Rubbidydub

If anyone is confused about the change in my username from Noosarites to rubbidydub I will explain. we used to be members a long time ago and during our first year we have been busy and have not come on here. I couldn't rmember our original username so I made a new member up. After a good sleep it all came back to me and the kind admin team have merged my membership and I've kept my original username. Confused? Hope not!

Hi The 1700 is a joint wage after tax. We do receive an income from the Uk but that is kept in the uk for a rainy day and after uk tax there's not much left. We have to declare this income and we do not receive any money from centre link as we earn too much. We do however have to pay out child care for two girls during school holidays and that comes to $240 per week for 2 kids 2 days a week. so to answer your question the 1700 is what we take home no more no less we are however elf sufficient in Oz.

Thanks for your replies so money to start off with...... We didn't take a lot to start with in the grand scheme of things and most of our money is tied up in property back in the UK so we were living on a budget. One thing you have to remember is until you are earning and spending oz dollars things are massively expensive with the exchange rate. heres a break down of what we paid out before we were earning dollars and what you may need. car rental for a week $500 holiday accommodation for a month $2000 bond and 2 weeks rent up front for perm rental $3000 used car $6000 kids school uniform and books $400 first food shop $400 safety net money $2000 then there's always bits and pieces to pay for driving license mobile phones etc they charge for everything. People have done it cheaper others have spent more but these are the things we had to pay out for before we were earning dollars. Both my wife and I also went out without jobs lined up. Its scary not knowing if your find work however if your prepared to get off your arse and take rejection on the chin something will come up, it might not be what you want initially (we r both on our 3rd jobs ) but it will always lead to something. all in all we took $17k with us and survived its not ideal going over on a budget but that's all we had and it was that or nothing. It had to work! We opened NAB bank accounts and they gave us a credit card so that's a safety net but in a year we r still yet to use it. We don't save much as we don't have much left to save! But we are living! Hope this helps and if you need anymore info without the crap and bull that goes with it just ask......ill tell it how it is from rainy QLD and from our families point of view. oh one other thing bring winter clothes even in QLD in June it was cold last year down to 3 degs in the evening and I kid you not one morning I had a thin layer of ice on my windscreen!

Hi we are new to this site but have been in oz a year now and I'd like to share my 1st year with you all, not in detail but to give you all that are about to or thinking of moving to Oz an insight to what it's like from our point of view. Im married to my wife and have to girls 11 and 6 and we live in Noosa Heads QLD Im in hospitality and so is my wife and we found work pretty quick when we arrived. our combined income is take home $1700 pw We are no better off finically here than we were in the uk We both earn double what we did in the Uk but most things cost twice as much We rent a 4 bed 2 bath with pool in Noosa Heads for $500pw food shops cost $250pw phoneand Internet is $25 pw electric is $30 pw cars x2 petrol $60 pw rego $25 pw insurances $20 pw Foxtel $25pw booze $50 pw Mobile phones $15 pw pool chemicals $10pw Leisure and child costs $300 pw so you see it mounts up without too much trouble! We have very little left after each week and there is always something to pay for out of the expected.....car trouble etc etc So don't come here thinking its cheap or because your earning double what you will back in the Uk it you will be better off......you won't. However we are happier than we have ever been. We love the weather it's never too hot! We do so much more outside. Our kids do so much more than they did in the uk. We don't watch half as much tv and our girls do more hobbies and active things. The first 6 months were pretty crap we missed people not the uk but people family friends we had to move our kids out of the first school due to bullying but they are now settled and happy we just hope it hasn't scared them first time round. They have little Aussie accents too! The good days out do the bad days the longer your here....it's hard making new friends and starting a social network again but a year down the line our friends are growing. I used to be money orientated and had my own business, drove brand new cars always wanted the latest gadgets and bought them. i now work for someone drive a car 12 years old with 200k on the clock and couldn't give a shite about the latest gadget.....it doesn't matter anymore, can't explain it it just doesn't........maybe because there is not so much of a class system here? Do I miss the Uk? Yes at times I miss some stuff but not enough to make me move back do my friends from the uk keep in touch ........yes they do but not as much. Creepy crawlies.......there's loads but I've only seen a few, once you've seen a massive spider all the rest are small and after a year you stop worrying about them.....so my wife says All those waiting.........don't do the sums and think you can't afford to make the move adjust and start again with a different outlook......your in a different country, adapt and you will be fine. Best of luck too everyone.....it might not be for everyone but you must give it a go. For us it changed our view on life and what was important. Enjoy

