So I've recently gotten a job after a long time on Centrelink. Conversely this has meant I'm very used to living off practically nothing and believe my first paycheck will nearly double to quadrupled what I've been getting on Centrelink per month.

I know I'm not earning huge volumes by most accounts but I should be able to put away one-two thousand or so dollars in the bank every month.

What would be the best thing for me to do with that money to make it 'work' for me instead of just sitting around gaining a tiny bit of interest over the years or is that the best way to go around it and if so what should I look for to get the best interest? I'm a basic finance 'n00b', so any advice that can suit my 'expertise' would be great.