simon and deb

Hi, check out the Facebook group "Sunshine Coast ex pats social group" They have lots of meet ups and there are lots of people on there with kids and lots of good advice also. Good luck with the move. We have been on the Sunny coast now just over 3 years now and still loving it. Regards Debbie

Hi there, you mention The Sunny coast in your title so have a look at "sunshine coast ex-pat social group" on facebook. They have nearly 300 members now and have many coffee morning, monthly barbies aswell as lots of helpful tips and hints. Not sure if it's a private group now that you have to be added to, if you can't get into it message me with your name and I will get someone to add you. Don't be scared you'll have a ball. We've been here nearly two years now and have never looked back. Have a safe flight. Regards Debbie

Medicare is free. You just go in with your passport, rental agreement, visa stamp, driving licence etc and they will issue you with a temp card until your other one comes in the post. You do however pay a medicare levy which will be deducted from your tax refund at the end of the tax year after you submit a tax return. Hope this helps. Deb

Congratulations, I bet you are buzzing. Won't be long now!!!

Hi if you are on facebook, there is a group called "Sunshine Coast ex pat social group" They have lots of members and it's full of helpful information and lots of meetings. Take a look. Regards Debbie

Hi, I'm sorry I don't have a dog but I do live in Caloundra. If you are on Facebook you can join the" Sunshine coast ex pat social group" There are a lot of dog owners on there and often go on walks with their dogs together. It's a very helpful site with information on so many things. You can always post the question on dog friendly areas and how other people cope, and I'm sure you would get lots of replies. Also they have a monthly meet up, ususally with dogs. I think the next one is at Peregian on 21st October and its dog friendly. Check out the site, I'm sure they will help you out. Cheers Debbie

Hiya weve been here nearly 2 years , caloundra that is , any questions pm me

Hi and welcome to the sunshine coast, fantastic isn't it. . Glad everything is working out for you all, Debbie

Congratulations first of all. My Mum was exactly the same, totally devastated as I was taking their only grand-daughter away and she said she would never do the flight. Surprise, surprise she was the first to book her flights and once she got here she said she could definatley see why we did it and was very proud of us. Hope your family will come visit you too. Good luck with getting packed up and starting your new life. Debbie

My husband is a spark. He brought over all his tools in his toolbox(large roll on one). We had double baggage with singapore so it was part of our allowance (check maximum weight for each individual item) He cleaned them all with jeyes fluid, dried them and the wd40 to prevent rusting. Got to quarantine and they didn't even open the tool box. They asked us what we had and how we had cleaned them. also had a drill in one of the suitcases, again didn't check it. Make sure you do dry them off very well, some of his stuff did get a little rusty but did clean up ok. Good luck with the move. Oh if you have double baggage, make sure you take a copy of the email confirming it. They tried to charge us for 79kg of extra baggage, I nearly passed out but I had taken the print out so all weas ok. Hope this helps.

I can assure you it's totally normal. Like the others have said, get back into your routines and keep busy. My Mum came over last year(we had been here 6 months).We had a great 3 weeks together, when we dropped them at the airport my 8 year old daughter cried the whole hour, all the way home. I was so upset for her but kept on reminding myself why we moved here and all the different things we now do together as a family. Hang in there it will get easier. Deb x

You are correct

stoke, i have been here 16 months , just finished 5 months underground in a coal mine, havent been out of work since i got here, if you need some advice drop me a line

My husband is an Electrician, we took all of his tools with us either in the suitcases or in his tool box. He cleaned everything with Jeyes fluid. He took battery drills, screw drivers, saws, chisels, laser levels, hammers, etc.- I did over rule him on the lump hammer in favour of some of my clothes LOL. When we got to customs they didn't even open the cases or his tool box. Hope this helps. Good luck with the move. Regards Debbie

There was actually a few mums meeting today in Coolum at a local park with there kids, too late now I know, but I know they are planning an Australia Day BBQ at Cotton Tree, I think. Hope this helps, Debbie