Welcome to the Hunter Region
The Hunter is a quality region for lifestyle and employment with a skilled workforce, leading education and research institutions and international connectivity. It is a centre for energy production, coal mines, agriculture exports, premier thoroughbred horse breeding farms, oyster production, Australia’s oldest vineyards and beautiful beaches.
Location
The Hunter Region is situated on Australia’s east coast approximately midway between Melbourne and Brisbane – just two hours’ drive north of Sydney. The geographical area of the Hunter covers the following ten local government areas;
Cessnock Dungog Lake Macquarie Maitland MidCoast Muswellbrook Newcastle Port Stephens Singleton Upper Hunter
For more information about the Hunter and settling in Australia generally, please visit:
Settling in Australia: https://www.smartmoveaustralia.gov.au/settling-in-australia
NSW Government: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/regions/hunter
Visiting towns in the Hunter: https://www.arrivalguides.com/en/Travelguides/Oceania/Australia/Huntervalley/thecity
Regional Information and Overview
The Hunter Region is rich in resources and underpinned by the world’s best quality coal, natural water resources, significant electricity generation capacity, an innovative manufacturing sector and a progressive business culture. Home to more than 756,256 people, the Hunter Region incorporates an area of around 32,749 square kilometres.
Climate
The climate of the Hunter is humid subtropical. In the summer, the average daily temperature regularly exceeds 21.1 °C, while during the winter the temperature averages around 14 °C.
For further information concerning general weather and weather events and warnings in the Hunter Region please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website – BOM.
Connectivity
The region has a transport infrastructure that provides integrated links within the Region and to the rest of NSW, Australia, and the world. This infrastructure includes the Port of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport and a comprehensive road and rail network.
Road
Transport NSW has a Trip Planner which can assist with directions to all destinations within NSW.
Common destinations from Newcastle are;
| Destination | Distance (by road) | Travel time |
| Newcastle to Sydney | 160km | Driving time approx 2 hours, air travel time approx. 40 mins |
| Newcastle to Brisbane | 769km | Driving time approx 8 hrs, air travel time approx. 1 hour |
| Newcastle to Melbourne | 1028km | Driving time approx 11 hrs, air travel time approx. 1.5 hours |
| Newcastle to Canberra | 443km | Driving time approx 4.5 hrs, air travel time approx. 1 hour |
Air
The Hunter’s major airport, Newcastle Airport is located in the Port Stephens Local Government Area at Williamtown, a 30 minute drive from the Newcastle CBD.
Rail
Transport NSW operates a regular electric passenger rail service between Newcastle and Sydney with a travel time of around 2.5 hours. Half-hourly services run between Newcastle and Maitland most of the day during the week, while a number of services operate daily between Scone and Newcastle, as well as Dungog and Newcastle.
Bus
Transport NSW operates bus services throughout the Newcastle and adjoining Lake Macquarie suburbs. In addition, a ferry service from Newcastle to Stockton links residents in that area to the City. Private bus services also provide connections with Upper and Lower Hunter towns and Newcastle to supplement government operated services.
To use public transport in the Hunter, as well as Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and the Illawarra region, an Opal card is required. Opal cards are smartcard tickets that you keep, top up and reuse to pay for travel on public transport. There are a number of Opal cards to choose from, once you have selected the type of card that best suits your needs, you will then need to add value to the card to use it on public transport. The system works by adding value to your Opal card then ensuring that you tap on and tap off to pay for travel fares on trains, buses, ferries and light rail anywhere within the Opal network.
Lifestyle
Hunter living is relaxed, friendly and informal. The region offers a lifestyle that is difficult to match - with excellent educational and medical facilities, a regional arts centre, first rate dining and entertainment, quality shopping, and opportunities for the amateur and professional sportsperson. Residents of the Hunter enjoy relatively affordable housing, easily accessible roads and transportation services and an unparalleled quality of life.
The Hunter offers opportunities to live in city or suburban style, become part of the many small towns and farming communities, enjoy open spaces and farming settings, or live on the coast or by the lake.
With an excellent road and public transport system, getting around is quick and without the congestion of major capital cities.
