Tania

Thanks Georgiasmammy - thought so - was free when I last obtained it, but need to renew passport and Australia now charges for it - wasn't clear if UK had also introduced a fee. I know I don't need it but from experience it's more convenient having the stamp in the passport

has anyone had their visa verification stamp put in their UK passports lately at the Migration Branch in LONDON - just wondering if that place still does the stamps and if so is it still free (website doesn't say much and I'm about to renew a passport for a forthcoming visit)

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Thanks for that Roxy - it's certainly a worrying and stressful time going through a high-risk pregnancy - some people don't know how lucky they are to breeze through it Wish you and baby well. x

Anyone know of a 'safe' and effective way of ridding house of carpet beetles/larva. House is rented, carpets are new, I hoover/dust constantly - but I still find these little bugs crawling on the walls and have even found them amongst clothes. Hate these walk-in-wardrobes with no doors!

Bit late I know - but.... My 4 yo daughter had skin allergies back in the UK and I stocked up on enough medication (creams/ointments etc) to last her till she was in her teens, lol. My family thought I was mad!! Seriously, different weather conditions meant her skin improved immensely and apart from the first few months, she hasn't had to use any of the creams I bought over. I only did this because I wasn't sure if they had the same stuff here (not all brands work the same). Kids pay for 'prescribed' medicines here unlike the UK so I was just ensuring I had adequate stock until I was able to compare products. Nowt wrong with that. Most stuff here cheap enough so you don't really need to stock up on anything. Once you get here you may miss a certain thing, but you can always get family/friends to bring it over when they next visit. Can't think of anything I miss from UK (except my family, lol).

Hi I'm not pregnant yet - just thinking about it. Have been in Australia almost a year now and I still don't completely understand the health care system. Just wondered if anyone who's had a 'complicated' pregnancy since moving here can offer me some advice... When I was pregnant back in the UK I was considered 'high risk' following a late miscarriage caused by a blood-clot. I had to take daily injections/medication and be regularly monitored under a specialist. Everything there was covered by the NHS. Here, I don't currently have private healthcare so was wondering what exactly would be covered under my Medicare and would specialist care be monitored locally in my local hospital (Joondalup) or the main hospital down in Perth. As I am not actively trying for a baby just yet, I have not really spoke in depth to my GP other than to ask about the medication, which incidentally she was unable to answer (waste of an appointment!). There is a 12-month waiting period for the pregnancy element of any private healthcare, so unless I am prepared to wait another year for the insurance to take effect (which I'm not), I am contemplating returning back to the UK. Also, I don't have any family members here or close friends yet established - so I was wondering what would happen to my two small children if I was suddenly rushed into hospital (can kids be present in the labour ward - not that I'd want them there). Of course I'll have hubby, but I'm thinking just in case he's not nearby. This was never an issue back in UK as I had my mum So many things to think about - any advice much appreciated. Thanx

Hi Maggie - my husband is doing something completely different now. Whilst there is loads of 'residential' bricklaying jobs NOR the working conditions are a little more 'relaxed' and unfortunately regular work was never guranteed. He's now working towards his HR licence so that he can get a FIFO job on the mines - that is where the money is Again, this is an area where most people are struggling to get into. Your husband won't have any problems finding work in Perth - especially NOR as this is where they are selling great chunks of land and thousands of houses need building

Can't be easy - especially at your age leaving an already established life back home. But hey, settling takes time - jobs here are easier to find than back home, you'll make friends in time and with the sun, sea and surf it's like being on a permanent holiday, lol. I moved here with my family leaving behind my network of support. I'm a bit older than you (won't say) but I rely heavily on my mom - without her here and not knowing anyone either I feel quite alone, sometimes struggling as I can no longer just turn to her for help. But I am determined to make this work - if not for my kids sake. There is not much of a future back in UK, all doom and gloom. Perhaps there are people your age willing to befriend you on here... Stay stong and keep smiling, good luck.

Thanks Andy, one of my company pensions is a Council one which I do believe is final salary - I'm seeing a Westpac advisor soon so hopefully he'll explain all this not just talk me into transferring...

