Fanya

The positions I applied for were all community nursing job. However I work in mental health and it's community mental health I work in now. To be honest I don't think they have the district nursing type jobs like in the U.K. They seemed to be a bit more clinic based but there are nursing jobs within community health or GP surgeries is another option (these are all privately run). However it might be that your partner considers Hospital based nursing as a means of getting 'a foot through the door' should we say if it's the Sunshine Coast you want to move to.

Sorry Steven, only just seen this post. Congratulations on your job offer and I hope the move went well. There is a 'poms on the Sunshine Coast' Facebook page which can be helpful.

Hi Tracy, When I was applying for jobs there were quite a lot advertised on the QLD Health website and I just applied. When applying make sure you mention in the cover letter that you already have your visa and are ready to move. It is also worthwhile e-mailing or telephoning before you apply for the job. Or give the head of the department a call in the area you are interested in working and let them known your circumstances and ask to forward your CV. Even being offered a temporary 6 month contract is a start and often results in something more permanent for most. The Sunshine Coast is opening a new hospital this month, its massive so over the past 12 months there has been loads of recruitment. Best of luck.

Hi Alex, Absolutely no regrets. We have really settled into the Aussie way of life. We bought a house in Buderim after renting for 6 months which really made us feel more at home. My fella managed to get work locally (Kawana) after 8 months are being here. Gone from a 1hr + awful commute to Brisbane to a 15 minute push bike ride to work. I have really enjoyed my work and recently got a promotion and reduced hours which is awesome. Boys are so settled and thriving, outdoors all the time, probably watch about 30 minutes of TV a day here. Eldest has just finished prep and loved it. Can't think of a better place to raise children. Are you all sorted with visas etc? Have you any employment organised? What has made you decide on the move down under? There is a Facebook group called poms on the Sunshine Coast which is good to join as they occasionally have meet ups which is a good way of meeting people. Good luck with the move

Hi Neil, I have heard only good things about Mountain Creek State School. It has a really good reputation. My little boy will be starting there in January. Are you guys still set to move in August? It's a great time of year, beautiful sunny days without any humidity. If you have any questions about the local area give me a shout. We recently just bought in Buderim having rented in Sippy Downs for the first 6months. It's been a busy 12 months here in Oz but we have absolutely no regrets and our boys just love it!! My drive to work when I see the sea it makes me smile and I feel very lucky to be here.

Congratulations Jac2011 on the job offer. You will love Townsville it's a great place for families. The esplanade is lovely and salt water pool area is great during summer when it's not as safe to swim in the sea. Although as I remember they do have stinger nets. Townsville was a definite possibility for us. However having tried Mackay for two months we finally settled with the Sunshine Coast. 12 months on we have no regrets with the move down under. Miss family in the UK massively but live our wonderful outdoor life style here and our boys are really happy. Wishing you lots of success. Have you an in-patient job or community?

He he is a tool maker by trade, was a builder before we left the UK but been working as a fitter here in Australia. He used to commute to Brisbane daily leaving 5.15 to get to work for 7am. I have only been to Brisbane on a handful of occasions but I know I could not do that commute. The traffic is horrendous as you start to reach North Lakes. However you do what you need to do and he did it for a good 8 months. Luckily he now works 10 mins drive from home which is great! You out will absolutely love the Sunshine Coast and in regards to where to live there are so many great places to choose from. When we first arrive we looked at Coolum as we really liked the area but because of my fella and his work at the time it was more practice to look for somewhere near the M1 hence why we were looking at Buderim and Mountain Creek area as its 5 mins to motorway so less of a drive if you have to commute. It's 10 mins from the beach and boat ramps etc. 10 mins to Plaza. They are great areas and besically everything is easily accessible. Plus during the busy tourist months you are not directly effected. Good luck with the move. 12 months in and we have no regrets!

Hi Neil, We live in Buderim which is next to Mountain Creek. Really happy with the area. Everything is really accessible. Less than 10 min drive to the beach. We love Mooloolaba. It's near the motorway if you need. Close to all the shops. Really can't complain. It's really central for working anywhere on the Coast. Feel very lucky living on the Coast. Moutain Creek school has a really good reputation.

We moved to the Sunshine Coast a year ago now from Lancashire with our young family. It truely is a wonderful place to live but again not to sound negative finding employment here is not easy. My fella found work quickly in Brisbane which he took despite the 2 and a half hour dreadful commute daily. He was constantly applying for positions on the coast and was successful 6 weeks ago. I was fortunate enough to to secure a full time job with QLD Health prior to leaving the UK. Certainly not not trying to put you off and you may be very lucky with employment. However it is a desirable place to live and as a result there are not may jobs and lots of people applying. It may be worth looking for employment prior to leaving the UK. Its ts an exciting time and I wish you all the best!

Hi Hayley, just ts wondering gave you made the move yet? If so how are you finding life on the Sunshine Coast?

Just sent you a PM Nina.

