Kimanda

Thanks to everyone for the info about the registration,god I hope i can get it sorted quickly at the office,as I want to start work as quickly as possible.I hope there are no more fees involved, it has cost enough so far.

I wont have a permanent address for a few weeks,I plan to stay in a motel ,whilst I look around for somewhere to live,do you think that will pose a problem ?

I will be able to provide a letter from my new employers,I will have my passport,and the letter from APHRA do you think that will be enough,I plan to take the police check certificate along also,as well as everything else I can think of, as I too am paranoid,I had a nightmare with APHRA it took forever to get sorted .

I can't believe how lucky some people have been getting their letter's of eligibility through so quickly.

Thanks everyone

Wish me luck, I am waiting to hear about my visa

We didn't have a permanent address either, so we used our holiday rental address - had to sign a form to say it was temporary etc. didn't pose a pose a problem. Not sure about the police certificate I think they run their own check, but no harm in bringing everything along just in case. Best of luck x

This is something along the lines of a 100 point ID check:http://www.eaussie.com.au/images/pdf/Aussie100PointForm.pdf

It may be slightly different though, you should be able got confirm what you I you need by giving AHPRA a call. We presented at the same office as we applied to but I think you can present to any office.

Hi everyone my name is Orla

I am hoping that a nurse using this forum will be able to help me, regarding registering with AHPRA at the Melbourne office.

I have been lucky enough to get a job at a hospital in Melbourne,and have my letter from AHPRA informing me that I am now considered eligible for registration ,however I have to go in person to the office, and meet their proof of identity and criminal history requirements before being placed on the register.

I am hoping that someone has had to also do this recently, and can fill me in on the following questions:

1, Do you need to make an appointment to go to the office,or can you just turn up ?

2, Do they have your file to hand,as I have already provided them with certified documents ?

3, How long does it take for them to put you on the register once they have seen the necessary documentation ?

4,Does this processing cost anything ?

Any information on this would be very helpful

Thankyou :cute:

Hi Orla

If you've got your confirmation letter you can just turn up to the office with your docs and letter, they'll find your file, you pay them about £160 (fee will be in AUD) and it'll take about 3 weeks for your rego to come through. You'll have to provide 100 points of ID, they will run there own criminal background check for you. Its really straightforward. This was for PR so not sure if it's the same for temporary visas.

I mix my exercise, some days the gym, a swim at the public swimming pool, long walks with the dog. It's not as boring then!

I think the dog walk would be the only think that would get me doing any type of exercise hehe. That or maybe cycling...

It's important to note that I do not own a BBQ yet lol

Congrats on the loss so far! I lost weight when I came to Oz by eating healthier and drinking loads of water. Should really get to the gym and tone up but I just hate exercise

Hi all,

 

My husband and I are coming to Perth in December (7th - 16th) to activate our permanent residency visas. We can't wait.

 

We want to spend the trip meeting with local recruitment agencies, real estate agents and looking around local areas in WA. Any advice on companies to contact and/or suburbs to visit it would be greatly appreciated.

 

We are staying with some contacts in Dalkeith for the majority of our trip but would like a couple of days of relaxation....any suggestions of a nice hotel or similar near the beach/someone pretty would be most welcomed!

 

We look forward to hearing from you WA-ers!

 

Lx

Hello, thought I'd reply and offer my two cents!

Not sure what it will be like mid December, I hear its pretty quiet on the job front, going into January as its the Summer hols, might depend on your trade, best to get an opinion from your contacts in Dalkeith. I'd recommend airbnb for a few days stay, there are some really nice places on there.

Beaches ive always been told about are Scarborough, Cottesloe, Quinns, Rottnest, Mullaloo and you'll want to check out South Perth definitely. It's going to feel a little bit weird being in 35 deg weather with Xmas decorations

.....

If there's anyone else up for a meet up feel free to get in touch - the more the better

Lol same here, only been in Perth 3 weeks myself! I'll pm you x

oops!! I'm livings in Floreat next to Subiaco. Oh and also in my late 20's..

Hi Carole, I'm late 20's, live in the city - happy to meet up if you fancy a chinwag/drinks? Maybe we could arrange a group outing

I live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Haven't lived in any other state but have visited most.

Ah we considered Melbourne early on - hope to visit in the new year sometime I hear it's really trendy and happening there with a European feel - maybe even the new Sydney?

What made you choose Perth? Was it mining work ?

 

It seems that over half of poms seem to choose Perth for some reason.

