The Smith Clan

15 hours ago, Iron Chef said:

It's no more difficult than most other vehicles, with the gas, the fittings would need to be checked by a licensed gas plumber. Feel free to email me if you'd like a breakdown of costs.

Many thanks.  I will be in touch.

Maria

Thank you.

Hope you got your points required.

Mria

Has anyone shipped one over and any difficulties? What sort of costs could we expect?

We have read about some modifications re gas bottle

Thanks in advance.

Maria

Any advice/tips appreciated. Just getting started.

Are the online links good practice? 

Thanks in advance

Maria

Can I ask what site you got that info from? (photo)

Kind regards

Maria

Hey. I submitted my EoI on the 20th of Jan, just after the second January Invite (on purpose). I received my invite on the 31 Jan 2017 (but the email is dated 1st Feb due to time zones). So it took me 11 days, however I actually received it on the first February invite date. The next invite is 15th Feb, so hopefully you should hear something then. Looks like there's still plenty of availability for your ANZSCO occupation. Good luck!

Iam there at least twice a week ....what would you like to know ? ....

Worcester inner town / city living isn't the best ....i like Droitwich ...and some of the areas heading out to Malvern or Hereford .

Lovely town centre ...walk only most of it ...steeped in history ( burial site of king john ) ...beautiful cathedral .

I like Worcestershire ...one of my favourite spots in the whole country ...good choice ?

I am work based around here and agree its the areas heading out to Malvern and Hereford that are nice.

It depends on your budget.

Trip advisor is also good for finding out about places.

Zoopla is a good site as when you look at property it gives you information on area such as type of families living there, single, children etc, also levels of crime, schools etc

I love Malvern for its breathtaking views of the hills, its very beautiful, but good and bad areas their too.

Good Luck

Do you have an agent, if not I would try ringing one for advice.

I submitted the EOI on 18th Dec, and got the invitation on 21st.

I was almost ready to submit my visa application and I reaslised that I selected Institute of Public Accountants as the assessing body, instead of CPA.

What should I do?

The line about the countryside not being up to the UK standard jarred with me. Really ? Damn we must be wearing very different specs

you read it wrong! I meant it brought a sense of being home for me.

Im sure that if you were to travel o another country there would be something on returning that would give u a sense of being "home"

My feedback was my experience which is impossible to be the same as anyone else!

Don't take this the wrong way but when you say that you were all happy to get back to the English countryside etc after your trip I would really question your rationale for emigrating (unless perhaps you are looking at Tasmania or New Zealand).

 

As Marissa says, rightly, it is different living here to anywhere in the UK and I feel that to fully benefit from a move you have to be able to embrace the differences and not look back or keep comparing.

 

It is great that you all enjoyed your holiday here but try to imagine not seeing that English countryside for years. I sense that you might regret emigrating.

One thing we have always been mindful of is that oz is a different country and will never be the same as uk although it may be similar in many ways. Seeing the English countryside (my point) was more a sense of "we are home".

we would never move and give up our home and everything here, we would move for a set period and then if we were happy would consider more long term plans, it may well be that we always keep our home here and continue to rent, as life does change.

I feel what we have learnt since considering a move is that Oz is another country with its own issues like the uk and we would have to work there, but would have a more outdoor lifestyle in the sense that a lot of winter weekends (and throughout the year) here are spent indoors, there are limited trips one can do out when its pouring down.

Just wanted some advice or perhaps a perspective I hadn't considered.

 

My husband and I recently left London and have been staying with a friend in Melbourne whilst we look for work and housing. We've been in the country for just under a month in total, having spent the first week visiting my mother and sister in another state - not long enough for me, but my husband was getting itchy feet so we cut our visit short by one week. I was disappointed as I hadn't seen my mother for about 4 years, but also keen to get our lives in Melbourne sorted out, and my husband reassured me with 'you'll have plenty of time to spend with her once we get settled', which I accepted.

 

The crux of the situation is this:

 

He says things are not going well here and if it doesn't improve over the next 3-4 months he will leave, with or without me. He is miserable because the job hunt has been harder than expected and we are currently in the suburbs (he is a real urban dweller, grew to absolutely love London and HATES having to use the car just to get to the supermarket etc.) It was always the intention to move close in to the city, so the suburban situation is temporary, but he can't seem to see that rationally and instead feels the whole place is a real let-down. We also discovered that, due to Victorian regulations, he is unable to get a licence to work in his field until he has lived in Australia for 12 months and has the appropriate references. It's a shame, as he would be able to get the licence/registration in NSW of QLD, and I would be willing to move interstate for a year in order for him to work properly, but he is reluctant for more upheaval, only to have to move again in another year. He is currently on a 5 day course in a related field, after which he should be able to get a licence, and which I hope will allow him to get decent work related to his skills, so I feel optimistic about that. Meanwhile, although he is making all the right "moves" in terms of looking for work etc, every day there is another negative comment about this country, and the comments started pretty much as soon as we landed.

