Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 We are moving there in December as well. Where a bouts are you looking at to live ? Hi, Really not too sure on where we are going to live yet, the company is putting us up for a while until we decide, have been looking on line, I like the newer modern house up near balcks beach but not sure if that too far out of town? Where are you looking at living? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Moved to Mackay last week unfortunately my family aren't joining me until next year if you need any help with anything feel free to give me a shout, still finding my way around so not sure how much help I would actually be Hi, must be daunting going alone first, how long do you have to wait for your family to join you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Be aware that December is the start of the Wet, which means a few storms, temperatures around 30-36 C and high humidity (65-95%) Cheers, Bobj. Ahh Hi Bobj - you truely are the oracle of knowledge!! So you suggest wellies and rain coats? Any other tips to help adjust? How regular are the storms ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Frutsel Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Hi, Really not too sure on where we are going to live yet, the company is putting us up for a while until we decide, have been looking on line, I like the newer modern house up near balcks beach but not sure if that too far out of town? Where are you looking at living? Been looking in the same area. Not to far from anything. Our only problem is that we have 3 dogs. Not a huge variety of houses to pick with them. You can also look for the areas Anderdrove,Walkerston, the beaches area etc. Been there around June this year and the areas r good to live. Who knows we might cross paths in a few months. if u have new info plz let me know. Would be nice to keep in touch.:smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobj Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Ahh Hi Bobj - you truely are the oracle of knowledge!! So you suggest wellies and rain coats? Any other tips to help adjust? How regular are the storms ? Might get 5 storms, might get a few showers. December 2011 rainfall. (mm, 25.4mm=1inch) [TABLE] [TR] [TD]December[/TD] [TD=width: 117]DATE[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]1[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]0.4[/TD] [TD]2[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]1.9[/TD] [TD]3[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]28.5[/TD] [TD]4[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]3.6[/TD] [TD]5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]4.6[/TD] [TD]6[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]7[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]8[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]0.2[/TD] [TD]9[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]4.4[/TD] [TD]10[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]11.4[/TD] [TD]11[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]18[/TD] [TD]12[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]3.9[/TD] [TD]13[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]14[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]15[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]1.2[/TD] [TD]16[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]8.6[/TD] [TD]17[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]3.1[/TD] [TD]18[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]0.1[/TD] [TD]19[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]20[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]21[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]22[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]23[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]0.2[/TD] [TD]24[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]25[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]26[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]46.5[/TD] [TD]27[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]80.4[/TD] [TD]28[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]1.2[/TD] [TD]29[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD]30[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]0.4[/TD] [TD]31[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]218.6[/TD] [TD]TOTAL MM[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]8.61[/TD] [TD]TOTAL IN[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]19[/TD] [TD]DAYS[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Cheers, Bobj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Been looking in the same area. Not to far from anything. Our only problem is that we have 3 dogs. Not a huge variety of houses to pick with them.You can also look for the areas Anderdrove,Walkerston, the beaches area etc. Been there around June this year and the areas r good to live. Who knows we might cross paths in a few months. if u have new info plz let me know. Would be nice to keep in touch.:smile: Hi, yes having dogs must be really limiting, so many rentals say no pets. We have cats but we are trying to rehome them before we come over :sad:. Have you got visas sorted? The company my OH is working for has an agent thats sorting all that stuff out, and we have been told the standard answer of 2 - 4 weeks for the 457 visa, just wondered if you have any or heard of any 'real time' visa apps. Have you got any children? . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Cheers Bobj, going to look and see how that compares with the uk. When does the wet season end? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Just checked out the uk for December last year and it appears we had 707mm of rain in December 2011, 218mm will be bearable :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Hang on Im looking at duff info ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Damn that was for the year. Was 89 mm for the Uk in December :arghh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 http://www.weatherzone.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=33119 was looking at this Bobj - does this seem right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobj Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 http://www.weatherzone.