Lisa T Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Hi EveryoneJust a bit of background from our side: (We live in Kloof, Durban) We investigated emmigrating to Canada, USA (Boston and Florida)and the UK very seriously last year, and did an LSD trip to all 3 countries. Well thank goodness we did this, because we would never have fitted in, in Canada or the US. We felt that we were on a different wave length to the people over there and had very little in common. My husband for one is a rugby fanatic, and we thrive on getting together on a weekend to enjoy the Super 14 and various test matches. The UK was an option, but we have lived there in the past and know how bleak the winters can be, the confined living spaces and worst of all your money means nothing with the exchange rate. SO after MUCH EXPENSE, we decided to walk away from those options. We've had a cooling off period, and then friends (of friends) get attacked and shot in a local restaurant in Essenwood Road, Durban, and it makes you wonder what you're still doing here!My brother has visited Australia many times for work purposes and his first reaction was, WHY NOT AUSTRALIA, IT IS JUST LIKE HOME! Similar cultures, similar climates, etc, etc. So here we are wanting to gather a bit of information which hopefully you could assist us with:We are interested in Perth and wanted the following information:1. Why Perth and not one of the other major cities?2. We own a congress management company and wanted to know if anyone could give us some information about this industry and what the convention centres/hotels are like in Perth? Do they host many international congresses, is it a busy congress hosting city?3. Where do the bulk of South Africans live in Perth and why?4. As we are sociable people, is it easy to meet and make new friends?5. What is the general annual weather pattern in Perth?As you can see these are merely fact finding questions as we are only beginning to investigate this option.Look forward to hearing from anyone!ByeLisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomdoel Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Hi there LisaTBaie welkom oppi site ek kan ongelukkig geen antwoorde vijou gee op jou vrae nie maar wil jou net tys lat voel, bly jys hie! MoiblyTomdoel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Parsons Family Posted June 12, 2007 Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Hi LisaWelcome to the forum 1. We chose Perth because we were tired of big city living in Joburg and we love it here.2. Not sure have a look at the Perth Convention Centre website.3. Most Saffers live North of the river and west of the freeway but many are living in Ellenbrook (to be honest we are EVERYWHERE )4. It easy to make friends... the best way to do this is to join a church and/or a sports club.5. Weather here is SUPERB, check out the Perth Weather Centre Site for more info.Hope this helps...shout if you need anything elseGaille Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa T Posted June 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Thank you so much for replying. The Perth convention centre website is really helpful and I suppose it is better to contact them directly to find out about our industry specifically.The weather site is also most useful.One of our biggest concerns is starting off in a new country without any friends or family, but I"m sure everyone has that fear! Thanks again, and if anyone has anything else to contribute, that would be great!Cheers!Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Parsons Family Posted June 12, 2007 Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Hi LisaDon't stress about the friends bit, it happens before you know it. I can honestly say I have made 2 exceptionally good friends here, they are people I can share everything with and I met them in my first month here. We have quite a few people we see socially and the circle grows slowly.CheersGaillePS I also lived in Kloof (Heaton Nicholls) when I was much younger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa T Posted June 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 I don't believe it! We live just around the corner from Heaton Nichols and my little boy goes to a pre-school in Heaton Nichols Road! The world is so small isn't it!Do you have kids? How do you find the schooling?Been great chatting to you and if we have any more questions I'll be sure to contact you!Bye for nowLisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieSkim Posted June 12, 2007 Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Hi Lisa TDo not know a lot about Perth (yet) but have been doing my fair share of investigation over the past 2 months.We are flying this weekend to do a short LSD trip and conduct final interviews. Should be able to give more feedback once back.Herewith some useful links I used in prepartion and some advise on where to look:- The forum has 1000s of topics on Perth and Australia. Take some time to search and read old topics.