From a Melbourne perspective, which I can’t imagine is too different, go out to clubs you like, make friends, talk to promoters and other DJs….. Check out the forums on inthemix.com.au (way more people over there, and it’s localised, lots of local DJs, promoters etc.)
Regarding controllers, it depends, if it’s a bigger club and it has a set of 2000s and a 900, then no they probably won’t be too cool on controllers, I’ve seen quite a few around though, it’s not a laughed out sort of thing, just make sure you can play on the CDJs if you need to.