WelcomeIf you are new to Poms In Oz and migrating to Australia or currently living in Australia feel free to say hi to all the other either in or moving to Oz.
Hi, anyone out there? Just registered and this is my first 'thread'. Been going through the process of applying to Queensland on a business visa, heard yesterday that we now need to get medicals and police checks done - positive sign? This has thrown us into a state of 'panic', especially as my 21 year old son has decided not to come. That leaves myself, my husband, 18 and 9 yr old boys. All sorts of questions going through our heads now - are we doing the right thing etc?? I think we just need to 'hold our noses and jump in'! Already sold our house and business and currently sitting in rented - waiting.... Its now or never for us and if things don't work out we can always come back. Can anyone advise on nice areas withing 45min - 1hr of Brisbane. Coastal would be nice, but priority needs to be good school for my 9 year old. Coomera Anglican College looks nice - any comments? 18 year old wants to go to uni next year so that is also a consideration although he may well decide to live in. Thanks guys. No doubt I'll be a regular.
How exciting! Shame about your eldest but what's to say if you were staying he could have decided to move to Oz!! I say just go for it. You can always come back, but with fabulous experiences and knowledge under your belts.
I am off to the Gold Coast about an hour from Brissie dependent on time of day and traffic of course! There are so many great areas there and schools to match. I don't really know much about Coomera but I am sure someone will be along shortly to advise you. It's a beautiful up and coming area and the opportunities in my opinion are there waiting for someone with a bit of savvy! Plus the beaches and parks are pretty special too. I am going to be spending my first few months driving around and around and just trying to get the right feel for an area.
Anyway, good luck and keep us informed of your progress. If they are ready for meds and police checks then you are flying along!
Kate
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We (and I know there are lots more who will be along very soon I think) are looking at Redcliffe, which is about 25km north. Slightly inland is North Lakes/Mango Hill which we've heard great things about also. We're heading out there at Christmas time and will be staying in Margate, we are just going to head out to a new suburb each day every day until we find somewhere we like! I don't know much about the Gold Coast but it also sounds fantastic. Have you had a good look on Our Brisbane and realestate.com?
Hi Sam and Si, nice to hear from you. Are you also awaiting visas or is everything sorted now? We also expect to be arriving early December. Redcliffe does seem very popular - lots of threads on site. Would be ideal to spend a month or so driving around once we arrive but I'm concerned about getting my 9 yr old a place in a good school (preferably private) for which there seem to be waiting lists, so would like to apply now from UK. Not an easy task organising the rest of your life from 10,000 miles away. Hopefully will get lots of feedback and can follow up with research. Speak again soon. Ang
Hi Kate, thanks for response. We too would love to spend some time in short term rental whilst we drive around looking for where we want to settle, but what about schools?? Are you taking children, if so how old and what are your plans? I suppose it may be necessary to place Ben initially with a view to moving him once we know where we want to be. Just trying to avoid too much upheaval!! However, do realise they are very resilient. Thank goodness!! Have you got your visas, if so how long was the process from organising medicals and police checks? Hope to speak again soon. Thanks again for your positive response - it really helps to talk to others in similar situation. Oz here we come! Ang
We moved to the Gold Coast 2 months ago, and thoroughly recommend it. We live in Arundel, which is lovely, but would seriously recommend Coomera, Upper Coomera, Coomera Waters and Hope Island. They are all more Brisbane side, and absolutely stunning areas. Lots of growth there, and loads of houses/land to be picked up at a good price right now.
Good luck with everything..... Let us all know how you are going.
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Hiya welcome to poms in oz ,Coomera and Upper Coomera are lovely areas ,really booming at the moment with new houses,shops,etc.
The problem is theres too many nice areas,lol, id drive,drive and drive some more ,you know when youve found the area you like!
My son is 9 and there is so much for them to do they cant possibly get bored out here,more sport and activites than they can participate in!!
Good luck with everything ,its a tough choice!
Cal x
We are right at the start of the visa process. In fact we haven't even applied to the trades part yet! But the time I get there having been on this site so long I will know EVERYTHING!
I have two small children, 3 and 6 so schools will not be such an urgent thing I suppose. Important but not urgent. And like you say kids are resilient so I think us parents tend to panic unecessarily sometimes! Look at the break from school being life education. More important to some than algebra!!!!!
Regardless of what you may read on this site sometimes, the majority of people on here are incredibly positive and helpful. I've only been a member for a short period but already I feel 'part of the gang' and my knowledge of emigrating and of Australia has increased enormously!
Kate
__________________ tripchecker - your holiday directory for the perfect trip www.tripchecker.co.uk
were of to the sunshine coast thaat about 45 50 mins from bris but whatever yuou choose have a fab time out thier and dont worry about your son once he visits he will want to come suggest he come 1st foer a holiday and id he dont like it he could always come back
Hi Sam and Si, nice to hear from you. Are you also awaiting visas or is everything sorted now? We also expect to be arriving early December. Redcliffe does seem very popular - lots of threads on site. Would be ideal to spend a month or so driving around once we arrive but I'm concerned about getting my 9 yr old a place in a good school (preferably private) for which there seem to be waiting lists, so would like to apply now from UK. Not an easy task organising the rest of your life from 10,000 miles away. Hopefully will get lots of feedback and can follow up with research. Speak again soon. Ang
Hi there Ang,
I'm sure I remember seeing a thread called something like 'good schools in and around Redcliffe' or similar, that may be of use? Also, there is a real estate agent called Michael Byriel who posts quite regularly in the Queensland forum and he seems really knowledgeable about schools etc in the area. Maybe send him a message?
Hi there, Guys, and welcome!
