JoandJon

I know it won't help at the moment, but here's a link to the CFA (Victoria) recruitment info in case you haven't already seen it. You can always volunteer as well if you decide to change careers (or marry a doctor) ... http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/career-firefighting/

Always keep milk in the main part of the fridge, not in the door - keeps it colder and lasts longer

You'll be replacing stuff in Australia if it's lost or damaged, so you'll need to use Aussie prices

Don't forget to use Australian websites to price up stuff for replacement - try places like Harvey Norman, The Good Guys etc to get rough ideas... And we used Letton Percival and saved a huge amount of money

Emergency warning for Pakenham - Medium sized out-of-control bushfire http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/warnings-and-advice/index.html?inUrl=websites_detail_1265854011.html hope link works, and that all are safe

The Queen Vic will have some at one or more of the Deli stalls

Have you guys never actually tried home-made lamingtons? Whilst I detest shop-bought ones a proper home-made lamington is actually delicious: - lovely flavoured sponge (not stale and not from a bloody packet mix), or even better a white chocolate cake (like a pound cake ....) - dipped in dark chocolate ganache (or just melted dark chocolate - milk chocolate if you insist...) - sprinkled/rolled in lightly toasted coconut Having said that, I'm more of a savoury girl - schnitzels and the good ole parma when I'm feeling like a down-to-earth treat, or just a lovely steak or butterflied leg of lamb on the barbie .... Oh and Wombok salad yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm (recipe on the back of a Changs noodle packet)

Jon's been stopped a few times for random tests - twice within 10 minutes a few months back!

The museum is a really useful resource - if you find a spider and aren't sure what sort it is you can email them a photo of it and they'll tell you what it is and if you need to worry about it I echo the others thoughts - huntsmen are scary looking buggers, but essentially harmless and most of the others are pretty shy really.

We live in Narre Warren (near the station) and I work in the city (Jon works in Noble Park). The commute for me is pretty much an hour door-to-desk (leave home 0730 in office around 0830 ish - depends whether I've stopped to grab a coffee or not!). Coming home is about the same (but more crowded) leave office 1700 and home by 1800 (including walk time @ both ends) BUT, my office is right near Parliament station - so there's no changing or connecting. The morning run is easy 'cos I always get a seat, the afternoon can be hellishly crowded until the crowds thin out. Give them credit though - when I was preggers folks usually offered their seat for me - sometimes after a glare

We don't find it any more expensive here than back in the UK - we mostly get our meat from butchers and fruit and veg from the greengrocers. We almost always cook from scratch, and splurge on nice stuff regularly - keep an eye out for specials and good deals too.... I did a virtual shop before we moved and found it much cheaper - and that was based specifically upon my shopping list for a week

Thanks for the update and congratulations We too had the suprise of double lines when we least expected it - and Siena is now sleeping peacefully in her cot

It depends which state you're in as to whether ambulance is 'free' - in Victoria it's not included, but it's not a lot to get ambulance membership, and it's also covered by many private insurance things.

Sorry, but I'd go with No. Even using google maps the drive time each way is 2h15m, and it's a nasty road when you're tired. And if it's by train then it's around the same travel time too.

It's addictive over here, and sometimes it takes a few tastes to figure out where you want to be Besides - 'its better to regret the things you've done than the things you didn't do

We got Satch's crate early so she could get used to it - I think that made a big difference to her, I was probably more stressed 'cos i kept seeing it all the time and worrying!! but SHE's the important one

Hi Jonny, I'd probably get some advice from your midwife/doctor about how soon to fly. It will depend on a number of things, not least of all how smoothly and trouble free the birth is. You'd need to make sure you had bassinet seats, and you'd both have to be able to hold a bub when they weren't allowed in them (take-off, turbulence, landing etc). If there are any complications or your missus needs a C-section I'd probably say minimum of 4-6 weeks (this is based purely on how I felt after Siena's arrival, not on any medical opinion.)

We're doing exactly what you're suggesting without a problem

Congrats Jonny - as a recent new mum I echo what Adonna says, she'll need you around (not saying she wouldn't cope without you around, but it would be much nicer & easier with you!)

lol, sorry didn't realise you were in Sydney! Melbourne PT tickets are different to Sydney, more like London (i.e. it's based on Zones rather than individual trips). However they've also just switched to Myki (like Oyster) with no short term alternative. The $6 would be for a 2 hour ticket for both Zone 1 and 2 (which you'd need to head out Dandy/Pakenham way), and should be enough to cover you (a trip from the CBD out to Narre Warren takes ~52 minutes) but will depend on your connections

The screen on my old Kindle froze after about 18 months, but when I spoke with Amazon about it they offered me a discounted price on a replacement one. Push them for at least something, and make noises on social media (e.g. their facebook page etc). Call them up and ask to speak with a supervisor, keep escalating until you get something....

If you're trying to check in online remember that the second phase of your journey might be outside the 'window' in which you're able to do so (i.e. it's further away). If you're worried, you can call them up and sort it out - I did And re luggage - it's a separate line for luggage drop - there's someone there to confirm stuff with and they'll look at your visa and baggage allowance

When Satch came over they weren't supposed to wear collars so she didn't, but I sprayed the kennel and bedding with DAP for her. During her time in quarantine they used her own bedding (after giving it a wash), but they do say if you want specific bedding for quarantine you should attach it to the outside so it doesn't get dirtied in the crate ....

We used them as well - Sam was lovely and they did exactly what was promised

PR = 6 months to change (pretty sure), and you have to make an appointment with Vic roads to do the stuff - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/NewToVictoria/OverseasDriversLicences.htm