We are having our citizenship interview in a couple of weeks and I am so proud of all of my family members for the way they have adjusted to life in their new (soon to be) home country. My husband is fantastic and my boys although they remember England well (they are aged 11 and 15) are so appreciative of their new life.

I no longer spend my time on this site because I now, after two years, feel totally Australian and proud to say so. Don't get me wrong this site was excellent and a god send for the awful visa application era and I am very grateful to all the members who helped us along the way in particular ABC Diamond (where is he ?).

Just a few observations which may offend but may help some people who really are not migration material !

Coming to Australia IS a life changing decision, it is NOT the UK.
Australian people are very down to earth - call a spade a spade and if you don't like it - tough.
Australian people hate the expat community - I said community not Expats in general. I have to admit I can understand why. Groups of Irish,Scottish and English people in bars with not one Aussie among them. So often we over hear said groups complaining about the beer/food/lack of night life when we are out on a Saturday night. We just end up been totally embarrassed and would not talk for fear of the English accents been affiliated with the other group ! Its great to have UK friends but it is essential to mix with the Aussies.
Don't talk too much about how big your house is that you are building - Aussies don't care and will not appreciate it.
Likewise don't go on about the Prado you bought or the good deal you got for a cash sale with your money from the UK.
Don't get me wrong the Aussie are not jealous - they hate materialistic and vain people. Most Aussies have the same things but feel no need to 'discuss' it !
If you ask a question expect a brutally honest answer and don't be offended by it.


I was told that my saving grace with my aussie neighbours when we were building our house and doing the pool/landscaping at the same time, was my announcement when chatting to them, that although we had managed to get a lovely garden - we couldn't afford any furniture, so if they wanted to come around for a stubby, bring a chair !

Just some advise, I personally love the Aussies and if you act as your new country acts - you are welcomed with open arms !


Wishing everyone every happiness and good luck with your new lives - Australia is a dream and the process we go though to achieve it, is worth it - just like childbirth !

SD

don't remind me I have got to go through that late this year

Anyway, good post, all the best for citizenship process and may you and your family continue to enjoy Australia

An interesting post,which seems to make sense. We've only been here 3 months & came to the area because we had friends here. We now have a few more friends,which we have met through them,but they are all ex-pats
Good news is I start work the week after next,so hopefully I might finally get mixing with some aussies. It does seem strange that I've hardly met any yet Even our neighbours on both sides are "ten pound poms".
I'm never gonna get me an accent

Great post although I don't necessarily agree with you. I reckon you should be whatever you want to be. You don't have to try & conform to a level or standard that is expected of you to fit in. Live life on your own terms & you'll be fine, if people don't like it, then tough. It's working for me & I love it here too.

Sounds like a true Aussie - a breath of fresh air eh ! (I think your post highlights everything I was 'trying' to say) I wasn't saying you have to conform, more try not to keep everything 'UKish' ! Isn't this why we all decided to leave anyway ?
Best wishes,
SD