Australia hubs

Ella

Animator

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Ella is a freelance animator living in Australia, balancing creative projects with the realities of the gig economy. This hub covers the essential national support systems, tax tools, and professional resources she relies on to keep her career moving forward.

Managing my freelance income and tax

Navigating the Australian tax system is critical for a freelancer to avoid end-of-year shock.

myTax / ATO Online Services

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All Australian tax residents with an income.
What you get
Centralized portal for lodging tax returns and managing income statements.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a myGov account linked to ATO.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to claim home office deductions for equipment and electricity.

GST Registration

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Businesses or freelancers with an annual turnover of $75,000 or more.
What you get
Legal requirement to collect 10% GST on services provided.
What it actually costs you
Free to register; requires quarterly or annual reporting.
Common gotcha
Not realizing you must register once you hit the $75k threshold.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Business Register

Who qualifies
Anyone carrying on an enterprise in Australia.
What you get
A unique 11-digit identifier for your freelance business.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires personal identification documents.
Common gotcha
Confusing an ABN with a Tax File Number (TFN).

Superannuation for Sole Traders

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Self-employed individuals wanting to save for retirement.
What you get
Tax-advantaged retirement savings account.
What it actually costs you
Voluntary contributions; requires choosing a super fund.
Common gotcha
Thinking you don't need to pay yourself super as a freelancer.

Instant Asset Write-Off

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Small businesses with turnover under $10 million.
What you get
Immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset.
What it actually costs you
Requires keeping receipts for hardware like drawing tablets or PCs.
Common gotcha
Assuming it applies to personal use items.

PAYG Instalments

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Freelancers with tax liabilities on business/investment income.
What you get
System to pay tax in smaller, regular chunks rather than one big bill.
What it actually costs you
Requires quarterly payments based on ATO estimates.
Common gotcha
Cash flow issues if you don't set aside money for the quarterly bill.

Grants and professional development

Funding and industry recognition are vital for growing an animation portfolio.

Creative Australia Grants

national · Creative Australia

Who qualifies
Individual artists and creative practitioners.
What you get
Project funding for creative development and production.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process; requires detailed project budget.
Common gotcha
Applications are highly competitive; focus on the 'public value' of your work.

Screen Australia Funding

national · Screen Australia

Who qualifies
Australian screen practitioners.
What you get
Development and production funding for film, TV, and digital media.
What it actually costs you
Rigorous application; requires industry track record.
Common gotcha
Most funding is for narrative projects rather than commercial animation.

Resale Royalty Scheme

national · Copyright Agency

Who qualifies
Visual artists whose work is resold commercially.
What you get
5% royalty on the sale price of eligible artworks.
What it actually costs you
Free registration; requires proof of authorship.
Common gotcha
Only applies to secondary market sales over $1,000.

Arts Law Centre of Australia

national · Arts Law Centre

Who qualifies
Artists and arts organizations.
What you get
Legal advice on contracts, copyright, and business structure.
What it actually costs you
Membership fee for ongoing support; low-cost consultations.
Common gotcha
They cannot represent you in court, only provide advice.

Australian Cultural Fund

national · Creative Australia

Who qualifies
Artists with a project needing crowdfunding.
What you get
Platform for tax-deductible donations to your creative project.
What it actually costs you
Platform fees; requires active marketing of your campaign.
Common gotcha
Donors must be Australian tax residents for the tax deduction.

Trove

national · National Library of Australia

Who qualifies
All Australians.
What you get
Access to millions of digitized images, maps, and historical records for research.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a user account.
Common gotcha
Copyright status of images varies; always check usage rights.

Staying healthy while working from home

As a freelancer, I don't have employer-provided health insurance, so I rely on public systems.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidized medical services, free public hospital care, and PBS medicines.
What it actually costs you
Covered by the Medicare Levy in your tax return.
Common gotcha
Medicare doesn't cover most dental, optical, or physiotherapy.

PBS Safety Net

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Anyone spending significant amounts on prescription medicines.
What you get
Cheaper or free medicines once you reach the annual threshold.
What it actually costs you
Keep track of your receipts at the pharmacy.
Common gotcha
You must ask the pharmacist to record your spend.

Better Access Initiative

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
People with a diagnosed mental health condition.
What you get
Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological sessions per year.
What it actually costs you
Requires a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Common gotcha
Rebates rarely cover the full cost; expect a 'gap fee'.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
Anyone needing urgent but non-life-threatening care.
What you get
Free, walk-in medical care outside of hospital emergency departments.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires Medicare card.
Common gotcha
Not for emergencies; call 000 for those.

