yoyo333

Once your medicals arrived you can check their status online and they change from being received, in progress, finalised or referred (I can't remember all but I think that's it) I used to check each morning when I woke

Hi, ours took 10 days or so to arrive and they were processed within a week. Mine was referred to MOC and I had to wait another 3 weeks before it was finalised

Hi, you don't need to certify a cv just the references you get from former employers etc. I had 3 references all certified. I also copied my qualifications certificates and got them stamped and signed too. Hope this helps

Hi Auzsci, Sorry I forgot to mention more on the job front. We both secured jobs before we left. We basically update our CVs and started to apply online to different sites. My OH secured an IT role with Oracle in the city and I managed to get a few interviews for design work which I passed (2nd interview on arrival) the role is also in the city. So all good so far. Feel free to pm me. Yoyo x

We've been here for one week and completed most things like: mobile phones, rental application (successful ), Medicare, broadband, hire car etc etc basically everything you need. Most companies/ departments require you to satisfy a 100 point score which is made up from (not always originals) ID (drivers licence) or passport, visa certificate, a utility bill, bank statement, a reference (If you have one) Medicare card, you can get a receipt for one when you apply (takes 5 mins). oz bank account details (if you have opened one). There is no need to bring mountains of paperwork from the uk unless you want to store it in the bottom draw again for another 10 years. Hope this helps

Hiya, We have secured a nice two bedroom house in Brighton, not far from Church street shops and beach (really lovely). What we done for our application was make up a pack which included an introduction letter, who we were, where we'd come from etc. a couple of utility bills from the uk, a few bank statements, copies of ID and some references from previous employers. Basically the pack was in addition to the basic application the estate agents give you. We thought that this would give us a better chance with the landlord. It worked for us as we got accepted within hours. We also have jobs in the city which also helps (I think). Good luck and keep me posted xx

There is lots of detail in what we've done so far so if anyone has any specific questions and I mean anything, I'd be more than happy to answer, just drop me a private message or ask here. At the end of the day, I've used this forum to get us here and I want to be able to give something back. Hugs yoyo x

Hi everyone, I can't believe it's been a week since we arrived. We have managed to do so much and still a few bits before we can put our feet up. Medicare was the first thing. Really straight forward 10 mins it took to register. Don't forget to get ambulance insurance. It cost us $75 for a year. TFN was also easy, you do it all online once you have an address. WestPac bank accounts were already sorted (opened in the UK) we just needed to go into any branch and order debit cards which only took a few days to arrive. We use our cards all the time now. It really is easy to move money around using a WestPac iPhone application. We took delivery of our imported car with no problems. Applied to Vic roads for a 28 day permit $75. This allows you to drive it on your UK plates from A to B whilst you sort out road worthiness inspections and registration etc. We've paid someone to do it all for us $700. Don't forget to get comprehensive insurance. Its not a legal requirement, but worth it. Viewed lots of rentals around the bayside area and our first application was accepted. We move in on Monday. Foxtel TV booked. Basically the same as Sky HD but a few bucks more. Broadband (Telstra) all sorted 200gb download, and line rental. Our mobile phones are also on prepaid Telstra. Make sure you get them unlocked in the UK. Finally, our household effects turn up on Monday. Oh and we've had a great couple of days on Brighton beach. I think that's about it. Bayside!! Love it Yoyo x

This is it! Finally, after two and a half years, the day is here. I'm sat at Heathrow now waiting to board. Melbourne via Singapore here we come! hugs yoyo x

Thanks. I got my iPhone unlocked yesterday. I'm really glad I remembered. Cheers

Than you to everyone for your posts xx

Thanks. What sort of price are we talking about with Telstra? x

Hi all, We arrive in Melbourne next week and was wondering which mobile network is the best one to sign up too? Coverage, 3G, cost effective etc. I think we will only be offered pay as you go until we are settled with a permanent address etc. Thank you Yoyo (very excited) xx

Hi, I'll have a look back at the old thread as well. Cheers and yes I'll keep peeps informed on how we get on x

Thanks to all the posts. We feel much better and take a lot of comfort from what we've read. This time next week we will be 4 hours into our flight to Singapore xxxx