Guest263228

4 hours ago, Raul Senise said:

I'm curious on what you base your assertions on. Are you an employer? 

Why would an assumption be made an employer? I assume you know the answer to that already. If you must pigeon hole me. just put me done as a very well informed observer to what is being undertaken by government and various stake holders and vested interests, with the well being of the general Australian population in no way a prime consideration.

I could debate this matter until the cows come home. But alas it is not a matter apparently allowed to be debated on this forum and was sanctioned on a previous occasion. Thus I intend not to comment further on the matter. Hardly fair to ask me to do so.

Nothing particularly laid back above Perth.  Unless you have a time machine perhaps and can return to 1971. Some urban myths take generations to die out. Appearances can be deceptive. Perth is slow but different from being 'laid back'.

We are still recovering from the 'boom'  that saw prices rival Sydney and first tier world cities. Some improvement but not enough. A lot depends on employment factors, as far fewer are moving to Perth, rents are more acceptable. There are certain positive ingredients to consider but on the question of which city would suit requirements, that is more difficult to state with any degree of certainty. You really need to do a lot of research, with the result being some small thing may convince you that a particular place is worth a try.

Probably on a personal level Darwin has proven the most laid back. But I wouldn't necessary recommend it for a family. My history and experience there is not recent either.  

13 minutes ago, MaggieMay24 said:

Because many many times the properly qualified candidates aren't available in the location where the position is, or locals simply aren't interested in applying.  You can't force people to take jobs that are advertised.

Just how would that be ascertained if market testing is not conducted as I mentioned in a far earlier comment? There are numerous advantages to employing offshore 457's. Being contracted to work for employer, ensures an employee will put up with a lot more than a local. Some a certainly paid a lesser rate not to mention a market proven person, with the likelihood of little training required. 

Fake news entirely. As even the article says house prices continue to fall even if at a reduced rate. The media, through vested interests have been for a few months now attempting to 'talk up' what remains, and will continue to remain for the foreseeable future a very weak market.

While mining will endure rises and falls, the time of requiring thousands of workers, as was the case during the construction phase is well and truly over. Perth hotel occupancy, a fairly good indication to the business side of things is running way below capacity and tourism is being sought to solve the problem, something not cared about when businessmen connected to mining paid excessive amounts just a few years back to stay in Perth.

On ‎6‎/‎09‎/‎2017 at 15:57, Starrynight said:

They should go out and fill them then!

Indeed they should. Any thoughts as to why that it is not necessary happening?

On ‎7‎/‎07‎/‎2017 at 18:24, AJ said:

You have been here 41/2 years, if you are so crucial to this business why did they not sponsor you for PR before now?

I'm afraid some folk perhaps over estimate their importance in the bigger picture of things. All too many appear to possess a sense of entitlement to PR when coming out on a temporally visa. I would concede though in cases not entirely their fault as given ill advise.

I do agree and stand corrected. Perth is indeed principally only a Friday night city, but Saturday does have at least something of a buzz, of more subdued. 100 GBP good grief. I recall much less than that, but wouldn't bother with fancy restaurants. The Stock Pot in SoHo, Chelsea Kitchen in Chelsea or a stack of good priced Indian chow houses in Westbourne Grove area of Bayswater would do the trick. A night out GBP 25 .....Very decent night but preferred good conversation to getting legless.

In more recent times, have eaten well on The Continent, especially Germany for way, way under anything approaching GBP100....I mean great quality and great beer.  

40 minutes ago, prankmonkey said:

ha ha just to clarify I was trying to be funny with the whole weatherspoons comment but obviously failing  the thought of coming over here and looking for a pub full of chavs/bogans waiting to stab/murder/steal or even worse tell your their life story and old boys reading the racing post getting smashed at 9am fills me waiting for curry club with dread and I am from Luton originally so know what I am talking about here   

Luton. No worries all is forgiven. I'm trying to think of an area, or pub that you'll likely feel at home in. At least at times of home sickness. The old Burlington down in Bunbury was one, could usually get involved in a punch up in. Probably not bladed though sorry.

18 minutes ago, benj1980 said:

Weatherspoon was always a quick couple of beers and go somewhere nice type of place for me!

Be better off doing what people do on the European mainland. Drink at home first, cheaply, then go out later when more of the action has got underway. Some used to 'smuggle' in cans as well under coats, but out on your ear if caught, of course.

19 hours ago, VXRHSV said:

Most people are on twenty five dollars an hour half of that is a beer..

Most people inthe uk are on eight quid an hour half of that is a beer..

Not much difference..

But this was not always the case. Britain has long been poorly paid, with many struggling. Socialising outside and including booze  was cheap here at one time and a night out not costing an arm and leg. Little difference now but that doesn't mean it is right nor we should cease to complain.

I'd agree with above and established environment. Quite contrary to London in that sense that may the process so much easier. In my experience anyway. Some appear to have laboured in London with contact.

One would need to be careful not too over capitalise though. An acquaintance of mine, I recall mentioning a couple of years ago, his cost estimates into refurbishing their house just didn't stack up value wise. Unless of course you or member in family are builders, it is a very expensive operation.

My take would be any future purchase, buy new, all completed, or most of, when the time is right. It hasn't proved that difficult for potential home buyers to get brokers, in order to brokage deals, sometimes beyond the capacity to repay come a change to situation like rate rises.

The onus being on 'for now anyway'. Over here in Perth, we have witnessed some dropping of prices within the metro area. No where near enough or' bottomed out'  IMO. Those with vested interests through the media attempt to convince us otherwise of course.

