Community Guide
Settle in Adelaide
A starting guide for Syrian families and newcomers settling into life in Adelaide and South Australia.
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming. This guide brings together some of the services, places and community resources that can help you settle in Adelaide — from healthcare and schools to mosques, halal food and settlement support. Details can change, so always confirm current information directly with each organisation.
Healthcare
Medicare is Australia's public health scheme — enrol as soon as possible after arrival to access subsidised healthcare. A local GP (General Practitioner) should usually be your first point of contact for non-emergency health needs.
Dr Assem Al Alwani — General Practitioner ↗
Head of Community at AFSSA, and a local GP experienced in family medicine, chronic illness prevention, and emergency care.
Enrol for subsidised healthcare as soon as you're eligible.
Emergency
For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
Schools & Education
South Australian public schools support newly arrived children through dedicated English language programs, and community language schools help kids stay connected to Arabic.
Intensive English Language Program (IELP) & New Arrivals Program (NAP) ↗
Free, specialist English language support for newly arrived primary (IELP) and secondary (NAP) students — apply within 12–18 months of arrival.
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) ↗
Free English classes for eligible adult migrants, delivered by TAFE SA.
After-hours language classes for school students, including Arabic.
Community Language Schools SA (CLSSA) ↗
Accredited community-run language schools, including an Arabic school run by the Islamic Information Centre of SA.
Mosques & Islamic Centres
There are several mosques and Islamic centres across greater Adelaide.
20–28 Little Gilbert Street, Adelaide — the oldest mosque in Australia (built 1888–1889).
Islamic Arabic Centre & Al Khalil Mosque
Cnr Audley St & Torrens Rd, Woodville North SA 5012 — Arabic-speaking community centre and mosque.
Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (Wandana Mosque) ↗
52–56 Wandana Ave, Gilles Plains SA 5086 — managed by the Islamic Society of South Australia.
Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab (Marion Mosque) ↗
658 Marion Rd, Park Holme SA 5043 — head office of the Islamic Society of South Australia (ISSA).
The Islamic Society of SA also manages mosques at Wandana, Elizabeth, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.
Halal Food & Groceries
Halal meat and groceries are available across several Adelaide suburbs.
Adelaide Central Market
Day 2 Day Butcher in the Market Arcade offers halal beef, lamb, chicken and smallgoods.
Prospect Road
Home to Adam's Halal Butcher & Supermarket and an Afghan Supermarket.
Campbelltown
Wali Supermarket and Halal Butcher, 1/608 Lower North East Rd.
Gilles Plains
Salam Supermarket and Halal Butcher, 581A North East Rd.
Richmond
Kaurna Halal Corner on Richmond Road.
Settlement & Community Support Services
Several organisations provide free settlement support, casework and community connections for newly arrived migrants and refugees in South Australia.
Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) and Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provider.
Multicultural Communities Council of SA (MCCSA) ↗
Community capacity building, advocacy and multicultural connections.
STTARS
Support for people from refugee backgrounds who have experienced torture or trauma.
Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) ↗
Settlement support services for migrants and refugees.
South Australian Government resources and support services for new arrivals.
Centrelink & Government Services
Key government services you'll likely need soon after arriving.
Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare) ↗
Income support payments and Medicare enrolment.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Free interpreting support when dealing with government and many community services.
Getting Around
Adelaide Metro operates the city's buses, trains and trams.
Plan trips, buy a metroCARD and check timetables.
Places to Visit
A few Adelaide highlights worth exploring with family and friends.
Adelaide Central Market
One of the largest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Beautiful gardens in the heart of the city, free to visit.
Glenelg Beach
A popular seaside spot, easily reached by tram from the city.
Adelaide Hills
Scenic villages, walking trails and lookouts just outside the city.
Migration Museum
Free museum exploring South Australia's migration history.
Information above is provided as a general starting point and was accurate at the time of writing. Addresses, contact details and eligibility criteria can change — please confirm directly with each organisation.