sharron pickett

Hi Wooba,

I can probably help with a lot of your questions. I was a sparkle in UK, then USA for 11 years, (NV), now a contractor here in Brisbane. Feel free to PM me,

Steve.

Any ideas what the demand for electricians/ AC is like around there, I'm a contractor and currently in Brisbane and looking at expanding to Sunshine Coast thanks Steve

Yes, I just had to prove mine to get the discount. Bring it with you! I had to get my previous agent to do a letter.

Four years spent in Aus on any valid visa, with the last year at least on a pr visa is enough to meet the criteria for citizenship.

Thanks bolt4 ?

I could be wrong, of course, but I was under the impression you had to have 4- years as PR before you can apply for citizenship. I'm not sure 457 time counts. But check it out first though.

Hi,

I did the same thing about 4 years ago, flew out to SA and got my licence there. I applied for the Qld licence a short while later, and had no problems. I used a friends address on the GC. Moving forward 3 1/2 years, we finally moved to Qld. Got a job and everything was sweet until.......I applied for my contractor licence. They wrote back and asked for evidence of gap training because I had done the SA route. So, a weeks course at skillstech, (another $900), 2 written exams and a practical! I've got to say though, I needed the refresher and looking back, it was a tough week 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri but worth it.

I was told this course can be spread out over a longer period if you have time on your side, you would need to contact Skillstech about that though. Hope this is useful.

Steve

We've had our account with NAB for 1 1/2 years. 1 year before we arrived here and never paid a penny. I can defo recommend them.

Simple, 1 word Brisbane!

Welcome to Brisbane Kelly, you have been busy, that's a lot to get done in a week. We arrived on 29/4/14 and are now in a rental in Indooroopilly. We have fallen in love with Brisbane and I'm sure you will too.

looking forward to following your adventures.

Sharron.

Hi all, I am about to apply for my EC licence, and wondered if anyone has advice on the best place to get the Broadform liability insurance that is required for Queensland.

thanks in advance,

Steve.

Thanks for the heads up on the Custard Apples, so good, at $3.50 each they bloody well need to be! I went to a market here at weekend, after living in the USA for past 11 years I have to say the fruit and veggies are the BOMB here, I'm a veggie so I love all vegetables and am in Heaven, everything I buy has so much more flavor, the colors are also much more vibrant, I love living here, I just feel alive and like its home. Been here 2 months this week and although left my son in USA would be very happy to stay here forever. Can't fault anything about it so far, everyday feels like I'm on holiday, lovely weather, people and scenery, Brisbane is an amazing city and just breath taking .

Welcome, don't be nervous, people are super friendly here... Check out Meetup app they have tons of groups from socializing to fitness and everything in between. We moved here 5 weeks ago and love it. It's a great country so come and enjoy

Hi Thank you, 6 weeks today and very happy, things have gone amazing, we're settled in a nice apartment in Indooroopilly, furnished it and our son started school last week and lives it, hubby started work today so it's all come together, we love it here, weather has been fantastic, setting up has been easier than we thought, and compared to Las Vegas it pretty cheap. The fruit and veggies are amazing, people so friendly, I love the running, already have Brissy Marathon booked and a Tri in October. After all horror stories I read before coming, this place Rocks, I love Brisbane and it feels like home. Thanks for the invite, going to add to my calendar ??? one very happy family ?

Hello Sharon

Welcome to Brisbane! Hope you're starting to find your feet (who am I kidding - 6 weeks is nowhere near enough - I remember those days!).

Anyway, if you haven't had a chance to search, here's the Triathlon Qld's 'find a club' web page. Hope this helps. http://www.triathlonqld.com.au/Clubs/FindaClub/ClubListing/tabid/211/u986q/4272697362616E65/Default.aspx.

And if you're on the north side, OH & I arrange 3 monthly migrant get-togethers/bbq and the next will be Saturday 12 July at the Parkside Park/bbq area, Aurora Boulevard (behind Bounty Boulevard School), North Lakes from 2pm until you have to go. BYO food, drinks, chairs and have a chat with others that have made the move in recent months (or a year or two) and hopefully start to make new friends (as a number have).

You don't have to be living in North Lakes to come along; it's just a convenient location because a number are. The park has play equipment, bbqs (free, electric), toilets, off-leash dog area, half-pipe skateboard bowl and a huge area to kick a ball.

You'd be very welcome!

Currently, we are living in Taringa and now we are looking for a long-term rental close to Brisbane or surrounding areas. Preferably 2 bed. If anyone knows where we can find one, please leave a reply. Thank you.:notworthy:

After many years the time has come....... Arriving Monday, first 2 weeks accommodation booked in Brisbane and the Brisbane marathon in August (lol priorities )! Unreal feeling, past being nervous stage, just going to take each day as it comes and go with it. Best plans in the world seem to fall apart so trying a different approach.

Any runners /triathlon clubs/groups in or around Brisbane? Thanks Sharron

Thanks guys for all the replies.

Thanks Paul for the reply

Hi all,

making the move soon and have a question about our bikes. We have ordered a 20 ft container, and will be bringing our bikes. Now, I know we have to clean them thoroughly, but...do we have to break them down and put them in a box, or just wheel them on and make sure they are secure?

Check out airbnb, has always worked really well for me

Thanks Cal and MM, some good advice. Just looking at at air bnb now.

Finally, we have flights booked and our date set. We arrive in Brisbane 29th April. Now the fun starts, container, somewhere to live, somewhere to work etc. Hubby is an electrician, and went over some time ago for exams, and holds his A license. Where do we start? We have two sons, one 19 and one 13, so we need a nice area with work potential, and a good school. Any ideas anyone??

Sharron.

Good advice, thanks James.

Wow, thanks for all the info, yes it is a minefield. I already have a PR visa and my Qld A license for electrical. I have done several qualifications in A/C In case the work situation so bleak when I arrive in February 2014, I thought can only be good to have 2- trades, this is why I will be looking at RPL. My problem is not having any hands on experience, but all jobs want previous experience, so...... how do you get started?

thanks again for the info.

Steve.

Hi,

If you can answer the above questions, I would also like to hear. I will be arriving in Brisbane in Feb 14, and will also be using the RPL to gain Aus qualifications for my A/C diplomas etc.

thank you

Steve.

Check out airbnb.com for cheap short term accom. I got here on 29th april (Brisbane), and just about to move in to my second one.