Australian Navy
Jul 29th 2007, 2:52 pm
#91
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Fareham, Hants, UK
Posts: 32
Re: Australian Navy
Hi Kim & Alan,
I'm really sorry to hear that the Surrey Hills accom is poor and that life isn't as rosy as you had hoped. I just hope the lowlifes with the drugs 'n booze dont spoil things for too long and you get out and find somewhere better very soon, don't let them ruin your dream.
We visited Aus last year and loved Sydney so I was initially gutted to learn that I had an Anzac based in Perth, but hearing your stories of the London lifestyle in Sydney etc. I'm beginning to think I am lucky to get sent to WA over NSW. I don't fancy a massive commute or the expensive and small housing and busy beaches.
We have had loads of people through our front door this week to view our house and have a couple of second visits tomorrow, so we hope to get a buyer this week and move one step further down the road. All the constant tidying up and taking people around the house is really starting to get to me.
We love our house here but renting out from the other side of the world for at least a 3 year period is yet more hassle so we are taking the gamble that we will love Aus once settled in our own home. The only 'must' is a pool to cool off in as part of the new lifestyle.
Good luck Sydneyside and keep us informed of how things are improving. Chin up etc.
Adam and janet
I'm really sorry to hear that the Surrey Hills accom is poor and that life isn't as rosy as you had hoped. I just hope the lowlifes with the drugs 'n booze dont spoil things for too long and you get out and find somewhere better very soon, don't let them ruin your dream.
We visited Aus last year and loved Sydney so I was initially gutted to learn that I had an Anzac based in Perth, but hearing your stories of the London lifestyle in Sydney etc. I'm beginning to think I am lucky to get sent to WA over NSW. I don't fancy a massive commute or the expensive and small housing and busy beaches.
We have had loads of people through our front door this week to view our house and have a couple of second visits tomorrow, so we hope to get a buyer this week and move one step further down the road. All the constant tidying up and taking people around the house is really starting to get to me.
We love our house here but renting out from the other side of the world for at least a 3 year period is yet more hassle so we are taking the gamble that we will love Aus once settled in our own home. The only 'must' is a pool to cool off in as part of the new lifestyle.
Good luck Sydneyside and keep us informed of how things are improving. Chin up etc.
Adam and janet
Jul 30th 2007, 5:41 am
#92
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 32
Re: Australian Navy
THANKYOU ALL SO MUCH, this is a great site to share our views. Josie 100 dont panic, I have laid the ground work already, so others dont share our upset. Same to everyone else, life is a gamble and we kept saying what if! Well we are here now and will crack on with things good and bad.
That aside I will continue our story very soon with further details.
Those of you reading this please dont be put of with our experience, but it is the reality factor and wish I had this to read prior to our adventure.
That aside I will continue our story very soon with further details.
Those of you reading this please dont be put of with our experience, but it is the reality factor and wish I had this to read prior to our adventure.
Jul 30th 2007, 6:07 am
#93
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7
Re: Australian Navy
If you had read this before you went would it have changed your mind?
There is the 'It'll never happen to us' mind set - however, new lfe new challenges. Nothing in life is easy particularly something as big as what you have done. Hope things settle down for you - my experience of Sydney was a great one, but that was as a visitor - I am sure things will work out one you find your feet.
There is the 'It'll never happen to us' mind set - however, new lfe new challenges. Nothing in life is easy particularly something as big as what you have done. Hope things settle down for you - my experience of Sydney was a great one, but that was as a visitor - I am sure things will work out one you find your feet.
Jul 31st 2007, 8:38 am
#94
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 347
Re: Australian Navy
We had an email this morning with regards to housing. It says that with my husband's job we will be looking at being housed in the DCO Sydney Area. Does anybody have any more info on what suburbs etc this includes? Not that I have been a bit touchy about where we may be living at the moment 
lol
lol
Jul 31st 2007, 10:09 am
#95
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: fareham hants
Posts: 178
Re: Australian Navy
Six weeks to go, our house is now sold as of yesterday (phew what a relief), visas approved, flights and removals booked. Still trying to sort a married quarter and car for Australia, thank heavens for Skype. There are still lots of things to do like sell cars, sort bank accounts, cancel amenities, sort pensions and claim back tax etc.
Getting the Visa isn't the end of it by a long way......
Good luck with the applications for those behind us in the queue, lets hope things speed up and everyone starts getting their visas approved.
Getting the Visa isn't the end of it by a long way......
Good luck with the applications for those behind us in the queue, lets hope things speed up and everyone starts getting their visas approved.
Jul 31st 2007, 11:31 am
#96
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 32
Re: Australian Navy
josie 100 and all,
(whats DCO)?
As you know and have gathered, the housing situation in Sydney is very strange (unreal in fact). Like you we lived in Devon and I have to say hand on heart, Devon is so much better (but it is the experience and new adventure). The commute in Sydney is really bad and like we said everyone travels at least an hour. We have found it hard to find the right house for us (we all have our own wants, and we just wanted a nice area, and an area not next to the main roads, dont want the cats killed, its cost me £2000 to get them out here, thats for the Mrs, not me lads.)
