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is it just me or is the great aussie snag a horrible tasting sausage, does anyone know where we can get a decent tasting sausage?.

What are the great things about NZ that would make someone choose it over Oz? Can you think of anything that can help and assist those who are thinking about the benefits of NZ? I'll start the ball rolling with. The age limit for NZ is 56 not 45 as it is in Oz.

Nine in 10 expats think they made the right choice in moving from the UK, which may be in part because of the austerity measures - backed this week by the International Monetary Fund - which are causing financial pain to many in Britain. The mood around the world is mixed, and the perception of future economic growth varies dramatically. For example, expats in China, Australia and the UAE are very confident about their financial future, according to the NatWest International Personal Banking fourth annual Quality of Life Index, with 96 per cent of expats in China expecting strong economic growth. In contrast, those in European countries fear a much slower economic recovery. Europe is still subject to far greater economic concerns than countries elsewhere, with the bail-outs of Greece, Ireland and Portugal all combining to cause concern. Spain has not asked for help to shore up its economy, but there are still fears that this could happen. Dave Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking, said: “It is encouraging to see that expats express self-assurance about their ability to triumph over the recessionary pressures which are causing uncertainty and cutbacks in many multi-national businesses. There is a marked difference in optimism between those expats based in Europe and those based elsewhere. “However, it is encouraging to see that despite these variations, the majority of expats present a reasonably confident view of their situation and future prospects.” Related Articles British expats say quality of life higher than at home 21 Apr 2010 New Zealand is 'best destination for expats' 17 Jun 2009 Expats say Canada is best place to live 20 Apr 2011 Retired expats ‘happy with their life abroad’ 29 Aug 2010 Moving abroad can 'give you better perspective' 04 Aug 2010 Eight out of 10 expats happy with their move, says survey 20 Dec 2007 <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Well a wuz just a thinkin' thar!:wink:Theres been some whopping bands during this period,who sadly disappeared off the scene!Talking about the less obvious ones.Who do you love to listen to in this category?:wideeyed:Me,i miss(No particular Order) 1....The Marmalade 2....ELO 3....Tears for Fears 4....Lightning Seeds 5....Beautiful South 6....Mungo Jerry 7.... Jethro Tull 8.... The Faces(with Rod Stewart) 9.... Oasis 10....The Sweet 11....Manic Street Preachers 12....Elton John What's yours?:wink:

Hi my name is ciara, our family is moving to perth near Rockingham in November/december (hopefuly) :biggrin: i would like someone to talk to who is moving or already there :hug: xxxxxxxxxx :jiggy::cute: byee xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For everyone who misses Scotland you can now have a little bit of it in your pocket, the app is full of great information about clans, history etc - have a look http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/the-scottish-clans/id483183095?mt=8&ls=1 covers every clan supposedly

Hey Having migrated two years ago to SA, I am considering a job offer in Brisbane. We need good access to the University, CBD, airport and Springwood!! We are considering areas such as Bulimba / Balmoral / Seven Hills and would really appreciate some advice on great primary schools in this area. Alternatively - any other options for areas. Look forward to hearing from you (and yes, I know Brisbane is hot!!) Weasie

Hi All. Being packed up ready for our move to WA. Flying out this Wednesday. Had eight quotes and decided on Anglo Pacific. We have Rob, Jim and Ross here packing as I write this. They are doing a great job. Polite, efficient and very careful and thorough. Highly recommended. Who ever you chose make sure there is plenty of tea/coffee/biscuits - (it seems the kettle goes in last!) Cheers and off we go. Spindrifter and family

I'm in the process of buying a business. Now the problem I have is that when I take it over it will have lots of loyalty cards in circulation. How it works is that you make 5 payments for your haircut and you get the 6th one free. So when I take it over I intend dropping the price by $5 ( from $25 ) and discontinuing the rest of the loyalty cards. However, I do not intend to alienate the loyal clientel that I've just paid a shed load of money for so if for example the cliets have 5 signitures and are due their free one I intend honouring it. So any ideas on what to do about the remaining cards in circulation? For example if the client had 4 signitures and only needed another one.? What would you do? I can't afford to lose loads and loads of money untill they run out, so I don't intend signing anymore, but I don't want to upset the loyal clientel either. Chris x

Boxed wine.......when you come to the end of the box and no more will come out...press open spout and blow into bag untill it will take no more...result is that you will get at least one more glass of wine out of the box if not more :cute:

