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Hi I haven,t been on PiO for a while but got asked a question on Facebook so thought I would see what's happening. My hubby and I came over on a CPV nearly 5 yrs ago so can understand what you are going through it can all get very stressful but you get there in the end. We were the last of about 6 couples on here and thought it would never happen as we couldn't,t get our house sold but we did and now living on the Gold Coast and loving it there have been ups and downs but can honestly say its worked for us. Anyway if I can be of any help to you with advice don,t hesitate to ask Good lunch and hope it all goes well for you x

Hi Kathleen and Craig My husband and I are now 60 and we came over on a Contibutary Parental Visa granted 3 yrs ago it took 15 mths from start to we recieved our Visa. Our Daughter was in Australia and had to be here for 2 yrs to be able to sponser us You have to meet the criteria ie one or more children in Aus if you have more in the Uk you can't go, It cost us a lot of money aswell as the admin medicals police checks etc you have to pay a bond then it was $14000 for 10 yrs then it was $30000 each for Medicare but that enables you to all medical benifits in total it cost for the 2 of us $80000 that was all in flights removals etc we also had to come out to activate as our house hadn't sold. For us this was the best way to go as we certainly wouldn't have the money coming in every month on a Retirement Visa but look into DIAC web site or contact them and you will find more info regarding which Visa would be best for you Good Luck Evelyn

Hi we live on the Gold Coast and love it if you move away from Surfers you don't have the teenagers its nice to go for the day etc We live around Runaway Bay area witch is south of Brisbane have been here about 3yrs never had any floods we do get rain in the rainy season as its tropical but most people have to travel to Brisbane for work which is a hassle ( ask my OH ) We were in Cairns for a holiday and its lovely but I know it can get very hot in the summer not sure about work up there but personally everywhere in Aus is nice its just finding what is right for you and your family, A lot of people think this part of the GC is for oldies but there are lots of Theme Parks which the kids love Hope you find the place for you Good Luck xEvelyn

Hi We were advised to have our Medicals at the beginning of the application for CPV and by the time it was issued they were out of date so our Case Worker granted us a 3 mth extension when we actually got our Visa As we still hadn't sold our house we had to come over to activate the Visa and go back until our house sold 7mths later but its best not to have the Medical done too early as you get 1 yr from then to activate your Visa, Hope this helps Evelyn

Hi Linday We came over on a Cont Parental Visa 2/12 years ago it was a long haul waiting for our Visa and getting the house sold but we did it and even though it was expensive I can honestly say it was the best move we ever made being able to watch our Grandson grow up is just the best thing ever for us it has all worked out, a struggle at the beginning like most new things you do but we made the most of it both got jobs right away and we rented for a year now we own our own house have 2 cars and a ongoing project called a BOAT and enjoy every day. My husband had lots of Pensions which he had brought over and put into Superanuation on that he lost even more money but he now self manages it which is giving us good returns which is something I would recomend If I can assist you in any way please feel free to message me Hope it goes well for you Evelyn

Very true Joanne its always hard leaving the ones behind but like your Mum & Dad we were the lucky ones who could follow our children out something not everyone is able to do, Love the pics of the new arrival xx

My Daughter is looking into St Stephens for my Grandson who is due to start next year It has a very good reputation but one of the more expensive She is also looking at St Francis in Runaway Bay which is also a very good school Southport has a lot of good schools, there is one which is an all boys school which is excellent but can't remember the actual name,( will make enquireis for you ) Do you plan on living in Southport we live just past Labrador so if you need any further advice feel free to contact me Hope you find somewhere you like.

