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

Hi and thanks for the post. I hope I'm feeling better tomorrow or even later tonight after a wine or 4 lol

Hiya Yeah everything is fine thanks, just having a moment. How's things with you?

Hiya, walk finished, I'm now sat chilling out with a coffee contemplating what to do on my penultimate Friday in the uk. Did you actually validate it on a short trip and then didn't bother going? That post by llessur was great wasn't it? x

Ilessur thank you so much for your post. I feel somewhat uplifted now and the more I read it, the more it makes sense. Best Wishes Yoyo

Hi Ali, Thanks for your message. I'm just out walking now by a nice flowing river going over everything. Ours is also a 176, it took over 2 years to get it. I'll sure keep you posted. Thanks x

Hi all, I know there are a few threads on this. I suppose I just wanted my own little "pick me up". With just under 2 weeks before we arrive in Melbourne my emotions are all over the place. One minute I'm on cloud 9 and can't wait to leave and start a new life, the next I'm down in the dumps, my head is all over the place, and I'm feeling depressed. I expect it's only natural to be feeling this way? Thanks for reading x

Thanks for your input.

So are you saying; you pay tax on it in the UK and tax on it in oz? Thanks

Errr! The choices are as I have stated. A: You either have it paid gross in the UK and taxed in oz by submitting the relevant form with the ATO who then inform the UK tax office. Or B: Dont submit the paperwork and pay basic rate tax on it in the UK and also a small % of tax in Oz. These are choices! I am asking if anyone else has been in this situation, and if so, what would they advise. Best Regards

Hi all, I am hoping that someone may be able to provide advice on this for me. My partner has a full army pension and we are emigrating in a couple of weeks. Question: is it advisable to leave his army pension in the UK taxed at basic rate and declare it in Oz as earnings and only pay x % amount of tax on it when you complete the tax return. Or is it best to have it paid gross in the UK and get in taxed in Oz together with other earnings? (Both his army pension and salary in oz will put him into the high tax bracket) Thanks