Ian - lol, hubby is desparate to get out of building trade now and has even considered taking on plumbing (but as he will have to start as an apprentice I think it is 4 or 5 years training). If you have all the relavant skills etc I do believe that trade is doing OK here. At least you would be working even when it rains... Sam - we live North (Butler - best known as 'Little Britain' due to the number of british), great place to live especially for families. We chose to live North as they are expanding along the coast, so plenty of land being sold and thousands of houses to be built. There is no shortage of bricklaying jobs - just 'skilled' bricklaying jobs. Hubby says there is no money to be made in residential work as the majority are contracted out to small 'gangs' and therefore constant work is not guranteed. He has tried desperately to get back into the commercial stuff, working for a proper company. I don't think your husband will have a problem finding work - just that he may be disillusioned if he is skilled and expecting bigger and better.

In hindsight - wish we'd brought our car here - still struggling to sell my nice 4 year old Ford C-Max back in UK (still sat on mum's drive) and for the price of our replacement car we have a rust bucket. Cars here are very expensive compared to UK. My second car Peugeot 206 - I just gave to my brother as it wasn't worth selling it. If you can afford it -then I'd recommend bringing them over - as previous post says just weigh up costs of shipping etc.

Thanks Phil - yes I saw that little small print I'm still within the 6 months so guess I should make a decision soon.

Hi We moved to WA earlier this year after hubby secured a 176 visa in Bricklaying. During the process we read with interest how WA was screaming out for skilled bricklayers! My husband specialises in regeneration and renovation and is used to working on large scale projects across the UK. Since arriving here in April, my husband has struggled to secure a position with any large 'recognised' company (although believe me he has tried). Instead he has had to resort to working with smaller jobs building residential properies. Whilst the pay is OK, work is not consistant and he has yet to complete a full week - not great since he is currently the only wage earner in our household. Health and safety is shocking and as there is no union - it seems anything goes (even drinking alchol on the job ). The situation is very frustrating considering all the hard work and effort we put into coming here. Even jobs in mining is extremely difficult to get into - it appears everyone has jumped on the 'band-wagon' so it's more a case of who you know rather than what you know. There are a number of courses you need to take (which aren't cheap) before you're even considered and even then you're not guaranteed a job. Don't get me wrong - I love it here and still think we have made the right choice especially for the family. It's a great place for the kids and I'm sure eventually things will work out for us!! I just want to know how WA can justify a shortage in skilled bricklayers as my husband has not found one yet. So - anyone out there working for any major construction company who thinks they would benefit from a hard worker like my husband - please feel free to PM us. Tania

Hi I've been advised to transfer any money from my UK pension funds into an Australian superannuation fund - apparently there are many advantages to doing this. I haven't got much but I have two separate company pensions which I no longer contribute into, so figured I haven't got much to lose if I transferred it all into one here... Has anyone done it, do you recommend doing it and if so which company?? Cheers Tania

Hi One for my husband... Skilled bricklayer/supervisor looking to work for construction company specialising in restoration, renovation or regeneration projects ie hopsitals, schools, shopping centres etc Has glowing references etc Or does anyone know the company awarded the ground work for Perth Hospital - struggling to get info from John Holland? Thanks Tania

Hi I'm beinging to worry now that we won't be able to find affordable rent to live in Perth (or around)... We are due to move to WA in the next couple of months, neither of us have secured jobs yet and we have a small family. We are not selling our house at the moment which means we will have limited savings and a very tight budget until we find work. We have agreed that husband will travel first, live in cheap accommodation, try and find job ASAP, secure long-term rental and then family to follow. Well that's the plan! However, long-term rentals I've seen that are within our budget all appear to be unsuitable (ie horrible). We are not bothered how many rooms it has, whether it's close to beach or if it has a pool or not, but I would prefer modernish and clean. These appear to be ridiculously expensive although I could be just looking in the wrong place. Short-term/holiday rentals also appear expensive charging per night and totalling £2000-£3000 per month. I have no idea which areas are suitable, but we are looking at Perth or its surrounding suburbs in easy access of Perth (we are not buying a car just yet so will be relying on public transport). I am looking at properties with an equivalent UK rental value of £200-£300 per week - is this possible for nice modernish house close to Perth? Reluctant to sell house yet until we are sure WA is for us but need to find affordable rental accomodation at around £1000 per month. Can anyone advise best suburbs to look or suggest places? Cheers, Tania

