KD79UK

Thanks for the reply I dive but a lot of my buddys are all over the place or have their own lives. I do 10+ hr days Monday -Friday so dont want to have to commit to voluntary work. My go to has always been meetup but there dont seem to be as many group activities on anymore

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Hi I have a house in the Gold Coast, I moved from Perth where I lived for 8 years. I've owned my house in the Gold Coast for about 5 years, but spent 2 of those years away working in Darwin, and 1.5 years living full time in Adelaide. I'm currently working in Adelaide again during the week and then commuting home for long weekend to Gold Coast. Apologies, I've been lazy with punctuation etc. so please forgive the following! What I like and dislike about both - Gold Coast - Climate, I like that it is very rarely very cold (still got the odd times, dont get me wrong). I like heat, although in my opinion it is never overbearingly hot. I don't mind humidity (in fact I don't think it is that bad, my mother would flatly disagree with me!). My mum also says she misses seasons in the GC, as she doesn't really think there is much change. Outdoors - You have a lot of options all year round. There is some sensational hiking, lots of places to swim, paddle board, kayak, I scuba dive, you can do this all year round without freezing, although everyone always thinks of Surfers Paradise (!) there is a lot of activity in Gold Coast. Events - there are a lot of events all the time, it is constant and varies. Lifestyle - Hugely laid back, beach lifestyle Transient nature of the GC - it can be hard to make friends in the GC due to people being transitional or on holiday etc. Not always a place people live full time, but I believe that is really changing. I think the GC will see a real increase in population and they are starting to put a lot of thought in it. Small town - due to the above if you are after small sleepy town feeling then you may not like the Gold Coast of the future. It has also been ruined a little by too much building of high rises. Adelaide - I like that you really arent more than 25 minutes from the city most of the time I like that Adelaide seems to keep the live band alive. It is good to see bands touring often in venues where you can get closer with a good view. The Gov is one of my fave venues. They also still have pubs that have a bit of an english feel to them, but it depends if that is a big draw for you Not keen on the weather here. I find it too cold during winter and then stupid hot during summer (which doesnt always last long enough for my liking). You know the climate here so you can view my comments on weather in light of what you think about the Adelaide climate Wine - I love the red wine here, and its nice your close to good wineries! Food - I have had some of my most favourite dishes in Adelaide. They do food well. Best fringe festival. I think they have done this event really well and the town really changes during the 2 mths of the festival. House are built properly. You can still get a properly built, soundproof brick house! and the houses are beautiful. Houses in general here are badly put together, but the older ones in Adelaide are great. If you like cycling you are probably in one of the best places in Australia. I haven't ever seen so many cyclists in one city and somewhere so well though out for cyclists. That is some of my thoughts. I can't help you in terms of schools etc, and I have a clear preference for Gold Coast (although spending time in both states at the moment is a great mix!). Hopefully some of those points might help though. Some may or may not agree with me I'm sure!

You can also try Divers Den they are awesome and they have a boat Ocean Quest that stays out on the Reef....Not sure how easy it is to get a spot for that course though?

HI, I've been in Australia for 13 years now, lived in WA for 8 years and most of my friends are probably there, but I felt like I was in retirement living there and moved. I have worked FIFO for the last 7 years pretty much and it has made meeting friends on the Gold Coast really difficult. I have owned a house on the Gold Coast for 5 years nearly now, but for two of those years I was residential in Darwin and then did a year long stint in Adelaide. So I really haven't made a firm friend base! Every time I've started making friends I end up flying out somewhere again. I'm currently flying in and out of Adelaide and home Saturday & Sunday one week then Friday - Sunday the next. Once this assignment ends I am determined to stay working nearer home if it kills me Anyone in the same predicament or any new comers fancy meeting up? I'm pretty relaxed, easy going, 38 year old female, originally from Chelmsford, Essex. Happy to meet males or females, in fact I miss having male friends at home, probably why I work in a male dominated area! The Aussies don't seem to get men and women being friends the same way UK people do lol.

Thanks Teejams I'll have a look

I'll third the above! Been in Aus 10 years and lived on Goldy for a year......

