With accomodation, have you tried for On Arrival Accomodation (OAA)? It can be quite hard to get apparently, though we had no problem and were allocated a very basic, but clean and cheap, house. OAA is definately the way to go if you can get it.

.I'm guessing you have Muppet Babies, and I think families are given priority.
I understand that renting may be easier if you can bring letters of recommendation from any financial institutions / mortgage company etc. Rentals are at a premium here, where demand can outstrip supply. If you were to get OAA, you'd have thirteen weeks (maximum let) in which to buy a home..unless you decide to have one built, of course.
It is possible to buy without first gaining employment if you are putting a larger than average deposit down. Best of all, you'd be entitled to the $7k home grant!
Re. the Commonweath Bank, we've stayed with them. Everything / one charges for everything here, but we pay $4 each month for unlimited transactions. The bank apparently also offers a credit card to new arrivals, which whether you use it or not, can make everything else easier.
As to surfing...nah

ever heard of a cow on a board?
LC