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If you have the skills and the visa join a family friendly company that will look after you. Fulltime pay, super and holidays. All the perks. Factory located close to the CBD & Gasworks area, nice coffee shops etc for that local feel in the morning. Variety of work in the Brisbane and surrounding areas, Gold Coast, Logan, North Lakes, Redlands, Sunshine Coasts. We have been through the process ourselves 10 years ago so understand it’s a big move. Do it, you will not regret it.. contact Anthony anthony@rapidglass.com.au ref PomsinOz

Hey guys, hope everyone is well and to anyone affected by Covid our thoughts are with you all. I used to be a member of this site back in 2010 ish, we moved to Oz in 2014 and not needed to log in until now. I have since completely forgot my login details so I created a new account. This was BY FAR the best resource tool for us when we was going through the stages back in 2009 when we began our search down the rabbit hole. We now have a podcast here in Perth, WA called Expats 'n' Cork Hats. We are on iTunes, Spotify, Google podcasts and all the others too. If you want to be a guest on our show we would REALLY LOVE to have you on to discuss everything about your journey. You may be here in Oz wanting to go home, or you may be still in the UK thinking about coming here... Whatever your circumstances we would love to talk to you. We have done a few recordings now via Skype, it keeps it personal and intimate. We don't show the video, we just use it for the audio so don't worry, no one will see you. So, if you want to share your story to help or inspire others, please get in touch. Mark Rogers (One half of Expats 'n' Cork Hats).

Hi guys, Currently my wife & I are living along the Sussex coast and seriously wanting a better out door lifestyle in Aus. Should we be concerned about the natural distasters & danderous wildlife? Whilst Aus is so appealing after visiting it many times, we are so confused if it is the safest place to start a new and long chapter in our lives with the one aim to stay till the end! Our confusion lies where we will buy a property and re-locate our life... The East Coast (QLD) is best suited for our us but between fires in the hinterland, floods, earth quakes and subsequent Tsunami's along the coast, snakes, spiders in your garden or croc's or jellies harming / killing our pets... ever increasing heat, not to mention sharks in the water that we love to be active in and on! Maybe we've read to much into video clips of fires and floods etc but non the less they are still very real... Or Maybe we should just go for it and live life. We really want to know how YOU cope with all these hazards!! Anyway - cheers and thanks for any helpful replies! See ya soon! Keep safe! S&S

Hello friends, I have applied for child visa for my kid but now me and my wife are planning to apply for a tourist visa for my kid. My wife already have PR. We have been discussing how situations will be once we come there. And after all that, we are confused. We need suggestion\advice from experts or from someone who already experienced it. My son is now 4 months old and we are planning to travel somewhere in december\january (by that time my baby will turn 9-10 months). My wife may not work till our kid turns 1 year. After that we are planning for a daycare. Which daycare will be good and affordable (our budget 2000/month)? Is the daycare good enough to handle annoying kids :)? Which suburb is suitable to settle (considering the nearby vegetable market, grocery stores, good public school, etc)? Thanks in advance, Pratap

We're looking to settle in Hervey Bay. Originally being from Brisbane I can't envisage us living back in a big city. Does anyone have any links with HB and know if it would be well suited for a family of four with their children of Primary school age. What is the employment scenario like there? I've looked online and that's been helpful but I was hoping some of you would be able to give their insight. Are there any areas around HB (Not Maryborough) that you think is worth checking out? Keen to go anywhere from Bribie Island area right up towards Bundy but not quite as far as that! HB preferable.

is anyone able to confirm or advise on the annual cost of living for a retired couple in Australia. we have been advised that a sum of $50,000 is more than sufficient for the annual cost including the running of a car, house ,swimming pool , food , house and car insurances and general day-to-day living etc

Hello All, Having emigrated to Port Macquarie (between Sydney & Brisbane) over 5 years ago now, we wanted to live the lifestyle out here in Oz and not have the continued CRAZYNESS of the city, but more the beach / bbq we desired so much. Like alot of us coming over, work was a huge factor - so getting the right job at the right wage etc, but the reality is, it can be difficult to get big $$$ unless you live in the cities, so the more chilled out lifestyle seemed unreachable :dull: Hindsight being a wonderful thing - Had we known then what we know now (didn't have the opportunity then), we would have set up our business in the UK whilst waiting for our visa and simply brought it over with us and continued to build whilst in Oz. The flexibility offers the opportunity to live and work anywhere in Oz and has offered both my wife and myself more time with our family and certainly more time to enjoy the beautiful lifestyle we moved here for.:cute: We now run 2 successful businesses in our stunning Regional town of Port Macquarie and we would never go back to our old UK corporate lifestyle. Happy to tell you more about what we experienced if it helps. Lee & Anya

