Has australia lost it sparkle???
Jan 4th 2011, 7:06 am
#31
Simply happy in Sydney!
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Woronora Heights, NSW
Posts: 274
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
We moved here two years ago with two small children (2 and 1 at the time). Friends and family thought that we must be leaving the UK and moving to Australia for a better life for the kids, for the weather, for four day weeks, a huge house and because the UK was going to the dogs (their words, not mine).
We didn't come for any of those reasons. Hubby and I came to live in Australia because we wanted to. Not for the children, not for a better life, but just to experience something different whilst we had the opportunity, and because we were selfish and decided to do it. We figure that the girls were still young enough for the upheaval not to matter too much (no school yet), and that if it all went tits up we could move back fairly easily. We have family in the UK but have lived away from them for years, so there were no real ties there.
We came with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like, we did the research and were prepared to take the rough with the smooth. We didn't expect to have an easy life once we got here, and knew that it would be very hard work.
As it happens, Australia has been good to us, we love it here and we have settled very well. In fact I would think that we will stay here permanently. We didn't come for a better life though. We came for the experience.
We didn't come for any of those reasons. Hubby and I came to live in Australia because we wanted to. Not for the children, not for a better life, but just to experience something different whilst we had the opportunity, and because we were selfish and decided to do it. We figure that the girls were still young enough for the upheaval not to matter too much (no school yet), and that if it all went tits up we could move back fairly easily. We have family in the UK but have lived away from them for years, so there were no real ties there.
We came with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like, we did the research and were prepared to take the rough with the smooth. We didn't expect to have an easy life once we got here, and knew that it would be very hard work.
As it happens, Australia has been good to us, we love it here and we have settled very well. In fact I would think that we will stay here permanently. We didn't come for a better life though. We came for the experience.
Last edited by LittleKittyCat; Jan 4th 2011 at 7:07 am. Reason: Spelling.
Jan 4th 2011, 7:49 am
#33
Happy migrant
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Newcastle , NSW
Posts: 6,756
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
We moved here two years ago with two small children (2 and 1 at the time). Friends and family thought that we must be leaving the UK and moving to Australia for a better life for the kids, for the weather, for four day weeks, a huge house and because the UK was going to the dogs (their words, not mine).
We didn't come for any of those reasons. Hubby and I came to live in Australia because we wanted to. Not for the children, not for a better life, but just to experience something different whilst we had the opportunity, and because we were selfish and decided to do it. We figure that the girls were still young enough for the upheaval not to matter too much (no school yet), and that if it all went tits up we could move back fairly easily. We have family in the UK but have lived away from them for years, so there were no real ties there.
We came with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like, we did the research and were prepared to take the rough with the smooth. We didn't expect to have an easy life once we got here, and knew that it would be very hard work.
As it happens, Australia has been good to us, we love it here and we have settled very well. In fact I would think that we will stay here permanently. We didn't come for a better life though. We came for the experience.
We didn't come for any of those reasons. Hubby and I came to live in Australia because we wanted to. Not for the children, not for a better life, but just to experience something different whilst we had the opportunity, and because we were selfish and decided to do it. We figure that the girls were still young enough for the upheaval not to matter too much (no school yet), and that if it all went tits up we could move back fairly easily. We have family in the UK but have lived away from them for years, so there were no real ties there.
We came with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like, we did the research and were prepared to take the rough with the smooth. We didn't expect to have an easy life once we got here, and knew that it would be very hard work.
As it happens, Australia has been good to us, we love it here and we have settled very well. In fact I would think that we will stay here permanently. We didn't come for a better life though. We came for the experience.
After several years on this forum I have no illusions about Australia
I just want to do something different.
Jan 4th 2011, 7:57 am
#34
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 14,284
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
We moved here two years ago with two small children (2 and 1 at the time). Friends and family thought that we must be leaving the UK and moving to Australia for a better life for the kids, for the weather, for four day weeks, a huge house and because the UK was going to the dogs (their words, not mine).