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=33119 was looking at this Bobj - does this seem right? The last 8 years has seen some dramatic changes in Mackay's weather. Rainfall average is 1613 mm = 63.5 inches. But we have experienced 46 inches to 100 inches and slightly windier conditions. Cheers, Bobj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Frutsel Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi, yes having dogs must be really limiting, so many rentals say no pets. We have cats but we are trying to rehome them before we come over :sad:. Have you got visas sorted? The company my OH is working for has an agent thats sorting all that stuff out, and we have been told the standard answer of 2 - 4 weeks for the 457 visa, just wondered if you have any or heard of any 'real time' visa apps. Have you got any children?. I replied for a 309/100 visa. Because I m married for almost 13 years with an Aussie. They told me at embassy in Berlin waiting time is 6-9 months. Applied end July , had med.check etc but haven't hared anything yet:err: and our flights will be on 7th of December. So if my visa is not granted by that time I will go on a tourist visa first. We got no kids. I always tell people the dogs r our kids. good luck with your cats. Hope they have a new home soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eera Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 The actual rainfall isn't the issue during The Wet; it's the rainfall combined with the heat - as you step out of the air conditioning moisture condenses on you, when you wake up at 5.30, you're sweating, there's no relief to be had until March/April when the first cool winds start coming through. Most people don't bother with raincoats as you end up sweating as much in the inside and ending up equally wet. The flipside is absolutely glorious winters when you have about two weeks that you'd call cold, with clear sunny days and no rain for months. As for areas to live, if you have to commute to town at rush hour (7.30 to about 8.30) Blacks Beach can be an absolute git to get from; there's only really one road and limited bridge crossings and it can be very slow going. If you can time your commute to before or after that time it's about 20 minutes. The new estate there is pretty poorly planned and cheaply built; none of the houses have rear access and everyone parks their boats, caravans etc on the nature strip and footpath. I had a cruise around there last week and honestly, it looks like a giant car boot sale. the older area more towards Dolphin Heads is much better laid out with wider roads and better thought out planning. Mackay Council publishes storm surge maps for cyclone season, try and avoid any areas that show up in the surge (flood) zones as they will not get insurance. The maps are found on the coucil website online mapping service MiMaps, which also lets you see high resolution aerial photographs (www.mackay.qld.gov.au, click on the MiMaps link). It also shows various council services like childcare, bus routes etc i you find the appropriate button, it's a very good and rightly award winning service. Coucil say they onyl allow two dogs per household, I do know of people who have successfully registered three, but I don't know how they did it, it's worthwhile asking Council before you get here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechyCAD Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi guys, just joined today. I accepted a job offer from a school in Mackay yesterday. Will arrive 29th December with husband and 2 kids. Daughter almost 12 yrs and son is 5 yrs. Like most people, I am interested to know what areas are good to live in. Will be working in Mount Pleasant. would also appreciate any info on socialising, making friends and keeping kids amused. thanks. :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechyCAD Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I've requested to be added to the Facebook group. Carol-Anne Durkin. Would be great to get to know some people before we arrive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I've requested to be added to the Facebook group. Carol-Anne Durkin. Would be great to get to know some people before we arrive Whats the facebook group? We have just had our visas granted and heading out 1st December :jiggy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I replied for a 309/100 visa. Because I m married for almost 13 years with an Aussie. They told me at embassy in Berlin waiting time is 6-9 months. Applied end July , had med.check etc but haven't hared anything yet:err:and our flights will be on 7th of December. So if my visa is not granted by that time I will go on a tourist visa first. We got no kids. I always tell people the dogs r our kids. good luck with your cats. Hope they have a new home soon. Hi have you had any update on your visa? We had ours granted today so its all systems go now!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Hi guys, just joined today. I accepted a job offer from a school in Mackay yesterday. Will arrive 29th December with husband and 2 kids. Daughter almost 12 yrs and son is 5 yrs. Like most people, I am interested to know what areas are good to live in. Will be working in Mount Pleasant.would also appreciate any info on socialising, making friends and keeping kids amused. thanks. :biggrin: Hi exciting times :biggrin:hows all the planning going ? We are heading out 1st December. We have 2 boys Ollies 8 & Josh is 4. We are all very excited/nervous/scared :goofy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Frutsel Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Hi have you had any update on your visa? We had ours granted today so its all systems go now!! That is wonderful news for u and your family! Congrats! :biggrin: Hope mine will come soon too. Been waiting for 2,5 months now. It's nothing compared to others so I have to be patient. :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest madasfishys Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Guys, We have been in Mackay for about 8 months now, we have experienced some heavy rains last March / April so got to see what areas can flood etc. Renting can be a nightmare! for each rental that comes