Blue Flu

19 minutes ago, Lavers said:

See that’s a really good thing about Australia, even in the small villages in the UK (not all) it’s all about those things you listed.

Especially in the young kids, my friends kids would ask for £500 jacket for Xmas at 14

The pretentiousness is not so much in clothing here. Of course it depends on the pack you run with (offices can be very aware of attire, especially for females) But it runs to postcodes, type of car and a general greed for money. 

19 hours ago, 5000/1 said:

On the list of places to go too when visa finally gets granted. 
 

did notice a few dodgy characters sat at the waterfront drinking last time we was there which we hadn't noticed before ! 

Besides the sketchy people, the waterfront appears to 'artificial' to me to make any lasting impression. 

4 hours ago, Jon the Hat said:

A quick google shows crime stats in Mandurah are generally lower than Darwin, although drug taking is higher that doesn't appear to be passing onto other crime.

Crime Comparison Between Darwin, Australia And Mandurah, Australia. Safety Comparison. (numbeo.com)

As expressed Mandurah has a severe drug problem as the stats you tendered bare out. It is known as  drug capital of WA. You may not the lack of safety in going out after dark. Not a lot better than Darwin. Crime is high down there but not sure how much is reported or recorded correctly. Not a place I would live anyway. 

3 hours ago, Huntersmummy said:

I have researched to a degree! Of course what Mandurah has to offer. It’s not a definite. My jobs based there so until we get down there and have a scout around. 
we literally landed in darwin, viewed our current house, got it within 3 days and the rest is history. I might be in the hope of that happening again. 
In fairness, seeing the drug use here on a daily basis is almost the normal. More the indigenous but the white population has its fair share. 
I’ve had 25 kick outs in a 3 hour shift. Multiple break ins. Baggies in the toilet. Assaults. All in one week. 
I guess it’s where you are in darwin.

Yes Darwin is bad as is much of Australia. Still Perth is the meth capital of the nation, and probably of the world. It was a multi billion dollar business back in 2017, and has escalated since. All around me and doubt if any suburb escapes it. 

Here it is not the users, but the well to do manufactures. A problem of massive proportions that is not being addressed. Don't get the violence of late as very disciplined , blinds drawn, home all day without much of a sound sort of thing. But still saw money pass hands tonight, with a bicycle being used to transport drugs and loaded into the back of a car. A not unusual way to transport drugs. 

Darwin is the place for break-ins. Hence so many houses having rather large dogs. I lived up there in 97. From what I hear it has got worse in crime stats . Always was quite a lot of violence. 

2 hours ago, 5000/1 said:

Not lived in Mandurah but visited many times and thought the place was really nice.

although not been there late at night clubbing so not sure what the evenings are like

Just shows how appearances can be deceiving. Drug capital of WA. Most hard drug deaths as well for its population. I know an eighty something year old man that was mugged down there (former POM) It was on the news and was lucky to still be here. 

I understand the drugs may well be an incentive for some more likely in the hope to make some easy money. Heaps of Mandurah cars in my Perth locality over past few years as drug business has really taken off. 

14 hours ago, Huntersmummy said:

I arrived 7 years ago not knowing where Australia was on the map!!! Let alone knowing the slap in the face cultural differences. Oh my goodness! 
Think of it as an opportunity with a clean slate. No one knows you here. You can grab a job and start fresh. New friends, new apartment, new hobbies. Life is what you WANT to make it. 
It’s a huge stress getting used to a different way of life that your used to. You might start finding things that you never got to experience back home that you love?! 
If your in Darwin before I leave, I know a super coffee shop with the biggest croissants

I suspect the question is whether the life the poster wants to make is in Australia. It's not so easy probably to reinvent a new life when the requirement will probably mean getting rid of some cultural norms. 

Australians, as I'm sure you'll be well aware are socialized differently from Brit's, something not always understood. One thing that bring this home to me is the constant poll results that state Australia is better in wages, standard of living, eating out, seemingly medical system as presently stands, but falls down in friendliness. Not a single person said Aussies are friendlier than Brits. Pubs came out better in UK as well as education , but the friendliness of Brits was the overwhelmingly standout. 

2 hours ago, Jon the Hat said:

I'm sure no worse than someone working in a bar in Darwin has had to deal with.  

Good luck with your move!  The climate will certainly be a lot nice to live with.

Hardly the point though is it? The negatives may prove attractive to the poster. I've no idea. But regardless, the poster has the right to know Mandurah has the title of methamphetamine capital of Western Australia. 

Not a place I'd even consider , to be frank, but little in WA these days not tainted. 

By all means give it more time. Just be careful not to compromise too much your preferences in order to attempt to 'fit in'. Few things worse perhaps than concluding in the years ahead, that you never really felt a sense of belonging but difficult at some far later stage to rectify. 