Nothing against it is is very nice, but seems most poms are targetting Perth.

I've only ever been to Perth on holiday, liked it, wanted to come back OH also liked it when he was on a WHV but the clincher for us was OH's nursing job. There were no prospective cuts or strikes in the pipeline (as we heard in SA and VIC and pay was good) also the non humid dry weather ...

Where abouts do you live ATM? We'll definitely be visiting other states

Great post kimanda, glad your settling in so well :biggrin: keep us up to date on how your settling in. Did you have a job offer before you went and what do you both do?

 

christine

Thanks Christine! I agreed a temp. contract with my UK employer and my OH has used an agency for the nursing roles when we got here. May do some volunteering work to try and get out and meet people until my contract finishes

What a brilliant post Kimanda, you seem to be doing great Perth is a fantastic place, thanks for the great tips and advice and keep updating us on things and all the best, I hope it just keeps getting better and better.

Thanks Hoff, we hope so! I will probably post another update in about 3 months time after we're properly settled and in jobs

Great post and good to hear from someone and their experiences while so fresh.

 

You sound like you are giving it your all and things are falling in to place...well done i say!

 

Enjoy the summer and festive times ahead.

 

Keep posting.

 

Dan

Thanks Dan , it's been tough but yes we're both trying to make the most of this. Definitely looking forward to the summer /christmas/new years! And Australia Day! We've heard so many good things we feel a little spoilt right now hehe

Hello PIO'ers

The time has come for me to give you my reccie report since arriving in Perth 3 and a half weeks ago

So far we have got our TFNs, Medicare cards, AHPRA rego, rental and jobs. Getting these we're straightforward even the rental. We were surprised at how successful we were as it was our first and only application having gone through those awful group viewings. We were panicking as we coming to the end of our holiday let but thankfully we were accepted.

One word of warning estate agents like to take their time with everything. They'll be late for viewings and not really have a clue about anything. They've got so much demand for properties it seems they just don't care or have enough time for you. BUT despite this we were still trying to be "bouncy, positive" prospective tenants and tried to speak to them and have a little laugh during the soul destroying process. Don't know if that helped or not...

We haven't had time to relax properly but the times we have been out to see the sights it's been beautiful and enjoyable. We live near the CBD and its just a beautiful place to look at and be in day or night. Views of the swan river are gorgeous, great for walks or cycling.

The impression I got of Perth from a lot of posters is that's its boring. Personally I don't think so from what ive seen and researched there is quite a lot to do and many events that are family friendly. I really think that it's about where you live and what your willing to do with your time. If you're new to Perth I would try and suggest living as close to the centre/Joondalup (which is like its own city but never been).

I found a few things very difficult when I first touched down, I lost all knowledge of how to conduct myself in public lol! I felt lost because I dint know how to operate the credit card (cheque, savings or credit?! Lol), I couldn't find my favorite skin toner, I came out in a rash, all sorts. You feel so new and lost! I would say try and prepare yourself, there will be many a time here you havent a clue - but don't be afraid to ask for help - the Aussies are friendly and always helpful.

Their friendliness is a pleasant surprise to me, and WA seems to have neighborly community feel that I really appreciate. I was at the bus stop with several bags after found a shop and I flagged down a taxi. Not only did the guys at the bus stop help me put my bags in the taxi, the taxi driver didn't charge me anything as it was only 5 minutes down the road - that really cheered me up as I was having such a down day.

Shopping is pretty much the same for me, except I buy meats from a butcher or supermarket deli counter, and fruit/veg from a greengrocer. i avoid prepacked meats, they are expensive and prepacked veg, you're just asking to be ripped off if you put them in your basket. I also enjoyed shopping in a greengrocer too (and their prices are much more reasonable). The bacon is great! Not pumped full of water - haven't bothered with the sausages because they are mainly beef ones - I prefer pork . Supermarket of choice is Coles they also do home delivery.

They don't sell beer in supermarkets but in bottle shops - you can get some bargains on beer just be prepared for a shock when you go to the pub (which are called hotels btw). We paid $10 a pint for a Hahns Superdry. You can blame it on the miners lol

Cost of living? Its high but so are wages. id compare it to living in London. I'm just happy we don't have to pay council tax on top of our rent lol. Well have a better idea a few weeks down the line.

Medication is expensive though.

Bus travel is also free in the city boundaries and you can also use what they call Smartcards to get around on the Transperth network. I've found them to be pretty good so far and they are cheap. I don't have a car yet, so it's good to have decent public transport to rely on.

