Well we got here in the end. Mike got a job within the 1st week of being here. Xmas was not too bad. Have good and bad days. Feeling a wee bit homesick today. Kids driving me mental as school does not start to end of this month. Miss yapping to people during the day. Always so excited when hubby gets home from work so I have someone to talk to.
Came on SIR 495 you are not entitled to jack s**t. So was a bit p***d off about not getting Family Assistance at least. They say SA needs immigrants and are offering you this that and the next thing but this is crap. Not that I expect to be given anything as Mike is working and paying taxes I just feel it is a bit unfair.
Met loads of nice people, of course weather is great. But it does remind me of summer at home, raining/windy/sunny.
I have read so much about the pros/cons of doing this whole Oz living etc.
Still not sure about how I feel too early to judge yet.
Will definately give it the 2yrs and then decide.
But just to let people know before they get here. You do get Recipriocol Health Care on a 495 visa to do not worry you are covered. Obviously if your one to go to the doctors often then it might be a bit of a pain but if you dont and you or kids not well just take them either to a doctor who does bulk billing or go straight to A&E which I would prefer to use as you have the latest and most eag3r doctors/nurses wanting to help you. Worked in A&E before and know who it works and would definately take our family to them first.
Just really come with plenty of dosh to take care of the family for the 2yrs before you apply for permanent residency or want to go home.

Hi

sounds like most of us at week 6 or thereabouts. I agree with you about the benefits, a little more incentive wouldn't go amiss. Luckily I can get Family Assistance and it certainly helps out with talking the kids out. Coming with plenty of money to get you through the first bit when all you seem to be doing is spending out is also a must.

Hope all goes well for you

Jo :D

Thank for the reply Jo. Just a bit fed up today.
Starting new job tomorrow and a bit nervous.
Mike gets home around 2.15 then I go out to work until 7pm. Not too bad.
Just that will cover the Family Assistance that were not getting.

hi trace we have been here 7 weeks now and i find myself feeling up and down at different times not knowing wot starts it off. col started work today so i am spending the rest of the holidays trying to entertain the kids which isnt very easy wen they havent got their familiar surroundings. we had a nice enough xmas, but it was very quiet as we are use to having family around.
we have put in for family assistance last week so as of yet we dont know if we wil get it! we came here on the 136 skilled visa.
good luck with your new job :thumbs up:

Good luck with the job tomorrow. It is all a bit daunting especially when you haven't got the girls to natter to and then you do suddenly rely on your partner very heavily for companionship, I was the same when Roy went out to work but once I started work I didn't look back.

Sasha :)

Oh I remember it well , We came about the same time last year . It is hard but I promise that it DOES get better . Once the kids start school you will have an opportunity to meet other mums . (I volunteered in school, They dont have TA s like in UK so love mums listening to readers , backing books etc !!)

If you get work , again that will make it easier to meet someone to talk to !!



Wishing you good luck (know JUST how you feel ...been there , done that !! ) :chuckle:

Love Julie xx

I joined up for tuck shop duty as that way I met mum's and could natter to them whilst getting all the food ready.....it did mean I met people and I could go to the local shops and recognise loads of people.

Sasha :)

PS I won the volunteer of the term last term and got a bucket load of goodies as well ;)

:lol: :lol: :lol: