9 months on and no regrets!!
Feb 15th 2008, 12:55 am
#1
member
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: Newport,Redcliffe,Qld
Posts: 321
9 months on and no regrets!!
Hi all,
Thought I would give you a quick up date!
Phil and I moved to Brisbane in May with our kids Alana(6) and Arron (4).I am a nurse and had a job at the Royal Childrens Hospital in oncology(a specialism I have worked in for a long time).
We hired a holiday house in Sandgate(25k north of the city) for 4 weeks-it was area we had researched loads and thought it might be a good place to start.The initial few weeks were hectic to say the least-there was so much to do!We started by looking at school and Kindy for the kids(we planned to rent in an area near the schools that we liked).There was alot of choice and we visited quite a few before deciding on Brighton State school for Alana and Brighton Pre school for Arron.It was a tough decision to make without really having anyone to ask.We went mainly on gut instinct and it has proved to be a good decision!
I had already opened a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank and transferred money over prior to moving out.All I had to do was go to my local branch(they are everywhere) and take my passport.The guy in the bank was so helpful and organised everything for me-I even have my car insurance and house insurance with them because they helped me out loads and were very patient with my stupid questions!!!They even kept the bank open late for me one night so I could arrange car insurance and pick up my car the next day!
We used a relocation agent so we had a day out with them looking at the local area(they found Arrons Pre school for us).They also came with us to look at houses and were our referees on the application forms.They were helpful but I still had to do alot myself and because I had done so much research I found I sometimes knew more than them(we were only their 3 rd clients!).
Finding a house was tricky as there is alot of competition.We rented a lovely 3 bed house in a nice area and the application wasnt really a problem cos I had a job.I gave them the name of my nurse manager and they contacted her to confirm my details etc.
We bought a cheap second hand car,which turned out to be a disaster-it literally blew up after 6 months!!But by that time we had an established credit history and were able to buy a shiny new one!
Phil stayed at home for the first 6 months while we all settled in and now works in a local restaurant.He found work fairly easily.I have moved jobs(cos I hated the Royal) and now work in a small local hospital.I love it and have just been promoted!
We moved from our first rental to be nearer to the beach and now live in Margate(!) on the Recliffe penisula.It was much easier to get a house the second time cos we had rented before.The kids are really settling in well.Alana loves school and is really thriving in a less pressured enviroment.Arron starts school next year.I was initially worried that he would fall behind his peers in the UK but he is really learning alot(without knowing it).Everyone at both schools was really sensitive to the huge upheaval we have experienced as a family and have really tried to help the kids settle in.The pre school helped me to apply for child care benefit and we get 65% of our fees paid for us!The kids have loads of friends and now take swimming and karate lessons.Alana just spent 3 days a week at vacation care over the school holidays and had a ball!I felt so guilty having to put her in cos at home I would have had people to rely on but she loved it and they did really great things with them(going to Seaworld,the movies,skating etc).
I was always worried about being home sick.I have had my moments;when my sister got engaged,my god son turned 1,my nephew asked if he come come on the plane to see Alana and Arron and of course Xmas.It hasnt been crippling as I thought.Facebook has been my saviour!My dad and sis use TalkTalk and get free calls to oz so I think I talk to them more now than I did in the UK.Both sets of parents are visiting this year and my sister-in-law is coming in 4 weeks.
We came here with very little-we shipped 5 boxes and brought 5 suitcases-we sold everything else!We literally have had to start again.We had no house to sell in the UK so have to rent here for a while before we save a deposit to buy a house.We are def better off here than in the UK.We love our jobs,kids are much healthier and happier,we are starting to make friends(we even have a babysitter so we can at last go out!!),we have more quality time as a family and we do have more money!In the UK,we rarely ate out,bought new clothes etc.We couldnt have afforded swimming lessons or Sky TV-here we can!We are not rich and we watch our money but we feel much better off.We have annual passes to Dreamworld(A cheap day out now for us),we go to fab local beaches and parks,up the mountains and to the Botanical gardens all for free!Our local swimming pool is also free!
