valandmatt
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Hi Catlady2014 We emigrated in 2012 and live in Redland Bay where our daughter and grandchildren also live. We also have a son and grandkids just over the border in NSW. This forum was so helpful while we were waiting for our CPV and I still "lurk" now and again! I know when you first arrive it will be very hectic with lots to do but one day you may wish to start thinking about making new friends etc. There are many clubs to join, in and around the bayside area, but if you're interested, there is a coffee group which meets once a week at various local cafes for age 50+ ladies, predominantly English, but certainly not exclusively, to chat and laugh and swap stories and hints and tips for living in Oz. I'll pm you my mobile and when and if you're interested give me a call. Or feel free to ring if you just want to chat. All the best for your move. The Redlands is a beautiful area. Val x Sent from my SM-G920I using PomsinOz mobile app
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Hi Ginny, It took about 6 months to get our 173 to 143 visa granted. It seemed to take a while to complete the AOS, but then we're in Brisbane and Centrelink seem to have a bit of a reputation for dragging their heels! This was in 2013 so they may have improved since then. We just had to keep IMMI updated and all was well. All the best Val
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Meet friends Birkdale, Redlands area
valandmatt replied to Stockportgirl's topic in Socialising Hobbies Clubs Sport
Aww just found this post, can't believe we missed the curry night - we love the Birkdale curry too and have been there a few times (and the chippy next door!) If you arrange another, keep us in mind!! Only been here two years (we live in Redland Bay) but wanting to make new friends. Also have a furry friend if anyone wants to meet up for dog walks. Val and Matt -
Sounds good to me - Count us in! Looking forward to meeting you. Val and Matt
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Hi Soapyjo, we too find ourselves in much the same boat as you, and are looking at ways to expand our social circle. Although we live in Redland Bay, we have just joined the Wynnum/Manly Bayside Socials. If you go to meetup.com you can scroll through all the different meet ups around the Brisbane area. There's also a facebook page called Poms on the Bay. There's a catch up in Cleveland on Thursday 4th September at 12.30 in the Fiction Bar overlooking the marina, which I'm going to and would be happy to meet you there if you'd like - I'll PM you my contact number. It seems as though there are quite a few of us "mature" poms who are looking to meet up, so lets throw it out there - if you're reading this and are interested in meeting up for a drink, then suggestions for date and place gratefully accepted. Val
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Hi Fran, the part of the process which involves Centrelink is what takes the time, you will be frustrated at how slow they will be at processing your AOS. Just email PVC in 14 days time and explain that you have made contact with Centrelink, and that the AOS process has begun. So long as you keep them in the loop, you'll be fine. Ours took 7 months altogether, and no amount of phone calls speeded up the process. Centrelink are slow.....end of!! Val x
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Our situation is that we are in Australia on a 173 and have applied back in May for the 143. We received our acknowledgement in a reasonable time requesting AFP checks and for our Assurer to set up the Assurance of Support all within a time limit of 28 days! The AFP checks were quite quick and straight forward. However, Centrelink was rather more drawn out but eventually, our Assurer got a letter of acceptance dated 25 July. All paperwork was sent to PVC Perth and we have heard nothing since. I sent an email at the end of August, and they eventually replied saying that they were waiting to hear from Centrelink regarding the AOS. So another phone call to Centrelink (almost an hour on hold before anyone answers). They said they had sent the paperwork straight away, but would send it again. Still nothing from PVC, so sent another email at the end of Sept and to date we have not even had a reply! And so we wait..........
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Hi Nuttynan, yes you can do most things on the 173 visa, we are on this type of visa and had no issues changing our driving licences, bought a property, medicare cards etc. Val
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Hi Cath, have a safe flight, I bet after all the waiting, these last few weeks have been rather hectic. Whereabouts in Brisbane are you headed to? When you're settled and in need of some friendly faces and a natter, there are a few of us in and around the Redlands area, been here since last September/October. If you fancy a cuppa, please PM me and I'll organise a meet up with the others as well. Good luck with your new life - its great here, and we don't regret a thing!! Val x
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Hi, am interested in joining in your meet up, and don't want to sound ageist, but is there an age limit - not sure if grannies are included (60 year old) !!!! There could be three of us from around the Redland Bay/Birkdale/Hemmant areas!! Val x
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Hi Cath, we had our meds done earlier than asked as we felt if we were going to fail anything it would be that - we went to Maidenhead panel doctors and they did the paperwork using just the file number from the acknowledgement letter - all went well, and it was a relief (no reason to doubt our health, except hubby's blood pressure). However, about a month later we received a letter from DIAC requesting we get the meds and police checks done in preparation to getting a case officer in approximately 3-4 months time. This letter had the HAP ID on it. A TRN number is a Trade Recognition Number - this is if you are coming over on a skilled on demand Visa - so not us parents! So by the time we did get our CO she already had our meds and police check documents so there was no delay. So, if I had known this request letter was coming, I would have waited for the HAP ID number. I think some panel doctors (like ours) can do your medical without it, but I believe some don't. Hope this helps, Val
