drstu Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Hi All, My research continues in plans for our move next year! I have the possibility of work in Newcastle, NSW, but it is an area that we never traveled in whilst in Aus. Making the move will me my wife and I, plus 2 children who then will be 3 and 2. The job is in Broadmeadow? Has anyone made the move to Newcastle? How to you find it? Pros and cons would be useful. Thanks so much for your time. Best wishes, Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterlegg Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Hi, Broadmeadow is ok, its outside of Newcastle per say, an outer suburb. Not far to the sea by car. Not much else to say about it on the whole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENS0N Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Have been out there a couple of years ago to visit OH family and loved the place. I am also flying out next Wed to start my life there so give me a couple of months and I will be able to tell you all the pros and cons and how easy it was to 'fit' in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevkim Posted July 31, 2012 Share Posted July 31, 2012 Hi, My daughter and son-in-law made the move to Newcastle 4 years ago and love it there. They live in Marmong Point and there are several great suburbs around there. We are on the verge of being granted our visas to go and join them and plan to fly in September. We're looking to live on the west side of Lake Maquarie, Toronto perhaps. It's a great lifestyle around there. Not too sure about Broadmeadow itself but I can ask the family for you if you need more info. What line of work are you in? Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drstu Posted July 31, 2012 Author Share Posted July 31, 2012 Benson that would be great if you don't mind PMing me an update as your insight would be valuable. Kevkim - My wife and I are both doctors. Although I might be working in Broadmeadow we won't necessarily have to live in that area. Best wishes, Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevkim Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Hi Stu, My daughter is also a doctor and as I said, loving working and living in the Newcastle area. I'm sure you'll both like it too if you make the move. Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterlegg Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 I moved to Bellbird in the Hunter Valley in 2004, I used to live in Surrey, England, UK. I visit Newcastle atleast 2 times a week. The area is OK if you have a job already, Hunter Street in Newcastle looks bad, with all the shop closures over the years and new large shopping malls such as Charlestown and Kotara which are very good, shopping in Newcastle is very limited, so people travel to one of the malls that I mentioned. Near Broadmeadow in Islington/Giggs hill, Newcastyle there is a large TAFE complex (TAFE colege), they run many courses. I am 54yrs old and at present doing a course at TAFE Newcastle. Why do you not Google the area and surrounding area that you are thinking of moving too, its hard to divide good and bad aspects of Newcastle as it depends what you are looking for. I live on a large property with lots of space, we have horses in our paddock, many parrots in large aviaries, again it depends what you are looking for and how you want to live your life out here in NSW, Australia. Regards Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gconnolly87 Posted August 3, 2012 Share Posted August 3, 2012 Hi there, I have moved to maitland about 30 mins drive from Newcastle, sounded a lot to me when I have yet to see it all. Do you have a facebook page as there is a really good facebook page called 'expats in the hunter' you will get good info from ppl on there and quicker too. If not i can ask for you, depends on what you are looking for in terms of social, commutable distance, transport options, things for the kids, schools etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drstu Posted August 4, 2012 Author Share Posted August 4, 2012 Thanks everyone. gconnolly87 - How do you find Maitland ... it is a town that has been suggested. Is there anything there or do you have to travel to get anywhere interesting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gconnolly87 Posted August 4, 2012 Share Posted August 4, 2012 We have been here 12 weeks or so now, enjoying it. There is a decent sized shopping centre called Stockland Greenhills in East Maitland about 5 mins drive from Maitland. Maitland has a small centre itself and high street but I have only used the Woolworths in that place so far (woolies is like a tesco here). There is a gym, pubs ( I have found a website that called publocation.co.au which helps with that), cinema, raceground depends on what you are looking for and you enjoy doing? There are some nice places on the doorstep of maitland such as Ashtonfield and East Maitland itself has some beautiful homes. If you know what you are looking for socially then I can maybe answer more questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drstu Posted August 5, 2012 Author Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks. We're looking to live somewhere with a good community feel, but with access to a wide range of facilities, either immediately or within a short drive. We have two children, who will then be 3 and 2, so safety is important as is access to decent school in time. We very much into the outdoors. We'd like to be able to get to a beach within a shortish drive. We're both doctors. Although I'd probably be working locally, my wife would need to be able to commute to the John Hunter Hospital relatively easily. How easy have you found it to settle in? How long does it take you to get into Newcastle/to the beach? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gconnolly87 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 We have had our ups and downs, our main worry was finding my partner a job, which we have now done. Beginning to settle a lot more, finding more social things to do. I think the facebook page would be ideal for you find out information for the likes of schools as I wouldnt be able to help with that info. Do you have a facebook page? John Hunter Hospital is close to a community called Warners Bay which I have only heard good things about, meant to be really nice. The beach takes 30-40 mins drive from maitland there are about 4-5 diff beaches to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scozzie Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Hi All, drstu if you're both Drs you should be fine, my OH and I are Nurses and the John Hunter has a good reputation and lots of specialties. It was an anaesthetist from the place that initially told me about the place as a good option for a family. We have a 4 and a 2 year old and move in 8 weeks. My OH is from Sydney and we're looking for somewhere that isn't too big but not too small. I hope we've found it. I can let you know. I am still looking for a job though as it's not that easy to get one from here but I work in Occupational Health so a niche industry. I don't really want to go back to shifts! I have a friend who's a Dr who is probably heading to the John Hunter later this year, I am trying to persuade him too. There are loads of different hospitals around in Newcastle so hopefully you and your wife will find something soon. The very best of luck to you and the family! We're thinking more Redhead area as we love the beach, I like the look of Warners Bay and Eleebana but I am a wee bit concerned by the lead levels due to the old smelter in Boolaroo. Most of the Docs live nearer New Lambton, whiach also has a very good school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterlegg Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 There are many hospitals in NSW that are not very good, John Hunter hospital is one of them. If you have private health insurance? I advise you to use it. I injured my back, went to John Hunter and was given pain killers, returned to John Hunter a few days later, still in pain and could hardly walk, given pain killers again. Saw my GP, had xrays and MRI, lumbar disc burst inwards and fractured vertebrae, had to have spinal surgery, pedical screws and rods, fused and spacer discs inserted. So much for John Hunter hospital. In paper "Newcastle herald", guy fell of a ladder and went to John Hunter Hospital, he was there for about 10 hours before being seen, then sent home. He later went to another local hospital as he was feeling unwell. HJe had an internal bleed in the brain, broken bones, he could of died. You take chances going to John Hunter Hospital. http://www.nswalp.com/media/news/hospital-make-83-year-old-wait-10-hours-for-treatm/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lemongirl Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Hey all, we moved to Newcastle about 4 weeks ago, and are loving it so far. At the moment we are living in serviced apartments on Darby St right in the city, courtesy of DH's employer, but we're looking to buy a place near the lake pretty soon. Looking around Warner's Bay primarily, but anywhere from Valentine to Speers Point would do - we want to be in the Warner's Bay school catchment area because, although our kids are only 1 and 4 at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lewd Vicar Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Great news about the FB page & that folk are liking it there. I am moving in 13 days to work in Rutherford, with my partner and (by then) 4 yr old boy. My partner will be job hunting once we are all settled, so will be trying to live nearer to Newcastle than Rutherford to give her more options and more to do with The Wee Man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helz980 Posted September 14, 2012 Share Posted September 14, 2012 Hiya We spent 6 months in Belmont which is 25mins away from Newcastle & about 15 from John Hunter. Belmont is on the edge of lake macquerie & the sea. I love the place & Warners bay is lovely too. In fact the coast line is beautiful & unspoiled. I returned to the UK in July but am heading back out end of the year, my hubby is flying back in October as he starts work in the Hunter Valley for Rio Tinto & we will