Blade17

Long story, but my wife went back to UK for more than 90 days last year, so she isn't eligible for citizenship for a few more months (you can't be absent for >90 days in the 12 months preceding application). I'm eligible now, but decided to wait for the missus. My son got his citizenship this week, but that's because he's at uni, so we needed to get HECS loan sorted. My PR visa has expired, but then I managed to get some tickets for the Lions tour of New Zealand next month - hence need a RRV to travel. Bizarrely the cost of the RRV is more than the fee for citizenship.

Yes my case would have been straightforward, as I've been living here on PR for last 4 years. So not really comparable circumstances

Sorry, that doesn't sound good. Mine got processed within one week. I applied on 10 May and got confirmation RRV granted on 17 May.

I can only really comment on Mt Eliza SC (directly, as my kids go there) and Mornington SC (indirectly, through friends' experiences), but would caveat all my comments by saying it is very difficult to compare schools objectively. The same child could have a good experience at one school but a bad experience at another just based on simple things like the friendship groups they form. No guarantees anywhere. That said, I would have no hesitation in sending my kids to Mt Eliza SC (again) or Mornington SC, as both are perfectly decent State schools. Although Mt Eliza has performed slightly better academically over the last few years, its buildings have an older feel and the facilities are below the standard of Mornington, which has got great sports facilities. If you get a chance, go for a tour around both and see what your gut tells you. Their general "feel" is very different. When we came to Oz, we rented in Mornington for two years, but sent our teenage kids to Mt Eliza SC. We chose Mt Eliza because it was slightly ahead of Mornington in the school results table at the time, but we also liked the fact that Mt Eliza was smaller and more personal. Both of our kids have enjoyed their time there and have performed well academically. In my opinion, one of the big differences between State and Private schools is how well kids perform who are struggling or disinterested or less-motivated. Private schools will cajole even the most apathetic kids to keep up with the course content, because they can't afford to let their schools perform badly in the league tables (which would hurt their future income streams), whilst State schools just don't have enough money to support everyone, so some kids will inevitably under-perform. But, if your kids are self-motivated or you are prepared to push/encourage them if they are less motivated, then you will get a decent outcome from both Mt Eliza and Mornington schools. My son finished his VCE last year and is at uni now. He worked hard and the teachers responded positively to that by supporting his development very well. I was very impressed by the quality and hard work of the teachers and the amount of extra time they were all prepared to put in (including one teacher hosting additional classes at their home the weekend before an exam). Exceptional commitment that you would not expect. Hope that helps a little. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM.

Welcome to Mt Eliza .... great choice!! Have sent you a PM

Hi Paul - I don't play soccer myself anymore (sadly my ageing bones won't allow it!!) but I think you have more chance down the road in Mornington that you do here in Mt Eliza. There are 11-aside teams that play at the Dallas Brooks Park in Mornington (sandwiched between Watt Rd and the Mornington-Tyabb Rd). Might be best to call in there and see if there is a noticeboard or anyone to ask directly etc. Hope you find something

In the 3 years we've been in Oz, we spent the first two in Mornington (renting) and the last one in Mt Eliza (bought a house). In all that time our kids went to Mt Eliza Secondary. Having now had a chance to drive around much of the eastern/south eastern part of Melbourne through work, shopping and sightseeing, we are so glad we chose to live in the Mornington/Mt Eliza area. If I had the cash to afford living in the inner East, then 'maybe' I would consider moving, to be nearer to the facilities that the city has to offer, but otherwise you will not get us to move away form this area now. All of Mornington, Mt Martha and Mt Eliza are highly liveable areas in my opinion and I simply do not agree that you have to live beachside of the Nepean, unless of course you want to pay over the odds for a house. You are paying a totally unnecessary premium for location and can get far more for your money on the other side of the Nepean. There are only a very few parts of Mornington that some people would consider less desirable areas to live. Most would put the Tanti Estate into this category .... but even that area isn't anywhere near as bad as parts of my former home-town Sheffield. Our first rental was in Tanti (for 3 months after arrival) and we had absolutely no problems during our time there. There are loads of affordable areas to live in Mornington, especially around the Bentons Square Shopping Centre. We rented near Bentons for 18 months and really liked the facilities this area offered. There is a very high concentration of Poms in this area .... which is good or bad, depending on what you want. As far as the towns go, I think all three have their own strengths and weaknesses, but all have a nice beachy vibe and can buzz in summer. They do get busy with tourists at times, but for good reason. Personally, I don't find the crowds oppressive, even in the height of summer. Loads of restaurants and cafes spilling onto the street by day and then pubs/clubs by night (Mornington only). Police have a heavy presence on Mornington Main Street at weekend evenings, which does keep a lid on any potential problems. We also love going out in Mt Eliza, which has a nice "villagey" feel and has a good number of restaurants/cafes/bars for such a small area. On a sunny afternoon during summer, the cafes/bars are nearly always busy even on a mid-week evening. Mt Martha has probably the least going on in the evening. Finally schooling. Assuming you are not interested in the various private schools in the area, then your choice is between the two State schools (Mornington and Mt Eliza) and one Catholic school (Padua, nr Mornington). We know students who go to all three and generally the comments on all are OK. You pay slightly more for Padua, but I don't think the results are much better than the two State schools. In deciding between the State schools, I would say that Mt Eliza shaves it on the academic performance (which is possibly getting better with the new Principal), but Mornington does better on the extra-curricular activities (school sports etc). Our kids came over to Oz aged 15 and 13 and both have made good friends and very much enjoying life. Daughter loves the fact that she can go straight from the classroom to the beach with friends during summer and does this quite a lot. I don't think either would say they find this area boring and I am always taxi-ing them to something (there are buses too!). Anyway, plenty to choose from depending on what you like most out of life. If you need any more info, happy to give an opinion

In Victoria (I assume it's similar in other states), to get a VCE qualification and an ATAR score (eg to go to uni) your daughter would need to complete 16 units of education. As pointed out above, that would be difficult to achieve in Y12 only as she would effectively have to complete 8 subjects (most students take between 4 and 6 in one year). BUT my understanding is that you can apply to obtain 'credit' for overseas studies, which might mean her UK education can count towards some of these 16 units. I'm not sure of the process, as don't know anyone who has done it. Even if you could get credit for UK education, it might be worth encouraging your daughter to re-do Y11 in Australia anyway, to give her time to get over the inevitable stress of emigrating. Also give her chance to make some friends in a low stress year. In Y11 you only need to pass the units, as they do not count towards the final ATAR score. She can have a relaxing year first before commencing Y12. Our son going through Y12 now and it is a full-on year .... quite stressful, as they are required to take SAC exams almost from day one of the new term (which do count towards final score).

I had a similar issue when we decided to emigrate. We decided to start the application process around July of the year I wound turn 45 in December. My qualification needed to be assessed by my institute and the turnaround time was approx 12 weeks, which was too long by the time I put the paperwork in. However, I sent a covering (begging) letter in with the application asking them to process asap and they agreed to get it done within a couple of weeks. Don't know how much research you have done on the emigration process, but be aware that the paperwork requirements can be quite onerous. It took me weeks to get all the references and documents I needed to prove "skills" and "experience" before I could even submit the forms.

