Saviola

Thanks for the responses. We are planning out where we could live and looking into what each 'burn has to offer as I type. Quite like the centralness of Camberwell, ideally not looking to cross the M3 as it will hinder her indoors.

That is very true The one thing i never did get used to in my time in Australia was the beer prices

Thanks for the input going to have a look on realestate.com.au later and see what's what. Didnt realise Box Hill was a dry suburb, although not a major issue it is nice to go for a cool one locally every now and then. Reason for being close(ish) to the CBD is the missus will be working there and we will be in the city a lot for social events.

Howdi, I am after some advice. I have been offered a role that will see me based in the Blackburn/Croydon/Ferntree triangle, with a centre not far from the M3. I have not looked into the suburbs around that area previously. I ideally I would like to live closer to the CBD, say Surrey Hills, Box Hill or Camberwell; for easy quickish train/car access when needed. My commute here is over 40 mins now so it will be similar I am sure. So my remit is close to the Blackburn/Croydon/Ferntree triangle (30mins drive is ok), 30 mins to CBD and looking to spend no more than $700 a week rental (just 2 adults). Any thoughts from you good folks are welcome. Thanks Saviola

We will be making the move in January, we are considered young oldies (35) and have no kids. We aren't worried as such about making new friends just whether they will be as close as ones back home. Well that's mainly the missus, I am laid back about it all. Try looking at meetup Australia, plus you will bound to make friends through the kids.

Howdi, I have had a couple of Skype interviews/chats lately and the question of my 'salary expectation' is one that i do not have a good answer for. There are obviously lots of factors cost of living, role scarcity etc. I have just been offering them my current UK salary/perks, but I am not sure that is all that helpful or wise. How did you work out your salary expectation? Using the magical 2.2/1 ratio, check out Seek for a similar role, convert with today's exchange rate or just go for the biggest number you could think of? Cheers Saviola

Thanks all for the input. Its not so much the cost of holiday rentals as we have a place we can use for 3 weeks, gratis, over the Xmas/New Years weeks. Its the potential morale hit from a slow job/rental market I am concerned about. We have nothing in UK to set a date for us, just our itchy feet. Think we might put it off until January, new year new start still, and go on a 3-4 week 'holiday' before we hit the ground in February.

Hopefully you guys will still be active when I arrive. Playing some football with buddies is the one of things I am going to miss the most I think.

We initially decided new year new start and one last Xmas in the UK. I think the anticipation is getting too much now and with little to hold us up the pull is getting greater. We have not done a Visa validation trip yet (have until March 15) but have been to Melbourne numerous times so not too worried about a 'reccie' plus it will save us some dollar.

Howdi, I am having a dilemma at the minute regarding when we should go for good Visa all sorted, house sold, rental is with a family friend so no notice, work is a 3 months notice (but I am sure I can get out sooner) and pretty much every family and friend know we are on our way soon. Part of me says go ASAP ie a month, another part says head for Xmas and have a month off and then there's the cautious side that says wait till next year and save some more. Leaving now(ish) would be the hardest but it would also be like ripping a band aid off and maybe less painful in the long run. Leaving for Xmas and relaxing for a few weeks sounds great; but it will be more expensive for accommodation and harder to find rentals/jobs during the summer holidays. Leaving next year, I could potentially save more (but no guarantee) work and social life will start to become a bore as I am always looking forward to my departure. How did you go about deciding your leave date? I am currently hedging towards option 2 Thanks for listening Saviola

SBS have the rights and it looks like every game is live. http://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/sbs-one-australia/

Thanks all. Timeline was: 10 Nov - TRA skills, 16 Nov - IELTS, 20 Feb - EOI Lodged, 22 Feb - Invited, 12 Mar - CO, Police and medicals finalised week of 24 Mar, 29 Mar - Grant Lost a bit of time over Xmas/New Year but other than that pretty smooth. Had no hold ups just asked to add Police Cert and medicals which were booked. For de-facto partner we only added 1 bill and 3 photos (expected to get asked for more, which we had), medicals were sent out within 4 days was very surprised.

Thanks all for the help and tips. I have been granted my Visa yippeee Good luck to those of you in or starting the process. Saviola