PEOPLETALK
      LIVING & WORKING IN MELBOURNE

      We've gathered together some of the not so exciting but important bits of information that you might need when planning to live and work in Melbourne.

      But please feel free to contact us if you have any questions on the ins and outs of working in this wonderful city.

      WEATHER

      Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons:

      Spring: September through November (glorious, warm.)

      Summer: December through February (magnificent, hot.)

      Autumn: March through May (inspiring, mild.)

      Winter: June through August (character building, crisp.)

      TIME ZONES

      Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), and our time difference can really benefit international productions. Work completed overnight in Australia can be viewed the same day in the US or UK.

      For example, when it's 4:00pm in the LA winter it's 11.00am in Melbourne. When it's 4:00pm in LA summer it’s 9:00am in Melbourne.

      And we are:

      • 15 hours ahead of NY   
      • 9 hours ahead of London   
      • 2 hours ahead of Hong Kong

      WORK PERMITS

      The Federal Government provides an efficient immigration process for film makers visiting Australia. You'll need a passport and visa, with three visa types available depending on the nature of your visit.

      For short visits such as location surveys and business meetings you'll need to obtain a Business Electronic Travel Authority. Then when it comes time to shoot in Australia you'll need either a Media and Film Staff Visa or an Entertainment Visa.

      It's a reasonably simple process. For more information about these and other visas please contact: 
      Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
      Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre
      Tel: +61 2 8861 4302
      Web: www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/processing-centres/sydney-entertainment.htm

      ACCOMMODATION

      We can accommodate you in a range of styles, from comfortable 5 star hotels and serviced apartments to fully furnished houses. For more information on accommodation and Melbourne’s lifestyle, please click here.

      SCHOOLS

      A number of Australia's best public and private schools are located in Melbourne. The International Baccalaureate program offered at many secondary schools makes it easy for students from overseas to continue with their education while in Melbourne.

      IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

      For information on a range of topics including unions, child employment, occupational health and safety, weapons, animals and more, please download our handy contact sheet.