Welcome - I arrived around mid-January and slowly finding my feet as well.
The social aspect is the next big mountain Im going to climb - although I'm busy currently trying to find and buy accomodation in our new apartment.
We are currently living in Lilyfield and its really nice, pretty, quiet, everything we could want... but currently lodgers with my partners sister.. We are moving to Woolstonecraft in mid-March and from first views that is definately more us.
I read that you're working at Ryde hospital - my partner (who is Aussie) works currently in Royal Rehabilitation centre in Ryde as a social worker.. not sure if you have any dealings with them.