Moving to Oz has been the best thing(as well as the hardest) we have ever done.We have PR so plan to become citizens in 2 years(we were lucky and arrived here before they made it 4 years).Is it for ever?Maybe?Forever is a long time to be this far from my family but we take each day as it comes and dont plan too far ahead.Life is for living and thats what we are doing!We are so happy!
Top tips:
Be prepared-do your research
Get a Oz drivers licence asap(thay use it for everything here)
Make a HUGE effort to get out and meet people
Go with the flow-dont stress too much!
Buy a barbie!!
Hope this helps!!
Andy
Thought I would give you a quick up date!
Phil and I moved to Brisbane in May with our kids Alana(6) and Arron (4).I am a nurse and had a job at the Royal Childrens Hospital in oncology(a specialism I have worked in for a long time).
We hired a holiday house in Sandgate(25k north of the city) for 4 weeks-it was area we had researched loads and thought it might be a good place to start.The initial few weeks were hectic to say the least-there was so much to do!We started by looking at school and Kindy for the kids(we planned to rent in an area near the schools that we liked).There was alot of choice and we visited quite a few before deciding on Brighton State school for Alana and Brighton Pre school for Arron.It was a tough decision to make without really having anyone to ask.We went mainly on gut instinct and it has proved to be a good decision!
I had already opened a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank and transferred money over prior to moving out.All I had to do was go to my local branch(they are everywhere) and take my passport.The guy in the bank was so helpful and organised everything for me-I even have my car insurance and house insurance with them because they helped me out loads and were very patient with my stupid questions!!!They even kept the bank open late for me one night so I could arrange car insurance and pick up my car the next day!
We used a relocation agent so we had a day out with them looking at the local area(they found Arrons Pre school for us).They also came with us to look at houses and were our referees on the application forms.They were helpful but I still had to do alot myself and because I had done so much research I found I sometimes knew more than them(we were only their 3 rd clients!).
Finding a house was tricky as there is alot of competition.We rented a lovely 3 bed house in a nice area and the application wasnt really a problem cos I had a job.I gave them the name of my nurse manager and they contacted her to confirm my details etc.
We bought a cheap second hand car,which turned out to be a disaster-it literally blew up after 6 months!!But by that time we had an established credit history and were able to buy a shiny new one!
Phil stayed at home for the first 6 months while we all settled in and now works in a local restaurant.He found work fairly easily.I have moved jobs(cos I hated the Royal) and now work in a small local hospital.I love it and have just been promoted!
We moved from our first rental to be nearer to the beach and now live in Margate(!) on the Recliffe penisula.It was much easier to get a house the second time cos we had rented before.The kids are really settling in well.Alana loves school and is really thriving in a less pressured enviroment.Arron starts school next year.I was initially worried that he would fall behind his peers in the UK but he is really learning alot(without knowing it).Everyone at both schools was really sensitive to the huge upheaval we have experienced as a family and have really tried to help the kids settle in.The pre school helped me to apply for child care benefit and we get 65% of our fees paid for us!The kids have loads of friends and now take swimming and karate lessons.Alana just spent 3 days a week at vacation care over the school holidays and had a ball!I felt so guilty having to put her in cos at home I would have had people to rely on but she loved it and they did really great things with them(going to Seaworld,the movies,skating etc).
I was always worried about being home sick.I have had my moments;when my sister got engaged,my god son turned 1,my nephew asked if he come come on the plane to see Alana and Arron and of course Xmas.It hasnt been crippling as I thought.Facebook has been my saviour!My dad and sis use TalkTalk and get free calls to oz so I think I talk to them more now than I did in the UK.Both sets of parents are visiting this year and my sister-in-law is coming in 4 weeks.
We came here with very little-we shipped 5 boxes and brought 5 suitcases-we sold everything else!We literally have had to start again.We had no house to sell in the UK so have to rent here for a while before we save a deposit to buy a house.We are def better off here than in the UK.We love our jobs,kids are much healthier and happier,we are starting to make friends(we even have a babysitter so we can at last go out!!),we have more quality time as a family and we do have more money!In the UK,we rarely ate out,bought new clothes etc.We couldnt have afforded swimming lessons or Sky TV-here we can!We are not rich and we watch our money but we feel much better off.We have annual passes to Dreamworld(A cheap day out now for us),we go to fab local beaches and parks,up the mountains and to the Botanical gardens all for free!Our local swimming pool is also free!
