ShareYour First 24 Hours in Australia — We've Got You
After a long flight to a new country, the last thing you need is confusion. A smiling Share Happiness volunteer will be at arrivals to welcome you, guide you, and make sure your very first hours in Australia feel like a fresh start — not a struggle.
Why the First Day Matters More Than Any Other
Your first impressions of Australia are set in those first few hours. The chaos of Sydney Airport, the unfamiliar currency, the question of which bus to take, the exhaustion of a long-haul flight — all of it can feel crushing when you're alone. But if someone is there, smiling, holding a sign with your name, ready to take one bag and answer a dozen questions — everything changes.
That's what we do. We show up. Every single time.
"I had never been on an international flight before arriving in Sydney. I walked through arrivals terrified, dragging three suitcases. And there was Sarah from Share Happiness, holding a big sign with my name. I burst into tears. In the best possible way."— Ama D., originally from Ghana
Your Share Happiness First Day Timeline
Airport Arrival
Our volunteer will be waiting at the international arrivals gate with a clearly visible sign bearing your name. We coordinate your exact flight details in advance. Whether your flight is on time, delayed, or early — we will be there.
SIM Card & Phone Setup
Right at or near the airport, we help you purchase and activate an Australian SIM card (we recommend Woolworths Mobile or Optus for best value). We help you install your number, set up data, and make your first call home so your family knows you've arrived safely.
Transport to Accommodation
We arrange your transport from the airport to your temporary or permanent accommodation. Depending on your situation and location, this may be the Opal card + train (we'll load your Opal card and show you the route), an Uber, or a pre-arranged community vehicle.
Neighbourhood Orientation
Once you've had a chance to put down your bags, your volunteer will walk you through your immediate neighbourhood — showing you the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, bus stop, and any urgent services. We explain the Opal card system, how to top it up, and provide a simple printed map.
First Essentials Shopping
We take you to the nearest supermarket so you can pick up the basics for your first night and morning — food, toiletries, water, and anything else you need. We help you understand Australian grocery options, price ranges, and what to buy first on a tight budget.
Same-Day Admin Start
Where possible, we begin the most urgent documentation on your first day — helping you purchase a SIM card (which gives you an Australian number for TFN applications), recording your residential address, and setting up your priorities list for the first week.
What's Included in 1st Day Support:
- — Airport welcome with named sign
- — SIM card purchasing assistance
- — Opal card setup and transit orientation
- — Transport to your accommodation
- — Neighbourhood walk and orientation
- — First essentials shopping assistance
- — Emergency contact list for the first week
- — Introduction to your documentation roadmap
All of this is fully supported.
Book Your Airport Welcome
To arrange 1st Day Support, contact us at least 5 days before your arrival date with:
- Your full name
- Arrival date, time, and flight number
- Your terminal (Sydney Airport has Terminals 1 and 2 for international arrivals)
- Your accommodation address
- Any specific needs (disability support, language, dietary for the shopping stop)
We confirm your booking within 24 hours.
Book Your First Day Welcome →Contact us 5+ days before your arrival. Supported by our community.
Common Questions
What if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight in real time. If it's delayed, we adjust. If it lands very early, contact us — we'll do our best to accommodate.
Is 1st Day Support available 24/7?
We aim to cover all arrival times including late nights and early mornings. For overnight arrivals (midnight – 5am), we ask for maximum advance notice to ensure a volunteer is available.
What if I already have accommodation sorted?
We still offer the SIM card, Opal card, and orientation services. Many clients arrange their own accommodation but still want the comfort of a familiar face and practical help on their first day.