Heading to Melbourne
Jun 28th 2006, 7:27 pm
#1
Trainee Domestic Goddess
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 138
Heading to Melbourne
Hello to everyone, I've posted a couple of times on here but feel a little uncomfortable not having introduced myself properly!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
Jun 28th 2006, 7:59 pm
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Ballarat
Posts: 7,005
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by baglady
Hello to everyone, I've posted a couple of times on here but feel a little uncomfortable not having introduced myself properly!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
I hope you will be very happy in Melbourne, that is where we are hoping to head to. We are of for a visit in Oct and i cant wait.
My hubby is hoping to go via the army route, so that is quite scary for me, not knowing what life will be like. But i support my hubby and like you find this site a very valuable source of information.
I wish you lots of luck
Mandy
Jun 28th 2006, 9:18 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 489
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by baglady
Hello to everyone, I've posted a couple of times on here but feel a little uncomfortable not having introduced myself properly!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
I wasn't petrified when I came over, but we don't have children, which I'm sure makes a huge difference. We have found Melbourne to be welcoming and fun - there always seems to be something going on, from comedy festivals to puppet festivals, with plenty for kids. The people here are great - if a week goes by without someone on the street saying hello to me, I'm perplexed!
The BE people here are more than willing to take the chat/advice/friendships into the real world, so I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.
Jun 28th 2006, 9:57 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Living in Melbourne and loving it!
Posts: 837
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by baglady
Hello to everyone, I've posted a couple of times on here but feel a little uncomfortable not having introduced myself properly!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
Jun 29th 2006, 7:26 am
#5
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by thribble
The BE people here are more than willing to take the chat/advice/friendships into the real world, so I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.
Curry and beer on me when we get there (btw I mean this.)
Buzzy
Jun 29th 2006, 7:49 am
#6
Home.
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 831
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by baglady
Hello to everyone, I've posted a couple of times on here but feel a little uncomfortable not having introduced myself properly!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
My Scottish hubby (what is it with their desire to move South?) decided we needed to move to Australia a couple of years ago and I managed to stall him as I was just to afraid to deal with the reality of leaving everything comfortable and safe to live on the other side of the world. A year ago he managed to get himself offered a job in Melbourne and after a reccie trip, during which I had a very critical eye, I couldn't refuse him the opportunity and I've agreed to emigrate (if that is indeed, what I am doing!). We got our visa a month ago and have been immensely lucky to have sold the house (stc). So we are going, though don't have a date as yet. We anticipate it being August sometime.
I'm naturally petrified but really open minded and keen to embrace the challenge of being part of a country that's totally new to me. We are at a point where our daughter will be starting school there in February and I'm feeling loads of pressure to try and get a school organised in advance, which is difficult when you don't know where you'll be living!
We heard lots of good stuff about Mt Eliza - Mt Martha so we think we'll head that way. For those who know, is it a fairly vibrant community there? I want beach side location but I don't want to bury my head in the sand when I get there!
Must say, I really appreciate the fact that those who seem to be really clued up on integrating into the Aussie lifestyle take the time to share their knowledge and good advice with others on this site. It's kind of my life-line at the moment!
Although I can't tell you about those areas as we are in Zone 1, what I can tell you is that the New Melburnians who I've met here that frequent this board are all very personable. So I've found myself with a social network before I even have a job. Doh!
Anyway, welcome to Expats and maybe I'll be able to help with any other questions in the future.
Jun 29th 2006, 7:50 am
#7
Home.
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 831
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by Buzzy--Bee
Yes, your other half has demonstrated this admirably! Big shout going out to him! This would-be Victiorian really appreciates his friendly advice!
Curry and beer on me when we get there (btw I mean this.)
Buzzy
Curry and beer on me when we get there (btw I mean this.)
Buzzy
Jun 29th 2006, 8:30 am
#8
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by mackinnon
I can help too!!!!!!!
Buzzy
Jun 29th 2006, 9:04 am
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 489
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by Buzzy--Bee
Excellent. Performance bonuses are always awarded for a job well done!
Buzzy
Buzzy
You'll have to join up with the curry posse when you get here!Baglady - hope you like a curry too - you can join our neverending quest for a good one!
Jun 29th 2006, 9:05 am
#10
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by thribble
you can join our neverending quest for a good one!
Thats' it! I'm emigrating to Bangladesh instead.
Buzzy
Jun 29th 2006, 9:29 am
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Riddells Crk, Vic
Posts: 1,565
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by Buzzy--Bee
You haven't found a good one yet???
Thats' it! I'm emigrating to Bangladesh instead.
Buzzy
Thats' it! I'm emigrating to Bangladesh instead.
Buzzy
Jun 29th 2006, 9:38 am
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Poole, Dorset
Posts: 1,217
Re: Heading to Melbourne
I can't offer any help or advice whatsoever as we are just starting our with the application and are hopefully heading to Brisbane.
I just wanted to say that I hope you will be very happy in Mebourne and settle in to your new life.
I just wanted to say that I hope you will be very happy in Mebourne and settle in to your new life.