Moving to Oz has been the best thing(as well as the hardest) we have ever done.We have PR so plan to become citizens in 2 years(we were lucky and arrived here before they made it 4 years).Is it for ever?Maybe?Forever is a long time to be this far from my family but we take each day as it comes and dont plan too far ahead.Life is for living and thats what we are doing!We are so happy!
Top tips:
Be prepared-do your research
Get a Oz drivers licence asap(thay use it for everything here)
Make a HUGE effort to get out and meet people
Go with the flow-dont stress too much!
Buy a barbie!!
Hope this helps!!
Andy
Feb 15th 2008, 11:06 am
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 757
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Thanks for posting, best wishes for the future 
Feb 15th 2008, 1:55 pm
#3
Im here to help :)
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Flying to the Gold Coast 3rd July to live the dream - woo hoo!!!!!!!!
Posts: 272
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Hi all,
Thought I would give you a quick up date!
Phil and I moved to Brisbane in May with our kids Alana(6) and Arron (4).I am a nurse and had a job at the Royal Childrens Hospital in oncology(a specialism I have worked in for a long time).
We hired a holiday house in Sandgate(25k north of the city) for 4 weeks-it was area we had researched loads and thought it might be a good place to start.The initial few weeks were hectic to say the least-there was so much to do!We started by looking at school and Kindy for the kids(we planned to rent in an area near the schools that we liked).There was alot of choice and we visited quite a few before deciding on Brighton State school for Alana and Brighton Pre school for Arron.It was a tough decision to make without really having anyone to ask.We went mainly on gut instinct and it has proved to be a good decision!
I had already opened a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank and transferred money over prior to moving out.All I had to do was go to my local branch(they are everywhere) and take my passport.The guy in the bank was so helpful and organised everything for me-I even have my car insurance and house insurance with them because they helped me out loads and were very patient with my stupid questions!!!They even kept the bank open late for me one night so I could arrange car insurance and pick up my car the next day!
We used a relocation agent so we had a day out with them looking at the local area(they found Arrons Pre school for us).They also came with us to look at houses and were our referees on the application forms.They were helpful but I still had to do alot myself and because I had done so much research I found I sometimes knew more than them(we were only their 3 rd clients!).
Finding a house was tricky as there is alot of competition.We rented a lovely 3 bed house in a nice area and the application wasnt really a problem cos I had a job.I gave them the name of my nurse manager and they contacted her to confirm my details etc.
We bought a cheap second hand car,which turned out to be a disaster-it literally blew up after 6 months!!But by that time we had an established credit history and were able to buy a shiny new one!
Phil stayed at home for the first 6 months while we all settled in and now works in a local restaurant.He found work fairly easily.I have moved jobs(cos I hated the Royal) and now work in a small local hospital.I love it and have just been promoted!
We moved from our first rental to be nearer to the beach and now live in Margate(!) on the Recliffe penisula.It was much easier to get a house the second time cos we had rented before.The kids are really settling in well.Alana loves school and is really thriving in a less pressured enviroment.Arron starts school next year.I was initially worried that he would fall behind his peers in the UK but he is really learning alot(without knowing it).Everyone at both schools was really sensitive to the huge upheaval we have experienced as a family and have really tried to help the kids settle in.The pre school helped me to apply for child care benefit and we get 65% of our fees paid for us!The kids have loads of friends and now take swimming and karate lessons.Alana just spent 3 days a week at vacation care over the school holidays and had a ball!I felt so guilty having to put her in cos at home I would have had people to rely on but she loved it and they did really great things with them(going to Seaworld,the movies,skating etc).
I was always worried about being home sick.I have had my moments;when my sister got engaged,my god son turned 1,my nephew asked if he come come on the plane to see Alana and Arron and of course Xmas.It hasnt been crippling as I thought.Facebook has been my saviour!My dad and sis use TalkTalk and get free calls to oz so I think I talk to them more now than I did in the UK.Both sets of parents are visiting this year and my sister-in-law is coming in 4 weeks.