 

We have been married for over 10 years (no kids, but were planning to try in the next year or 2). I am Australian but was living in London since 2002. I met him (Moroccan but now with UK citizenship) in 2005 and we married less than a year later. We've had a pretty happy marriage, although the early years when he moved to the UK were tough on both of us - he worked minimum wage jobs and I stayed in a job I hated in order to support us. We were both pretty miserable but we got through it and still love each other, so I've been confident we could face any challenges that came our way with our marriage intact. My husband later retrained (I supported him through it) and for the past 4 years or so has had a satisfying career. Meanwhile, I only managed to leave behind the job I hated (after working there 11 years!!) just before we moved to Oz and have never had the chance to built myself a "career" as such - something that really bothers me now. When we met I was upfront about my desire to return to Australia to live and he was OK with that. Of course that was over 10 years ago and I know that people/priorities change. I have been dreaming of moving back to Oz ever since, and because of that I found it very hard to feel truly settled in London, although it's a city I love very much. However, we also want children and I can see that working much better in Oz, where we at least have the possibility of affording to rent/buy a larger property and to have family near-ish. We were flat-sharing in London the whole time we were there and so have never had a proper home of our own.

 

I asked my husband what factors needed to be in place for him to feel that the move was "working", and unsurprisingly it seems the most important is to have a decent job and a house in a more lively area. I'm just not convinced that even with those things in place he won't find another excuse not to like the place - he operates on "feeling" a lot, whereas I am a rationalist. I'm also really mortified and hurt that he would even consider leaving without me. He feels he suffered enough in the early years of living in London and doesn't want to do that again, although I don't see the situation as identical - this time around we have savings, friends, family, and he has real job skills and fluent English.

 

I just don't know what to think. I always promised him if he didn't like it here we didn't have to stay, but I thought at least we'd give it a couple of years before throwing in the towel - it's only been 1 month! I might be open to the idea of moving away again, but not until I've had a chance to make a go of it here. I thought we were going to find a home and have a family - I'm now wondering if I'm going to end up alone at 35 with nothing!

 

Any suggestions/illuminations?

Its very early days and im guessing most people go through the motions once they arrive. Is it just the area he does not like or has he had any negative experiences? You have been very supportive and whilst things are not moving as quickly as he would like, even 6 months, I would say, is not long enough. You appear to have put your own desires aside already to enable him to progress his career and be happy and it is a case of supporting each other. I really hope work comes in and all goes well.

I agree that I felt safer and this is a concern for us and I am mindful when we go to popular places and try to avoid big events and even shopping malls these days. We went to the Australian Zoo which I guess is a popular attraction in Oz and did not have any concerns about safety. I feel things can happen anywhere and there have been incidents in Oz but I have to admit to feeling the risk is a lot less.

 

I guess a sense of belonging also results from family also here and where you were raised, for me it is.

Sorry I posted in the wrong thread

We are all different, some look all the time and think about moving here and there. My parents mad. I am an impetuous person but I have trained myself to think about things later. Two lists what do you like about living here what do you like about living there. Another list of non negotiable living requirements.

 

I hear so many people saying they belong but I do not feel that when I go over there now. Its not the England I knew and never will be agan. I do not feel comfortable over there at all. Its just the same as anywhere else now, mixed up people and problems, the British way has long gone.

 

Also I would consider where its safer to live these days. I can only look with sadness at all the attacks that are going on. With the open emigration policies of the last decade its silly to think that this is not going to be the cause of a lot of problems. Yep we can say we will take no notice and not let them win, but they will by stealth and single acts, people will stop moving around, going out etc.

 

Aus has its problems too and we are not immune but we do not have such a footprint on the world map as Euorope and UK.

I agree that I felt safer and this is a concern for us and I am mindful when we go to popular places and try to avoid big events and even shopping malls these days. We went to the Australian Zoo which I guess is a popular attraction in Oz and did not have any concerns about safety. I feel things can happen anywhere and there have been incidents in Oz but I have to admit to feeling the risk is a lot less.

I guess a sense of belonging also results from family also here and where you were raised, for me it is.

It's funny how people feel obliged to "defend" Australia against criticisms even when they're just facts, not criticisms!

 

Of course Australia doesn't get long nights like the UK. Hobart gets the closest because it's furthest south, but even then it's a good half an hour earlier than Southampton, for instance. Which means it gets dark a good hour earlier than parts of the North of England - and then there's Scotland!

 

Swap Australia over to the Northern Hemisphere and Hobart is about level with Santander in Spain - just take a look at how far that is from the bottom of England and it's a no-brainer for anyone with a basic understanding of how the sun works. So the OP is absolutely right.