Have you read up on Mandurah? Not a place I would move to. Although on paper I admit it does tick off a few points. Close to Perth. Affordable housing. Beaches . Loads of social issues and drugs though. 

On 17/02/2023 at 09:14, InnerVoice said:

Well we're back from Tassie!

Firstly, thanks to everyone for their insight into Tasmania as a possible retirement destination and also for the tips of interesting places to visit, which proved invaluable. We had a great trip and covered lots of ground, maybe a little too much in the time we had available, but then it was good to have the opportunity to consider places from the perspective of living there as well as being a tourist.

Two nights in Launceston, three in Hobart, then on to Port Arthur and up the East Coast as far as Swansea. We'd intended to head all the way up to St Helens but lost a day due to bad weather, so we spent our last two nights in Devonport instead, visiting Burnie, Wynyard and Stanley as a day trip. We managed to take in highlights such as the Cataract Gorge, Russell Falls, Bruny Island, Hastings Caves, Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay and The Nut, as well as many interesting diversions en route. Being 'fair weather walkers' we didn't quite get the window of opportunity we'd hoped for to climb Cradle Mountain, with the nicest day being the day we flew home. I was up for a very early morning start because our flight wasn't until 9pm, but my wife (sensibly) vetoed that idea!

We enjoyed lots of lovely little walks, managing to find a couple each day, which is what we'd really been missing. The weather of course was much cooler than in Cairns and akin to good British summer, although it hammered it down and dropped to a chilly 14C the evening we reached Port Arthur - a reminder that Tassie weather is never guaranteed, even in summer. That said, the coolness made our outdoor activities so much more pleasant. In the 23 years since my last visit I was surprised by how little Tasmania had changed, which I found rather endearing. I've always hated seeing traditional Queenslanders demolished, only to be replaced by a minimalist glass cube that some think so cool. There are lots of well-preserved old buildings across the island, which was lovely to see. We also found most Tasmanians open and friendly, which was another big plus. There really is a lot to love about the place.

On the downside we found the lack of infrastructure outside the major towns concerning, and the cost of living was notably higher than Cairns in regards to groceries and fuel. If you couldn't find a Woolies or Coles then you'd have to shop at an IGA, where the prices are eyewatering! We never saw an Aldi either, which was quite surprising. It made us wonder just how Tasmanians get by as the local economy doesn't seem as strong as on the mainland, judging by the overall level of affluence on display. The dryness of the landscape was something else we found off-putting, which we didn't expect given the cooler climate. In spite of the heat, it was rather nice to return to Cairns and see the lovely green landscape up here.

I don't think there's any way we could settle in rural Tasmania, and of the main centres we liked Launceston the most by far. Devonport was also nice, and Wynyard was lovely too, although we'd no doubt find the latter a bit too small in the long term. We spent a couple of hours mooching around Burnie, which was interesting but seemed rather deprived and reminded me of a depressed English seaside town. That didn't stop us having fish and chips on the promenade though! And all in all we felt a lot more comfortable on the north side of the island than the south side. Hobart has everything of course but it didn't impress me any more than on my first visit 23 years ago, although the extensive range of dining options were enjoyable. It looks so impressive from the top of Mount Wellington, but at ground level it feels chilly and uninviting - even when the sun is out. I'm probably about to be lynched by any Hobartians reading this, but to me, Hobart seems like a poor man's Auckland.

All in all we loved our Tasmanian experience, although the jury is out as to whether we could retire there. I think we'd need to rent down there for a year or so and experience all seasons before jumping in, and Launceston would definitely be our first choice. We would love to revisit the Apple Island for another holiday though - what a wonderful place it is.

We've decided that our next 'holiday recce' will be to central/northern NSW to check out Coffs Harbour.

@Toots @SusieOz

Interesting observations and conclusions above. I suspect a similar conclusion to what I would have arrived at in your situation. You're the second in a month now, other a couple we know that did not find Hobart anything special.  The two couples we know that visited Tasmania over the past six months, both came away with the opinion it was expensive. 

I would be most interested to read your opinion of Coffs Harbour, if you visit there. I know someone whose parents retired there several years back and have been looking to find another place to live as find Coffs Harbour over run with drugs. Hardly unique in that, but a point perhaps to keep in mind. 

5 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Not true. If you establish residency, you can start receiving the pension immediately.   However you then need to remain in Australia for at least two years, otherwise the pension will be stopped again.

So you are saying the pension seeker is required to remain two years in Australia on receiving the pension?  I thought it was two years prior to , but main thing is there is a two year period. One would think they would be glad to rid themselves of older citizens, and health care responsibilities and so on. 

But anyway amount is less if going to a cheaper Asian country. Still probably work out considerably better than staying in Australia being such a high cost country. 

5 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Are you suggesting that it's not enough that it's an EU country, it can only be the country of which she's a citizen?  That's not how I read it. 

I'm not suggesting any such thing. I'm considering a host of things from medical insurance to longer term outcomes, for example in the case of a rapture in the relationship. I need to know I have the right to move to another EU country outside of the primary country of residence. 

14 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

I've read somewhere that to get the Australian Aged Pension at full rate whilst living overseas, you'd need to have been resident in Australia for at least 35 years. Even if we stayed here until I was 67, I still wouldn't reach that. We're thinking about the European diversion for a few years Between 60 and 67, so we'd just be living off my super and our savings until then. Having given the UK a second chance (2008-2011) I know I wouldn't be happy moving back there, but it would be lovely to live close enough to make trips back to visit friends over there, whilst enjoying the sunnier climes of southern Europe.

Portugal remains considerably cheaper than most other EU countries, and considerably less than UK. I suppose East Euro nations are cheaper like Rumania, but never been there. We've been looking at Cyprus but that is around 15% more expensive than Portugal. 

But obviously it is more than just money. Depends on where you find 'a fit'. As for Australian pension, my understanding is one needs to be two years in Australia before application of pension. 

22 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

Portugal also has some great tax incentives for expats. I'm fortunate enough to have an EU passport but my wife doesn't, so I guess we'd have to do a bit of juggling there.

I'm in the same situation. My partner is a EU national, hence I can use her citizenship to gain PR, but prefer to have own rights to remain, due  to preferring to  remain in a third country .(not the country of her citizenship)

15 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

Sorry this question is a bit off-topic, but assuming you've met the 10 year residency requirement for the Australian Age Pension with prior residency, could you go and live overseas for a few years and then return to Australia before you're 67, and still get the AAP without any issues? Also, if you returned after 67 (or the age when you become eligible), would that create any complications?

We were just pondering the possibility of living in Europe for a few years (France, Spain or Portugal), rather than go there for expensive holidays!

Once you have the pension it is transportable to other countries , with reductions in cheaper Asian countries from my understanding. Actually a great idea and one we are pondering , but probably won't get the State Pension as stands. 

I can recommend The Costa Bravo down from Barcelona. Loads of British and other expats and far more going on. Worth checking out, as well  is Portugal, ( one of my favourites. Most speak English, especially down south.  Just remember with Brexit though, if you are only on UK/Australian passports you can only stay in the Euro zone  90 days in a 180. That does complicate things somewhat, which is the reason I'm applying for a EU passport. To get a favourable rental lease you will normally be required to sign a longer term contract like a year. Short terms will be at more holiday let levels. 

3 hours ago, Toots said:

Hard to believe that your police are turning a blind eye to all this drug manufacturing/selling.  Here, we are told to dob in any sign of that sort of thing.  A notice from the police in our local paper states  “For those seeking to profit from manufacturing/selling harmful drugs to Tasmanians, know that we will target you and your activities in order to keep Tasmanians safe."  

Not really hard to believe. Best disregard the notifications as being much more than a PR stunt of sorts , at least here in WA anyway. I will   leave Tasmania to those with insight there, but the multibillion dollar meth industry is not likely to go out of business here in The West, anytime soon. 

We have had cards put out by what was claimed to be Organised Crime Squad, but a few I mentioned it to, said don't bother calling in as nothing will happen. I did and never any feedback. This is a multibillion dollar industry so what I can say?  It is widespread in this state and obviously dangerous with criminal elements taking advantage of the situation. As I mentioned an Irish fellow who is well up in what is going on calls this city Merth. Need I say more? 

On 13/02/2023 at 21:12, Barnsley Paul said:

As per any city on planet earth, there’s drugs, 

Mandurah is the third largest populated city in WA, so naturally they’ll be more drug addicts than smaller cities per head of population. 
 

on the plus side, it’s nothing compared to the heroin, crack, spice or weed problems that are rife in the Uk.  

But Mandurah, often referred to as Methdurah is on a level of its own and has been for a considerable number of years. It is well documented so pointless denying it or that WA overall is in the grips of a methamphetamine crisis. 

I have already related the high number of Mandurah number plates in my area a well-known area for the trade. I am not saying it is only Mandurah, much of the southern region is experiencing the problem, if not all. And it is not a case of all cities in the world have a drug issue. That goes without saying. What is less clear is why smaller cities like Mandurah etc, have become such a focus on this particular drug, along with so many engaged in its manufacture. 

I am far   more concerned than most on here into the future consequences the drug trade will have on this state and nation . Our geographic location makes us very vulnerable along with laissez faire attitudes of those in power at best, not forgetting those profiting from what is illegal, though so increasingly mainstream I agree hard to be too concerned about that. 