Also, if you choose to live down on the Peninsula, there's a few trails and down hill runs around the Red Hill area. Have a look at the mtn biking club: www.redhillriders.com.au

You will only be taxed on any income (including overseas dividends) earned from the date of arrival in Australia. It would be advisable to make a note of the share price on that day too, as that will be used to value the shares for CGT purposes if you sell the shares down the track

Congrats on getting a job lined up before you land, it will make things so much easier. The Mornington Peninsula is a great place to live. Mt Eliza is very nice and perfectly fine for young families, but you might find more going on for younger kids in Mornington. I think you will also find it easier to get rentals in Mornington than Mt Eliza. I can't offer much info on nurseries, as our kids are older, but I understand that there is heavy competition for nursery places. Lots of young families in the area, so you won't find it too hard to find someone to share a bottle of wine with. Good luck on your move and hope all goes well for you in 2015

Try the Coolart Wetlands and Homestead on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula. Very nice place, with decent walking tracks through formal gardens, wetlands and woodland scenery.

I know the post is too late, but just got back from Auckland where I watched it from Row GG, Section 308, in Eden Park. Had a great view from there .... just a pity we lost. Other than the result it was a perfect weekend break!

Hi Redzy - a well written post for a second language. You clearly won't have any problems with language if/when you get here. IMHO, you might struggle to get one of the longer term visas with your lack of practical experience, but I would certainly recommend the WHV route to try out life here before you make the permanent plunge. I did it when I was younger than you and it started my love affair with Oz. Also, it's a very cheap and easy option - although the rules have probably changed now re arrival funds, I turned up with about $1,000, worked my socks off in Perth for just over 2 months, then travelled all over the country for the next 4 months - had a great time! The WHV is a great way to see the place and will certainly add to your 'life experience' even if you don't end up staying.

I don't know the OP well enough to know whether they are in Brighton UK or Brighton VIC, but this being a forum for people with a passing interest in Australia, I made my comment from a general viewpoint of careers down-under. Wasn't a criticism of your post, just a comment based on my experiences .... my apologies for joining in.

Very true in the UK, but I think a little less so here in Australia. Unless you have done a commerce-type degree here, I think you would struggle to get that initial grad trainee position. Competition for these grad places is immense and a non-relevant degree here would rule all but the brightest out at the first hurdle. To the OP, I think there is nothing wrong with giving your kids a bit of gentle guidance on what's available as they begin to make subject choices at school. Personality is just as important to academic ability in most jobs and you know your kids better than any careers advisor. Pointless telling an arty creative child to become an actuary - the money might be good, but work life would be pretty miserable (no disrespect to any actuaries out there).

Hi PJ - best to take advice from a pro, but in a nutshell: - you can keep your personal pension intact in UK until retirement - subject to certain conditions, you can continue to contribute into your PP for 5 years after becoming non-resident; but tax relief only available on £3,600 if you don't have any assessable earnings left in the UK (think relevant earnings in this regard is employment income, so rental income won't count - but check that as I'm not sure) - you will need to pay tax in UK on net rental income (after various deductible expenses inc loan int, rental expenses etc) - you will also need to declare any UK income on your Aus tax return (rental income included), but you get double tax relief for any tax already paid in UK Hope that helps a bit

Originally from Stafford, nearby, and really miss my Staffordshire Oatcakes! Not a Port Vale fan I'm afraid, but there's a pretty famous one on his way to Melbourne soon .... Robbie W tickets went on sale recently ....

I would do it the other way round, that way interest on loan for investment property would be tax deductible against income. Interest on your home loan would not be tax deductible.

