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Marisawright

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  1. Marisawright
    I've set mine up to get a daily digest and that's working just fine - EXCEPT for one thing. I get an individual email every time someone "reacts" to one of my posts. How can I turn that off?
  2. Marisawright
    Only you can decide, but my gut feeling says, go for it, and the sooner the better. From reading these forums, the most common reason people go home is because they miss family. I see a lot of people for whom it wasn't an issue when they emigrated - but as soon as you have a child of your own, it changes your whole attitude. Once you start to feel that way, the feeling seems to get stronger as time goes by - so even if you put it off, you'll probably end up going eventually, so why not bite the bullet. Right now, your daughter is tiny and she will adapt to life in the UK without a qualm. You won't have all the angst of moving schools and leaving friends. Delay your move until she's, say, 10 or 12 or 15, and she'll have rosy memories of her life in the sun, so when she's grown up she's more likely to head back to Oz, leaving you behind (of course, she may go anywhere in the world, but an attachment to Oz makes it more likely). A lot of people don't settle back in the UK, but that's often because they were discontented with life in the UK before, and they go back to the same problems. You say that's not an issue, so it sounds like it should be fine.
  3. Marisawright
    Not true. Melbourne got a lot of publicity when it had an "asthma thunderstorm" recently, but it was a very rare event. Depending on your allergy triggers, Melbourne will actually be a lot better for some people than other places in Australia. If you're allergic to pollens, you may find that Melbourne isn't good for you, because the wind brings pollens down from inland Australia. However, if you're allergic to dust mites, you'll find that Sydney and anywhere northwards along the coast will be far, far worse than Melbourne. That's because dust mites thrive in humidity, so they multiply massively in the East Coast climate, and the winter never gets cold enough to kill them off. When I first arrived in Australia, I lived in country Victoria and my asthma was fine. I even got income protection insurance with no conditions, because my asthma was so minor. Then I moved to Sydney, and within a few months, my asthma was severely out of control. However, the OP is not asking about allergies, I'm only answering that comment because I don't like to see myths take hold.
  4. Marisawright
    This may be a silly question, but is there anything to stop you transferring your pension into a SMSF as cash, then after a suitable interval, closing down the SMSF and transferring it all into an industry super fund?
  5. Marisawright
    More information about "Oatley - Sydney Suburbs"
    Oatley Postcode - 2223 Oatley is part of the St George area in the southern suburbs of Sydney, 18km from the CBD. The population is around 10,000 to 15,000 people. The area is popular with young families because of its primary schools, easy transport to the CBD and convenience to the huge shopping hub of Hurstville. Unusually for a Sydney suburb, Oatley has a tranquil village-style feel, complete with village green (Oatley Memorial Gardens), pub and clock tower. Property To buy - You can view a listing of property for sale in Oatley here To rent - View current properties to rent in Oatley here Median property prices in Oatley are distorted by the high prices commanded by riverfront properties. Away from the river, there are more affordable townhouses and flats on offer. Neighbouring suburbs Mortdale and Penshurst offer cheaper prices while still being in easy reach of Oatley. In all these suburbs, be cautious of property near the railway line, since freight trains run regularly throughout the night. * Median property prices for Oatley Schools Oatley Public School Oatley West Public School St Joseph's Catholic School Georges River College Oatley Senior Campus Transport Train: Oatley is on the Illawarra Line. Journey time to the CBD is about 40 minutes, the service is reliable and because Oatley is an early station, it's usually easy to get a seat. In the other direction on the same line, Oatley is approx. 20 minutes to the excellent beaches at Cronulla, and about 30 minutes to Waterfall or Heathcote which give access to bush walks in the National Park. Buses to other parts of Sydney can be accessed from the bus interchange at Hurstville. Shopping The main shopping area in Oatley has two butchers, two bakers, a patisserie, an award-winning pie shop, a deli, a florist, four cafes, two women's fashion stores, a gym, two doctor's surgeries, two pharmacies, two hairdressers, a massage therapist and a Commonwealth Bank. There is a Coles supermarket on the other side of the railway line in Oatley West, along with a few restaurants. For other shopping, Hurstville has all the other services you might need including a large Westfields shopping mall, banks, health funds, etc. Pubs and Clubs The Oatley pub is a well-known landmark and attracts visitors from a wide area for its food and live entertainment. During the day it is popular with families and couples thanks to its good food and its large beer garden spread over three levels, the top level with sunshades. On Fridays and Saturday nights it is a mecca for young people from around the area and can get extremely crowded, noisy and rowdy (bouncers are employed). It also runs comedy nights and Sunday afternoon jazz. The Oatley RSL Club is a quiet family club with a bistro, bar, trivia quizes and occasional entertainment. Out and about Oatley Memorial Gardens is a long park running right through the centre of Oatley village. Not far away is Oatley Park, a large area of natural bushland with paths and play areas, similar to a British country park. Another popular walk is the walk from Oatley to Como across the former railway bridge. The attraction for children is the riverside baths, while adults go there for the excellent food and gorgeous views at the historical Como pub.
