The phone is already up for pre-order at Mobicity Australia, but the price is pretty steep, costing you over A$800 (829 Australian dollars to be exact). The phone is unlocked and comes with 12 months warranty as well.
Another option is get it from online retailers like Clove UK, who ship internationally. They will have it in stock on Oct 1, 2012. If you want it locally, you will have to wait for the official launch which will probably not happen this year.
Also, if your friend is coming from Hong Kong, it will be shipping from there by October 15, 2012. [mobicity australia link]