Areas, well we stayed in East Victoria Park which wasn't too bad. There were some questionable looking people but I suppose you get them every where right? Areas which we were told to avoid repeatedly (even though the houses are brand new and rent is cheap) were:

Balga

Mirrabooka

Armadale

Westminster

Midland

Nollamara (although some parts look nice)

Belmont

Whatever you do, don't be sucked in unless you fully research the area. If you live in these areas don't be offended, it's just what the locals have advised me as a newcomer to the country. If you have or can get a car, just drop by and check out the places - I think you'll easily be able to get n idea of what the suburb/neighborhood is like.

That aside I just love Perth and I am so happy to be here. Ive been made to feel very welcome here and will most certainly show my gratitude and help in return. I feel lucky to call this our home and can't wait to see what the rest of Oz is like. My advice is to just take some time to learn your new country's ways and how they do things.

I could say so much more but this post is just way too long already!

Good luck to anyone hoping to make it here x

Kimanda

Wow, moving soon then! I'm in Community, there are always jobs about, we are looking for a level 2 in my team. The advert should be up soon. I think your OH will be surprised at MH in WA being quite a few years behind the UK. It can be quite a culture shock!

Nursewest is a good way to get around a few places to see where you like. Please tell him to not bleat on about how things are done "in the UK", no-one will thank you for pointing out how far behind WA is and mental health in WA is a very small family for such a big place, your reputation can make or break you quite quickly. Where will you be settling in Perth?

Good luck.

Yep! We're about to board our flights! I'll be sure to pass this on, but he's really laid back himself so I'm sure hell learn quickly!

x

Always big demand for RMNs. Main in-patient units are Graylands (Mt Claremont), Joondalup (private run, has public beds), Swan (midland), Fremantle, Bentley, Rockingham & Armadale

Community MH in Midland, Mirrabooka, Osborne Park, Perth, Subiaco, Joondalup/Clarkson. SOR = Bentley, Armadale, Freo, Rockingham.

Nursewest is the state-run agency. Usually loads of 'casual' work.

What is your experience? What do you want to work in?

Have a look at the WA health dept jobs website http://jobs.wa.gov.au/

Hi Downing,

Sorry for the late response weve been so busy packing and stressing lol finally sorted and we fly out on Monday. Thanks for posting this its really helpful! I really appreciate it.

My OH works mainly in community mental health but has experience in drugs/alcohol detox. I will tell him about Nursewest and we will also take a look at the health dept jobs and see if they have any good perm. roles.

I think he will like the idea of starting with the in patient wards NOR, and try and familiarise himself with the Aussie way of doing things

What do you think of the mental health service in Oz in general? Do you rate it highly?

I agree that trying to secure a rental in Perth is a hard task. Agents....seen and heard so many horror stories

But touch wood our experience so far has been ok. We managed to secure ours while still in the UK, the first house that we looked at. Friends who are due out this month have also just secured a lovely property, again while still in the UK, it was a case of third time lucky for them, turned down for the first two, but they did get feedback from the agents saying that nothing wrong with them, just the owner choose someone else.

We had our second inspection yesterday and i was here when the agent came, she is the same one who we have dealt with from the start, sorted a couple of minor issues weve had pretty quickly and again asked yesterday if there was any probs.

Going back to securing a rental IMO think of your rental pack as a CV, its competitive out there so you really do need to 'sell yourself'

 

Webweazel i hope you get something soon, it can be done, best of luck

That's really good how did you manage to secure a rental while in the uk?

Hi guys

We're moving to Perth next week and wondered if anyone can tell us where the mental health nurse jobs are mainly based? Are the generally close to the CBD or are rmn's needed all over?

Is there much demand for rmn's?

If anyone could offer some advice that would be really helpful. Thanks a lot

Very helpful (and entertaining!) post, thanks for sharing with us

Best of luck OP whatever happens don't give up you've spent a lot of money getting here and I hope you can make it work x

It's ok to have a bit of 'moan' to be in your position it must be really difficult and soul destroying when u can't find work esp on 457 terms-this is the reason my oh and I went for 176 as we simply didnt want to risk this.

Come on guys the least we can do is give them some guidance and support-lets do it the aussie way and show some mateship - maybe they are spending too much on a rental and maybe they need to get out of Mandurah I'm sure they'd appreciate the advice.

Chin up x

Flying out on 16th Oct it's all becoming very real!

It's okay to get sucked in you know...