vickyplum

We packed monitors in their original boxes - and no harm came to any of them. Or just find a box of a similar size and pack/pad it well.

I'm with everyone else. I had it in my mind that we wouldn't stay in Australia in definitely, but saying that, we won't necessarily return to the UK either - depending on what Brexit throws up in terms of residency in other EU countries etc. I am more of an 'organic' suck it and see type person. Have never been a great one for life's plans, despite being a naturally organised person, and my OH is even more far removed from any kind of planning

We live in a modern apartment block in North shore Sydney, well away from the water. Have had two huntsmen in the bedroom (both times) and that's all the spider activity we've had in nearly two years. Regarding cochroaches, we get maybe a few a month in the summer. I assume as the infrastructure of our block gets older, we'll see more of them. The strata company sprays / bombs fairly regularly, and when my OH bombs the apartment, he'll coincide it with the communal bombing. Also we are very mindful of keeping open packets in the pantry, in tins / sealed containers and keeping the kitchen and floors clear of crumbs etc.

I''m personally a CBA customer and I really like their app! I use the account to make overseas transactions, but have never transferred money in from GBP - as I like to keep my pounds in my UK a/c.

i just Googled 'dental insurance' and a few came up off the bat: NIB, HIF, Medibank etc. HIF appears to cover treatment with any dentist: https://www.hif.com.au/help/dental-cover/which-dentists-can-i-use-with-hif.aspx

if you want something local, pay a visit to the William Morris House/Gallery in Walthamstow. or have a walk around Canary Wharf, down to Mudchute via the park, and through the foot tunnel to Greenwich. Lots of places for a drink or lunch etc on the other side.

Yes agree. Or maybe there is less traffic because people actually walk or cycle or use public transport, rather than just hopping in the car to go 2 mins down the road and back again.

We also have a funny locking system, a bit like hotel room. Turn the latch one way to lock and the other to open; so we don't actually have to use a key to lock ourselves in the apartment, or when leaving either, as long as the latch is turned the correct way before leaving. So it's not as if we are locking everything with key, although that might be easier, the number of times I wander down to the bins or across the road for a coffee, and have locked myself out!

I agree with @snifter, and would start locking the door and making a note of the date and time of each 'visit'. I would then present this to your agent and/or to the police if required. I personally always lock the front door behind me, living in an apartment block, it makes no sense to me to leave the door unlocked. I am not paranoid, it just seems like common sense. I would also be looking for somewhere else to live, as if you cannot live in your own home without fear of interruption, then it is not a pleasant way to lead your life. I know you shouldn't have to move, but for your own sanity / peace of mind, it may be needed.

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/medicare-card The above is not amazingly clear so it may be worthwhile taking your passport and visa documentation, into your local Centrelink I was eligible for a temporary Medicare care when I arrived on partner visa 309 (temporary) and went back to Centrelink when I became PR, to apply for a new card.

No need for any slagging off of London. It was my home for three-ish years, before moving to Australia. I lived elsewhere for longer, but still consider it 'home'. It is a wonderful city! I have been in Australia (with my Aus partner) for just over two years. It's only really since moving into my second job, that I have more of a friendship / acquaintance group. I wouldn't go to them if I was in trouble, but they are there for chats, drinks, a sounding board, career advice etc! I've been in my second job for just over three months, and am only just starting to gel with a few of my new colleagues. I've found it quite hard this time around, but the workplace can be funny sometimes. After two years in Sydney, I'm only just starting to consider that perhaps remaining here is an option, rather than running off back to the UK at the earliest opportunity. But I would also be interested in returning to anothoer EU country, so will see if Brexit ends that idea. So please, do give it longer. Maybe chat to hubby after 12-18 months? And enjoy Melbourne - walk around, explore, get the tram - make the most of what's on your doorstep, before making any final decision.

We live in a second floor apartment in Sydney, and have had two occasions where there's been a huntsman in our bedroom. I'm sad to say that I got my partner to "deal with it". It was any other room, I'd have happily left him/her alone. But I didn't want a situation where they took up residence in my built in wardrobe and there was any chance of me disturbing them. This has been over a period of 27 months. On the other hand, my father in law has an old house on a big plot (in the Illawarra) and I've never even seen a tiny house spider!

Personally I would give it three months. Then if you're still not feeling happy, start looking at your other options. When everything is new, it can take a while to settle in and find a rhythm. Give it a bit more time

As a zero status Qantas FF, they are not so excellent. However, my OH was Platinum FF until recently (he is now gunning for lifetime Gold!) and I can see the perks.

Driver's licence

Not sure on the price to be honest, but don't think it was much more than a straight through / connecting flight, in the grand scheme of things (given how much it costs in the first place to get to Aus!).

yep, I have stopped in Singapore and Hong Kong for 2-3 days each. Very easy to do. Hong Kong has city airport check (at Central and Kowloon train stations) in so you don't need to lug your bags around if your flight is not until late in the day. Also really well connected by train. Singapore I'm less familar with, but still pretty easy from memory. I like the chance to re-set and relax a bit, but also see the benefits in keeping on the move, and getting the flights over and done with!

I vaguely remember on the form that the sponsor completes, there's a statement they need to write / agree agree to, regarding financial support

It's getting dark in Sydney at 17:30 at the moment... No killer mosquitos though.

I set up my CBA account online, before moving. It was very simple and I just had to pick up the debit card from my nominated branch, on arrival

it's 11 months ahead, so should be viewable by end April I guess.

The route doesn't take effect until March 2018.

yup agree. And go to any airline website, and it will not prevent you from purchasing a one-way ticket to anywhere in Australia that they fly to.

Agree that the chocolate is not the same. But I find the silver lining is that I then don't eat so much of it!!

Took me just under seven months. I did have a time line but it appears to have disappeared on the new forum