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Living in Canberra

Get ready to move in

Get set to pack your bags. As a successful Graduate Development Program applicant, you'll be moving to Canberra and into the box seat of the Australian Government's operations. And we'll pay to get you here!

Up to three weeks' accommodation, travel and assistance with relocation expenses are provided, together with the very best support to help you find a new home, transport options and social connections to make your time in Canberra happy and fulfilling.

If you're one of our successful applicants, we'll also bring you to Canberra for a familiarisation day so you can check out the city, the Department and meet your fellow graduates before you get started.

Once you start the program we'll sign you up with the Social Network of Graduates, a fun and rewarding social network open only to graduates working in the public service in Canberra. You'll also receive a place on the Department's Social Club Committee, giving you the chance to organise happy hours, social and charity events and the staff Christmas party.

We're really big on health and participation. Our graduates are encouraged to get involved with existing social and sporting opportunities, or even suggest their own!

A great place to live and work

Its reputation may precede it, but Canberra-population 336,000-really is much more than just Australia's public service hub and the seat of Australia's Parliament.

This is a small and friendly city, but it's brimming with lifestyle, city services and world-class events and attractions. The shopping is great, nightclubs are stylish and trendy, and the café culture is buzzing.

Canberrans love their sport and have the highest participation rate in Australia. From lawn bowls to water polo and everything in between, Canberra has the sports and recreational facilities to suit your needs.

We're also just a few hours drive from the NSW snowfields, Sydney and the south coast's legendary beaches, and the Canberra region boasts some of the best food and wine experiences Australia has to offer.

By capital city standards Canberra is an affordable place to live, commuting times are low and hey, the average age is 34-you're going to feel right at home.

Want to know more?

• The ACT Government's Live in Canberra website is a great source of information and the team can help you with advice on settlement, employment, housing and lifestyle.
• Australian Capital Tourism's Visit Canberra website has all the info on where to go and what to see and do in the capital.
• The National Capital Authority's website is also a great source of information.
• To find out what other graduates are up to in Canberra, check out the Social Network of Graduates.

 

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How to Apply

The Department has an online application procedure. You can register your interest now for the 2010 program by clicking on the link below - we will let you know when applications open.