Hi Guys, I have been in Oz for 10 years, but I spent most of that (9 years) in Perth, WA. I met lots of friends there from all over including Aussies, and it made life so much easier. Now I am in the Gold Coast, I bought a house in Labrador and I’m finding it harder to meet people. I think it is harder because I work away (FIFO) on a 3 week on 1 week off roster. I’m working up in Darwin though so that’s pretty cool….. My mum is also here, she came over last year and she is struggling a bit also (she misses the UK friends). She was pretty brave really she moved to a country where she knew no one at 66 and took a risk. It’s been hard because she doesn’t meet people through work etc…and now I’ve cleared off working away again! If anyone is interested in meeting up or knows of any specific Pommie meet ups we would love to hear from you. I like meeting people from all over but sometimes it’s nice to start with your roots! Hi Guys, K

Hi, I bought in Labrador, I like the location it is pretty convenient. If they put the light rail in to this area it will be perfect. I think Southport has got a bit more pricier now due to it having this link down through surfers to broadbeach and then back up to the hospital. It's a bit up in the air at the moment. What ever happens they will connect Helensvale to the hospital at some point I believe. You should try and check out properties that might be in easy reach of the new route (if it goes ahead!!) I have been in Aus for 10 years but spent 9 of those in Perth. I moved over to the Gold Coast last year but I also work FIFO so I dont get much time here....if anyone needs some help when they get here I would be happy to try and assist. I am 36 and fairly easy going. I also brought my mum over from UK last year she is struggling a little being here on her own at 66. She would help out as well if needed.....

Hey I emailed immi and sent my new job offer etc, and I was emailed back saying they would only ask for these if immi decided to investigate and that there were no conditions attached to my visa. I think if the employer had complained it might have been a different story as they would then have to investigate, but if you have enough evidence to back up your claim then it's not in their best interest to take away your visa. it doesnt promote the visa class much otherwise and people wont go to rural areas. I think anther factor was that the job I got (although in the Perth and not regional) wasnt really far from the regional area I was in, if I had got a job in the City after working in Karratha (top of WA and very remote) then they probably would have had more of an issue or required some evidence/interview. I think it can depend who you get at immi sometimes!! If I were you and you do leave I would just send them an email saying Ive left my employment and then just wait and see if you hear anything.

Hi sorry to slightly hijack, I want to bring my partner back on a 300 visa, wondered if anyone knew how difficult the whole process is? we have only been seeing each other for 6 months, never lived together, but worked together in that time, we have been on holiday together once before he had to leave and we are meeting again next month. Do you know how stringent they are about your relationship ie is there a time frame you need to be together etc? Just want to see if it would be possible! I dont think we can continue to keep meeting each other every few months its really difficult. Cheers

Will be handing my notice in Monday and sending the info on Monday! Will defo keep you posted!!! Just waiting for my offer letter, got a job through an agency start at the beginning of August! Having a holiday in Malaysia first!! Very very disappointed with the company I was with after 3 years they still wouldn't pay the correct rates and with Perth becoming more and more unaffordable to live it just couldn't go on!!!

I am! But then I'm the opposite I've been to places where my friends have said there are no mozzies and still come away like the elephant woman!! When I have had friends round some nights we have definitely all noticed it, like I said though just ensure you have your oil burner out and use spray it's fine. I remember reading once all people get bitten you just don't always know if your skin doesn't react. Mozzies are found everywhere here I think it pays to have a good anti mozzie regime as much as a slip slap slop regime. But in answer to your question yes the mozzies are I would say noticeably worse in Mandurah.

I'm on a bit of a role now! Also posting this which was sent to me today, regarding leaving an employer when they are paying you below the level of other people in similar occupations in similar regions."(response from DIAC) "...If an 857 visa holder does not complete 2 years employment with the sponsor we can consider cancellation of the visa. The main considerations are the effort the visa holder has made to remain employed, that the employment has been for at least one year and that future employment is obtained in a regional area. seeking fair remuneration for your occupation with your employer is considered as being a genuine effort to remain employed. One of the criteria that should be applied when an employer is approved for the regional scheme is that the salary they are offering is reflective of the award with regional variations. If your company will not pay you a fair wage for your occupation and skills and another regional employer will then it is unlikely that your visa would be cancelled as long as you have given your current employer a reasonable chance to match the salary...

Hi I dont know if this helps it was sent to me by someone in an email. it is a recent response from immigration regarding leaving an 857 when the employer is paying below the normal rates for the occupation. "...If an 857 visa holder does not complete 2 years employment with the sponsor we can consider cancellation of the visa. The main considerations are the effort the visa holder has made to remain employed, that the employment has been for at least one year and that future employment is obtained in a regional area. seeking fair remuneration for your occupation with your employer is considered as being a genuine effort to remain employed. One of the criteria that should be applied when an employer is approved for the regional scheme is that the salary they are offering is reflective of the award with regional variations. If your company will not pay you a fair wage for your occupation and skills and another regional employer will then it is unlikely that your visa would be cancelled as long as you have given your current employer a reasonable chance to match the salary..." I should imagine if you can leave because they arent matching the correct pay, then you could certainly leave if they are not fulfilling their part of the contract. I would go see a lawyer if possible, even if it is for $50 half hour advice!! I would also keep a diary or put the points in order and forward it to the immigration. I cant see how it would be fair or reasonable for them to expect you to stay in those circumstances.