I wonder just how much you are aware of the reality of moving to Qld?  As noted the process is extremely expensive and cost's in Australia are high. Obtaining a rental will likely prove frustrating and house prices are high. 

I've been looking over the months at QLD myself, and have noted the increased housing costs even out of Brisbane. I wonder if you have visited? Best not be lulled into it being a sort of paradise. There are social issues as anywhere else , but at least you can relax about the buying of a house is not part of the immigration process. 

7 hours ago, Constance said:

How long ago was that when your friend tried to find a rental, if you don't mind me asking? 

It was about sixteen months ago. She returned to WA, where she owns her own house. Her son, his wife and child followed half a year later to WA. They live further South in Mandurah , but looking to move to Perth to be closer to mother if a suitable place comes up. Very hard in Perth . Loads of Eastern Staters have arrived over recent times. As such Perth has not seen a decline in prices as in other cities in Australia. 

Brisbane there is even talk of real estate going up over the years prior to The Olympic Games , still a long way away. 

The tricks of the game Real Estate bod's play. I could name more as well in the renting game. Some things are done for appearance, which will not be immediately apparent. 

But to Brisbane, a city I have no personal experience, but a friend of ours terminated her search for property to rent. She had moved from Perth to there with the thought to live close to her son, for several months, after the birth of son's first child. she only gave it several weeks of searching before throwing in the towel and returning. This may not be long enough, but indicative of the lack of rental in that market. 

18 minutes ago, ramot said:

What a nonsense this thread has deteriorated into. 

We should all apologise to the OP

Thread going great guns. As you may be aware threads do tend to take on a life of their own. But broadly this is remaining on topic. Obviously cannot please all. 

3 hours ago, Toots said:

I find people in the countryside here also the towns are friendly and communicative.  That's me though.  I take people as I find them and don't look down on people.  I'm not insulted by Mr Flu's comments.  That's his opinion.  He desires a sort of "London fix" whereas it would mean nothing to me.  Thing is I'm happy.  That's all that matters in the end.

No reason why you should feel 'insulted' by My Flu's  comments made. After all only reflecting an agreement with another poster who seemed to censored by some for calling outside the major centres , nowhere land. Some may well consider quite apt under the circumstances. I fully agree though many prefer not to be in 'a somewhere' land. The isolation and escape from metro living suits some just fine.  

4 hours ago, Marisawright said:

I wouldn't be offended if someone said (as I often do), "I'm a big-city person, so smaller cities/towns would not suit me."    However, to dismiss them as nothing, nowhere, not deserving of any attention, is insulting to those who prefer the more relaxed lifestyle of a smaller city/town.    

And of course, referring to all their residents as "parochial" is equally dismissive.

Not me. But depends whom talking with. As from one of those towns feel fully able to find an accord with that poster, without feeling remotely upset. Some I know would say much the same. I refer to the locals as parochial , simply because most are. If not would be hard to maintain an interest to remain. That's not saying there is something necessarily wrong with parochialism, one just needs to know where one fits though in the greater scheme of things. 

Wrong to think smaller places are necessarily friendly. Lots of back stabbing , you need a hard shell, a lot of cliques that can be hard for incomers to find a place. Rather small minded when I lived there, but this has changed to a degree.  Limited hospital services, poor mental health outcomes for a considerable number of people , especially youth that don't feel belonging. If in WA  or Country Vic loads of drugs as well. 

Certainly suit some people but caution using cliches like 'more relaxed' probably should be exercised. It may be for some , with something quite the opposite for others. 

53 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

The source I looked at said 497,000 last year, but I know it varies depending what's included.

Anyway, the population figures aren't that relevant. My point was that Ausvisitor said "anywhere outside Sydney or Melbourne"  is "nowheresville". and "why would you move around the world to live in nowheresville?"

I couldn't let that pass.  There are many very liveable cities in Australia, and many would argue those other places are more liveable than Sydney or Melbourne, since they are so much more affordable. To dismiss practically the whole country as just "nowheresville" is just plain rude.

Besides, just because the OP lives in a densely populated part of England doesn't mean they like it there.  Perhaps they would prefer something different.

To some it may well be nowheresville. It is a matter of taste into just how many desirable cities there are in Australia. Don't be offended when others think otherwise. Just as nothing wrong with those that prefer more parochial places. No doubt they have terms for those that prefer the major centres. Be that Melbourne, Sydney or London. 

2 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Well, naturally they would.  I don't know why anyone would think otherwise.   That's not what we're talking about.

Well not that natural if given a little thought. There a  host of cities and regions in UK that grant easy access to a London fix, if and when required. Not so in Australia, hence location is very important if not wanting to live a parochial life with little options for respite.