Jon the Hat

ITS WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT!!

That is a long drive to pick up some merchandise.

I don't live in Mandurah, I live in Mount Pleasant. Perhaps I would be more aware if I did live down there.

Yes I meant rather more that they have made some friends now, and that is a huge improvement over the start of the year.

I don't doubt it, but as I said I think you could come across it almost anywhere. I saw plenty of drug use in the UK and some of it leading to addiction and wider problems. (I had to look up shiny bums!)

So true - it is impossible to judge while you are in crappy or even temporary accommodation. We are still renting which I find unsettling too after 15 years of home ownership. Also while your kids are still finding their feet it is really tough. That might take a year, and we still have tears some days.

Not defensive, just providing a bit of balance - in 14 months Meth has had precisely zero impact on my or my family's lives, or indeed on anyone I know. Literally this is the only conversation I have had on the subject.

As I have said before Blueflu, I think you are very unlucky to have been through what you have, and you have my sympathy, but suggesting one should choose not to live in Perth because of the drug problems is ridiculous. Everywhere has drug problems, and that fact you are unlucky to have had them impact you personally is sad but shouldn't put someone off from moving to Perth over any other city.

I suspect they are amused because you seem to bring every conversation back to drugs.

Perfectly normal to have some moments of panic. I think finding somewhere to live which you like, getting all your stuff around you and starting to feel normal is going to take longer than that. We are about a year ahead of you in Perth, and only moved into an unfurnished rental in September and got our stuff out of storage. So only now starting to feel even a little permanent. Ironically this week the snow in the UK has made me feel a little homesick! I think stick it out for at least a year or two - if nothing else flights and shipping are inflated at the moment!

February? Sunscreen and a hat!

I think in this case I would be approaching the NSW sponsoring agency and discuss with them that your employer has asked you to move due to a business need for your skills in Melbourne. They might grant you a release from the clause.

Not sure where you are looking! Kayak has toyota camry sized for 3 weeks at $1200. Adelaide, 12/1 – 2/2 (kayak.com.au)

I'm sure Pilger was wrong about a number of things, but certainly coming from outside it is clear Australia has not dealt with its colonial past yet in any meaningful way. I was in Karratha this week and talking to some local gentlemen they were very clear the Miners are all full of shit and will do the absolute minimum they can get away with in regard to the local aboriginal community, native title or not.

Like anything else, these things can be all consuming if you are surrounded by them, but completely invisible to the majority who are not.

This is a good point - if you attend a viewing they often hand out a hard copy of the application form.

Agreed that is a worrying thing to do.

Unless you fancy your chances of becoming a cabinet minister, in which case things are looking up!

I hope your comments re Marisa mean you have already considered this, and I am sure it is tough if both (all?) of your children live (or will live) in Australia, but do make sure you are doing this because it is right for you. We all tend to idealise what it will be like - spending time with the kids and grandkids, but the reality may be you only see them once very few weeks (we all have busy lives) and cannot afford to live nearby, or the compromise to do so makes you miserable. You will be giving up your home and friends (they generally won't visit even if they say they will with the best of intentions.) It might all be brilliant and make you happy for the rest of your days, but you must consider it might not.

Oh another point, with NAB I was able to add my card to apple wallet the day I showed my ID in the branch rather than waiting 2 weeks for it to arrive. Was very handy.

I much prefer the River too. Same in Sydney I guess.

Perth is indeed isolated, but it also has everything you need That said I travel quite a lot with work so who am I to judge!

Yeah I did it with NAB last year. Just be clear you cannot withdraw any of the money before you show your ID in branch.

I like Perth but wouldn't want to live that far out - I live in Mount Pleasant - 15 minutes to the city, 20 to Freo / beaches. On the river for kayaking, walking and cycling. It is a very easy place to live. I think Adelaide and Brisbane are too though. Once you get further out it is houses and shopping centres and I can't think of much worse. Some of the beaches are lovely though.

It is one person's opinion against just about everyone else I think. I suspect you have to be very unfortunate to find yourself in the midst of it.