Work
The future for the Hunter will be built on its rich natural assets, its people and decades of strength in agriculture, mining and heavy industry with expertise in engineering, manufacturing, health and logistics. These foundations, interconnected with an innovative and collaborative mindset, allow the Hunter to face changes with confidence, to look ahead for new prospects and new industries to capitalise on local, national, and global opportunities.
The Hunter Region has a strong profile for extensive employment opportunities and potential for growth within the Region, this is due to a range of new projects and government support within the area.
For opportunities within the Hunter Region, there are a number of employment agencies and websites that may be of assistance:
Employment Agencies:
Level 1, 77 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
Ph: (02) 4927 2220
W: au.hudson.com
Level 1, 169-173 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
Ph: (02) 4929 1666
W: www.peoplefusion.com.au
165 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
Ph: (02) 4088 8150
W: www.asr.com.au
Level 2, 169 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
Ph: (02) 4940 8743
Suite 2C, 54 Clyde Street, Hamilton North NSW 2292, Australia
Ph: (02) 4967 5236
Employment Websites:
Seek - www.seek.com.au
Indeed - au.indeed.com
Work Rights in Australia
Workplace laws in Australia generally apply equally to all workers employed in Australia. Employers engaging foreign workers must ensure that they comply with both Australian workplace laws and immigration laws.
For further information concerning visa holders and migrant worker information, please refer to the Fairwork Ombudsman's website, including the fact sheet – National Employment Standards.
These sites will cover information concerning:
- Permission to work with certain visas
- Pay and conditions (National Employment Standards)
- Tax and Superannuation
- Help with workplace issues
- Tools and resources
Tax and Superannuation
All workers in Australia are required to pay income tax as well as having the right to superannuation payments from their employer.
For further information concerning tax and superannuation in Australia, please refer to the Australian Taxation Office information on its website - “Tax and super in Australia: what you need to know”.
Tax File Number
To be eligible to work in Australia, all employees require a tax file number (TFN). A TFN is free and identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. Please see the details on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to apply for your TFN.
Public Holidays
Our National Public Holidays are New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. All other public holidays such as Queen's Birthday and Labour Day are individually declared by the state and territory governments. For NSW public holidays that apply to the Hunter Region please refer to the NSW Government website – NSW public holidays.
Accommodation
Rights and responsibilities
Before applying to rent property, please refer to the Tenant’s Union of NSW website - www.tenants.org.au. This will assist in your understanding of how to rent a property in NSW as well as your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Locating a property for rent
Some of the most widely used search engines when seeking residential rental properties include:
- Domain - domain.com.au
- Real Estate.com.au - www.realestate.com.au
A list of real estate agents has been provided which may assist in your search for accommodation:
Century 21 – www.century21.com.au
Ray White - www.raywhite.com
Leah Jay – www.leahjay.com.au
First National - www.firstnational.com.au
Street Property - www.street.net.au
Belle Property - www.belleproperty.com
Robinson Property - www.robinsonproperty.com.au
Raine & Horne - www.raineandhorne.com.au
Jurd’s Real Estate - www.jurds.com.au
*Please note: RDA Hunter takes no responsibility for rental properties, accommodation, securing accommodation or assisting beyond this webpage in the search of a viable residence for any member of the community. RDA Hunter is not responsible for the decisions and choices of any real estate agency or agent mentioned within this information. RDA Hunter takes no responsibility for tenants of any properties that are located through the utilisation of this webpage. All information provided is to be used as a guide only.
Education
The Hunter Region has a number of educational facilities tailored to adult learning and skills training, including:
- The University of Newcastle – Global Office
- TAFE NSW – International Student Information
- Atwea College
There are numerous public and private schools for primary and secondary aged children in the Hunter Region, please see the following links for further information:
Public Schools: Finding a public school (nsw.gov.au)
Private Schools: https://www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au
Setting up a Bank Account
To set up a bank account, you will require 100 points of identification. Points information can be found via the following link - 100-point-id-check.pdf (nsw.gov.au)
In Australia the major four banks are:
- Commonwealth Bank
- ANZ – Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
- NAB – National Australia Bank
- Westpac
Hunter region-based banking institutions include, but are not limited to:
- Greater Bank
- Newcastle Permanent
Australian Currency
Australia’s national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD) which comes in plastic notes of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins are in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent denominations as well as $1 and $2 denominations.