There are some great houses (especially for your young family) next to good shcools etc, but it does depend on the areas. Theres are some good houses, but the areas they are in are really bad. Some woman today, who I asked about life in a certain area, said "you from england", to which I replied
"yes" all proud and she replied what you doing in Sydney its crap!!
That said we have found that the south suburbs like: Miranda, Oatley, Caringbah, Gymea are really nice,although it is an hour drive. We have chosen these areas as there are some nice big houses, shops etc.
The one thing we have noticed, is that for being a massive country the gardens are so small, in UK we seem to have bigger gardens and aappreciatethem more. But like Kim says you cannot judge Sydney on AAustralia The people here are really nice and cannot fault their views and way of life.
Will keep you all posted
(whats DCO)?
As you know and have gathered, the housing situation in Sydney is very strange (unreal in fact). Like you we lived in Devon and I have to say hand on heart, Devon is so much better (but it is the experience and new adventure). The commute in Sydney is really bad and like we said everyone travels at least an hour. We have found it hard to find the right house for us (we all have our own wants, and we just wanted a nice area, and an area not next to the main roads, dont want the cats killed, its cost me £2000 to get them out here, thats for the Mrs, not me lads.)
There are some great houses (especially for your young family) next to good shcools etc, but it does depend on the areas. Theres are some good houses, but the areas they are in are really bad. Some woman today, who I asked about life in a certain area, said "you from england", to which I replied
"yes" all proud and she replied what you doing in Sydney its crap!!
That said we have found that the south suburbs like: Miranda, Oatley, Caringbah, Gymea are really nice,although it is an hour drive. We have chosen these areas as there are some nice big houses, shops etc.
The one thing we have noticed, is that for being a massive country the gardens are so small, in UK we seem to have bigger gardens and aappreciatethem more. But like Kim says you cannot judge Sydney on AAustralia The people here are really nice and cannot fault their views and way of life.
Will keep you all posted
Jul 31st 2007, 1:20 pm
#97
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 347
Re: Australian Navy
josie 100 and all,
(whats DCO)?
As you know and have gathered, the housing situation in Sydney is very strange (unreal in fact). Like you we lived in Devon and I have to say hand on heart, Devon is so much better (but it is the experience and new adventure). The commute in Sydney is really bad and like we said everyone travels at least an hour. We have found it hard to find the right house for us (we all have our own wants, and we just wanted a nice area, and an area not next to the main roads, dont want the cats killed, its cost me £2000 to get them out here, thats for the Mrs, not me lads.)
There are some great houses (especially for your young family) next to good shcools etc, but it does depend on the areas. Theres are some good houses, but the areas they are in are really bad. Some woman today, who I asked about life in a certain area, said "you from england", to which I replied
"yes" all proud and she replied what you doing in Sydney its crap!!
That said we have found that the south suburbs like: Miranda, Oatley, Caringbah, Gymea are really nice,although it is an hour drive. We have chosen these areas as there are some nice big houses, shops etc.
The one thing we have noticed, is that for being a massive country the gardens are so small, in UK we seem to have bigger gardens and aappreciatethem more. But like Kim says you cannot judge Sydney on AAustralia The people here are really nice and cannot fault their views and way of life.
Will keep you all posted
(whats DCO)?
As you know and have gathered, the housing situation in Sydney is very strange (unreal in fact). Like you we lived in Devon and I have to say hand on heart, Devon is so much better (but it is the experience and new adventure). The commute in Sydney is really bad and like we said everyone travels at least an hour. We have found it hard to find the right house for us (we all have our own wants, and we just wanted a nice area, and an area not next to the main roads, dont want the cats killed, its cost me £2000 to get them out here, thats for the Mrs, not me lads.)
There are some great houses (especially for your young family) next to good shcools etc, but it does depend on the areas. Theres are some good houses, but the areas they are in are really bad. Some woman today, who I asked about life in a certain area, said "you from england", to which I replied
"yes" all proud and she replied what you doing in Sydney its crap!!
That said we have found that the south suburbs like: Miranda, Oatley, Caringbah, Gymea are really nice,although it is an hour drive. We have chosen these areas as there are some nice big houses, shops etc.
The one thing we have noticed, is that for being a massive country the gardens are so small, in UK we seem to have bigger gardens and aappreciatethem more. But like Kim says you cannot judge Sydney on AAustralia The people here are really nice and cannot fault their views and way of life.
Will keep you all posted
DCO is Defence Community Organisation. It was the email I got from them this morning. It said that they have 3 offices Liverpool, Richmond and Sydney. He said that with Martyn being Navy and Bandy then we are most likely(can't guarantee) will be the Sydney office who will deal with us. Suppose that doesn't help much right now but is a start lol!!!
