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Daughter's plan for lodging AoS bond tomorrow: 2:30 into westpac to get bank cheque 3pm appointment at Commonwealth Bank, money will clear immediately it's paid in Centrelink for about 4pm just in time before they close at 4:30pm! I'm gonna be like Anneka rice lol!

Hi everyone! This is just a little insight into what we found in our 9 days in Melbourne. Firstly some background info, I'm a 28yo Electrician and my OH is a 24yo supervisor in a government organisation, we are from, and currently living in a village 25mins from Maidstone in Kent. We have both become a little disillusioned with life here in the UK hence the idea to move to Aus. We were attracted to Australia by the better relative earnings in our professions, housing, the outdoors lifestyle, the extra time time at home with family etc etc, basically the standard reasons for Brits who want to move to Australia. Before we set foot in Australia we had done our research and it certainly sounded like Melbourne would suit us best as we are both into the great outdoors, both love watching live sports and we don't really like the big city environment such as Paris or London amongst other reasons. We wouldn't be looking to live near the CBD, we were looking at suburbs around an hours train ride from the CBD on the southeastern side of the city so we would be a little more in the country. So our findings were - 1. We absolutely loved the city, it had a feel and a buzz to it that made the city feel alive 2. We loved the amount of parks and green areas which are disposable to the public 3. We loved the housing options and the costs. We found land, and a dream house to build that would be $240k inside our borrowing limit 4. The roads weren't busy compared to home, even during rush hour the traffic was always moving, sometimes not very fast but as a man who's spent many hours stationary on the m25, this was a vast improvement. 5. The place is just so tidy! Parks, streets, even the grass verges on the freeways were so clean and well presented 6. The people are so welcoming and polite 7. The sports! Wow, if you haven't been to Melbourne before, there is some kind of top level sport on every night here. 8. The outdoors areas to explore are insane, and very well kept 9. Compared to back home, the town's and villages have many more schooling options and facilities for families Hope this helps someone down the line, I got some great help from people on here so it's good to give a little back!

I think I read somewhere (but could ge wrong) that they're only updating the auto response monthly, so the last update was on 4th April and the next expected update would not be until 4th May?

Off to collect the digger and large chain saw, $160 for a new tow ball and clip scandalous. Going to be creating circular driveway with built up borders also clear some soil in readiness for the ATU installation later on in build. Looks a nice day for it too.

@The Pom Queen Opened these up and put a glint in their eye

The problem with either politician is nothing would happen until they had a report back from a focus group to decide what happens next.

I'm here alone..I moved over here 9 years ago..to be with an Aussie man...I left everything behind..I gave up everything....I try to go back every year..but finances dictate ..have a look at Royal Brunei flights...they are always cheapest..and I can't fault them...I feel your despair...I have huge guilt at leaving everyone...and I miss my family so much....I've got 2 new granddaughters . And my my dad is 90 in November ..family will always be the biggest heartache for me....whenever I go back..I always quote..." My head comes back...my heart as to catch up.." ....but truthfully..it don't..it gets harder.....sending huge hugs..xXx

living on 27 acres there are no neighbours except my son and daughter-in-law ... and they are used to it ! ...

Retro Consoles & games - mainly Nintendo NES, SNES, N64 etc. A small selection

Congrats mate . Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, even if you already work for a place and apply for a different job. I went for a position in the organisation I currently work in and they followed up my references fully before offering me the job. I know they asked for references before my first job there as well because my old boss sent me a copy of what she sent them.

One thing you've learnt? Agreed but how long did the learning process take. At twenty six I too displayed a 'passion' to fight my corner, come what may. I suspect she will be more 'aware' on further occasions, being a public figure and all that entails, before she sprouts off on social media. I for one would cut her slack. I am still under the impression she has a lot to offer public debate in this country as she matures.

Excellent summary

Well I could use a number of descriptors for your attitude but I'll leave it for the readers to make their own judgements..

I didn't think of that but possible. My neck hasn't been too bad today, making an effort to not twist it too much. Still got the remains of a headache but been dosed up on paracetemol all day. Hoping after a good nights sleep I'll be back to normal. Thank you though

I can imagine to endure this hardship without this forum with you guys. You guys are all awesome

Hi all Well, I have to be honest and say me (the wife and I) are feeling very deflated, we only lodged on June 1st 2016, so God only knows how long we will have to wait. We're really hoping this new 5 year visa will have a positive effect on waiting times, or better still, be a viable alternative that we may go for ourselves. Admittedly, we waited a few years to make sure our daughter was truly settled before making the decision to apply, but boy oh boy do I wish we'd applied back at the beginning of 2014. Ah well, as the wife keeps telling me, stop worrying, its an adventure. That said, I'm truly happy for all of you who are almost there, good luck to ya, go for it. Bry

My daughter received the Assurance of support letter today at last! She has to get the deposit done at Commonwealth bank and take evidence to Centrelink within 14 days.

Thank you for the information. my daughter works for the health service and we will investigate all avenues when the time comes.

So proud of our kids they all work, except the babs obviously all drive now have done for ages the second eldest as been saving for ages and she finally gets to have the dream car as far as she is concerned. Lovely car low k's full history only three years old, jet black metalflake velour interior 1.6 engine really nice. Shes like a woman who had just passed all over again.

back indoors for a cold drink ... I have been tidying around the outside of the shade house ... putting slow release fertilizer around some of my plants ...

Hi Chris. Apologies: I'm a late arrival to this thread. Have a look at Geelong. I travel to the CBD from South Geelong, and the train trip takes an hour (see the VLine website). Free car parking at South Geelong. 20 minutes or so to the beach at Torquay. Works for me! Best regards.

On my skill assessment letter from AMSA it say that I have at least 10 years experience in maritime industry since my initial COC. I obtained my 2nd mates in 2002. Although I have been sailing since then but breaks between ships at more than one occasion have been for more than five months. Not sure if DIMP will consider my experience being equal to eight years in last ten years. Would appreciate comments from someone with Similar experience . Cheers

IKNOWC but just heard one of my dogs received BOB at one of the international shows in Hungary. If he wins this weekend he will be made up to Champion.

That was such a sad incident.... and I can't believe that the driver was even allowed behind the wheel of a car straight after dialysis. A friend who had dialysis was advised not to drive or operate machinery for 48 hours following the dialysis. Overall though I don't know if driving with a pre-existing health condition is a "one size fits all" situation as it would depend on the health condition surely. Then of course different doctors have different views. A hard one to judge and where do you draw the line.