up expect at least 20 others to be applying with you!!!! I suggest that if possible you build a portfolio of rental history / references / new employer letter to help back your applications (it took us about 8 applications before we succeeded). Schools, the private schools are the best, some with fee's that are reasonable ($56 a week for Holy Spirit). If your looking at areas to live, there are loads of new houses being built at the moment, areas to look: Blacks Beach / Rural View / Mount Pleasant / Andergrove / Cuttersfield / West Mackay. Research Glennella / Beaconsfield / North Mackay first as its prone to flooding. Expect to pay anything from $500 upwards a week for a 4 bed home! Electric around $45 a week if sensible with air con. guys feel free to ask questions.... Sean & Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehimandthekids Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Guys, We have been in Mackay for about 8 months now, we have experienced some heavy rains last March / April so got to see what areas can flood etc. Renting can be a nightmare! for each rental that comes up expect at least 20 others to be applying with you!!!! I suggest that if possible you build a portfolio of rental history / references / new employer letter to help back your applications (it took us about 8 applications before we succeeded). Schools, the private schools are the best, some with fee's that are reasonable ($56 a week for Holy Spirit). If your looking at areas to live, there are loads of new houses being built at the moment, areas to look: Blacks Beach / Rural View / Mount Pleasant / Andergrove / Cuttersfield / West Mackay. Research Glennella / Beaconsfield / North Mackay first as its prone to flooding. Expect to pay anything from $500 upwards a week for a 4 bed home! Electric around $45 a week if sensible with air con. guys feel free to ask questions.... Sean & Lisa Hi, great information. Can I ask what schools you looked at etc and how old are your children? I keep looking at schools but want to see what they are like 'in the flesh' so to speak. Did you have to get anything from the UK to say what education your kids have had? My eldest is 8. I have told the local ed authority and school that he is leaving but know one has mentioned any paperwork to take with us..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest madasfishys Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Yeah, it was a daunting task for us too......... we got here and was like yourselves a little unsure where to send our two youngest (13,16). Our neighbour at the time was a retired school teacher that had worked at Pioneer State High School so with his recommendation we opted for there. However after 8 months we have decided to send our youngest daughter to Holy Spirit at cost to ourselves as it is a much better school with teachers that are prepared to go a little extra (its a Catholic school). As for paperwork, we asked the school in the UK to produce a "moving" pack which contained previous reports and levels that they were attaining. Good luck As I said before anyone that is new to Mackay or about to come, feel free to ask questions or get in touch...... maybe have an ice cold drink at Eimeo Hotel and enjoy the view whilst sharing info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
True Blue Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Yeah, it was a daunting task for us too......... we got here and was like yourselves a little unsure where to send our two youngest (13,16). Our neighbour at the time was a retired school teacher that had worked at Pioneer State High School so with his recommendation we opted for there. However after 8 months we have decided to send our youngest daughter to Holy Spirit at cost to ourselves as it is a much better school with teachers that are prepared to go a little extra (its a Catholic school).As for paperwork, we asked the school in the UK to produce a "moving" pack which contained previous reports and levels that they were attaining. Good luck As I said before anyone that is new to Mackay or about to come, feel free to ask questions or get in touch...... maybe have an ice cold drink at Eimeo Hotel and enjoy the view whilst sharing info. Hi Sean and Lisa New to this site and have a shed load of questions to ask......you did make the offer!!! Anyway, hubby is about to accept a job in Mackay and we'll be moving from Melbourne. VERY apprehensive about the whole move, we have 2 boys (12 and 14) who are both keen to move but it's the unknown. Have heard and read very mixed reports on Mackay, one extreme to the other. Hubby is going up on Thursday until Saturday to hopefully get a feel for the place (before he resigns from his current position - gulp!!!) Looking for some honesty - is it what you expected? Is it "cashed up bogans"? Do you feel totally isolated? How have your children settled? Would appreciate any replies...... :-) Many thanks, Di Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest madasfishys Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Di, Firstly and honestly...... yes there are cashed up bogans here in Mackay, but with the mining industry and the ease for people to get into this highly paid industry it is to be expected really! You see them about with all the toys (boats, jet ski's etc etc) but tbh it doesn't really detract from the beauty and opportunities in industry that Mackay can offer. Obviously you do need to do some research as to where you want to live as the last thing you want is to move into a house with a group of "cashed up bogans" next door. I heard last night on the local news that Mackay attracts some 50 newcomers a week so its still attracting from all over. Industry wise, things have slowed down but as I'm hearing constantly "thats mining" ups and downs with this one expected to last until early next year. if your good at your job then your job should be safe (at least it seems that way). My family have settled well, kids all enjoying themselves so for the time being Mackay is the place for us. Anyway I hope this short reply help to ease your worries, if you need more info please reply....... anyway Im off to a barbie so bye for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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