Dawn2002

Hi Looking for experiences. Or some calming words of advice ! My son and daughter both had chicken pox last year before we left the UK. Hence they were not vaccinated on catch up. My daughter had a couple of odd spots Monday, but not unusual as she often gets them due to her eczema cream. Yesterday I noticed it had spread so I took her to the docs. He thinks she has chicken pox, he's taken a swab to confirm, said she was unlucky. This morning it just occurred to me, we are going to Fiji in about 3 weeks, last time it took over a fortnight for my son to get it, so now I'm worried he may get it again to, it took over 2 weeks for him to get over it last time and he suffered really badly with it. So has anyone experience of kids getting it again ? Especially if it was in Australia. Did just one get it did they pass it on ? I know it's a bit of a lottery wether he'll get it it not, but I'm having a bit of a panic about the holiday ! Thanks

Thanks for those suggestions I will have a look into both of them, I like the idea of a free trial. We only downloaded Hola last night and after a little trouble connecting it was fine, only realised afterwards we wouldn't have broadband soon. Probably best to wait till we move to try them out I guess. Strictly will just have to wait for a while !

Sorry to jump on this thread, We've just downloaded the Hola VPN. I noticed it's only free till end Sept, then $4.99 a month. We're moving in the next couple of weeks and we can only get ADSL, question is does it work ok with ADSL ? Thanks

I've had all sorts over the carpet from my two, we went for cheap rugs too, you can place them in the spot the stains are most likely to end up. They still manage to overshoot though !! If you get a thinner rug like a bathmat you'll be able to wash it in the machine when needed. We got a great one shaped like a teddy bear. We did buy a spot cleaner called Long Life carpet cleaner in a yellow spray bottle, but it didn't really work to well, especially on formula milk.

Melza I may try this, you reminded me that before we came over here, we had a nasty smell from the drains in our ensuite, as we were renting the place when we left it needed sorting, Dyno Rod came round, he told me to tip a bottle if Harpic down the plug holes and then rinse out, but not to leave it to long as it can do something bad to the plastic pipes. I never tried it, but you saying this makes me think I should have.. Even if it doesn't work I can use it for it's intended purpose.

Thanks for these suggestions. It's nothing like the Limescale we used to get in the East of England, so I doubt it will need to much to shift it. I can honestly say I don't recall any adverts for the products you mention Boganbear, most likely as the TV is constantly tuned to ABC4 for the kids and by the time I get to sit down to watch some I generally fall asleep !! I did see the products , but had discounted them as they seemed more general cleaning products. Probably worth a try by the sounds of things as the CLR seemed quite expensive and it isn't a massive area. I did just try some toothpaste on a small spot Quoll, and it did do a pretty good job ! Who would have thought !

Thanks Dave53, I'll give it a go.

Hi there, We are moving out of our rental property soon. We have some Limescale on our glass shower doors. I used to use Viakal in the UK, but haven't seen it here. I bought something called Glist which you have to mix with water but it didn't work to well. Probably just me not mixing it properly ! There didn't seem to much of a selection in our local Woolies. Anyone have any recommendations ? Looking for something I can just spray on and wipe off really. Cheers Dawn

We were HSBC Premier customers in the UK. We set up the account in Australia with them (also a Premier Account) from the UK. We went into the branch in the UK filled in the forms and they did the rest. We received all our cards etc before we left. We also got a credit card with them. Personally I wouldn't use them. I found the service when we got here poor, you can use Westpac ATM's for free. There aren't many branches or HSBC ATMs about. We also found it insanely difficult to get a bankers draft from them when we needed to for the rental bond. Hence we have changed banks to ING which is internet based and only now use the HSBC credit card as we get vouchers off them every now and again.

