1. Background

On 20 May 2010, Alba Chliakhtine from ABRISA http://www.abrisa.org.au, the Brazilian Association for Social Development and Integration in Australia met with Sue Ellson from Newcomers Network http://www.newcomersnetwork.com to discuss the concept of creating a 'Living in Australia' guide for people moving to Victoria, Australia from Brazil.  In the future, the guide will be updated by volunteers from ABRISA.

We would also like to acknowledge the personal contributions of Liliana Magalhaes (initial research questionnaire), Gefferson Heemann (graphic design), Sally Luz (checklist creator), the various questionnaire respondents and the event assistants for the launch on 6 July 2010 at the Melbourne Town Hall.

We would also like to thank the City of Melbourne Community Use of Town Hall Hire Scheme, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the ExxonMobil Australia Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP).

This guide has been produced from various resources previously created by Newcomers Network, our current research and the research data collected by ABRISA.  Wherever possible, it uses Australia-wide links and resources - however, all newcomers are encouraged to take responsibility for their own happiness and to gather important information from at least three separate sources for more complex decisions.

We estimate that there are approximately 3,000 people from Brazil living in Melbourne, so statistically, this is not a large group of people – that makes reading this document even more important so that you can enjoy a successful settlement here.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Living in Australia Guide is to offer potential migrants planning to come to Australia information that may guide them in the migration and settlement process.

This guide does not intend to offer personal advice, simply a basic education, guidance and tips on how to minimise the issues faced in the transition process with a strong strategic focus.

It is based upon a wide range of personal experience, research and suggestions from ABRISA, individuals from the Brazilian community and Newcomers Network members and subscribers.  This Living in Australia Guide includes both generic information suitable for all new arrivals as well as specific information and resources for the Portuguese speaking community.

The guide can be used by both ABRISA and Newcomers Network and can be shared with any other migrant group for the benefit of newcomers. Any reproduction must acknowledge the initial source of information.

3. Target Audience

The target audience for this Living in Australia Guide are:
. people considering migration to Australia . people considering studying in Australia for a long period of time (greater than six months)
. people who have recently arrived in Australia
. ethnic organisations providing assistance to newcomers
. service providers providing assistance to newcomers
. government and non government organisations providing assistance to newcomers

4. Your responsibility

If you are seeking further advice, you need to:
1) Read the Living in Australia Guide’s specific information section in full
2) Follow the links and read the resources provided
3) Prepare written questions that you can email to migrating@abrisa.org.au or to someone who can provide more assistance. Also ask them about their time availability for a follow up phone call. Follow up with a phone call (maximum of 10 minutes)

4) If the matter is complex, seek additional professional advice (paid or unpaid) from at least three sources.

In Australia, you are EXPECTED to utilise mainstream services. This requires that you can speak, read and write English to a reasonable standard.