own arrangements to stay at the IBIS and / or travel into the hostel. The buses to the City Backpackers leave at 9.00, 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00 from the Domestic terminal – you need to buy a ticket from the Con-x-ion desk in the Domestic Terminal. You can also book on the Air Train, but there is an 8-minute walk from Roma Street Station to the City Backpacker Hostel the last bit is uphill.
Please arrive at the hostel by 11am as we are now doing the Orientation and Interviews before lunch because of the larger numbers. The Welcome Lunch will still be at 12 noon.
You can book in earlier to the City Backpackers direct, $65, or we can do this for you at $50 per night.
The address of the hostel is the City Backpackers, 380 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane 4000. A booking has been made for you from the Thursday to the Monday and you will be expected as your name will be on the Australian Working Adventures/ Visitoz list. The normal check in time is 2pm but there is somewhere to store luggage if your room is not ready. A sim card will be there for you, plus instructions on how to set it up.
Please arrive at the hostel by 11am as we are now doing the Orientation and Interviews before lunch because of the larger numbers. The Welcome Lunch will still be at 12 noon.
You can book in earlier to the City Backpackers direct, $65, or we can do this for you at $50 per night.
The address of the hostel is the City Backpackers, 380 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane 4000. A booking has been made for you from the Thursday to the Monday and you will be expected as your name will be on the Australian Working Adventures/ Visitoz list. The normal check in time is 2pm but there is somewhere to store luggage if your room is not ready. A sim card will be there for you, plus instructions on how to set it up.
Our hostel is the City Backpackers.
It is close to the city centre and easy to get to the river and the beach. It has good views of the river from the decks and is friendly and welcoming. We have a very large dorm room just for our guests so that you can all meet the others very easily. You can upgrade on your own if you wish a smaller room.
It is close to the city centre and easy to get to the river and the beach. It has good views of the river from the decks and is friendly and welcoming. We have a very large dorm room just for our guests so that you can all meet the others very easily. You can upgrade on your own if you wish a smaller room.
We meet at the hostel at 11am and then have the Orientation and Interviews. We still go to the Welcome lunch at 12 noon. We will email you if there is a change, so please check your emails just before you arrive. A big red Volvo parked there is the clue that we are already at the hostel. We go to a nearby restaurant for the meal. The first thing we give you is your Sim cards so that you can be contactable quickly! We also set up a WhatsApp group. The phone will be with Telstra as this is the only company that works in rural areas. Make sure your phone can be ‘opened’ so that you can change the sim please or bring a second phone with you. If you arrive a day or two before we will leave a Sim card for you at the hostel with an ‘idiot’s guide’ to how to set it up.
Sometimes, with German passports or people who have 'umlauts' and special letters in their names, we find you need to visit the Telstra office to complete the phone set up.
Sometimes, with German passports or people who have 'umlauts' and special letters in their names, we find you need to visit the Telstra office to complete the phone set up.
ADMIN - SETTING UP SERVICES AND BANKING
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Send to Visitoz please – to [email protected] , your Visa Grant Notice, the picture page of your passport, your driving licence, Medical or national Insurance card (or a payslip showing your NI number if British), your home country tax number and an updated CV. Please do not throw away your boarding passes – if you are applying for Medicare, you will need the one INTO Australia as proof that you are here. A picture on a horse or motorbike is also very useful so the employers can see what you can do already.
Send to Visitoz please – to [email protected] , your Visa Grant Notice, the picture page of your passport, your driving licence, Medical or national Insurance card (or a payslip showing your NI number if British), your home country tax number and an updated CV. Please do not throw away your boarding passes – if you are applying for Medicare, you will need the one INTO Australia as proof that you are here. A picture on a horse or motorbike is also very useful so the employers can see what you can do already.
Banking – set up your account with the Suncorp Bank at 80 Ann Street please.
We find this bank to be the most reliable and efficient with debit cards – they usually arrive before you return to Brisbane from the farm. You can set the account up ahead of time if you wish – but please stop at the point where it says you need to go to the Bank to be identified. Use this address: 376 South Pine Road, Enoggera, 4051. You can use the phone number 0428 686 185 until you get your own. We go to the bank on Thursday afternoon or Friday. Everyday Accounts | Suncorp Bank Every Day Options account is the best one.