I was just making a comment mate that's all about the strange sayings that they he here........I'm fully aware I'm in a different country hence the thread as to why they say these things......it's a bit like asking " why do people have to be sarcastic and some what degrading to others on forums when they just ask a question" Nice fish

Hi Just thought I'd give you guys some feedback on PSS we used them for shipping our stuff from Cumbria to the Sunshine Coast. Absolutely brilliant would def recommend them it took 12 weeks from door to door and the company they use in Oz to complete the move were also top notch. corresepondence with both companies were excellent. I had quotes from 7 of the major players and PSS and one other said I would only need a 20ft container all the others quoted for a 40ft or groupage. PSS got everything in the 20ft container with room to spare they were ace! The guys this side unloaded and unpacked within half a day and the only breakage we had was a champagne glass. cant go enough to recommend these guys they were very competitive and with there free 25kg air freight package really helped when we had already validated and couldn't get the migrants baggage allowance. be warned guys.......the most expensive are not always the best and the cheapest doesn't mean there the worst!

A saying I've heard too many times in the last 8 weeks of being here! "too Easy" they say but the matter of fact is its not too easy after all when your trying to get get broadband from a telecommunication company. Why do they say this? When quite clearly they don't deliver? and another thing they say in sentence "yeah......no" Whats that all about? You say something to someone about a fact or a comment on something and you get a response of "yeah....no" Do you agree or don't you? I don't get it.

That's reason 3 for me leaving.........outrageous and unbelievable.......I also understand that an Illegal immigrant also gets paid more than a British soldier serving in Afghanistan? Re dic you lass

Hi We both went out with no jobs and have found work after a couple of weeks. However be prepared to apply for lots but hear nothing back not even an acknowledgment. One thing I keep hearing out here is Aussies like persistence, so if you've applied but not heard anything get on the phone and chase them up! Good luck!

Its just aerosols the shoppers don't like we packed a big box of shampoos etc etc and there were aerosols in the box too but they told us after they sealed the box we packed. It was cleared by customers last week and we have delivery of our goods tomorrow ! 12 weeks to the date!

:wubclub: Hi I'm looking for some mates! We live in the Noosa area, family of four, two daughters aged 5 & 10. We've been here 6 wks & everything has fallen into place with work, house & school etc. our container still hasn't arrived but hopefully will be here mid April so our homes pretty empty!! Im looking for other mums or people feeling a bit lonely or can remember how you felt after six wks. Our girls are really struggling without their things which is tough & my oh is working split shifts at the moment so im alone in the evenings. I work through the week so I'm occupied then & know once our things come it'll be better. weve met a few people through work but no 'friends' have been made as yet :-( Would love to hear from anyone feeling or who's felt similar! Laura

Try being a chef! This sort of hours was what it was like in the uk.....oz is no different!

Hi I know of a restaurant on Gympie Terrace in noosaville Qld who are looking for a head chef they can sponsor and will start you on $60k salary beautiful place on the river message me if you want any further info Thanks Marcus

Hi Jen No prob keep plugging away!

Hows your hubbies Italian skills? I know this guy is having troubles filling his head chef vacancy may be worth an email menu doesn't look too taxing either! http://www.bellav.com.au the job is advertised through Frontline Hospitality it may be worth contacting them as they are an employment agency specialising in hospitality....try the mining sites too it may be away in albeit hard hours and not good on family life! How much does hubby need to survive out here? Most jobs for head chefs on the east side are around 60 - 70k If I find anything else or hear of anything I'll let you know no problem at all Good luck Marcus

