3.4 Services: Where can I get help?

Telephones 

Emergencies – Dial  000 

In Australia dial 000 from any phone for fire, police or ambulance services.  It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life threatening or emergency situations only.  Emergency 000 lines should not be used for general medical assistance. 

Emergency Services operators answer this number quickly and to save time will say, “Police, Fire, or Ambulance”.  If you are unsure of which emergency service to nominate you need tell the operator what the emergency is.  You will then be connected to the appropriate service to assist. 

112 may also be dialled from mobile phones.  Dialling 112 will override key locks on mobile phones and therefore save time. 

It is wise to think ahead with the most important information which will help them to respond: 

• where you are; (street names and the closest intersection)
• what has happened
• to whom has it happened
• what their condition is 
• any other relevant information

The operator may then ask you to stay on the phone until the emergency services arrive.  In life threatening situations the operator may also give you some instructions to assist until the emergency unit arrives. 

If you are concerned about your English, remain calm and work with the operators who are very experienced with all cultures. You can also download an Emergency App from your App store. For an interpreter service in an emergency situation dial 1300 655 010

Emergency services are detailed below, including local branches and phone numbers. 

If you at school when an emergency occurs, if there is no teacher present, ensure someone runs to find a teacher. During school hours there are always teachers around. If something happens during lunch or recess time, there are always several teacher near you – look for their bright green/yellow high visibility vest.

Police

In Australia police protect people and properties, detect and prevent crime, and preserve peace for everyone.  They are not connected to the military or politics. The police can help you feel safe. In a non-emergency situation you can contact the local police station, Dandenong Police Station on (03) 9767 7444. They are located at 50 Langhorne St, Dandenong.

Fire

The fire brigade extinguishes fires, rescues people from fires in cars and buildings, and helps in situations where gas or chemicals become a danger.  As soon as a fire starts call 000 no matter how small or large the fire may be.

Ambulance

Ambulances provide immediate medical attention and emergency transportation to hospital. Dial 000. If you call this number as a bystander, you are then obligated to stay on the site of the medical emergency if safe to do so. 

State Emergency Service

The State Emergency Service (SES)is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to providing assistance in natural disasters, rescues, road crashes and extreme weather conditions. It is made up almost entirely of volunteers and operates in all States and Territories in Australia.  For emergency assistance in a flood or storm dial 132 500. 

Public Telephones

Australia has a network of Public Phones throughout the country. The cost of local calls is 50 Australian cents with most phones accepting coins and prepaid telephone cards. Long distance call charges vary depending on time of day and distance.

Pre Paid telephone cards offer competitive calling rates to all countries 24 hours per day. Pre Paid Telephone Cards cost $5, $10, $20 and $50 and may be purchased at most newsagencies, post offices and convenience stores. 

Making Phone Calls within Australia

• To make international phone calls:

( Dial – international access code (0011) + the country code + the area code (if required and without any beginning 0) + phone number 

For example:

• To make domestic phone calls:

( Dial – the area code + phone number)

Visit www.whitepages.com.au and www.yellowpages.com.au for directories of residential, commercial and government phone numbers in Australia; and for a list of country codes and area codes for international calls.

Calling Australia from Overseas

To contact Australia, first dial the international access code from that country (this will vary in each country), then Australia’s country code prefix (61), followed by the area code without the first zero (for instance Melbourne would be 3 instead of 03), and then dial the required number.

Mobile Phones

Before bringing your mobile phone to Australia check with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (www.acma.gov.au) to make sure it can operate here.  Some countries, such as Japan and the USA, use mobile phone networks that are not available in Australia.  If not, you can buy your mobile phone in Australia.  Australian telecommunications providers offer a wide range of services which provide a mobile phone within the cost of using that service.  There are many differences to the services provided.  You should understand what deal you are accepting before signing a contract with a provider. Lyndale Secondary College’s International Student Coordinator can assist you with connecting a mobile phone.

Computer and Internet Access 

Many mobile providers can also provide you with internet access.  In fact, you may be able to make arrangements with a company where you can get cheaper rates if you have internet and mobile phone through the one service provider.  

Throughout Lyndale Secondary College, you will be able to access the Wi-Fi internet connection. Australia also has wide 4G internet coverage to use with your mobile phone as you are travelling, particularly in urban areas. Coverage is not Australia-wide and all companies have ‘black spots’ where there is no mobile signal or 4G reception, even in the city areas. This typically occurs in underground areas such as tunnels and basements, but can also occur in open spaces depending on your carrier. 

Your homestay accommodation will be able to provide an internet connection during your stay however this may incur an extra cost depending on the plan they have purchased. Ensure you ask your homestay family about their internet usage rules and download limit, as some plans charge a considerable amount extra per megabyte once the internet limit has been reached. You will be expected to cover this charge if you exceed the internet limit.

Australia Post

Australia Post is the government branch of Australia responsible for the delivery of post.

Small letters

The cost of posting a small letter for distribution in Australia is an AU$1 postage stamp which you affix to the envelope.

A small letter has the following characteristics:

• No larger than 130mm x 240mm 
• No thicker than 5mm 
• Maximum weight 250g. 

Envelope Layout 

Australia Post uses advanced letter sorting technology to read the address on each envelope electronically. These machines work best when address formats are structured in a consistent manner.  That is why it is necessary to address your mail clearly and correctly. The information below demonstrates how.