There’s no doubt that moving to Australia is high on the list for many Kiwi travellers – and it’s easy to see why. From the beauty of its natural wonders, captivating wildlife and cosmopolitan cities to the pristine beaches and hospitable people, Australia is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. If you’re a qualified Social Worker with solid experience under your belt, relocating from New Zealand to Australia is a great option to consider.
Before booking your plane ticket, however, it’s vital to give the move plenty of thought and preparation. Tradewind Australia has helped countless New Zealand Social Workers into new roles here in Melbourne – a city offering an exciting mix of style, sport, culture and dining. Even some of our own recruitment consultants have made the move themselves from overseas!
To help make your move across the ditch a seamless journey, here are some of the essentials!
Ease of Moving to Australia
Moving to Australia from New Zealand is relatively straightforward. As a New Zealand citizen, you generally do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia – you will automatically be granted one when you arrive. You will be entitled to Medicare and can stay as long as you want, however, to receive benefits such as Centrelink payments and the ability to vote, you would need to become an Australian permanent resident.
If you’re not a New Zealand citizen, don’t let that put you off. We work with many Australian organisations that will sponsor you to move, and some are even offering to help cover relocation costs!
Before you go, we recommend that you visit the Department of Home Affairs website to find out about any travel restrictions that are in place.
What Work is Available Here?
There is an array of Social Worker jobs available from $47/hour and up, spanning family services, child protection and mental health to name a few. The main requirements are a relevant Bachelor’s degree and at least one years’ experience in a relevant or similar role.
Australians enjoy a fantastic work/life balance, and work from home arrangements have become increasingly common following the events of 2020. While you may notice that the cost of living is slightly higher in the major cities compared to New Zealand, this is more than compensated but the much higher salaries on offer.
Social Workers are in huge demand here, so you will not have trouble finding a role to suit your need and career goals. Whether you’re looking to help fund your travels with a temporary role or aiming to make a more permanent move, the market can cater to your personal needs. As a specialist recruitment agency, Tradewind Australia is on hand to support you with your job search when moving across the Tasman.
Get Support from Tradewind Australia
The key to a successful move here is to get in touch with a recruiter as soon as possible – don’t wait until you’ve landed! We can help you prepare the documents you’ll need, such as police checks and references, as well as talk you through the process. Some of us have done the move ourselves, so once you’ve hit our shores, we’re on hand to offer some general advice in regard to settling into Australian life, from pointing you in the right direction for bank accounts and accommodation to providing tips on where to go to enjoy the fabulous Aussie lifestyle.
Naturally, a lot of our international Social Workers are nervous about relocating to Australia, but rest assured you won’t be isolated. There are so many others who have been through the transition already and can offer an added support base. In fact, we can also put you in touch with fellow Social Workers and help organise local meetups – everyone is open to meeting new people over here, especially as many have been in the same position themselves!
Summary
If stunning beaches, diverse opportunities and lots of sunshine sounds like you, then a move from New Zealand to Australia might be the answer. Our doors are open for you to either travel, gain some work experience, or settle permanently. With so many options available to Social Workers, why wouldn’t you move to Australia! If you’re looking for support with your Social Work job search in Australia, whether that’s locum, contract or permanent, get in touch with us.
Want to know more? Click below to register for our upcoming webinar!
Social Work in Melbourne – NZ Melbourne
When: 1 June 2021, 4:00pm
Host: Ian McNally
Guests: Dee Herde and Sarah Ingram
Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oM90rFXbSc6AvRGooWk4Bw
