Z Visa for China from South Australia

Hello. I currently work in Hunan, but I was told to go back to Australia to apply for the Z type again in order to change my job to work in Beijing. South Australia has no embassy and the consulate does not function. 1. What state or address can I send my notarized certificates and letter or should I visit an embassy in another state in person? 2. The school is also exacting, and wants even references from many years ago and a police check approved by the embassy. I don't think the embassy can verify references or needs to. Is that correct? 3. What does the future school need to give me that I need to take or send to an embassy along with my application form and certificates? As the rules are very tight now, I can't get decent information as to how to apply. It was much easier 5 years ago.