be moving to Maitland area.Good thing about newcastle area is that sydney is not far away and neither are many of the other lovely places up the road! Just a bit of advice if your wife is commuting to JH & you live in Maitland, the travelling is a nightmare due to the volume of traffic & the fact they are making improvements to the highway. Oh & i cant fault JH hospital at all, I was expecting triplets when i was in oz but unfortunately had complications, luckily these were spotted straightaway by the consultant & i was sent to a hospital in Sydney to be seen by a professor. TBH i wish i had continued my care there rather than the midwifery support i got back home. Anyway good luck! PM me if you want any more info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kimb Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 hiyaaaa x we have been here two months from liverpool and i reckon i could answer a few questions. we like it so far. what visa r u on and salary u expecting (obv dont have to answer it on here) just so i can see if ur in a situation like us. its a lovely place but id have to know more about the kind of people u are before i could offer more advice. a Permenant residency is much more helpful with children ur age we only have a 457 and its really expensive for nursery $91 a day we are looking. our toddler is 13 months its a lovely place he is really enjoying it x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drstu Posted September 30, 2012 Author Share Posted September 30, 2012 Hi Kimb, Any advice gratefully received, particularly on areas to live and how you're finding things with your little one, settling in advice etc. Salary wise - reasonably good - I am a GP. The average Australian GP earns between $200,000-$250,000. My wife is a doctor too although probably won't work initially when we arrive. As for what kind of people; we love the outdoors and the boys are very much into everything. We travelled in Aus a few years ago for 2 months and loved it (although never visited Newcastle). As with most Brits I suspect our move is a lifestyle one i.e. better weather, spend more time outdoors, close to the sea etc. We're keen to live in a good area with a community feel. Belmont and Valentine have been suggested so far. Initially we have planned to come for 18 months as a trial run, with the intention of staying if all works out. We're not planning to cut our ties completely in the UK during that time e.g. we'll keep out UK house and rent in Aus etc. Since it is a trial run it will be important for us to get settled into a community, make friends etc to see how life would be. As for the visa situation it is likely to be a 457 initially but it would depend upon what the organisation sponsoring are willing to pay for, we would certainly take permanent residency if this were offered. Thanks for taking the time to share you experiences. Best wishes, Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest halferty Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Hi All, My research continues in plans for our move next year! I have the possibility of work in Newcastle, NSW, but it is an area that we never traveled in whilst in Aus. Making the move will me my wife and I, plus 2 children who then will be 3 and 2. The job is in Broadmeadow? Has anyone made the move to Newcastle? How to you find it? Pros and cons would be useful. Thanks so much for your time. Best wishes, Stu. hi we live not far from newcastle and have 3 children at school at two working we live in port stephens although hubby and older children have 50 min drive to work we love the life style here and feels safe for younger children:yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevkim Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 Hey all, we moved to Newcastle about 4 weeks ago, and are loving it so far. At the moment we are living in serviced apartments on Darby St right in the city, courtesy of DH's employer, but we're looking to buy a place near the lake pretty soon. Looking around Warner's Bay primarily, but anywhere from Valentine to Speers Point would do - we want to be in the Warner's Bay school catchment area because, although our kids are only 1 and 4 at the moment. Hi Lemongirl, Did you know that the outdoor Friday night live music seasons start at 6pm next Friday in Warners Bay? They are based around the band stand there. Take chairs, an eski and join in the fun. It is great for families! Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussietobe Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Great news about the FB page & that folk are liking it there. I am moving in 13 days to work in Rutherford, with my partner and (by then) 4 yr old boy. My partner will be job hunting once we are all settled, so will be trying to live nearer to Newcastle than Rutherford to give her more options and more to do with The Wee Man. Hey, how have you find Newcastle then? we are looking at moving to Newcastle are in the near future. any advice? also what did you do with regards to schooling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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