{"id":79773,"date":"2020-09-24T09:27:23","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T09:27:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/staging.expatinfodesk.com\/?page_id=79773"},"modified":"2024-01-12T12:11:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T12:11:49","slug":"networking","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.expatinfodesk.com\/destinations\/melbourne\/networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Melbourne Networking Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row type=”container” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” el_class=”three-top-tips” css=”.vc_custom_1599875304748{margin-left: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;border-right-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]Expat groups exist but are not as prevalent in Melbourne as in other major cities. Nonetheless, it is nice to have a few points of contact for networking in Melbourne to cushion the often dramatic experience of isolation and culture shock that comes from arriving in a new country.<\/p>\n

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EXPAT GROUPS<\/h3>\n

Newcomers Network<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.newcomersnetwork.com\/australia\/melbourne\/index.php<\/a>
\nA national organisation with chapters in each major city, Newcomers Network offers social events and support groups for those who have recently arrived in Melbourne. The Second Thursday meeting (held on the second Thursday of every month) has been helping introduce expats to others for many years.<\/p>\n

ExpatClic<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.expatclic.com\/<\/a>
\nThis is not a Melbourne-based group, but it is a great site for the spouses of expats. Expat spouses (usually wives) are often the most affected by expatriation. Although 68% of spouses of expats in Melbourne were working before the family moved, only 16% work during their time in Australia. This is due to a multitude of reasons, but the portability of professions is a major one. ExpatClic recognise this and are an invaluable source of advice, humour and support. They also have some great links, tips and resources on how to re-shape your skills to fit a portable niche that allows expat spouses to work in Melbourne.<\/p>\n

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BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS<\/h3>\n

Melbourne Business Network<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.melbournebusinessnetwork.org.au\/\u00a0<\/a>Organises regular business networking events in and around Melbourne, sometimes with a focus on a specific industry, but generally with no restrictions. All events involve a fee, but could be well worth the cost to make a connection with some of the ambitious business people who frequent these meetings.<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Network Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.womensnetwork.com.au\/<\/a>\u00a0A nationwide organisation that hosts regular networking events for professional women. All events have a fee, and usually include a guest speaker before the mingling.<\/p>\n

The Hive, Entrepreneur Network<\/strong><\/p>\n

This group meets regularly to give entrepreneurs and small business owners a chance to meet and exchange ideas, strategies, and stories of success. Most meetings are free and feature a special guest who has met with success in the Melbourne business scene, such as Tony Wheeler (creator and owner of Lonely Planet).<\/p>\n

Toastmasters<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Melbourne chapter of this international public speaking and business networking club comes highly recommended by expat executives. Known for being a little less formal than chapters in other cities, members are outgoing, gregarious, and often known to socialise outside of the club.<\/p>\n

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INTERNATIONAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE<\/h3>\n

In addition to networking groups, there are a number of international Chambers of Commerce in Melbourne. Expats can become members, particularly if they own a business, and interact with other members of their home country\u2019s business community. Each Chamber has its own protocol and Events calendar.<\/p>\n

American
\nhttp:\/\/www.amcham.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n

British
\nhttp:\/\/www.britishchamber.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

German
\nhttp:\/\/australien.ahk.de\/<\/a><\/p>\n

French
\nhttp:\/\/www.facci.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n

Italian
\nhttp:\/\/www.italchambermelb.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Israeli
\nhttp:\/\/www.aicc.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Japanese (no website)
\n99 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
\n03 9642 2120<\/p>\n

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PRIVATE CLUBS<\/h3>\n

Most of Melbourne\u2019s Private Clubs are extremely exclusive, with eligibility based on legacy, or invitation by an existing member. While it\u2019s highly unlikely that you will be invited to join unless your father was a member, or you own a company large enough that people actively try to curry your favour, they may be worth investigating if membership in an exclusive social institution is important to you. However, if you are a woman, disregard this list, as none of these social clubs accept women as members.<\/p>\n

Melbourne Savage Club
\n12 Bank Pl, CBD
\n03 9670 0644
\nhttp:\/\/www.melbournesavageclub.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

The Melbourne Club
\n35-36 Collins Street, CBD
\n03 9650 4941<\/p>\n

Athenaeum Club
\n87 Collins St, CBD
\n03 9654 3200
\nhttp:\/\/www.athenaeumclub.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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COUNTRY CLUBS<\/h3>\n