We find this bank to be the most reliable and efficient with debit cards – they usually arrive before you return to Brisbane from the farm. You can set the account up ahead of time if you wish – but please stop at the point where it says you need to go to the Bank to be identified. Use this address: 376 South Pine Road, Enoggera, 4051. You can use the phone number 0428 686 185 until you get your own. We go to the bank on Thursday afternoon or Friday. Everyday Accounts | Suncorp Bank Every Day Options account is the best one.
RIVERLIFE ACTIVITIES
This route is great and takes you along the riverbank past QUT, through the gardens and then over the foot bridge and along the southern bank of the river.
The alternative is to walk to the ferry, cross the river and then walk along below the cliffs until you reach Riverlife.
Please be at Riverlife by 12 noon when we will have a BBQ lunch. Here you can go kayaking on the Brisbane River for a couple of hours. In the afternoon cycling or abseiling is possible if you wish (optional). www.riverlife.com This is a great walk along the riverbank, through gardens and parks. Scooters are a great fun way of getting there. Take a change of clothes with you – you could get wet. Happily, the river water is warm and, in spite of what some locals might joke about, there are no sharks and crocs in the river.
Here is the indemnity form to complete before starting at Riverlife: : https://form.jotform.co/RiverlifeBNE/online_indemnity_form_2020
Here is the indemnity form to complete before starting at Riverlife: : https://form.jotform.co/RiverlifeBNE/online_indemnity_form_2020
IMPORTANT ADMIN INFO
Credit cards.
Please make sure that you have a credit card with Visa or MasterCard so that you can buy travel and book hostels online when needed. Maestro cards are not accepted in most places and AMEX and Diners are more difficult because of the higher charges for the supplier. It is a good idea to have a good home credit or debit card or cash with you.
Tax File Numbers – you need these to be able to start work. We make the application on your behalf at the time you arrive at the airport, the system allows it once Immigration has seen your passport. The number will come to you, in most cases, before you go to your chosen job. If you apply direct yourself, it can take up to 28 days.
Medicare Cards – these are for a small number of countries which have reciprocal medical agreements with Australia. Sweden, Norway, Finland, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and the UK are some of them. Medicare is like the NHS in the UK. You will need a document with your home medical registration or NI number on it – such as a Pay Slip. From Sweden you will need a Forsakringbevis and from Holland a Zorgpass to prove your entitlement.
Do not throw away your airline boarding pass, please. It is also possible to do this online now go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-enrol-medicare?context=60092
Please make sure that you have a credit card with Visa or MasterCard so that you can buy travel and book hostels online when needed. Maestro cards are not accepted in most places and AMEX and Diners are more difficult because of the higher charges for the supplier. It is a good idea to have a good home credit or debit card or cash with you.
Tax File Numbers – you need these to be able to start work. We make the application on your behalf at the time you arrive at the airport, the system allows it once Immigration has seen your passport. The number will come to you, in most cases, before you go to your chosen job. If you apply direct yourself, it can take up to 28 days.
Medicare Cards – these are for a small number of countries which have reciprocal medical agreements with Australia. Sweden, Norway, Finland, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and the UK are some of them. Medicare is like the NHS in the UK. You will need a document with your home medical registration or NI number on it – such as a Pay Slip. From Sweden you will need a Forsakringbevis and from Holland a Zorgpass to prove your entitlement.
Do not throw away your airline boarding pass, please. It is also possible to do this online now go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-enrol-medicare?context=60092
weekend activities
Saturday and Sunday
You are free to enjoy Brisbane in your own way.
There are other optional activities available over the next few days including a visit to the XXXX Brewery, Australia Zoo or Tangalooma (feeding dolphins on Moreton Island) and explore the city. You can get details from the hostel Reception. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is very good to visit – they have lots of native animals to hand feed, you can cuddle a koala and it is possible to get there by using the Mirimar Koala Cruise boat up the river. www.mirimar.com
We recommend you take the opportunity to purchase work boots and work clothing.
