Teejams

We've driven in most departments. It's definitely an Australian style of driving as opposed to just Qld. Weve had two hit and runs with no details left, one with us and babies in the car and quite a bit of damage. It is much more dangerous on the roads in Australia due to people's dangerous driving habits. People in the UK are generally very polite on the roads.

Hi AusApril27, you have been waiting quite a while, do you have an agent you can speak to? It doesn't make a difference, but maybe they could advise how long someone in your situation normally waits for an invite? we applied a month after you also on 60 points and were still waiting as well. on reading different things on the forum, it would appear that there was a strike last month, and a reduced no. Of invitations, combined with the end of the year restrictions? It does seem quite a long time, compared to others, but I'm not sure what the maximum wait would be, we were wondering the same? good Luck, I'll let you know if we hear anything!

My husband who is the main visa applicant had to tell his bosses to get the references. I don't think there's any way round it, and always awkward when you don't want them to know. We've had bad advice from an agent which cost us thousands, and put us back years. A good agent is important as it really is a mine field. Having said that even when you finally apply for a visa and have paid all your fees, there's no guaruntee you'll actually be granted a visa. I think it's important to bear this in mind. It will cost a lot and you still may not end up with the visa you need. It's part of the adventure and to stop your self going crazy, I think it's helpful to think that way! That's what we're doing anyway.! Good Luck if you don't try you'll never know!

Thanks Shellybingobingo, I think you're probably right

Thank you, we won't give up, funny it happened to you too, I feel better, but sorry for you. The course I was looking at is $13k!! now that's customer service for you! Maybe they couldn't see me as I'd fallen off my chair at this point??... Several years ago we moved to rural France, but couldn't get permanent work due to the language barrier. We came back and I realised how niaeve we had been. It's made me rather cautious regarding employment, but at least we've chosen a country where we speak the same language! Several attempts at trying to get to Australia, this is our last chance! Good Luck to you!

Thank you CaptainC, my husband has tried calling, no response though, just answer machines! I guess he just wasn't suitable. It's just nice to know so you can start trying elsewhere. Having said that, I've tried enquiring about college courses and have found it equally difficult getting much response. Maybe they may have lots of international enquiries that take time to respond to and come to nothing? Maybe I'll try calling them. Fingers Crossed it is then!

We've been waiting for 2 1/2 weeks on 60 points, for a 189. Still fingers crossed, egg timers running, due to the age cut off and we've maxed out on points already!

Oh no poor you 'tickled pink' that doesn't sound too good. I'm surprised it's not light until 6.30am I thought it was more like 5am, with the shorter evenings that really does cut down on the daylight hours! Would you say it's wetter as well? I realise your downpours are a lot heavier, We live in the south of England at the moment, and to be fair we don't get lots of rain, but I keep reading that the wet weather in Brisbane G.C goes on for ages? Thank You

We're hoping to move to the Gold Coast later this year. The long, light evenings are great in the U.K in the summer, however you never get them in the Gold Coast. Does anyone miss them? Is it an issue? No one seems to mention it much, but if you don't get up earlier to compensate, surely your day must always seem cut short? Does anyone find it a pain? Thanks

Thanks, we did like the GC because areas were modern with lots going on and shops like Westfield were easily accessible. This is totally up our street! The only thing we were disappointed with really, was how far the nearest beach was, we don't want a surf beach, a small calm beach with maybe a promenade, was our ideal? With the much earlier sunsets, after work, school beach visits near to be pretty close to make the most of the day light. I guess we're spoilt as in the UK we only live 10 minutes from the coast and would have liked something similar but also with the easiest city commute. (Cake and eat it!) I guess this is why I was thinking northern Brisbane? Mrsdawnrazor you said Northlakes/Calbooture is 'very different'? Would you say it doesn't meet our criteria above? I hope you're looking forward to you're return. Thanks

Hi We've just returned from 2 weeks reckie to GC, found it all great, but did find the roads as busy as home in the UK, so thought maybe we should have checked out SC as well! As work is looking like it may be in Brisbane, this unfortunately means the commute whichever end we choose. my question is, no one seems to compare North Brisbane ie. Areas like Caboolture and North Lakes, etc with SC. This would be a lot easier for commuting, if working in Brisbane was necessary? Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

Hi, Can any one help? We've visited 2 states over the past couple of years, in our attempts to locate work in Australia initially for my husband, who is a very experienced security and fire engineer. A few weeks ago we did a detailed visit to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Qld. My husband had an interview set up and was offered a position in his industry. On returning to the UK, he has tried on several occasions to contact the company, to further this offer and our move. The company has completely ignored all contact. This is the second time this has happened. (different company's) Of course there is the possibility that my husband wasn't suitable for the position, although on both occasions he has been offered the job? We are currently applying for a permanent visa, however all would be in vain if there is'n't any work? Has anyone recently managed to get a job in this field? Thank you in advance