Certifications and Volunteer work

I'm new to Melbourne and Australia, I've just put in my Permanent Residency Visa Application and have some time on my hands.  I'm thinking of doing some linux certifications and volunteer IT work.  I have some questions on how things work here and would like your feedback.
 
First certifications:
In the US, certifications are looked at with mixed feelings some are really into them(usually microsoft shops) and some are anti certfications.  What is the feeling like here in Australia?  Do employers like to see certifications for linux shops?  What certifications would you suggest?  I am currently looking at CompTIA Linux+.  Is it worthwhile or are there others that are better?
 
Second Volunteer work:
I am also thinking of doing volunteer work in a linux shop preferably as an assistant sys admin.  I have a little experience and some knowledge of system administration.  I have a wide range of IT experience but would like to move into the linux/unix system administration.  I would prefer working in an environment that would let me get a lot of experience with linux sys admin work.  Does anyone know of a linux shop that needs this kind of help?  I can't get paid because of my visa status right now but could move into a paid position in a few months.  I can send my resume offline to anyone who needs it.
 
Third Job Market:
What is the job market like here in melbourne and are there enough linux jobs to make it worthwhile to spend my time and money on a certification?  What jobs are in the most demand?
 
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration of this matter.  It will really help me out!
 
Roland Mark Ibbetson (Ibby) (--)

		
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