Kimanda

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 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 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

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

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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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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...