Jacqui -
Where in Australia? Several Australian universities have significant robotics departments, and may be interested in supporting a team. I know some folks at ANU and University of Wollongong, and a few others that you might contact if you want. And since the FIRST competition takes place during the Austral summer, conflicts with silly things like classes will be out of the way!
Several FIRST alumni have gone on to college and started teams on their own, so this is definitely something that you can do (and I am sure that some of them will be glad to help!).
-dave
p.s. I even have a suggestion for your robot name - call it the "WOM-BOT"!!!
