Build Your Future in Great South Coast with the DAMA Program

The Great South Coast DAMA program allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to address critical labor shortages, offering pathways to permanent residency.

The Great South Coast DAMA program covers the Great South Coast region, allowing employers to sponsor skilled workers for various occupations.

Regions Covered by Great South Coast DAMA:

Great South Coast, including towns such as Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, and Colac.

Benefits of Great South Coast DAMA Areas:

Relaxed Eligibility Requirements

Lower age limits, salary thresholds, and flexible English language proficiency for many occupations.

Targeted Occupations

Focus on agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and skilled trades in the region.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Workers sponsored under Great South Coast’s DAMA are eligible for PR pathways after completing a designated period of regional employment.CTA:

Subclass 482 under the Great South Coast DAMA provides an opportunity for skilled workers in the Great South Coast region to achieve a PR pathway through relaxed visa requirements.

PR Pathway

After 2 years of regional work, workers can apply for permanent residency via Subclass 186.

Occupation Overview:

Skilled occupations in demand in Great South Coast include positions in agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and skilled trades.

Key Occupations

Agricultural workers (e.g., farm workers, agronomists)

Healthcare workers (e.g., nurses, aged care workers)

Hospitality workers (e.g., chefs, wait staff)

Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers)

Eligibility and Concessions for Occupations in Great South Coast

Age Concessions

The age limit for occupations like hospitality and agricultural workers may be relaxed under the Great South Coast DAMA.

Salary Requirements

Salary thresholds for positions like chefs and healthcare workers may be adjusted.

English Proficiency

Certain occupations may have lower English proficiency requirements.

Subclass 186 PR Pathway

After 2 years of regional work, workers in Great South Coast can transition to permanent residency via Subclass 186.

Subclass 494 PR Pathway

After 3 years of work in the region, workers can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191.

Common Mistakes & Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Tips

Double-Check Your Skills Assessment.

Ensure your English proficiency meets the requirements.

Consult a registered programme agent for accurate applications

Common Mistakes

Incorrect ANZSCO codes for occupations.

Incomplete documentation.

Claiming unsupported points or experience.

Using expired test results.

Family Members You Can Include After Visa Grant

Eligible Family Members:

Spouse or De Facto Partner

Full work rights.

Dependent Children

Access to Medicare and study rights.

Children over 18

may be eligible for a PR pathway

Adopted or Declared Dependents

Eligible if they meet health and character criteria.

Type	Details
Visa Application Fee	AUD 4,640 (primary applicant); additional charges for dependents.
Processing Time	Typically 6 to 12 months, depending on application complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions❓

What is the Great South Coast DAMA program?

The Great South Coast DAMA program allows regional employers in Great South Coast to sponsor skilled workers for Australian visas.

Can I include my family members?

Yes, eligible family members (spouse, dependent children) can be included in your application.

What happens after the visa is granted?

You’ll receive permanent residency with full work rights.