BuddysMum

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<p><p>Sounds like you live in Gladstone. </p></p>

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<p><p>How long have you been here?</p></p>

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<p><p>Annette in Telina.</p></p>

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<p>Part 4</p>

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<p>Do keep in touch and let me know when you are going to come. One of our cousins is incredibly gifted at helping people find, furnish and equip a new home, and just loves helping them to find out about the area. In fact, she may end up doing that professionally.</p>

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<p>Rambling. Sorry.</p>

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<p>So, I know we are older etc, but I am sure we could be some help to you as you arrive and settle. Happy to do that. But I promise we won't be "in your face" and annoying about it.</p>

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<p>All the best</p>

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<p>Annette</p>

<p>Part 3</p>

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<p>Not sure how much help that has been. Get in touch if you want more info.</p>

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<p>email: <a href="mailto:" rel="">annette@felixfamily.org</a> will probably get a swifter response as I tend to do most of my browing on my iphone now!</p>

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<p>We are:</p>

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<p>Me, 54, ex-nurse, now a disability support worker. </p>

<p>Steve, 46, IT professional, currently on contract with NRG, the power station, and loving it.</p>

<p>Ben, 13, at high school and loving that.</p>

<p>Buddy, 5, Cocker Spaniel, generally just happy to be with us. Not too keen on the heat but puts up with it.</p>

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<p>We are not really party people, and enjoy just having friends and family round for food and drinks (I think everyone drinks more up here!), and going out for meals etc. Would hardly ever go out to dances or even dress up for the races, to be honest. But we do enjoy seeing the local sights, taking our very much less-than-beach-perfect-bodies to the beach or local pools, and going to the local shows (think country shows, here!!)</p>

<p>Part 2</p>

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<p>The hospitals (the "base" hospital and the private Mater hospital) are just chronically under resourced. Many specialities are just not available here and we have to travel to Rockhampton (about an hours drive) or Brisbane for specialist treatment. Some friends of mine have had to have mastectomies in Brisbane (one of them today) and will be able to have some follow-up treatment here but one of then. for instance, had to stay in Brisbane for 6 weeks for her radiotherapy. She had to send her children to live with friends and organise everything before she went etc.</p>

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<p>I am very happy to tell you about areas in which to rent. The older parts of town are generally less desirable. Clinton would be one, but very close to Clinton is a very nice, new area. Basically there are just small pockets of not so good areas. We were very happy in New Auckland (but again, there are some streets, I would avoid!) and have just moved to Telina which is considered a nice suburb.</p>

<p>Hi Maya</p>

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<p>My message is too long, so I am sending it bit by bit.</p>

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<p>This is Part 1</p>

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<p>Great to hear from you. What work does your OH do? I guess he is coming to one of the big industries here?</p>

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<p>I LOVE Gladstone. I really feel we are meant to be here. It helps that we have family here, for sure. And we joined a church where we have made loads of friends etc, but even without that, most of the locals are very friendly. I think it helps that we aren't a major immigration destination (and that might be why I try not to sell Gladstone too much on the forum!!) lol</p>

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<p>It isn't the prettiest area as the industry does dominate, but the plus side is that the industries also provide a great deal for the city, as a sort of "sweetener". Some of the best parks were "made" by industry and maintained by them. They even clean the barbecues each day!!!</p>

<p>Hey Doodles</p>

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<p>Please forgive my nosiness; I am just wondering where in Ireland you live? We used to live in Co. Wicklow. </p>

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<p>All the best for your Oz plans</p>

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<p>Annette</p>

<p>Hi Bear</p>

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<p>I have recently said quite a lot about Gladstone. See here: <a href="<___base_url___>/forum/queensland-suburbs/95243-bundaberg-gladstone-rockhamton.html" rel="">http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/queensland-suburbs/95243-bundaberg-gladstone-rockhamton.html</a></p>

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<p>Can I ask why you have whittled it down to those two places? I can't think of anything linking them, such as work etc.</p>

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<p>We stayed one night at Hervey Bay the first time we drove from Brisbane to Gladstone in 2008. It seems lovely. I know a lot of the whale watch tours go from there. Not sure what work is available there though.</p>

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<p>Gladstone isn't as pretty, but has all the industry!!! We can get to some amazing places from here though. We are at the southernmost end of the Barrier Reef for instance.</p>

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<p>Anyway, have a read of that thread then come back with any questions you might have.</p>

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<p>And if you decide on here, then let me know and we will try to arrange some sort of welcome for you.</p>

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<p>Annette</p>

<p>I am so very sorry that Jake has been taken from you. I can't think of anything else to say. So so sad.</p>

<p>HI</p>

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<p>Have just spotted your message.</p>

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<p>Busy day today but I really want to reply and help you out a bit, so I will do that later if I may?</p>

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<p>In brief - we love Gladstone, but it's not for everyone. We hate big cities, night life and shopping has little interest for us, but we have a family and really enjoy the "smallness" of this city!</p>

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<p>However, must bear in mind that we have family here so have had lots of introductions. Also we have joined a church so that has given us a huge network of contacts which is unusual, I think!</p>

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<p>Anyway, I willget back with more info asap.</p>

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<p>What job do you do? Why are you thinking of Gladstone?</p>

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<p>See you soon.</p>

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<p>Annette.</p>

<p>Hi Dawny</p>

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<p>When/where is the south meet happening. Didi I read that it will be in Bournemouth? That would be a bit far for us I'm afraid, but maybe if you have another one in the summer we would come and make a day of it.</p>

<p>Thanks Aldo.</p>

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<p>I consider myself very lucky to get a message from you, but even more lucky (if that is the word I'm looking for) that you have chosen to call me "girl"!!</p>

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<p>It's been such a long, long time!</p>