Essex to Melbourne...hopefully

[LindyClogs]

Hi All,

I'm new to POI and just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. You all seem to be a very hepful, friendly and supportive bunch and I'm sure I'm going to need all of these things over the next couple of years.

We are a family of 4, my husband is a computer guy (so we are about to submit his ACS assessment) and I don't work at the moment but usually work in Local Government. Our kids are 9 and 6 and we have been introducing the subject of a move to Australia to them for a while now. They seem quite keen, which is good.

We are all Scottish but living in Essex (because of work in London) and have moved around the UK a fair bit. We've decided it's time for the next big adventure and are looking at Melbourne as there seems to be computer work there and a nice lifestyle and climate. I am a bit frustrated at the moment as we are waiting for references for the ACS thing and I know that even when we (hopefully) pass the ACS bit it will still take ages.

I am sometimes very excited and sometimes slightly terrified at the prospect of such a big move but we have lived in so may places in the UK and there is always something good about everywhere you go, I think you just have to stay positive.

For now, I need to get hold of a map of Melbourne that will show me the suburbs and get some information about where to live that has good schools and that is not too much of a commute to the CBD. I'd be really grateful for any help anyone can give me.

Also, did anyone go to any of the Australia Expos or other events in the UK and were they any good?

Ta,

Linda

[saunders clan]

Hello Linda,

I can't really help you with the Melbourne part as I am off to the Gold Coast but I am sure someone will be along soon with info. Just for reassurance I think everyone has days when it's exciting and days when it's a bad idea! I do all the time!

But if you don't go you'll never know. And as long as your family are together I bet you'll be just fine. Especially having lived in a few places already I think you learn to depend on them and them only. I think it's all about what you're used to and how you can adapt.

Anyway, good luck with the process.

Kate

[Army_Wife]

I just wanted to say Hi

We to are from Essex my OH is in the army and were hoping to transfer to the Aus Army. we have two children aged 4 & 6 - being in the army we too have moved around loads - this is a fourth house in 8 years lol.

I don't know anything about school's or anything - sorry I can't help but from one newbie on PIO to another I wish you and your family the best of luck, and people on here have been really helpful to me on here and Im sure you will get the info you need soon.

Jo

[AnxiousMum]

Hi Linda,

I have a guide to living in Melbourne, its a document, so if you send me a private message with your email address I will send it to you if you want. I gives an indepth plan of each suburb of Melbourne. I found it really interesting as we too are looking to move there. I will say though that there are so many suburbs its very confusing which to look at first!!! Just let me know if you want the document.

Also curious to know about your husbands skills. My husband also works with computers at a bank, but because he went there straight from school he has no formal qualifications, I know the skilled visa you need to have qualifications to back it up. Does your husband have the qualifications needed?

Caroline

[TaniaColin]

Hi Linda, welcome to PIO, its a great site, very addictive
Best wishes
Tania X