PatW

Hello emj

Really sorry to read you're struggling. I know I cried a lot in the first few years (we came Nov 1981, pre-computer, Google Earth, Skype, etc).

If it's any help to know, just about everyone has struggled in this summer's heat and humidity (worse than last year, which was bad enough). And no wet season until autumn. Crazy. It must have been hard having a family Christmas and then coming back to this heat.

You mention you've got dogs; are they a specific breed? If so, there should be a breed-organised 'get-together' where you could meet other owners and have a natter, i.e. son has 2 Ridgebacks and I know there's a Ridgeback 'get-together' at the GC each month. There are dog-allowable beaches on the GC, where they can be off-lead (check on the local Council website). What about dog-allowable cafes in the area, 'cos as you know, dog owners will chat to one another at the drop of a hat? Check FB pages for breed-specific groups.

There are get-togethers (for the humans!) through this site, on both Brisbane northside (me) and Brisbane Bayside. Is there a GC one? Does anyone know, please?

You can be restricted in going places with the dogs, but find stuff away from the coast that is more dog-friendly than the GC. You can take the dogs (haven't forgotten that there's also the cat at home) into State Forests for day trips but not overnight, but domestic animals aren't allowed in to National Parks at all. There are Tourist Information centres on the GC, so go and talk to them and get ideas about day trips that will get you all out at the w/e.

I prefer the Sunshine Coast to the GC, but obviously it depends on where the work is for both of you. There are lovely areas (and lovely people) all around Australia and I do hope you find yours very soon.

Hello Anna

I believer there's a bayside, i.e. south of the Brisbane River, migrant group for getting together, chatting & having bbqs (I do one on the north side, at North Lakes). I'm sure the forum co-ordinator will be able to give you more details than I can.

Hope all goes well for you.

Pat

Hello Theresa

Check caravan parks (which also have cabins for those without their own tent/caravan) on line for the Sunshine Coast, but most will be heavily booked already. If you find one (or a motel), it'll have cooking facilites, fridge, etc. so you can buy in necessary food and have a Christmas on the beach (which to begin with is quite weird but then becomes enjoyable.

Pack the hats & sunscreen because you will need them. Stay in the shade as much as possible (we got burnt a few years ago just sitting in the shade on the beach, because of the reflected rays off the sand) and enjoy the water!

If you want to, please PM me with other questions.

Hello Anna

Welcome! Do you know what part of Brisbane you'll be moving to? On your own or with family? Do ask on this forum if you want help, because they are a helpful lot with a lot of experience.

A JP (Justice of the Peace) can be found in many places in Australia. From the Qld objective, they are at the North Lakes' shopping centre a number of mornings/half days a week and you'll often find someone in a bank or solicitor's office will also be a JP or Commissioner of Oaths. No JP can charge for their services.