ali

Some of us don't mind the plane journey to go over East for a long weekend in addition to enjoying other holidays

Have you considered re-sitting the English test - might be cheaper?

I think it's essential to have both sides of the coin to give a balanced view, however, I do find it frustrating when some of the loudest voices about Perth being a terrible place to live have never actually lived here.

I work with two psychologists (mental health), not UK trained but if you have any queries, I am happy to ask them if they'd be willing to answer any questions. Drop me a message with your contact details if you want me to pass them on.

A lot of psychologists (certainly in WA) seem to set up in private practice, even one of the psychologists in our department (public health) also has a private practice. where are you thinking of heading to? It may be that someone in your chosen state can give more specific info

Any of the agents who regularly contribute to the forum have good reputations.

What does that mean? It comes across as either derogatory or condescending. I think you'll find 'little Britain's' in any state and not unique to WA (just as you'll find older populations of Italians/Greeks/Eastern Europeans. I think many would find you using the the term ghetto a little offensive.

You'll find people either love Perth or Hate it. Those who don't like it will tell you it's isolated, boring and there's nothing to do. I've lived here almost 15 years now and love it as much as I did when I arrived. Our children were 7 and 11 when we arrived, my daughter was able to be part of an academic extension program which wouldn't have been available in the UK, my son who loves the outdoors got his skippers ticket as part of his outdoor education lessons and went sailing at Shark bay. We've never found it isolated - frustrating when you have to speak to someone in Sydney but for something (and not being in the same time zone), but nothing that makes a 'major difference' to how we live. Pre-Covid, my son was at a festival in summer most weekends, plays competitive sports is never bored (tired but never bored). My daughter and her partner are foodies and haven't even dented her 'places to eat list'. We seem to be going out more now than we ever did but missing our travel. We've never been a 'beach' family so that hasn't held any attraction for us. I'm sure the things you've read from others exist and like anywhere it's not without it's faults, but it hasn't been something that we've encountered. We chose Perth despite having family over East - we've not been disappointed..

You are given the certificate on the day of the ceremony (at least you are in WA)

According to the dept of home affairs - it could take upto 5 years for this to be implemented "Negotiations have not yet concluded, however it is anticipated that these changes will be made within five years."

I've not heard of people joining the back of the queue, however, the advice from the department has always been not to complete medicals and police checks until requested. This doens't stop people front loading, but it can be costly from a financial perspective and pre-covid, you also ran the risk of reducing the time period to validate your visa as the 12 months was from the date of the earliest check (either police of medical) and not the date of visa grant.

How much notice does your company require - 2 weeks? You send then a letter telling them you are resigning from date x and your last day of work will be date Y 6 weeks prior due to taking owed annual leave.

It does seem to have gone off track. There is a COVID thread in the CTF part of the forum, and I suggest that COVID related topics get posted there rather than on this long running thread. Future COVID related posts will be removed from this thread.

Just googling there is some information that you can sponsor a partner even if your previous relationship hasn't been dissolved (I suspect on meeting all the other relationship criteria), I'd seek the advice of a migration agent just so that you don't encounter any pitfalls. My limited knowledge of the PMV is that you will have a certain amount of time to get married, if you haven't progressed to dissolving your previous relationship, the timescales may cause an issue.

We made a stir fry with tuna steaks and hoisin sauce - the steaks chunks were really meaty and held their shape well.

Hard to recruit at the moment everywhere, I've lost a quater of my staff which equates to 2/3 of my nursing team. I try to help out, do home visits and contacts for people, cover or emergency clinician role. We've never been so short staffed in the 14 years i've worked there but to be honest the atmosphere is awesome with everyone pulling together.

I value my time at home more than the money, it the Assessment team is short, I'll work from 5pm - 10pm for them.

If I do the odd overtime shift (which isn't often), I'll get about $500 for 5 hours

Miss it when major tournaments are on for the atmosphere. My son has been getting up at 3am for the games, thankfully, the semi didn't go to penalties as he starts work at 6am. There is a bit of 'banter' at work for him as he works for Italians and is surrounded by them at work.

You've highlighted that you've wanted to go home for 30 years and have had depression and that may have got in the way of you enjoying life too. Depression can impact on family members (although you certainly won't have stuffed up her life by having it). It may be worth you seeing a psychologist or councellor too to help with your feelings around your daughter

Are you seeing someone yourself scousers and have you and your daughter had joint sessions?

The extension is only for certain occupations.

We had only been here 2 weeks when we put an offer in for a house (we were putting down a reasonable deposit), I had a letter from my employer stating that I was employed in a substantive position and we didn't have any problems getting a mortgage.

What lovely news - congratulations and so glad that our community eased the wait !!. Enjoy your reunion with the family when quarantine ends.

Yes an older suburb, we've noticed houses sell quite quickly, alot of demolition and re-building on the blocks. It does have a good community feel. I like being 20 mins from the city - I'm located within walking distance of the train station so easy to get into the city (3 stops to the esplanade and 3 into the CBD) and only 20 mins from Freo.