Hi Donna, We had the packers for 3 days they did everything told us before to pack clothes into drawers etc they used up every available space couldn't fault them, We were in and out most of the days and they were so good left us our bed 1 sofa Tv kettle cups etc and packed it at the last minute so you should hav e nothing to worry about its the best way to do it very hassle free hope it al lgoes wel lfor you Evelyn

Congratulations to you both and the family Hey does that make your Mum & Dad Greatgrandparents ( she will love that ) xx

Hi From our experience the first 3mths was the worst so much to get your head around doing all the legal bits etc once we found our Rental and our stuff arrived we started to settle into it, It takes time we were told you have to give it 2yrs we are now in our 3rd year and really enjoying it, You could think of all you have ,a good job etc and work out the for and against but if you do decide to go back as you were advised have a holiday first, My Daughter came over for a year to then be sponsered etc she was so Homesick it was awfull then she took very ill which was even worse but it made her realsie the friends she had made and her job etc that was 8yrs ago and she has never regretted not going back so maybe give it a couple more months but nothing wrong in going back if its not for you good Luck with your decision whatever you decide Evelyn

Hello, I can honestly say I agree with every word you have just wrote We came out on a Contibutary Parental Visa 21/2 yrears ago BIG step and a lot of money but have never looked back The first friends we made were Aus who couldn't do enough for you I find a lot of people are negative and feel if thier life was so good in the Uk why bother coming in the first place its Aus Not the Uk but a lot of people want to bring the Uk here no way we all wanted to escape that, Yes its different and like you I am facinated by the Posties on Bikes and Yes there are things you don't like but as I said if it was that good in the Uk why did you want to leave in the first place you have to embrace what is good and live with what isn't life is not perfect but give it a real go and you never know you may learn to enjoy it if not no shame in admitting it didn't work go back to the Uk and start again

Hello No you wont be allowed to take anything like that painted or not We had Washing Basket Waste Bins Childs Chair etc etc and couldn't take them I had forgotten about a few little ornaments which had some artificial Straw in the head also decorations sent from Aus well they were confiscated for fumigation If they find one item they will search through the lot so its not worth the risk Sorry but hope it helps

Hi I wouldn't have your Police Checks etc done until you are asked as the time for Activating your Visa is from when you have your Medical you get 1 yr from then and if it takes longer it just delays everything That happened to us we were told by our agent to have Medicals done first and once we got our Visa our year was up and had to have an extension to come over to activate it complicates things thier end. It makes NO difference wether you have an agent or apply yourself it all goes straight to DIAC we started off with an agent from Aus but ended up finishing the process ourself as we didn't get told we had a case worker and it was all plain sailing Once you know what froms to fill in and get your case worker they keep you right. Hope this is of some help Evelyn

HI we decided to bring everything with us and had a 20ft container we both finished work the week before and it took 3 days for the packers to come in and pack everything, they left our bed a sofa and TV until the last day when the container was to be loaded. this was the Wed and our house was to be sold on the Thurs We stayed 2 nights with my Sister then flew to Aus on the Sat It was a risk leaving so soon after the sale of the house but it all went well and we transfered the money to Aus once we arrived. We stayed with our Daughter for 2wks then went into Furnished Appartment until we found a Rental Our container was a bit longer than we were told so we managed to borrow mattresses etc and went to Op shop for cups cutlery etc.We had to make the decision to rough it in Uk while our stuff was in transit or rough it in Aus before it arrived but we just wanted to get here mind we didn't have kids to worry about I wouldn't bother bringing Crockery etc as its very cheap to buy but sheets and towels etc are more expensive so i would recomend bringing them I think you can get a Small Package Container but its good to shop arround re prices etc and see what is on offer, The way we looked at it was if we were bringing some stuff we might aswell bring it all and I was glad we did as it saved having to shop around for everything Its a hectic time to begin with it takes about 3 mths for everything to work in once our stuff arrived it all seemd to come right. Hope this is of some help please feel free to contact me if you need further advice only glad to be of help we are in QLD regards Evelyn x

Hi Guys, We brought all our White Goods apart from Fridge/ Freezer all worked no problem but the F/F wont as they are not strong enough to freeze etc with the hot weather mind we are in QLD( we were given this advice ) TV etc will work you just need a set top box, We brought everything with us as it was a lot cheaper than buying and found it was easier than having to trail round the shops looking for things etc but after nearly 3 yrs we have replaced a lot. The items I find expensive is Bedding and Towels so my advice would be to make sure you have plenty Duvets you will use from UK in Winter as it can get colder down in Adelaide but not be needed in summer Everything else you can get reasonable especially at sale time I also know with us there are plenty second hand you can but i know a frined got F/F and Washing Machine like new for just over $200 the lot Anyway hope this is of some help to you. Evelyn x

