Moving to Australia

Living in Melbourne has been quite a journey for our little family. My husband works hard, and while we’re not rolling in money, we make sure to focus on what really matters: a safe home. When we moved here, one of the biggest things I worried about was safety, especially for our two kids. So, I got to work looking into the safest places around Melbourne. At first, I thought choosing a safe council would be easy, but here’s the thing: not all suburbs in a council are the same. Some are much safer than others, even in the safest councils. So, while it’s good to know which councils are doing well overall, you’ve really got to check the crime rates in each suburb. ...

If you’re preparing to rent a place in Melbourne, crime rates are one of the first things to consider. For families like mine, choosing a safe area is crucial. While we aren’t looking for luxury, we definitely want a peaceful, secure home for our kids, where we can enjoy the simple things in life, like eating out on Saturdays and cooking together on Sundays. I’ve gathered data from RedSuburbs, based on 2023 state police data and 2021 ABS census data. While this data may be a little outdated, it’s still a good starting point when considering your options. ...

When we moved to Australia on a 482 visa, the first admin job on my list was translation. I needed English versions of vaccine records and my driver’s licence. The government’s Free Translating Service made it easy. Here’s how I did it, and what I’d prepare before you start. What I prepared Personal documents for translation (with my name on them) Passport photo page or ImmiCard Visa grant notice and a VEVO visa details check (you can get this from Visa Entitlement Verification Online) If you’re applying for a child (under 18): ...

When it comes to finding the perfect place for our family to live in Melbourne, there’s a lot to think about. My husband and I aren’t overly picky, but as parents, we want a place that’s safe, affordable, and good for the kids. We also hope to live in a neighborhood that reflects our values: simple, close-knit, and welcoming to people from all walks of life. We moved from China with those hopes in mind, and while choosing a suburb wasn’t easy, we eventually found our balance between budget, convenience, good schools, and safety. ...

When you plan to move to Australia with your family, you’ll probably hear a lot about Sydney vs. Melbourne. We did too, before we came from China. We wondered: How does Melbourne really compare? What’s family life like here? After living here for a while, here’s what I’ve learned, and what our family honestly feels about it. Melbourne vs. Sydney: What’s the Difference? Let’s start with the big question: Melbourne or Sydney? ...