We came here with very little-we shipped 5 boxes and brought 5 suitcases-we sold everything else!We literally have had to start again.We had no house to sell in the UK so have to rent here for a while before we save a deposit to buy a house.We are def better off here than in the UK.We love our jobs,kids are much healthier and happier,we are starting to make friends(we even have a babysitter so we can at last go out!!),we have more quality time as a family and we do have more money!In the UK,we rarely ate out,bought new clothes etc.We couldnt have afforded swimming lessons or Sky TV-here we can!We are not rich and we watch our money but we feel much better off.We have annual passes to Dreamworld(A cheap day out now for us),we go to fab local beaches and parks,up the mountains and to the Botanical gardens all for free!Our local swimming pool is also free!
Moving to Oz has been the best thing(as well as the hardest) we have ever done.We have PR so plan to become citizens in 2 years(we were lucky and arrived here before they made it 4 years).Is it for ever?Maybe?Forever is a long time to be this far from my family but we take each day as it comes and dont plan too far ahead.Life is for living and thats what we are doing!We are so happy!
Top tips:
Be prepared-do your research
Get a Oz drivers licence asap(thay use it for everything here)
Make a HUGE effort to get out and meet people
Go with the flow-dont stress too much!
Buy a barbie!!
Hope this helps!!
Andy
Thought I would give you a quick up date!
Phil and I moved to Brisbane in May with our kids Alana(6) and Arron (4).I am a nurse and had a job at the Royal Childrens Hospital in oncology(a specialism I have worked in for a long time).
We hired a holiday house in Sandgate(25k north of the city) for 4 weeks-it was area we had researched loads and thought it might be a good place to start.The initial few weeks were hectic to say the least-there was so much to do!We started by looking at school and Kindy for the kids(we planned to rent in an area near the schools that we liked).There was alot of choice and we visited quite a few before deciding on Brighton State school for Alana and Brighton Pre school for Arron.It was a tough decision to make without really having anyone to ask.We went mainly on gut instinct and it has proved to be a good decision!
I had already opened a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank and transferred money over prior to moving out.All I had to do was go to my local branch(they are everywhere) and take my passport.The guy in the bank was so helpful and organised everything for me-I even have my car insurance and house insurance with them because they helped me out loads and were very patient with my stupid questions!!!They even kept the bank open late for me one night so I could arrange car insurance and pick up my car the next day!
We used a relocation agent so we had a day out with them looking at the local area(they found Arrons Pre school for us).They also came with us to look at houses and were our referees on the application forms.They were helpful but I still had to do alot myself and because I had done so much research I found I sometimes knew more than them(we were only their 3 rd clients!).
Finding a house was tricky as there is alot of competition.We rented a lovely 3 bed house in a nice area and the application wasnt really a problem cos I had a job.I gave them the name of my nurse manager and they contacted her to confirm my details etc.
We bought a cheap second hand car,which turned out to be a disaster-it literally blew up after 6 months!!But by that time we had an established credit history and were able to buy a shiny new one!
Phil stayed at home for the first 6 months while we all settled in and now works in a local restaurant.He found work fairly easily.I have moved jobs(cos I hated the Royal) and now work in a small local hospital.I love it and have just been promoted!
We moved from our first rental to be nearer to the beach and now live in Margate(!) on the Recliffe penisula.It was much easier to get a house the second time cos we had rented before.The kids are really settling in well.Alana loves school and is really thriving in a less pressured enviroment.Arron starts school next year.I was initially worried that he would fall behind his peers in the UK but he is really learning alot(without knowing it).Everyone at both schools was really sensitive to the huge upheaval we have experienced as a family and have really tried to help the kids settle in.The pre school helped me to apply for child care benefit and we get 65% of our fees paid for us!The kids have loads of friends and now take swimming and karate lessons.Alana just spent 3 days a week at vacation care over the school holidays and had a ball!I felt so guilty having to put her in cos at home I would have had people to rely on but she loved it and they did really great things with them(going to Seaworld,the movies,skating etc).
I was always worried about being home sick.I have had my moments;when my sister got engaged,my god son turned 1,my nephew asked if he come come on the plane to see Alana and Arron and of course Xmas.It hasnt been crippling as I thought.Facebook has been my saviour!My dad and sis use TalkTalk and get free calls to oz so I think I talk to them more now than I did in the UK.Both sets of parents are visiting this year and my sister-in-law is coming in 4 weeks.
