Perth advice wanted

[Lee Wright]

Hi .
I am at the early stages of going through the paperwork and have just got enough bits together for the skills assesment. We will be sending it in this week. I am using an agency global visas are they any good? Anyway after hearing so much about Perth we have decided thats where we want to go and realy thats about it. I spent a year on the east coast in 88/89 and that was great but now we feel that its now or never so we are going for it. Perth has been recomended by so many people that it is our first choice. I have two boys 10 and 12 and I am an engineering manager in the food industry but my background is in refrigeration and have just had all my uk certificates renewed for the next three years.
So what I want to know if pos is :-
Where would be a good place to aim for obviously good schools and a nice area, Freemantle? What work is available any engineering job as a fitter would do to start with . When you get there how long is it normal to stay in rented before buying. How long from sending in the skills paperwork as an engineer does it normaly take to get the Visa? Been told that it could be fast tracked.
Looking back think I have put enough down but there are so many questions !! Anyway thanks

[MW]

Lee,

Don't be afraid of renting, especially if you are watching your budget. I am from Oz but living in London. I still own a house back there and rent it out. I only cover about 50% of my mortgage from the rent- moral of the story is that it can be a lot cheaper to rent than rushing into buying. Good luck with the move out there.

[macewanc]

Hi, we used Global Visa, and found them very good. The whole process did take ages though (approx 15 months from start to finish), and finally got the visa in October. We are planning a trip out in Feb for a recce and vaildate the visas.. We Fancy Perth to, but wont have the time to visit in Feb.. shame as everyone I have spoken to loves it. good luck.

[Cara&Jarrod]

Hi, We are looking into coming to Perth and would appreciate a ball point figure from anyone already there of what we would need to set up there. It looks like we will be using the visa bureau to start the move but there's nothing like knowing from the people who have already done it, how much things really cost!!! I want to make sure we have enough funds as I am not planning to work until our son is fully settled into school. Jarrod is a bricklayer so we hope he will find work straight away. Can anyone advise on areas also?
I have so many questions that I will have to leave the rest for another day!!!!
Cheers to you all Caraxxx

[Mandi]

Hi
We moved to Perth at the end of 2004 from Bristol UK (though originally from Manchester) and did not know a sole when we first arrived and had no idea of where we wanted to live (we are a family of 5), fortunately I did a lot of homework on the internet first and we soon found what we were looking for in the Northern suburbs of Perth, that is where the majority of Brits live (think that there are more here than in the UK), everyone is really friendly and I feel that we have always lived here. It is scary at first and yes it can feel lonely at first, some things are slightly different to the UK system and it is getting to know what? Obviously if you have children then you do need to look at the education system as it is different to the UK. Also look at Medicare as I did not have a clue what that was when we first arrived and you will need to re sit your theory driving test (very easy as multichoice questions on a computer screen) only takes 15 mins approx. It is advisable to join some kind of social club as this makes it easier to get to know people ie rugby, soccer (that is what they call football over here) boating clubs etc. The life style is fantastic and so much healthier than in the UK - best move we ever made, though it does take time so don't expect it all to happen overnight, wherever you live it takes at least 12 months before you will feel settled. It starts to feel like home once you know your way around and you know where the shops are etc. If you need any help or info then pls feel free to email me and GOOD LUCK. Mandi
PS there is a website for Perthmums.com.au it is for newcomers to Perth with young families in similar situation wanting to make new friends