kentkids

Hi R where abouts in Melbourne are you moving to? If you are anywhere near Point Cook, drop me a message. We moved over in March and I have got myself a job in Flight Centre. if I can find any deals for fellow Poms, I will be happy to help. Simon.

Hi I have just got myself a part time job working for Flightcentre. If you let me know the time of year you want to travel, I will have a look in the system and let you know the sort of price you should be looking at

Agree with previous posters- Singapore are excellent, but may be worth looking at Qantas and all of you joining their frequent flyer program. The international flights will give you a good start to free internal flights on QF

Hi check out the link below to Suzanne Cory High School. Newly built and word is that it will be a great school We moved over 3 months ago (OH is a midwife!) and although our kids have a couple of years before they will be old enough, I am keeping my eye on the school http://www.suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au/

Might these children be contributing to the system in years to come when you are old and infirm and require assistance from the state?

Long live Mags. The world needs more strong leaders like her rather than the weak lilly livered ponces (all parties) that have been running the uk for the last 20 years

10 year old in year 5 8 year old in year 3 6 year old in year 1 Two older kids same as uk, youngest was in year 2 in uk but due to birth date and cutoffs now in year 1. The school have been excellent as they see that she has done some bits before, so are catering to her higher requirements.

Re dogs in rentals, we just asked the question. Most landlords seemed to be ok if we paid an extra $500 or so bond Also, outside/inside? How in god's name would the landlord ever know?!?!?!

AJR The no homework policy is a bit misleading! My 10 year old has homework every day, 8 year old 3 times a week and even my 6 year old has to do a written book report once a week. The oddest thing is that here they all come home and choose to sit down and do their homework properly. Back in the UK it was always a last minute.com scribble! The school seems to have instilled quite a competitive work ethos. S

Brought mine over in March packers wrapped it to death and double boxed it. The only way it would have been damaged is if the ship sank! It arrived fine

Michelle We came over a few months ago and ended up in Alamanda more by luck than design. It is a great estate with good parks for the kids and the added bonus of a great pool and gym at the Alamanda club (foc as included in rent!) our kids go to Carranballac, and initially I was a little concerned - largely due to the hearsay on PIO. They have settled in really well, and are thriving. The school that they came from in the uk was Ofsted rated outstanding, and Carranballac is getting just as much out of them. I have been very impressed with the school and would have no problems recommending it.

Money, money money. Why does everyone go on about cost. Yes it will set you back about 4 k, but if you want a dog, go for it. we ame over in March and brought our 14 month old dog. We knew when we got her that we would be coming in less than 12 months. If you do your homework, it is a very simple process bringing a dog over, and from talking to a number of others, the dogs don't seem to get unduly worried. S

Used to be SIA 's biggest fan. Used them regularly for trips to the far east. When we made the decision to move to Oz, thought we would try QF - joined frequent flyers for cheap/free flights! Not disappointed at all. Have now flown long haul 5 times with them (economy x 3, premium x 1 and biz x 1) econ and premium easily on a par with SIA, and biz not far off. Only flown Emirates once and not overly impressed S

Hi we came out in March and used Anglo. Their price for a 20 ft container was right in the middle of 7 quotes we got. Due to sudden exchange/completion of our house sale, we only gave them 4 days (including weekend) to get a team in to pack. The guys were excellent and the whole process went seamlessly. We were quoted approx 10 weeks door to door and ended up being less than 9. Everything arrived in one piece, delivery team unpacked everything we asked, and came back on request to collect the empty boxes that we chose to unpack ourselves. All in all I couldn't fault any part of their service. Bonus from Anglo was a code/link to Qantas giving 40 kg luggage on one way flight - not sure many others offer this on a 457 S

My 10 year old daughter was on skype all day everyday to her best friend back in the UK when we first arrived 3 months ago. Once she started school and making friends it dwindled to once every couple of days. Now it is just a quick call sometime over the weekend. Kids adapt very easily!