Which leads one to wonder I suppose if earning double the money, outside of mercenary instincts, is really worth the effort? Well if one wishes a social life with a little vigour at any rate.

1 hour ago, ali said:

I took my hubby to cable beach resort for his 50th birthday - it had the added bonus of being the first time away without the children  - loved it.

I'd suggest most everywhere would be grand, minus children. Different part of the world though to be sure. Not a big fan of modern Brome, but adore The Kimberley. I hope to return in the not too distant future as a big fan of rock specimens in that region, among other things.

11 hours ago, benj1980 said:

I much prefer to have a beer watching the sun go down, it's pretty cheap in comparison!

Cheap indeed. But worth the effort to move twelve thousand miles to watch a sun go down in place of a social life, may prove too much of an encumbrance, not to say dull for others, more used to an active social life with things happening. 

1 hour ago, benj1980 said:

I don't drink in Perth very often it's expensive enough an hour south!

Which confirms the point being made. That being most any form of social engagement in WA , involving alcohol, outside of Happy Hours and special deals is a right royal rip off. Which further explains the lack of people socialising outside on a regular basis.

Hence stay at home or at best home entertaining (which seems to have dropped of in itself in recent years) being the name of the game. That hardly leaves itself open for non invited, unknown newcomers.

For goodness sake why?  Talk about a city being spoilt by its popularity.

Or could be you discover not necessary strong desire after a lot of thought to have kids? Many do these days. Sure leaves the route for navigational changes on al levels wide open.

1 hour ago, Toots said:

If we are back on the subject of friendliness then I repeat what I said before.  It's as friendly as any other city anywhere.  On the whole cities are not very friendly places.  Just my opinion but there you go.

The beauty of a proper city is the diversity of modes and living experiences not always (if at all ) possible in smaller more conservative localities. Hence the movement of so many young from all over UK to cities like London in the seventies and eighties. One can reinvent oneself in a city and be free. Cities can be very defining places unlike the country where the emphasis tends to be more one of conformity and onus on fitting in is firmly on the individual with often little margin to seek out alternatives.

Not quite on friendship, but it is in a manner of speaking I suppose. Having diversity of living styles on hand, within reach, would likely result in greater personal positive vibes leading to a happier and more approachable individual.

1 hour ago, s713 said:

There are a few factors at play here.

Firstly, it depends on you. My wife & I lived all over the UK and we adapted to how people differ there. Conversely, her sister, who also lives here, never moved from the street that she was born in. Consequently, she thinks everyone here is a massive weirdo but then she has no real term of reference. I guess what I'm saying is, if you've strayed from what you knew in the UK and made it work, chances are you will in Perth. If you live in a UK city, there are people there from all over, and you get used to it. If you're from Coronation Street or something and are expecting the same here, you're in for a shock.

Also, I find the residential and school situations a lot more transient here. You will likely be in a rental, some of your neighbours will be renting, your kids school friends will change as kids they know change school or move house, new people will move into your street all the time ... the whole thing is a lot less settled than life in the UK is IMO.

Finally, I find a lot of Aussies quite different to Brits, personality-wise, so that doesn't lend itself to familiarity and friendship on occasions.

Familiarity beyond a nod of the head, does tend to escape many Aussies. Saying that I am not at all certain this was always the case. Or at least not to the same extent as is often the case now.

Going further, I know from relatives, people at least in many UK settings, mind their Ps and Q's as well. An American pal in UK, I recall saying many years ago how cold he found the Brit's on moving into a Hearts neighbourhood. He was the sort that would take a bottle of wine to welcome newbies in his neck of the woods in USA.

Cheap money to purchase over priced housing in a time of stagnating wages, hence falling living standards, was always going to play out badly for a large number of people. Australia is badly in need of good governance to even begin to get a grip on the crisis ahead.

A reduction in immigration, from present still historically high levels, to at least normal levels urgently needed. An urgent inquiry into housing and affordability (and banks) being another.

It looks like interest rates will not be too far off beginning to rise upwards. All too many will be impacted as are only just managing to keep head above water, at a time of record low rates. Canada has already started the rate rise process.

17 minutes ago, Toots said:

Now then you are coming across as an intellectual snob.  Do you really think that all I do is talk about superficial fluff?  On a forum yes but I do (as you probably find it hard to believe) have friends to have interesting conversations with - sometimes until the early hours.  Same just about wherever I've lived - including Europe and yes Perth too. 

It may have been the same where you lived, but not always my experience. No just like quality conversation at times. Not necessary all the time and I can' eat the wind' without much do. Hardly only me that thinks that, but this thread is on the subject of friendliness.

Back on note. Perth is 'friendly' enough on a superficial level. If the desire is more meaningful relationships, that may then require digging a slightly bigger hole.

It sounds as if the mind and intent is already known. Without kids the world is your oyster though. If you feel so put to return to UK/Ireland just do it and see as much in between. The free caring days are short lived for many.

If Australia retains a possible future attraction, then possibly best to secure citizenship first ,as few things can be relied on to remain longer term. If not an issue, just go and carve out new paths. A great time in life to find oneself. Enjoy and discover the path unknown.

1 hour ago, Toots said:

Sounds to me like any city in any part of the world then.  

Well that may well be your experience, but not mine. I suppose it depends on the type of person and interaction involved. On a level above purely speaking about the weather, sport, kids and mundane daily ,if a little dreary , chit chat , there are places that are more prone to actually converse, within an environment that stimulates such interaction.