Tuosist

Seeking recommendations and/or reviews. I am researching which portable DVD player to buy to take on our flight from Ireland to Australia. It is to play DVDs for my daughter who will be nearly 2 years of age when we fly (7th Feb 2013). After considerable research reading reviews on http://www.amazon.co.uk I am at a loss as to which one to choose. I probably need to buy it online if I want a multi-regional player. I think the ''premier brand' below is the best one of the bunch... however would like feedback. I am currently only using DVDs from the UK (region 2) however presumed that in the future we would also want to use Australian (region 4) DVDs as well. Unless these can be copied onto USB. Budget: up to £120 (hoping to get a cheaper one though) Requirements: multi-regional USB Play DivX movies rechargeable battery life minimum 2 hours preferably 4 comes with a standard plug audio jack not too heavy Nice to have options car kit swivel screen case option to use it in a car at a later date with headrest mount. child lock Current considerations from amazon uk: Koolertron 9 Inch Portable DVD Player with TV USB Card Reader Radio Games Swivel LCD (Red cover) £44 comments: battery life seems rubbish as are games (would not play games) Hyunregidai P2715 7" Multi region portable DVD/Mpeg4 player with USB, Card Reader and Carry case £84 Comment: apparently the sound is not brilliant Premier AV SB-D807 7-inch Multiregion Swivel Portable DVD Player with USB and Card Slot £79 Current considerations from Argos in Ireland Bush 9 Inch Portable DVD Player. €97 (only DVD region 2) or Bush DVD1205 12 Inch Portable £106 (region 2) Recommendations and feedback would be very gratefully received! thank you

Hi Sarah, 457 Sponsorship Your OH may be able to obtain sponsorship if he is very specialised although perhaps the job title might be closer to 'software engineer' with reference to the CSOL. Your OH would not necessarily want to go through the hassle of registration as an electrician unless its absolutely necessary. Skilled Migration \ PR Moving is going to focus around you OH work, so I suggest that be the starting point and you work out where you live afterwards. If he gets sponsored, PR is always an option later on possibly with the employers support. Networking I suggest your OH use existing contacts in the UK and Linked In to make connections with Oz companies. Your career What study are you completing? Is this relevant re occupations? Good luck

Hi TINKERBELL13 I followed your posts prior to xmas. Obviously your husband found somewhere to stay and a job! December and January is rarely a good time to find an optimal job in Oz. Most companies don't start hiring until later in Jan and Feb. So I don't think your husband should throw in the towel until he has been through February and March at least. He is going to need your positive support and encouragement whilst separated. If you end up spending all your discussion time wondering if you are doing the right thing you will spoil your chances before you begin! The insurance world is a small place. Once he is in it, he can start making contacts and networking for a better job. This just takes time. He should use any UK work connections he has within the insurance market for contacts in Oz. There seems a lot of insurance manager jobs advertised on seek.com.au Is your husband in some kind of niche insurance role that is making it difficult to get a suited job? Terrigal is a long commute to the CBD and you would hardly see your husband plus the fuel costs / vehicle wear and tear and tolls are to be considered. The other thing to consider...would you be happy move elsewhere? Newcastle has fantastic beaches, great train links to Sydney for days out and it would not be much farther for your goods to be shipped. Employers Mutual are recruiting in Newcastle...(workers comp) I would follow ALIB's advice, rent somewhere affordable closer to where your husband is likely to be working, I presume most of the insurers are based in the CBD or just across the harbour bridge. Even for the first 6 months rent something small until you all have a better idea of where you want to live and living costs. Some city workers take mopeds to work, efficient and cheap. Part-time teaching may be a wonderful opportunity for you to make new friends? Good luck

1. Great Wall is a no no - look at other posts on PIO. Poor reliability, they are 'tinny' and have poor resale value. 2. Land Rovers - Lovely machines however high expense on the maintenance and repair. 3. Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorrento both have good specifications although they maybe a bit fuel heavy due to size and perhaps too big for one man, his small dog and shopping. The new level Toyota Rav4 and Kia Sportage are worth a look. Any chance of arranging a novated lease via work?

I agree with GeorgeD send off the application ASAP and if they need it they can ask for it. At least you will be 'in the queue'. It would not hurt to apply for it anyway at a later date.

Ramsay Health Care do sponsor nurses (private) http://www.ramsayjobs.com.au/Overseas-Nurses/Sponsorship.aspx No jobs in Brisbane however there are positions on the Gold Coast... perhaps not too far from your friends and family? http://jobs.seek.com.au/JobSearch?AdvertiserGroup=RamsayAdGroup&catLocation=&catindustry=1211&Keywords=nurse&Submit.x=43&Submit.y=10

Hi Snifter, I used my passport (notarised copies) to apply. I did also sent a copy of a certified copy of my birth certificate from 1972 (not original BC). For some reason an original birth cert was not issued at that time in Perth. A notarised copy of my certified copy birth cert was used in the application and this seemed fine. I would ring the visa applications office and check. Please note to apply for Oz passports for my children outside of Oz, I needed an original birth certificate. So I had to send off for one anyway. They birth deaths and marriages offices post one to you very quickly, its worth getting. Hopefully someone else can clarify if the BC is necessary.

