🇦🇺 Australia: A New Chapter, Not a Replacement
- Satish Kumar G B
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
A First-Hand Guide for Families, Students & Professionals Looking to Call Australia Their Second Home
Migration is not the act of leaving something behind, it's the journey of expanding one's world. For individuals and families from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai or elsewhere, choosing Australia doesn’t mean your homeland matters any less. It remains your identity. Australia, however, offers a new canvas for opportunity, safety, growth, and freedom.
Having lived in Sydney for the last 14 years with my family, I’ve seen both the challenges and the beauty of building a life here. This guide captures my lived experience while providing practical insights to help anyone planning to migrate whether you're a student, a skilled worker, a young family, or an aspiring entrepreneur.
🖤💛❤️ Acknowledging Country: Respecting Australia's First Nations
Before we talk about beaches, housing, or careers - it’s important to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we call home.
Australia is and always will be Aboriginal land. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the original inhabitants of this continent, with a living culture that spans over 65,000 years making them the oldest continuous culture in the world.
As migrants, we come seeking space, freedom, and opportunity. But it is essential to do so with respect, awareness, and gratitude for the First Nations people and their deep connection to Country.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land across all states and territories and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Their resilience, stories, and spiritual connection to the land should be understood and embraced as part of settling into modern Australia.
Whether you attend a Welcome to Country ceremony or learn about Dreamtime stories in schools, this cultural richness adds meaning to life here.
🔍 Migration in Numbers: Then & Now
Australia continues to be a top destination for global migrants.
1.2 million new migrants arrived between 2018-2022, compared to 850,000 during 2013-2017 a clear sign of Australia's growing appeal across skilled migration, international education, and family programs.
🗺️ State-Wise Breakdown: Population & Popular Suburbs
Here’s a ranking of Australia’s states and territories by population, along with recommended suburbs for newcomers:
Rank | State/Territory | Population (2024 est.) | Recommended Suburbs for Migrants |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | New South Wales (NSW) | 8.2 million | Parramatta, Harris Park, Blacktown, Homebush |
2 | Victoria (VIC) | 6.9 million | Clayton, Glen Waverley, Point Cook, Dandenong |
3 | Queensland (QLD) | 5.5 million | Sunnybank, Indooroopilly, Toowong, Springfield Lakes |
4 | Western Australia (WA) | 2.8 million | Canning Vale, Willetton, Subiaco, Bentley |
5 | South Australia (SA) | 1.8 million | Mawson Lakes, Prospect, Modbury, Norwood |
6 | Tasmania (TAS) | 0.57 million | Hobart CBD, Kingston, Glenorchy |
7 | Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 0.46 million | Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden Valley |
8 | Northern Territory (NT) | 0.25 million | Darwin City, Palmerston, Nightcliff |
📌 Tip: In every region, many suburbs have active multicultural communities, temples, mosques, churches, and schools making the transition smoother for families.
🧑🏫 Education & Student Life
Australia is known for world-class education, attracting students globally.
Eligibility: International students study on a student visa (subclass 500). PR or citizenship is not required, though local students benefit from subsidised fees.
Top Institutions: University of Sydney, Melbourne, Monash, ANU, UNSW.
Student Life: Safe campuses, part-time work allowed (48 hours/fortnight), with strong support for international communities.
Many schools include Aboriginal studies as part of the curriculum, which helps build awareness and respect from a young age.
💼 Employment & Career Opportunities
Australia's job market is competitive but full of potential.
Key Sectors: Tech, healthcare, education, construction, finance, retail.
Eligibility: Permanent Residents (PR) and Citizens have full work rights. Many migrants also work under temporary skilled visas.
Entrepreneurs: Australia supports tech and small business start-ups with grants and tax incentives.
🏠 Housing & Living
Housing styles range from high-rise city apartments to suburban family homes.
Renting: Weekly rent ranges from AUD $500-$850 in major cities.
Buying: Requires PR or long-term visa status. Each state offers First Home Buyer Grants.
Suburb Research: Use sites like Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au. Look for school zones, transport links, and community hubs.
🏦 Finance & Cost of Living
Australia’s banking is secure and tech-savvy.
Banks: CBA, ANZ, NAB, Westpac. Digital onboarding is fast.
Payments: Tap-and-go is standard.
Transfers: Use Wise, OFX, Remitly for sending money abroad.
Cost of Living: Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, but also offer higher salaries and services.
🌐 Culture, Food & Community Life
Australia’s strength lies in its diversity.
Indian and Sri Lankan communities thrive in every major city.
Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Pongal, Chithirai Thiruvizha, Ugadi, Sankranti, Vishu and Sinhala New Year are widely celebrated.
Temples, mosques, and gurdwaras are integrated into suburban life.
And yet, while we enjoy chai at home and idli on Sundays, we also celebrate Australia’s multicultural public holidays from NAIDOC Week (honouring Indigenous culture) to Harmony Day.
This blend of cultures, when respected and celebrated, enriches both our identity and Australia’s.
🎯 Key Takeaways for the Migrants
NSW and VIC host the largest Indian and Sri Lankan diaspora. Suburbs like Harris Park and Clayton are cultural hubs.
QLD and SA offer easier housing and simpler PR pathways for skilled migrants and families.
ACT, TAS, and NT are rising in popularity for students and regional migration applicants.
Understanding and respecting Indigenous culture is not just a formality, it’s part of embracing the Australian spirit.
🏁 In Summary
Australia is more than a country, it’s a fresh breath of possibility. For migrants, it’s a space to build, belong, and breathe freely. But this opportunity comes with the responsibility of understanding its roots.
Acknowledge the past. Embrace the present. Build the future.
Your home country remains close to your heart but if you're ready to call Australia your second home, approach it with curiosity, humility, and respect.
From one migrant to another after 14 years here, I can say this: the journey isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.
🔁 Share this with your family WhatsApp group, your Facebook and other social media feed, or with a friend who is planning or considering their move.
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