just open an Immi account. If they need more docs they will request usually. I had a deportation case but got the lady back in. It took a year mind you. Any help I can give is free.
The single most important thing is that she has financial stability / security in her homeland and a solid reason for why she will not stay in Aus. Having kids/ dependent family is a poor reason and can go against the applicant. A letter from an employer, tax submissions (if self employed) proof of assets, land, gold etc can help.
If you come back into Thailand by road it used to be a 14day pass. Only if you returned by air from outside Thailand you get a 30day stay. Have the rules changed?
Thanks for a comprehensive reply Todd. My biggest fear of the Philippines is, as you've indicated, the issue of typhoons ( and floods). Do you think the Pinays are better than Thais culturally. How about their expectations from a partner point of view?