Nicholas, what part of Australia are you from? Not being a sword person, or metallurgist, I can't help with specific information, but I may be able to help you find some people who can give you the basics of smithing.
(What I'm about to say has a very Victoria-centric bias, as that's where I grew up and am living, but it should apply to other states as well.)
Firstly, you could try your local TAFE, to see if there are any courses in basic smithing or metalworking. TAFEs often offer night, weekend or school holiday courses, which could fit around your schooling.
Secondly, if you live anywhere near places such as Sovereign Hill Ballarat (Vic.) or the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement (also Vic.), they have working forges and smithys. A visit to these people may help, either through information offered, or possibly tuition (who knows?).
Thirdly, contacting a local S.C.A. group (Society for Creative Anachronism) - the people who do medieval recreations - may give you further information. While they have a european bias, some members may know about smithing. There are groups in most universities and capital cities.
A couple of words of caution, though. If you're making a sword, you will be dealing with molten metal (at least 1000 degrees celcius) and fire that is of similar temperature, and the risk of being injured, or causing injury is very high. Please make sure you have adequate training and proper equipment!!
Also, the laws governing edged weapons in the various states are becoming increasingly strict, particularly so-called 'martial arts' weapons. I would suggest you find out about the laws in your state that apply to weapons ownership.
good luck!
Michael Mules
Michael Mules
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence