CXW

If you're still looking, Alasya in Brunswick is an old school classic: http://alasya.com.au/cuisine-menu.html

It's the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). See https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Stud/Post for details.

I work in Burwood and used to live in Box Hill. Jan-Feb is peak season for rentals in Melbourne as a whole, but competition shouldn't be too fierce in the areas that you're looking at, especially if you can demonstrate that you're solid tenants (and therefore potentially preferable to students). There's good advice in previous replies about getting all your supporting documentation together in advance. I included a cover letter outlining my circumstances, a copy of my visa grant letter and a reference from my previous UK landlord with my applications. No idea if it made a difference, but I got offered all three places that I applied for. If you've got specific queries about Burwood (or Deakin, if that's the uni in question), feel free to PM me.

Many thanks for the responses - that's reassuring.

Thanks. I've already got copies of my full birth certificate via the details you mention, but they are still certified copies, not originals. The issue is whether certified copies are acceptable as documentation for a citizenship application? Common sense would suggest they are, but bureaucracy and common sense are sometimes very uncommon bedfellows, so I'm hoping someone who has applied for citizenship can reassure me or tell me how they dealt with this issue.

I'm eligible to apply for Australian citizenship next week, so am in the process of pulling all the necessary documentation together. I've hit a (hopefully) minor glitch in that I do not have my original birth certificate or deed poll certificate, only certified copies of them. Has anyone had the same/a similar situation and what was the outcome? Thanks, Cai

First off, my sympathies and condolences. This is the sort of situation that I suspect all of us dread, so kudos that you're proactively seeking to explore how to proceed. If you're looking for a compromise from your OH, then you're going to have to make an opening "offer" and let him know what you want and need. Perhaps I'm being overly optimistic, but I'm inclined to interpret shutting down as either not realising that he's not responding in the way that you need, and/or not knowing how to. I know from experience how incredibly frustrating this can be, especially when it feels like you're communicating loud and clear, but unless you take the initiative I don't see how things can move. If I'm thinking about it from your OH's perspective, then I'd be feeling pretty scared and helpless at the moment, which may be another reason for the shutting down. Showing that you want a compromise that involves staying in the relationship (assuming this is the case) may help ease any sense of insecurity and open up a bit of space for discussion (and yes, this is incredibly speculative given I've never met either of you!). Good luck!

http://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

With vansta dark blue cover and two cushions. Firm mattress. Bought 14 months ago, used regularly for 4 months, not used more than once or twice since. One minor mark on cover and one velcro fastening on mattress broken but present. Full details at http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/S89874475/#/S79874485 $799 new, looking for $400 ono. Collection only (Box Hill). Will need to be partially dismantled to get downstairs.

Brand new, unworn. Very light but good quality fabric, great for summer. Full description at http://www.marksandspencer.com/active-waistband-cotton-rich-easy-to-iron-tapered-leg-flat-front-chinos/p/p22270016 Ordered from UK for the bargain price of £12.99 each, only problem is they're coming up a fair bit closer fitting than most M&S chinos (probably due to be being flat front). Not worth returning due to postal costs to UK. $15 each or $30 the pair + P&P or collection (Box Hill/Burwood).

Given the cost of a cool one out ($12 for a pint is not uncommon), you may find drinking in more attractive - especially with the range of beers that Purvis' Surrey Hills branch (a 5 min drive from Box Hill) stocks.

Box Hill is 22-34 mins to the CBD via train or car (there's also the 109 tram, but it takes a bit longer) and should be easily within your price range - I currently pay $371/week for a 2-bed townhouse that's a 7 min walk from Box Hill Centro (shops and transport links). I'd expect Surrey Hills or Camberwell to be a bit more expensive, but you're firmly in zone one for the trains, which is a plus if you're going into the CBD but means paying for zones 1 & 2 if you're heading out Ringwood/Lilydale way. I've found Box Hill a very easy place to live with excellent transport links, but I certainly wouldn't want to be any further out, especially if you're looking to socialise regularly as the trek home at the end of the night can feel a bit much. It's also worth noting that there's a fair number of dry suburbs in the east of Melbourne, including Box Hill, so there's no local pubs/bars, although many restaurants do now have liquor licences. Happy to answer any questions about Box Hill or nearby if you have them.

Why wouldn't he get back to you? As Kate says, it's the weekend - give the guy a chance. I know waiting is frustrating, but even so.