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Find official settlement services →Migrant Support Services in Australia: Helplines & Settlement Help
Tap into a curated network of official channels, emergency lifelines, and welcoming communities designed to keep you safe, informed, and connected from day one in Australia.
Where to get trusted migrant help in Australia
These contacts are included because they are official or established support services, but eligibility, operating hours and phone options can change. Use this guide as your safety net—whether you need quick advice, crisis help, or a community that understands the migrant journey.
Emergency Lifelines
Keep crisis support and medical triage contacts at your fingertips, available 24/7.
Find urgent support lines →
Community Anchors
Connect with organisations that help newcomers settle, find work, and build local networks.
Find community and legal help →Structured service directory
Use emergency services for immediate danger. For other services, check eligibility, opening hours and local availability directly with the organisation before relying on a contact.
| Category | Service | Organisation | Contact | Audience and limits | Date checked | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Police, fire, ambulance | Triple Zero | 000 | Immediate danger or life-threatening emergencies. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Health | Non-emergency health advice | Healthdirect | 1800 022 222 | General health triage; not a replacement for emergency care. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Mental-health crisis | Crisis support | Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Anyone in emotional crisis; call 000 if life is in immediate danger. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Domestic and family violence | National counselling and support | 1800RESPECT | 1800 737 732 | People affected by sexual, domestic or family violence. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Legal assistance | State and territory legal help | Legal Aid bodies | See state service | Eligibility and free-service access vary by state, issue and income. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Interpreting | Translating and Interpreting Service | Australian Government TIS National | 131 450 | Interpreter access depends on the agency or service being contacted. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Settlement services | Settlement support | Department of Home Affairs-funded providers | Use official provider search | Eligibility depends on visa, arrival date and program rules. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Employment rights | Pay and conditions help | Fair Work Ombudsman | fairwork.gov.au | Workplace rights information; individual remedies depend on circumstances. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Consumer protection | Consumer complaints | State and territory consumer agencies | See local agency | Rules and tribunal pathways differ by state and territory. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Housing and tenancy | Renting advice | State and territory tenancy authorities | See local agency | Bond, notice, rent increase and dispute rules are state specific. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
| Immigration information | Visa and citizenship information | Department of Home Affairs | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au | Official information; use a registered migration agent for personal advice. | 2 Jul 2026 | Jan 2027 |
Official Australian Government channels
Bookmark these portals for visa updates, taxation requirements, health enrolment, and essential public services. They are the definitive sources for policy changes and application tools.
Department of Home Affairs
Your go-to hub for visas, immigration, citizenship news, and travel alerts.
Key Links
• Visa processing times and priority updates
• SkillSelect and expression of interest portals
• Citizenship eligibility guides
• Website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Manage tax file numbers, superannuation, and annual tax returns with official tools. Pair this with our finance guide for newcomer-friendly steps.
Key Links
• TFN application and status tracker
• Superannuation consolidation and lost super search
• Working holiday maker tax tables
• Website: ato.gov.au
Services Australia
Access Medicare, Centrelink, and child support services with multilingual support.
Key Links
• Medicare enrolment steps and online forms
• Income support and family benefits calculators
• Crisis payment assistance and emergency relief
• Website: servicesaustralia.gov.au
Emergency Services
Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance in life-threatening situations. For non-emergency police assistance call 131 444.
Need-to-know
• Triple Zero (000) accepts mobile, landline, and payphone calls
• Interpreter access via the Translating & Interpreting Service
• Share your location first for faster dispatch
• Save the Emergency+ app for GPS assistance
Crisis and wellbeing lifelines
Support teams across Australia offer confidential help in your language. Share these numbers with family and keep them pinned on your phone. For ongoing care planning, see the health guide.
Lifeline Australia
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
Contact Options
• Call 13 11 14 any time
• Text 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours)
• Online chat via lifeline.org.au
• Resources translated into multiple languages
Healthdirect
Speak to a registered nurse about non-emergency medical questions and service referrals.
Contact Options
• Call 1800 022 222 (available 24/7)
• Use the Symptom Checker for triage guidance
• Find local clinics, GPs, and after-hours care
• Book interpreter support for phone calls
Translating & Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Free interpreting support for eligible visa holders when contacting government or essential services.
Contact Options
• Call 131 450 and request your language
• On-demand phone interpreting 24/7
• Pre-booked onsite and video sessions
• Available for health, legal, and community appointments
Settlement & community allies
These organisations specialise in helping migrants build stability, find work, and belong. Reach out early—many services are free or subsidised.
Settlement Services International (SSI)
Programs designed for refugees, migrants, and international students across Australia.
Support Highlights
• Employment mentoring and job readiness workshops
• Community engagement events and language support
• Specialist youth and family services
• Website: ssi.org.au
Migrant Resource Centres
Local centres in every state and territory offering practical settlement assistance.
Support Highlights
• English classes and conversation circles
• Housing advocacy and tenancy advice
• Legal and financial counselling referrals
• Search "migrant resource centre" + your city to find local contacts
Red Cross Migration Support
Emergency relief, wellbeing check-ins, and casework for people on temporary or bridging visas.
Support Highlights
• Emergency financial assistance (eligibility applies)
• Safety planning and mental health referrals
• Information translated in multiple languages
• Website: redcross.org.au
📱 Digital tools to keep on hand
Use these official apps and online accounts to organise your life in Australia, receive alerts, and streamline everyday admin.
- Emergency+ – GPS-enabled app from the Australian Government that shares your coordinates with Triple Zero when calling for help. Open the Emergency Plus app information
- Service NSW / Service Victoria – Access digital licences, vouchers, and local notices directly from your state government. NSW | VIC
- myGov – Secure online portal linking ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, and more under one login. Create or sign in
- Public Transport Journey Planners – Real-time updates and route planning for your state. NSW | VIC | QLD
⚠️ Stay vigilant
Protect your identity: Government services such as TFN, Medicare, or myGov are always free. Avoid sharing personal details on unverified sites or social media.
Verify every link: Type official URLs manually or use bookmarks from this guide to avoid phishing attempts.
Keep records: Save reference numbers, application receipts, and email confirmations in secure cloud storage.
Update contacts: Share new phone numbers or addresses with these services within 14 days to stay compliant.