At breaking point after just a month on the 475 Visa in WA :(

[Tickled Pink]

No work in the Perth área AND your OH is a spark? I think you're telling porkies.

In fact I know you are, me as a mere backpacker am turning jobs away. I know Loads of electricians here and they are working 12hr days for 14 days straight So Please stop worrying people unneccesarily.

 

Ok.... this comment does seem to be a little on the insensitive side... The thing is, as others have said, life is very different when you only have yourself to feed/clothe/house (as you are on a WHV I think we can safely assume you have no dependents etc). You have the opportunity to live in a hostel, share a room etc and therefore have very little outgoings in comparison to running a house. Children are a drain financially, as adults we can rough it, miss a meal, make clothes last etc - but children can't be left unfed, they grow at that age scarily quickly, and need the stability a stable home brings. This all costs a lot of money. So I think it is very difficult to compare your experience with theres due to many conflicting variables.

 

Many of the peoples comments on here don't come down to geographical location, rather human empathy/sympathy. I like to think that very similar things would be said were these people struggling in the UK too. I LOVE Australia, I LOVE living here. But this post is not what that is about.... This person has posted on here as a tired, desperate, struggling parent/spouse/willing employee. Whether they have made the right move or not is maybe for another post. What I saw here is someone that needed to know they were not alone, and to see if some other people could connect with them and provide any ideas/perspectives/angles they hadn't already thought to cover.

 

If you are on a WHV, you may be relatively young, at at the start of making your way in the world. When I was in your position (and I have been, I have travelled all over before finishing my education and finally settling back here) I always reflected on the saying 'never bite anyones bum on your way up, you never know what might be waiting underneath you if you fall back down'. You may find yourself needing a bit of support at some point. - Actually, I just edited this post so that I can say I still live by this saying! It becomes more and more relevant the further I have to fall!

 

I would love you to help them to find work. If you could that would be amazing, you would be part of helping somone else see the fantastic life Australia can offer... but if maybe you could team that up with a little human kindness, and try to see how hard things may be for them right now that would be even better.

Edited September 23, 2012 by Tickled Pink

[Zoot]

I understand exactly what you mean regarding the 475 - I had regional sponsorship to South Australia and battled stupidly for work and that wasnt because I had no skills or was so specialised that there was only one employer on the planet I could work for. I think an added issue is that employers are not familiar with the regional sponsored visa - they understand PR - no restrictions, student visa (limited working hours) and even WHV but a visa where there are no restrictions on the type of work or hours of work but only the geographical area of work freaks them out and with all the worry about employing people with no work rights then they rather go for the easy win. I wish I could suggest something to help - only thing I can think of is trying for general office work for you just as a stop gap. I imagine in your role as a groomer your must have done basic office stuff even if just filing a bit of invoicing etc and try talk that up to see if you can get something.

 

Many people dont understand how difficult it is when you are restricted on area - cant work there not regional or cant do that not enough hours it needs to be full time etc. What about looking for work with pet shops or vets even boarding kennels - maybe someone there would be able to help. It is amazing how many people say that they know electricians / plumbers / builders etc that are turning away work so why are you struggling but bet they never tell you about those who cant get work.

 

Hope you get some break through soon.

[Guest samishah]

Hi, just found your situation while googling for any updates on 475 (I still have dreams in which they announce that Perth is allowed now). My wife, 3 year old daughter and I moved to WA on Visa 475 three months back. The best thing we did was not move to Mandurah. We thought about it, but got lucky in that just a day or two before signing a hideously overpriced lease for a crap house, my wife (the primary on our visa) got a job offer from Northam. And that's how we learned the best way to survive on Visa 475. Get out of Mandurah. We live in Northam, which is an hour and a half out of Perth and up in the hills. It's a farming town. Yet, my wife found work here and so have I. I have another friend who moved to Kalgoorlie and found work there right away. Seek.com.au is your friend in this regard. Just widen your search outside Mandurah. And honestly, if you find something worthwhile far away, just break the lease and move. It will take a chunk out of your savings but is worth it.

 

The rules on this visa are frustrating, I agree. But there are ways to survive it. Hell, one way of getting around it that I know people have done in the past is by living in regional WA - like Mandurah - and getting their ABN. On their ABN, they declared their residence as their "office". Then they just went out and got freelance work in Perth. The guy lived in Mandurah and worked in Perth for a company that paid him as a freelancer even though he sat in their office every day in the CBD. He did this for two years and still got his PR when the time came. They don't care if your clients are in Perth or anywhere else, as long as your taxes are filed in Regional WA.

 

But again, that's a bit of a risk and only worth it if you have a job lined up in Perth willing to do this for you. The best advice I can give is simply get out of Mandurah. It's a crap city full of retired people and no job prospects. You'd be surprised what jobs turn up when you put Northam or any other regional place in Seek.com.au.