  6. Marisawright
    The most important thing to look into is what fees you'll have to pay at college or university in the UK. Just because you were (I assume) born in Britain doesn't mean you'll be treated like a local: you may be classed as an international student and have to pay international fees, which can be horrendous. You have to be resident in the UK for a certain period of time before you're eligible to be treated as a local. I'm not sure of the rules myself but I'm sure someone will be along to confirm them. What course were you thinking of doing and where?
  7. Marisawright
    My understanding is that they can't refuse them entry if you can prove they're British citizens. As Quoll says, they'll likely give you a hard time on principle but they can't turn you away.
  8. Marisawright
    Unfortunately I don't think your experience is relevant to the OP, Gary. You still have your own healthy kidney. Statistically, it's been proved that people with only one kidney are no more likely to die prematurely or suffer poor health than people with two kidneys, so Immigration wouldn't have been worried about your future health costs. The OP has had a kidney transplant. Unfortunately a transplanted kidney doesn't last forever. The current record is 40 years I think, but for many it's more like 12 years, which means she'll need another transplant in her 30's or 40's - and if she has migrated to Australia, the Australian taxpayer will have to pay for it. That's what Immigration will be worried about. Because we're so used to free health care in the UK, we don't realise how much these big operations actually cost. I had a spinal op in Australia a couple of years ago which involved 5 hours of surgery, a day in intensive care and three days in hospital. If I'd had to pay for it, it would've cost $35,000. So I'd imagine a kidney transplant would cost that and more, and there's the threshold practically blown already, without counting the cost of immunosuppressant medication. So I don't think it looks good. If I were in the OP's shoes, I wouldn't be paying that agent another cent. If he knew his job, he would be aware that her health condition is a big problem. Instead, I would be getting in touch with one of the agents who specialises in people with medical conditions and getting their opinion.
  9. Marisawright
    Pardon my ignorance, what's so special about haddock? I've never been able to discern much difference in the flavour of white fish. It's the texture that I like - so for instance, I love a real bit of barramundi, nice and fat and juicy. Can't stand anything that's just a thin fillet.
  10. Marisawright
    When you apply to migrate with a health issue, Immigration looks at how much you're likely to cost the Australian tax-payer over your lifetime. They have a threshold, and if your costs go over that threshold, you won't be approved. In your case, they'd look at the cost of your immunosuppressant drugs, and the cost of a further transplant in the future, for instance. I'd say you should consult a migration agent who is experienced in looking after cases with health issues.
  11. Marisawright
    I'm sure it's not worth shipping my car, but my curiosity is getting the better of me, so I have to ask. Would it be worth shipping a Ford Focus hatchback 1.6 Zetec 2009, automatic, only 40,000 miles on the clock.
  12. Marisawright
    How old is your daughter? If you're thinking of something like a Sixth Form College, they do exist in the big cities but I'd be surprised if there is one in a small place like Pt Macquarie. I'm afraid you may have to consider a change of career, as there are few large companies in or near Port Macquarie as far as I know. Seek.com.au is the main website to check for job opportunities.
  13. Marisawright
    Transport links will be your problem anywhere you live in Australia, unless you're in a capital city. Public transport between towns is poor, and sometimes non-existent. Even where it does exist, buses are often infrequent. For instance I used to live in Warracknabeal (Victoria). It's about 40 minutes drive from Horsham (the main regional centre) but there is no local bus between the two. When we first arrived (my oh got a job in the local school) we had to be met by one of the staff in Ballarat - two hours away - and driven to Warracknabeal. The next day we had to get someone to drive us back to Horsham so we could buy a car, as there was no other way to get around. That won't be the case in Port, of course, but it gives you an idea how difficult it can be to get around in the country. You will need to drive!
