Martdebs

:biggrin:Thanks everyone. jacqui would it be possible for us to be able to get in touch with you, or visa versa? It was good to hear you are around. We got a FB message from Claire last night which was appreciated

Hi, thanks for the replies, this is just what we needed. What is 'HS'? It will be great to settle in as we really like the area and Grace is so happy at the school, but as always "early days". Thanks again.

Hi, we have just moved in to our rental home in Calwell (Martin, Debs and daughter Grace,10). Grace is at Calwell Primary and has settled better than we could have hoped and I started work with CBA in Tuggeranong. We have struggled to find any other UK migrants as yet. Does anybody out there know any one down here or if there is a suburb(s) where people tend to go? It would be nice to meet up with some like-minded people who are also trying to find their way. I know there is the Welcome to Canberra team, as I went to a basketball match when I arrived solo in February, but since the family arrived there has been no contact, so I will get in touch with them this week to see what events are planned and make sure we haven't fallen off the radar. All the very best to you all. Martin, Debs and Grace:confused:

Hi, we are due to fly out on 23rd Jan, still no accommodation booked yet. Its all been rushed for us and I think I'll have to do a thread to try and sort things out as we are in the "pulling our hair out stage". Hope it doesn't last too long as its already thinning out!!

Hi, I was nervous about mine too. The main thing is to remain focussed throughout the whole thing. When listening, make sure you quickly read through the questions so you have an idea of what to listen for. Jot things down to make sure you don't miss anything and if you do, forget it and carry on or you risk missing more things. The reading questions that ask, true, false, not given are sometimes difficult as you read into things too much: if its not there, stop looking. The talking section is the easiest until you have to talk for 2 minutes on a subject: remember the examiner does not know you or anything about you so you can elaborate to fill your time. I only got 8's in my practices but got all 9's in the real thing. Needed 8's so very happy. Key thing is to stay relaxed!! Good luck. Martin

Cheers Dave, its great to get a personal view on these things. Mart and Debs

Hi, we are looking to emigrate later this year, and my work will be in Orange NSW. We have checked out the climate and Bathurst looks a bit warmer, we haven't been over yet and would be grateful if anybody can share their experience of this area and give us an idea of where to live. We have a 9yr old daughter and need access to public transport. Thanks for any help. Mart and Debs.

Hi All, I am a UK Independant Financial Adviser and have been trying to get to Oz for 3 years now, with my wife and daughter. After taking additional UK exams, Australian financial diploma and having the family sponsored route taken away, we are left with 1 last chance - 'finding a job sponsor'. I have sent approximately 30 applications and sent details to recruitment agencies with all replies stating that I need a work Visa. So this is where I need the advice - 'should I go over there for a last ditch effort and knock on some doors, in an attempt to show prospective employers just how keen I am?' OR 'stop fooling myself and drown my sorrows with the prospect of another UK summer?' Many thanks for any advice. Martin, Debs and Grace