KerEng

Unfortunately I have something else on that day, so can't make it

I just sent a sample of payslips and utility bills (I didn't have bills for my first 18 months as my rent included all bills), I think about 4 of each in total, covering a range of dates, along with the letter from my employer, rental reference, current lease agreement and police check. Had no problems with just those.

I should be able to make it, will hopefully have some job news to celebrate too

It's not on in Melbourne anymore Diane Has moved to Sydney.

Send me a PM with what you need. Might be able to help, but not promising.

I was planning to organise something for late November, but not sure I'll be able to now

Hi Sarah, I'm in Mawson Lakes too. If you want to meet up for a coffee sometime, just let me know :-) Kerry

You don't need a UK police check when applying for the 887, just an Aussie Federal Police check

The switching the electricity off thing is only until it's activated, so it really depends on when they do it. Mine was done mid-morning I think.

I used them when I moved into my rental last year. They only offer connections with certain companies (i.e. AGL for power and, I think, Optus for phone - I organised my own phone connection) but I felt it was easiest to get them to organise everything in one go. Craig at Direct Connect was extremely helpful and sorted things out when AGL were being pains about installing the gas meter (it was a new property). I imagine you could change to another company after connection if you thought they were cheaper, but I'm not sure if there are contract lengths?

Police checks should not take long to come back, so just scan them and add them as soon as they're back. Attach anything you can asap as that way when the case officer looks at your application, it'll be easy for them to approve it there and then

Hi Terry, you're right, you pay and then you get the option to attach there and then, or you attach documents later using your TRN number. The required documentation checklist should appear once you pay, if I remember correctly, but it won't have the stuff about proving you've lived here for two years, etc, you just have to work that out for yourself.

I sent the letter (with all the info on it that DIAC state on the site) and about three or four scanned payslips from various periods (including the first and also the most recent). I wouldn't wait until you're requested to upload stuff, do it now so the case officer can issue the visa when they first look at your case.

I got mine granted a few weeks ago. I applied online and got the decision in 6 weeks. I uploaded all required documents before they were requested (e.g. payslips, police check, passport bio page, photo, etc.) I did get some stuff certified as it said online to do so and I didn't want to risk it (and it was very easy to get them certified by a JP). I didn't need a medical and the first I heard from them was the email granting the visa. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions. Kerry

I'll be there - you beat me to posting ;-)

Have just checked my book and I might be wrong though. Have PM'd you and might be able to help you out ;-)

I'm not sure if the new book (the one being sold now) would be valid yet, Suzer. The old book doesn't expire until 1st June,

Got mine this morning ;-D

Commonwealth will definitely give you a debit card if you're on a 495 Visa - a couple of my friends have recently got them - it has only just started its debit card system. Worth calling them if you don't get anywhere with the others.

Rexco are a good agency for drivers...

I came over with only a couple of suitcases and I used the vacuum bags to great effect. It obviously doesn't save you anything on weight, but I definitely got much more into my cases than I would have otherwise. I then left another couple of bags filled with clothes that I couldn't fit in my case and collected them when I returned to the UK for a quick holiday 6 months later - they hadn't inflated at all. I would definitely recommend them - I used both the large ones that you shrink with a vac and the small ones you just roll up. Kerry

British High Commission. They renew it within Australia, it isn't sent out of the country Cost is 300 and something dollars per passport and although they say it takes 4 weeks, I know of 3 people who have recently applied and it took over 6 weeks for each of them to arrive (one person had to postpone her trip as the passport wasn't back in time)

I'm not sure Adam actually has a wireless internet service, think they only do ADSL (i.e. you need a port through the phone exchange). Internode have a Wireless DSL system in rural areas, but it doesn't extend to Adelaide. The two main wireless ISPs I know of are Optus and Virgin (who use the Optus 3G network). I use Virgin and find them to be good most of the time - their plan is cheaper than Optus. With both of these, you'll get a phone line as well - the phone plugs into the modem, so you don't use the phone points in your house. I think these packages are now restricted to 2Gb download per month (after that you are shaped to dial-up speed, you don't lose internet access). The Virgin one is $60 a month for the 2Gb download and all local and national calls are free (along with calls to Virgin mobiles). I was lucky and got mine when they still had the 4Gb download offer You'd need to check that you can get coverage where you are - you can enter your postcode on their website I think. Your other option would be to get a USB modem from 3 mobile - think they have some good offers - and then you just plug it into your PC. You don't need to have a 3 mobile for this. (You can actually get the USB modem through Virgin as well) Hope this helps. Kerry

Have emailed you Kerry

Pretty much all of it is bad - their 'bangers and mash' consists of deep fried sausages that I think would have been disgusting even grilled. Their steak pie looked alright, though I know someone who had one where the pastry wasn't cooked properly. The veggie pasta was dire too. I would really suggest finding somewhere else if people want to eat.