We came here with very little-we shipped 5 boxes and brought 5 suitcases-we sold everything else!We literally have had to start again.We had no house to sell in the UK so have to rent here for a while before we save a deposit to buy a house.We are def better off here than in the UK.We love our jobs,kids are much healthier and happier,we are starting to make friends(we even have a babysitter so we can at last go out!!),we have more quality time as a family and we do have more money!In the UK,we rarely ate out,bought new clothes etc.We couldnt have afforded swimming lessons or Sky TV-here we can!We are not rich and we watch our money but we feel much better off.We have annual passes to Dreamworld(A cheap day out now for us),we go to fab local beaches and parks,up the mountains and to the Botanical gardens all for free!Our local swimming pool is also free!
Moving to Oz has been the best thing(as well as the hardest) we have ever done.We have PR so plan to become citizens in 2 years(we were lucky and arrived here before they made it 4 years).Is it for ever?Maybe?Forever is a long time to be this far from my family but we take each day as it comes and dont plan too far ahead.Life is for living and thats what we are doing!We are so happy!
Top tips:
Be prepared-do your research
Get a Oz drivers licence asap(thay use it for everything here)
Make a HUGE effort to get out and meet people
Go with the flow-dont stress too much!
Buy a barbie!!
Hope this helps!!
Andy
Feb 15th 2008, 2:04 pm
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,693
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
[ QUOTE]
Excellent reading that, well done !
Dave
Excellent reading that, well done !
Dave
Feb 15th 2008, 2:20 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Wirral, UK
Posts: 33
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Great post, glad you're enjoying it.
Feb 15th 2008, 3:34 pm
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Where the sun always shines
Posts: 3,627
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Fab post great to hear you are all settled and are loving it, hears to the next 9 month may you continue to enjoy
Feb 16th 2008, 1:02 pm
#7
visa holder
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Thornlands, Bayside
Posts: 1,964
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Wow great positive post. Really enjoyed reading it. Hope you continue to enjoy your new life and all the best for your futures
Joex
Joex
Feb 16th 2008, 1:17 pm
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Back in bonnie Scotland
Posts: 914
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Hi, super post, sounds like you have done a good job of getting all your family settled. Well done!
Regards
Shabee
Regards
Shabee
Feb 16th 2008, 8:06 pm
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Tropical North QLD
Posts: 21,434
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Fantastic post & really great to hear that things are working out for you!
Feb 17th 2008, 2:31 pm
#10
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 14
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Hi all,
Thought I would give you a quick up date!
Phil and I moved to Brisbane in May with our kids Alana(6) and Arron (4).I am a nurse and had a job at the Royal Childrens Hospital in oncology(a specialism I have worked in for a long time).
We hired a holiday house in Sandgate(25k north of the city) for 4 weeks-it was area we had researched loads and thought it might be a good place to start.The initial few weeks were hectic to say the least-there was so much to do!We started by looking at school and Kindy for the kids(we planned to rent in an area near the schools that we liked).There was alot of choice and we visited quite a few before deciding on Brighton State school for Alana and Brighton Pre school for Arron.It was a tough decision to make without really having anyone to ask.We went mainly on gut instinct and it has proved to be a good decision!
I had already opened a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank and transferred money over prior to moving out.All I had to do was go to my local branch(they are everywhere) and take my passport.The guy in the bank was so helpful and organised everything for me-I even have my car insurance and house insurance with them because they helped me out loads and were very patient with my stupid questions!!!They even kept the bank open late for me one night so I could arrange car insurance and pick up my car the next day!
We used a relocation agent so we had a day out with them looking at the local area(they found Arrons Pre school for us).They also came with us to look at houses and were our referees on the application forms.They were helpful but I still had to do alot myself and because I had done so much research I found I sometimes knew more than them(we were only their 3 rd clients!).
Finding a house was tricky as there is alot of competition.We rented a lovely 3 bed house in a nice area and the application wasnt really a problem cos I had a job.I gave them the name of my nurse manager and they contacted her to confirm my details etc.
We bought a cheap second hand car,which turned out to be a disaster-it literally blew up after 6 months!!But by that time we had an established credit history and were able to buy a shiny new one!