You may enjoy:
Chill out in the city and on South Bank, Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland.
XXXX Brewery tour
Train ride to Surfer’s Paradise and the Gold Coast
Day trip to Australia Zoo
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – feed kangaroos and cuddle a Koala
You can get advice, details and make bookings online or at the hostel reception.
Getting around -Scooters and Public Transport Neuron scooter for a 1,2 or 3 days. Affordable and fun city exploring. https://www.rideneuron.com/start-riding/
Public transport with a Go card. Buses and trains all over SE Qld including Brisbane, Gold and Sunshine Coasts. https://translink.com.au/
Electric scooters can be rented, these make it a fun way to explore (Neuron or Beam).
You are free to enjoy Brisbane in your own way.
There are other optional activities available over the next few days including a visit to the XXXX Brewery, Australia Zoo or Tangalooma (feeding dolphins on Moreton Island) and explore the city. You can get details from the hostel Reception. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is very good to visit – they have lots of native animals to hand feed, you can cuddle a koala and it is possible to get there by using the Mirimar Koala Cruise boat up the river. www.mirimar.com
We recommend you take the opportunity to purchase work boots and work clothing.
You may enjoy:
Chill out in the city and on South Bank, Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland.
XXXX Brewery tour
Train ride to Surfer’s Paradise and the Gold Coast
Day trip to Australia Zoo
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – feed kangaroos and cuddle a Koala
You can get advice, details and make bookings online or at the hostel reception.
Getting around -Scooters and Public Transport Neuron scooter for a 1,2 or 3 days. Affordable and fun city exploring. https://www.rideneuron.com/start-riding/
Public transport with a Go card. Buses and trains all over SE Qld including Brisbane, Gold and Sunshine Coasts. https://translink.com.au/
Electric scooters can be rented, these make it a fun way to explore (Neuron or Beam).
JOURNEY TO THE TRAINING FARM
The address is Hidden Gold, 59 Waterview Drive, Moffatdale, 4605, Queensland. Your mobile phone will work while at the farm. (Please do not use this address for mail).
On Monday morning we will collect you at 6.45 am for your journey to the farmhouse belonging to the chief trainer Clinton Kenyon – it will take about 3 hours. Once there Clinton will look after you, brief you, feed you and you will have four nights of comfortable accommodation and five days of Aussie farm work experience. On Friday you will return to Brisbane to the hostel with one of our team of drivers – it could be Phil or Grahame or Mike – they take it in turns. By then you will almost certainly have chosen your job as you will have had the opportunity to speak to the employers offering you work during your time on the farm. We will then help you with travel arrangements to your job and hopefully have your Tax Number, debit MasterCard and maybe even the Medicare number for you.
Note: If you are Vegan, Lactose Intolerant or require a special diet for medical, climate or animal loving reasons you will be charged $25 per day for your special food while at the training farm OR you can take some special food with you.
Normally we use a minibus to get to the farm, sometimes two or a small coach. With small numbers we may make the transfers ourselves by car. One Friday a stretch limo was sent!
On Monday morning we will collect you at 6.45 am for your journey to the farmhouse belonging to the chief trainer Clinton Kenyon – it will take about 3 hours. Once there Clinton will look after you, brief you, feed you and you will have four nights of comfortable accommodation and five days of Aussie farm work experience. On Friday you will return to Brisbane to the hostel with one of our team of drivers – it could be Phil or Grahame or Mike – they take it in turns. By then you will almost certainly have chosen your job as you will have had the opportunity to speak to the employers offering you work during your time on the farm. We will then help you with travel arrangements to your job and hopefully have your Tax Number, debit MasterCard and maybe even the Medicare number for you.
Note: If you are Vegan, Lactose Intolerant or require a special diet for medical, climate or animal loving reasons you will be charged $25 per day for your special food while at the training farm OR you can take some special food with you.
Normally we use a minibus to get to the farm, sometimes two or a small coach. With small numbers we may make the transfers ourselves by car. One Friday a stretch limo was sent!
CONFIRMATIONS