Jun 29th 2006, 9:50 am
#13
Hants to Mel Aug 05
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: S/E Melbourne
Posts: 490
Re: Heading to Melbourne
We have been in Melbourne for 10 months now and we love it!!!! We used to live on the south coast in the UK (I'm from Poole and OH from Southampton) and we're now in Southern(ish) Australia. I know that Victoria doesn't get year round sun and warmth but we wouldn't change it for the world. Melbourne is just a fantastic place to live and we've done so much in the 10mths we've been here than we would ever of done in the UK (i.e. Commonwealth Games, Australian Open, sitting on banks of Yarra River on New Year's Eve with 42 degree heat 
, Telstra Dome to watch rugby, Disney on Ice with the kids 
which was great and off to see Robbie in Dec 
). Everything is so accessible and not expensive. Good luck and hope it all works out for you.
Lorraine
We used to live on the south coast in the UK (I'm from Poole and OH from Southampton) and we're now in Southern(ish) Australia. I know that Victoria doesn't get year round sun and warmth but we wouldn't change it for the world. Melbourne is just a fantastic place to live and we've done so much in the 10mths we've been here than we would ever of done in the UK (i.e. Commonwealth Games, Australian Open, sitting on banks of Yarra River on New Year's Eve with 42 degree heat , Telstra Dome to watch rugby, Disney on Ice with the kids which was great and off to see Robbie in Dec ). Everything is so accessible and not expensive. Good luck and hope it all works out for you.Lorraine
Jun 29th 2006, 10:07 am
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Previously County Durham. ENGLAND. Now in Mornington, Victoria. (via Brisbane)
Posts: 1,226
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Hi
We are in Mornington, been here since March after a few months in Brisbane. ( I have posted our adventures on the nurses forum..an update from paulb)
We visited Mornington after hearing good reports about the peninsula. We could see immediately that we liked the place, the atmosphere was 'nice', reminded me a bit of the good bits of England. When we came, the weather was really nice and although its winter now, the wife spends a lot of time on the beach with our 2 little uns.
Our eldest is 5 in August and will start school in January. We hope to buld soon in Mt Martha, so will try and get her in Mt Martha primary. Little un goes to one of the local kinders. Im a community nurse in mental health, based in Frankston, which is a big town with all the shops you could want. I've experienced some unpleasant characters in the town and some unpleasant areas in and around Frankston, (as with most large towns) some nice also might I add, and its also very busy. Move down the peninsula and things change. Traffic can be heavy at times, but within 2 mins you can be out in the country. And of course the beaches are there whenever you want. It is quite vibrant even in winter, with adverts for hot soups and cosy warm fires in the pubs restaurants and wineries, which is nice. Summer of course, the population swells all down Port Philip bay with all the tourists. My wife likes horses and is hopefull of getting a part time job in a local stableyard in the future, of which there are many.
If your unsure about schools, email a few and try and put her name down at different ones. Mornington primary is nice, we went to the open night and it seems each school is 'seeking business'. we were going to put our daughter there but looks like we will be going to Mt Martha.
Generally, the peninsula is a nice place to live, 1 hour from the city if you need to go in.
Hope this helps....good luck, and feel free to mail me for any further info.
Paul
Try this site: http://s7.invisionfree.com/BritVics/index.php?
We are in Mornington, been here since March after a few months in Brisbane. ( I have posted our adventures on the nurses forum..an update from paulb)
We visited Mornington after hearing good reports about the peninsula. We could see immediately that we liked the place, the atmosphere was 'nice', reminded me a bit of the good bits of England. When we came, the weather was really nice and although its winter now, the wife spends a lot of time on the beach with our 2 little uns.
Our eldest is 5 in August and will start school in January. We hope to buld soon in Mt Martha, so will try and get her in Mt Martha primary. Little un goes to one of the local kinders. Im a community nurse in mental health, based in Frankston, which is a big town with all the shops you could want. I've experienced some unpleasant characters in the town and some unpleasant areas in and around Frankston, (as with most large towns) some nice also might I add, and its also very busy. Move down the peninsula and things change. Traffic can be heavy at times, but within 2 mins you can be out in the country. And of course the beaches are there whenever you want. It is quite vibrant even in winter, with adverts for hot soups and cosy warm fires in the pubs restaurants and wineries, which is nice. Summer of course, the population swells all down Port Philip bay with all the tourists. My wife likes horses and is hopefull of getting a part time job in a local stableyard in the future, of which there are many.
If your unsure about schools, email a few and try and put her name down at different ones. Mornington primary is nice, we went to the open night and it seems each school is 'seeking business'. we were going to put our daughter there but looks like we will be going to Mt Martha.
Generally, the peninsula is a nice place to live, 1 hour from the city if you need to go in.
Hope this helps....good luck, and feel free to mail me for any further info.
Paul
Try this site: http://s7.invisionfree.com/BritVics/index.php?
Last edited by paulb; Jun 29th 2006 at 10:22 am.
Jun 29th 2006, 10:09 am
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 550
Re: Heading to Melbourne
Originally Posted by Buzzy--Bee
You haven't found a good one yet???
I'm sure we'll have found the perfect Aussie curry by the time you get here, mate. Oh... and Billy and I are also hunting for the best whiskies in town!
Take it easy;
--paj