 

Of course on the debit side, it doesn't get dark as early in winter.

 

But really, that's just an aside. The bottom line is that the Smith Clan visited, loved it as a holiday destination, but have realised that it's not better or worse than the UK, it's just different - which is what most of us try to tell people! So that's a great thing to discover.

Thanks yes we did, we loved it and are soo glad we visited. Hopefully back next year down South. Thanks for all your advice on here. at least we know we could live here, even if for a while. I knew from visiting New York straight away I could never live there, so visiting has helped but even for those moving out until you actually live there and are living life day to day you can't really know.

I completely get this as it's so similar to my own family’s experience. Timing was probably a crucial factor for us though, as we moved to Wales prior to our first trip and immediately felt at home in this beautiful part of the UK. Despite a brilliant holiday in W.A, we were happy to return home when the time came.

 

I didn’t expect to feel that way tbh, mainly due to the successful migration of close family, but we all walk our own path in life and value different things for a whole lot of reasons. We have been back to Aus several times and appreciate why many people make the move and love their new life. But the old adage ‘home is where the heart is’ sums things up pretty neatly for most people I think. T x

Yes same here, as in we moved from the City from when we first looked to move to semi rural, and we have a lovely home that we've built some of and its so close to so many lovely places, had we still been in the city, I feel we would be starting Visa process now. However, my husband has now changed from the visit to still coming for the adventure and making a decision whilst being out there. We would keep our home and everything here, I like that idea. We are the kind of people that feel life is for living and you should have no regrets so maybe who knows.

But home and a sense of belonging is very true and seeing the country side on he way home did remind me what a beautiful country the uk is too.

Yeah but they visited in winter and are commenting about it getting dark earlier than the UK? Just pointing out that it gets dark later when comparing winters.

 

It's understandable though as Brisbane winter is probably better than a British summer weather wise so probably forgot it was winter

We knew it was Winter and yes it does get dark earlier in our Winter here but I was referring to our Summer nights when it gets dark a lot later. We plan another visit next year (South), as we had the best adventure ever, my husband feels we should visit in the Summer to get a feel for if I would cope. But it was hard to imagine it was Winter as the weather was lovely.

I have had one positive accent here about my accent which was typically from an American girl. Where on earth were you? Brits are ten a penny round Brisbane (not as bad as Perth)

 

As it was winter surely it was light late compared to the UK? Good write up though.

We were in Byron Bay and also went more up North in a supermarket near airlie beach. I just found it amusing as we felt the same about the aussie accent.

Hi everyone,

 

I have been here in North Lakes for around one month. I am a Secondary Teacher and I am constantly being asked to submit all documents and have them verified despite the fact I now have my QTC Registration. If you are coming here as a teacher I would advise you to get that done as soon as possible as it does take 12 weeks! I have some work tutoring kids in foster care starting this week - just a few hours a week. I have another interview with an agency tomorrow and despite having filled all paperwork and having everything verified by JP and scanning this and sending it I have to take everything again to be checked. I have registered with TRACER and then it is 10 days for them to process and start work - that is when you then get your employment number with them. Apparently there is a lot of contract/supply work around but might need to do the commute or travel over an hour or more for work. The commute to Brisbane which my husband is doing everyday is a nightmare! He leaves at 5am. He is an Electrician but does not have his Queensland Licence and he is struggling to find a company who will take him on as a Trade assistant so that he can work towards this - we won't be giving up though. The TAFE college no longer deal with the Electrical licence here. We called and visited. This post is not intended to be negative but realistic and honest. We have been out cycling everyday almost and the weekends we have been to beautiful beaches and wonderful places. It is NOT easy getting starting and established though IMO - I never came with rose tinted glasses but some days have been a bit harder than I had thought :wacko: Other days we have wonderful experiences and I feel so lucky to have this experience regardless of what happens longer term :wink: The Sunshine Coast is stunning and have loved travelling to different places. We have also been to the Gold Coast too.

Our son has been at school for just over a week and he is really enjoying it and he has made friends. My husband and son have been chatting to people locally via playing football on a Sunday at local park area. I am really sociable however, I haven't met anyone yet probably because everyone seems to be already in groups when we go to the parks etc. I maybe need to join a local group or something soon. Although it will depend on work. I am surprised how dark it gets so early. Anyway just a wee insight so far. Feel free to ask any questions and I will help if I can :-) :notworthy: Overall, no regrets and things I worried about before we came are not really worries. Things we hadn't planned for we deal with as and when they arise! And they do!

Thanks for sharing your experience and I feel your mindset will be very helpful in that you didn't go with rose tinted glasses. Hope all gets sorted.