 

Best of luck and hang in there.

[Maginca]

No work in the Perth área AND your OH is a spark? I think you're telling porkies.

In fact I know you are, me as a mere backpacker am turning jobs away. I know Loads of electricians here and they are working 12hr days for 14 days straight So Please stop worrying people unneccesarily.

 

 

What an unhelpful response! Had you read the post from the start (which clearly you haven't!) you'd see that we are on a 475 regional state sponsored visa, meaning we CANNOT live or work in Perth or anywhere near Perth, including Rockingham and Fremantle and ALL northern suburbs right up to past Yanchep. Hence we are living in Mandurah. We are well aware that there are lots of jobs in Perth.

Furthermore, my husband needs to get his Grade A licence before being allowed to work unsupervised on any site, and has a provisional licence which no-one is interested in. We have forked out large amounts of money for him to get extra licences to enable him to get jobs, not to mention paying for the VETASSESS and all the relevant tests and fees to get here, and paying for his tools to be shipped over.

I think your comments are very unfair. I am not worrying people unnecessarily , I'm telling it how it is for us. Lots of people come here and struggle.

Enjoy your backpacking days. Good luck to you.

[DisillusionedScot]

Hey! We're in Mandurah. PM me and perhaps it would be worthwhile having a chat with my partner. It's good to have someone to talk to with a shared experience - trust me - we felt *exactly* as you do and we know what it's like. Mandurah may not exactly be in the centre of Perth but it's a decent enough place.

 

As for the going home situation - I understand completely. You need to give it a little more time though.

 

PM me and we'll have a chat and maybe the four of us can meet up in Murphys (the *Irish* pub on the foreshore) - nothing like a luke warm Guinness on a hot day!!!

[DisillusionedScot]

Hi, just found your situation while googling for any updates on 475 (I still have dreams in which they announce that Perth is allowed now). My wife, 3 year old daughter and I moved to WA on Visa 475 three months back. The best thing we did was not move to Mandurah. We thought about it, but got lucky in that just a day or two before signing a hideously overpriced lease for a crap house, my wife (the primary on our visa) got a job offer from Northam. And that's how we learned the best way to survive on Visa 475. Get out of Mandurah. We live in Northam, which is an hour and a half out of Perth and up in the hills. It's a farming town. Yet, my wife found work here and so have I. I have another friend who moved to Kalgoorlie and found work there right away. Seek.com.au is your friend in this regard. Just widen your search outside Mandurah. And honestly, if you find something worthwhile far away,just break the lease and move. It will take a chunk out of your savings but is worth it.

 

The rules on this visa are frustrating, I agree. But there are ways to survive it. Hell, one way of getting around it that I know people have done in the past is by living in regional WA - like Mandurah - and getting their ABN. On their ABN, they declared their residence as their "office". Then they just went out and got freelance work in Perth. The guy lived in Mandurah and worked in Perth for a company that paid him as a freelancer even though he sat in their office every day in the CBD. He did this for two years and still got his PR when the time came. They don't care if your clients are in Perth or anywhere else, as long as your taxes are filed in Regional WA.

 

But again, that's a bit of a risk and only worth it if you have a job lined up in Perth willing to do this for you. The best advice I can give is simply get out of Mandurah. It's a crap city full of retired people and no job prospects. You'd be surprised what jobs turn up when you put Northam or any other regional place in Seek.com.au.

 

Best of luck and hang in there.

 

Mandurah is only moderately crap. Actually, it's a rather nice place all things considered and IMHO a far, far better place to stay than the Northern suburbs. I'd definitely prefer to stay up in Roleystone - but only if I could afford to buy. Any decent rentals up there will be outrageously expensive.

[Rupert]

 

The rules on this visa are frustrating, I agree. But there are ways to survive it. Hell, one way of getting around it that I know people have done in the past is by living in regional WA - like Mandurah - and getting their ABN. On their ABN, they declared their residence as their "office". Then they just went out and got freelance work in Perth. The guy lived in Mandurah and worked in Perth for a company that paid him as a freelancer even though he sat in their office every day in the CBD. He did this for two years and still got his PR when the time came. They don't care if your clients are in Perth or anywhere else, as long as your taxes are filed in Regional WA.

 

e.

 

I am really it sure about this advice at all. It is not allowed on the visa and whilst somebody somewhere knows of someone else who did it and got away with it, I would not risk it for myself and for my own visa.

Edited September 24, 2012 by Rupert

[DisillusionedScot]

Hey, just thought of something - if you have your dog grooming gear I'll give you your first job. Our old fella is nearly 15 and will need shaved very soon - if you're up for it?

[milliem]

What an unhelpful response! Had you read the post from the start (which clearly you haven't!) you'd see that we are on a 475 regional state sponsored visa, meaning we CANNOT live or work in Perth or anywhere near Perth, including Rockingham and Fremantle and ALL northern suburbs right up to past Yanchep. Hence we are living in Mandurah. We are well aware that there are lots of jobs in Perth.

