Does anyone live in or around Bendigo? My wife has been offered a job there and we are now researching the area. We are looking at rented accommodation in or near by but as with any place, there are good and not so good, so any first-hand experiences would be useful.

Great forum btw

I live in Bendigo.....have been here since October 04. There are quite a few other couples either just moved or in the process of moving here.

What exactly did you want to know? Where is your wife going to be working?

Hels

Hi Hels. Your avatar is very hypnotic

I hope it's ok to say as she hasn't actually signed the contract but it's with Social Services.

I think one thing we are unable to discern from Net research is which areas we should steer clear of in relation to renting. We're far from being snobs but I guess we might want to avoid the centre and the student district (if such a thing exists) as we have small children and with no more than a 20 minute walk from a pub a requirement, this might limit our choice

You know what, as you cant really rent anything until you get out here you are really better off waiting and then looking when you get here. Bendigo isnt a HUGE city so its pretty easy to get around to all the different areas and get a feel for them quickly.

As for Pubs, Bendigo has more pubs per capita than anywhere else in Australia. In a town of 90,000ish there are about 100 pubs. You wont have to go far to find one anywhere in Bendigo.

Some of the Central suburbs of Bendigo are the prettiest and most expensive. Dont rule anything out if you havent been here yet.

Hope this helps a little bit. If you have any other questions dont hesitate to ask.

Hels

I have only spent a day and a half in the ctre of Bendigo but i really liked the place from what i saw. Very pretty city ctre.

Its lovely with all the big old buildings and the trees. It certainly has character.

I even saw a possum at night using the pelican crossing and thought how well mannered and clever he was.

What kind of visa will you have? Permanent or temporary?

Temporary visas come with lots of problems attached, it's best to have a permanent visa from Day One.


You could take a look at http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au



Jeremy

If you have a look at the Migrant Stories you can see my Hubby tell his story!!

It's a 457 and they are not prepared to hold the offer open while we apply for the permanent. Others who have gone out under the same conditions are now lobbying for the employer to help them with the permanent visa but they are seemingly reluctant for some unknown reason.

Thanks for all the replies so far

Read this thread.
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324062


Agents in Australia regularly encounter people on 457 visas who are in a total mess because the company won't sponsor them for a permanent visa. Not can't - won't.

If they are not willing to sponsor for a permanent visa, are you willing to uproot yourself just to live on a temporary visa in Australia.

As regards timescales, ENS and RSMS visas get priority and well prepared applications that meet the requirements are usually dealt with quickly, assuming no health/character/child custody etc complications.



Jeremy

Avoid Eaglehawk, Long Gully & Kangaroo Flat. Someone at work is from there & reckons they are a bit grim

Just had a quick look at the migrant stories and saw Paul tell his, he was really good..how did he get involved in that ???

Hi I am heading for bendigo, But I am interested in the details of the social services job your wife may get. I work for social services disability field in UK moving to Aus in Jan 06. I just wondered if she has any info on the process or a contact? Can you PM me if that is ok
Thanks very much

We lived in Bendigo for 5 years a while ago. I'm from Melbourne, my wife from Scotland, we live in Scotland now but will be going back to Melbourne. We visit Bendigo each year when we are over so here's some photos taken at different times to give you a flavour of the middle of Bendigo. I've lots more but Mr and Mrs OzT are in most them!

OzTennis