Keep applying there are jobs here and tbh ive only giving you my experience from noosa QLD. Perth seem to have plenty of chef jobs plus try the mining industry they are on the look out for chefs however it's 2 weeks on 1 week off fly in fly out pays good though however may be tough on you my wife said its a last resort to work in the mines. Google mine work it may be a way of getting out here 2 years doing that in sponser may get you to PR in the long run! All the hotels and decent restaurants paying the cash 60-80k head chef seem to get snapped up quick on the east coast. One thing that I've stuck by and hasn't failed me yet is never give up keep plugging away as out there is someone looking for someone.....the Job I've just taken is looking for a sous chef a permanent one they have had trouble filling the position and are paying 50k how quick can your hubby get out here! Lol

Hi Back to your OP.....finding sponsorship as a chef. I gained a 175 visa 3.5 years ago on my chef skills and career of 15 years. It has taken 3 years to get over here as I've tried to sell up. I've been here just under 3 weeks and now have 2 job offers. I have only gained these since being here and I've applied for over 30 jobs.....8 weeks before we arrived I was applying for everything on seek however no one got back to me.even out here now the 2 job offers I have are the only 2 they got back to me out of 30 or so. Out here they seem Not to respond to job applications. I'm in noosa a place that is renowned for food and one thing I've learnt in the 3 weeks I've been here is that where there's lots of hospitality venues there's lots of back packers looking for work. My advice to you is apply for everything however I think you may find it hard due to the fact that your not actually in Australia.....it's hard enough when your here to find something. Good luck and if I can be of any further assistance please shout Marcus

So update guys....2 weeks in and went for a job interview tonight and got offered the job! Still havnt spent alot in the last week and as a matter of fact (dunno if its because it's hot or that we have a lot on our mind) we ain't eating as much.....could do with loosing a few pounds anyway! So food costs are down. Take no notice of scare mongerererers on here. It can be done on less than 15k we are doing it. There are plenty of clothes shops out here selling reasonable priced stuff, the supermarkets are selling food cheap on deals just look for them, petrols cheaper, litre of sun cream $9. Australia will be expensive if you constantly refer to the exchange rate but once your earning Aussie $ then it's all relevant. I'm not trying to make it all sound a bed of roses and it is stressful, my daughter has come back from school today after 4 days and told me that she was getting picked on we rang the school and they have dealt with it swiftly and efficiently. Stick together as a family and take each day as it comes. Some days will be crap but others will be good.......but most of all don't listen to the scare mongers! it's working on less than some have said ! Good luck to all those that are just about to leave for OZ.....enjoy it! 80)

Your right yesterday Sunday we went to a market in the morning, a park later in the morning, fishing with a line and hook caught 3 fish, then swimming on the beach. 8 am to 4pm 2 knackered kids and $20 lighter in the wallet a small price o pay fora full day out.....usually mine are asking for this and that but yesterday they wanted for nothing other than some chips for lunch and a drink! Probably won't last though!!

Oh and I never had a job lined up either...I applied for everything going in my line of work and there was plenty of knock backs and stiff competition however after 2 weeks I've now got 3 job offers stick with it and determination will prevail!

We've been in OZ 2 weeks now. It's taken us nearly 4 years to get here since our visa was issued. 6 weeks ago we were feeling EXACTLY how you are feeling now. But now we are here all of those feelings have gone away. We validated 3 years ago and now having been here 2 weeks it's all come back to us why we went on this roller coaster journey 4 years ago. The kids have been in school for 3 days and love it!.......it's easy for everyone to say its normal to feel how you are but believe me all that have gone through this most of them feel like this with a few weeks to go. Easier said than done try to relax as we couldn't at all but now we are here I wondered why I stressed out for do many weeks. I was on sleeping tabs because I couldn't sleep before we went waking up at all times of the night thinking stupid things. Now I'm Sleeping like a baby! Your normal having normal thoughts so try not to panic and enjoy what time you have left in the UK All the best with your move!

Hi we are an hour and a half north of Brisbane.......Noosa.....it's quite an expensive place to live due to the fact it's one of the main holiday destinations in Oz. however it is a stunning place.

Just to add we have moved to the sunshine coast and are living just outside Noosa.