My Health Record

national · Australian Digital Health Agency

Who qualifies
All Australians.
What you get
Centralized digital summary of your medical history and immunizations.
What it actually costs you
Free; accessible via myGov.
Common gotcha
You can opt-out, but it's very useful for traveling.

National Immunisation Program

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
All Australians based on age and health status.
What you get
Free vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and other preventable diseases.
What it actually costs you
Free at GPs and pharmacies.
Common gotcha
Check if your pharmacy charges a service fee.

Digital life and connectivity

High-speed internet is my lifeline for uploading large animation files.

National Broadband Network (NBN)

national · NBN Co

Who qualifies
All Australian households.
What you get
Access to high-speed broadband infrastructure.
What it actually costs you
Monthly subscription fees to your chosen ISP.
Common gotcha
Connection speeds vary wildly by technology type (FTTP vs FTTN).

myGov

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
All Australian residents.
What you get
Single sign-on for ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, and more.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires identity verification.
Common gotcha
Losing access to your linked email can lock you out of everything.

Australian Passport

national · Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Who qualifies
Australian citizens.
What you get
International travel document.
What it actually costs you
Application fee (approx $346); requires passport photos.
Common gotcha
Processing times can be long; apply well before travel.

Digital iD

national · Australia Post

Who qualifies
Anyone with an Australian identity document.
What you get
Secure digital proof of identity for online services.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires in-person verification at a Post Office.
Common gotcha
Not accepted by every single government department yet.

Consumer Data Right

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
All consumers.
What you get
Right to share your data (like banking) with accredited providers.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires consent management.
Common gotcha
Be careful which third-party apps you authorize.

Scamwatch

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
All Australians.
What you get
Alerts and reporting tools for scams targeting freelancers and businesses.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Reporting a scam doesn't guarantee you'll get your money back.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra provides unique support for creative professionals through local arts grants and cost-of-living concessions tailored to the territory's specific economic landscape.

Keeping my creative practice alive

ACT Arts Project Funding

state · artsACT

Who qualifies
Individual artists and animators residing in the ACT with a project proposal.
What you get
Grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for creative development or production.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, artistic CV, and a clear timeline; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Funding is highly competitive and requires a strong track record or clear professional development outcome.

ACT Government Creative Spaces

state · artsACT

Who qualifies
ACT-based artists and creative practitioners.
What you get
Access to subsidized studio spaces in locations like Gorman Arts Centre or Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
What it actually costs you
Application for residency or long-term lease; monthly rent at below-market rates.
Common gotcha
Waitlists can be long; you must demonstrate an active creative practice.

ACT Arts Development Grant

state · artsACT

Who qualifies
Emerging or established artists needing funds for professional development or travel.
What you get
Small grants to cover costs for workshops, mentorships, or industry conferences.
What it actually costs you
Evidence of the professional development activity and how it benefits your career.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for well in advance of the activity date.

CMAG Creative Partnerships

state · Canberra Museum and Gallery

Who qualifies
Local artists whose work aligns with Canberra's social history or contemporary art scene.
What you get
Exhibition opportunities and potential acquisition of work for the collection.
What it actually costs you
Submission of portfolio and exhibition proposal.
Common gotcha
The focus is often on Canberra-centric themes.

Managing the cost of living

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate on electricity, natural gas, water, and sewerage bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form; requires your concession card number.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if your card details change or expire.

ACT Transport Concession

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT residents with a valid concession card.
What you get
Discounted fares on ACTION buses and light rail.
What it actually costs you
MyWay card registration and proof of eligibility.
Common gotcha
Fares are cheaper, but you must always tap on and off to maintain the concession.

Rental Bond Help

state · Housing ACT

Who qualifies
Low-income earners struggling to pay a rental bond in the private market.
What you get
An interest-free loan to cover the bond amount.
What it actually costs you
Income assessment and proof of tenancy agreement.
Common gotcha
The loan must be repaid in installments over a set period.

ACT Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme

state · ACT Health

Who qualifies
ACT residents who need to travel long distances for specialized medical treatment.
What you get
Financial assistance for travel and accommodation costs.
What it actually costs you
Medical referral and receipts for travel/accommodation.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific specialist treatments not available in Canberra.
New South Wales

New South Wales offers the most robust creative industry grants and cost-of-living offsets for freelancers and digital artists in Australia.

Funding my creative projects

Create NSW Arts and Cultural Funding Program

state · Create NSW

Who qualifies
NSW-based individual artists and small creative collectives.
What you get
Project grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for creative development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget breakdown, and letters of support; long lead times.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a clear 'public value' outcome.