Furthermore, my husband needs to get his Grade A licence before being allowed to work unsupervised on any site, and has a provisional licence which no-one is interested in. We have forked out large amounts of money for him to get extra licences to enable him to get jobs, not to mention paying for the VETASSESS and all the relevant tests and fees to get here, and paying for his tools to be shipped over.

I think your comments are very unfair. I am not worrying people unnecessarily , I'm telling it how it is for us. Lots of people come here and struggle.

Enjoy your backpacking days. Good luck to you.

 

Put it on the 'pay no attention whatsoever' list. He has got himself a WHV and been there a few months and now thinks he is an economist specialising in the Australian labour market.

Everyone knows your struggle is genuine and really hopes you can sort things out and that a little luck comes your way. :hug:

 

Millie x

[milliem]

I am really it sure about this advice at all. It is not allowed on the visa and whilst somebody somewhere knows of someone else who did it and got away with it, I would not risk it for myself and for my own visa.

 

Me too

 

The DIAC have a tendency to randomly turn up at places of work or addresses and interview people /colleagues spontaneously. Not worth the risk

 

Millie x

[digitalis]

Put it on the 'pay no attention whatsoever' list. He has got himself a WHV and been there a few months and now thinks he is an economist specialising in the Australian labour market.

Everyone knows your struggle is genuine and really hopes you can sort things out and that a little luck comes your way. :hug:

 

Millie x

 

A few months longer than you though. Don't need a weatherman to tell me which way the wind is blowing, and you don't need to be an economist to know that there is an abundance of jobs all over WA, ESPECIALLY for her OH but she has already said he's too good to work as a TA, so there you go.

[milliem]

A few months longer than you though. Don't need a weatherman to tell me which way the wind is blowing, and you don't need to be an economist to know that there is an abundance of jobs all over WA, ESPECIALLY for her OH but she has already said he's too good to work as a TA, so there you go.

 

Wise up

 

And err no you haven't. I have been in and out of Australia for the last 25 years, in fact, over the years have lived and worked all over the world. You're very keen on making sweeping statements and assumptions about things you know little about.

 

Millie

[digitalis]

You know nothing about me, ergo you're a hypocrite. Come here and live for a while then come and say there are no jobs for tradies.

[Que Sera Sera]

OK getting back to basics, I have friends who are sparkys and there really are jobs , however, this is the big one, even those on PR had to do the training to allow them to work on their own. I think this could honestly be the only stumbling block. Also as someone has already said paying $1000 a week is utter madness that must be one heck of a palace you are living in even as a holiday home we had a gorgeous place 4 bed near the beach for $2000 a month. I really hope you get it sorted. Mandurah is a lovely place, I know cause I live here and there are lots of new housing estates going up south of Mandurah and even here in Lakelands (North Mandurah) where I live. Was your OH skilled enough with the relevent work experience to get the PR if he is maybe, go back to the UK, save as much as possible and apply for PR.

[Mongrel]

Sorry but if you don't have the A licence you won't get a sparky job

[Guest JK2510]

Sorry but if you don't have the A licence you won't get a sparky job

 

Arent you treated as a trainee??

[Que Sera Sera]

Arent you treated as a trainee??

 

If that's the case it could be a minimum wage thing? Perhaps

[digitalis]

Arent you treated as a trainee??

 

A TA or trades assistant. It's not min. wage and you could get a LOT of hours. I get the impression the posters OH doesn't want to do this, and thought he could walk straight into a $40/50/h sparky job, which I don't blame him for as a lot of my mates have had the same TA thing happen to them when they had a lot of experience back in blighty. Dems the rules unfortunatley. Overcome and adapt.

Edited September 24, 2012 by digitalis

[Guest JK2510]

If that's the case it could be a minimum wage thing? Perhaps

Yeah possibly......it's a shame they haven't got PR as I have a feeling the qualifications will cost more.....my OH is an air con engineer,he has paid $600 for a course...without PR it was around $3k.

[Guest JK2510]

A TA or trades assistant. It's not min. wage and you get a LOT of hours. I get the impression the posters OH doesn't want to do this, and thought he walk straight into a $40/50/h sparky job.

I really don't think that is the case, living regional you will be very restricted and I think the salary would be less anyhow.

[The Yuills]

Please be careful...check before you just apply and work anywhere. My husband was working with someone on a regional visa 2 years ago....he decided stuff it I am working in the city....he had he visa cancelled and had to fly back to the UK...no warning no nothing.

 

Boddingtons is a mine site and do drive in drive out and is south of Mandurah give them a try maybe. RMS in Mandurah might be able to help you.

 

Good luck.