We didn't come for any of those reasons. Hubby and I came to live in Australia because we wanted to. Not for the children, not for a better life, but just to experience something different whilst we had the opportunity, and because we were selfish and decided to do it. We figure that the girls were still young enough for the upheaval not to matter too much (no school yet), and that if it all went tits up we could move back fairly easily. We have family in the UK but have lived away from them for years, so there were no real ties there.
We came with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like, we did the research and were prepared to take the rough with the smooth. We didn't expect to have an easy life once we got here, and knew that it would be very hard work.
As it happens, Australia has been good to us, we love it here and we have settled very well. In fact I would think that we will stay here permanently. We didn't come for a better life though. We came for the experience.
We didn't come for any of those reasons. Hubby and I came to live in Australia because we wanted to. Not for the children, not for a better life, but just to experience something different whilst we had the opportunity, and because we were selfish and decided to do it. We figure that the girls were still young enough for the upheaval not to matter too much (no school yet), and that if it all went tits up we could move back fairly easily. We have family in the UK but have lived away from them for years, so there were no real ties there.
We came with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like, we did the research and were prepared to take the rough with the smooth. We didn't expect to have an easy life once we got here, and knew that it would be very hard work.
As it happens, Australia has been good to us, we love it here and we have settled very well. In fact I would think that we will stay here permanently. We didn't come for a better life though. We came for the experience.
Jan 4th 2011, 8:43 am
#35
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 6
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
obviously the only reason isnt soley for the kids,we as a family think it would benefit us as a whole,obviously i have done my research as far as website etc,but they obviously dont always give a true reflextion???hence reason why i joined here to gauge the views,i have pinpointed the melbourne area as a possible location???as for my work situation i am fortunate to own a number of properties which are rented and i own a number of businesses which gladly are profitable,i feel with possibly cashing in on the above would give us a head start in the australian economy?people mention that cost of living in oz is expensive,well in all fairness britain hardly running on the cheap side of things at moment so i dont think it would be such a problem,i obviously appreciate peoples views as there a great help to me and my family,please keep them coming....
Jan 4th 2011, 8:48 am
#36
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
obviously the only reason isnt soley for the kids,we as a family think it would benefit us as a whole,obviously i have done my research as far as website etc,but they obviously dont always give a true reflextion???hence reason why i joined here to gauge the views,i have pinpointed the melbourne area as a possible location???as for my work situation i am fortunate to own a number of properties which are rented and i own a number of businesses which gladly are profitable,i feel with possibly cashing in on the above would give us a head start in the australian economy?people mention that cost of living in oz is expensive,well in all fairness britain hardly running on the cheap side of things at moment so i dont think it would be such a problem,i obviously appreciate peoples views as there a great help to me and my family,please keep them coming....
but further out can be OK. Melbourne is a pretty big city though not quite sure its where I would head if I was looking to escape the problems of the UK, plenty of crime there for a start. www.theage.com.au is the states newspaper, worth a daily read to get some idea of life weather etc
Jan 4th 2011, 9:33 am
#37
High in the Dandenongs
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Listening to Puffing Billy
Posts: 9,183
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
We have been here for 7 years and still love it. It is getting expensive to live here, we are 40 mins outside Melbourne. We are looking to move to a bit of land (only a 1/2 acre or so, and we are looking at $500K!) but wouldnt live anywhere else in Aus cos I love Mellie and havent found anywhere I like as much.
Jad, we just came back from the Goldie and commented how expensive fruit was ($7 a kilo for apples!!>??) and fuel couldnt be bought (while we were there) for under $1.29 a litre, I paid $1.14 here today....I also felt house prices were pretty much the same for a 4 bed with room to breathe.
Jad, we just came back from the Goldie and commented how expensive fruit was ($7 a kilo for apples!!>??) and fuel couldnt be bought (while we were there) for under $1.29 a litre, I paid $1.14 here today....I also felt house prices were pretty much the same for a 4 bed with room to breathe.
Jan 4th 2011, 9:49 am
#38
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: SE suburbs,Vic
Posts: 828
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
No, it has gained sparkle instead. VicPolice has done good job to curb the knife and drunken crime in Melbourne 
making the streets safe again. Summers are milder this year which will make many BEs happy. AU dollar in RE is surmount which increases foreign purchasing and travelling power of the aussies.