- General info on Perth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth,_Western_Australia- Housing: http://reiwa.com/- Immigration: www.immi.gov.auBelow is an extensive list of websites I got from another post on the forum (apologies but I cannot remember who's it was as it does deserve a big thank you ) which I found rather useful. (Attached word document has all the hyperlinks)AUSTRALIAN EMBASSIES • London, UK • Ottawa, Canada • Washington DC, USA • Berlin, Germany (Berlin) • All overseas DIMIA offices • All overseas Australian missionsNot every Australian mission has a DIMIA presence.AUSTRALIAN SITES, OTHER • http://www.austlii.edu.au (Legal Database) • http://www.melbourne2006.com.au (Commonwealth Games) • http://www.taxpayer.com.au (Taxpayers Australia) • http://www.bpay.com.au (Bill payment) • http://www.slsa.asn.au (Surf life saving) • http://www.australianflag.org.au (Australian National Flag Association) • http://www.southern-cross-group.org (Expatriate Australians) • http://www.hea.asn.au (Home-education) • http://www.rfds.org.au (Royal Flying Doctor Service) • http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fireants (Brisbane Fire Ant infestation) • http://www.ntf.flinders.edu.au (National Tidal Facility) • http://www.ga.gov.au/nmd/geodesy/astro/ (Sunrise / Sunset times) • http://www.whereis.com.au (online maps)BANKING • http://www.commbank.com.au • http://www.anz.com.au • http://www.stgeorge.com.au • http://www.national.com.au • http://www.westpac.com.au • http://www.australiancu.com.au • http://www.bankwest.com.au • http://www.banksa.com.au • http://www.hsbc.com.au • http://www.citibank.com.au • http://www.migrantbanking.co.uk (Commonwealth Bank, London branch) • http://www.americanexpress.com.auCOMMUNITY MIGRATION ADVICE in AUSTRALIA • http://www.iarc.asn.au (Sydney) • http://www.rilc.org.au (Melbourne) • AussieMove (Brisbane, Perth) - Autralia's Migration Network • If elsewhere in Australia, IARC or RILC may be able to refer youDIRECTORIES & SEARCH ENGINES • http://www.yahoo.com.au • http://www.google.com.au • http://www.whitepages.com.au (Online Directory) • http://www.yellowpages.com.auDISTANCE LEARNING • http://www.une.edu.au • http://www.deakin.edu.au • http://www.monash.edu.au • http://www.usq.edu.au • http://www.ola.edu.au • http://www.oli.tafe.net • http://www.londonexternal.ac.ukDRIVING LICENCE • http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au • http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au • Other authorities can be found through the state government portal.EMPLOYMENT • Australian Job Search - the largest job site in Australia • CareerOne - "Find the One" • Hays Specialist Recruitment - Australia & New Zealand (+ salary survey) • MyCareer - "Simply Jobs" • Seek - "Australia's #1 Job Site"ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING • http://www.ielts.org • http://www.oet.com.auEXTERNAL TERRITORIES • http://www.norfolk.gov.nf • http://www.dotars.gov.au/explore.as...es+of+AustraliaFOREIGN EMBASSIES in the AUSTRALIA • http://www.info.dfat.gov.au/protocol (Full listing) • http://www.britaus.net • http://canberra.usembassy.gov • http://www.canada.org.au • http://www.nzembassy.com/home.cfm?c=18GOVERNMENT PORTALS • http://www.fed.gov.au • http://www.nsw.gov.au • http://www.vic.gov.au • http://www.qld.gov.au • http://www.sa.gov.au • http://www.wa.gov.au • http://www.tas.gov.au • http://www.act.gov.au • http://www.nt.gov.auGOVERNMENT SITES, OTHER • http://www.abs.gov.au (National Statistics) • http://www.rba.gov.au (Central Bank) • http://scaleplus.law.gov.au (Legislation Information) • http://www.casa.gov.au (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) • http://www.ato.gov.au (Taxation) • http://www.aqis.gov.au (Quarantine) • http://www.customs.gov.au (Customs) • http://www.firb.gov.au (Foreign Investment Review Board) • http://www.familycourt.gov.au (Family Court, includes divorce information) • http://www.aat.gov.au (Administrative Appeals Tribunal)HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE • http://www.centrelink.gov.au (Social security) • http://www.hic.gov.au (Health Insurance Commission, incl Medicare) • http://www.mbf.com.au (Health insurance) • http://www.medibank.com.au (health insurance) • http://www.hcf.com.au (health insurance)HIGHER EDUCATION • http://www.go8.edu.au • http://www.hecs.gov.auIMMIGRATION AGENTS • http://www.themara.com.au • http://www.mia.org.au • http://www.austimmigration.com.au (George Lombard) • http://www.overseas-emigration.co.uk (Richard Gregan) • http://www.iscah.com (Steven O'Neil) • http://www.gomatilda.com (Alan Collett) • http://www.ianharrop.co.uk (Ian Harrop) • http://users.bigpond.net.au/onk/ (Peter Bollard)IMMIGRATION FAQs • http://ptlabs.topcities.com/faq0.html • http://www.austimeline.com (Timelines) • Mark & Alice's Information Website - things you should consider, or wanted to know about emigrating to Australia • http://www.richw.org/dualcit/ (for US citizens in Australia)INTERNET • http://www.ozemail.com.au • http://www.pacific.net.au • http://www.ihug.com.au • http://www.iprimus.com.au • http://www.iinet.net.au • http://www.aunic.net (Naming)NEWS and MEDIA • http://www.abc.net.au • http://www.ninemsn.com.au • http://www.seven.com.au • http://www.theaustralian.com.au (National) • http://www.smh.com.au (Sydney) • http://www.theage.com.au (Melbourne) • http://www.afr.com.au (Australian Financial Review) • http://www.crikey.com.au • http://www.mikesradioworld.com/oceania.html (Radio stations online)PETS • Animal Travel Services • Global Paws • Keringa International • Pets en Transit POLITICAL • http://www.liberal.org.au • http://www.alp.org.au • http://www.aph.gov.au (Parliament) • http://www.aec.gov.au (Elections) • http://www.whitlamdismissal.com (Political history) • http://www.australianpolitics.comPOSTAL & TELECOM • http://www.auspost.com.au • http://www.telstra.com.au • http://www.optus.com.au • http://www.vodafone.com.au • http://www.virginmobile.com.auREAL ESTATE • http://www.property.com.au • http://www.realestate.com.au • http://www.domain.com.au • http://www.tenants.org.au (Tenants rights)RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS • http://www.australia.anglican.org • http://www.uca.org.au (Uniting Church - Methodist/Presbyterian)SHOPPING & RETAIL • http://www.angusrobertson.com.au (Books) • http://www.binglee.com.au (Electrical) • http://www.dse.com.au (Electrical) • http://www.coles.com.au (Supermarket) • http://www.dymocks.com.au (Books) • http://www.retravision.com.au (Electrical) • http://www.westfield.com.au (Shopping Malls) • http://www.woolworths.com.au (Supermarkets)SKILL ASSESSING AUTHORITIES • Australian Computer Society (Mara) • http://www.ieaust.org.au (Engineers) • http://www.aaca.org.au (Architects) • http://www.icaa.org.au (Accountants) • http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au (Accountants) • http://www.nia.org.au (Accountants) • http://www.aps.psychsociety.com.au (Psychology) • http://www.acs.org.au (IT) • http://www.anmc.org.au (Nurses) • http://www.naati.com.au (Translators) • http://www.detya.gov.au/noosr/ (Teachers, plus general information) • http://www.workplace.gov.au/TRA/ (Tradesmen) • http://www.vetassess.com.au (Most 50 + 40 point occupations) • A full listing can be found on form 1121i (Skilled Occupations List)STATE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES • http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au • http://www.immigration.sa.gov.au • http://www.development.tas.gov.au/l...illedvisas.htmlTOURISM • http://www.australia.com • http://www.yha.org.au (Budget accommodation)TRAVEL & MOTORING • http://www.flightcentre.com.au • http://www.trailfinders.com.au • http://www.qantas.com • http://www.virginblue.com.au (Main competitor to Qantas) • http://www.sydneyairport.com.au • http://www.melbourneairport.com.au • http://www.greyhound.com.au (Bus) • http://www.drive.com.au (Car prices) • http://www.nrma.com.au (Insurance, Roadside assistance) • http://www.avis.com.au • http://www.hertz.com.au • http://www.bayswatercarrental.com.au (Car rental, Sydney and Perth) • http://www.airlinequality.com (Airline reviews)UTILITY PROVIDERS (SYDNEY) • http://www.agl.com.au • http://www.energy.com.auVISAS, IMMIGRATION & CITIZENSHIP • Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs - (DIMA) Australian Government • Australian Citizenship - under DIMA • Passports - Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade • Migration Review Tribunal • http://www.nz-oz.gov.au (for Kiwis heading to Australia)WEATHER • http://www.bom.gov.au • http://www.australianweathernews.com • http://www.ozemail.com.au/~jamestorm/bristorm.html (Brisbane) • http://members.iinet.net.au/~jacob/weather.html (Perth) • http://www.dropbears.com/brough (Morning Glory cloud waves) • http://www.realsurf.com.au/ (Surf reports)WEBCAMS • http://perthcam.bankwest.com.au • http://webcam.omni.net.au (Melbourne)Links.doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa T Posted June 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Hi DieSkimThanks for