Hi everyone, Thought I would touch base and give you all an update on the situation. I left London 3 months ago with my partner and we did a month backpacking around thailand before reaching Sydney. It was an amazing journey and there are some fond memories of this trip overall. Some of the highlights were elephant trekking, jungle walking and kayaking in rivers along with visiting some awesome markets. The food was so good in Thailand. After a month out there we arrived in Sydney safe and sound 3 days before christmas. I was fortunate to have my mother living in Sydney so we had a roof over out heads and her car which helps. We managed to sort out a bank account and medicare and tax file number on the first couple of days. Christmas was lovely, it was spent with the grandparents and some family friends, lots of food and some drinks. After christmas I managed to sort out a mobile phone. Everything seemed fairly smooth. After spending another 10 days off, just relaxed, enjoyed the weather and beaches etc I had to then start looking for work. I managed to get a job which I didnt enjoy all that much and decided to leave after 3 days however I had my 5th and final interview lined up with a dream company a few days later and I got the job which I was ecstatic about. I started working there a few weeks ago and everyday I walk under the harbour bridge its great. My partner managed to get a position with the same company she worked for in London which worked out. I would say that it hasnt been easy however good things come to those who work hard for it. You must have the right mindset and desire for wanting to come out here and then it should be a success. I would say the only challenge for me at the moment is socialising and trying to build up a fried base, at times it feels lonely but I understand that this takes time. Overall I would say that this has been a wise decision to come out here. The lifestyle is just what I wanted, the weather beautiful most of the time, beaches, activities. My salary is over double than the UK and I am living with my mum and partner at the moment so financially much better off. I have no intentions to return to Britain I am very sure of this though. I wish everyone the utter most success with their migrations from the UK to Australia. Be strong, you will be fine. :wink::wink::wink:

Hi I am facing a dilemma and it's making me sick to my stomach at the moment. I apologize in advance for my ramblings but my thoughts are all over the place at the moment and I am hoping to get some advice from people who made the move. Bit of background on me: I am originally from Cape Town, South African and moved to London 7 years ago on a working holiday via. I got sponsored, am now on PR and will be applying for my British citizenship next month. I should probably also mention I am single, 32 and work as a Software Developer. A few years back, when I was going through a really unhappy time in the UK, so I applied for my Australian 175 visa thinking moving was the answer. My visa got granted in June 2011 but I wasn't ready to move to Australia yet, as I wanted to get my British citizenship in case I wanted to return to the UK. I am now due to move to Australia (Brisbane initially) in April, and although I have not booked flights yet, my employer knows I am leaving and so does all friends + family. The dilemma I am facing is that I am not sure if moving to Australia is the best thing for me any more. I am in such a different place that I was when I applied for the visa, so it really breaks my heart to think I have to leave a life I love behind. Especially since I have done this once before I know how hard it is to move to another country, it takes years to find your feet! Another concern is I love England and South Africa almost equally now, so I want to spend time in both and not sure how I am going to be able to add Australia to the mix. I also like Australia and the idea of living there, because it would offer a similar lifestyle as I the one I had while growing up in South Africa, something I really miss. But I am worried that living in London for so long has changed me too much to appreciate that kind of lifestyle. I have a good life in London, with great friends, get to travel loads and go home to South Africa once a year for a summer holiday. I just don't know if I am chasing pipe dreams by moving to Australia. At the same time I don't want to regret not moving to Australia because I am too scared, I have worked so hard and dedicated so much time and energy to moving to Australia it would break my heart to just let the opportunity pass me by. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated :-)

Hello, I am going to study in Australia for 3 years and might stay longer if it will be possible. I wanted a place that is outdoorsy as most of the things I like to to do are outdoors such as hiking, picnics, biking, going to the beach if possible. I have been accepted to Unviersity of Tasmania in Hobart and James Cook University in Cairns. Of course social life is important to me and the lifestyle will determine how much I'll enjoy my social life there. I know both Cairns is good for this kind of outdoorsy lifestyle. But I'd love to hear from someone who has actually lived thrtr. I've been in both thrtr as a tourist before and I loved it, but I've only been in each for about two weeks which makes it hard to know how it is year-round. My impression was that: 1. Cairns can get very rainy which can make it hard to go out. 2. Cairns seems to be closer to rainforest and national parks then Hobart, and probably from Smithfield where the university is you can get to the rainforest even by walk/bike. So far it seems to me that Cairns is a bit more suitable for me but I'd love to hear more opinions. In terms of the weather I like that its hot year round in Cairns, but how bad does it rain? does it actually make it impossible to go out? does it last for days or how is it? do people stil lgo out as much in the wet season? In the two weeks I was there it actually didnt rain almost at all, but I think I was lucky.