Course providers Regarding the course you mentioned, there are many providers in Australia, so shop around. Prices seem to range from €1000 upward to €3000. Contact Melanie at www.trainingstars.com.au They deliver the Certificate IV in the UK and Ireland for people emigrating to Australia. She last quoted €1000 (euro) to my husband for the course you are considering. Personally I thought the course content fairly basic. I would think a Diploma or MSc in OHS or H&S would be more valuable. Career pathway There are many career pathways with health and safety and risk management. Ideas... Consider using your science background to work as an Occupational Hygienist (Industrial). It will build on you qualification base and funnel you into an area of specialisation that is niche and paid well.http://www.aioh.org.au/index.aspx check out Deakin University off campus Occ Hygiene Graduate Certificate or Msc http://www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/courses/detail.php?customer_cd=C&service_item=S705&version_number=1&element_cd=SPECIALISATIONS-STR&sub_item_number=1&return_to=%2Ffuture-students%2Fcourses%2Fcourse.php%3Fcourse%3DS705%26stutype%3Dlocal%26area%3DBFOS-SCIENCE Not sure if the link worked however only the Deakin and Wollongong courses in Occupational Hygiene are accredited with the AIOH in Australia. Alternatively you could work in a risk management role in academic institutions which builds on your teaching background. If you are going to complete study units, research whether the IV OHS certificate will give you any credit toward a Diploma, BSc or MSc in OHS. If working with people is 'more your thing' consider focusing on health ergonomics or return to work coordinator roles. University of Derby UK offers an online Health Ergonomics MSc which is cheaper than doing a comparable course in Australia. Consider the return to work coordinator role courses (online) and 'train the trainer courses'. Please note Workcover courses can differ between different states. I would recommend you sift through OHS, Health and Safety, Risk Advisor, RTW Coordinator and Occupational Hygienist jobs on www.seek.com.au read the job descriptions and see which role sounds it would fit with your interests, then check out qualification requirements and work backwards. There are also many environmental jobs that use a science background. www.EnvironmentJObs.com.au

Hi Leah, I am also an OT, I have not yet submitted papers to AHPRA so better get onto it. Where did you send your papers? Ring the office and hassle them. Its worth getting up early to do this! Could you work as a disability support worker in the meantime? http://www.gumtree.com.au Also there are case manager roles which do not specify 'OT' within the job description. You may still need police checks. This might mean being near city and public transport so you can access clients / a place of employment unless you have access to a car straight away. It depends on your area of speciality as to where you apply / find work in Brisbane. Sort the job before you obtain accommodation as you don't want to end up with a long commute. Maybe delay booking Brisbane accommodation until closer to your flight date. If AHPRA has not come through in February why not book somewhere short term closer to the coast so you can enjoy beach time before your AHPRA reg comes through as you may not have the same chance till much later (accruing holidays). Have a look on gumtree.com.au closer to the time for short term accommodation. Regards and good luck, I am sure it will all work out. Tuosist

Dear Norah9 I think the quote is what you would expect for door to door delivery. Cheaper quotes may not work out cheaper in the long run if you have to pay a customs agent and delivery service to offload the other end separately. It is worth taking either 'everything' or minimal amount. €4000 is not too much versus the cost of replacing everything when you get to Oz. If you purchase big ticket items in Oz you have to pay for delivery charges. Seven seas shipping have an online quote system for boxes, bikes, guitars, tv..try that for different type of quote. Tuosist

Hi Norah9 Happy Christmas. I would have thought you could get a whole 20ft container for your quoted price? Worth shopping around. Flights (from Dublin) Emirates - 30Kg each but not for infants Etihad - 30Kg each plus infants also get 30Kg Shipping Quotes depend where you start and finish... Out of Cork... Examples; self load a 20ft container and shipped to Brisbane (not including any Oz customs fees or delivery to house) quote: €2500 (inc dropping off container for a few days for loading etc) (This is our of Cork) Vivian. Shipping & Transport Cork Ltd., Tivoli Terminal, Tivoli. Cork. Fax:+ 353 21 4508904 Email: vivian@shiptranscork.ie I also received a quote from AMC €4,300 self load a container, but delivered to house other end in Brisbane. Includes standard custom fees. Henry Browne Sales Co Ordinator AMC Removals The Elms Punchestown Naas Co Kildare TEL: 045 874498 FAX: 045 874588 Email: henry.browne@amcremovals.ie Web: www.amcremovals.ie POI members Lozzachops and Braidwood shipped using Nat Ross from Cork. I have heard very positive things about Nat Ross. Comment Once thing I would highlight is often people receive very good service this end...however shipments can be delayed and the allocated firm the other end may not be quite as good, so experiences vary hugely. You should be able to send you stuff 'groupage' which may take longer however should be cheaper. I am sending a mixed cargo of commercial and personal items in a 20ft container. I am not definite who I am going to use yet as I have to find out like customs fees the Oz end before I definitely decide to send certain items. POI member BigBadCon recommended sending some items via An Post €60 for up to 20Kg for the essentials ahead of shipping, so you have things upon arrival. Good luck

