thestantons1

Hi, just wondered if you made the move to Rocky? We are thinking about making a move and Rocky came up as an option. Is there a lot of work? Hubby is a carpenter. Thanks so much!

Hi, Would you recommend TV? We are thinking of moving to TV and would be interested to hear your thoughts, Thanks!

Hi all, Thank you very much for your replies it is good to hear other peoples stories.

Thank you to everyone who replied!

Hi, We have posted on poms in oz before and we were really pleased with all the positive, encouraging feedback and advice we received so we are hoping we may be able to get some help again! We moved to QLD on a sponsored visa. QLD sponsored us on the condition we live and work in regional QLD. I applied for a job in Toowoomba before we left the UK and it looked like it had come off and I had the job. The employer went so far as to contact my UK references and my application was constantly in the 'awaiting decision stage' when I checked with HR. However, it wasn't meant to be and the job never came off. During this time we had moved over to Darling Downs because I honestly thought I had the job. Meanwhile, my husband found work in Warwick. We have been living in Warwick for the last couple of months. I have a temporary job starting soon so we are tied to the area for at least two further months (this time I am definite I have the job and went to see the employer in person to confirm after I had been offered it verbally- not making the same mistake again!) Despite enrolling in a few clubs and societies in and around Warwick, we are very much isolated. Immigration have told us that we both must work full time for a year in regional QLD. This is proving a nightmare as work is very few and far between in this area. To be honest we are now thinking of moving to a more developed area of regional QLD where there might be more opportunities. This post is not a slight on Warwick/Toowoomba and I don't intend to be negative. It is lovely here- a real country vibe in both towns and we both feel very safe in Warwick but there is literally nothing to do. The people in our age group (25-35) have either moved to Brisbane or have families and therefore a totally different life to ours (we don't have children so its difficult to find common ground) Originally when we both thought about moving to QLD we were looking at Sunshine Coast and I am thinking perhaps we might be better off there? We must, must, must work as the condition of our visa so if anyone knows of any full time jobs please can you let me know? I have a background in admin but to be honest I can turn my hand to anything- production, factory etc. Any help from anyone in both Toowoomba/Darling Downs regarding the isolation and anyone in the Sunshine Coast regarding employment would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much- a lonely pom

Hi Jac2011 we fly 1st June. My husband is a carpenter and I work in education. We both haven't found work (yet!) but I have applied for a couple of things so I guess we will see. We really want to get out there and choose the area we plan to live in. We are both brave souls and that's good I think! This isn't for the faint hearted!

Hi Pinknurse83- thanks for the tip- we have been to Mackay and yes it is def worth considering as an option. I think you may be right about the sunshine coast but we are going to try looking for work every where and see what happens. Its such an exciting time in our lives and there are no nerves or second thoughts at all- we can only be doing the right thing.Good luck with everything and I will keep you posted

Thank you everyone for your kind wishes!

Hi Kellmer- good to know other people have gone through the same process as us. I think they have made the visa process a lot harder and we have had to jump through so many hoops but finally we got what we wanted- a visa. Yes would gladly welcome any help with regards to what we need to do to rent a property out there. Thank you for your kind offer. Is there any info on your rental agency webpage I could look at? Thanks again

Hi Just wanted to update you all and thanking everyone who helped us...quit our UK jobs.....sorted out QLD accommodation....booked flight on June 1st Really excited! QLD here we come!

Hi Jac 2011- Yes I have been to Townsville. I remember there being lots of facilities- banks, postie etc and the weather was gorgeous. We didn't spend that long there but what we did see of the suburbs I liked. I loved Magnetic Island too- really nice little Island. We are going ahead of you- we are flying in June. There is so much to do before we go- its overwhelming isn't it? It will be worth it I am sure!

I agree lastonealive! We are thrilled!

Thank you so much Tina2- lots of useful information! We are def considering Toowoomba now. The biggest problem is how I pronounce it! I am saying Toombawoomba which I know is not right but I can't help myself!! It seems a very promising place to start a new life in Oz! We are so excited!

Thanks Roberta2- Toowoomba looks very interesting! Had not considered it before (not sure why) will look into it further........

My husband is a bench joiner/cabinet maker and I work in education to try to put students into work placements. It's f...f...frustrating (!) No its fine really! We just fell in love with OZ and want to head back. This regional visa was the quickest, most guaranteed way of getting there.

Thanks Bobj- we have been to Whitsunday region and it was beautiful. Thank you for the link too! We are really excited at the prospect of living in regional QLD! We are not city people and visa restrictions will not allow working in Gold Coast and Greater Brissie. When we travelled through QLD we liked Whitsunday and Sunshine Coast area. Can't wait!

Good Luck to you too Birch4- please let me know how it goes for you too. Its nerve racking but exciting at the same time!!

Hi, In a matter of weeks my husband and I will be making the move down under. We have lived in WA before and when we came back to the UK just knew we wanted to return to Australia. We have travelled through QLD and loved it! We have been a bit unlucky with visas etc and didn't realize the expense of it all. Finally we have been granted a state sponsored visa by QLD gov. This means we can only live and work in regional areas of QLD. This is the best we could have achieved so we are taking it. We begin our new life very, very soon. If anyone can give us some guidance and help about the move to regional QLD I would be really grateful.