The only place where it lost sparkle this year is cricket, hope they'll bounce back in the world cup
making the streets safe again. Summers are milder this year which will make many BEs happy. AU dollar in RE is surmount which increases foreign purchasing and travelling power of the aussies. The only place where it lost sparkle this year is cricket, hope they'll bounce back in the world cup
Jan 4th 2011, 10:12 am
#39
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Perth
Posts: 2,237
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
obviously the only reason isnt soley for the kids,we as a family think it would benefit us as a whole,obviously i have done my research as far as website etc,but they obviously dont always give a true reflextion???hence reason why i joined here to gauge the views,i have pinpointed the melbourne area as a possible location???as for my work situation i am fortunate to own a number of properties which are rented and i own a number of businesses which gladly are profitable,i feel with possibly cashing in on the above would give us a head start in the australian economy?people mention that cost of living in oz is expensive,well in all fairness britain hardly running on the cheap side of things at moment so i dont think it would be such a problem,i obviously appreciate peoples views as there a great help to me and my family,please keep them coming....
It is expensive living here, except for petrol, but you use more of it, and public transport is nowhere near as good. My OH is Australian, so not comparing dollars to pounds, and finds the prices here in Perth ridiculous. We were both amazed to find the UK, even London, so cheap when we visited 6 months ago. You would be surprised what you have to pay here for doctor's appointments and prescriptions - this one item can mount up when you have kids.
Jan 4th 2011, 10:16 am
#40
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
We have been here for 7 years and still love it. It is getting expensive to live here, we are 40 mins outside Melbourne. We are looking to move to a bit of land (only a 1/2 acre or so, and we are looking at $500K!) but wouldnt live anywhere else in Aus cos I love Mellie and havent found anywhere I like as much.
Jad, we just came back from the Goldie and commented how expensive fruit was ($7 a kilo for apples!!>??) and fuel couldnt be bought (while we were there) for under $1.29 a litre, I paid $1.14 here today....I also felt house prices were pretty much the same for a 4 bed with room to breathe.
Jad, we just came back from the Goldie and commented how expensive fruit was ($7 a kilo for apples!!>??) and fuel couldnt be bought (while we were there) for under $1.29 a litre, I paid $1.14 here today....I also felt house prices were pretty much the same for a 4 bed with room to breathe.
Jan 4th 2011, 10:17 am
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 89
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
Hi,can anybody help???
im a 30yr old guy with a wife and two sons,billy 6 evan 1,we currently live in wales but have a dream of living in australia,my views are that by moving to oz it will give us a young family a better lifestyle than that on offer here in the uk.
although i have a very good career here with a nice wage and house etc i hope also by moving it will give my boys a brighter chance in life.
can anybody share there views and experiences with us
Many thanks
Darroll
im a 30yr old guy with a wife and two sons,billy 6 evan 1,we currently live in wales but have a dream of living in australia,my views are that by moving to oz it will give us a young family a better lifestyle than that on offer here in the uk.
although i have a very good career here with a nice wage and house etc i hope also by moving it will give my boys a brighter chance in life.
can anybody share there views and experiences with us
Many thanks
Darroll
Jan 4th 2011, 11:30 am
#42
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
However I did read that in the Sept 2010 Quarter about 23% of attendances at GP's (in QLD) had to be paid for, and were not Free.
Jan 4th 2011, 11:38 am
#44
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
I had to pay for a follow up x-ray when I broke my foot. My fault because I forgot to ask the doctor to send me bulk bill - it wasn't my normal GP as they were really busy at the time.
The other was for a boot for my broken foot so I could go back to work (yes, I'm sad like that) who wouldn't let me go back unless I was wearing one. I only wore it for one week
Judging by comments from others on this site, I picked the right state to move to!!
Jan 4th 2011, 11:42 am
#45
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Perth
Posts: 2,237
Re: Has australia lost it sparkle???
There just isn't a bulk billing place near us. I would have to drive for about 20 minutes to find one. Even non-bulk billing places have a waiting list to join up as new patients. My friend goes to a place that bulk bills for children, but adults have to pay. What does your source say about bulk billing rates in metro Perth?