The Great South Coast Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) provides overseas workers with unique opportunities to build long-term careers in south-western Victoria. Covering the Glenelg, Moyne, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, and Warrnambool City regions, the Great South Coast DAMA offers access to a wider range of occupations than standard skilled migration programs.
For DAMA applicants, the program provides flexible visa options, concessions on age, English language, work experience, and salary requirements, as well as clear permanent residency pathways. The Great South Coast DAMA is designed to support workers wanting to live and work in regional Australia while contributing to critical local industries.
What is the Great South Coast DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a regional area facing persistent workforce shortages. Under the Great South Coast DAMA, eligible applicants can be sponsored for roles that are difficult to fill locally.
Key features include:
- Access to occupations not available under standard skilled migration programs
- Concessions on age, English language ability, work experience, and salary
- Coverage of skilled and semi-skilled occupations across multiple industries
- Pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers
Each DAMA is tailored to the region’s workforce needs, offering applicants a structured and supportive migration pathway.
About the Great South Coast DAMA
The Great South Coast DAMA was created to address workforce shortages across south-western Victoria. The Warrnambool City Council acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR), administering the program in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.
For applicants, the Great South Coast DAMA offers:
- Access to employment opportunities that are difficult to secure through standard visa pathways
- Fair employment conditions aligned with Australian workplace standards
- Opportunities to gain regional experience and progress toward permanent residency
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Key Features of the Great South Coast DAMA
The Great South Coast DAMA provides a range of applicant-focused advantages, including:
- Expanded occupation list: Over 100 occupations across agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, construction, manufacturing, food processing, and more
- Age concessions: Some occupations allow applicants up to 50 or 55 years of age
- English concessions: Lower English requirements for certain roles
- Work experience concessions: Reduced experience thresholds for qualifying occupations
- Salary concessions: Regionally adjusted salary requirements that still comply with Australian standards
- Permanent residency pathways: Available to applicants across Skill Levels 1–5
These concessions allow overseas workers to access opportunities that may not be available in metropolitan programs.
How the Great South Coast DAMA Works for Applicants
Although DAMA applicants cannot apply directly for the agreement, understanding the process helps you prepare for the pathway ahead.
Step 1: Employer Endorsement by the Designated Area Representative (DAR)
An employer in the Great South Coast region must first be endorsed by the Warrnambool City Council. This step confirms that the employer has a genuine need to fill a role with an overseas worker.
Step 2: Labour Agreement Between the Employer and the Department of Home Affairs
Once endorsed, the employer enters into a labour agreement outlining the approved occupation, concessions, and number of positions available.
Step 3: Nomination and Visa Application by the Applicant
After the labour agreement is approved, the employer can nominate an applicant for one of the following visas:
- Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa (subclass 494)
Once employed in the region and meeting eligibility requirements, applicants may transition to permanent residency through:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
Benefits of the Great South Coast DAMA for Applicants
The Great South Coast DAMA offers overseas workers:
- Access to a broad range of occupations, including semi-skilled roles
- Clear and structured pathways to permanent residency
- Concessions that make it easier to meet key visa requirements
- The opportunity to build a long-term career in regional Victoria
- Employment stability in industries with genuine skill shortages
How Australian Migration Agents Support DAMA Applicants
Australian Migration Agents assist DAMA applicants with every stage of the Great South Coast DAMA process, including:
- Assessing occupation suitability and concession eligibility
- Advising on the most appropriate visa pathway
- Preparing nomination and visa applications
- Supporting applicants in meeting English, skill, and experience requirements
- Guiding applicants through documentation, timelines, and compliance obligations
Working with a migration agent helps applicants avoid delays and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
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Mga Madalas Itanong
1. Which areas are covered by the Great South Coast DAMA?
The agreement covers the local government areas of Warrnambool City, Moyne, Glenelg, Corangamite, and Southern Grampians.
2. What visas can applicants access under the Great South Coast DAMA?
Visas include the Skills in Demand 482, Temporary Skill Shortage 482, and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494, with permanent residency pathways through the 186 and 191 visas.
3. Can overseas workers apply directly for the Great South Coast DAMA?
No. Applicants cannot apply for the DAMA directly. A sponsoring employer must first be endorsed under the Great South Coast DAMA.
4. Are age and English concessions available for applicants?
Yes. Many occupations under the Great South Coast DAMA include eligibility concessions on age and English language requirements.
5. Does the Great South Coast DAMA provide a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes. Most eligible occupations under the DAMA provide a structured pathway to permanent residency, usually through the 186 or 191 visas.
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