My hausband has been offered a job in Newcastle and we have to let them know by friday 11th May if we would like to take them up on the offer. Can anyone let me know anything about Newcastle? Cost of Living, lifestyle, what to do with two kids aged aged 9 and 6, which areas to look to rent in, Anything would be appreciated as its such a big decision and we dont know much about Australia........ Thank you, Louise

Australian dream fades for Brits - report "THE number of Britons emigrating to Australia each year has almost halved, according to new figures published by British media. Britain's Office for National Statistics has released data showing that residents of Blighty are leaving at their lowest rate for more than a decade."

Clinical Care & Lifestyle Coordinator We are seeking a Care and Lifestyle Coordinator who can provide a five star customer service to our residents and staff. The successful applicant is required be a Registered Nurse with the AHPRA and hold a current practicing certificate. Home for Aged provides care and accommodation for 57 older people from diverse cultural backgrounds. We are restructuring after flooding and have a new position available for a Clinical Care & Lifestyle Coordinator. Applicants who are sensitive to the needs of older people and interested in progressing within their management role are encouraged to apply. Family friendly and flexible hours. Salary packaging options Progressive work environment Professional development opportunities Please contact for Position Description and further information. Applicants will need to provide a resume and covering letter addressing. lookingforstaff@care2.com

Returning to the Uk? Taking advantage of the excellent exchange rate? Want to buy a fantastic lifestyle business in the UK? BUY MY PUB and RESTAURANT!!!!! Right on the fringe of the lake district national park in Cumbria....20 miles from the centre of Keswick situated in a quiet rural village, be the owner of this 17th century coaching inn! For the price of a decent 5 bed house you could be living in a beautiful part of the uk also earning an income! Come on you no you want to......pm me for more info!

As the title says will a move to oz give me equal or better lifestyle to UK (Scotland)? My Current situation in the UK is as follows:- Myself and my partner earn approx £60K in the UK (Approx 94,000 Aus D) We have a 6 year old child, who is watched by my parents, so no child minding fees We have a 3 bedroom flat in the UK, but realistically if we sold now we would probably only cover the mortgage We have a 1 year old car, that if we sold we would prob make a loss on this, and have combined debts that cost us in the region of £300-400 per month (i.e. loans/credit cards) I have probably painted a rather bleak picture above, however we have to be realistic!!! I have the prospect of a job in Perth city center area with sponsored visa, job salary is from 70,000 - 100,000 AUS D (i wouldnt accept anything less than 80,000 AUS D). the package includes relocation costs (i.e. one way flight for the family, 1 months furnished accommodation, and 1 months car rental, and removal costs for our furniture etc) My partner works for a well known supermarket/food store as the store manager and earns approx £30,000 (i.e. half of our combined income in the UK). How easy would it be for her to get a similar job in OZ, and what are the salaries like for this type of work? As wee have a small child, if we both worked full time, we would require child minding, what are the average costs of this? If this costs alot, she may just look to work part time (i.e. 16/20 hrs a week) what is the average wage for this type of work Any advise would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance:biggrin:

Hi Everyone, My husband has been offered a job in Brisbane and we will be moving to the city with our 10-month-old daughter very soon. I know its quite an expensive city and it'll be very costly if we decided to live in the city, but since the job is for one year we thought we might as well enjoy the city life and live close to his work (Turbot Street). Can anyone give us tips as to where in the vicinity of Turbot Street is nice to live? Also, what sort of price range should we be looking at if we were to move to a two-bed flat? Best Shahrzad

Hey guys, This is ravi from India.. am an Electrical Engineer n eagerly awaiting my orana sponsorship! lots of thing on my head before lodging my 475 srs visa.. would appreciate any suggestions/info on 1) job scenario for electrical engineer or imp job portals for orana 2) where to settle in orana 3) cost of living 4) imp links/threads/blogs abt orana