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Oh Phoebe, how absolutely wonderful! I'm so choked, the tears are rolling down my face I can't see the keyboard! But I am so happy for you - I'm sure its just what you needed! Val x
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Pheobe, it seems so ridiculous that there is such a long waiting time for something that's so serious and effecting your eating etc, and the pain you are in also, my heart goes out to you. Yes, its good news you now know what the cause is, I can't image the worry you've had, but to have this hanging over you for the next 12 months (at least) is just awful. I don't envy your next decision, but I wish you well. Val x
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Hi Val and Happy New Year to you and Dave! Glad to hear you're home safe and sound - we did think of you on New Year's Eve - that flight is an endurance test at the best of times! We also really enjoyed our afternoons with yourselves and Angie and Ted and hope its not too long before we have another! Fran - do contact one of us if you or anyone else is in the Bayside area and we'll arrange a meet-up! Val, I hope you are able to return to Oz permanently very soon and look forward to seeing you again. All the very best for 2013. Val and Matt x
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Wonderful news Fran! Wonderful feeling isn't it? At last the long wait is almost over! What a fantastic Xmas present too! All the best for the future here in Oz. Where abouts in Brisbane are you heading to, there's a few of us in the Redlands area, are you going to be anywhere near? Congratulations, Val x
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Have a good flight Val - looking forward to our meet-up soon with Angie and Ted! See you soon! Val x
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Dear Phoebe, like the others have said, thinking of you both, hope you have some overdue good news.Val x
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Am I right in thinking you have to be 65 or over to apply for this card?Val x
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Hi Moira, on the day of the re-test, drink lots and lots and lots of water, so that when you do your "sample" its almost as clear as water - literally!!!! Val x
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Hi Angie and Ted, if memory serves me right, You,re flight is tomorrow the 19th. So, have a good and safe flight and have a wonderful reunion with your family. I'm sure the one you're leaving in the UK will be out for a visit before too long. We hope to See you down under before too long when you are settled, the wine/beer is on ice with your names on it! I can't believe we've only been here a little over 3 weeks and we've already found a property and had our offer accepted! With a 40 day settlement, we should be homeowners by the end of November! Val and Matthew x
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Hi all, just wondering if someone knows the answer to this question.We are in Oz on the Temporary 173 CP Visa - do we qualify to purchase a property or do we have to wait until we have applied for and hopefully got the Permanent 143 Visa. I have contacted a solicitor who didn't know but will try and find out and get back to us in a few days. I also asked our Case Officer if she was aware of any restrictions and although she did not know the answer, at least she sent a link for the FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) but that is not very clear either - it talks of non-residents and purchasing new-build only.We have found a property we would like to purchase - in fact we have put in an offer today - so if anyone can throw any light on this would be much appreciated.Val x
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Greetings to everyone from Oz! Can't believe we've been here over 2 weeks already! First week was fab - we got a wonderful welcome from all the grandkids and of course the weather was glorious - the brightest blue skies I think I've ever seen! Jet-lag was a pain for the first few days. Have been up and out walking by 7.00a.m. each morning! The second week we've bought a car, got QLD driving licences, registered with Medicare, and found a house we've short-listed! Good to see on the tracker some of you have got CO's at last - hang in there its worth the wait! Hope to see some of you soon! Val x
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G'day everyone! Well, we made it, we're here after the usual long flight, uneventful..... oh except for the announcement "we have a medical emergency - is there a doctor on board" Actually, there were several doctors came forward which was nice to know! When we landed a quarantine person came on board to see the little girl who had been ill, but eventually they let us off, just a small delay. Mind you I almost called for a doctor for OH on our first night as he stepped onto something sharp in the middle of the night and cut his foot! OMG there was so much blood - and all on the carpet too! The next morning as we were up sooooo early, we walked up to the local coffee shop for brekky and all of a sudden the fire alarm went off - a fire engine arrived and the firemen rushed into the coffee shop - they'd set off the alarm whilst cooking our bacon! Apart from all this excitement, it is so lovely to be here - its rather hectic as there is 11 of us until next Monday, but then it will calm down and we will be able to start doing all the things we should be doing, like buying a car etc. The only thing we have done is open a bank account which was really easy, just waiting for the cards to arrive. But basically we're just enjoying being here with all the grandchildren. Val x
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Flying tonight with Singapore Airlines take off 10.05! Saying our goodbyes is so difficult. Will let you know how we get on when back on line in a few days! Australia here we come!!!!!! Val and Matt xxxxxxx
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Hi Val, and thanks for your good wishes, and thanks to Phoebe too! It all really feels surreal now, but we're also cramming in visits to the dentist for a check-ups and hygenist and the doctors for a supply of statins and eye drops to see us through the next couple of months! This certainly brings us down to earth! Would it be possible for your bank to do a CHAPS payment to your daughter's bank account????? Just a thought! Good Luck with getting it sorted soon - you'd think they would make it easier for parents to part with their hard earned cash! All the best to everyone. Val x
