Does Adelaide Brits offer any of this stuff or are they no longer going? They seem like the best group to approach for support in this kind of idea.

The main thing asked again and again is "where do you get short term furnished rental accomodation".

The scheme could be made self funding through advertising from companies providing services or products. TVs, PC rental, mobile phones are a starting point.

When I first migrated I found it hard to meet people and felt a bit homesick - I've been here 10 years now and recently started a new web site to help others feeling the same (from any nationality) - www.connections.com.au The idea is to help new migrants feel "at home" by enabling them to reach others who may come from the same country but live locally - to share support, friendship and advice etc. The site is free and there's already some from Adelaide although we haven't properly luanched yet.

This is a top idea. Might discuss it at the Perth meet in Fremantle.

We were lucky and stayed with Aussie relatives for the first 2 months but even then we could have used more info. Nothing that we couldn't have found on the net but our access was very limited.

The following would have helped us (sorry if they've been covered):

How do things work notes

Realtors and multi listings
New building/land purchase process
Organisations for trade registrations
Car dealers and the contract commitment
TFN over the net
Speeding warning
Suburbs overview
Centrelink locations
Rental property process
Mobile phone options
ISP options/internet cafes

Obviously a meet up with like minded souls would go down well.

I reckon the idea of a local info mag is great.

Great idea PP, wish you were doing it in Brisbane

The company that we're renting from for the first few weeks on arrival target people emigrating. In addition to the furnished house, they meet us at the airport and provide a grocery pack, local area info, details for medicare/TFN/public transport etc. I thought this was a good idea, the only aspect thats missing is the social bit.
I'll let everyone whos heading for Brisbane know how we find it!

hi p.p. can`t help feeling i,m going to the right place!basic concerns on arrival have obviously been mentioned ie where to rent short term, bank account,purchasing phone,internet,car buying,but the little ones bother me the most i.e. car seats,do they have same follow on milk,nursery,different solid food,finding the right area so can put him in to school!if i can help in any way from here don`t hesitate to ask p.s i hope they have my medication there too:scared:

Good idea, PP.

We're coming to Adelaide and intend to use the Meet and Greet service. But their volunteer help only lasts a couple of days. All the information they give you is a lot to take in with everything else going on. Just the thought that there would be someone on the end of the phone with a bit of advise or knowledge would be quite comforting. We've already got a few friends in Adelaide who we've met through this site and have now gone, so I would recommend it to everyone.

You guys are great. Thanx for the advice and support...i am gonna be a real busy bee this week seaching out info. Went to the beach with some of the other brits today. A couple of us are going to make a start.

I would welcome that one, even though my family are quiet, would hate to feel isolated. Would feel better coming over knowing there was help at hand, I think this is a really good idea.

You've missed NUMERO UNO: how to make money - presuming not self sufficient.

Get a positive cashflow and everything else can be bought.

Eh??

We not doing it for money, we doing it to help people.

Best help: cash flowing in. Worst help: encouraging cash flowing out.

most important for new people would be how to get tax number, where estate agents are, a contact tel no for them to ask questions, how to get aussie driving test sorted, car hire,info about quarantine kennels - for me anyway.advise on nice neighbourhoods and bad ones!! and schools

hope this helps

regards

Debbie

*gulp*

I think ive given birth to a monster..LOL

i better get cracking :scared:

PP - could you run a type of 'buddy' system where your group allocates a particular person to a newly arrived family and then they could be that families new mate for a bit?

I think people would appreciate having someone at the end of the phone - and also being phoned up and asked out for lunch or something.

The buddy could also facilitate introducing the new family into a new social circle - other expats, ozzie mates etc - giving them a bit of a kick start.

Good luck with it - top idea.

I think that this is a good idea, and agree with all of the suggestions.
Would you plan to have this information via the website so that people could access it prior their arrival?
As most people may need things sorted before they get there, ie Schools, accomodation, car etc.

Kelly T