Settlement services
Information about settlement, visas and citizenship to help all migrants living on the Sunshine Coast.
There are a range of services that assist people to settle into the Sunshine Coast.
Settlement Engagement and Transition Support
Free confidential information and help for permanent residents who have arrived in Australia in the last five years. Either as refugees, humanitarian entrants or family stream migrants.
Access one-on-one support, information and referrals for
- housing
- employment
- health
- education
- transport
- domestic and family violence
- legal services.
Group information sessions are also offered.
For more information phone (07) 5441 4660, mobile 0402 128 978 or email suncoastsettle@gmail.com
Community Action for a Multicultural Society
A free service supporting multicultural people based on the Sunshine Coast.
Program workers help with setting up groups, creating activities and supporting migrants to connect with the Sunshine Coast community.
The program also supports the bi-monthly Sunshine Coast Multicultural Network to help build and celebrate a diverse and inclusive community.
Community Action for a Multicultural Society Workers operate from the Nambour and Baringa Commuity Centres.
Nambour phone (07) 5441 4724 or email cams@nambourcc.org
Baringa phone (07) 5353 0503 or email silvia@calcomm.org.au
Migrants Welcome Centre
A space for migrants arriving in the Sunshine Coast to connect, engage, share and participate.
Migrants can receive assistance without limitations of visa status, age, gender, or cultural background.
The centre empowers migrants by connecting them to people, places, and resources that enable them to build successful lives and enrich our community.
Contact the Baringa Community Centre phone (07) 5353 0503 or email stella@calcomm.org.au
Translating important documents
The Australian Government offers free translations of important documents within two years of your arrival in Australia. This includes wedding certificates, driver’s licences and professional qualifications.
You can also pay for translators or interpreters through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Organisation phone 1300 557 470 or email info@naati.com.au
Government payments
You maybe eligible for government assistance. Depending on your visa, there may be a waiting period before you can receive payments.
Centrelink isssue all government payments and allowances for families, students, job seekers and those with a disability. Centrelink have translated information to help you learn about avaliable payments and services.
You can also phone 131 202 and ask to speak with a multilingual service officer.
Visas and citizenship
The Department of Home Affairs issue all Australian visas and citizenships. The website is a good starting point for all the information you need. When you become a citizen you can apply for an Australian passport.
Visa is expiring or has expired
If your visa has expired, you can talk anonymously with Department of Home Affairs. Phone 131 881, or 131 450 for translation and interpretation help.
Bringing family to Australia
If you want to bring family members to Australia you will need to contact the Department of Home Affairs to check the rules and requirements, phone 131 881.
Migration agents
If you want to use a Migration Agent, they must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority