Hi everyone

I don't mind organising another bbq but still recovering from Saturday's one! Julie you missed a good night but definitely having one soon.

Also thinking of organising a huge dodgeball game over at The Strand for one Sunday afternoon with a picnic, names picked out of hats for teams so it won't be like being left out at school! Anyone interested?

Sara

yeah count us in

kez

That's sounds great fun! Hubby and son both very interested

I live further North and my job is looking after the school based apprenticeships. I can definitely vouch for Pimlico as being a great school, we use them quite a bit for training for our apprentices with great results Excellent variety of courses on offer for both kids and adults.

Hi Jim/Trish & Adrian, thanks for all your comments, much appreciated. Hubby and I have also visited a few places in OZ, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and there is something about Townsville that grabs us at the moment. I think I'll book a trip to have a look. We have New Zealand passports so don't have the worry of visas etc. We lived in New Zealand for 13 years and have been back in the Uk for 6, but it is time to move on to walmer climates.

Did anyone move to Townsville without a job offer, which is what we would be doing? I am a Secretary and my hubby works in the Freight industry.

Thanks again for your comments.

Malton

hi, we havent got jobs lined up but we are moving to Townsville. I obviously cant say we will stay there as we hqavent been there before and oh will def need to find a job but judging from comments on this forum and the pictures from the A Team it looks and sounds ideal. Can't wait to get over there now.

Try www.townsvillebulletin.com.au Its the local newspaper that is printed everyday. It has quite a good job section in it which should give you some idea of what is available.

Sara

If you have good secretarial skills then you should have no problem at all getting work. You'll need to register with several recruitment agencies (they don't just hire temps) and probably sit a typing test and they'll also check your knowledge of Word, Excel etc. You may well need to do some temping work just to get a local reference for your resume. My office skills were a bit rusty and I had to update my skills when I got here, but I'm starting a new job next week that offers training. Try sending a PM to tubbybear as her husband works in the freight industry I think

Now I'm really confused. When I was looking at moving to NZ as a way into Oz I was told that the law has changed and you can't just go into Oz on a NZ passport anymore, although you can go the other way around.

Hi everyone, thanks for your comments and ideas on the job front. A Team, good luck in your new job.

Pumpkin blossom, just to clarify, OZ/NZ have a reciprocal agreement that allows citizens of both countries to live and work in either country indefinitely, the only exception is if a person has a criminal record or medical condition. Also, New Zealanders can't claim any social security unless they become an Australian resident. The Oz government changed this in 2001 as I think they had lots of New Zealanders coming over, enjoying the beach life and may be not working, which became a resource issue.

Anyway, really looking forward to seeing Townsville first hand, started looking at airfares already.

Can anybody recommend decent holiday accommodation?

Thanks again.

According to other posters that has changed, unless you were already there. It is all very confusing to me. If you look through old posts I have posted on you will find the thread I am talking about.

This may sound like an odd question, but what sort of fruit and veg can you grow in Townsville? I have noticed houses for sale with citrus trees, lychee trees etc. I love growing my own food, so any info would be great.

Not there yet, but april 30th will see the arrival of 3 new people in Townsville, Craig Mandy and Ned (3). So looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

ive got mandarins and capsicums growing, but my friend has loads of mangoes, oranges, bananas(very popular with her neighbours!) there are all sorts you can grow

Hi
it is so good to read all the threads about the Brits going to Townsville. There seems to be a lot of medical people getting jobs there. I am a Podiatrist which is high on the in demand list and have been offered work out there..and they are prepared to sponsor me. We were worried it may be a bit remote and far from anywhere else???? then we saw the photos and have read a bit more about the place and seems to be a nice place to live. We were looking at Brisbane area originally as have no kids, young at heart (39 and 38) and fancied a large city but then I got this chance of work with a great practice so think we should go for it..can always move if dont like. My partner is police so can get work once I get my visa sorted..
Are there any other couples who are in de facto relationships applying/applied for visa there?? Was it complicated? How long did it take??

Are there nice trendy areas in town? Wine bars etc???

Am getting excited now about putting my visa application in..waiting till May to do so and get house on market.

Any young couples moved out there and enjoying it??

Any info will be of help
great forum...