hello everyone,
we are new to the site,and are delighted we found it.My husband and I with our 2 children[age 8 and 5] are hoping to make the big move early next year.We have looked at every possible suburb in brisbane and have choose a few we would like Brackenridge scors high with us,also we like sinnamon park,jindalee,darra,sumner.We are hoping to put the kids into a catholic school,but we feel the facilities are better in the state schools,does anyone have an opinion on this? We are hoping to rent for the first 6 months.My husband is waiting on his tra he's a motor mechanic by trade.Does anyone know is this in high demand in brisbane? And if so is it nearer to the city? he dosen't mind travelling for work.We would like to be in an area that is quite rural,as we live in a rural village in northern ireland co down.Would really like to hear from anyone in the same position as us. sorry for all the questions just got carried away!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hi Shane & Andrea
Have you considered Redland Shire? If you like something more rural you might like it here. There are some quiet areas here but also good links to the city with good shopping centres and great restaurants, and living by the sea is wonderful.. Check out www.brisbanefirstconnections.com.au and go to links you will find lots of information there. Mount Cotton is quite rural, and a new estate being built called Cotton Ridge is very very nice. There is a good mix of private & state schools in this area and Mary Mckillop Catholic school has a good reputation, that is in Wellington Point. The facilities in the state schools are no where near as good as the private, you get what you pay for I suppose. I think you will find the State schools are ok though. Good Luck with your plans I hope it all works out for you.
Angie

 

Hi Angie,
Thanks for the information it was brill!! Went on to the link you gave me and got lots of really good info.How long have you been there?Did you also move from the uk? would love to hear!!!

 

Hi
Yes we moved from the Uk in 2004, spent two years in Sydney and moved to Brisbane last year. We loved Sydney, and still miss the friends we made, it was easy to settle there and make friends as we had some family to help us. I decided to start the settling in service, "Brsibane First Connections" as we found it more difficult here to meet people and make friends, and it seemed like we were not the only ones!! Our story is on the website in brief. The Redlands area is, with out a doubt, the nicest area we have ever lived in, we moved around South Africa quite a lot and lived in varous places including the Transvaal and Orange Free state, as well as in England, but nothing is quite like here. The lifestyle in Queensland is very laid back, sometimes a little frustrating with the tradesmen turning up late!! But once you go with the flow, it feels good. The sun shines here almost every day of the year, that makes you feel good and less stressed to start with. We also have less water restrictions here in the Redlands as most of our water comes from North Stradbroke Island, we are currently on level 2 where as Brisbane City areas are now on level 5. It was named Redland Shire because of all the strawberry fields thet were here years ago, we buy the best strawberries we have ever tasted from a little farm shop who still grow thier own. It takes my husband 35 mins to drive into the city from here, so if your husband worked there it would not be too far to travel. Some city dwellers come out here to the water at weekends, water skiing /jetskiing etc, there are lots of parks and bbq areas here for the kids and all free to use. Have you applied for permanent residence? Have you been to Australia before? Angie

 

Hi angie,
We are waiting our reply on Shane's TRA [any day soon] Shane is a motor mechanic,and i work in sales.We are hoping to visit November of this year to check out area's and schools,renting homes and everything else that goes with it.It is just such a roller coaster of emotion at the moment we recently told family and friend's some wished us really well and others are still trying to come to term's with it.Im sure you know exactly what im talking about!! It's great to talk to you and i read your story[ great inspiration] I loved the redlands area especially Capalaba,and Clevland there's just so much to offer in these areas.St luke's catholic School in Capalaba looked amazing,i couldn't get on to the Mary mcKillop one you reccommened.My son is 8 and my daughter is 5 and i would love to put them into a good school like these.My head is mangled there's just so much to consider, and the waiting game is also very painful! But enough of my moaning! We are all very excited about the move and our knew life in Brisbane, can't wait to shane and i go out end of the year.Do you know if there is any Irish communities in the Redlands area? Would really like it if there was,as we have no family out in Australia.But hopefully will make plenty of friends through the kids at school,and both our jobs.Would you know if there would be much work for shane in this area? or would he need to travel to the city? Thnaks for even reading my message you've been great Angie.
Andrea

 

Hi Andrea
I am not aware of any Irish communities here, that does not mean that there are not any, there could well be.!! We do have an Irish pub in Birkdale called Finnigans Chin, that might be a good place to start looking. If you need my help when planning your trip for November please email me neaer to the time, I would be delighted to show you the area and also book your accommodation should you require that. You could check out careerone.com.au for jobs.
Best of luck
Angie

 

Hi there
We are in a similar situation to you as we want to send our kids same ages as yours to catholic school too as they attend catholic school in U.K
The Catholic schools are private I beleive and charge a fee but it does not seem to be as much as other private schools. I recently contacted the principle at the Catholic primary at Deception bay just to ask some questions. He said they had places for both my kids (I have another not school age). Have been looking at Deception bay and surrounding areas which seems to be rural/coastal. Cannot find too much info on it anyone been there? We want to settle in North Brisbane suburbs as I find friends near Joyner and albany creek?
Would be grateful for any thoughts (as long as not rude!) seriously though -all thoughts gratefully received.
:wink:
Maisey

 

Hi Maisey
Have never came across Deception bay, and i must have viewed every suburb in the Brisbane area.We really like the Redlands area,especially Clevland & Capalaba.I found some lovely Catholic schools in these area's,but i haven't contacted anyone regarding places for my kids.The fees are very reasonable in comparsment to the private ones at home.I think they only work out in the region of $1500 approx per term but you get a better rate if you have more than 1 child at the school. What stage are you at? when are you hoping to make the move?
Sorry i can't be of anymore help.
Goodluck,keep in touch.
Andrea

 

Hi Shane&andrea
Have since looked at Redlands and trawled through realestate.com.au found some lovely properties too.
Have you been on the Catholic directory site for Brisbane and searched for catholic schools, some of their fees are per annum and come out at about $1500. I just contacted a few to see if they had places and also to ask if they need a priests reference as you have to be Mother Teresa to get in over here!
I have just done all the work for the skilled visa 136 TRA form and am waiting for one more reference and then I can get shut of it! My hubby is a roofer and he is being assessed although I am a nurse.
I am sure there will be an irish community over there as (being of irish descent - plastic paddy! 1st generation). I managed to find a McGinty's bar and restaurant.
What stage are you at? The TRA assessments seem to be coming back quite quickly at the mo.
Good luck
Maisey