Yarra Valley Country Club<\/strong>
\n9-15 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen
\n03 9850 6311
\nhttp:\/\/www.yarravalley.net.au\/<\/a>\u00a0An accessible club with open membership representing a diverse variety of people. The course has seen better days, but a major renovation is in the works.<\/p>\n

Mulgrave Country Club<\/strong>
\nWellington Rd, Wheelers Hill
\n03 9582 4600\u200e
\nhttp:\/\/www.mulgravecc.com.au\/\u00a0<\/a>Members here are mostly 50 or older. A long list of day-time social activities in addition to golf course and lawn bowling facilities.<\/p>\n

Patterson River Country Club<\/strong>
\nThe Fairway, Bonbeach
\n03 9772 1972
\nhttp:\/\/www.pattersonriver.com.au\/<\/a>\u00a0A beautiful course on the bayside peninsula. Membership is pricey but open, with visitors\u2019 rates to allow you to evaluate full membership while playing the course.<\/p>\n

Kingston Heath Golf Club<\/strong>
\nKingston Road Cheltenham
\n03 8558-2700
\nhttp:\/\/www.kingstonheath.com.au\/<\/a>\u00a0Offering one of the best courses in the world, membership is extremely limited and requires nomination by two existing members (unrelated) as well as references from a further three members. If accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list for between 1-5 years.<\/p>\n

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANISATIONS<\/h3>\n

Volunteering your time and skills is a great way to contribute to your new community and establish a strong network of supportive colleagues. The following are several charities or organisations that are actively seeking volunteers and come with good recommendations from expats.<\/p>\n

Big Brothers \/ Big Sisters<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.bbbs.org.au\/<\/a> Melbourne arm of this international organisation aims to pair disadvantaged children with adult role models.<\/p>\n

Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.mifellowship.org\/<\/a>\u00a0Lend a hand helping those with a mental illness, or families of the disabled.<\/p>\n

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SPORTS CLUBS<\/h3>\n

If you enjoy playing sport, Melbourne has hundreds of local sporting groups. Sports clubs in Australia<\/a> are welcoming communities, and there will be something for each member of the family to be involved with. If you\u2019re not actually playing, you will be needed to lend a hand turning sausages on the barbecue, rounding up the small children and handing out the beer. A local sports team is a great way to make new friends, especially if you are moving to Melbourne with your family.<\/p>\n

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES<\/h3>\n

Muslim Women\u2019s National Network Australia<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.mwnna.org.au\/\u00a0<\/a>English language assistance, support and friendship<\/p>\n

Indian Downunder<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.indiandownunder.com.au\/<\/a>\u00a0Online meeting place for Indian expats in Australia (including a classified section devoted to ‘Matrimonial’)<\/p>\n

Fitzroy Learning Network<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.fitzroylearningnetwork.org.au\/<\/a>\u00a0English language skills, cultural assimilation and support. More for refugees than expats, but a great resource to help fight culture shock<\/p>\n

Australian Vietnamese Women\u2019s Association<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.avwa.org.au\/<\/a>\u00a0Meetups, cultural assimilation tips, social and professional networking for Vietnamese women, their family and friends.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″ el_class=”city-side-bar”][vc_row_inner el_class=”sidebar-section-one”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Top Tips” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:24|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_separator color=”#ffffff” type=”full_width” thickness=”1″ up=”” down=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
01<\/td>\nGet involved with Aussie rules football. The quicker you learn the rules and pick a team, the quicker you\u2019ll be bonding with the locals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
02<\/td>\nMelbourne is filled with culinary goldmines. Be brave, be willing to look around the graffiti covered corner and you will be rewarded.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
03<\/td>\nAs fantastic a city as Melbourne is, some of the landscape that surrounds it is better. Some of Australia\u2019s most amazing scenery is on your door<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
04<\/td>\nWhile Southbank is a nice, bright area, full of gleaming new shops and restaurants, it is unequivocally viewed by Melbournians as a tourist trap.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
05<\/td>\nWhile Melbourne has a bit of a reputation for being cold and blustery, with unpredictable weather patterns, the city comes alive in the warmer summer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_class=”sidebar-section-two”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Useful links” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:24|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”useful-links”][vc_separator color=”#ffffff” type=”full_width” thickness=”1″ up=”” down=””][vc_column_text el_class=”useful-links”]<\/p>\n