WelshBen

I always use this one - http://www.paycalculator.com.au/

I attended my ceremony last week, after a super quick process. Here is my complete timeline: Date applied: 20/11/2016 City/Council area: Brisbane / Ipswich Council (Springfield Lakes) Online / Paper: Online Date received the acknowledgement email: 20/11/2016 Date Test Appointment email received: 28/11/2016 Date of the Citizenship Test: 1 /2/2017. Rearranged to 11/1/2017 Approval Letter: 17/01/2017 Date of Ceremony: 29/03/2017

I also work as a contractor in the tech industry, and can definitely can be described as a 'serial contractor' I think you may have just been unlucky. I've recently moved up to Brisbane (currently working on the Gold Coast) after four years contracting in Melbourne. I've had zero issues in any of my roles so far. I was speaking to one company about a contract role, which suddenly changed to a fixed term - but that instantly ended my interested. Personally I'd try another role in Brisbane before considering working away. Good luck in whatever you choose!

Hi all - here is my timeline: Date applied: 20/11/2016 City/Council area: Brisbane Online / Paper: Online Date received the acknowledgement email: 20/11/2016 Date Test Appointment email received: 28/11/2016 Date of the Citizenship Test: 1/2/2017. Rearranged to 11/1/2017 (they could not do any sooner).

Point Cook over in the west might be worth considering on that budget.

Thanks mate - I appreciate it. I'll PM you now.

Hi all, I have just made the move up to Brisbane from Melbourne and have recently commenced the job search. I am an experienced Senior Test Analyst and getting the run around from a couple of recruitment agents (nothing new there). Does anyone have any contacts in recruitment or can recommend any agents that will be worthwhile firing my CV over to? Many thanks, Ben

Hi KnK - from my experience the CBD is the place with the majority of banking and financial services roles are based. I have worked a little out of the city on St Kilda Road, Richmond and Abbottsford and also further out in Box Hill.

I work in IT and have lived in Melbourne for just over 3.5 years. I'm on my third role as an IT Contractor, and I am still yet to work in the CBD.

Thanks Pom Queen - those prices seem quite reasonable, although no doubt they will have risen along with everything else in the last couple of years. Still, that's less than I was expecting. I've done a quick Google search and there's heaps of companies, although they all want contact details before providing a quote - I'd rather wait until I have dates before being hassled by them. Maybe after your experience I'll give Crown a miss!

My family and I are planning on making the move from Melbourne up to Brisbane in the next couple of months. Due to having a toddler and a young baby, hiring a van and doing the move our self isn’t really an option. Therefore has anyone made a similar move that can recommend a good removalist company plus and idea of cost? During 3.5 years in Melbourne we’ve acquired quite lot of possessions (plus 2 kids!) so would be moving the contents of a 4 bedroom house. Also, what would people recommend doing with our car? Is it possible to get that transported up or would I be wiser driving that up myself over the space of a weekend? Any advice would be great – thanks.

The sale of the liquid containing nicotine is illegal throughout Australia I believe. It is not illegal to use, or to purchase from abroad.

There are lots of shops in Australia that supply the equipment and zero nicotine liquid. I order my liquid containing nicotine from either NZ or the States.

Thanks both. I have discovered that the birthday certificate is going to be the issue. I have emailed and called (on hold for up to an hour stints since 9am this morning) and unable to get a response. I will try calling into the office in person first thing in the morning with all of the required information, however I think I'm resigned to being just too short notice - I'll keep on trying though!

Perfect - thanks for the reply.