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We moved out in 2011, like most we had good jobs, our own home I a good area and plenty of friends etc. but wanted a better quality of life for the kids (recession hitting etc.) and of course for ourselves. We came believing this was it, yet knowing we could return to the UK if it totally fell apart. Short story long, 5 years later we are still here and loving every minute of it, our only regret is not having done it years ago. Don't get me wrong though there are ups and downs, and family sickness is a tough one. Come though with a mindset of 'just do it', you have to put yourself out more than you would back in blights as you are starting again in terms of your social world, but there are many like minded individuals here already and I am sure you will be fine. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It might be worth checking with your bank as to what rates they charge to transfer funds. First Direct is only £4 at the moment. That said I think people such as Moneycorp or Halo are free over a certain amount transferred. You can also ask them to only transfer if the rate hits a certain amount which would help in ensuring you get as many dollars as possible to help ensure your mortgage free dream. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Wow! that is a little odd, although it will be a franchise so perhaps there is a condition for such a business.

Hey Chris, Welcome to Canberra, it can be difficult to make friends in such a transient city but it is possible. The comment above about the meet up site is a good one although I have not been on it for some time. Again as above Jo and I would be very happy to catch up for a coffee or bite to eat anytime, just let us know

Just to add my two cents, I can't say I actually 'miss' anything, that said there are a few foods I gravitate to when I travel back to the UK to see family and friends. I agree with the light summer nights but as it is generally warner here its something you do get past pretty quick, just light a fire in the back yard and sit back and enjoy a cold one Australia isn't for everyone, then again neither is moving abroad full stop, my advice is simple, come with an open mind, give yourself time to adjust to things before making any judgements and I am sure you will have a blast

Not all federal departments require clearance/citizenship (although most do require citizenship to be fair) and if you have the right skill set for the job most will sponsor at least your baseline clearance. Generally you need to use an agency like Hays/Hudson for these roles. There is a lot of contract work in the ACT which is something to consider although this obviously can be heavily dependent on what's happening in government. There are jobs in the private sector, although a lot obviously have contracts with Fed Gov so again clearance comes in to play. All in all the ACT is an awesome place, I struggled with the whole clearance thing when I first arrived (5 years ago) but once you find your feet it is (within reason and skills depending) easy to get employment. One thing to remember however things can take a long time here, and often you hear nothing for weeks then things kick into action, the amount of times I have applied for something heard nothing for a few weeks, assumed I haven't got and then get a call for an interview is staggering, so my advise is don't panic, things will work out As mentioned above I think having PR is a good thing and will help a lot with many roles, and Shared Services (ACT local gov) are cool with that. All their jobs are advertised on their web site btw.

Hey Adam, Happy to catch up and offer any advise we can, came to Canberra in Sep 2011 and absolutly love it here.

Hi, we moved to Canberra in 2011, not been on this site for sometime (bad show on my part). Happy to meet for a coffee and offer any assistance we can

Agreed without citizenship it is harder to find work in IT but certainly not impossible. State government (Shared Services) don't generally require it and of course there is a wealth of private sector and educational institutions. 176 does have a huge advantage over a 457 due to the permanent residency status. Good luck, just shout if you need anything. Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

And one of those cars Quoll is still travelling well Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

You can work for the ACT local government, this is known as Shared Services, they do not for most positions require citizenship. In terms of Federal government you are best assuming that you can not work for them as this will cover 98% of the positions. People are right when they state that there are ways round the rules but as mentioned you either have to be a serious IT genius or know someone who has influence and that is not going to happen until you have been in town for some time. There are other IT opportunities out there as well though and you should be able to locate work, I managed it and a number of my friends have to. Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

Congratulations Nik Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

Make a pack up before you come out that you can hand to the realtor when you visit the rental as you will not be able to complete more than a third of the application form. We did this and included a page or so about us and the family, we had references from the UK estate agent as to the state of our house to prove we looked after it, neighbors instead of landlords, a UK credit check from the internet, a copy of our savings account statement to prove that even though we didn't have jobs we were good for the rent which all the landlord really cares about, lets be honest ? Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

Do call the agent if the property doesn't state pet friendly as often you will still be considered, that at least was our experience we visted five properties ( admittedly over a year ago) and got four of them and we have two dogs, only two of the five actually advised pet friendly. We live in Ngunnawal and have now bought here also. Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

I work at the ANU and we have the following positions available at present: [TABLE=width: 100%] [TR] [TD=align: right]Location[/TD] [TD=align: left]Canberra/ACT[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=align: right]Term of Contract[/TD] [TD=align: left]Permanent[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=align: right]Grade[/TD] [TD=align: left]ANU Officer Grade 5/6 (Information Technology)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Salary Package[/TD] [TD]$59,443 - $70,395 pa plus 17% superannuation[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=align: right]Closing Date[/TD] [TD=align: left]30 September 2012[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: top_bdr, align: right][/TD] [TD=class: top_bdr, align: left][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: top_bdr, align: right]Position Overview[/TD] [TD=class: top_bdr, align: left]A number of opportunities, both ongoing and fixed term, exist for people who enjoy providing high quality, user-centric IT support in a changing environment. You would be joining a team which provides level 1 and level 2 IT desktop support to staff and students of the ANU. The team provides a Standard Operating Environment (SOE) for student computer laboratories on campus as well as for many staff and currently supports over 2,500 desktop computers. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver exceptional levels of customer services including the ability to take ownership and accountability for delivering the best outcome for the customer and to develop positive working relationships with staff at all levels within a large institution. At the ANU we offer excellent remuneration and benefits package, generous superannuation and salary packaging arrangements including on-campus child care, car parking and a variety of other benefits, flexible working arrangements, a friendly and professional work environment and a picturesque campus equipped with, cafes, banks, Australia post and a gym Note: A current Driver's licence is desirable. Additionally it is a requirement of this position that the incumbent is physically fit and capable of moving items of moderate weight. Enquiries: Anne Kealley, T: 02 6125 1935, E: Anne.kealley@anu.edu.au The University actively encourages and welcomes applications from candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and is working hard to support their choices and inclusion in the workplace. If you are interested in talking about working at ANU as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, please contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant Ian Martin on T: 6125 5981 or E: Ian.Martin@anu.edu.au Please note that applications need to be submitted by the 30th of September, and the ad can be viewed at http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2942 [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]