Hey Marcus, Exciting news!!! When are you moving? We are considerably more settled. Boys all at one nursery and enjoying it. They are 2 and 3. I really enjoy my community nurse job in Maroochydore. We bought a house just before Christmas in Buderim and moved in two weeks ago. Feels so much better being in our own home. We opted to buy in the Mountain Creek school catchment area as the public schools and have a good reputation. It's a great locations and close to everything we need. It's been a hectic past 9 months since we left the ok with some testing and difficult times but I have no regret so far! Wishing you lots of luck with the move. It's a lovely place to live, however I think there are lots of amazing places to live in Austealia!

Hi Amy, Sorry for the late response, not been on for a long while. You wont be disappointed with the Sunshine Coast, it's a great place for raising children. My boys are just thriving here. After 8 months we are really starting to feel settled, boys are finally happy in nursery. This took a little while with them going to two different nurseries and each at a different nursery on the same day due to availability which was very confusing for them. However its all settled now. I really enjoy me job. We actually bought a house in Buderim two days before Christmas (which was very exciting) and moved in last week. Christmas was a quite affair, missed the family very much so. Although spent the day with friends and cheered ourselves up with picking up some awesome kayaks off Gumtree and have been getting out on the water which is fun (boys actually fall asleep as we are paddling along). Gradually making friends which is great, but obviously it takes time to build really good relationships.....like the friends back home. But I have found people to be friendly, everyone at work was offering help with the move.....someone brought home made banana bread round......something I have not had before arriving here!! As I have said before, we love the outdoors, so Australia in general is a great destination for us. I find there is lots we can do that doesn't have to cost. I love Mooloolaba, excellent fish and chips from the Fish Market at Mooloolaba Spit (often go on a Sunday with a bottle of wine or a few beers, eat and drink whilst watching the boys on the palyground), fabulous esplanade, great for a morning walk and of courses beautiful beautiful beaches. The great thing is you can always find a quite spot even during the busy months........school holidays get very busy! In regards to housing, there is usually a few rentals around, although they do go quick so you need to pretty much make a decision there and then at time of viewing.............that's my experience. Also you may change your mind about the area you wish to live depending on where you like or where you secure employment. Downside with the Sunshine Coast is that there are not many jobs and but there are a lot of people looking. My fella works northside of Brisbane which is a commute 1hr 15 mins each way (which good traffic), which is rubbish, but its work? Obviously he is looking for work closer but there is not much about. I would recommend having a job to come to before you make the move here or the funds to cover you for a period. Please don't consider this a negative it just seems to be the state of affairs at the moment. Even in the nursing field it seems that clinical staff are leaving but not being replaced. Although restructuring is going on at the moment. Think this will change though with the new Sunshine Coast Hospital opening in 2016. For jobs for your hubby check out SEEK.COM.AU. I too was very scared and remained undecided about the decision for the first few months of being here but luckily it's all falling into place. I am really glad we made the move! I am sure that you and your children will not regret it if you make the move. Weather is great 9 months of the year. Summer (now) are the worse months with humidity but to be honest I have not found it too bad. Where are you living? Have you got your visa's sorted out? Wishing you lots of luck. Keep me updated!

Hi Marcus, How exciting! I assure you will really enjoy the Sunshine Coast. Have you been before? How long have you lived in Adelaide? Coolum beach is a great place. The beach is amazing and next to it is a play area and skating area. There is often bit of events going on and around the beach. Lots of activities and groups for children to join in with. It has a lovely surf club and the library is great for young children. I just get a great feel about the place. The place can get busy during peak season and at the weekends but nothing like the beaches in Spain! However just a short drive away takes you to quieter spots. We enjoy going to weekend markets, live music on, stalls and lots to eat as you walk around. The Sunshine Coast has loads of good markets. I have heard good things about the local schools both primary and secondary. People seem nice from what I have experienced. We definitely looked initially to live in that area but my fella got a job north of Brisbane so we ended up in Sippy Downs as it's quick access to the motorway. Although still only a 10 minute drive to Mooloolaba ( again another great beach and place to look around, get a coffee) and the same for me to get to work in Maroochydore. Mount Coolum and Marcoola are also nice but don't have the same kind of sense of community as there is no real centre. Not sure if you will be needing day care. I am struggling to find places for my two boys at the moment. Rentals, it can vary. I think we were looking at a time when there was not much about and lots of people looking. Weather so far here have been glorious. Odd rainy day but mainly blue skies. Quite cold still evenings and mornings but the day soon warms up. We are definitely settling in, may not have secured day care yet but boys are in swimming lessons and soon start little kickers. Hope this has helped.

Yes, the Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital is currently being built due to open in November 2016. Its a big site and there a numerous cranes on site now. http://www.health.qld.gov.au/scuhospital/ For more information about future job opportunities at the new public hospital and to register your interest, email the Workforce Planning Team at SCHHS-Workforce-Planning@health.qld.gov.au. The Private Hospital is on the same site and already in use. Including the mental health facility.