Hi Diane. We had a 10-day holiday in Borneo as a 'stopover' when we emigrated from UK to Australia just over a year ago. We'd been backpacking around Asia when we were younger (pre-kids) and wanted a stopover in Asia, but somewhere we hadn't been before. Malaysian Borneo was a great choice for us, we had a fantastic 10 days and it really chilled us out after all the stress of leaving the UK. We had a fairly relaxing time and only did a few smaller day trips, but loved what we saw. If you only have 2 weeks to play with, I personally wouldn't try and over-complicate things as you might spend most of your 2 weeks travelling in buses. I would suggest doing one week in one place and one week in another and arrange side trips from either 'base'. There is a wide scope of accommodation types available from backpacker to 5-star luxury and all hostels/hotels will sell organised trips to the various local sites. We spent half our time near to the city of Kota Kinabalu at a good resort hotel (Pacific Sutera) which we booked quite cheaply through an internet travel agent and that meant we could easily get into town when we wanted to (for cheaper meals), but gave us the option of beach (artificial) and various pools on site. The hotel overlooks the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and had it's own marina from where the boats left for the day trips to the coral islands for pretty decent diving/snorkelling. For the second week we moved up the coast a few kms to Karambunai and stayed at the Nexus Resort (in a 2 bedroom apartment on the hotel complex). The hotel has a golf course (if that floats your boat) and a really nice section of sandy (natural) beach. The Nexus is a star lower but a whole load cheaper than the very plush Hotel Shangri La Rasa Ria (on the opposite side of a lagoon from the Nexus). The Shangri La is famous for having an orangutan sanctuary within the hotel grounds, although everyone has to pay to enter - even Shangri La guests. This is a 'must see' place to go, and fantastic to see the rehabilitated young orangutans in native forests. Our kids absolutely loved it, truly memorable. We didn't do much more than that in our 10 days, but I want to go back for longer and next time will plan a trip to Mount Kinabalu National Park and perhaps travel to the East coast for more wildlife. Hope you have a great holiday.

The job market is very tight across most sectors, so do not expect it to be easy. If you are a 'fresh' CPA with little work experience, then your options will be even more limited. The best way to judge what is available at your level of skill/experience (and what salary you can expect) is to look at one of the bigger job websites - most popular one is probably http://www.seek.com.au Best of luck

If I were you I would not alter your plans just for tax sake, but just do some tax planning before you come to Oz. Shares are listed on whichever stock exchange they are listed on (London, New York, Paris etc) and some have dual listings in two countries, but you won't "transfer" them to Oz. What I did is send all my paper-based share certificates to an online share broker where they are now held in electronic form in a 'nominee' account, so that you can buy/sell online easily with no hassle. My share broker does not charge a bean for this service. There is no equivalent to the UK CGT allowance here in Oz, but you do get a generous tax-free allowance each year which would mean the first $x of income from whatever source would be free of tax here. Depending on your UK pension, the tax free allowance might be enough to mop up all or some of your capital gains. The important thing (if you trust your spouse not to run off with the Aussie milkman) (or vice versa depending on who owns the shares) is to re-arrange your assets before you come to Oz, so that both you and your spouse make maximum use of both of your tax free allowances here. This is easily done because whilst in the UK you can transfer shares between spouses (need to fill in a stock transfer form) without the transfer being treated as CGT event. You should do all of this before you leave the UK because I think it would be difficult to achieve from Oz without loads of hassle and cost. Then, when you come to Oz, the value of the shares on the day you land in Oz becomes the base cost of the shares for Australian CGT purposes, so you are only subject to Oz tax on any future gain above this valuation. In future, if you sell parcels of your shares each year you will benefit from tax free amounts in both UK and Oz. If you decide to do this, give yourself a couple of months before you leave UK - I did this and now manage shares online. Amounts involved for me and my OH were not very high, so i did not take advice (other than hours of internet research) but if your amounts are high, then best to get some professional advice to make sure you do it properly.

Definitely check out the Life in Victoria forum. As Petals says, there was a meet up down here in Mornington last week-end (with several of us the wrong side of 40). I think there was also a lunch meet on Wednesday this week in Berwick. Just look on the socialising link on the LIV forum and you'll find a few nearby

Hi - we also left UK for Melbourne in Nov and moved to the Bentons Square area in March. Quite a few Brits in this area ... usually found reminiscing at the British section in Woolies! Can't help with soccer for your 18 year old son, ours is 16 and decided to hang up his boots when we left the UK. It's quite an awkward age for new arrivals - is he going to school here or did he finish up before you came out? If you want to meet for a coffee and a chat, feel free to PM us, we're not short of good cafes in Mornington.