Don't worry its not as bad as you think as long as you have your Passport with Permanent Visa and you Driving Licence counts and as soon as you get your Medicard then you have the 100 points but it all works out once you start doing it x

Hi Debbie have you thought to come up to QLD for a holiday before you make any decision as I agree with all the answers you have recieved everywhere is different, On the Gold Coast which is 1 hr from Brisbane is lovely and most of the time everyone is friendly but in life there is good and bad everywhere at the moment I am enjoying my life here and looking forward to retiring in a few years to go trsavelling etc but as i have said before its not for everyone I often here that the only thing wrong with Australia is the Australians who do more winging than anyone but I have found my place here and certainly have more friends and a much better lifestyle than I had in the Uk and thats basically what you have to look at What you had in th Uk to waht you have now, I do hope it works out for you whatever you decide Keep your chin up it will work out one way or the other Evelyn x

Hi We got our Visa 3yrs ago which started of with an agent in Australia it was a nightmare we had 3 different people and were told to have our Medicals first then we were never told we had a case worker until 6mths later, after that I cancelled the agency and finished the rest with the case worker myself she was so helpfull and sorted out an extension for us to activate as out year was up. I would certainly recomend anyone to try it themselves and you get lots of help on this site as far as I know nobody looses a Visa from doing it themselves but I may be wrong Hope this helps Evelyn x

Hi Debbie, Sorry things are not working out for you as you expected and maybe as you say Aus is not for you but like a lot of the reply,s you are maybe not in the correct state My hubby and I came out at the age of 58 to the Gold Coast and have never looked back we have our own 3 bed house nothing startling but we like it we both work my OH has to drive to Brisbaine 4 days a week which is 12 hr day I work in a Nursing home 5 mornings but to be honest where you get that the wages are lower I only get the basic wage which is far more than the Uk we don't earn a fortune but I have a better life here than I did in Scotland as I said we own our house I work part time we run 2 cars and have just returned from a Cruise to New Zealand for New Year Yes its hard at times but no more than if you lived anywhere but if its making you so unhappy then maybe you do have to think of going back to the UK its not good to feel so unhappy and nothing to be sorry for as Aus is not for everyone Good Luck Evelyn x

Hi we live on the Gold Coast in a place called Coombabah which is lovely but anywhere in this area is good if you want to be near the coast look at Paradise Point, Hollywell, Runaway Bay ,Biggera Waters. Pacific Pines Helensvale Oxenford are more inland but 15min you can be at the beach, There are a lot of Poms in Pac Pines if thats what you are looking for and most around your age,Most of the schools are good My daughter lives near us with a 4yr old who goes to a good Kindy she has a 3bed 2bath double garage stand alone house with a pool large garden and rent is $450 week if thats any help to you but the secret is to shop around Rents have dropped a lot over the past year but the area you are looking at I could recomend Hope this is of some help Evelyn x

Hi Jayne, Not been on POI in years but saw your quote, We live on the GC and have been here fro 21/2 yrs we are a lot older it was a big move for us but it all worked out good,we both have jobs and now own our own house, Pacific Pines would be ideal for you as there are a lot of Poms in your age group with kids your daughters age and from what I know from the ones I know they all love it. There are jobs if you are not fussy, I work in a Nursing Home "Tricare" but there are plenty about aswell as agencies for you to apply to just put your CV into them all Not sure about Brickies though!!!! As for Rental its just as easy from here and you can see what you get my advice would be book an appartment to arrive to then take it from there We had our Dughter here but she wasn't on the coast so thats what we did booked an app on the Broadwater then bought our car and looked for a rental. We had all our stuff shipped out but have since bought new stuff but you can pick things up very cheaply there are great deals in the shops but also the Garage Sales etc you get stuff as new as people are moving all the time. i can say from our experience we love the GC its a great place all round. if you are on Facebook look up Pomsinoz gold coast and you will meet lots of people before you head over they also have lots of meet ups at the beach etc. Hope this has been of some help for you Evelyn x