http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/ie/en/planatrip/baggage/Pages/allowances-and-charges-other.aspx Effective immediately all Coral economy flights have 30Kg baggage limit. (matches Emirates) Note that infants also get 30Kg. This came into effect after our booking, so happy days.

My OH submitted application August 2012. I had thought based on recent POI threads that July/August applications were starting to be processed...however our CO KP today wrote back to say the visa is likely to be processed in April. The reason given for this is apparently due to the high volume of applications and therefore longer processing times expected to get through them all. So I am hoping (Plan B) OH 457 sponsorship comes through from his employer comes through before we fly on the 7th Feb. Otherwise we would have to go out on a tourist visa...we only have one way tickets. I wonder if one way tickets would be an issue on a 3 month tourist visa?

Hi JMP2006, Congratulations! When did you apply? July or August? Just wondering as applied for OH in August and we booked to fly 7th February. CO is KP. Hoping they might do '6 month' rather than '9 month' processing time.... thanks and all the best in Oz

Thanks for the replies I have some Coleman's powder, will give it a whirl! Thanks Millim I wanted a rough idea of charges, I have looked at the AQIS website however charges seem to be per hour and I can't make sense of it. As I am on a budget, if its likely to be a high figure I won't bother bringing the bed. thanks for your help everyone

Hello, My husband made a lovely oak bed we would like to bring with us to Oz. It has several holes in it which I assume might be wood worm. Is is it worth getting it treated and certified before we go or just waiting for it to happen on arrival at customs in Oz? Does anyone have experience of this and how much it might cost at either end? Thanks very much

http://wavellshs.eq.edu.au/wcms/ Wavell Heights High School home page does indicate good student support resources.

Is there any way your son can continue subjects from his current school via home schooling whilst in Oz on a tourist visa?http://www.educationotherwise.net/ distance based GCSEs http://www.nec.ac.uk/info/?usca_p=t I was thinking sailing / cruising / world travel families must deal with this issue. Perhaps not at high school level. http://www.home-education.org.uk/faq-carers.htm Scottish home school forum http://www.ebhe.org.uk/index.php food for thought http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/305758.The_Teenage_Liberation_Handbook

Hello KellyJamie Hopefully PIO member Fish.01 might help. Fount of knowledge re North Brisbane. Try contacting Kedron High School direct. http://kedronshs.eq.edu.au/wcms/ Maybe PM the OP on the thread below who was seeking a north Brisbane school for her kids with dyslexia to see what she discovered. http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/education/150003-advice-re-schools.html

Hello I am not a child care worker however have a few points listed for consideration and some links. Obviously you need to complete your SW degree in the first instance. If you are really keen on moving and don't want to do a WHV... Is it worth exploring the role of 'Mothercraft Nurse' ? this role is not that of a qualified nurse rather an assistant to a qualified nurse helping with newborns. Refer to Consolidated Skilled Occupations List ANZSCO 411412 It would require you to go through Vetassess verification. This might be a costly and time-consuming process. You might also qualify for the Child Care Coordinator role - depending on your level of qualification. ANZSCO 134111 or Early Childhood Pre primary school teacher ANZSCO 241111 Sponsorship could be an option although I think this unlikely unless you want to work in a remote area (N.T.) or less popular city (Canberra) which may not be your aim when emigrating! There is a link below to Randstad who have advertised sponsorship roles for Nursery Nurses in the past. I have cut and pasted a current advert from Randstad below that offers sponsorship. POI Links http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/jobs-careers/106921-nursery-nurse.html http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/migration-issues/166620-nursery-nurse-nneb-certificated-print.html Recruitment links www.expectastar.com.au www.earlylearningplacements.com.au Randstad and Hays in Australia http://www.randstad.com.au/jobseekers/job-details?t=nursery+group+leaders+wanted+for+position+in+regional+nt&jl=darwin&l2=73621&j=5529232&ct2=13 Job Reference : QC- 0412NT Position Type : Permanent Market Sector : Education, Training & Library Location : Darwin, Northern Territory Contact : Randstad - Education - Darwin Description Nursery Group leaders Wanted!! Randstad education is currently recruiting two Nursery Group Leaders for a Child care centre located in regional Northern Territory. This centre was purpose built and is licensed for up to 86 children on a daily basis. There are excellent facilities throughout and a wonderful outdoor space for the children. As the centre is privately owned and operated, support is easily accessible and they owners share the passion for providing quality education and care to the families and children at their service. General duties and responsibilities include (but not limited to): Working in the Nursery, caring for up to 8 babies on a day to day basis. Working in a team Providing a education program utilising the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Carrying out observations and ensuring documentation is up to date and in line with the EYLF Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to. Minimum requirements: Hold a Diploma in children's services Hold a current working with children OCHRE card (or able to obtain) Experience working in a similar role Excellent communication skills The service is open to sponsoring suitable persons if required. To check your eligibility for the role, please call call during business hours 08 89234388 to discuss. Please forward your resume to morgan.clark@randstad.com.au You will command more salary as a qualified and experienced social worker. Perhaps there is additional UK or Australian (online) qualifications that you could complete i.e. MSc in social work or speciality area. Good luck