Hi all Well we have now been in Oz for a week I will give you an honest list of costs so far and what we have spent so far and what we predict to spend in the first month along with our opinion on the cost of everyday shopping. So here goes In the first week we have achieved the following Bought a used car Found a long term rental with application approved 2 kids school found and start tomorrow Medicare enrolled Tax file numbers obtained Bank accounts verified and visa debit cards arrived today Mobile phones with mobile broadband obtained 30 + jobs applied for. We have got a lot done in the first week however it has not been too stressful, we have done this with 2 kids and done most of it in the morning and then spent time with the kids in the afternoon as they soon got bored and started to play up. At times it's been heated but if you tackle only bit by bit then it's achievable. We are on a budget of £15000 or $22137, there's been a lot of speculation on here lately to whether this is enough or not, at the moment we are under budget however I don't start work for another 6-8 weeks. These are our costs so far. Holiday rental 4 weeks $1600 Car hire 1 week includes full insurance $500 School uniforms for 2 kids plus books $500 School activities that family contributes to per term $300 Used car Honda CRV 12 years old $ 6000 Swap ownership of car $205 Car ins $300 Food shopping $1200 4 weeks at $300 pw Mobiles 2 phones payg $60 Mobile pocket wifi $90 lasts 6GB OR 3 months use 5 devices on it Petrol $240 for month cost $60 to fill up used a tank in first week driving around a lot Rent for long term rental $3000 this is 2000 for bond ( 4 weeks rent) and 1000 (2 weeks )for rent up front Second hand fridge for rental $800 ( fridge was not included but kitchen built around fridge in rental so asked to buy it rather than search for a fridge to fit a gap) Treats $ 200 So this totals to $15000 or £10173 We have really watched our money and will continue to over the next 6/8 weeks till I start work. We have not spent a lot on free time in the first week as walks along the gympie terrace and to the beach have not cost us a lot other than a drink or an ice cream or the cost of the food cooked on the BBQ. The kids have loved it and loved playing in the water they have asked for nothing! The schools have been great and made my girls feel very special to the point where they are so excited to start tomorrow. Food shopping is expensive if you shop in expensive shops we went to woolworths and for example a box of Cheerios cost $7.50 however we then went to Aldis and there own brand honey loops cost $ 2.50 we found Aldis to be a fraction of the price of the other supermarkets so if you don't mind home brands then you won't find it expensive you just need to adapt. Kids shoes for school could of cost the earth but we shopped around and got running shoes or trainers which is what the school wanted them to wear for $ 24 each. If you want Australia to be expensive it will be but if you shop around you will find bargains they have dollar discount stores like pound land where you can get cheap bits to get you by. Don't by all your smellies from the supermarkets by them from a chemist they are cheaper. Rentals.......some one on here, I can't remember who they where (sorry) said treat it like a job interview, how right they were. Dress to impress, collate all you info before hand. I've never rented before but I got references from my bank in the uk and from friends who were in business to write character references. We did a fact sheet on our family who we were and what we liked doing etc, bank statements showing funds, police check Certs we used for visa process. Get as much info about yourselves you can and talk to the agent and home owner if you meet them. We looked at 5 properties and were told by 5 different agents we were there first choice of tenant. So thank you who ever you are on the advice it really did pay off. The point of this post is to let all of you know what we have paid and found so far. 2 weeks ago I was bricking it.....sleepless nights.....questioning constantly if I was doing the right thing....worrying non stop about what I was about to put my family through.....self doubt all the way.......now one week on I don't have these feelings and I'm getting a good nights sleep and enjoying our new life.....you are only worrying about the unknown it will go away. I hope this info has helped and please feel free to ask anything so far.......don't listen to the doubters and focus on the positives and have a can do attitude, take each day as it comes and tackle each job 1 piece at a time and you will get there......most of all stop worrying about if you are doing the right thing.....YOU ARE!!! Thanks Marcus

Thanks all.....we r at the hotel now waiting for our early morning flight. Glad the goodbyes are over now and time to focus on the job in hand. The reason for this post is just to try and prepare even the hardest soul for upset. Good luck to all about to deal with this part you will get through it!