First steps and beyond
Learn about settling in NSW
This tool guides you through the first steps of settlement and beyond.
Learn about the important things you need to do after you arrive in NSW.
Explore these activities by clicking the tabs below.
Organising housing
Depending on your situation, someone may organise accommodation for you before you arrive. The accommodation will be tailored to meet you and your family’s needs.
It may be short-term temporary accommodation, or for a longer period of time.
Accessing financial support
Depending on your situation, you may receive Australian Government financial support, or financial help from supporting members of the community.
To access Australian Government financial support and concessions, you need to register with Centrelink. This is Australia’s social security agency.
You will also need to open a bank account. This is the main way to manage money in Australia.
Your caseworker, proposer, or supporting member of the community can help you with these activities.
Accessing healthcare
You need to register with Medicare. This is Australia’s public health insurance scheme. Registering with Medicare allows you to access free or low-cost medical and hospital services.
When you register, you will receive a Medicare card. You may also be able to get more support, such as a Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card.
You may visit a doctor or other health professional for a health checkup.
Your caseworker, proposer, or supporting member of the community can help you with these activities.
Getting around
There are different ways to get around your community. Public transport is available in most places in NSW. Transport may include metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rail.
You need to pay to use public transport in NSW. There are different ticket options depending on where you live. In Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong you can use a travel card, called an Opal card, or your bank card. In other areas, you can pay using cash or sometimes by bank card.
Your caseworker, proposer, or supporting member of the community can help you learn how to use the public transport where you live.
Accessing an interpreter
Interpreters are available if you prefer to communicate in your own language.
Accessing an interpreter is free when engaging with government services. You can ask for an in-person, online or phone interpreter.
Your caseworker, proposer, or supporting member of the community can help you learn how to ask for and call an interpreter.
You may also be able to get important documents translated into English.
Staying safe
It is important to learn about emergency services in NSW. This includes Police, Fire and Rescue, and Ambulance Services.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Your caseworker, proposer, or supporting member of the community can give you information about when and how to access emergency services.