u/Own-Illustrator-350

Hi everyone, needing some advice.

I’m an international student subletting a room in my unit here in Sydney. I rented it to an Italian guy who is studying to be a chef here, hoping to experience different cultures and make a new friend. He seemed like a great, educated person—always reading and listening to classical music, which made me trust him.

Recently, he fell behind on rent. He told me he was sick, couldn't work, and was struggling financially. Out of empathy, I gave him extra time to catch up.

Instead of paying, he secretly packed his bags and vanished without a word. After deducting his bond, he still owes me exactly 5 weeks of rent ($1,390).

The betrayal hurts more than the money, and it's making it really hard for me to trust people here. The police told me it’s a civil matter and they can't intervene.

My current situation:

• I don't have his new address (there's a chance he might have fled back to Italy to escape the debt).
• I do have his passport photo, phone number, and car rego.
• I know he is currently enrolled in a culinary/commercial cookery school here, but unfortunately, I don't know the exact name of the institution.
• I have all the text messages proving the debt.

My questions for the community:

1. Is it worth going through NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for $1,390?
2. Can I serve him NCAT papers via text message (substituted service) since I don't have his physical address?
3. Has anyone successfully enforced a debt against someone who absconded (and potentially went overseas)?

Any advice would be massively appreciated. Thank you.