Sparnell

Hi My wife and I moved to HB last Aug from the UK. We love it here and wouldn't move. We live on the Esplanade at point Vernon and wake up to a sea veiw. Yes it is fairly quiet, it picks up in the tourist season, the shops are the basics, ut the Sunny Coast malls are only a couple of hours away for a shopping fix. Yes there is a big retirement population, so what? My wife did get a job in Maryborough, but there are not too many employment opportunities around. The beaches and esplanade are beautiful and there others nearby, all with public BBQ's. The fishing is good! Whale watching is out of this world. As far as crime, well I don't hear of much, but every day there is a shooting or somethinf serious in Sydney etc! The people have all been so freindly. Dr's dentists etc are plentiful + good hospital. Your older kids may get bored, depends on what they want to do, if it is Uni they may go to the sunny coast (2 hours). Where you live is what you make it, and HB is just fine for us!

We moved the whole house over minus the fridge. Some items (mainly furniture) wasn't a year old. Don't worry just send it. Customs opened a few boxes and that was it. We had bikes, new golf clubs, every sort of applieance and 4 TV's (all of which pick up freeview here) they wok fine. There are so many horror stories about importing household goods here. Just make sure everything is clean, particularly bikes etc. I even brought out my stainless steel kettle BBQ and it got through no problem. Make sure your shipping company gives you a list of things you cant ship. We used Pickfords and they were great.

It is as expensive as you make it here. TV's are much better value than the UK. If you have modern flat screens in the UK bring them out, they will work, all of mine pick up freeview no problem. We have always had a policy (even in the UK) of not buying expensive white goods (you are paying for a name) you dont need 25 programs on a washing machine (ask your Mrs!) We have a big double door fridge freezer $900 but you can buy UK size over here for $400. Shop around and don't pay the displayed price. The cost of living here is more than the UK, but you can afford to live here. Farmers markets are all over and cheap, petrol is about 1 pound per litre. Don't be put off, just shop around. There are many Australians managing on modest wages!

As others have said, registering for medicare is simple. Once you have your card and need to see a doctor, just choose a medical practice and make an appointment. Once you have had your consultation, the receptionist will swipe your medicare card. You pay $60 (I think or $65) then get half back on your card there and then. Don't ask me why they don't just charge half the cost? If you need a repeat perscription, the doctor will give you 5 on one script. You have to pay for each of them individually (you cant get all 5 for the same price). Most Pharmarcists will offer you the cheapest option eg generic drugs. Expect to pay anything from $7 to 25ish for popular drugs.

We love Hervey Bay. It has everything we need. There are not the shops that you would get in the city, but all the normal shops are here and you can drive a coupole of hours to the Sunshine Plaza for a regular retail fix if needed. The Esplanade has a decent number of cafes etc and is always busy with families over the weekend using the free BBQ's. Good beaches with others eg Toogoom just down the road. Gets busier during the school holidays, but that is good for the area and of course whale watching is fab. Fraswr Island is a tourist magnet and a great place to visit. We have a house on the Esplanade in Point Vernon and cant get over the views. We don't have school age kids, but I believe that the schools here are very good. All in all, we wouldn't want to move!

Yes.been here since the middle of July and working in the hospital with the service redesign project.

See you there! Flying out on 14th July, wife following about a month later. I'm going to be working in all 3 Wide Bay area hospitals. Can't wait!!!! What have we done!!!!!!!!!:biggrin:

My company in Aus started the process and then sent me a number to log in with. I then completed the forms and hey presto, got the ok

I guess I will go with the flow and hopefully everything will be electronic!!!!!!! Thanks for your help

Brill, thanks for your help

Just been tracking my online 457 visa application. Now showing approved, just awaiting the official e-mail. Do you get anything to put in your passport or do immigration check it electronically against your passport?

Got mine approved today, lodged it last Thurs, less than 5 full working days, including being asked for additional information (which had already been uploaded!) My advice is make sure you upload as much eveidential documentation as you can and make sure they are certified copies. Good luck

Once again, thanks everybody for your valuable help. 4 weeks to go!

My two beautiful labs have just gone to their new home today. I always knew it was going to happen and it is for the best, but, always wanted just one more day. Although very sad today, I know they have great new owners that will love them. I hope the move is worth it, I'm sure it will Steve

Hi All Many thanks for your replays. Really useful. 5 weeks today!