Aug 1st 2007, 12:09 pm
#98
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 347
Re: Australian Navy
Six weeks to go, our house is now sold as of yesterday (phew what a relief), visas approved, flights and removals booked. Still trying to sort a married quarter and car for Australia, thank heavens for Skype. There are still lots of things to do like sell cars, sort bank accounts, cancel amenities, sort pensions and claim back tax etc.
Getting the Visa isn't the end of it by a long way......
Good luck with the applications for those behind us in the queue, lets hope things speed up and everyone starts getting their visas approved.
Getting the Visa isn't the end of it by a long way......
Good luck with the applications for those behind us in the queue, lets hope things speed up and everyone starts getting their visas approved.
Have you got the inventory for the shipping insurance? If so, are you listing everything down? Just not sure if I am making hard work for myself. Saying that I haven't started yet lol!!!
Aug 1st 2007, 2:18 pm
#99
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: fareham hants
Posts: 178
Re: Australian Navy
janet x
Aug 1st 2007, 2:21 pm
#100
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 347
Re: Australian Navy
you lucky thing
Aug 2nd 2007, 1:07 am
#101
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 32
Re: Australian Navy
If anyone wants any help I can send you all the inventorys etc (the way we did it) and any other information or tips you need
kim alan
kim alan
Aug 2nd 2007, 6:59 am
#102
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 347
Re: Australian Navy
Also Kim and Alan I have been given an address for our appartment this morning. It is between Hyde Park and Darling Harbour.
Aug 2nd 2007, 3:01 pm
#103
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 101
Re: Australian Navy
Did you pay for the insurance separately and how much does it cost.
What sort of things did you put in your air freight and is there anything you wish you added?
Hope things are improving for you guys now the jet lag has settled.
I guess Devon is always going to be hard to beat when moving to a large city (especially one half way round the world!) We don't know what rush hour means or driving for more than 20 minutes to work is down here!!!!!! Unless you live in Tavistock and do Derriford round about!
Enjoy your adventure guys
Kate
Aug 2nd 2007, 3:06 pm
#104
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Re: Australian Navy
Yes would appreciate a copy of your inventory system or any other tips you have got regarding packing, prepping kit and quarantine/customs etc.
Kim & Alan , have you got your stuff yet?
Regards
Kim & Alan , have you got your stuff yet?
Regards
Aug 3rd 2007, 7:08 am
#105
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 32
Re: Australian Navy
Hi all,
Things are OK, We have had problems, but I aint going to say much on here as it is not fair on anyone else (maybe it is just us!), but there are people to talk to, I went and saw my CO in the end. But please be prepared and anything better is a bonus. That aside I will help anyone coming to the Sydney area and please trust me and take my advise.
For those who want help please e-mail me on :[email protected]
As for Insurance, do not worry the ADF cover the lot. You will have Airfreight and that rises with the family members involved and you will get a 40 foot container (it is massive) and that is just your family only. We had so much stuff, but it only took a fraction of the space.
You need to do a list for all your Airfreight and a separate one for the main stuff. I broke it down into rooms etc and gave two prices £ + $. If you go over £100,000 worth you may incur cost, but no one goes over.
Also you will get the Custom Forms from Natalie Chee the overseas co-ordinator who is excellent. Any snags she will help.
If you bring pets it is expensive and check that the house offered you, you are allowes them. Also please ensure your pet has a Rabbies jab, because if you ever do return to UK they have to stay in Quarantin for 6mths if they have not got it.
Ensure you open bank account (commonwealth bank are good) sort that out before you arrive and trasnfer cash in.
Lads bring what ever pusser kit you have also, limited stocks.
There is loads more so please e-mail me and wish you all the best
KIM ALAN.
Things are OK, We have had problems, but I aint going to say much on here as it is not fair on anyone else (maybe it is just us!), but there are people to talk to, I went and saw my CO in the end. But please be prepared and anything better is a bonus. That aside I will help anyone coming to the Sydney area and please trust me and take my advise.
For those who want help please e-mail me on :[email protected]
As for Insurance, do not worry the ADF cover the lot. You will have Airfreight and that rises with the family members involved and you will get a 40 foot container (it is massive) and that is just your family only. We had so much stuff, but it only took a fraction of the space.
You need to do a list for all your Airfreight and a separate one for the main stuff. I broke it down into rooms etc and gave two prices £ + $. If you go over £100,000 worth you may incur cost, but no one goes over.
Also you will get the Custom Forms from Natalie Chee the overseas co-ordinator who is excellent. Any snags she will help.
If you bring pets it is expensive and check that the house offered you, you are allowes them. Also please ensure your pet has a Rabbies jab, because if you ever do return to UK they have to stay in Quarantin for 6mths if they have not got it.
Ensure you open bank account (commonwealth bank are good) sort that out before you arrive and trasnfer cash in.
Lads bring what ever pusser kit you have also, limited stocks.
There is loads more so please e-mail me and wish you all the best
KIM ALAN.