Living in South Australia
Located in the southern central part of Australia, South Australia’s terrain consists largely of arid and semi-arid rangelands. But don’t let that first impression of desolation fool you: South Australia is a dynamic state with a lot to offer.
With a total area of 984,377 square kilometres, the state is divided in 12 regions:
- Adelaide (the state’s capital)
- Adelaide Hills
- Murray River
- Kangaroo Island
- Flinders Ranges & Outback
- Barossa
- Clare Valley
- Eyre Peninsula
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- McLaren Vale
- Limestone Coast
- Yorke Peninsula
The vast majority of the approximately 11.6 million people who live in South Australia are in Adelaide.
A region of opportunities
Always in search of skilled workers, Adelaide has launched a new campaign to attract British migrants to South Australia. A report commissioned by the South Australian Government and quoted by the Daily Mail shows that Adelaide is the country’s best-performing city, despite the current economic climate.
According to British trend analyst Ray Hammond, who was commissioned to compile the report, “South Australia’s economy outgrew Australia’s, and Adelaide was the only state recording growth in the March quarter”.
Outside Australia, the state’s excellence is also recognised: the Fraser Institute in Canada ranked the state as the fourth most prospective place in the world out of 65 jurisdictions, up from 30th place a few years ago.
The manufacturing industry generates 15% of the state’s Gross State Product and also plays a large part in exports. South Australia is also a global supplier of minerals, wine, cars, cereals, seafood and meat. South Australia is, in fact, the world’s sixth largest wine producer (according to the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation).
Key industries
Advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, automotive production, bioscience, agribusiness and defence technology are amongst the list of South Australia’s major industries. The list also includes health, ICT and electronics, minerals and energy, tourist and water management. The building industry is another area that continues to experience great demand.
Cost of living
According to a 2007 survey conducted by Mercer Consulting Group, Adelaide is one of the least expensive developed cities in the world. The city is also considerably cheaper than other major Australian cities. However, while costs are significantly lower, incomes are not: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are 95.3% of those in Victoria and 90% of those in New South Wales. They’re also slightly higher than those in Queensland.
Population
South Australia is a home to many cultures. People currently living in the state were born in 200 different countries. The number of South Australians born overseas is approximately 300,000 (20% of the state’s population).
Housing
From inner-city apartments in the Adelaide CBD to the family homes in the suburbs, there’s a whole range of housing to suit the needs of people in South Australia. The media house price in Adelaide is $360,000.
Potential homebuyers can access the HomeStart Finance, the South Australian home loan scheme that offers a variety of services such as low entry costs and even low or no deposit loans. Migrants with a degree or diploma can take advantage of the HomeStart’s Graduate Loan, a governmental programme that can supply up to 100% of the purchase price or valuation (whichever is lower).
Also, for eligible people buying their first home, the South Australian Government offers a First Home Bonus Grant of $4000 for homes up to $400,000. The Commonwealth Government also provides a First Home Owners Grant of $7000.
Education
Education is compulsory for all children until age 17; however, the majority of students stay on to complete their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). School education is the responsibility of the South Australian government, but the public and private education systems are funded jointly by it and the Commonwealth Government.
There are three universities in South Australia: University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia. All are based in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz School and "Entertainment Technology Center" have campuses in Adelaide.
Tertiary vocational education is provided by TAFE South Australia colleges throughout the state.
Health
South Australia’s Medicare system entitles all permanent resident Australians to free treatment as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital, and free or subsidised treatment by a doctor (including treatment by specialists), participating optometrists or dentists for specified services.
There are nine public hospitals in metropolitan Adelaide and 63 hospitals in country regions. There are also 25 private hospitals in the Adelaide area and nine in the rest of the state.
Weather
The temperature in South Australia ranges between an average of 29°C in January and 15°C in July.
Sports
In terms of popularity, no other sport beats Australian Rules football in South Australia. Over 2.2% of the population over 18 years and over participates in the sport. South Australia fields two teams - the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power in the Australian Football League national competition.
South Australia's Football (soccer) team in the new A-League is Adelaide United. Basketball also has a big following in South Australia with the main club being the Adelaide 36ers (they have won four championships in the last 20 years in the National Basketball League. The state also has a cricket team – the Southern Redbacks.
Playing sports is a popular activity amongst the children of South Australia, with 55% of them taking part in organised sports.
Arts
South Australia is a vibrant state with an enduring love of the arts, including theatre, opera, dance, music, pub comedy, public statuary and rock concerts. In South Australia newcomers will find a range of cultural offerings that are bound to suit everyone.
The state is also home to the Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts, a prestigious art festival that attracts people from all over Australia and from overseas. Other major events include the WOMADelaide, an annual world music festival that features performers from all over the globe.
