Skip to Content

 Newcomer Essentials – Your Guide to Settling in South Australia

 Whether you've just arrived or are getting ready to start your journey, this page brings together the most important government services, local resources, and community supports to help you build a confident and connected life in South Australia.

Official Government Resources

SA Government PortalCentral hub for all state services: licensing, housing, healthcare, emergency contacts, transport, business, and more.Website: https://www.sa.gov.au


mySA GOV & Service SAUse for digital driver's licences, renewals, car registration, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and other services.Website: https://service.sa.gov.au


Government Departments DirectoryFull list of departments including Health, Education, Police, Transport, and Human Services.Website: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/departments


Migration & Settlement GuideState nomination programs, skilled migration, business pathways, and support for new migrants.Website: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au

Community & Language Services

Multicultural Communities Council of SA (MCCSA)Support for multicultural groups including community integration, youth, aged care, and interpreting services.Website: https://www.mccsa.org.au


AMES AustraliaLanguage training, settlement support, and job readiness services for migrants and refugees.Website: https://www.ames.net.au


TIS National (Translating & Interpreting Service)Free interpreting for eligible individuals accessing key government services.Website: https://www.tisnational.gov.au

Employment & Job Search

Jobs SA (I Work for SA)Government job portal for public sector employment opportunities in South Australia.Website: https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au


JobSearch – Workforce AustraliaFederal job board with listings for all industries across the country.Website: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au


Skilled Migrant Employment RegisterA database used to connect skilled migrants with employers in South Australia.Website: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/skilled-migrants/skilled-migrant-employment-register


Career Services SACareer advice, resume support, and employment pathways for migrants and job seekers.Website: https://www.skills.sa.gov.au/careers


Emergency Contacts & Services

🚨 Police, Fire, Ambulance – Triple Zero (000)

Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies only.

Website: https://www.triplezero.gov.au

πŸš“ Non-Emergency Police Assistance – 131 444

For reporting non-urgent crime or requesting police assistance.

Website: https://www.police.sa.gov.au/contact-us

🩺 Health Direct

24/7 health advice from registered nurses.

Website: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Phone: 1800 022 222

πŸŒ€ SES (State Emergency Service)

Help with storm, flood, or earthquake damage.

Website: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au

Phone: 132 500

How to Use This Page

πŸ”– Bookmark each link so you can quickly return to essential services.


🌐 Use SA.gov.au as your main portal to government services.

https://www.sa.gov.au


🏫 Visit the Find a School tool if you’re enrolling children in school.

https://www.education.sa.gov.au/enrolment/find-school-or-preschool


πŸ“‹ Check the Schools Register to verify school registration.

https://www.education.sa.gov.au/school-registration-register


🌏 Use the International Students site for specific school application instructions.

https://www.internationalstudents.sa.edu.au


πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Adelaide Secondary School of English is a great start for teens needing intensive English support.

https://adelaidesecondaryschoolofenglish.sa.edu.au


πŸŽ“ TAFE SA and universities offer adult education and career pathways.

TAFE SA: https://www.tafesa.edu.au

StudyAdelaide: https://studyadelaide.com


πŸ’Ό Use ATO and ABR links for tax setup and registering for a TFN or ABN if working or starting a business in Australia.

ATO (Tax File Number): https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number

ABR (Business Registration): https://www.abr.gov.au


πŸ₯ Check your Medicare eligibility based on visa type. If not eligible, explore private insurance options.

Medicare: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare


🏘️ Review housing and rental laws through CBS if you're planning to rent or lease a property.

CBS: https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au


πŸš— Set up your driver's licence and public transport needs with Service SA and Adelaide Metro.

Service SA: https://www.service.sa.gov.au

Adelaide Metro: https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au


πŸ’Ό Explore job opportunities through local and federal job boards and career services.

Workforce Australia: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au

Seek: https://www.seek.com.au


πŸ—£οΈ Seek language and community support via MCCSA, AMES, and interpreting services.

MCCSA: https://mccsa.org.au

AMES: https://www.ames.net.au

Interpreting Services: https://www.tisnational.gov.au


πŸ“ž Know who to call in emergencies by saving critical contact numbers like 000, Health Direct, and SES.

Triple Zero (000): https://www.triplezero.gov.au

Health Direct: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

SES: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au