Just having a nosey to see what peoples favourite interests/passions are? Its NOT about family or your oh an all that rhubarb,thats a given, normally anyway! Mines easy...footy,proper footy,not AFL or soccccccer,footy!,in particular Liverpool Football Club for me sins. Whats yours,brass rubbing,pole dancing,morris dancing??????????just nosing thats all:wubclub:

http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/site/backpacker.jsp I am sorry as a citizen I am a little jealous that backpackers receive such a huge discount on trips on the Ghan etc. For example from Adelaide to Darwin on the Ghan for a local it is $746 whereas a backpacker can get it for $330:no: Sydney to Perth for a local is $751 for a backpacker $299 If you can do this trip whilst you are backpacking go for it, I've never been able to afford for us all to do it, but if I win the lottery it will be one of many trips. I even thought of saying I was a back packer but the terms and conditions are: Terms and Conditions #Austrail Pass Terms and Conditions The pass is issued to and accepted by the person named on the ticket, subject to the Railways Acts bylaws, Regulations and General Conditions of Carriage in force in each Railway System to which the travel applies. This pass is valid for use on specified rail and coach services operated by the following Railway systems - Great Southern Rail (Red Service Seats); QR Traveltrain (economy seats); Countrylink (economy seats). This pass is not valid on any Metropolitan services of North Queensland Tourist Train services. Travel must commence with the pass validated within 6 months of the date of purchase. Travel must be completed within 6 months of the date of validation endorsed on the pass at the initial point of departure. The holder may upgrade to travel in First Class, Business Class or Red Premium Service Seats and sleeping berths on payment of the applicable upgrade amount. The pass is only available for purchase by bona fide overseas visitors to Australia. A passport must be produced at the first time of purchase to verify the passenger is a resident of another country. A reservation is essential prior to the use of the pass and entitles the passenger to one allocation on any service. The travel pass is a receipt only and does not guarantee travel. A reservation for each individual sector of travel is necessary to obtain a valid travel ticket. This pass must be presented with the passport of the holder at the ticket office of the departure of the initial journey for validation and endorsing the Total period of availability on the Pass document. The passport with ticket is to be produced by the holder for all subsequent journeys at either the ticket office or to onboard staff for verification. For full conditions and important travel tips please refer to the information provided with each operators travel ticket.The pass is only available for full adult fares no concessions apply. The pass is subject to a fuel price surcharge per sector booked on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland. This Pass is not transferable. One passenger only per Pass. No refund is payable on passes that have been validated, nor are refunds allowed on lost or stolen passes. Applications for refund on unused passes must be submitted to the issuing office within 12 months of the date of issue and a 10% refund fee is payable. For passes purchased overseas, refunds cannot be obtained in Australia. ^*#All fares quoted in Australian dollars. ^*#All fares valid until 31 March 2012

Young, friendly, hard working couple required (22yrs+) to work on small island in the Great Barrier Reef, in exchange for accommodation for 2 weeks plus. This is an ongoing opportunity... A good sense of humour, friendly demeanour, neat appearance, tidy and clean living standards are very important as we work and live within the hospitality industry. Work includes cleaning of cottages, general maintenance and gardening for 3-4 hours per day. After work you will be free to use the island's facilities including snorkelling gear, glass bottom kayaks and paddle boats. Fishing off the island is great! Staff return to mainland once a week for fresh groceries and you will be responsible for your own food and groceries. References are required. Qualifications None required Experience & Knowledge Cleaning, hospitality and trade experience a plus. Profile Location of Job: Pumpkin Island, Great Barrier Reef. Length of Employment: 2 weeks plus* Date Job Posted: 2 July 2011 Contact Name: Wayne or Laureth Contact Email: info@pumpkinisland.com.au Contact Phone: 0749394413 Closing Date: No closing date

I'm not going to gloat because it could have gone either way but it is nice not to expect to lose when we play them. Going to a pub where you can watch your team play is a brilliant way of socialising. One of the couples I know there brought another couple with them (not Spurs fans) and they said they had the best time since they arrived in January! Nearly 5.30 time to get to bed!