[digitalis]

I really don't think that is the case, living regional you will be very restricted and I think the salary would be less anyhow.

 

Even if it is less it wouldn't be min. wage. I'll ask a few mates and see what they're on as TA's while they wait for their licence conversion.

[barbaitch]

Hey, just thought of something - if you have your dog grooming gear I'll give you your first job. Our old fella is nearly 15 and will need shaved very soon - if you're up for it?

 

 

Majinka: DisillusionedScot just might be the magic 'light on the horizon' you need right now!! I reckon you should go for that lovely Guinness at Murphy's with them and, who knows: one step at a time. All's not lost yet with nice people like her/him looking out for you. It might take a while, but you'll get there, I'm sure. Sounds like he/she could be the Cavalry come to the rescue .... right on time! Cue bagpipes! (Ooh, I've gone all Zulu now!) Hope it all works out for you.:hug:

Edited September 24, 2012 by barbaitch

[Maginca]

A TA or trades assistant. It's not min. wage and you could get a LOT of hours. I get the impression the posters OH doesn't want to do this, and thought he could walk straight into a $40/50/h sparky job, which I don't blame him for as a lot of my mates have had the same TA thing happen to them when they had a lot of experience back in blighty. Dems the rules unfortunatley. Overcome and adapt.

 

 

Erm, actually he's applied for everything from labourer to TA, to working in a bloody pig farm and a scrap yard just to get us by. There are hundreds of applicants per job. The ones he has spoken to for a TA have clearly told him they just want a 17-22 year old, not to mention someone with Ozzy experience. Or they're miles away and out of our region.

It's absolutely NOTHING to do with pride or greed or ignorance. He has cold called in on businesses here. Given resumes to agents. Trawled the net. Asked in pubs. So I do think you are being a little judgemental here saying he thinks he's too good to be a TA.

He went for a job interview today that was offering $16 an hour in a scrap yard which was 1.5 hours away for a part time hours which wouldn't even cover fuel after tax. He got turned down anyway as they wanted a local school leaver!

Perhaps one day (when you've finished making your millions in Oz backpacking) things will change for you and you'll know how it feels? I hope not though.

Ok, so I came on here whilst having a moment, worried about the future and feeling quite negative. I know something will come up, and we will stay here.

I actually like Mandurah. It's just the bulk of the work isn't within our zone.

Our holiday accommodation is expensive, as we had to book it very last minute and it was all we could get at the time (as we'd been let down at the last minute on the cheaper one) but we've now got a perm rental for a very decent price.

My original moan on here was about the visa restrictions!

I like Oz, and am glad we're here. And here we will stay!

[DisillusionedScot]

Hello!!!

 

We've been here for a month now (myself, husband and 7 year old daughter) and I'd never have imagined we'd be this unhappy.

We came on a 475 Regional State Sponsored Visa and are living in Mandurah. This regional sponsorship is awful. All the jobs are not within our regional areas, some literally a stones throw from our areas (Rockingham/Fremantle) but not acceptable by the government here for our strict visas. Mandurah is beautiful, but there's no work here. Yes, yes, I know that's what the regional sponsored visa is about, but even after a years research we couldn't have prepared for the lack of work! Damn my agent for not pushing for a 176 when we asked her to.

My husband is a sparks and I've owned a grooming salon for years in the UK but have loads of experience in other careers and can turn my hand to most jobs. However, we have so far spent approximately 9 hours a day applying for jobs, cold calling jobs, emailing companies, registering with agencies, walking the streets looking for "Hiring" signs..... and NOTHING!

 

My husband has begun expensive training to do all the tickets required to get a job, such as working at heights, confined spaces, EWP, forklift truck etc at a HUGE cost just so he can work on a site somewhere, but the companies want actual Ozzy experience and they're not in our postcode area. Can't get his Grade A licence until he has his provisional one through then goes to college at huge expense. He even applied to work on a pig farm and a 17 year old's job as a farriers assistant!

 

I have had to pay for a course just to serve drinks in a bar, and STILL can't get a job despite going into every bar, restaurant and agency with my resume!

I actually think we were better off in the UK. We owned a house outright, and had great jobs and support.

I feel lonelier than ever here, and just cry all night after a day of utter rejection.

I know that loads of you readers will shoot me down and say I'm lucky to have got here, but I'm sorry that's not how t feels right now.

We won't/can't go home as we've invested everything we own into this, but I'm seriously at breaking point.

 

Drop me a Private Message and I'll pass on my partner's email address so you can have a chat with her (I've spoken to Cat and she's keen to try to help, even if it's just someone to sound off to). If you're not up for a public meet in Murphys then how's about a drink and some nosh 'round at our place (provided you don't mind two elderly dogs who've mastered the art of pretending their starved!). We came over here in January and honestly, we know exactly how you must be feeling. You never know, maybe if we put our heads together we can work something out? Nothing ventured?...