Its been a busy year for us - the relocation of our business was stressful, frustrating but in the end very successful. We actually made the move on 23rd December (not advisable!) and since then the potential we saw when buying in August 2006 has been realised beyond our expectations (73% increase in turnover in the first 6 months). The growth has not stopped yet with the promise of an IGA supermarket to replace the outdated and unpopular Cocos as the anchor store in the centre, the growth of our territory and the excellent position we have.

Doing business on the Gold Coast is 'different' to the UK, there seems to be a frontier mentality with a lot of unscrupulous operators but as long as you never trust anyone, get every thing in writing you should be OK!!

Away from work May saw my 50th, September our daughters 18th, and October our silver wedding anniv. We finally got our PR on 25th september (proves that they DO let anyone into Australia!)

The kids are doing fine at Merrimac High - son in year 9, daughter about to leave after finishing year 12 and applying for Uni. In our opinion the school is a lot better than in UK.

We have a great social life and the 4th year has just flown by.

Good update, glad all is going well for you

Sounds like it's all worked out for the best Carbery
Here's to the next 4 years

Julie. x

Well done mate I know its been a tuff year for you all with the shop and PR , but you have come through it and it's all done now so relax have a beer . All the best mate and will catch up soon

Its been a huge year for you guys!
Congratulations for your 4th anniversary in Qld.

Paulinex

i didn't know you'd been here that long!

Congrats to you guys!

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Hi Nice success story, well done and congrats. I am 58, looking at doing what you guys have done with the business in SE Qld and wonder if we could exchange a few war-stories?? We moved from Sweden to Sydney 1988 but my work took me to Asia and now Middle East. Would love to return to AUS, preferably Qld, give up my senior exec role in Dubai and start my own, to be in control of the game. Would love to chat with you, but in more private forum, preferably by email if OK??

Well done Steve and Debs esp on the business as it is tough out there on retailers just now. See you at the curry night
Michelle & Alan

Congratulations guys on your 4th year anniversary it wont be long before you'll be applying for your citizenship.

Congrats Steve & the lovely Debs but yet no mention of your fabulous trip to PD????

Seriously, well done you guys!

they must be on their 5th year by now

Congrats on the 4 years and the business going so well

We are! When i have time I will post a 5 year update

Just realised this was from Oct 2009! Who resurrected it????

you