Phil stayed at home for the first 6 months while we all settled in and now works in a local restaurant.He found work fairly easily.I have moved jobs(cos I hated the Royal) and now work in a small local hospital.I love it and have just been promoted!
We moved from our first rental to be nearer to the beach and now live in Margate(!) on the Recliffe penisula.It was much easier to get a house the second time cos we had rented before.The kids are really settling in well.Alana loves school and is really thriving in a less pressured enviroment.Arron starts school next year.I was initially worried that he would fall behind his peers in the UK but he is really learning alot(without knowing it).Everyone at both schools was really sensitive to the huge upheaval we have experienced as a family and have really tried to help the kids settle in.The pre school helped me to apply for child care benefit and we get 65% of our fees paid for us!The kids have loads of friends and now take swimming and karate lessons.Alana just spent 3 days a week at vacation care over the school holidays and had a ball!I felt so guilty having to put her in cos at home I would have had people to rely on but she loved it and they did really great things with them(going to Seaworld,the movies,skating etc).
I was always worried about being home sick.I have had my moments;when my sister got engaged,my god son turned 1,my nephew asked if he come come on the plane to see Alana and Arron and of course Xmas.It hasnt been crippling as I thought.Facebook has been my saviour!My dad and sis use TalkTalk and get free calls to oz so I think I talk to them more now than I did in the UK.Both sets of parents are visiting this year and my sister-in-law is coming in 4 weeks.
We came here with very little-we shipped 5 boxes and brought 5 suitcases-we sold everything else!We literally have had to start again.We had no house to sell in the UK so have to rent here for a while before we save a deposit to buy a house.We are def better off here than in the UK.We love our jobs,kids are much healthier and happier,we are starting to make friends(we even have a babysitter so we can at last go out!!),we have more quality time as a family and we do have more money!In the UK,we rarely ate out,bought new clothes etc.We couldnt have afforded swimming lessons or Sky TV-here we can!We are not rich and we watch our money but we feel much better off.We have annual passes to Dreamworld(A cheap day out now for us),we go to fab local beaches and parks,up the mountains and to the Botanical gardens all for free!Our local swimming pool is also free!
Moving to Oz has been the best thing(as well as the hardest) we have ever done.We have PR so plan to become citizens in 2 years(we were lucky and arrived here before they made it 4 years).Is it for ever?Maybe?Forever is a long time to be this far from my family but we take each day as it comes and dont plan too far ahead.Life is for living and thats what we are doing!We are so happy!
Top tips:
Be prepared-do your research
Get a Oz drivers licence asap(thay use it for everything here)
Make a HUGE effort to get out and meet people
Go with the flow-dont stress too much!
Buy a barbie!!
Hope this helps!!
Andy
Thought I would give you a quick up date!
Phil and I moved to Brisbane in May with our kids Alana(6) and Arron (4).I am a nurse and had a job at the Royal Childrens Hospital in oncology(a specialism I have worked in for a long time).
We hired a holiday house in Sandgate(25k north of the city) for 4 weeks-it was area we had researched loads and thought it might be a good place to start.The initial few weeks were hectic to say the least-there was so much to do!We started by looking at school and Kindy for the kids(we planned to rent in an area near the schools that we liked).There was alot of choice and we visited quite a few before deciding on Brighton State school for Alana and Brighton Pre school for Arron.It was a tough decision to make without really having anyone to ask.We went mainly on gut instinct and it has proved to be a good decision!
I had already opened a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank and transferred money over prior to moving out.All I had to do was go to my local branch(they are everywhere) and take my passport.The guy in the bank was so helpful and organised everything for me-I even have my car insurance and house insurance with them because they helped me out loads and were very patient with my stupid questions!!!They even kept the bank open late for me one night so I could arrange car insurance and pick up my car the next day!
We used a relocation agent so we had a day out with them looking at the local area(they found Arrons Pre school for us).They also came with us to look at houses and were our referees on the application forms.They were helpful but I still had to do alot myself and because I had done so much research I found I sometimes knew more than them(we were only their 3 rd clients!).