Hi Ellie, RE migrant allowance for luggage Singapore Airlines will allow you extra luggage for each person that is included on the migration visa (40Kg). You are best to telephone Singapore Airlines direct to clarify and get confirmation via email so when you check in you have it in writing. Emirates do 30Kg as standard luggage allowance. Qantas do offer a 'migrant' fare with extra luggage allowance but its much more expensive. Again you would have to call the Qantas reservation line to clarify and get confirmation in writing. Join Qantas Frequent Flyer programme or the Virgin Australia programme before you go so you can start collecting points. Re Moving household contents Hobart seems to have a few reasonable size furnished houses for rental. This could be an initial option until you are definite about where you want to live or if you intend to have a trial period before deciding to stay. Look on http://www.realestate.com.au for examples. Moving all your household contents can be worthwhile if you think of the time and effort to go source everything individually and to get it delivered. Tasmania can be a bit more expensive than the 'mainland' for certain items and there is less choice, so I would be of the mind to bring it all if you are making a permanent move. I am sure there are others on the forum that can provide advice re shipping 'deals'.

Thanks again Fish.01 Re the Asoct facility...sounds 'exclusive'. I was not planning to rent there as it will surely be out of our budget. There are quite a few day care facilities around Clayfield / Woolowin so hopefully I will find something that suits. I think time to find an accountant to deal with both Oz and Ireland finances! My OH and myself will be home based for work so we also need to work out what is deductible so we keep track of expenses OK. I plan to explore with the prospective employer re salary sacrifice package and the novated car lease option. cheers

Hello Fish.01 Apologies, I should have addressed the request to mums and dads! I only ever deal with mothers in my part of the world... Your information is really helpful and practical. I looked on the C&K website and the only facilities nearby to Woolowin / Kedron / Clayfield / Nundah offering childcare before Kindy age are in Wilston and Newmarket. I was interested to get a feel whether its financially worthwhile going over the eligibility threshold for tax benefit A. I have the option to work part-time 2 -4 days a week. I am also considering a novated car lease (salary sacrifice) which would keep the overall family taxable income lower. Thanks again your posts are really helpful as always

Hi Alaska, I am looking to move to the inner north of Brisbane. Childcare at one family day care facility that has availability seems to be $80 per day 8.30 - 3pm, then a bit more for additional hours up to 5-6pm. I am hoping to do 2 long days per week. So I was interested how other mums work it and was interested to hear other people's experiences. Yes, we will need to crunch the numbers. Thank you for your reply Tuosist

Hello, I would appreciate some advice and links from working mothers in Oz. If I manage to find childcare for 2-3 days a week for my 1yr old and 2 1/2 yr old next year in Brisbane how do you negotiate this financially so you are not worse off? What can we earn as a couple whilst still being able to avail of tax credits? I presume I could spread the child care rebate over 2-3 full days of childcare for 2 children, which would cost me approximately $100 a day ...i think ie 50% rebate at source per day. My other half will earn approximately $85,000 year, We would both work from home so presume can claim office expenses. OH will be supplied with a vehicle on top of salary. I want to continue working as I enjoy my work and also want to maintain my clinical skill set. Plus it would open up a new social network for me when we move to Brisbane. I plan to work part-time long term. I am happy to pay for quality child care and it would offer my children activities and socialisation that I would not do with them. My toddler attends toddler group 2 mornings a week and music group 1 morning a week and loves it, I also enjoy it. So happy to pay for it, but just need help working out how many hours / income would be needed and how best to avail of tax credits / rebates etc I would welcome feedback and tips from other mums, Thank you