4 weeks in Brisbane
Mar 19th 2009, 9:54 am
#1
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Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Aus to UK to Brisbane (Feb 09)
Posts: 3
4 weeks in Brisbane
Just thought I would post a message as today marks our 4 week anniversary in Brisbane. Still finding it hot and humid but slowly acclimatising.
Lou moved over with her company and is settling in well with a good bunch of people in the office but travel time on public transport to work is difficult (staying with family in Chapel Hill - office is in Geebung but office is moving to Bowen Hills). The trains are only every 30min - even in peak time. Surprised how congested the roads are.
Andy is hunting for work in civils and is finding it difficult not having contacts or local experience. He was a site agent in the UK and is prepared to step down to a works manager or foreman but still no luck. His fall back plan of jumping on plant is also an issue as his UK CPCS excavator ticket isn't recognised in Australia. Fingers crossed a door will open soon. The recruitment companies have been of little help. Anyone have any advice on avenues to pursue??
No issue with transferring drivers licenses or bank over - all done on our first day here - easy and relaively quick (UK license regonised in Qld). Then got a car within a week from the government car auctions in Zillmere (highly reccomend). Unfortunately the car was crashed into last week while parked (and no note left) but that can happen anywhere.
Yet to meet many people but hoping to make it to the expat bbq this weekend.
Still feeling very unsettled but once we're both working, have a home and our things arrive from the UK then hopefully it will be easier. Must say everyone has been so welcoming and lovely to us - the family we're staying with are wonderful.
Lou & Andy
Lou moved over with her company and is settling in well with a good bunch of people in the office but travel time on public transport to work is difficult (staying with family in Chapel Hill - office is in Geebung but office is moving to Bowen Hills). The trains are only every 30min - even in peak time. Surprised how congested the roads are.
Andy is hunting for work in civils and is finding it difficult not having contacts or local experience. He was a site agent in the UK and is prepared to step down to a works manager or foreman but still no luck. His fall back plan of jumping on plant is also an issue as his UK CPCS excavator ticket isn't recognised in Australia. Fingers crossed a door will open soon. The recruitment companies have been of little help. Anyone have any advice on avenues to pursue??
No issue with transferring drivers licenses or bank over - all done on our first day here - easy and relaively quick (UK license regonised in Qld). Then got a car within a week from the government car auctions in Zillmere (highly reccomend). Unfortunately the car was crashed into last week while parked (and no note left) but that can happen anywhere.
Yet to meet many people but hoping to make it to the expat bbq this weekend.
Still feeling very unsettled but once we're both working, have a home and our things arrive from the UK then hopefully it will be easier. Must say everyone has been so welcoming and lovely to us - the family we're staying with are wonderful.
Lou & Andy
