This forum has been a great resource so here's our timeline:
Visa Type: ENS 186 Direct Entry
Nomination submitted: 18/09/2013
Nomination approved: 30/12/2013
Visa application submitted: 23/03/2014 ("decision ready", all documents including form 80, medicals, de facto evidence and police clearances submitted)
Visa approved: 18/07/2014
Country classification: High risk (main applicant), low risk (de facto partner)
Days from nomination submission to visa approval: 303
Days from visa submission to approval: 117
No communication with CO other than an email last week asking for information related to travel (Bridging visa B).
Good luck to all who are still waiting.