Getting your life in order can sometimes be overwhelming with so many things to organise. Below are some tips, advice and helpful contacts.
* Remember you can always speak to your youth worker, school counsellor or social worker if you need assistance getting identification.

Get a myki card
A concession myki pass costs $3 and you can buy them from 7/11 stores and stores where you see the myki sign at train stations you can only buy full fare myki cards at train stations and they cost $6 with higher fares.
To travel by public transport in Victoria your myki must have money on it, you can top up the money on your myki at 7/11 and stores with the myki sign, at train stations, on buses, and at select tram stops.
For information on public transport including timetables, maps and Myki info go to the Public Transport Victoria website
www.ptv.vic.gov.au
Get ID
A Keypass is a valid photo ID card that’s widely recognised within Australia. For more information go to
www.auspost.com.au/travel-id/keypass-identity-card.html
Ph: 1300 304 614
Email: info@keypass.com.au
Forms are available at police stations in Victoria or online
Key Pass application form
Get a bank account
You can apply for a bank account at any bank you choose, just go into the bank and ask to open an account. You’ll need to provide 100 points of ID - you can use school reports, a birth certificate, keypass, passport, Medicare card or license. Ask the bank which forms of ID they’ll accept. You may also need to have an address; some youth services that you’re involved with may let you use theirs. If you’re under 16 years of age you will need a parent or guardian to go with you

Get a tax file number
A tax file number is a personal reference number in the Australian tax and superannuation systems. It is necessary to have a tax file number before starting most jobs.
You can get an application from Centrelink offices, the Australian Taxation Office or online.
Once completed, print it and take it to your local Australia Post outlet so that they can confirm your identity documents. The documents you will need will be listed on the form. The website provides all you need to know including your local Australia Post outlets.
Australian Taxation Office
Collins Square, 747 Collins St,
Docklands, VIC 3008
Ph: 13 28 61

Get a health care card
You can apply for a healthcare card if you are 16 years old and live away from home or if you live at home and earn less than $315 per week. Apply for one at your local Centrelink office (See local Centrelink locations for your nearest office).
If you work you will need to provide 8 weeks worth of pay slips. If you need to supply an address, some youth services that you’re involved with may let you use theirs.

Get a copy of your birth certificate
Visit the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages:
595 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
(Near Southern Cross Station)
8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Or online at
www.birthsdeathsandmarriages.org
You’ll need 3 forms of identification, one with your photo and signature, one with your address and either a bankcard, Medicare card or student card.
More information
Register to vote
It’s the law in Australia that you are enrolled to vote if you are an Australian citizen and over 18.
To register either get a form from your local Australia Post or go to www.aec.gov.au/enrol

Gumtree
Gumtree is an easy-to-use website that you can search and find almost anything such as accommodation, employment, meeting new people and buying/selling products.
Gumtree may be especially helpful for finding cheap or free furniture.
www.gumtree.com.au
Get a No Interest Loan Scheme (NiLS)
NiLS is a community-based program that offers applicants up to $1,200 for essential household goods and services.
Ground Floor, 192 – 198 High St
Northcote, VIC 3070
Ph: 9495 9600
www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/no-interest-loan-scheme-nils