all this info. It will be very interesting to hear your feedback on Perth when you return from your LSD. I've been reading through a few posts on the LSD section, and found a very interesting one, which describes Perth as a large town rather than a small city. Coming from Durban, this is more up our alley as we found the bigger cities in Canada, USA and UK quite daunting! We always said we would never want to live in a large metropolitan area, but rather in a small city similar to that of Durban where the Western suburbs are a 30 minute drive to the beaches and CBD. Please do take a few pics of the suburbs you visit, the beaches, the city, houses etc and when you get back we would really appreciate you sending them to us. I would also be interested in finding out your views on how it compares with Durban and surrounding suburbs.As I said before we seriously looked at the other countries last year and were put off completely. No place is like home, but if you could find somewhere similar, it would be first choice.Thanks a lot and have a great trip, and we look forward to hearing from you on your return.ByeLisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBN1972 Posted June 12, 2007 Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Hi Lisa,Welcome to the forum.Also in the same situation as you. Dbn born and bred and undecided where to go once in Aus. Only certainty is that I wanna get out of here ASAP. Live literally down the road from St. Tropez and eat there from time to time, shocking what's happening in this country.Anyway, once you have some feedback/info on Perth, please send on.Ciao!WillemMusgrave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camper Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 We are also from Durban and did a LSD trip 18mths ago to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Out of the 3 we visted we fell in love with Perth.We visted freinds in Canning Vale, very nice area. We visted freinds in Safety Bay, also very nice and a couple of trips North of the river to a number of beaches and found very nice.We fell in love with a area South of the river called Secret Harbour near Mandurah, beautiful beaches and a nice golf course.There was a story on the web on Friday about a new City been developed just outside Mandurah called Amarilo, they are going to build a complete new city to service 90000 people.We found Brisbane more humid than Durban and we were there Dec/Jan, found Perth hot but not humid.If we have our way we hope to be in Perth by September, just need these imigration lads to speed up.Cheers Camper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa T Posted June 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Hi CamperAs you're from Durban and visited 3 cities in Australia, would you say that Perth is similar to Durban in terms of size, driving distances etc? It's just nice to get feedback from fellow Durbanites on how they view the cities over there and which would be the most similar option. Like I said before, we are not the kind of people that enjoy huge metropolitan areas and prefer the smaller city living. How would you compare Perth to Durban?Thanks a milLisaHi CamperAs you're from Durban and visited 3 cities in Australia, would you say that Perth is similar to Durban in terms of size, driving distances etc? It's just nice to get feedback from fellow Durbanites on how they view the cities over there and which would be the most similar option. Like I said before, we are not the kind of people that enjoy huge metropolitan areas and prefer the smaller city living. How would you compare Perth to Durban?Thanks a milLisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camper Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Perth is totaly different to Durban, there are no hills to start with, very flat. The suburbs especialy south are seperate from oneanother. The city center is slighty smaller than Durban but a 100 times better.The newer areas have nice houses. I don't know the quality of them but they looked pretty good. We just found Perth to be what we are looking for. We did not travel in peak traffic so i cant comment on that, but not once did we discover the traffic hetic.We found the outdoor life awesome, the parks and picnic areas were first class and very strange to go to the park and find a gas braai with free gas ready to use.Don't expect massive shopping centres like Gateway, there a lot of smaller ones with the occasional big one.Perth is our No.1 choice, the only down side is the price of houses, more expensive than other cities. cheersCamper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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