Further information concerning Australian currency in circulation please refer to the following websites – the Royal Australian Mint and Reserve Bank of Australia
Migrant Specific Support Groups and Services
Translating and Interpreting Service
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) is an interpreting service provided by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English, and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. The TIS National immediate phone interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for the cost of a local call for any person or organisation in Australia who needs and interpreter.
Immediate phone interpreting (24 hours, every day of the year)
Ph: 131 450 (within Australia)
Ph: +613 9268 8332 (outside Australia)
W: https://www.tisnational.gov.au
Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre, Inc.
Through the provision of services and a range of programs, the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated promotes the education and support of children, young people, individuals, and families from non-English speaking backgrounds in reaching their full potential within the community.
Ph: 02 49 655 291
W: Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre » Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre (mncinc.org.au)
Location: 3 Illalung Rd. Corner of Durham Rd, Lambton NSW 2299
Hunter Multicultural Communities
Supporting the diverse needs of all people within the Hunter Region’s multicultural communities by fostering cultural harmony, encouraging social cohesion, and promoting a united, just and equitable society for all.
Ph: 02 4960 8248
Location: Waratah Community Reserve,
2a Platt Street, Waratah NSW 2298
The NSW Settlement Partnership (NSP) is a group of community organisations, led by Settlement Services International, delivering settlement services in agreed areas of NSW under the Department of Home Affairs’ Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.
Settlement Services International
Settlement Services International (SSI) is recognised as a sector leader globally in resettlement and integration. They are committed to contributing to the sector globally through influencing and developing policy, advocacy, capacity building and developing strong partnerships internationally.
KU Mayfield AMEP – Childcare Centre
The AMEP is a free service to help eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English levels to improve their English language skills and settle into Australia. AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. For more information about AMEP Program delivery please click here.
Shop 1/161 Maitland Road, Mayfield NSW 2304
Ph: (02) 4920 6410
W: https://www.ku.com.au/childcare/about/amep
An organisation in Australia providing spiritual support, social support, aid and numerous assistance programs.
67 Cleary Street, Hamilton NSW 2303
Ph: (02) 4969 8066
W: www.salvationarmy.org.au/newcastle/
E: newcastlereception@salvationarmy.org.au
Salvation Army Emergency Relief and Welfare Support
Ph: 1300 371 288
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
An initiative of the Salvation Army assisting young people aged 12-25 in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions. The program assists in developing skills to live healthy and independent lives through programs and services in vocational training, drug and alcohol support and driver training.
67 Cleary Street, Hamilton NSW 2303
Ph: (02) 4969 8066
W: www.salvationarmy.org.au/oasishunter
E: oasishunteradmin@salvationarmy.org.au
St Vincent de Paul Society
An organisation in Australia providing spiritual support, social support, aid and numerous assistance programs.
There are numerous St Vincent de Paul shops in the Hunter region that can assist with basic homewares and clothing, please refer to the online shop search to find your nearest shop details.
St Vincent de Paul Society Keeping Children Safe
Ph: 1800 478 776
Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm
E: child.protection@vinnies.org.au
Emergency Relief
Ph: 13 18 12
Please refer to the “Find Help” webpage for further assistance in:
- Food
- Emergency housing & homelessness support
- Children and young people
- Domestic & family violence
- Disability Services
- Disaster recovery
- Addiction
- Finances
- Health & wellbeing
- General support
Migrant Health Unit Newcastle
Longworth Avenue, Wallsend NSW 2287
Ph: (02) 4924 6286
Head Office: 50 Crebert Street, Mayfield NSW 2304
Ph: (02) 4979 1120
Emergency Services
In case of a life-threatening emergency, always contact the Australian national emergency number:
000 – Police, Fire and Ambulance
13 11 14 - Lifeline 24h Mental Health Crisis Support Line
1300 224 636 – Beyond Blue – mental health support
1300 659 467 – Suicide Call Back Service
1800 011 511 – Mental Health Crisis Line
1800 551 800 – Kids Helpline
1800 65 64 63 – Domestic Violence Helpline
132 111 – Department of Communities & Justice (Child protection)
Health and Safely
Hospitals
(02) 4921 3000 – John Hunter Hospital Emergency Department
(02) 4921 1211 – Calvary Mater Hospital (Waratah)
(02) 4923 2000 – Belmont Hospital
(02) 4087 1000 - Maitland Hospital (Metford)
Finding a Doctor
To find a local Doctor available to you please refer to the HotDoc service:
HotDoc - https://www.hotdoc.com.au/
Medical Treatment Costs and Medicare
The Australian Government has established a universal health care system known as Medicare. This system has been put in place to aid with the costs of certain medical assistance and treatments. For more information concerning Medicare please refer to – Services Australia: Medicare
To enrol in the Medicare program, please refer to – Services Australia: How to enrol
Medication and Pharmacies
Pharmacists can offer advice and over-the-counter medication to help with a range of common conditions, such as coughs, colds and the flu, as well as day to day issues, such as aches, pains and skin rashes.
