Hi, first of all sorry for this long post, I am new, just been successful at interview with QLD Health for position in mental health. I have also posted this on the Nursing forum but got no reply (Boo Hoo).

I have read lots of the posts and which have answered alot of my questions. However, there are still 'tons' of questions that keep filling my head, leading to sleepless nights. I hope someone can help in answering the few below.

I have been qualified for 3 years as a mental health nurse at band 5 (E grade). I am very confused how to translate what level I will be starting at in Queensland and how does it relate to salary? I have not been offered a position yet as still waiting of visa etc but have listed my interests in community or ward based.

I am moving over with my wife (qualified nurse this year mental health and our daughter of 10 years. We have had many 'heated' discussions on where to live and can not agree. We do know that we want to live just outside Brisbane in one of the suburbs. We anticipate that we will have aprox $60k for deposit on hse and want a 3 bedrooms, not too for from city or too far in the wilds! Good schools, transport links and a community where there are things to do for my daughter are top priority. Beacuse of my lack of unerstanding of my starting level, I can not narrow down an area to live that I will be able to afford.

This may seem like a silly question but what have other expats brought with them when they move, ie, furniture, tv, computer or just a suitcase. Also what is the electric voltage there, 110 or 240v?

Other posts conflict in that the cost of living is higher or the same as in the UK. How do food costs, petrol prices and utilitiies compare?

We are very excited about moving but also so nervous in case we regret it and have to move back. We are moving for the lifestyle and the opportunities for our daughter, not the prospect of being rich or of better working conditions.

Any advice would be of great benefit to us,

Thanks

Dave

Best way to estimate your wage is to find some mental health nursing jobs (try www.seek.com.au or the Queensland Health site) and find the grade (Like N02, level6 or something) then have a look here: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/industr...es_nursing.asp.

Good luck, you'll love it!

240v 50hz just the same as the UK