Finding a house was tricky as there is alot of competition.We rented a lovely 3 bed house in a nice area and the application wasnt really a problem cos I had a job.I gave them the name of my nurse manager and they contacted her to confirm my details etc.
We bought a cheap second hand car,which turned out to be a disaster-it literally blew up after 6 months!!But by that time we had an established credit history and were able to buy a shiny new one!
Phil stayed at home for the first 6 months while we all settled in and now works in a local restaurant.He found work fairly easily.I have moved jobs(cos I hated the Royal) and now work in a small local hospital.I love it and have just been promoted!
We moved from our first rental to be nearer to the beach and now live in Margate(!) on the Recliffe penisula.It was much easier to get a house the second time cos we had rented before.The kids are really settling in well.Alana loves school and is really thriving in a less pressured enviroment.Arron starts school next year.I was initially worried that he would fall behind his peers in the UK but he is really learning alot(without knowing it).Everyone at both schools was really sensitive to the huge upheaval we have experienced as a family and have really tried to help the kids settle in.The pre school helped me to apply for child care benefit and we get 65% of our fees paid for us!The kids have loads of friends and now take swimming and karate lessons.Alana just spent 3 days a week at vacation care over the school holidays and had a ball!I felt so guilty having to put her in cos at home I would have had people to rely on but she loved it and they did really great things with them(going to Seaworld,the movies,skating etc).
I was always worried about being home sick.I have had my moments;when my sister got engaged,my god son turned 1,my nephew asked if he come come on the plane to see Alana and Arron and of course Xmas.It hasnt been crippling as I thought.Facebook has been my saviour!My dad and sis use TalkTalk and get free calls to oz so I think I talk to them more now than I did in the UK.Both sets of parents are visiting this year and my sister-in-law is coming in 4 weeks.
We came here with very little-we shipped 5 boxes and brought 5 suitcases-we sold everything else!We literally have had to start again.We had no house to sell in the UK so have to rent here for a while before we save a deposit to buy a house.We are def better off here than in the UK.We love our jobs,kids are much healthier and happier,we are starting to make friends(we even have a babysitter so we can at last go out!!),we have more quality time as a family and we do have more money!In the UK,we rarely ate out,bought new clothes etc.We couldnt have afforded swimming lessons or Sky TV-here we can!We are not rich and we watch our money but we feel much better off.We have annual passes to Dreamworld(A cheap day out now for us),we go to fab local beaches and parks,up the mountains and to the Botanical gardens all for free!Our local swimming pool is also free!
Moving to Oz has been the best thing(as well as the hardest) we have ever done.We have PR so plan to become citizens in 2 years(we were lucky and arrived here before they made it 4 years).Is it for ever?Maybe?Forever is a long time to be this far from my family but we take each day as it comes and dont plan too far ahead.Life is for living and thats what we are doing!We are so happy!
Top tips:
Be prepared-do your research
Get a Oz drivers licence asap(thay use it for everything here)
Make a HUGE effort to get out and meet people
Go with the flow-dont stress too much!
Buy a barbie!!
Hope this helps!!
Andy
Feb 17th 2008, 5:47 pm
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 1,343
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Wow Andy, what a fab post I really enjoyed reading it and thanks for the information. We just can't wait to get there. Here's to another 9 months and keep us updated.
Feb 18th 2008, 3:15 am
#12
member
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: Newport,Redcliffe,Qld
Posts: 321
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
Hi Guys!
Thanks for all your replies-didnt realise how long the post was till I re read it just now!Sorry!!!
I do tend to waffle!!
Thanks for all your replies-didnt realise how long the post was till I re read it just now!Sorry!!!
I do tend to waffle!!
Feb 18th 2008, 2:26 pm
#13
Kate,Mark,Jack and Scott
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: away with the fairies
Posts: 152
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
great post Andy, you sound so relaxed considering you've done so much. look forward to the next updated.kate
Feb 18th 2008, 6:17 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Cupar, Scotland
Posts: 183
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
I loved reading that!! Thanks for posting and good luck, hope your future in OZ stays bright and happy 
Feb 19th 2008, 1:47 pm
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Leighton Buzzard... still
Posts: 791
Re: 9 months on and no regrets!!
great post, glad your, loving your new life and thanks for the advice