fragglefeet

Yep, us too- bikes, camping equipment etc. Some boxes were opened which were the ones with the camping stuff in, but were all cleaned well before packing and got through with no problems or charges. As long as all pristine you'll be fine- and well worth bringing as much as you can over rather than replacing it in my opinion!

I would definitely advise you to consider bringing it over. We had a hi-top transporter camper that was going to cost a lot to bring over- as I recall because its a hi-top it was too tall to fit in a standard vehicle shipping space (although as you know fits perfectly in a UK car park space!). So we sold Bertie Bus before we came over. Now we regret it big time as campers here really hold their value and you're right are very expensive. We've been looking at buying an older van and kitting it our ourselves but still too pricey for us at the moment. Good luck!

And 'look...' at the beginning of sentences!

A pencil is a grey lead....I think? And English football is soccer....but my oh insists on still calling it football when we're at home -so we have bizarre conversations where neither of us know exactly what we're talking about as I sometimes call it soccer out of habit from making myself understood around Australian colleagues and clients at work during the day!

What, even more variations to remember?! I'm in Melbourne, where is the 'joggers' term used? By the way, the word joggers brings to mind track suit bottoms or slow runners!

Trainers are called runners, and wellies are called gumboots.... I'm a Podiatrist so these were need to know essentials! And don't bother trying to explain to a client that they're due their Diabetes foot 'MOT' they will nod and smile but won't tell you they don't have a clue what the new Pommy Pod is going on about! Lol!

I love my Dyson! Had two in the UK in the past, brought our used handheld Dyson over with the shippers (no problems) and purchased a new cylinder Dyson when we arrived in Oz. Very expensive but worth it in my opinion!

Thanks Ianworley! Appreciate the reply. I had heard of it in the UK but had no idea it was running over here in Oz too. I shall have a nosey! Thanks again.

Can't believe I've been here for 7 months and my running kit is gathering dust ?. Can count on one hand the number of times it's been used. Been thinking I'd be much more motivated if there was a group of fellow runners to gee me up! Anyone live near Emerald Vic, / Berwick way and fancy it? Would be starting gently gently though!

I'd completely agree with the majority- highly recommend the practise material. I know I wouldn't have done as well as I did without having the knowledge of the format/ layout of the different sections of the test. I was sooo nervous but managed to get a 9 in all sections -only 'cos of the above! Take note and good luck! X

Good for you LornaG! That's the best attitude to have x. I read the policy myself (I spoke to HR before I approached my boss as I didn't expect her to say yay without putting up a bit of resistance!) and my trust's policy didn't mention about paid work being allowed in another country. So that's great news for you, keep us posted how you get on.

I had to leave the NHS last year after 15 years service to make the move to Oz. As the career break policy now has a clause which says you're not eligible if you are going to undertake paid work. Which, lets face it, most of us will have to find employment over here. So I would keep quiet about employment while you are on a career break (perhaps volunteering instead?!) unless of course you are going to need a reference in which case you're in a hard place! My boss was also giving the speel about my specialist role and having to replace me. But as there is no money to replace staff who leave (that's how they 'save money') she ended up mentoring two members of staff on-the-job as a way of doing so. To be honest, I never intended to go back to the UK unless it turned out to be completely different to our expectations. But it would have felt very reassuring to know the option was there. However our big move has gone even better than we could have hoped, and I'd say go for it with or without a career break! Good luck x.

Really sorry girlies but got to bow out of tomorrow. Finally getting our dining table and chairs delivered tomorrow (to replace the camping table and chairs!) and hubbies just told me he's now working. Let me know when the next meet up is ?

Morning all! Anyone still up for meeting on Saturday, or all too busy with last minute Xmas stuff?

How does afternoon grab everyone? About 2? Good idea to meet outside, unless we do go for the white tulips instead!

They all sound lovely to me, as I live in the sticks! Somewhere close to the train station wound be great for me- perhaps we could meet there and then find a venue? Or somewhere with parking as its either train or car for me :-(

Sounds like a plan to me Gemstone! Anyone else up for it?

We're all spread out a wee bit then! How's abouts we all meet up one Saturday or Sunday for a cuppa and a natter? What's everyone up to the weekend of the 15th dec? As my diary is surprisingly full before then- Blimey!

We had our first one in the house (only a baby really) a couple of weeks ago. Hubby did the honours- they don't half jump about don't they? Never before have I heard him scream like a girl...

I would definitely do some practice booklets just so you're prepared for the format of the tests. I got a 9 in all the levels which surprised me, but really think I wouldn't have scored so highly if it wasn't for the 'revising'! Good luck x.

Hi Sarah Louise. I'm mid thirties too, missing catching up with the girlies for a cuppa (or more likely bevvies and a boogie!). Moved here in July, living in Emerald with hubby which is a bit out of the CBD but fab. Whereabouts are you?

I'm a bit surprised that after 8 weeks my job I secured before I came over isn't how I expected. Looongggg days eg 7- 5 then stuff to do when I get home. Thought it might improve but no better after I'd settled in. Currently not making the most of being in Oz as too tired to get out and about exploring. Pleased to say I've accepted another job and given my notice. Phew!

I agree, I get worried at airports too and certainly did for the medical! Blood pressure was high, again prob due to worrying but my self and hubby both passed with no problems (even though hubby overweight and me with a chronic wrist problem going over on a skilled visa as a podiatrist). Easy to say but try not to worry, much better than I expected! Good luck x.

We decided not to have anyone come to the airport with us, as like a lot of previous posts just thought it would be too emotional. Very glad we didn't, was very sad saying goodbye to both sets of parents in the morning before the taxi arrived. We explained our reasons and everyone was fine about it. Had a big Ozzie themed leaving do the weekend before, then a family BBQ two days before we left. And visited grandparents the day before. Phew! Was hard but worth it so far!

That'll be a no then! Young mid thirties, no kids...anyone? ;-)