Hi everyone.

We just arrived to Perth 2 months ago. I have just started my job as a nurse in one of the hospitals in Perth, my husband hasn't got a job here yet after 2 months of looking, but has just been offered a job in Cairns, Queensland.
So we are not quite sure what to do. Should we stay or should we go? I've only started my job, but I am confident I will get a nursing position in Cairns as well. We've both been to Cairns before and absolutely loved it, however we are not as familiar with the area as we are here in Perth.
Has anybody here made a similar move, e.g.: from Perth to Cairns?
We just bought a car as well, can you take it to Queensland and use it there or do you have to register it? What about driving licences? Is anybody on this forum living in Cairns or nearby and could tell me more about the area and what is it like?

Many thanks.

Congrats to your OH for being offered a job. Mine after 4 months still not getting a look in but we're in rural WA as I am a teacher. Unbelievable barriers being put up as an expat and we're here on 457 with DET. He can work anywhere in Oz so is applying for jobs in other states. I would stay here to fulfil my contractual obligations but don't fancy a long distance marriage. We have a 10 year old as well. Do what you have to do. A car and Driving licence are nothing compared to you both being together and happy. Don't get me wrong, if my OH is offered a good job in his own field else where I will move heaven and earth to go with him. Good luck.

Nx

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your problem, I know exactly how you and your husband feel, my hubby sent off hundreds of applications, some of them don't even acknowledge your application, some says you are not qualified enough, others say too overqualifed blah blah blah. You just can't win. It can be really disheartening to say the least.
I think it is really difficult for most expats, one of us have the skills that Australia desperately needs and we come out husband/wife in tow, kids, pets whatever, and they can't get a job. It is a lot more difficult than people like to think.
Anyway, good luck with the job hunt, try different states as well, just keep on tryingand don't give up.

Vicki

Contact melaniee from this post she might be able to assist you .I believe she came from west to east and has gone back to west after a few months

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ht=CONVEYANCER

we did a reccie trip to Perth staying NOR but we chose to live in Cairns. The one thing that put me of Perth and put me on to cairns was all the suburbs one after the other I needed more space around me, here you will find that.

we live to the north of cairns in redlynch equal distance to the beach and CBD. Cairns for us offers everything the stunning scenery, great schools, good winters AND REALLY FRIENDLY PEOPLE (sorry caps on ).

Most of the people who live here we have met truly believe they live in paradise and I think we do.

we have a good shopping centre and some designer shops, if thats what you like.

Cairns is expanding all the time the population is growing at a fast rate i read somewhere that they believe 100 a day or was it a week that our moving here and making it their home. I know it doesnt sound much but we are a small town

To be honest i've never heard of anyone who has lived here moving because they didnt like it.

I dont think you would regret moving to cairns there are loads of expat nurses in this area try looking up sallyclaire who would make you feel very welcome.

Its not a big deal to take your car from one state to another. These links explain the process you need to go through once you arrive in Qld from any other state in Aus.

For your drivers licence:
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home...state_drivers/


Registration Details for you Vehicle:

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home..._or_territory/

Cant help with info re: Cairns as I have never been there, but if moving means you would both have employment then I know what I would be doing. I personally think Perth is pretty isolated from the rest of Aus. and would not live there for that reason (Tassie was bad enough), but thats just me. I have been told Cairns is a great place and cant wait to travel up there and check it out for myself. We live in SE Qld but have not driven any further North than Noosa,YET. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks for the link, I'll look it up.
I agree what you are saying about Perth. It is very isolated and when we went to Cairns the people there are truly friendly and a lot more approachable than here in Perth.
For me that was the "real Australia".

You have to ask yourselves a very serious question.





















Do we want to live with the chosen few.

Although I haven't been to Cairns you must live in a different Perth to me as in 4 years everyone I have come across has been friendly and very approachable.

But you are a very special person NB.
And what you sow is reaped by the people that are fortunate enough to meet your acquaintance.
If all the cities and communities were full of Northernbirds life would be so enriched and choice would be an irrelevant word.

Are you taking the piss!!!!!

Actually, no NB.

I've always admired your forthright postings.
Salt of the earth I think you are.
Feet on the ground and call it as it is - good or bad.

Spade is a spade and all that.

Good, sometimes I can never tell and I am feeling particularly sensitive at the moment as I am without husband for 10 days and a little down

You must imagine the warmth of the lion about you.
It may be imaginery but it is sincere.
The husband may be absent, but just contemplate for a moment, he is going through the same as you.....but is unlikely to admit it.....cos he is a man.

Lovely you are I am imagining the warmth (although that could be the grog!!