You don’t need to make an appointment to see a pharmacist and they will let you know if you need to see a doctor.
If you require medication that can only be prescribed by a doctor, you will need to make a doctor’s appointment and your doctor will provide you with a prescription. You will then need to take your prescription to a pharmacy / chemist and submit this them and in return they will provide you with your medication and any further instructions you may need.
Other Emergencies
For assistance for flood, storms, and other natural disasters, please contact:
132 500 – SES (NSW State Emergency Services)
Beach and Water Safety
The Hunter Region has a number of beaches and waterways that are some of our most precious and beautiful resources. It is important to keep in mind that while these locations are beautiful, they can be unpredictable. Water safety is paramount, and one of the most useful life skills for anyone when in, on or around water is to know how to swim.
The Hunter Region has numerous learn to swim schools for both adults and children, please refer to the Swim Australia website to find your local facilities.
For river and lake safety tips please refer to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website to understand measures that can be taken to ensure your safety.
Staying safe at our beaches can be quite different to safety measures at our swimming pools, lakes and dams. Surf Lifesaving Australia are an excellent resource providing safety information and performing lifesaving measures on our beaches.
Flags and signs – what they mean
Waves – types
Water safety – affects of drugs and alcohol
Other
Shopping
Grocery / Food Shopping
Woolworths – Store locator - Woolworths Online
Coles - Find your nearest Coles Store - with Opening Hours | Coles
IGA - IGA Store Locations | IGA Supermarkets
Aldi - Store Locator (aldi.com.au)
FoodWorks - Proudly Local | FoodWorks
Clothing, general household items & furniture
Kmart - Store Locator (kmart.com.au)
Target - Store Finder | Target Australia
Big W - Store Finder | BIG W
Charity groups
St Vincent de Paul Society - Find a Vinnies Shop - St Vincent de Paul Society - Good Works
Salvation Army - Find the Salvos near you | The Salvation Army Australia
Newsagencies
This is a store that sells newspapers, magazines, cards, phone cards, lottery tickets, confectionery and generally a variety of small gift items and gift cards. They generally carry items and information that are of local interest and can be an excellent source of local information.
To find your local newsagency - Newsagents In NSW (goguide.com.au)
Driver’s Licence
To drive or ride a motorised vehicle in Australia, you must hold a valid driver’s licence. When driving in Australia there are a number of road rules that must be followed. If the road rules are broken, Police can issue fines, cancel your licence or detain you in your travels.
For information concerning road rules for licensed drivers, please visit the Services NSW website - NSW road rules | Service NSW
In NSW, licences are granted by Services NSW, and information can be found at the following website - Driver and rider licences | Service NSW, also you can visit your local Services NSW office to make further enquiries concerning the right type of licence for you. The Hunter Region has many Services NSW Office locations, finding the one closest to you can be found by using the search tool on the Services NSW website - Find a Service NSW location | Service NSW
Disclaimer:
RDA Hunter has provided the contents of this webpage and the external links found here for information purposes only. It is in no way a directive or guidance towards particular places, services, businesses or persons that may be located through the use of the information provided.
RDA Hunter takes no responsibility for errors or omissions concerning the information contained within. RDA Hunter does not take responsibility for any goods or services received as a result of using this information. Nor does RDA Hunter take any responsibility for any undesirable situation or outcome that is a result of a member of the community using this information