Sydney, New South Wales, Australia is well serviced with a range of publications that provide extensive information about what to do and see and how to settle here.
I am pleased to be able to say that the majority of information that has been published is of good quality, particularly government resources.
However, I would hasten to add that it is important to collect your information from a variety of sources - as some information is published with a particular agenda in mind (for instance, to encourage you to migrate here). Be prudent in your approach and confirm the reliability of information before making any final decisions.
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1. Moving to Sydney New South Wales websites and publications
The Australian Government's Welcome to New South Wales Kit is an online booklet of information for settling in New South Wales (also available in other languages). Study in Australia is an Australian Government website for international students.
Welcome to Sydney includes a free downloadable guide and links to lots of resources.
Your Sea Change (or Tree Change) is an interesting website offering various information on moving to a regional area of Australia with some useful articles on the decision making process of moving.
To find local information, when you type in a search query into your internet search engine, include the words
New South Wales or Australian or Sydney
Association or Institute or Group or Body or Society
Universities in Australia specialise in different fields of knowledge and you may be able to approach a particular department for some local information. You can find a list of all Australian universities at The Good Guides.
There are many international associations, chambers of commerce, business groups/networks that are 'country specific.' Have a look at the White Pages Telephone Book (printed directory in all residences and also available from your local Australia Post Office) and look for the name of the country that you are interested in - for instance British / Britain / United Kingdom as well as the same country name after the word 'Australia' or 'Australian.'
So for instance, you can find the 'Australian British Chamber of Commerce' and contact them direct. These groups are most likely to be able to refer you to other social/expatriate/ethnic/migrant type groups that can provide further information and advice specific to other newcomers like you.
The other categories you may like to research in the Yellow Pages Telephone Book or True Local are:
ethnic clubs - or social/general clubs
societies - general
newspapers - look for specialist publications, for instance the 'Chinese Newspaper'
magazines and periodicals - contact relevant publishers and find out where you can purchase a copy
associations and organisations
relocation service providers (charge a fee but may save you time and money)
You need to source information in your local community via the relevant Local Government Council related to where you are living (and you can also do this for the area where you are working) through the New South Wales Department of Local Government.
This website allows you to search for the local council using the alphabetical listing. You can contact them for a 'New Residents Kit' and/or their local 'Community Information Booklet.' If you are planning to start a business, there are many resources and networks they can connect you to. Make a time to visit your local council too - you pay for this resource through either council rates or rental payments on the property you live or work in.
4. Ask questions
When you have spent enough time in front of your computer, the other option is to ask questions - talk to your neighbours, work colleagues and people that you meet and ask them where they find information. They may also be able to help you directly with an answer to your questions. In Australia, it is perfectly acceptable to ask questions and seek information.
You may also like to consider paying for some professional advice - like a home buyer's agent or a relocation service provider, just as you would for any other activity that could be improved with expert advice (like an accountant, doctor or dentist). Some people save cents and waste dollars (and a lot of time) by thinking they can do everything themselves.
5. Radio, Television, Print and Online Broadcasters
For general information, you may find it useful to listen to the radio, watch television and read daily or weekly newspapers. You can source details of these resources in the Yellow Pages Telephone Book or True Local website. In particular, if you speak a language other than English, find out what programs and publications are available in your first language.
The Major New South Wales Daily Newspapers include The Sydney Morning Herald (broadsheet newspaper), the Daily Telegraph (tabloid newspaper) and mX (weekday commuter afternoon paper).
Sydney Australia (tourism and business resource produced by the state government Department of State and Regional Development)
Visit New South Wales (mostly tourist style but a lot of good information and downloadable guides from the state government Department of State and Regional Development)
Moving to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia