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amanda74

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Everything posted by amanda74

  1. amanda74
    Hi Andy, I've lived in Avondale Heights for a couple of years now. I love the location. It's handy for everything - big shopping centre, supermarkets, chemists, great parks are only 5 minutes drive away), the tram line which takes you into the city is only 5 mins by car from where I live (tram takes 45 minutes to get to Flinders St. station but the good thing is you always get a seat as it's the first stop!). Some of my friends drive to nearby train stations and commute to the city that way. More and more families with young children are moving into the area and Avondale Primary school has a great reputation (and results on the league table). My 4 year daughter attends a local childcare centre and she loves it. A taxi home from the city costs around $30 (if you're lucky enough to get a night out!). Most houses are not brand new and this is reflected in the rental price but if you can see past the superficial stuff, the location makes up for it. Our house overlooks a huge nature reserve and golf course and we have city views. We even get wallabies in the back garden (and snakes but we've only seen one in 2 years, and that was in the next door neighbours garden). If you need to know any more info, give me a shout. I work in the Western suburbs too so know the place well. By the way, Sunshine and Cairnlea are not that close to Avondale Heights. They're about 10-15km's away.
  2. amanda74
    Hiya, I have a similar degree and got a job through the following website: http://careers.vic.gov.au/ You'd definitely get a job with DHS (Department of Human Services) child protection department as they're always recruting for child protection practitioners (entry level position). I know they sponsor people on working visa's too. Also have a look at www.seek.com.au and google McKillop Family Services, Berry Street, Melbourne Citymission and Salvation Army I live and work in the Western suburbs so I'm familiar with agencies in this neck of the woods. Give me a shout if you need any more help. Good luck!! Amanda
  3. amanda74

     

    <p>Hi Sue,</p>

    <p> </p>

    <p>Lauren is in creche Monday and Thursday so I'd rather meet up then. She doesn't sit still for a minute so I wouldn't have much time for a chat! Either day next week suits me. Good luck with the workmen, I'm stuck in today waiting on guys from City West Water to investigate a sewage blockage, looks like our landlord has done some dodgy building!! Talk soon,</p>

     

  4. amanda74

     

    <p>Hi Sue,</p>

    <p> </p>

    <p>I live in the Western suburbs (West Footscray) with husband (Aussie) and our 2 yeard old daughter (who's Irish). Been here for nearly a month now and am slowly loosing my marbles being stuck at home with the monster. Got her into day care 2 days a week which helps keep me sane but I would like to spend more time catching up with other ex pats. Can you let me know of any meet up in your area please. Point Cook is only 20 mins away from me. Myy mobile number is 0402255338</p>

    <p> </p>

    <p>Thanks</p>

    <p>Amanda</p>

     

  5. amanda74
    I can understand your friend's state of mind. At one point in our 2 day journey I had to ask which country I was in!! Sleep deprivation does the strangest things. :arghh:
  6. amanda74
    Hiya, I called Emirates about the baggage allowance before I booked the flights and was told that they didn't give extra for perm visas. It's 30kg for everyone. I posted a 20kg box with DHL and it cost £200...........Emirates wanted £560 for 20kg excess baggage, glad I found that out the day before I flew!
  7. amanda74
    Hiya, I flew with Emirates from Glasgow (they give 30kg's whether you're a tourist or are emigrating). There were 3 of us travelling so we had 90kg in total and I was over by 7kg but the girl didn't even mention paying excess. I think it's your luck on the day as to who you get at check-in (and possibly some airlines are more strict) I chatted to the girl and told her I was emigrating with a small child etc, maybe that's what did it, I don't know and don't care. I'm here now!!! :biggrin: I wouldn't advise you to deliberately go over your allowance just in case. The only reason I was over was thanks to my mother's dodgy scales!!
  8. amanda74
    Melbourne here we come! Flying out today..............:twitcy: Not had much sleep as I've been having nightmares about the flight with a 2 year old. Sods law she's got a really bad cold so is snotting for Scotland and has gone off her food. Had a disaster packing yesterday. Thought all my stuff would fit into our suitcases using the vacuum bags but no, there I was in Argos at 6pm buying 2 more suitcases. I'm also DHL'ing a 20kg box. I got a quote from Emirates for 20kg excess baggage and they wanted £560!!!!:arghh: God, I broke out in a cold sweat. DHL only charge £200. We can't fit all the luggage in my dad's car so a friend is having to bring our luggage to the airport..........I feel like royalty. Hope Emirates have plenty wine on board!
  9. amanda74
    Hiya, My CO (AH) granted my visa in just over 4 months and I contacted him frequently the last month as loads of people on PIO were getting their's granted around the 4 month mark. He told me all along it would be 5-6 months processing time but that's not accurate considering most people on PIO who applied in March have had their's granted by now. Good luck to you all who are waiting......................
  10. amanda74
    You're not alone. I get palpatations thinking there's no going back now...............:unsure: Booked flights today, leaving 17/8. Flying with Emirates as they have a flight from Glasgow to Dubai then Dubai to Melbourne, no stop en route. I wanted the most straightforward journey as possible seeing as I'll have a screaming 2 year old in tow. Cost £1400 for 2 one way tickets.........eeeeeekkkkkk, no money left to shop!!! Good luck with the packing. Our shipment left Ireland on 12/6 and it's only at Shanghai now. I was planning on waiting until the container arrived but at this rate it'll be Xmas. The wee one'll have to play with empty toilet roll holders for a while!! Best of luck with the move, think positive and it'll all work out.
  11. amanda74
    Hang on in there, as painful as it may be. Drink the champagne this weekend anyway, you can always buy more.
  12. amanda74
    Me too!! Just texted OH even although it's 1am in Melbourne. Not had a reply so he must have his mobile on silent. My parents are over the moon, think they thought they'd be stuck with me and the monster until Xmas!! :arghh:
  13. amanda74
    Subclass 100 finally granted today!!!! Booking flights now................will be reunited with my husband in 3 weeks, hopefully!!! :hug: Good luck to everyone waiting patiently. (Harrass your CO, that's what I did).
  14. amanda74
  15. amanda74

     

    <p>Hiya,</p>

    <p> </p>

    <p>Not long to you head out to Albury. Are you all organised? I'm still in Scotland, my CO's been off for 2 weeks so I hope to get some news next week about my visa. Paul's settled in to work well and has finally found a house for us to rent............it looks fab, can't wait to get into it.</p>

    <p> </p>

    <p>Hope alls well with you guys,</p>

    <p>XXX</p>

     

  16. amanda74
    You'll need it for the 2nd one......................:arghh:
  17. amanda74
    Not sure for the UK but definately worth enquiring about. In Ireland you can claim tax back on loads of things, from wheely bin tags (you have to buy tags every week and attach them to your bin or the guys won't empty them!!!) to doctors visits (who charge €50 per visit). Your tax is calculated per annum so if you leave before the tax year finishes you are entitled to some of it back (kind of like pro rata) Anyway, I'm no tax expert so make a few phone calls to revenue here and see if it's applicable.
  18. amanda74
    I know it's not the correct thread but this may affect the majority of y'all anyway. Remember to put in a claim for a tax rebate whenever you get your p45. You may get a nice surprise from the tax man.............for a change!! I did but I worked in Ireland where the tax year runs from January not April so I got back 90% of the tax I'd paid up to June (spent most of it on clothes and shoes though, need the rest for excess baggage!!) Keep it in mind folks :biggrin:
  19. amanda74
    Congrats!!!! Perfect timing for you, now you have your OH to support you through this sad time with your nan. Take care X
  20. amanda74
    Talking about lack of communication, what I can't understand is if a CO goes off on holiday for a few days (or 2 weeks as seems to be the case with mine) why can't they set up an out of office on their e-mail. It's not rocket science and something so simple would save loads of stress for the applicants. I'm gonna suggest it to my CO (after my visa has been granted of course).
  21. amanda74
    Congrats...........have a drink for me this weekend. Well done and all the best for the future. :biggrin: XXX
  22. amanda74
    Congrats Sinead...................finally getting out of the sinking ship. Good luck with your move. P.S. We went with Careline in the end, so far so good (€3500 for 20ft container) Shipment should be halfway there by now.
  23. amanda74
    The 3 weeks'll fly by. Hope mine comes through soon as my OH went to Melbourne 3 weeks ago so I'm on my own here with a screaming 2 year old :arghh:
  24. amanda74
    Congrats.................good to hear wheels are in motion at Australia House!! When are you heading over?
  25. amanda74
    Hiya, My CO (AH) told me last week that he wasn't in a position to give a definate date other than it would take the usual 5-6 months. :arghh:
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