Hi Just arranging shipping company but will be packing small items myself into 15 x shipping crates. I will leave the larger and fragile items to the shipping people, but I've been told that containers marked 'PBO' will likely attract the interest of customs. I'm doing this to keep costs down and also utilise/maximise any space. So-far-so-good. Just wondering if anyone who has packed items themselves had any issues clearing it at customs? I am aware of what I can/can't pack and have itemised an inventry list for each container but am worried that my 'neat and compact' packing will be taken apart regardless of the inventry, purely because I packed it myself. Hope this makes sense. Thanks. Tania

Hi - I know exactly what you mean - I had a heated argument with my mum last night over the same thing - it really upset me but it's only gone and made me even more determined to see it through and probably not come back if it all does go wrong (I can be very stubbon)!! We have two small children (3 and 5) and I admit I rely heavily on my mums help. She is very close to them and I understand completely how hard it must be for her that we are leaving, but this is a fantastic opportunity for us and the timing is right as the kids are young and should adapt easily. At present things are not good for us in UK, my Husband was made redundant last year and now has to travel 80m away just for work (early starts and late home means family life is suffering). We are constantly tired - raty with the kids and subsequently this is starting to effect our marriage. Oh and I'm being made redundant myself at Xmas. So you see - what have we got to lose for trying?? She told me I was being selfish and hadn't thought it through - but it's all I've thought about since starting the process... It's not all about making lots of money - it's about quality of life. I've recognised things need to change in my life and soon before it's too late. This is the most hardest and most stressful thing I've ever done in my life so it upsets me to hear someone telling me I haven't thought it through!! She loves us and she's hurting and I have to respect that - but I do wish she could be happy and supportive. After all I still need her and there's nothing stopping her from joining us. You're not alone - I think this is a normal process for everyone - keep smiling and remind yourself why you're doing this X

Have heard some good reviews re Doree Boner (few negative) - thinking of using them. Would need to use their storage option for a few months (both here and Australia) - has anyone had any experience of the storage side?? Can't ship directly so just wondering whether the risk of damage or missing items is higher when using the storage facilities??? Or if you've had good storage via another shipping firm - please recommend. Thanks

Does anyone know if I would be entitled to any first time buyer deals in Australia (although technically I'm not a first time buyer in UK I would be in Australia??) Also, if I rent my house out in UK and was to buy a house in Australia via a new mortgage - would I need to declare the second property in UK?? Rent should cover UK mortgage so any earnings in Australia would potentially go to new mortgage if allowed... Just thinking of options:rolleyes:

Hi - just in the process of renting out my house and was wondering if anyone who is renting out their own property here in UK can recommend landlord insurance company - assuming there are ones I need to avoid...

Hi - in process of moving over to western australia (nowhere in particular) approx March 2012. Looking at areas were major regeneration or construction projects taking place or scheduled to take place soon. Someone recommended Bunbury - is this a good place to settle?? I'm a highly skilled and competent bricklayer/foreman with 7 years experience in the construction industry, including 2 years NVQ training. I am keen, conscientious, hardworking and reliable - not afraid to travel. Skilled in specialised restoration and renovation projects. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. Can anyone recommend current or forthcoming projects or any big contractors (or are you a company looking for someone like me ).

Hi been looking at short term rentals and holiday lets but everything seems so expensive. Only looking for a small 'box' room for a couple of months until can secure long-term rent. No idea where destination will be as no job yet. Husband going first, followed by myself and youngest, followed by eldest (with grandparents). Is there an equivalent to the travel lodge hotels where you can get rooms from as cheap as £9??? Husband is reluctant to share a back-packers dormatry... Also does anyone know how difficult it will be to secure a rental property when we have no jobs - happy to pay upfront but usually people don't rent to people without jobs!!

Hi have decided on a 20 foot sole use container but may need storage. Can anyone tell me whether they store the whole container as it is (already packed) or whether they take it away and restore the contents in a warehouse?? Have read lots of posts regarding damage and stuff going missing etc and was wondering whether this was due to it not being shipped directly to destination?? Also, I understand someone needs to be present at detination to clear goods through customs before it can be delivered or put into storage - if no-one there to clear it what happens??