My OH is Aussie I am on a 309/100 visa. My family always knew we would go to Oz at some point, we'ed always been clear on that. but we still didn't let them know officially until after we had applied. Mostly as my mum had just finished chemo. My visa was granted in 5 months due to my OH father being gravely ill. We had a very good case officer !! I was bursting at the seams to let work colleagues know, especially as I had worked with them for 8 years or so, so classed them as friends. In the end I actually resigned about a month before the visa was granted, and told them the reason was due to emigrating. But I still had a small doubt the visa would not be granted. I'd wait with work colleagues until you are good to go. But close friends and family i'd personally tell sooner. If it's not granted for any reason, they will be there to support you, if is granted they will also be there for the same reason. Good luck

We got a Samsung one for around $300. It's supposed to have some sort of mapping system, but still seems to spend a lot of time cleaning under one of our sofas and completely misses the kitchen. It very quickly got the name Rodney ( as it's a bit of a plonker), it frequently gets stuck under our sideboard, or wedges itself on top of one of the ikea chair legs and bumps into our table legs for some reason. It also isn't to good at the corners or on the carpet in the bedrooms. I vac with our now 7 year old Dyson once a week, and set off Rodney a couple of times during the week. It's not a patch in the Dyson. But It's worth it as it certainly gives the place the appearance of being clean, and saves me sweeping, but I wouldn't buy that particular model again. I think I'd go for a more expensive one, maybe they do a better job ?

We are currently looking for a new rental on the Gold Coast. I have found that the viewing dates/ times have only been available a maximum of 1 week before the actual viewing date, I was actually only informed of a viewing date for one I saw today, yesterday, they also tend to be open house affairs. Also that many places advertised on Real Estate. Com etc are no longer available, but are still on there as they have applications in progress. I would go for a holiday let as others have said, you'll have so much to do and think about in the week before you go, then you can throw yourself into it when you arrive. Good luck with your move.

A really interesting read. We've only been here nearly a year now but I can identify with a lot of what you are saying. We're probably still in the novelty phase. One question, just interested, do you regret the move enough to consider going back to the UK ?

Hi Jade, I love reading these posts as it reminds me of my days on a WHV !! My one bit of advice... I wanted to say, if you are booking a hostel before you go, a week is fine, by then you'll know if the hostel suits you or not. I found many flat shares advertised mentioned no backpackers. I booked for a fortnight before I went in a hostel that looked great on the internet, but it was a nightmare, on a busy road and the residents, (mostly men), liked to stay up v late get drunk, smoke dope and play risk , fine if you like that sort of thing !!! I was a women travelling alone and it made me feel uncomfortable. I then went to another hostel and it was great, quieter residents and much better mix of men and women... I stayed there for 4 months in total in a 4 bed dorm, it was $125 a week back then, I've no idea how much it costs now !!! I worked all that time. Sydney in New Year is brilliant, buy a slab of beer, get yourself a spot around circular key for the kiddie fireworks, then your in prime position for the main event. I went with all my new friends from the hostel. We lived in manly and getting home was a breeze, I would not have thought it's changed much. You'll have a great time, good luck with everything.

No problem, I'm sure it'll be pretty easy to find out. Thanks for your advice.

Yes I think you're right, I don't think the monetary gain is worth the hassle. we have called the current agent tonight and advised them we will no longer be using them. It seems that once the current lease expires the management agreement ceases, even if the same tenant renews their lease. We paid a pretty hefty upfront fee from the first months rent. We're not really in it for the long term, we only rented the property as all the offers we were getting last year were well below the asking price and would have wiped out almost our original deposit. Obviously the market has moved on since then, but from looking at the time properties in our development and price range are hanging about, it's obviously not filtered through yet. One question, I am assuming we'll have to complete a new NRL1 form, as the original mentions the current agent. Would that be correct, do you know ? Thanks again

Thanks for your replies NWM, these were all the issues I was concerned with. I hadn't even considered your 3rd point, so thanks for that. Alaska, I assume that he's only suggested it as he has done the same with his property, also I agree that I to would query if repairs could have done for less if we left it up to them. The only plus point is that we would have more money coming in. We are currently with a large national agent whenever you call you go to a call centre and we've had to call over four times just to get then to speak to the tenant about the lease. We called a smaller local agent, who owns their business last week, he was very helpful and made some sensible suggestions regarding keeping the tenant in for when we do come to sell, he was also more willing to discuss fees etc. We've had another chat and were going to look at changing the agent, I was leaning towards this but your replies have convinced me it's the best way to go. Thanks again

