Austrial

Thank you ljohns, that is most reassuring.

Hi, I faced exactly the same problem. I used either the sponsor ID or application ID in the lower box. I was able to then complete the application. I have also got the visa recently. Good luck with your application.

Bob, now that is ingenuity! Just a thought, at night the net keeps the mozzies out, during the day, invert it into a river and it will keep the barras in! Lol.

Thanks Sazm, Paul and Bob...one thing for sure, compared to UK I hope to be spending much more time outdoors. My Santa list is getting longer...camping gear, 4wd, golf kit...ouch who just knocked me on the head? ..she replied..your golfing widow NOT! Lol

Thanks Bob and Nikey...sounds like camping gear and 4wD need to go on the Santa list;)

Thanks Lynsey, your description of Darwin puts a spring in my step (and moisture on my brow :wubclub:)!

Hi, I found this wonderful e - handbook by @leo Babauta http://zenhabits.net/handbook-for-life-52-tips-for-happiness-and-productivity/ (I am new to posting, so I may have inadvertently used the wrong protocol in cross referencing this author's work, I apologise in advance if this is the case). It would be great to have a collection of similar 'wit'amins for healthier / happier living...please share your nuggets of wisdom. Thanks in advance.

Thanks Bob, that is reassuring; although I may struggle with the sweltering heat initially. Every place has pros and cons, and these differ from each person's perspective. Hopefully my gamble (considering I have handed my resignation notice in the UK, am in the process of selling our house without actually having visited Oz - let alone Darwin...when I see this written down it feels insane:chatterbox:) will pay off!

Hi, on 25 June 7.30 - 9.30 pm uk time, PIO is hosting a moving to Oz chat workshop with industry experts, including a Finance Expert. Possibly worth asking him if you do not get any conclusive answer here by then? Good luck.

Hi JTPQ, blimey that is really expensive - 4800 AUD per year on electricity alone! I am sweating already, without actually moving to Darwin! This is the UK version of build up...mounting apprehension:wacko: before my big move!

Thanks, I have registered them and they are on the list. Thanks for offering further info which I will most definitely need between now and August and perhaps even well after that as I am finding my feet!

Thanks Lucharmily for taking the trouble to write a detailed overview. I will be coming on my own first and if things go well my OH and kids (2) will join me. I am considering Essington Primary School. I will probably struggle with the heat and humidity, but I take it that most places have aircon and fans. I am resigned to spending more on electricity, but it is similar to the high gas bills in the UK in winter, I suppose. Thanks again.

Sorry to hear about your situation; as I have not yet been to Oz (although moving in Aug) I cannot give you any tips or suggestions. From reading other posts, many people who have been in situations similar to yours, have hung in there, and slowly but surely have clawed their way back into good times. When we are down, the hill looks harder to climb; if we look at the next 20 steps - climb that; and then the 20 steps after that, soon we will be on the othe side of the hill. Brighten up, you will make it through! Good luck.

We (2 adults 2 children) have taken out BUPA Australia Essentials Plus visitor cover, it meets the 457 visa requirement, as does their Essentials package. As has already been said, I don't think holiday cover will meet 457 visa conditions. As we are used to the NHS in the UK this premium really hurts, Ouch! Can't go to the docs for this as it would be a pre-existing condition;)

Hi Crazyegg, I am in a similar situation but the other way round (I will be moving to Oz and sending money to my wife in the UK). I was told that as the two countries have tax agreement (amongst other countries) no tax would have to be paid to avoid double taxation.

Hi, waiting to hear from you later, in the meantime, enjoy:biglaugh:

Thanks Petals... NT members must be busy sipping wine on the sun kissed beach watching the gorgeous sunsets, after hectic shopping in the Mindil Market lol!

Hi, I have never been to Australia. I have taken up a job in Darwin and hope to be there this August. I have read a lot about NT and Darwin on the net, and like any other place, there are mixed reviews. However, the consensus seems to be: friendly people, cosmopolitain community, wonderful outdoors, extreme weather (dry or wet) and soberingly expensive. Is it Australia's Angel of the North? Am I on to a Darwinner? Thanks for your comments, tips and thoughts.

Thanks, will do. Hopefully, we will have some reviews from Darwinians before then!

Hi, I have never been to Australia. I have taken up a job in Darwin and hope to be there this August. I have read a lot about NT and Darwin on the net, and like any other place, there are mixed reviews. However, the consensus seems to be: friendly people, cosmopolitain community, wonderful outdoors, extreme weather (dry or wet) and soberingly expensive. Is it Australia's Angel of the North? Am I on to a Darwinner? Thanks for your comments, tips and thoughts.