Am I too late to say hello?

[cantwait]

Hi Pianoman
Welcome to the site. You'll get loads of good info from here.

Karen

[roma 1]

hi pianoman,
as some say " never too late to say hello and make new friends" we are just starting our journey but welcome and i hope you enjoy pio as much as we all do,
love gail,mark and francesca

[Curlysoo]

Hi to Mr Piano and welcome! (typical man!!!! took him nine years to find us! couldnt you have asked someone for directions?)

There is bound to be someone on the Forum who can answer any questions you may have about a visa for your "ageing parents", is it just me or does anyone else find the name of this visa "iffy"

You are living the life over in Oz ...so come on spill the beans, what the best and the worst of it for you ... any tips on "settling in" that you can give us?

[Purplethunder]

Hi Pianoman,

We're just starting the "long road"

We're looking at Melbourne as a base, we being hubby me and 4 year old boy, hubby is also in IT he's a software QA/tester to mangement level but prefers keeping his technical hand in as he is an IT geek!

OK here's the spanish inquisition bit!

How have you found the bouyancy of employment over there?
We're looking at the Bayside areas and also the newer areas in West Melbourne...Altona, Sanctuary Lakes, Hoppers crossing, Point cook, are these suitable for families and for us to commute to CBD, presuming hubby gets a job there?
How are the schools over there? with the influx of immigrants are they coping with this increased pressure?
What is public transport really like?

We're coming over in July and I have no idea what to pack!!!

So I'll stop now as I feel I'm being greedy!

Any answers would be welcome!

Debs

[mutikonka]

Not too late - I came here form Yorkshire 10 years ago too. Welcome to PIO.

[saunders clan]

No......................Hello.

[The.Colebecks]

Hello & Welcome to the site

All the best
Karen & Family

CV/Resume Writing Service
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[pianoman]

Originally Posted by Purplethunder

How have you found the bouyancy of employment over there?

In 9 years of contracting, I've only been out of work for 2 weeks.

Originally Posted by Purplethunder

We're looking at the Bayside areas and also the newer areas in West Melbourne...Altona, Sanctuary Lakes, Hoppers crossing, Point cook, are these suitable for families and for us to commute to CBD, presuming hubby gets a job there?

All within commuting distance. Checkout Connex Melbourne Trains Australia - Home for a train map. It's much cheaper that trying to drive in and out of the city.

Originally Posted by Purplethunder

How are the schools over there? with the influx of immigrants are they coping with this increased pressure?

We've got 2 under 2, so I can't comment....I'm sure someonelse more qualified can!

Originally Posted by Purplethunder

What is public transport really like?

I find the Public transport in Melbourne to be very good....but I do a 55 minute train commute outside of normal peak hours - infact it costs me $0 to get to work, and only $4.70 to get home.

Originally Posted by Purplethunder

We're coming over in July and I have no idea what to pack!!!

If the weather continues, bring your wellies and a raincoat....it hasn't stopped raining here for days!! Seriously though winter here is often as good as a UK summer! Checkout Home Page - Bureau of Meteorology for the weather details.

Originally Posted by Curlysoo

You are living the life over in Oz ...so come on spill the beans, what the best and the worst of it for you ... any tips on "settling in" that you can give us?

Best - lifestyle, pace of life, plenty of space, friendliness
Worst - Mum still in the UK (soon to change), can't walk to a pub from home

I did struggle asking for things in shops when I first arrived...nobody would understand my Yorkshire accent!! I've found that I've had to adapt certain words....bus, cup, pass, lunch.

[Purplethunder]

Thanks for the info Pianoman, put my mind to rest about some issues I have at present!