Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

I'm not too sure but is anyone out there heading for Dapto, Wollongong or anywhere close?? We've applied for our Visa last July and so far can't see anyone else heading where we are everyone seems to be heading for either Perth or Brissie. Anyone got any links to find out more about any schools in the area that aren't public schools??

Cheers in advance
Vicky:unsure:

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

I don't know Dapto particularly well but drive through it occasionally. I have to say that the bits you see on the main road are not particularly inviting and the main drag looks pretty run down.

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi there vickys, can't help with your query I'm afraid. Why did you guys choose "dapto"? (what a wierd name).

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Our relatives that we are going to be staying with currently live there, they say that there is some horrible bits but they live in the nice bit, once we actually go we are open to finding somewhere round and about's there so that we can have the family support whilst settling in. We are not fixed on stopping in Dapto itself but hopefully we will find an area close by our fmaily members over there. You got any advice at all???

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vickys, no advice at all from me I'm afraid as I don't know the place.

I think that having family close by is a great thing though...so good luck to you!

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

I've also driven past Dapto many times. Never stopped but I do know there is/was a dog track there. My OH and I always look at each other and say 'Dapto Dogs' every time we see the Dapto sign.

There are some nice areas in the vicinity. Go a bit further south and there are a lot of new houses at Albion Park. Shellharbour is a bit further round with a huge amount of new development. That whole area between Wollongong and Kiama (and beyond) is really lovely - rolling hills with the sea in the background.

It's a nice part of the world with gorgeous beaches and relatively cheap (compared to Sydney) housing costs. Shopping in Wollongong is good too.
It's a good place to start out. :)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Thank you so much for that Nicky that has made me so much at ease, I was started to get a bit worried :)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

lol - we always go 'How fast are you going' because there's that bloody great speeding billboard there.

Would echo the above. Dapto itself is no vision of beauty, but it's a good starting point to explore south coast nsw. :)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicki

We moved over to Nowra back in July last year, its about an hours drive to Dapto from here let us know what your plans are and maybe we could arrange a meet up.
Kaz

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi, the majority of the Wollongong Area is lovely, but Dapto is not one of those areaa. Although Kanahooka, next to Dapto is nicer.

You will be fine, there are great beaches, lovely shools and lots to do, it is an area that has everything from mountains to beaches with lots of lovely suburbs.

If you can afford it I would go more for the Wollongong and northern suburbs areas, including Figtree, Mt Kembla, Mt Keira, Thirroul, Austinmer, Woonona and if you are renting, then Central Wollongong can be excellent if you choose the right area (close to the beach).

I lived there for 14 years and enjoyed every aspect of my life there.

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

That would be fantastic Kaz, we've sent in our visa application (136 MODL) last july and done all our med's and everything but haven't heard a thing yet, hopefully it won't be too long but i will give you a shout when we know more

thanks for that homewardbound we are starting off in Dapto as that's where my OH family lives who we will be staying with initially but from there we hopefully are going to buy but are also open to renting for a short while if we don't find anything we particularly like. I'm of the mind that we won't be able to make that particular decision until we are actually there. Thanks for your information. How come you are coming back to Lincoln?? (please feel free to tell me to mind my own business if you want though and don't answer that):thumbsup:

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicky
Hope you hear something soon re your application. The waiting is the hardest part.. Look forward to hearing your good news.

Kaz

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

[ Thanks for your information. How come you are coming back to Lincoln?? (please feel free to tell me to mind my own business if you want though and don't answer that):thumbsup:[/QUOTE]


PM'd you.
;)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

lol - delicately put. :D

Would add Stanwell Park to that excellent list. :)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Thanks Kaz, i'll let you know as soon as i find out anything. We got our PCC's through yesterday morning so they'll be scanned over to our agent tomrrow am. Fingers crossed :)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicky....OH lived in Dapto, Woollangong, many years ago....til he was 15....it may have changed now, he loved it there...but as I say was a while ago....his Dad now lives in Mittagong, think that has some nice bits too...will see if I can find out about schools near the area, as he still has extended family who are all there with their kids....good luck anyway Ems x

congrats on the case officer

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

That'd be fantastic Em's, its getting to feel more real now x:thumbsup:

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicky,

I spoke with OH - he said he loved it when he lived in Dapto and right on Lake Illawarra, however things have changed and it did have one of the highest unemployment rates or at least Woollangong did.....regarding schools, said they used to be good and went downhill a bit, which prob ties in with the unemployment, however he thinks that they might be doing or have done something about this to try and improve......
sorry it's not all good news, but hope it helps....even just a little....:)

Good Luck Ems x

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Thanks Em's it has helped a lot, OH uncle has said that employment is quite difficult to get in the whole area and that when we first get there we might have to travel to gain work. OH is usually works mobile so it wouldn't be a massive problem and with Dapto being on the main route it might even be an advantage. I am getting really worried about the schools though, i want the best that i can afford for my daughter and will move heven and earth to get it for her, will be buying our house with the school location and reputation in mind. Just found out that the relative we are staying with initally have just moved into their new house in Horsley so that is another area. WE will be looking into all the area's mentioned above too.

