Mrs H1978

Hi Louise We lived in the Jarrow/Hebburn area but I worked in Gosforth so spent a lot of time North of the Tyne! We visited Australia in 2006 on an extended holiday. We liked Brisbane as it was small and friendly compared to Sydney etc. However, its a lot bigger then Newcastle. We decided on Brisbane to settle as there is a CBD, its close to the coast and the job market seemed stronger for my hubby. We didn't know anyone here and moved with a small budget so had to keep costs down. We've rented our house on the UK as we currently only have a temp visa. We sold/donated most of out stuff and sent out very little, we opted for a shared container to keep the costs down. However, we've been here 10-weeks, the shipping company has had our stuff 12-weeks and it hasn't even left the UK as they're waiting for the container to fill up. So I think you either go for a full container yourself or send the smallest amount of stuff. We've ended up buying some stuff this weekend that we'd sent out as we couldn't wait any longer. You can refurb your home here very cheaply if you don't mind basic stuff, we then plan to replace some stuff as we go. Thing like lovely cutlery and plates etc. don't seem to matter at the moment as we don't know anyone so can't entertain. Places like K-Mart and Target are cheap and is fine to get you started. We read so many reviews about Australia being so expensive but we've found a lot of things cheaper than the UK. Its like anything, if you want the best of the best you can pay for it but we've found lots of reasonably priced stuff too. My husband's new employer put us in temp. accommodation for a week, a lovely furnished partment in the City and we could have extended our stay there but it was really expensive. Luckily one of my husband's new colleagues had a holiday home and let us rent that on a week to week basis and it was half the price of the city place and much nicer. We found it tough to find rental property because a lot of it wasn't what we were used to, it was a bit of a shock to me to have to go under the house to do the washing, in fact it spooked me so much we had to go for a nice clean new build. You'll be in the same situation as us, you'll need to pick the correct area first time as you'll have schooling to consider so you probably won't want to keep moving around. The area we have moved to is really nice but we did research it a lot. I think you are looking Southside but if you do change your mind and decide on the Northside I can really recommend Sandgate/Brighton and it has a trainline to the City. We printed out credit reports from the UK and I think that helped us get a rental, it was very straight foward and we moved in within a couple of days. I just found for every decent house I viewed about 6 properties were unsuitable, so I found the first few weeks exhausting with a 4-year old in tow. I haven't had chance to make friends yet but have been so busy haven't had chance to be lonely. However, I start work tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to adult conversation. We also had lunch with some of my husband's colleagues today. They're from the UK and were so welcoming. We've got plans to meet up with some of my husband's australian colleagues next week with their families and the following week are attending an open BBQ for expats. However, this will be the first time we've socilaised since we got here. At this stage I can honestly say we don't miss the UK. With Skype, Facebook and WhatsApp its so easy to stay in the loop. My advice to you is if you want to try it you should. We debated for 9-years and our only regret at this point is we didn't do it sooner. My family are struggling with the move which I feel awful about but I can see such a change in my little boy and he's only been here a few weeks, he's much more confident. I think I've answered anything but just ask away if there's anything else. I know it seems scary when you're at home planning it but its fine once you get here... well hopefully it is! Regards Joanne

Hi Pat That's great - I'm glad I emailed you in time for the July meet. We'll be there and look forward to meeting you all. Regards Joanne

Hi Pat We're new to the Brighton area which isn't far from the North Lakes. Could you let me know when you next have a get together as we would love to come along? We've only been here 10-weeks but are keen to start meeting people. Thanks Joanne

Hello Louise I've just moved to the Brighton area of QLD, a 30-minute train drive journey from Brisbane. We've moved from Newcastle (just along from you) and I've moved with my hubby and 4-year old son. We'd talked about it for years and finally got the courage in January to apply, we came in via the 457 route and landed in Brisbane at the end of April. We've been here 10-weeks and it has had more ups than downs. Its taken me some time to find work but I start my new job on Monday after applying for more than 70 jobs in my field. The job market has been a shock to me as I have extensive experience! My advice is if you can find employment before you come you should, that's what my husband did. In my opinion things here cost the same as the UK and some are cheaper. The lifestyle I can offer my little boy here is wonderful compared to the cold north east weather! If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try and help but I'm also a newbie so might not know! If you do settle in the Brisbane area give me a shout and I'll happily meet you for a cuppa.

Thanks cheeky monkey - this info is really helpful!

Hi Cheekymonkey01 My husband is a Panel Beater and I am a PA who works in HR, I'm starting my CIPD qualification this year. We also have a young son and need to look at childcare costs. We hope to move within the next 2-years but the costs do scare me. I'd be interested to know any info you find out as we are also considering moving to Melbourne. Good luck!

Thanks Fifi69 - that's really helpful!

Hi Mark - thanks for your reply, I'll inbox you once my membership is upgraded - hopefully it won't take too long!

Hi Fiona When you say 'daycare' does that mean a nursery or a childminder? Also, how easy was it to find a decent childcare provider in Perth? Thanks

Hi there, I've been searching for months and can't find any information on wages for Panel Beaters - can anyone help? My husband works in the UK as a Panel Beater and has 16-years experience. We are researching Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Can anyone give me an idea of working hours and salary? Thanks muchly