Creative Innovation Fund

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
Digital creators and animators working on innovative screen projects.
What you get
Seed funding for early-stage digital content production.
What it actually costs you
Business plan and proof of commercial viability.
Common gotcha
Often requires a matching funding component from the applicant.

Regional Arts NSW Residency Support

state · Regional Arts NSW

Who qualifies
Artists looking to relocate or work in regional NSW hubs.
What you get
Subsidized studio space and living stipends.
What it actually costs you
Application form and portfolio of past animation work.
Common gotcha
Limited to specific regional zones outside the Sydney metro area.

Small Business Digital Rebate

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Freelance animators registered as a small business in NSW.
What you get
Rebate of up to $1,500 for digital tools, software, or website upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Must provide receipts for eligible digital expenses.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific approved digital software and hardware categories.

Managing the Sydney cost of living

NSW Toll Relief Program

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
NSW residents who spend over a certain threshold on toll roads.
What you get
Cashback or reduced registration fees based on annual toll spend.
What it actually costs you
Linked E-Toll account and annual claim submission.
Common gotcha
You must link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account to track spend.

NSW Gas and Electricity Rebate

state · Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those on specific government benefits.
What you get
Annual credit on energy bills of up to $285.
What it actually costs you
Application through Service NSW; requires your energy account number.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every year; it doesn't automatically roll over.

Creative Kids Voucher

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in NSW.
What you get
$50 voucher per child per year for creative activities like animation classes.
What it actually costs you
Apply online via Service NSW.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the calendar year.

NSW Tertiary Student Concession

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
Full-time students at NSW institutions.
What you get
Half-price fares on all public transport across Sydney.
What it actually costs you
Must have a valid student ID and apply for a Concession Opal card.
Common gotcha
If you drop to part-time study, you lose eligibility immediately.
Northern Territory

As an animator in the NT, you benefit from unique creative industry grants and remote-living incentives that help offset the high cost of living in the Top End.

Funding my creative projects

Arts and Culture Grants Program

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT-based artists and creative practitioners working on projects that benefit the Territory.
What you get
Funding for project development, professional development, or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget breakdown, and acquittal report after project completion.
Common gotcha
Applications must be submitted well in advance of your project start date; they do not fund retrospective work.

Screen Territory Production Funding

state · Screen Territory

Who qualifies
NT-based animators and filmmakers with a project ready for production or development.
What you get
Financial investment for development, production, or marketing of screen content.
What it actually costs you
Comprehensive business plan, proof of concept, and evidence of local spend.
Common gotcha
You must demonstrate that your project will employ local NT crew or talent.

Creative Residency Support

state · Arts NT

Who qualifies
Professional artists seeking time and space to focus on a specific animation project.
What you get
Stipend and access to studio spaces in Darwin or Alice Springs.
What it actually costs you
Application form and portfolio of previous animation work.
Common gotcha
Limited spots available; competition is high during the dry season.

Business Growth Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT-based sole traders or small animation studios looking to scale.
What you get
Vouchers for professional advice, marketing, or business coaching.
What it actually costs you
Must have an ABN and be operating in the NT for at least 6 months.
Common gotcha
You must use a pre-approved consultant from their register.

Making life in the NT affordable

NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving specific Centrelink payments or holding a DVA card.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, sewerage, and motor vehicle registration.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and current Centrelink concession card.
Common gotcha
You must renew your membership annually to keep receiving the utility discounts.

First Home Owner Discount

state · NT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing an established home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount of up to $18,601 for homes valued up to $650,000.
What it actually costs you
Must live in the property as your principal place of residence for at least 6 months.
Common gotcha
This is a discount on tax, not a cash grant, so it reduces your upfront purchase costs.

NT Seniors and Pensioner Travel Concession

state · Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Who qualifies
Eligible pensioners and seniors living in the NT.
What you get
Free travel on public buses and discounted fares on regional transport.
What it actually costs you
Application form and a passport-sized photo for the ID card.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to private tour operators or long-distance coach services.

Remote Area Allowance (NT Supplement)

state · Territory Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Residents living in designated remote zones of the NT.
What you get
Tax offsets and additional cost-of-living payments.
What it actually costs you
Must declare your primary residence in a remote zone on your tax return.
Common gotcha
The definition of 'remote' is strictly based on your postcode.
Queensland

Queensland offers unique creative industry grants and cost-of-living concessions that help freelance animators manage the high cost of living in Brisbane.

