Australia’s cities rank as some of the best places to live and work globally, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t face an adaptation period if you decide to move here. Like any other country, the Land Down Under has unique working visa requirements, cultural norms and job market quirks that you’ll need to acquaint yourself with if you want to thrive. 

But moving to regional areas like the Parkes Shire and surrounding districts can pose even more unique challenges when compared to living and working in Australia’s urban centres. So for any international professionals looking to take on regional employment opportunities in Australia, it’s imperative to do your due diligence and make sure you know what to expect, and how to prepare.

Below, we’ll be going over some key things you need to know when looking to relocate to regional Australia as a working professional.

Road Safety Laws

While Australia is generally a safe country, motor accidents are still frequent, which in turn prompts local law enforcement to treat motor infringements with great severity. Being a responsible driver in Australia involves not only staying within the speed limit, but also being mindful of other road signs like wildlife crossings, and ensuring you never set out on the road without insurance. At a minimum, you will need to secure third party car insurance to make sure you’re covered in the event that you’re found at fault for a motor collision, or comprehensive car insurance if you want damage to your vehicle to also be covered in the event of an at-fault collision. 

Note too, that if you plan to drive in Australia over the long-term, you’ll also need to get an Australian driver’s license. The process here involves taking driving lessons with a qualified instructor, and then undertaking a practical examination. This will also involve learning various road safety rules and regulations, including speed limits, right of way and more. 

While this may sound like a lot of effort, owning your own car saves you plenty of time going to and from work, and also allows you to reach areas that may be inaccessible by public transport. 

Local Job Market

Australia has a unique job market. To give yourself the best chance of finding a job here, you need to familiarise yourself with the local market landscape across the region/s you’re looking into, and assess its gaps or challenges. If you’re not looking to enter any particular market but just on the lookout for a strong entry level job, start by doing some research into the most in-demand occupations in the country: these include but are not limited to teaching, nursing and IT. Even within these careers, there are specialisations that provide more opportunities than others. 

If your chosen career isn’t in short supply in Australia, it’s still possible to find a job provided that you play your cards right. If possible, speak to a career counsellor who’s familiar with the local job market to get an idea of how to optimise your resume. You should also try to get as much work experience as possible in your own country to make yourself a more attractive candidate to hiring managers. Always equip yourself with as much information as possible before jumping in. 

Visa Pathways 

In order to work in Australia, the first thing you’ll need to do is apply for a suitable working visa. Many foreigners choose to come over to study before looking for a job. To do this, you’ll need a subclass 500 visa, which allows you to work a limited number of hours per fortnight. This visa can then be used to apply for a Graduate Visa once you’ve finished your studies: this allows you to work an unlimited number of hours.

If you’re looking for a slightly more stable option, you can also look for a company that’s willing to sponsor you. There are a few hurdles to get over if you want to go down this path, including a minimum salary requirement and a requirement for the company to prove that they won’t be able to find a local who can fill the same role. Of course, the business will also have to pay an application fee in order to sponsor you.

The dream for many foreigners is to secure a permanent skilled visa, which is, in essence, a PR (permanent residency). You’ll need to get either a 189 or a 190 visa: the main difference between the two is that the latter requires state nomination, while the former doesn’t. Down the line, these visas can also lead to Australian citizenship, provided you meet other requirements. 

Work Culture

The Australian work culture is unique. While Aussies might have the reputation for being laid back, they’re also incredibly industrious when it’s time to work. If you work at an Australian company, you should expect to work hard during working hours and to maintain an air of professionalism at all times. It also goes without saying that the primary language of communication here is English, so you’ll need to speak the language to a proficient degree in order to thrive. 

While Aussies value hard work, they also prioritise work-life balance. In most roles, you won’t be expected to work outside your regular hours or on weekends. Many modern businesses also have fairly casual work cultures, and won’t require you to wear a suit and tie to work. It’s also not uncommon to hang out with your colleagues outside of work, whether that comes in the form of grabbing a beer on a Friday or attending a sporting event. If you come to Australia to work, you’ll find the perfect combination of opportunities for professional growth and a healthy work-life balance. 

Start Mapping out your Relocation with all the Right Information

There are many reasons why Australia is among the most desirable countries to work in. From the high standards of living to the beautiful natural scenery to the people-first work culture, there’s a lot to gain by moving to Australia. 

However, like any other country, Australia has its own unique characteristics that you’ll need to get used to if you want to move here. In this piece, we’ve gone over some of the most important things to keep in mind when making the move. Make extensive preparations, and you’ll be sure to have a successful stint working in Australia.