Hi Can anyone please tell us what a good salary in aus looks like? It looks like OH is going to be offered a job in Melbourne but in order to make an informed decision on whether he accepts it, it would be great to know how much does constitute a good, comfortble lifestyle without scrimping all the time. Things in the UK just keep getting more and more expensive but don't want to go from the fat into the fire. Having looked at property in aus, it would appear to be quite expensive in the good areas and we would look to live East/South East of CBD within 1/2 hours commute if possible. I would be most grateful for any help. Thank you deb2:confused::hug:

just wundered what type of lifestyle you are looking for when you arrive in australia--is it a balance of work,and pleasure--perhaps a healthier lifestyle than you have in the uk (australia is a very outdoor country) or is it just the fact of living in australia you want--for those guys living in australia what type of lifestyle do you have,and is it the one you wanted when you first arrived in australia:wubclub:

For those of you contemplating the move to Oz I expect one of the draws with be the much talked about "Lifestyle" that is constantly bantered on about. Unfortunately I don’t actually think this is the reality and the much talked about “Lifestyle looks to be rather a myth” I spend 2 hours a day getting to and from work which seems to be quite the norm here for those working in one of the Cities (I dare say the well organised “how dare you post negative issues” gang will shout me down) is part of that great “Lifestyle”. The average Australian mortgage is $270,000 (calculated from the Australian Bureau of Statistics:5609.0 – Housing Finance, Australia 6302.0 – Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, is this really a “Lifestyle” position to be courted and I expect for the average Brit moving here it would probably be higher. Did I mention the studies about work hours, yes the Ozzies do a longer working week than most which seems like a working “Lifestyle” to me. If you look through the property guides you will see houses for sale here in Oz with a picture insert of beach or view of something with very small writing in the corner saying “lifestyle shot” which actually means that the beach or view cannot be seen from the property or even be that near to it. I was watching the TV the other night and the advert, which I think was for a credit card, was saying “for the Lifestyle you want” I ask you, is owning a credit card really a “Lifestyle”. I accept credit cards are worldwide but have not seen one advertised as a “Lifestyle” before. Oh sorry I forgot about American Express adverts but at least they did not use the “Lifestyle” statement. And then there’s the great Ozzie beach “Lifestyle” that is until you realise that for most places it’s not safe to go into the water especially anywhere north of the Sunshine Coast where your going to come into contact with blue bottle stingers or perhaps sharks, sea snakes or even Crocks so water looks very inviting but signs say no swimming what a “Lifestyle” I could go on but I dare say there will be people who disagree with my scribing, perhaps they have a “Lifestyle car” or “Lifestyle clothing” or even “Lifestyle children”. Yes the great Ozzie “Lifestyle” here and waiting for you !!!

Ok, so we all know that the move to Oz is life changing but did it change your lifestyle? For those that have returned to their homes in other countries has it changed your outlook? Do you get out more to places of interest, Europe etc things you didn't do before you left? We have been here for 16 months and we spend much more time together as a family, visit friends as a family rather than in the UK me and mine and him and his etc. I have also taken up horseriding which I haven't done for 30 years, brilliant fun! Every weekend we spend at least one day doing something nice even if it's just popping into the city or a park. Our Australian friends can't believe how much we have and continue to do, I guess some of them like us don't appreciate what is on your doorstep. so come on what have you changed? drinking more wine doesn't count :biglaugh: Michelle