Thank you so much for your help :)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

No worries, if I can find out anything more, from the extended family, I will let you know.

Ems x

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

The issue in this area is with youth unemployment - the under 21s - not the general adult population. Wollongong and surrounding areas are booming. I've personally knocked on the doors of many hundreds of businesses everywhere between Albion Park and Nowra and am always amazed at the changes, even within the space of weeks, when I return to an area. New units are going up all the time, the steel works is booming, the port's booming - unless you're a school leaver, you'll be fine. And to be honest, I can't account for the massive youth unemployment statistics here other than to assume that they're being lazy, as there are plenty of opportunities.

:)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Cheers Em's

Thanks a lot Hutch, I dont' think I qualify for a school leaver any more - mentally maybe but that's another story!! Glad there are a lot of opportunities and whether it's the steel works, the ports or any other company they all need HR and Admin staff so I will be ok. I've still got to do my mission about all the schools but I can't make any decisions about that until we at least have an idea of when our visa will come through and then a clearer idea of when we'll be there. One thing I can be certain of though is that the sooner the better and the longer it goes on the easier the drink flows:D;):thumbsup:

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

If you are willing to move away from the coast (45Km, anyway) the Bowral area is very pleasant and has several v. good schools. Might be a bit quiet for you though!

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Yea, I second that. If I wasn't a beach-bum then that's where I'd live, for sure.

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Thanks guys i'll take a look. We are open to any area that is close to family. We aren't adverse to quietness but do particularly like the social side of what we know of living in Oz. Might be totally wrong in our views but time will tell and we will be giving it our best shot, i'm sure i won't be disappointed by the sounds of most people who post on here. Thanks again:)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicky

Any news yet keeping fingers crossed that you hear soon.
We found some brilliant beaches at the weekend, I think we are trying every one of them down here..

Kaz
xxx

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Nah no news as yet, i keep looking on my emails like every couple of seconds in the hope that my agent has sent soemthing through but i haven't got anything yet. Having looked at a lot of the timelines though it could be anything from 3 weeks to 3 months after they have received the med's and ours were only sent to lcu on 11th jan, aparently there is currently an 8 week delay on their processing. Mind you having said that it is my birthday next week and i have to work so an email saying that we had our visa would just be the ultimate pressie, fingers crossed.

How have you found your first year and a bit? you got children? where where you before Oz?? tell me to sod off for being nosy if you wish though

take care
Vicky xx

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicky

I live a couple of towns down from Dapto, and its ok it really is, a good starting place, we are at Albion Park, in a rental until we get to know the area a bit better, my daughter 14 attends school at Albion Park High, which she loves, she sayes its so different from UK schools. Like someone mentioned the main road thru looks a bit dull, but there is a fantastic new shopping mall in Dapto and an Aldi's haha.

Any questions, please let me know and I will try to help you all I can.

Cheers Nadine
:)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Shellharbour's a pretty good shopping centre too. ;)

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

We live in Balgownie, not far from you guys. My boy played soccer at Albion Park a week ago. I gotta say the whole Illawara area seems pretty damned nice, lovely views, lovely beaches, and on the whole, lovely people.

You could most definitely choose worse, as Hutch said the general area is booming, the steel works can offer careers in just about any field, railway included.

The very best of luck to ya, I'll buy you a schooner when you get here. Anything you need to know, like Nadine we'll do our best cos we know full well how daunting it can all be

Steve n Sandra

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Hi Vicky

Sorry been so long replying.. We left Yorkshire to come to Aus, I have a 16 year old (who wishes she was 18). Congratulations on getting ya visa through. Its all go now, have you booked ya flights? when do you arrive? Theres loads I want to ask you? What bout you any kids? Won't leave it so long next time promise...

Re: Anyone heading for Dapto??
 

Pm'd ya (well i will have in a few minutes anyway!!)