valandmatt
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Hi Catlady2014 We emigrated in 2012 and live in Redland Bay where our daughter and grandchildren also live. We also have a son and grandkids just over the border in NSW. This forum was so helpful while we were waiting for our CPV and I still "lurk" now and again! I know when you first arrive it will be very hectic with lots to do but one day you may wish to start thinking about making new friends etc. There are many clubs to join, in and around the bayside area, but if you're interested, there is a coffee group which meets once a week at various local cafes for age 50+ ladies, predominantly English, but certainly not exclusively, to chat and laugh and swap stories and hints and tips for living in Oz. I'll pm you my mobile and when and if you're interested give me a call. Or feel free to ring if you just want to chat. All the best for your move. The Redlands is a beautiful area. Val x Sent from my SM-G920I using PomsinOz mobile app
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Hi Ginny, It took about 6 months to get our 173 to 143 visa granted. It seemed to take a while to complete the AOS, but then we're in Brisbane and Centrelink seem to have a bit of a reputation for dragging their heels! This was in 2013 so they may have improved since then. We just had to keep IMMI updated and all was well. All the best Val
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Meet friends Birkdale, Redlands area
valandmatt replied to Stockportgirl's topic in Socialising Hobbies Clubs Sport
Aww just found this post, can't believe we missed the curry night - we love the Birkdale curry too and have been there a few times (and the chippy next door!) If you arrange another, keep us in mind!! Only been here two years (we live in Redland Bay) but wanting to make new friends. Also have a furry friend if anyone wants to meet up for dog walks. Val and Matt -
Sounds good to me - Count us in! Looking forward to meeting you. Val and Matt
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Hi Soapyjo, we too find ourselves in much the same boat as you, and are looking at ways to expand our social circle. Although we live in Redland Bay, we have just joined the Wynnum/Manly Bayside Socials. If you go to meetup.com you can scroll through all the different meet ups around the Brisbane area. There's also a facebook page called Poms on the Bay. There's a catch up in Cleveland on Thursday 4th September at 12.30 in the Fiction Bar overlooking the marina, which I'm going to and would be happy to meet you there if you'd like - I'll PM you my contact number. It seems as though there are quite a few of us "mature" poms who are looking to meet up, so lets throw it out there - if you're reading this and are interested in meeting up for a drink, then suggestions for date and place gratefully accepted. Val
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Hi Fran, the part of the process which involves Centrelink is what takes the time, you will be frustrated at how slow they will be at processing your AOS. Just email PVC in 14 days time and explain that you have made contact with Centrelink, and that the AOS process has begun. So long as you keep them in the loop, you'll be fine. Ours took 7 months altogether, and no amount of phone calls speeded up the process. Centrelink are slow.....end of!! Val x
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Our situation is that we are in Australia on a 173 and have applied back in May for the 143. We received our acknowledgement in a reasonable time requesting AFP checks and for our Assurer to set up the Assurance of Support all within a time limit of 28 days! The AFP checks were quite quick and straight forward. However, Centrelink was rather more drawn out but eventually, our Assurer got a letter of acceptance dated 25 July. All paperwork was sent to PVC Perth and we have heard nothing since. I sent an email at the end of August, and they eventually replied saying that they were waiting to hear from Centrelink regarding the AOS. So another phone call to Centrelink (almost an hour on hold before anyone answers). They said they had sent the paperwork straight away, but would send it again. Still nothing from PVC, so sent another email at the end of Sept and to date we have not even had a reply! And so we wait..........
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Hi Nuttynan, yes you can do most things on the 173 visa, we are on this type of visa and had no issues changing our driving licences, bought a property, medicare cards etc. Val
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Hi Cath, have a safe flight, I bet after all the waiting, these last few weeks have been rather hectic. Whereabouts in Brisbane are you headed to? When you're settled and in need of some friendly faces and a natter, there are a few of us in and around the Redlands area, been here since last September/October. If you fancy a cuppa, please PM me and I'll organise a meet up with the others as well. Good luck with your new life - its great here, and we don't regret a thing!! Val x
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Hi, am interested in joining in your meet up, and don't want to sound ageist, but is there an age limit - not sure if grannies are included (60 year old) !!!! There could be three of us from around the Redland Bay/Birkdale/Hemmant areas!! Val x
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Hi Cath, we had our meds done earlier than asked as we felt if we were going to fail anything it would be that - we went to Maidenhead panel doctors and they did the paperwork using just the file number from the acknowledgement letter - all went well, and it was a relief (no reason to doubt our health, except hubby's blood pressure). However, about a month later we received a letter from DIAC requesting we get the meds and police checks done in preparation to getting a case officer in approximately 3-4 months time. This letter had the HAP ID on it. A TRN number is a Trade Recognition Number - this is if you are coming over on a skilled on demand Visa - so not us parents! So by the time we did get our CO she already had our meds and police check documents so there was no delay. So, if I had known this request letter was coming, I would have waited for the HAP ID number. I think some panel doctors (like ours) can do your medical without it, but I believe some don't. Hope this helps, Val
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Oh Phoebe, how absolutely wonderful! I'm so choked, the tears are rolling down my face I can't see the keyboard! But I am so happy for you - I'm sure its just what you needed! Val x
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Pheobe, it seems so ridiculous that there is such a long waiting time for something that's so serious and effecting your eating etc, and the pain you are in also, my heart goes out to you. Yes, its good news you now know what the cause is, I can't image the worry you've had, but to have this hanging over you for the next 12 months (at least) is just awful. I don't envy your next decision, but I wish you well. Val x
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Hi Val and Happy New Year to you and Dave! Glad to hear you're home safe and sound - we did think of you on New Year's Eve - that flight is an endurance test at the best of times! We also really enjoyed our afternoons with yourselves and Angie and Ted and hope its not too long before we have another! Fran - do contact one of us if you or anyone else is in the Bayside area and we'll arrange a meet-up! Val, I hope you are able to return to Oz permanently very soon and look forward to seeing you again. All the very best for 2013. Val and Matt x
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Wonderful news Fran! Wonderful feeling isn't it? At last the long wait is almost over! What a fantastic Xmas present too! All the best for the future here in Oz. Where abouts in Brisbane are you heading to, there's a few of us in the Redlands area, are you going to be anywhere near? Congratulations, Val x