  14. Marisawright
    Once you are legally resident in Australia, then you are liable for tax on your income from ALL sources worldwide, like any other Australian resident. You get the same allowances etc as any other Australian resident. As for Canadian tax, that depends on Canada. Once you've left Canada you are no longer legally a resident, and in most countries that means you'll be taxed differently to a resident. In some countries non-residents are taxed more harshly, in others less harshly. This article may help. https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax-resources/tax-compliance/5-tax-tips-for-nonresidents-of-canada.jsp Finally, Australia and Canada have a double tax agreement. That means you won't be taxed twice on the same income. When you submit your Australian tax return you would declare your Canadian income, and then also declare the Canadian tax you paid on it, and the Australian tax man would take that into account.
  15. Marisawright
    They won't give you your pension forecast over the phone and you may have to submit the official form to request one.
  16. Marisawright
    The 10 years is the minimum to get any kind of pension at all. You're currently 1 year's contributions short of getting the full pension. What you need to do is - Ask for a PENSION FORECAST, and then they'll tell you exactly how much you'll get. - Calculate the difference between that and the full pension. - Look at how much it would cost you to back-pay a year's contribution. - Calculate how long it will take for the extra pension to pay back that extra contribution.
  17. Marisawright
    I think clotted cream is a real acquired taste. We often have Devonshire teas on our outings in Dorset and the New Forest, but I'm getting to the stage where I ask for a pat of butter instead of the cream! I usually nick some of my oh's cream just to see what it's like, but it's nearly always far too dense, almost like soft butter, and has no taste to speak of.
  18. Marisawright
    But that's like saying nobody had cancer in the 1600's - of course they did, they just couldn't put a name to it. It's a whole separate debate whether identifying an illness makes it easier to treat and is therefore a good thing, or makes it easier for people to exaggerate their condition and is therefore a bad thing.
  19. Marisawright
    That's interesting, because having just spent six months in the UK, I think there's a lot more sugar and fat in the diet here! Not so much in individual foods, but in the type of foods people eat - I notice people eat a lot more biscuits and cakes, and are more likely to eat sausages, pies with thick pastry, fish with batter than lean meat and salad. I also put weight on when I moved to Australia, in spite of a healthier diet, but I know the reason - the portion sizes are much bigger in Australia. For instance, I'll buy two steaks or two pieces of fish in the supermarket here, labelled "2 serves" and the whole pack will 200g to 300g - buy the same thing in Australia and it's more likely to be 400g or even 500g. I remember when I first arrived feeling they were too big but got used to it far too quickly!
  20. Marisawright
    That makes sense on the surface, but a lot depends on your financial situation. In my case, I have enough assets that I won't be entitled to much Aussie pension for several years after retirement age. Whereas I will get my UK pension from the moment I reach that age. So even in those few years, I will get enough UK pension to make it worth paying the extra.
  21. Marisawright
    You can only claim your Australian years if you are living permanently in the UK.
  22. Marisawright
    Not sure what you mean - a WHV doesn't exempt you from anything, in fact Immigration takes a very dim view of people who try to use a WHV as a "back door" way of getting a visa (something your oh needs to remember if he gets questioned on arrival - if he admits he's trying to get work with a view to staying permanently, he'll be put back on the next plane!). If you mean that having the 6 months' regional work will exempt him from the financial requirement, I'm not sure about that for either state. The financial requirement for SA is less (about $35,000 for a family compared to $65,000 for the NT). I may be offline for a while as I'm off to my sister's place in a couple of hours. I do think it would be worth posting in the Migration section if you have any further questions about the in's and out's of the various visas in different states - there are far more knowledgeable people than me here, and they may have some inside knowledge they can share. There are agents here too who can help - don't worry, they will not hassle you for business or anything, they're not allowed to do that!
  23. Marisawright
    It used to be less than NT for a family
  24. Marisawright
    Yes, he needs to have held a job for 6 months in a regional area.
  25. Marisawright
    His skills are on the CSOL, which applies to the whole country. Then the states decide whether they want to offer state sponsorship. He can only get STATE sponsorship in the NT, SA or Tasmania. But the 186 visa is not tied to any state, at least as far as I can see - just to an employer. But to reiterate - I'm no expert!
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