Hi Everyone!

I just got my permanent visa in Dec 2017, and am planning to move to Sydney in or before Mar 2018. I have done my fair share of researching, but as always, it's never enough; certain things still need clarification. Thank you in advance.

1. Is there any established Malaysian community that I can join, like a whatsapp group, facebook group or similar? Preferably Sydney specific.

2. a. Any recommended suburb around Sydney (rental context for a Malaysian Chinese)? I have personally chosen anywhere north of Chatswood (the Lindfield, Killara stretch). A Sydney guy recommended anywhere north/east of Parramatta, but my findings so far is it's a nice 'city in a city' for visiting, but a crowded place to live in. Feedbacks/suggestions are welcome. 
Fb groups, Malaysian in Sydney, Malaysians in Australia, Malaysians in Melbourne

2. b. Is it a challenge there to secure a 6/12-month lease stay if one is jobless and still hunting for a job?
yes, make sure you have 6 months fund available to show, do your id/drivers liscence, medicare as proof of identity

3. I have 14 years of work experience in MY IT industry (technical role), and apart from cold applications on AU job ads while still being offshore, I have very few leads from my personal network. So any possible contacts (job referrals) that maybe some of you here can share with me (PM) will be greatly appreciated.
update linken profile, hit the recruiters

4. What is the cheapest way to transfer/exchange large sum of MYR to AUD bank account?
m2u

5. I have e-Gold to liquidate, and I read that it is taxable (capital gains tax). I just can't seem to find a specific explanation about e-Gold whether the 50% discount for physical gold if held more than 1 year applies for e-Gold. Or even whether that discount still even exists for physical gold.

6. My understanding is, once permanent visa is granted, all my foreign sources of income since visa grant date is taxable. But I read somewhere here something that suggests it should be from the date of first arrival? Or perhaps, logically, from the date of tax file number creation?
no only ongoing income is taxable, you can bring in anyamount as part of moving

7. a. I don't intend to get a car so soon. I read that I must get a NSW license within 3 months (from first arrival date?) if I intend to continue driving. What happens if I only start registering for NSW license after, say, 1 year? Will I be then required to go through learner and probation licenses? :/ yes

7. b. To get unrestricted NSW license, I need to show I have had more than 3 years of valid overseas driving license. I threw away old MY driving licenses. Anyone knows if JPJ will entertain requests to print something like past records of driving license renewals?yes they will

8. Is it common for Australian employers to provide private insurance cover as part of employee benefits? no its not,

9. For old timers, you probably have an ImmiCard, but they no longer issue it now. Does that mean I have to carry my passport wherever I go in Australia? (I know it's kind of 'duh', but I'm just gauging if it's possibly a thing there _not_ having to carry it all the time). no you dont your drivers liscence becomes an ID

Thank you for reading this far!

Hmm, yeah, that's what I read at Fair Work website too, and then there is this clause in my offer letter, so I'm not sure I truly understand either.

Yup, going to accept it anyhow. I consider myself very lucky. This job will look good on my CV anyway.