whoiam

Vaya is cheap and cheerful.

We live in Sydney--OH is a GP. He has had no probs settling in and patients generally just see how good a doc you are and arent that bothered about skin colour. In general I will find it hard to say that Sydney is any more racist than many parts of the UK. There are just so many people from so many places--its truly a multicultural place.

I have nothing much to add to what has already been said---can feel your pain. But take heart---things can only get better and may be validating your visa could be a good start point. Wishing you and family all the very best from the bottom of my heart.

There is racism--but I don't think there is enough to worry too much about--especially in the cities. then there are prejudices---like what some aussies have for poms--cant call it racism since both are the same race--but as always all these effect people. The easiest thing if you worry about your kids is to get them into a school where they wont stick out like a sore thumb--whatever the race is. For example even if a white kid goes to a heavily multi school there is the possibility of being bullied for being white or a pom. Im not saying only to stick with your own--just make it easier for your kid--if he/she is multi racial check them into a place that is not predominantly of one race type--thats all. At the end of the day we can only do so much--they've got to live in the real world around them and develop coping mechanisms.

Oh No! It has many more 'days' in front of it -- long may PIO live and prosper:laugh:. At the end of the day its a great forum because of the great people on here and I think the owners are blest to have such a dynamic group of PIO lovers out there in the nether world and we indeed are grateful to the owners for such a wonderful portal--for offering a 'jack of all needs' kinda place! All the very best for many many morrows.

Prices are exorbitant yes--but you are looking at one of the most popular cities in the Southern hemisphere! I think You can get nice new modern estates built entirely for the modern family --places like Stanhope Gardens etc there are communal halls for entertaining, swimming pools etc--each for a street or two. On the other hand there are plenty of older homes--some fibro--which you can buy and renovate if thats your cup of tea. Somewhere in between you can easily rent a duplex--3 or 4 bed home with all modern amenities and a yard or back garden depending on budget. From what Ive seen in my recent property search is that many of the older homes too are being renovated for the rental market with new kitchens and wooden flooring throughout---so again thats another choice if you like. But what you would be hard pressed to find is rows of 1930's and 40's homes brick built etc like you would in England. one has to understand that the weather in Sydney is different to England and that it is indeed an asian country by weather standards at least. Commuting is the norm here and there is a good enough system of rail so you will be surprised at where a one hour commute will get you. All in all -- the choice is there--one just needs to look. Sydney is more a collection of smaller cities mind you--then one comprehensive whole.

It is despair and lack of hope that leads to a real suicide--of course there are attention seekers who do enough to get to A&E several times and sometime down the line their calculations botch up and 'it' happens. But most of the suicides are an end act--an act of despair and seeing no way down the road---either due to illness like depression(which sucks love and hope out of you) or due to financial and family issues. We cannot and should not judge them -- for each persons story is different and we haven't even walked a few steps in their shoes. I guess this is where spiritual support is necessary. In olden times seeking spiritual support/help was more acceptable in society--but nowadays one has to seemingly battle it out alone.

As many have mentioned above, there is indeed after and before school care available and that too associated with the school. But availability is another issue. So when u do your research it will be worthwhile to make enquiries through the schools as to who provides the care and their contact details etc---just so that u are not in for ' oh we are very sorry, we have a waiting list a mile long;!

I sent a lot of mails through gumtree but got only few replies. So it is useful but not very. And as always pay cash only in person.