Think I might be coming to OZ

Think I might be coming to OZ

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Discussion

Chim

Original Poster:

7,259 posts

184 months

Tuesday 2nd January 2018
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Ok, had a bit of a left field offer, been approached to to take a position in a large company in Australia, Port Maquarie to be precise. Offer is very good, 4 year Visa for the family, house, car and a large pay check. Government linked organisation and senior role so seems they have ways of making the Visa's happen quickly and want me out there ASAP. All sounds very good, no need for me to sell up back home and they are providing a container and all flights etc to get me there, that along with some return BC flights a few times a year

So questions for all you knowledgable chaps, do you know Port Maquarie, whats its like. I am 51, wife a year younger and kids are 19 and 25, kids are not sure if they will come over though and are thinking about it. What can I expect when I get there lifestyle wise, are there good opportunities for the kids if they come over. Wife is not convinced yet though but I see it as a 4 year holiday at the moment with the option to extend, no real risk.

So far all sounds like a no brainer, that said its a long way from home and would like to get the views off the folks that are there in terms of lifestyle and negatives of staying over there.

Bibbs

3,733 posts

217 months

Wednesday 3rd January 2018
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No idea as I'm on the other side of the island.

But if you could put a 997 Turbo in your container for me, it'd be appreciated. hehe

I'd do it. As you say, 4 year holiday. You'll regret it if you don't.

AW111

9,674 posts

140 months

Thursday 4th January 2018
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Lovely climate.
Good place to visit.
No idea what it's like to live there.

Go for it!

onny

327 posts

269 months

Friday 5th January 2018
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Port Maquarie is a holiday town/small city on the coast with population around 80K. Great weather year round. Busy with tourist during summer time but if you are expecting big city living then its not that. If you like beach, sun, sand and relax living then this is for you. Its about 1/2 way between Sydney and Gold Coast. Have friends from there and they love it. Just don't expect a lot happening like Sydney or Melbourne but if you like a bit of space and the beach then its perfect. This is like living in a Spain resort town but much better.

FerdiZ28

1,355 posts

141 months

Friday 5th January 2018
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Sounds like a good opportunity.

Mate moved out there about four years ago, loves it by all accounts and his accent is coming on! Don't go if you have any arachnophobia though, apparently he sets a place at the table for some of them, easiest way.

I'd rip their hand off.

Chim

Original Poster:

7,259 posts

184 months

Saturday 6th January 2018
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Thanks for the feed back folks, sounds very good and I think I would be stupid to pass it up.

hairyben

8,516 posts

190 months

Saturday 6th January 2018
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I'd look at taking the cars over if you can, rules are restrictive but if you've owned them for a bit you can circumvent and they're worth much more over there. My FiL was looking at all sorts of options for trying to get an AMG before accepting he'd just have to pay oz price.

My o/h is oz and its true what they say, in general there's less going on but quality of life is better, people friendlier less hung up etc, If she wanted to go home I'd be sad to leave the UK on some levels but would relish being there.

Chim

Original Poster:

7,259 posts

184 months

Saturday 6th January 2018
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Was actually thinking about that, looked into it a bit as well. The selling price of the Bentley over there is mad money in comparison to here, the wife has an XKR 2014 convertible that is also way over the cost of here, considerably. Would need to see if i can get the import tax at the right costs though, might work for the Jag better than the Bentley as there is a 33% import duty on any value over 50,000 aud.

Colonial

13,553 posts

212 months

Monday 8th January 2018
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Port Mac used to be a retirement town. Now it is pretty interesting and diverse.

Easy flights from the airport down to Sydney. Easy drive to Newcastle as well.

Do it.

CJN

230 posts

280 months

Thursday 11th January 2018
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We emigrated to Brisbane from Barnsley 12 years ago tomorrow. Australia is epic, just do it. The hardest thing you will face is having to go back in 4 years time as we could not even vision how we would settle back into alife in the uk. We have family that come out to see us every year, but I've only been back to the UK once in 12 years and that was once to many times. Been to Europe the times though 😁

jagsy

1,462 posts

258 months

Wednesday 28th February 2018
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Hi Chim, I live in Port, I’ve sent you a private message, sorry for the delayed reply not be on the forum for a while

pikey

7,702 posts

291 months

Thursday 29th March 2018
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We got an all-expenses offer to come over in 2012 for 2 years.

That was 6 years ago, we're citizens now and have had another child here.

Too good! smile