giggle

Thanks for that info, I'll look into it.

Hi, please can someone who recently did the Citizenship Test say what they used to practise the questions? Did you use the free online test? Someone told me they heard there's a DVD you can get. Also, is it true if you fail you can re-sit the test the same day? (We live in the Gold Coast and due to apply for the test next month). Thanks

You made some good points there, thank you, something to keep in mind.

My concern is more to do with whether it would be a straight forward process for the children to be allowed to leave Oz to return to the UK. Obviously that would be common sense but??

Hi, we are looking to see a solicitor to write a Will. We're permanent residents. Can anyone advise whether we can stipulate, in the event of both of us dying at the same time, that we want our children to return to live with family in the UK. There is no other family in Oz and I don't want them ending up in foster care. We will be speaking to a solicitor about this but was interested to hear if anyone has heard of this type of thing, thanks.

Good question! No, I was just glad to get out of there. One place I stayed one day, another I stayed two. I just assumed I wouldn't get paid.

I had a couple of call centre jobs, first time in my whole career that I didn't go back after the first day. Bonuses are only usually paid if a customer does not change their mind after set cooling off period (think its a few weeks). There are in my experience unethical practices going on eg calls made to elderly, vulnerable people living in nursing homes (to sell holidays to!). My supervisor refused to delete phone no. despite customer clearly asking for this to be done. In short, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is and there is a reason why the staff turnover is so high.

Hi there, we have lived in the Gold Coast just over a year. My middle son who was 9 when we arrived, was very homesick for quite some time (lots of adults don't realise that children get homesick too) and parents, me included, assume that 'kids fit in quickly'. Like adults, of course, every young person is an individual and everyone's experience is different. Also, the culture and words people use here is different and takes time to get used to. We live on a complex with a shared pool and that has helped my children make friends. My son used to sit in the library on his own at play time because he found the heat hard to cope with and that meant he found it hard to make friends. This year he has got used to the heat and has lots of friends -all of this took time. Why don't you tell your Mum, too, that as a family, we joined an ex-pat group called Brits on the Gold Coast, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We have family meet ups where you can meet other kids who have also emigrated from England. There are all kinds of social events going on, lots of stuff going on at Christmas! You can both meet people who understand exactly what you're talking about. Your Mum can PM me if she wants to join Brits on the Gold Coast. And well done for being honest about how you're feeling, its normal to feel anxious and like you don't fit in at first. Hope things improve for you soon.

Hi there, we have been living in a gated complex on the Gold Coast for a year. I had no prior experience of this type of thing but am very happy here: we have use of a gym and large pool/spa pool which are always quiet even though lots of families live here. I feel 'safe', having been used to semi detached houses in UK. Its very sociable, particularly if you have kids, as you meet friends at the pool etc. I have lovely neighbours and if you have any complaints, the manager deals with it i.e. its not your problem. My kids aged 7 and 10 are very happy living here, the only downside for us is you can't have a pet although that can be true of any rental. Something worth mentioning is, ask other families who actually live there, what they think of the manager and the rules. Some places do have mainly older people and complain if kids stay inside all day or if they play out! If there are signs up saying kids can't ride their bikes, don't just ignore it and then moan if your kids can't ride their bikes like some people do. We live 5 minutes from a park so my kids ride their bikes there instead. On the whole, I would recommend this type of accommodation. Good luck with your decision.

Can anyone recommend a good account for childrens savings, i.e. good rate of interest? The eldest is aged 10.

Thank you!

Thanks, happy school holidays!

We arrived September and lived in a complex with large shared pool. My middle child, aged 9, struggled in the heat and went to the pool every single day for months. he would have found it extremely uncomfortable otherwise. In 6 week summer hols, the pool saved me a fortune because the kids went in nearly every day. We all made friends from using the pool. I know some people say air con and cool showers cool you down but for us, that wasn't enough, it was being able to submerge yourself in the pool.

Hi, just thought I'd ask before school hols start, can you recommend parks in Gold Coast with play equipment suitable for 7 to 10 year olds? Or ideas for free activities? You don't get enough info off the Council website, thanks. PS free school holiday activities in GC parks are being published tomorrow (17 June)

Yes, thats the place. I can drive but would prefer to take the train. I've been trying to work out routes etc on Google without success. Thanks for your reply, it makes a lot more sense for me!

Hi, does anyone out there or anyone you know, work for the National Relay Service (phone service for the deaf). If so, whats it like and whats the public transport like from Brisbane? The address is 295 Logan Road, Stones Corner, qld 4120. I live in Robina, Gold Coast. Thanks.

Hi, does anyone out there - or anyone you know - work for the National Relay Service in Brisbane (telephone service for the deaf)? If so, what is the public transport like in that area?

Hi there, we have been on gold coast 7 months now. We joined an ex-pat social group called brits on the gold coast. There are people of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the gold coast. They are very friendly and welcoming and really help with the settling in period etc. you should be able to find them on facebook, if not let me know and I'll see how you get in touch with the co-ordinator. Good luck.

Hi, my kids are in primary school in Oz. my understanding is that there are far fewer paid classroom assistants than in the UK so I would advise contacting an education dept, for example, for more advice. They have classroom reps in most classes but these are mainly parents acting voluntarily. Good luck with your plans

Hi, I'm thinking of doing a course to gain a barista qualification. Can anyone recommend a course in the Gold Coast. Also, if you have done one of these courses, was it enough to gain employment? How hard is it to get employment when you are 'more mature' shall we say ie in your 40s? Thanks for reading.

Thanks, will look into them.

Hi, I'd like to do a MYOB course to increase my chances of getting a job. I've done admin and call centre type work previously. After going on the MYOB website, I'm confused about whether there is one MYOB course or several? Has anyone took one of these courses, either online or in a college? Can anyone recommend somewhere I could get free advice about it? I live on the Gold Coast. Thanks for any replies. :confused:

Hi, does anyone out there use/know of any drama classes suitable for a 7 and 9 year old? Nothing too heavy, just to build their confidence up and have fun. We live in Robina so would need to be southern end of the Gold Coast, thanks.

Hi, we followed advice from PIO i.e. taking photocopies of documents before you fly out (less hassle) and taking ID with us whenever we went to view a property. Get an Oz bank account and medicare card asap as these can be used for ID. Also, check if your kids school has a catchment area as ours doesn't which would mean you have more freedom about where you live. Good luck x

Hi, poms in oz has been extremely helpful to our family -before we came out and since. I cannot rate it highly enough. We have made some good friends too. I go on it for advice/a browse/curiosity and always end up spending more time on it than I intended!