hi, i am having the same trouble (single mummy with 6 yr old) wanting to start the process, from the info i have gathered so far i think its best to apply by yourself as agents can be very costly, decide which visa you want (i am joining skilledselect) you have to have your qualifications assessed by an Australian assessor then submit a EOI expession of interest, employers can find you and sponsor you if they have vacancies that is! then at least you have a job to go to when you arrive..i think i am going to go for the ''regional sponsored migration scheme subclass 187 visa'' permanent..
i just hope there is plenty of work there as here in the uk work has dried up!