Migrant support and advice
After you arrive in Queensland, you may want to get in touch with some of the local community or migrant support groups.
There is a wide range of support services to help you settle into your new life in Queensland. Try the Queensland Government tool which lists the help available and advises where you can go for advice.
See below for more advice on living in Queensland.
Reading about your local council
The local council that covers your area will have useful information and support for migrants and new arrivals to the area. Explore their website or contact their office.
To search for your local council, see Queensland’s local government directory.
Joining community groups
Community groups help people get together for a common purpose or to share an interest. There are all kinds of these groups in Queensland – including for different cultures, sports, religions, and recreations.
Cultural Diversity Queensland publishes the Queensland Multicultural Resource Directory, which provides a comprehensive listing of more than 1,500 key organisations in Queensland, with an ethnic community focus. This includes:
- Ethnic media outlets and schools
- Community, non-government, and government organisations and agencies
- Consuls
- Migrant service organisations
- Bilateral business associations
- Interstate multicultural offices
You can search the directory online to find groups that may be of interest to you.
If you have young children, you may like to join a playgroup. Search for one in your area using Playgroup Queensland. Playgroups are informal and relaxed weekly get-togethers for parents, grandparents, carers, and babies.
You can also search the My Community Directory for cultural and migrant services, as well as places of worship in Queensland.
Learning English and further education
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provides up to 510 hours of free settlement-focused English lessons for eligible new migrants. You can check whether you or your family members are eligible for this program with TAFE Queensland.
Find more information about education – including childcare, English language providers, and schools – in Queensland here.
ABC Australia is Government-funded website that offers Australian news, current affairs, entertainment, and cultural programs in English.
Use the Australian Government’s free translation service
The Department of Home Affairs provides a free translating service for most permanent and some temporary residents. It allows holders of certain types of visas to get key personal documents translated for free.
Get community legal advice
Community legal centres can provide free information, advice and referral, representation and casework, community education, and advocacy for vulnerable clients and communities facing legal problems. Additionally, you can contact the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS), which may be able to provide you with basic advice.
Legal Aid Queensland may also be able to provide information and advice services to assist, if you are in financial difficulty, with criminal, family, and civil law.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community, make friends, get Australian work experience, and build networks and skills.
To find volunteering opportunities in your area, search for volunteering opportunities on the Queensland Government website, Volunteering Queensland, GoVolunteer, the Smith Family, or Professional Services Collective.
Other helpful resources
Multicultural Resource Directory
Community Legal Centres Queensland