Hi there The lease is due for renewal in our Uk Rental property, the tenant wants to stay and has been very good so far, with paying the rent and looking after the property. We are still in contact with our old neighbours in the UK and they are also giving us good reports. Currently we pay for management of the property, but we have been disappointed with the service received. As has the tenant. We have spoken to the tenant and he's suggested we cut the agent and draw up a lease, using a solicitor obviously, whereby he can arrange repairs when needed and get the invoices sent on. He currently rents his house in Ireland and has just done this with his tenant. Obviously not so much of a distance issue. We have family we could get to inspect the property regularly. The house is only 5 yrs old and we have only had minor things needing to he done so far. Just wondered if anyone has gone down this route, or any thoughts. My OH is keen due to the extra money, but I'm a bit unsure.

Thanks for these replies, we did assume this, but for some reason had nagging doubts. I guess we are lucky having family here to take the children on if anything does happen. It's not a nice thing to think about, but I think if we can put our wishes in writing now, it will cause far less pain if anything happened.

Hi I really didn't know what title to put in this thread as it's a depressing question. But one I think is very important. My hubby and I have been discussing wills and what would happen to the children should one or both of us ( god forbid) pass away. I am on PR ( subclass 100). My hubby is Australian born and also got British citizenship before we left for Oz. The children who are both under 5 also have dual citizenship. My question is, if my hubby dies can I still stay in Australia ? I assume I can as I am on PR, but would this change if he was no longer here? I couldn't find anything about this on IMMI website, except something about if your partner does during the visa processing. I cannot apply for citizenship for a few years yet. If someone can set our minds at rest, that would be great. Thanks.

I too live on the Gold Coast. And yes it is a place you can have an outdoorsy lifestyle. The beach and Springbrook are on our doorstep. The climate is great. My kids love it. Reasons for coming here, well it's my OHs home town and his family are here, also it is commutable to Brisbane in a time similar to that of the old commute into London we had in the UK. Would we have chosen here if his family were not here ? Possibly not. But that would purely be due to the ease of getting employment. Having lived in Sydney, all be it over 10 yrs ago, I would have been quite happy to have gone there too. IMO, and as others have said, you really need to look at employment prospects and housing costs first. Then climate. Then find an area that looks suitable. I know of people who have emigrated without visiting Australia first, but I would have thought this would make it a exceptionally difficult decision, especially as you have children to consider. I would have thought you could get that outdoorsy lifestyle in most Australian cities.

That is indeed insane, hopefully not another bubble on the way... I hope you other guys find somewhere.

Interesting thread for me, we own a 4 bed semi in Chelmsford, which we are currently renewing the lease for. Having browsed Right Move I too have noticed an increase In the immediate area. For the rent we currently get, you can now only seem to get a 70's style house with an 90's kitchen. Ours is only 6 years old. Good for us but not for anyone returning. It will be interesting to see what the agent thinks we should be charging now. However I'd rather keep the tenants for less rent then risk having the place empty. Hopefully this will bode well for us when we try to sell, though I'm not sure that the sales market is to hot despite what you read in the press.

One other thing on Cycles , someone on this forum suggested scrubbing them with Zooflora I think it was, and wrapping them in cling film. Which we did and we had no issues. Customs opened around 1/3 of our boxes. Assume because they were marked packed by owner. Luckily they didn't find the speedo in KMs we bought for our car prior to leaving which we also imported. We hid it on a box full of towels. !!

Agree with pumpkin and CalNgary We had three round two national companies and one local. The local company won. Not because they had the nicest salesman , they were also the cheapest, I was slightly unsure, due to the salesman, but because when I wanted to check details they were willing to answer all my questions in a knowledgable way, even if they were a bit silly , we went with them. Also having all three companies round gave us a wealth of information about what to pack and what not to. Silly details like get a new tube and filter for the Dyson etc, don't take wicker baskets. We packed ourselves, which I would not recommend. We had a mad rush to pack everything and had a customs charge for including a box which had a dried leaf on it!! I think it also helped that I had passed the companies depot on my train journey to work for the past 20 yrs seeing all the containers lined up in the yard. I sort of knew they'd be ok.