Funding my creative projects

Screen Queensland Production Investment

state · Screen Queensland

Who qualifies
Queensland-based screen practitioners and production companies.
What you get
Requires a detailed project budget, script, and proof of Queensland residency.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a robust distribution plan.

Queensland Arts Showcase Program

state · Arts Queensland

Who qualifies
Independent artists and creative professionals residing in Queensland.
What you get
Requires a project plan, budget, and letters of support from industry partners.
Common gotcha
You must demonstrate how the project benefits the Queensland arts sector.

SQ Digital Games Incentive

state · Screen Queensland

Who qualifies
Developers and animators working on interactive digital media projects.
What you get
Requires an audit of expenditure and proof of local employment.
Common gotcha
Minimum spend thresholds apply, making it better for established studios than solo freelancers.

Keeping my bills down

Cost of Living Rebate

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
All Queensland households.
What you get
Automatic application for most residents via their energy provider.
Common gotcha
If you are in a share house, ensure your name is on the electricity bill to claim.

Translink 50-cent Fares

state · Department of Transport and Main Roads

Who qualifies
All public transport users in Queensland.
What you get
Requires a registered Go Card or contactless payment.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and off consistently to ensure the fare is calculated correctly.

Tertiary Student Concession

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Full-time students at accredited Queensland institutions.
What you get
Requires a valid student ID and application through the Translink portal.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status every semester.
South Australia

South Australia offers a unique blend of creative industry grants and cost-of-living concessions that help freelance animators manage the volatility of gig work.

Fueling my animation projects

South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) Production Grants

state · South Australian Film Corporation

Who qualifies
South Australian-based animators and production companies with a viable project.
What you get
Direct funding or production investment for animation projects, shorts, or series.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project pitch, budget breakdown, and proof of SA residency.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a track record of previous work.

Arts South Australia Independent Makers and Presenters Grant

state · Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Who qualifies
Individual artists and creative freelancers living in SA.
What you get
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to support professional development or new creative works.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal and evidence of artistic merit.
Common gotcha
Funds cannot be used for retrospective project costs; you must apply before starting.

South Australian Screen Production Rebate

state · South Australian Film Corporation

Who qualifies
Producers of animation projects spending a minimum amount in SA.
What you get
A 10% rebate on qualifying SA production expenditure.
What it actually costs you
Requires a full audit of production expenses at the end of the project.
Common gotcha
This is a post-production rebate, meaning you need cash flow to cover expenses upfront.

Adelaide Studios Facility Access

state · South Australian Film Corporation

Who qualifies
Registered SA animation businesses.
What you get
Subsidized access to world-class sound stages, editing suites, and animation workstations.
What it actually costs you
Rental fees at reduced rates for local creators.
Common gotcha
Availability is limited; booking months in advance is essential.

Keeping the lights on while I animate

Cost of Living Concession

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
Low-income earners and those on specific Centrelink benefits.
What you get
An annual payment to help with council rates or general living expenses.
What it actually costs you
Application form via the SA government portal; requires proof of income.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply or confirm your details annually to keep receiving it.

Energy Bill Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Pensioners and low-income cardholders.
What you get
A direct credit on your electricity bill to offset high energy costs.
What it actually costs you
Must provide your energy account number and concession card details.
Common gotcha
It doesn't apply to gas bills, only electricity.

Metrocard Concession

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Students and low-income earners with a valid concession card.
What you get
Half-price fares on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams.
What it actually costs you
Initial $5 for the card; must carry your concession ID at all times.
Common gotcha
Fines are heavy if you travel on a concession fare without your ID card.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique creative industry grants and cost-of-living support specifically for independent artists and freelancers working in the island's niche digital media scene.

Funding my creative projects

Arts Tasmania Grants Program

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Professional Tasmanian artists and creative practitioners.
What you get
Project funding ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for development or production.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget breakdown, and portfolio; high competition.
Common gotcha
Applications are highly competitive; you must prove the project has a clear public outcome.

Screen Tasmania Production Investment

state · Screen Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian-based animators and production companies.
What you get
Direct investment for animation production and development.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and evidence of market interest/distribution.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate significant Tasmanian spend and local employment.

Artist-in-Residence Programs

state · Arts Tasmania

Who qualifies
Independent animators looking for studio space or research time.
What you get
Subsidized studio space or travel bursaries to attend creative hubs.
What it actually costs you
Application fee varies; requires a strong artistic statement.
Common gotcha
Often tied to specific locations like the Moonah Arts Centre.

Keeping the lights on and bills down

Tasmanian Electricity Concession

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Daily discount on electricity bills (approx. $1.50/day).
What it actually costs you
Must link your concession card number to your energy provider account.
Common gotcha
Does not apply automatically; you must contact your retailer.

