Newcomers’ Network tells people where to go!

Sue Ellson moved to Melbourne in 1994 – because of her husband’s job – changed her career, left work, and became a mother. Although she loved Melbourne, she found it difficult to find new friends and feel like it was really her new home. Sue felt others must be in the same boat, but what could one person do about it?

In 1999, as part of a business degree in Administrative Management Sue surveyed 96 people who had moved to Melbourne in the last five years. She received a High Distinction and continued researching the ‘newcomers’ topic. In 2001 Sue registered the business name ‘Newcomers’ Network’ and started planning – both her website launch and the first of her informal social events designed to help newcomers meet others new to Melbourne or Sydney.

What IS Newcomers Network?

It is an online guide and series of monthly events for people who have moved or, for people who like to network; an info and referral service that advocates for better systems and processes for newcomers in the future. See below for June events.

Amongst a huge number of free online resources, the main message is the Best tips for newcomers – which work wherever you are!

The Network also:

• produces a free monthly enewsletter,
• has a Business Membership program,
• answers questions from around the world via email and online forums – free.

An a-political, socially responsible business, Newcomers’ Network operates without government funding, donations or philanthropic grants. It aims to publish ‘whatever is of benefit to newcomers…from any source, for both men and women…to help newcomers…not be drawn into debate’.

Events – June 2007

1. Welcome to Melbourne Friday 15 June 6pm-9pm – Free entry.
Please reply via email or register online if you would like to join in. People meet at The Trust 405 – 411 Flinders Lane Melbourne, Melways map 1A ref G9, behind the Immigration Museum on Flinders Street, on the south west corner of the intersection of Flinders Lane and Market Street. That is, in Flinders Lane, between William Street and Market Street. You can purchase your own drinks (including fresh tea and coffee) and if you are enjoying the night, you are welcome to join the group in the restaurant from 7:30pm and order some food from either the bar or the restaurant menu. To find the group in the bar, come in through the revolving doors, turn left, past the screen and around in to the back corner. To find the group in the restaurant – come in the revolving doors, turn right and go right to the end of the bar. You can come on your own or with friends, whether you are a ‘newcomer’ (less than three years in Melbourne) or an ‘oldcomer’ (as you will have lots of advice!). More details online.

2. Newcomers Information Session Saturday 23 June 2007 10am-12pm – $49
Two hours of quality training provided by Sue from 10am – 12pm in the city for just $49 (with a comprehensive workbook). To register, please click here.

3. ICT Week 23 to 27 July 2007
Various events for people in the ICT field and a seminar for school leavers – visit the website for more details.

4. Melbourne Careers Expo 27-29 July 2007 – $12 adults
An annual event well worth attending if you are looking for work (or free merchandise and lollies from the various stands!!). You can do a virtual tour by looking at the exhibitor list.