JoandJon

Seymour's definitely not the outback soyou're all good. It is country, but still within easy reach of the big smoke

Go the label - it made Jon's life much easier

What a tough decision you had to make crackerjack - but well done for your efforts!! I'd probably ask them to send you a letter summarising what they've told you on the phone as well - just to make sure you've got clear evidence of what they said and why you've stopped making the payments in case there are any problems in the future. I think putting the money into an account to pay for flights is an excellent idea and I wish you all the best with it

We used Jets 4 Pets and didn't have a problem, bringing over Satch (labrador) cost us about 3.5-4 k (pounds) including the vet bills. But she came over before the rabies requirement came in - not sure how much that adds to the cost!

I'd try Hamiltons - not used it with kids before, but my sister has sensitive skin and has no problem with it. Actually I seem to recall that my SIL uses it for her boys - both with very sensitive skin and they're fine

wash it in the bath, or with a hose outside... They'll almost certainly look at it and won't be happy with any sign of mud I'm afraid

Under the personal import scheme I'm pretty sure you're only allowed to bring in one car (so if there's two adults that would be two cars). Check with the Chef

I know you can buy Myer vouchers online from the UK - Jon's dad did it for us for Xmas. Or include on the invites something about how you don't expect presents, but if people wish to give something remind them when your container is leaving and they could give stuff early? Or I adore the idea of a token charitable donation - Maybe to one of the Australian flood or bushfire appeals?

you won't know until you try it really, but ..... - it's expensive, stupidly expensive - avoid the parts of it you can't afford - i'm sure there are parks, have a look at http://www.melways.com.au

We used a shipper, but used our local vet for the jabs etc (they were a DEFRA vet). Then we faxed/emailed the paperwork to them to check for us. I'm glad we did because they picked up on an error in the paperwork completed by the vet!!! Easily fixed because Satch hadn't left yet, but it could have been a disaster! I checked out the price difference if we did some of the paperwork ourselves and it really wouldn't have saved us much at all. We saved money by taking Satch to Heathrow ourselves, but let them do the rest of the work. Keep in mind how much space the crate will require though - we've got an A6 estate (so not exactly a small car!) and only just fit Satch's crate in the back and she had to sit at my feet in the front for the journey. Plus it took hours at the freight place - make sure you take some snacks and go to the loo beforehand.

I've lived in Melbourne's Surrey Hills before - it is very nice, but also very 'calm' and posh. (except for us!) I used to walk down to Chatham station (yes really) and catch the train into the city for work. Now that I'm familiar with the English Chatham I get the giggles every time I think of how diametrically opposed the two places are.

Sounds sensible Then you get the discounts too

Goulburn Valley Health is definitely around Seymour and Shepparton in Victoria. (N-NE Victoria) It's definitely country, but Shepp and Seymour are big rural towns. Skype interviews are a bit weird - you could always tell them it's your first interview by Skype, that will give you a bit of leeway. But definitely make sure you're talking about the right region first of all

Cuts won't have a clinical impact ?? my giant rear end ...

You'll fit right in Dan & Jo I'd suggest coming out of the city just a bit, take the time while you've got accommodation sorted to hire a car and drive around different areas to figure out what's right for you. While you're in the city make sure to take a run around 'the tan' (around the botanic gardens just south of the river) - but if you're not fond of crowds I'd avoid lunchtime !

Have just asked Jon and he said without hesitation the Bose were the absolute dogs testicles. Qsomething15 is the model, but you pay for them, so unless you have smegloads of money to spend (or travel a LOT) the Sennheiser or Sony are good alternatives. He said (and I quote) 'the ones they give you on the plane or the ones that are buds into your ears are total $h!t'. Once you've gone noise-cancelling you'll never be happy flying without them

Jon and I swear by our Noise-cancelling headphones, and I can confirm (having used a range of them) that essentially you get what you pay for. Jon's Bose ones are divine, followed by the Sennheiser (pretty damned good), my Sony are also very nice. The initial ones I had were Philips, and were definitely better than normal headphones, but not a patch on the others.Wi Will try to find out models for you ....

We used a travel company, but did the vet work ourselves (with their advice). Found it wouldn't save us any significant money to do the permit etc ourselves.

But if it was possums I'd be surprised if you didn't hear them in the roof-space, and their mating call is pretty damned distinctive Scared the beejeezus out of Jon the first time he heard it

With emphasis on the word 'donation' - you don't get paid for it. You might get paid for participating in medical trials, but I'm not convinced you'd be able to do that anyway.

You will LIKELY be granted the 100 (permanent) rather than the 309 (temp to permanent), but this is at the discretion of the CO. Jon and I made sure to include evidence to provide evidence of our relationship throughout the 3 years or so we'd been together and he went straight to 100, but there is no guarantee of this happening

Congratulations You wouldn't be eligible for Parental Leave, but I think should be eligible for baby bonus.. http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/having-a-baby-or-adopting-a-child There's a comparison tool there and information on eligibility for different stuff. They've also just introduced 'Dad & Partner' pay - but I expect that will have a work requirement to be eligible so you might not get that. Be warned - you need to submit the application online as well as complete a paper form once the munchkin has arrived - and it's not simple and quick!! I'd thoroughly recommend completing the application before you have the baby - I didn't and it nearly did my head in! (but I didn't lose out on any money). I think you can complete it up to 3 months before the due date.

The Alpine Road takes you straight up to Harrietville, Hotham etc but you're right access to the hills is pretty interesting - the fire tracks aren't exactly highways that's for sure! And although the changes are subtle in the messages, the situation is changing all the time, fingers crossed it will soon be changing for the better!

You have 12 months from the date of your medicals or police check (whichever is earlier) - I've not heard of anyone getting that extended.

Have a look at http://www.realestate.com.au and http://www.domain.com.au they're legit and will have contact details