Life in Australia

449 Visa update

The Government has announced an extension to subclass 449 visas for Afghan evacuees until 30 November 2022. For more information see https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/afghanistan-update

Next step on your settlement journey

Click here for information in Dari.

Click here for information in Hazaragi.

Australian Life Podcast

AMES Australia's Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) team have created a podcasts series, Australian Life Podcast by AMES Australia, in multiple languages that offer information to clients on a variety of topics related to their settlement journey. They will be provided to clients in hotel quarantine and cover subjects including driving licenses and laws, childcare and kindergarten; Victoria's justice system; AMEP and language schools for children, access to health services and fire safety. More podcasts on a range of other topics are in the process of being developed with the intention of enhancing clients' orientation and settlement in a new country.

To listen to some of the podcasts in Dari, click here.

To listen to some of the podcasts in Hazaragi, click here.

Or visit our page on Anchor to see all episodes and on what apps they are available.

Be aware of scams

A scam is a term used to describe any fraudulent business or scheme that takes money or other goods from a person. A scam message can be sent by email, SMS,  social networking sites, instant messaging or even through videophone communications such as Skype or FaceTime.

Learn more about scams and how to protect yourself on the following links:

Where to get help - English

What you need to know - Dari

Scam savvy - English

Overview about scam - Dari

Avoiding scams - Dari

Download Mobile Banking App to your phone

You can download a mobile banking app to manage your bank account directly on your mobile phone. 

We prepared instructions in Dari to help you learn how to download the app. 

To learn how to download the Bank of Melbourne app, click here.

To learn how to download the Commonwealth app, click here.

Peter Hatzoglou welcomes you, our newest clients

Big Bash cricketer Peter Hatzoglou, who has played alongside Afghan cricketers Mohammad Nabi and Ahmad Noor, recorded a welcome message for the newly arrived Afghans.

Peter said that cricket was the sport that united all of Australia and welcomed people of all races, faiths, gender and levels of skill.

Support to start your own business

Thrive is a not-for-profit organisation that provides business and financial support for refugees, which can help you start and grow viable new businesses.

If you are motivated to start your own business, check this link for more information.