Hi, used to love reading these kind of posts when I was in UK, so thought I'd put one on for all those hoping to get out here soon!!.....its a long one! We have been living in Brisbane since September and have found so many positives to our move, thought I'd share them.... On arrival we stayed at Brisbane Holiday Village which is about 20 mins drive south of the city...great place as a base.....rented a car before we arrived.....got collected at airport by the rental company and away we went..... Within our first week we were so lucky to find a rental in the area we wanted and got both kids into great state schools with a good reputation, this made life much easier as we could have a couple of 'tourist' weeks before I started my new nursing job!!......the city of Brisbane is amazing, so clean, lots to do, the man made beach on the south bank is fantastic, markets on the weekend to visit, great bars and restaurants....the transport is excellent compared to where I lived in UK.....the bus runs from my suburb to city every 15 minutes up til midnight....every day!!......shops are everywhere!!!....can't believe the amount of shopping centers there are here...some fabulous shops, even my teenage daughters have found a replacement for River Island!!!......prices are comparitive to the UK, I would say city living here is probably cheaper than city living in UK......there is more choice here as supermarkets don't dominate sales....plenty of local shops with fresh produce which is superb....odd not being able to buy wine in supermarket though!!!.....stops impulse buying I suppose!.....one thing we have found here is how much more friendly and happy people are in general....people are polite, its great to see kids get of the bus and shout 'thanks' to the driver!!!!.....people smile and say hello.....I've been stopped in the street to ask where I'm from!!.....I somehow feel safer here, my kids catch a bus home (something I would never let them do in UK)....the roads are quieter, they are wider, so most have 2 lanes.....not many double yellow lines and speed cameras!!!.....although hubby has been caught with mobile unit!!.....parking tends to be free in most places (obviously not city)....fuel is half the price, around $1.20 at the moment.....people here do complain about traffic jams but they are nothing compared to England....try driving up M6 north on a friday!!!!.....the weather doesn't go without mention although there isn't much to say really because everyday is beautiful....there seems to be lots of free things to do here, most parks have free gas bbq's to use....and people clean them after use!!!.....no graffiti and litter.....the parks are a real credit to them.....I know my local park in England was not a place you'd want to take your kids to play very often....smashed bottles and rubbish over most of it....used as a teenage hang out, which is something you don't see here very often...in fact not at all were I live....as we arrived with just our suitcases, we bought all new furniture when we got here from a fantastic place, mostly new with some second hand stuff, all on display...you just go in and make an offer, if its accepted you walk away with it that day, most comes from big superstores just end of line stuff or slight damage but we managed to furnish our whole house an outside for less than $5000!!!....suite, beds, matresses, outdoor furniture, book cases, breakfast bar stools, dining furniture......bargain!!!....can't name it on here of course but anyone moving to Brisbane I would recommend a look there first...PM me!!!.....our shipping has arrived into the port with no problems, we are just awaiting a date for delivery....be careful though, they charge $80 to destroy anything not allowed in and $145 to treat things......I was so careful, but missed a nativity scene which had moss on it....got to pay $80 to destroy the thing.....it only cost me a tener.... Don't get me wrong I haven't got rose tinted spectacles on all day!!....there are things that aren't so perfect....mobile phones here are very expensive, as are second hand and new cars.....beer is never on special offer as we know it, 2 boxes for £20 in Asda!!!..... one box here will set you back $30-40.....the driving over here is something to get used to....no driving on the left unless overtaking!!!...just pick a lane and go for it.......jobs are not as easy to come by as we are led to believe....I work with a nurse whose husband is still looking (for ANY job!!).....he has been trying since beginning of Sept and still no luck....bring a credit card, it makes life much easier as some banks won't issue you with one until you have at least 3 pay slips....and you need it for so much when you arrive, car rental, accomodation.....permanent rentals can be difficult to find and secure, especially in the 'nicer'suburbs.....be prepared to trail around and see some bad ones!....some want 3 months rent in advance , plus bond and proof of income before they'll let you sign the lease.....the weather is great but dangerously hot, factor 50 for the kids!!!.....I love it here, the kids are settling in well, got family visits planned, hubby got job, great house and car......just can't get over missing family and friends, I really underestimated just how hard it would be.... I would love to think I could live here forever, I really think its the better place to bring up my kids, and for work and lifestyle......but my heart tells me different at the moment.....its early days.....give it a bit longer and I'm sure it will change..... I'm happy to tell you I don't miss England one bit.....:laugh:

HI...... We are currently living in U.K and considering the big move down under. My husband is serving in the Royal Navy and we can apply to emigrate with him joining the Australian Navy. I would love to hear from anyone who has already made the move or are in the process of doing so. We would be based in Perth and would love to find out more about the life there. We are a family of 3...Scott (39) Deb (37) and Abbie (7). Look forward to hearing from anyone with both pros and cons.... Thanks.....:v_SPIN:....x

Just wanted some opinions on whether people get bored with the "Aussie" Lifestyle, whether you can have too much of a good thing, Sunshine,sea ect. Then realising that what is more important is what you left behind????? And that living and working the "Aussie" way is just nothing like being on holiday!!! How long does it take before Reality sets in??????? This is not a "I HATE AUSTRALIA" thread more a peoples opinion on how it really is !!!!!!:confused:

Stupidly I have been reading loads of the "Moving back to UK posts":jiggy::jiggy: making me feel anxious about our move to the Sunshine Coast. Although I know it's the right thing for us(Me hubby and 4 kids) , after reading so many negatives it makes you think twice about the move.So how about some positives about where you are in Australia and why you love it (and wouldn't move back to the UK). Kendal and the gang