First let me apologise as I have been a bit of a lurker on PIO recently and mainly just reading Posts in the background whilst posting the odd snippett. Some members, Scissor Sister , Ali & Paul an Majorie C noticed this so PM'd me to let me know that Hairdressers had rightly be placed back on WA SMp. The reason I hadnt posted for a while is due to the fact that we decided not to wait any longer and try to do something else to fulfill our dream. I am VERY VERY pleased to announce that today ..... WE RECEIVED OUR VISA'S !!!!! The story of recent months is as follows.... Back in April I sent a letter to WA requesting if they would consider Sophie for an offlist nomination as Hairdressing was taken off the SMP in December and she had received State Sponsorship previously. We looked into the ENS route as she has a Job lined up already but this was declined. So in May to our surprise WA confirmed they would nominate Soph for an offlist place. We were officially Cat 2 !!!!. We were allocated a Case officer on the 1st of July. More information was requested and sent off as quick as humanly possible as we didn't want anything to hold us up. On August the 24th our Medicals and Police checks were requested . Our Meds were done at Spire Cardiff on the 8th September . It took about and hour for the three of us and it was like clockwork. We had a little wait as our Doctor only works Thursday and she had a Holiday booked. On the 22nd September ( My Daughter Kitty's 18th Birthday ) Spire called me to say we had passed our medicals.... Relief !!! And then finally today the news that we have waited Since June 2009 for was received from our agent GET GOING of Ivybridge that we had our visa. Phew !!!!!!!!!!! We have seen hundreds of people post their excitement of receiving their Visa grant and sharing it with PIO, I cannot tell you how happy it makes me feel to be able to do the same. Thanks to everybody that has offered support, Pablo ,Scissor Sister , Jools, Rach Barlow Taniaholmes cartertucker, JK2510 and our old friend Goolywobbler. So without it sounding like an Oscar acceptance i will stop but the list is indeed endless. Thanks all :biglaugh::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::notworthy::Randy-git::twitcy::twitcy::twitcy:

Just thought i would re-post these great links, best of luck everyone.:wink: http://www.paycalculator.com.au/ http://www.ato.gov.au/ www.realestate.com.au www.domain.com.au www.realestatewa.com.au www.real-estate-australia.com.au Homes For Sale, Rental Properties, Agents - homehound.com.au, Your Best Friend in Real Estate http://www.drive.com.au/buy/ http://www.allhomes.com.au/ http://www.aldi.com.au/ http://www.familyassist.gov.au/payme...ance-payments/ http://www.ourbrisbane.com/ http://www.ourbrisbane.com/lifestyle...es/high-school http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/ http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Pharmaceutical_Benefits_Scheme http://www.auinfo.com/australia.html http://www.dealsdirect.com.au http://www.ezibuy.com.aum http://www.kitchenwaredirect.com.au http://www.flexicar.com.au/ http://www.appliancesonline.com.au www.coles.com.au www.woolworths.com.au School website - http://www.myschool.edu.au/ Medicine - http://www.pbs.gov.au/html/consumer/home A good route planner - http://www.travelmate.com.au/MapMake..._Page=mapmaker Another House website - http://www.homehound.com.au/ Sold House Prices - http://www.onthehouse.com.au/ Guide to Emigrating - http://www.emigrate2.co.uk/default.htm News in Adelaide - http://digitaledition.messengernews.com.au/ Diabetes Assistance - http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/NDSS/ British Pensions - http://youle.info/bpia/ Cheap Flights - http://www.travelmood.com/ Legal Information - http://www.austlii.edu.au/ Crime in Adelaide (?) - http://www.ocsar.sa.gov.au/maps.html# SA Information - http://www.southaustralia.biz/easydata/ Centrelink Estimator - https://www.centrelink.gov.au/RateEs...mbinedStart.do Health Insurance - http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/ <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi Iam Karl (26) from Manchester United Kingdom. I am looking for quality friends I can socialise with. I enjoy drinks, bars, beach, coffee, home bbq and so on. I also love watching the football and a bit of banter. Do get in touch if you fancy coffee and chit chat. Thanks.:chatterbox:

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-belmont-107495900 Moving back to Blighty and our lovely nearly new house is up for sale. Great English neigbours. A great little development. 20 min drive to Brisbane. 2 mins away from gateway motorway

Not only have all our meds been finalised today, but I received my AHPRA letter today. I have stressed about this for soooooo long, due to being non diploma/degree trained. But after a lengthy period it is all glowing in the world of AHPRA for me. So if there are any nurses worried about meeting the standards etc etc be patient. Good things come to those who wait ..... and wait. Thanks to all who shared my stress and listened to my massive rants on here Rachel x :jiggy:

