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If you ever lived in Canberra you'd know it's a great place.

Great post - Canberra is truly amazing

After nearly two years going through the visa process, thanks to multiple changes from DIAC along the way, our visas were granted. The very same day we booked one-way flights for four weeks time, handed in our notice at work and booked our leaving party venue. Those four weeks were bliss but emotional. BUT, less than 24 hours before our flight - that's when everything went wrong. The start of our Australian adventure was going to be the worst imaginable. We received a phone call saying my partner's brother, at the age of 40, was on life support with a suspected brain haemorrhage. A few hours later he had died. It was the worst few hours possible. Speaking to his mother and father they said we should still get on the plane as it's what his brother would have wanted. It was the hardest decision ever to leave, but we did. The 24 hour flight was an opportunity to reflect on what had happened and we had some emotional moments during the trip. We found our feet quickly in Australia which was terrific but then disaster struck again six months later. We received a call saying my partner's father had died. This was the last of our awful bad luck. Now for the good stuff. We're three months away from being able to apply for citizenship. We love Canberra. We have awesome friends and jobs. The lifestyle is amazing and we wouldn't change anything. Australia really does offer a great life. It takes some work at first, but once you're settled it's truly awesome. It really can be AWESOME, if we can do it after everything we went through then anyone can. Just be prepared to work for it in the beginning. :wink:

Aside from all the important stuff, you've picked a great place to start life in Australia. Canberra is amazing. It might not be many people's first choice, but it is great. I've been here nearly three years now and I love it. It'll be cold when you arrive but Spring will be here soon. Spring, Summer and Autumn are amazing and Winter isn't too long and actually mostly sunny (but cold). Maybe we'll catch up with you when you get here (although we fly to London tomorrow for a four week holiday - my first time back in three years since we emigrated)!!!!! Michael and Mark

It was a great afternoon. Hope you enjoyed Sirens and your Indian?

Really enjoyed the BBQ today!

Looking forward to the Crace BBQ tomorrow. Hope to see everyone there. ​Mark and Michael

Us too Mike. Only one more day until the weekend. :wink:

Only a week to go now until the Poms In Oz BBQ at Crace. Looks like there's going to be a great turn out! Looking forward to catching up with everyone. Mark and Michael

Hi, Would be great if you can make it, but if not there'll always be another time. M and M

You could try the big companies in the city such as ACTEW AGL.

Hi, You're gonna love it. Canberra really is great. We're having a Poms In Oz BBQ in a couple of weeks, but it's before you get here. There'll be plenty of others though. If you have any questions when you get here just let us know! Michael and Mark

Hi Mrs Moo (love the name), Looking forward to cathcing up. M&M

Hi Woodsy, Looks like a good turn out now! Will be good to meet you and all the others who are coming. Let's hope it's not too cold. M&M

Of course you can come :biggrin:. Think there'll be quite a good turn out now!