ahappychappy

G' day all,

Just wanted to gather info on the forgotten state.

I have lived in SYD fro 8 years and have toured Tasmania on several occassions. As part of our 2004 plan my Wife is quite keen to move to TAS, but I am not. I love the place but am reluctant due to its lack of employment opportunities (IT Industry) and perceived poor infrastructure. It appears to offer very little in terms of career. I would be reluctant to turn my back on IT as I have invested many years in it. I am 40 and my Wife is 37.

Has anyone moved there and made a long term success of it?

Or have you stayed a while and then decided it was not for you?

Does anyone(or have you) work in the IT Industry in TAS, and perhaps give me some tips?

Has anyone moved there and had a complete sea change, if so how and what did you do?

Also day to day living, how is it?

Any ideas, views and opinions on the above are welcome please........

Pollyana

Are you undertaking a survey of all the state capitals in turn by any chance?

Tasmania is the most beautifully wild place on earth, but I guess you are aware of that as you have toured it several times. I have British friends who have been settled there for many years, and who would not live anywhere else. One returned to Sydney for a visit this year, and returned to Hobart shuddering in horror at the changes since he moved from there 20 years ago!
They have all told me though, the job situation is the problem. if you can get work, you're fine, its a lovely relaxed and chilled-out place to live (very chilled-out in winter!). Given the chance, I would be there like a shot, as its my kind of lifestyle.

However, having read your own previous posts, declaiming the virtues of Sydney, and suggesting that even Brissie or Perth are too small and provinicial, I am surprised that you are even considering a move south? Or are you just trying to start another debate......

bondipom

Fun for all the family

MrsDagboy

LOL!!

Sorry, cant help with the original question, I havent been to Tassie, but I imagine it would suit me down to the ground, even if it is rather cold .

ahappychappy

I see where you are comming from Pollyana. But no my interest in Tasmania is genuine where as my info gathering on Perth and Brisbane was two fold. Firstly to promote some debate and thought on those two cities for the pupose of pending migrants and naturally to reduce my ignorance of those two locations. Australia does in some cities have limited career options, like it or not (ie TAS). They are good if one has a trade but not so good for some industries and professions. I think for many pending skilled migrants this is an important consideration. My views on SYD are mainly motivated by career opportunities/progression.

My Wife and I are currently considering our futures for 2004 so are considering an array of options for the long term.

How long have you been in Oz?

Thanks for your feedback on TAS

Regards.

Pollyana

BP, LOL at your response!

ahappychappy - yeah, just curious as to your motivations! I've been in Oz this time only 5 weeks, but have spent about a year here in total over several visits, split between Tassie and Brisbane. What gives me a little more insight into some aspects of life I think, is that all my time in Oz has been living as a resident rather than a tourist - by which I mean using supermarkets, paying bills, etc, rather than just seeing the sights.

renth

A small, thickly wooded triangular island in the south specialising in seafood.

I'd go down there anytime, given the chance

bondipom

Better when the loggers have been.

AussieinLondon

There's a nice little island north of Tas that make cheeses that put the French to shame...

King Island. Keep an eye out in the deli section.

bondipom

I tend to steer clear of the cheesy bits.

AussieinLondon

Your loss!

OzTennis

Yeah, at the Coles supermarket in Williamstown they get their King Island goodies in on the same day each week. People queue up to grab the cheese, ice cream and milk and it disappears in a matter of hours. Co-incidentally the Tasting Australia program on the Travel Channel in the UK was in King Island last week. There is also a shop which was voted in the top 10 pie shops in Australia - the seafood pies looked really good.

Tasmania, I really like, but have only been there a few times on 2 week holidays so can't comment on settling there. Reminds me a lot of Scotland in parts.

OzTennis

jandjuk

well I have no idea about tasmania, but if it reminds tennis of scotland, and scotland reminds me of NZ, then perhaps tasmania is a little bit like NZ??

Sounds a little like it anyway..... maybe NZ could offer similar things but perhaps with a few more employment opportunities?

just a thought...

OzTennis

Yes, having been to all three I would say there are definite similarities between Tasmania, New Zealand and Scotland although NZ wins hands down for scenic beauty - and I'm not just saying that for Jon's benefit.

OzTennis

Pollyana

Yep, Tassie could be described as New Zealand in miniature I guess, certainly the wilder bits on the western side.