Heating Allowance

state · Department of Communities Tasmania

Who qualifies
Low-income earners receiving specific Centrelink payments.
What you get
Annual payment to assist with winter heating costs (approx. $56).
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you meet criteria; no application needed.
Common gotcha
Payment is usually made in May each year.

Tasmanian Transport Concession

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Full-time students and low-income earners.
What you get
Half-price fares on Metro Tasmania buses.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid concession card shown to the driver.
Common gotcha
Must carry the physical concession card at all times.
Victoria

Victoria is the creative heart of Australia, offering specific grants and tax incentives for digital animators and screen professionals that aren't available elsewhere.

Funding my creative projects

Victorian Screen Incentive

state · VicScreen

Who qualifies
Victorian-based animation studios or independent creators working on screen projects.
What you get
Grants and payroll tax rebates for production expenditure incurred in Victoria.
Common gotcha
You must prove that your project has significant Victorian cultural or industry impact.

Creative Ventures Program

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Independent animators and small creative businesses based in Victoria.
What you get
Funding for business development, marketing, or scaling creative operations.
Common gotcha
Funds are often tied to specific milestones rather than general living expenses.

VicScreen Internship Program

state · VicScreen

Who qualifies
Emerging animators and recent graduates looking for industry placement.
What you get
Paid placement in established Victorian animation studios.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; usually requires a strong showreel.

Victorian Digital Games Incentive

state · VicScreen

Who qualifies
Animators working on game development projects based in Victoria.
What you get
10% rebate on qualifying Victorian expenditure for game development.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to projects already receiving federal game offsets.

Living and working in Melbourne

Victorian Health Care Card Concession

state · Public Transport Victoria

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those on specific government allowances.
What you get
50% discount on myki fares across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Common gotcha
You must link your myki card to your concession status online or at a station.

Renters' Rights and Assistance

state · Consumer Affairs Victoria

Who qualifies
Any residential tenant in Victoria.
What you get
Legal protections and access to the Rental Dispute Resolution service.
Common gotcha
Many renters don't realize they can challenge rent increases above market rate.

Victorian Energy Upgrades

state · Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Who qualifies
Victorian households looking to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.
What you get
Discounts on energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling.
Common gotcha
You don't get a cash payment; the discount is applied to the installation cost.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique creative industry grants and cost-of-living support specifically for Perth-based freelancers and small digital studios.

Funding my animation projects

Screenwest Production Fund

state · Screenwest

Who qualifies
WA-based animators and production companies with a viable project.
What you get
Direct production funding or development grants for animation projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed budget, script, and production plan; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Projects must demonstrate significant economic benefit to the WA screen industry.

state · Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Who qualifies
Individual artists and creative practitioners living in WA.
What you get
Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 for creative development.
What it actually costs you
Project proposal and financial acquittal reports.
Common gotcha
Funding is highly competitive and requires a clear timeline of artistic outcomes.

WA Digital Games and Interactive Fund

state · Screenwest

Who qualifies
WA-based game developers and interactive animators.
What you get
Funding for game development, prototype creation, or interactive media.
What it actually costs you
Proof of concept and business registration in WA.
Common gotcha
Must be a WA-owned and operated entity.

Regional Arts WA Fund

state · Regional Arts WA

Who qualifies
Artists living outside the Perth metropolitan area.
What you get
Travel subsidies and project development funding.
What it actually costs you
Proof of regional residency.
Common gotcha
Only applies to those based outside the Perth metro region.

Managing costs in the city

WA Household Electricity Credit

state · Government of Western Australia

Who qualifies
All WA households with a Synergy or Horizon Power account.
What you get
Direct credit applied to electricity bills to offset rising costs.
What it actually costs you
No application needed; automatically applied to accounts.
Common gotcha
It is a one-off or periodic credit, not a permanent discount.

SmartRider Tertiary Student Concession

state · Transperth

Who qualifies
Full-time students at WA universities or TAFE.
What you get
50% discount on all public transport fares.
What it actually costs you
Student ID card and a SmartRider card purchase.
Common gotcha
Must renew your concession status every semester.

WA Seniors Card

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
WA residents over 65 working less than 25 hours a week.
What you get
Free off-peak public transport and various retail discounts.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of age/residency.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to peak-hour travel.

WA Student Assistance Payment

state · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Parents of students in public schools.
What you get
$150 for secondary students to help with school costs.
What it actually costs you
Application via the ServiceWA app.
Common gotcha
Strict deadlines for submission each year.