I work at a 5* hotel... there are 2 awesome apprentices working in the main restaurant
They don't have to wash dishes ('kitchenhand' is a completely separate job) and they get heaps of hours (restaurant is open about 16hrs a day)
I'd also suggest not applying to Asian restaurants (unless you can speak Mandarin, Hindi or Thai and don't mind unpaid overtime)
As to where to live... I doubt you'd be able to afford much around the inner-city.
Will you be eligible for any centrelink payments?
I agree with looking for sharehouses along the train lines, or maybe try tempe/marrickville (which has the cool young vibe of Newtown at a much cheaper price)