Would like to say Thankyou to everyone and pio for the help on our journey the last year :chatterbox: I haven't been on the forum for a little while , been busy selling house etc . Hubby went to the expo in London on saturday , and a company interviewed him on the spot :jiggy:had a call this morn he has the job !! great wages wonderful relocation package and will wait for him to finsh his contract with the Royal navy . He starts working for the new company in March . :notworthy:Again thankyou ! xxxx p.s dreams can come true x Brides x

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> Mine would have to be buying a cheap car for work! (With the idea to do it up over time) <o:p> </o:p> I bought an HX Holden for $3,500 and was told it should only cost about $500 to get it on the road... (How stupid was I?) :goofy: To get it to almost roadworthiness cost another $3,000, but I needed to bog the door as it was rusty and buy some seat covers (as the seats were ripped) My beautiful wife said bugger it just re spray the car and get seats re upholstered. <o:p> </o:p> Well............ I decided to change the colour, not only change the colour, but change the colour so it didn’t match the interior, not a good move, so now I needed a whole new interior. <o:p> </o:p> So all that is sorted and I’m driving the car to the spray painter and the engine starts making funny noises???? Turns out I’ve blown the head gasket (or so I thought!) <o:p> </o:p> Anyway I find someone to fix the head gasket, take the car to them only to get a phone call a few days later to tell me the engine is stuffed and I need a new one! :swoon: So after some sucking up to my lovely wife :wubclub: it is agreed I’ll get a replacement engine. <o:p> </o:p> 2 weeks later it’s delivered back to the spray painters and the engine they’ve put in is worse than mine (or so I thought). Bloody thing is smoking, has a cracked head gasket and doesn’t sound like a V8 should! :mad: After a phone call it is agreed I bring the engine back. <o:p> </o:p> The engine goes back and the money he gives me back is $600 less than I paid him, :realmad: he wants money for mucking me about, he wants paying for his time!!!! :realmad: After a few choice words I get most of it back, but now the bits off my engine are on his and my engine is bare, so he tells me to come back and everything will be sorted! I come back to find the lazy sod had done nothing, so after a few choice words I now have 2 engines, well one is mine and the other is his with my bits that I need to get off and return back. <o:p> </o:p> Then I get my 1<SUP>st</SUP> lucky break, my night shift manager was a mechanic and loves working on old engines and has agreed to fix my engine. Well it turns out that sometime in its past my engine has been cooked and has a cracked block, so the only thing it’s good for is nothing! :mad: So now I’m on the lookout for a new engine. <o:p> </o:p> So as I type this, my interior is in 1 suburb my engine in another and body somewhere else with some chrome in my garage! My pockets are lighter my ear is sore from Tracy :realmad: and I have no car... :cry: All Tracy tells me is I could have bought a new car for the money you have spent!!!! However when this car (or should I say IF) comes home it will be like brand new! <o:p> </o:p> Should I tell her how much the stereo system is costing LOL? :wink: <o:p> </o:p> Anyway that was my great idea that wasn’t so great, what’s yours?

Just posting some info about one of my favourite regions just outside Melbourne, in the Yarra Valley in the wine growing country. Last Sunday I went to have a look at the Archibald (Art) Prize collection at one of the wineries with a lovely gallery (views to die for across the hills). Anyone who is interested I can highly recommend a day out there, and maybe some of their wine (hic:yes:). It is good in summer or winter - just a thought anyway ! Click on the image gallery up the top to check out the views Check it out at: http://www.tarrawarra.com.au/

Hello all, I am so confused by immigration and the skilled occupation lists, I know that there are two lists, schedule 2 and schedule 3 If you have a family sponsor living in a designated area does it matter which skilled occupation list that you are on if you wanted to go for a 475 provisional visa!!!!!!!!! Or if you are on schedule 3 then you have TO GO FOR A STATE MIGRATION PLAN!!! ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? why oh why have they made it so difficult and complicated (still smiling though))))))

After correspondence with Bob at Pet Air he will now be taking part in our chat expo on the 4th July (8pm-10pm UK time) or 5th July (5am - 7am AEST). Whether you are moving to Australia, New Zealand, back to the UK or somewhere else in the world, Bob and his team can help. They have 34 years combined veterinary experience, They are all members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and are qualified DEFRA Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVI). So if anyone knows what they are doing it's them. After working in the industry myself I can highly recommend Petair and would definitely trust him to care for my furry family.

I love to travel the country but always feel alittle like i dont take advantage of the things i could have done in each area, tell me what i should have done in your area :hug: :cool: