The City of Melbourne has launched a comprehensive new website designed to improve access to essential services and information, as international students across the city discover valuable career pathways through volunteering and internship opportunities that connect them with local employers and professional networks. The new digital platform features improved search functionality that allows users to filter by keyword from any page, enabling faster and more accurate access to information about council services, facilities, and programs. The website includes a streamlined pay, report, request section that consolidates the most common council services including paying rates, applying for permits, booking hard waste collection, and pet registration into one convenient location, making it easier for residents and businesses to interact with the council online. The site can be simply translated into 16 languages at the click of a button, better meeting the needs of Melbourne’s diverse and multicultural community and ensuring that non-English speakers can access essential information about council services and programs. The contemporary, user-friendly design prioritizes accessibility, making it easier to explore the site and find relevant information, whether users are on a desktop computer or mobile device. The new website is a central part of the City of Melbourne’s digital transformation, providing a consistent and seamless browsing experience for everyone and reflecting the council’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery. The Melbourne News section of the new website keeps residents informed about city-shaping projects, epic events, and ways to connect with their community, providing a valuable source of information about developments across the municipality. Meanwhile, international students are finding valuable career opportunities through the City of Melbourne’s volunteering and internship programs, with examples like Brian Su demonstrating how these experiences can lead to meaningful employment in Melbourne. Brian, a graduate international student from Nanjing, China, who studied for his master’s degree at the University of Melbourne, volunteered as a student ambassador for the My Melbourne program and was elected as the international officer at his university’s Graduate Student Association, building valuable skills and professional networks. His volunteer experience led to a job opportunity as a Business Concierge Officer with the City of Melbourne, where he has helped approximately 11 small businesses set up in the municipality, including many owners from non-English-speaking backgrounds. In his role, Brian helps businesses set up and through regular business engagement, assisting entrepreneurs to break language barriers and realize their business ideas in Melbourne, demonstrating the value of his unique skills and experiences. The City of Melbourne offers a range of opportunities for international students including volunteering and paid internships that can help people find pathways to employment, providing practical experience that complements academic studies. The Business Concierge team serves businesses in all industries, including hospitality, accommodation, retail, biomedicine, finance and technology, health and wellbeing, education, training and beyond, providing comprehensive support to the city’s diverse business community. The My Melbourne program, which Brian participated in as a volunteer, provides opportunities for international students to engage with the city and build connections with the local community, supporting their integration and success in Melbourne. As Melbourne continues to attract international students from around the world, the city’s commitment to providing supportive services and career development opportunities enhances its reputation as a welcoming and rewarding destination for global education.
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