We have just returned from 3 wks travelling from Brisbane up th East Coast and was also surprised with the early nights. Do you gets the bats out where you are at sunset, ive never since Bats that size before.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Maria

As a family we have had an amazing adventure travelling from Brisbane up the East Coast and as far South as Byron Bay which stole my heart. WE have had so many first time experiences and just living on the open road in a camper was amazing and such a free feeling. Before we left I could have stayed In Oz, but once back in UK the English countryside seems soo appealing. I never got the immediate pull like I thought I would as we have been considering a move since 2006, my mindset was I am on holiday and I would be working here if we moved. We travelled with my sister who has been on a WHV since last Oct in Oz so she was able to give us some advice.

What we learnt..

Oz is not very PC like UK so you will hear words used casually that would be considered offensive in UK words including swear words and words we consider racist.

We met some amazing friendly people who were so eager to help. Whilst travelling North on camps there were a lot of the older generation we feel travelling North for the weather in Winter and who did not seem amused there were children around and did not like to speak, not all but some and I guess this happens everywhere.

The English accent turns heads in Oz, I found this amusing, ppl would stop us to say how "cute" our accent was.

Food shopping was not as expensive as we though, Coles and Aldi were reasonable.

You can find Paradise in Oz some of the beaches are beautiful, especially Fraser Island and Whithaven but the countryside does not compare to UK.

We loved how it was Winter and the weather was so great, we understand this applies to Brisbane and further North, down South gets cold.

The outdoor living was amazing and all campsites had free bbqs and the parks and we loved this.

A fish and chip shop in Oz is not what you get at home you get fresh fish you can select to be fried we loved this.

Our children were off the internet for 3 wks and had limited tv access due to poor ariel reception on camper and did not miss these and were outdoor all day.

Commutes are long and as a social worker I would need my car so would be unable to leave my car and take the train. Working hours can be long.

The sun sets a lot earlier in Oz even in Summer, so no long days like we have here.

A lot of the things we did we could do in Uk its just not promised the weather.

For those considering to apply for Visas I would say we loved Oz and are planning another trip of travelling, we have agreed we could live here as an adventure and if we loved in then so be we would stay but the plan would be to go back to UK at some point.

Returning home you get a sense this is "home" I guess this depends on individual.

We also learnt from everyone we spoke to that the heat can be oppressive in Summer and you have to bear in mind the added risk in Oz of sun as this is a lot higher than UK and my sister explained that there suncream is a lot stronger than what we have in UK.

We felt that we would need to live down South to climatise but it still gets very hot in Summer.

I didn't get the over pull I thought I would but I would move there as an experience for us as a family but feel we would return home, we have discussed this and know this could change but it really is impossible to know unless you make the move.

If you plan to travel to Oz to see if you would like it only do so if you want a holiday we did as we wanted to travel but it won't help you make a decision.

Thanks if you got this far

Britz. Apollo. Wickedcampers. Hippiecampers.

 

Probably others too; google is your friend.

Thank you.

Thanks for sharing. We are visiting Oz in August for 3 weeks, Im worried I will want to stay! We land in Brisbane and hope to do plenty of travelling

Any recommended hire sites, tried Jucy and Discovery so far. So far around $180 daily to hold 6 people, is that about right?

Thanks in advance.

Maria X

It depends where on the Reef you want to get to.

 

It will take you about 5 hours to get to Bundaberg and from there, you can visit Lady Musgrave Island which is the southern tip of the reef.

 

If you really want to see the full Reef experience though, I'd be going up to the Whitsundays which is a good 12 hours' drive. In other words, Brisbane to Airlie Beach is about the same distance as Sydney to Brisbane!

Many thanks Marisa,

Had a look we plan to fly now to Airlie Beach now and have found somewhere to stay, it looks soo beautiful, what time frame would you say is good to stay, we were thinking 20th - 24th (we have 3 wks in oz), is that a fair amount of time to see some of the islands?

Let me know if there are any things not to miss there Daydream island looks simply amazing

Thanks

Tangalooma is worth a visit, you could spend a few days there and no flights involved, the ship leaves from Brisbane and it isn't a long crossing.

 

http://www.tangalooma.com/info/home/

 

 

Cal x

We are visiting in august too,looks amazing there

First trip to Australia and top of the to do lists is great barrier reef. We plan to hire a camper van and wonder if we can drive or will we need flights. Need the most cost effective way. If we drive what sort of travelling would this entail?

Thanks in advance

What a great positive post, it sounds from the start you were set on moving to Australia. For me I revisited the idea in Jan this year after an attempt failed in 2006 (dh skills were changed on list and I was training to be a social worker) and still cant decide to start process, some days im 110% sure then I get days when I think its the scariest thing and im not sure I could actually move, could I manage the heat, what if its the worse thing, why do soo many return? My dh I think has had enough with the idea and to be fair I don't blame him I simply cant make my mind up!

Thank you for sharing, maria x