Re: Name and shame time.
 

We really didn't have any help from anyone when we arrived in Adelaide. We got really lucky and were offered on arrival accomodation by the SA Gov't. We made quick friends with our Aussie neighbours & my co-workers. I did love going to the coffee mornings at Starbucks with Wendy and the girls. Not much better than a big mug of coffee while sitting in Rundle Mall watching the people go by.

When we moved over to Perth I got lots of help and support from Northernbird. We have lots in common and I think she's just a really nice woman. I met Sam & her family back in August or September and we became quick friends. Whenever I'm having a bad day or had a fight with the old man I know I can count on Sam to listen while I bitch. My kids love her, too. She has a pool and x-box. Our next door neighbours are a lovely couple who are here on a retirement visa. They've helped us probably more than anyone could. They watch our kids if we want to go out, even offering to take them for a weekend if my husband and I want to go away. They've become like surrogate grandparents to my children.

I try to help out newcomers when I can. I remember all too well getting off the plane and feeling so out of our depth. If there's even one person who can make you feel welcome then it makes it so much less scary.

Re: Name and shame time.
 

I think once you have shopped for underwear together then the friendship is well cemented ;) :lol:

Lovely words Dorothy, thanks pal.

Re: Name and shame time.
 

Hmmm, gotta be careful how I word this but my wife's best friend Sindy (Jivebabe). She took on the mantle of organising Perth coffee meet ups from (Jill - Go Bananas I think) and that led to most of the friends we have today one way or another.

After a couple of coffees Sam went out with them for a few drinks and the next thing I knew was a knock on the door when her / our new friends poured her through the front door. Not looked back since!:D

Re: Name and shame time.
 

I went back the next day and bought 7 more. My undies drawer is now full.

Re: Name and shame time.
 

We've not arrived in Oz yet, but I think it's great how you all help each other out, and lend a hand when needed to new arrivals.

I can see that true friendships have been made on this site :)

Re: Name and shame time.
 

Would you be the first member to help us Soapy pleeese lol

Re: Name and shame time.
 

What an excellent thread!

I'm not in Australia yet but I've had some great advice from lots of people.
Once I'm settled in Melbourne I really hope I'll be able to help others.
That's why this is such a great site :thumbsup:

Re: Name and shame time.
 

got a load of great info from here but no help from anyone off here when we landed:frown:

only joking;)
this place has been a wealth of info over the last couple of years and still getting info from it now that were ping ponging.

Re: Name and shame time.
 

Steve O and family fantastic people, and remained good friends !!

Although we dont see as often as we would should (my fault).

Really nice guy, blinking nice people !!

Nick

Re: Name and shame time.
 

ditto, difficult but good times too.

Re: Name and shame time.
 

Its not the answer i was after because i wanted your first:p
Doub has a great thing for the expats. its good to know that other expats have used his accommodating and liked it.
all we do is make friends lol
what i really wanted to know was how many people really put theirselves out for others.
some posters on here have picked people up from the airport, found them accommodation, some have even found jobs for them before they arrive!
but you never hear them brag about it;) i just thought it would be nice to hear others tell everyone how much help they got from each person.:)

Re: Name and shame time.
 

no no no, you can do better than that laddie;)

Re: Name and shame time.
 

its funny you should say that.
the first people who helped us arrived around 26 years ago. they lived in a hostel in sydney (coogee) most of their friends are from the days when they first arrived.
we were lucky enough to bump into them and i cant even type how much they helped us. something we will never forget.
The first BE members to help us were. Roseyandfam, rumbletum, and jasonK244. 2 families we met at our first meet. all wonderful people who are very close to our heart.:)

Re: Name and shame time.
 

and you never got to meet them?

Re: Name and shame time.
 

the people you have mentioned always seem to crop up in a lot of the posts. they are a great credit to this forum:)