brummiebabies
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Everything posted by brummiebabies
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Hi Val. We were only saying the other day that the house sale was the worst bit for us. Even when you get a buyer nothing's certain and things can change from one day to the next. We found the whole thing very stressful but now it's over to be honest we've sort of forgotten how bad it was. We'd just rather forget I think!! Anyway on to more pleasant things like the 'Moreton Bay Meet-up' (I like that) Won't that be great! We'll keep in touch and arrange something soon. Oh Val you are definitely nearly there now!! Angie xx
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Hi Val. Are you just going for a holiday first before moving for good? So glad you're up for a get together - will try and arrange something for December if possible! Angie x
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Hi Nutmeg. I can well believe it'll continue be all go when we are out there. I thought once we sold the house and got our visas then everything would calm down but no we're still waiting for a rest!! Some hope! Anyway we're looking forward to meeting up with everyone when we are settled. Good luck with the job hunting and finding a car! Angie xx
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Yippee!! What a stressful few weeks you have had Val!! At least it is coming to an end now and you've booked your flights - how fantastic. You will be all settled by the time we come out. Are you still on for that drink? Looks as though there could be a few others joining us! It will be good to share the ups and downs we have all gone through. Angie x
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Hi Tab. It was very easy for us. We opened a current and iSaver account with NAB on line. Just submitted a form and they opened the accounts within a few days. I think you can transfer any amount but you can't withdraw money until you visit the branch in Australia to activate the account. You are allocated a dedicated banker and make an appointment to see them when you arrive in Oz. Couldn't be simpler really. Hope this helps. Angie
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Hi Nutmeg. So happy for you! It be lovely for all of us in the Brisbane area to meet up for a drink (or two)! Val and Matt have mentioned it and I know Val (Vava) is moving to the same area as us - I'm sure she won't take much persuading to join us! Angie x
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Hi. We will definitely let you know how things go when we are over there. We will be living in Birkdale so not far from you. Our grandchildren go to Redlands College in Wellington Point. You are right - it's such a lovely area! Hard to believe that we will soon be there! Angie x
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Hi Phoebe I need to research the whole medical thing more myself but I can let you know the experience we had 2 years ago when we visited our daughter in Brisbane. Unfortunately 2 days into the holiday hubby suddenly developed pains in his chest. Luckily it turned out to be nothing serious but he received emergency treatment locally and then they sent him by ambulance to the main hospital in Brisbane central to stay overnight for observation. Didn't cost a thing not even for the ambulance - they said everything was covered by the reciprocal arrangement with the UK. This is how it works if you are a visitor and I'm pretty sure emergency treatment etc is covered by Medicare but not the ambulance when you have permanent residency. Hope this helps. Angie x
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How about meeting for a drink "on the other side"? We would love that Val. I'll PM our telephone number and address when we are all in Oz. Our flight is booked for 19 October - flying with Singapore Airlines for extra baggage allowance. Starting to count down the days now!! I hope everything goes okay with exchange of contracts on your house today. Angie x
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Well that's all our belongings gone! I have to say that the two guys from John Masons did a fantastic job packing our things and everything went really smoothly. Would definitely recommend them. We complete on the house tomorrow and then it's goodbye to our family home of 31 years. Strangely neither of us feel sad, we haven't had time to stop and think; it's just been full on for the last few weeks. It will great to just chill out for a while!! I think this calls for another glass of wine! Ha ha!! Angie x
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Hi there. Welcome to PIO. You will certainly get loads of advice and support here from those who currently are or have already gone through the CPV process. It's not a cheap option at all and I can understand your anxiety over finances. If you get time, take a look back over previous posts on this thread. One piece of advice we went with was to 'drip feed' money to Oz once we had applied for our 143 - it helped even out the fluctuating exchange rate. Best of luck. Angie
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Oh Val! That's just horrible - and at this late stage too. We were dreading the same thing happening to us. We had to take a big 'hit' on the price of our house initally anyway, either that or rent it out but we were not keen on that option at all. Like you we want to tie all the loose ends up. Definitately be keeping everything crossed for you! Chin up - all this will be behind you soon! Angie x
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Hi Dave and Gill. Sounds like you have really settled into your new life in Oz. I hope it will be the same for us. I'm getting scared now! :unsure: Angie x
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Cath, you will there before you know it! We started de-cluttering the house about 12 months ago and slowly continued throughout the year. It makes it so much easier and also begins the process of 'letting go'. Doing it gradually we found it wasn't so painful. I have been busy today putting the last bits and pieces on Freecycle and then a few trips to the local tip should clear the rest. Angie x
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Hi Michelle. We did start looking at the queue calculator when we first lodged our application but to be honest it really doesn't appear to work too well. Your best way of judging how quickly the process takes is to have a look at the tracker that was set up by another parent. This gives a good indication of timescales from start to finish. Here's the link: http://www.chireckles.com/cpv/tracker.php. Hope this helps. Angie
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Hi Kim. Wow! You are going so soon! How wonderful for you both. All the very best and have a wonderful life in Oz. We won't be far behind you! Angie x
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Hi Fran. Our experience was that we were asked to have our medicals and police checks done to 'speed' the process up prior to being allocated a CO. We found out we had a CO allocated by accident when we emailed over the PC's. Immigration sent back an email stating we must post them FAO our CO and gave us his name. However it was only when were contacted directly by our CO that things really started moving. He asked both of us to complete a Form 80. We did this and emailed the forms and other relevant paperwork over to him. We had intended posting but hubby telephoned our CO and he was happy for the forms to be emailed. Very shortly afterwards we had an letter emailed to us asking for the 2nd VAC. Once the payment was received in Perth it was just days for the Visa to be granted. Others may have had a different experience. I guess it depends on who your CO is. Angie x
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Hello everyone and thank you for your good wishes and kind words. Val - Had to smile at your post about the reply you usually get from immigration; 'blah blah'; it's just so true! :cute: Enjoy your holiday and yes make them wait for the dosh!! John and Eirian - talking of dosh you're right it is strange how we can't wait to pay the big amount over and yet I'm forever shopping around looking to save a few pence! Crazy or what? :frown: Angie x
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Yippee! Just checked our emails and YES!!! we have our Visa grant letter!!!:biggrin: Such a relief! Thank you everyone for your help and support along the way. Good luck to those still waiting! Angie x
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Not a problem Moira. You're right we're all working together and every liitle helps!! Angie x
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Me again Moira. Just had a look on the internet and there are a number of companies offering cover for one-way travel. I managed to get a quote on a site called go-walkabout and for a one way trip up to 5 days based on aged 17 - 64 they are quoting £60.90 for a couple travelling together and £35.05 for an individual. I'll have a look on other sites when I get a chance. Hope this helps. Angie x
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Crickey Moira! We forgot all about that one! I'll do some research and let you know! Angie x
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Hi Phoebe. Lovely to hear from you again but so sorry to learn that you are still suffering health problems. I do hope things improve for you soon. We have just paid over the 2nd VAC and just waiting for confirmation that we have our visas. The sale of our house completes next Friday and the shippers are in the day before. Both hubby and I are working our notice at work. I should feel excited, and I do most of the time, but my feelings are mixed with waves of guilt over leaving family behind - Arghhh! .....life's never easy!! Wishing you all the very best! Angie x