move to Australia
* _
*UNIVERSITY OF LIFE_
Hello, G'day, howzit and welcome to my website.
Congratulations! Because you are reading this, it means you have made
a commitment to do something about your situation.
* If you are frustrated and worn down and just plain scared of what
lies ahead as you get older
* If you are concerned about opportunities for your children
* If you are tired of the endless stories of crime and violence
* If you want to start a new life but don't know how or where
* If you are tired of the lawlessness on the roads, of the taxis
that make their own rules
* If you are fed up with corrupt politicians and councils
* If you can't deal with rising prices of food and basic services
THEN READ ON...
I've experienced what you are going through right now.
I know the sadness and anger and frustration of seeing the country
you love slowly falling apart, a country that has so much beauty and
potential and wonderful people. I hated seeing it happen as much as
you do
As a father and husband, I didn't want to raise a family in this
environment unless there were some major changes. We all had hope
after the first democratic elections in1994, but unfortunately 15
years on, the honeymoon is well and truly over.
It is a fantastic and exciting achievement for South Africa to be
hosting the 2010 World Cup, but what happens afterwards?
In my case I had been thinking of leaving for some time to go to a
safer place - but I didn't know where to start - what to do? - who to
talk to? The Immigration Agents who processed our application were
specialists in the legal issues, but couldn't help us with all the
other information, plus their fees weren't cheap I tried surfing the
web, but there was not enough information in one place.
I was afraid to stay and afraid to go.
I was born and raised in South Africa and had never moved to another
country beforesure many of us have worked or traveled in other parts
of the world, but we always came back to South Africa.
So I was fearful of moving to another country and starting from
scratch.
You might not have any friends or family in Australia.
Even those who are lucky enough to get a company transfer still have
to deal with all the other issues of relocating.
In 2001 I visited Sydney for two weeks for an LSD (look, see and
decide) trip. The airfare plus insurance cost me about R7000.00.
Nowadays that same flight would cost over R12,000 and that's in the
low season.
The problem was that I only experienced the tourist attractions, so I
only saw Sydney through the eyes of a tourist, not through the eyes of
someone who lives there.
So how was I going to find a place to stay, to look for a job, get a
tax file number, get a driver's license, register for Medicare, find
schools ..
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
It was very hard for me, my wife and two children to leave South
Africa.
BUTIT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BEST DECISION WE HAVE EVER MADE...
It wasn't always like that
_Here's how it began._
About 10 years ago we started thinking about leaving South Africa for
all the same reasons as every one else does.
To get away from the crime, to have a better future for our children,
_blah blah blah._
__
When you have lived in Australia for a few years and then go back to
South Africa for a visit, then you realise how appalling the
conditions are in South Africa compared to the rest of the "free"
world.
When you are immersed in it, you start believing it's normal.
Actually It's far from normal. We just become desensitised to the
horror stories, because that's the way we cope.
I used to try and picture in my mind what it would be like having one
single day with no fear...
IMAGINE
Going for a walk around the neighborhood, or on the beach - at night
nogal! without the fear of being robbed or worse
IMAGINE
Public parks with jungle gyms and swings, with kids playing while
their mothers look on, happily chatting to each other
IMAGINE
Going to a public swimming pool with your kids if you don't feel like
going to the beach? Where there is shade cloth over the paddling pool?
Can anyone still REMEMBER going to a public pool?
IMAGINE
Walking your dog around the neighborhood without having a vicious
looking dog in someone's yard hurling itself at the fence or gate,
trying to attack you
IMAGINE
Not needing to lock your doors when you get in your car
IMAGINE
Being able to stop at an intersection in your car and not worry about
getting hijacked
IMAGINE
Driving your car with the windows wound down
IMAGINE
Feeling safe and secure in your own home without locking all the
doors
IMAGINE
That your children could catch a train or bus to get to School or
College
IMAGINE
Your older children going to a club or party in the city with friends
and catching public transport or a taxi to get home safely?
SIMPLE ACTIVITIES...
WHAT I HAVE JUST DESCRIBED SHOULD BE AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE.
Well - because we live in Australia- we take those simple things for
granted.
After we arrived in Australia it took just a few days for my family
to finally experience the freedom that we used to dream about when
living back home in South Africa.
We have Australian friends who live one street away and never lock
their doors, unless they go away for a few days.
My daughter and I have both mislaid our cell phones on different
occasions.
She left hers on a school bus, and mine dropped onto the road when I
was getting out of my car, without my realising it.
Within a few days, both our phones were returned to us intact by the
people that had found them.
DON'T YOU THINK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DESERVE TO HAVE A LIFESTYLE LIKE
THIS?
Although I was fearful of leaving my home country to go to a place
about which I knew very little, the balance was being tipped a bit
more each day.
Many South Africans have been traumatised directly or indirectly by
various incidents: I had an armed robbery at my restaurant, and after
experiencing the business end of a loaded pistol at my head, finally
all the fear and uncertainty about moving to another country was
outweighed by the prospect of securing a safe future for me and my
family.
We went to see an immigration agent and started the process.
LEARN HOW YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES CAN FIND A NEW LIFE WITHOUT FEAR
IF YOU ARE CONTEMPLATING RELOCATING TO AUSTRALIA IT'S EASY TO MAKE A
LOT OF EXPENSIVE MISTAKES IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT INFORMATION.
YOU NEED A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO HELP YOU AVOID THOSE MISTAKES
PRESENTING
"HOW TO SURVIVE IMMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA"
This book is a guide to help you cope with the process of settling in
Australia (and in particular Sydney/New South Wales). I believe the
information will be just as important as your entry Visa!
I will endeavour to guide you in a simple, low cost way to move to a
new location and start over.
Vic Chatterton
South African Expatriate,
PHD (UOL)*
WE DECIDED TO JOIN THE THOUSANDS OF SOUTH AFRICANS WHO CHOSE THE CITY
WITH THE BEST CLIMATE AND QUALITY OF LIVING* IN AUSTRALIA:
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
WITHIN A WEEK OF ARRIVING I KNEW WE HAD MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. IT
HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE TREATED TO A PICNIC AT BOBBIN HEAD, WHICH IS A
LITTLE INLET IN ONE OF THE MANY WATERWAYS AROUND SYDNEY, ABOUT 20
MINUTES FROM WHERE WE LIVE. THERE IS A LOVELY SECURE PLAYGROUND FOR
KIDS, THERE ARE CYCLISTS AND JOGGERS, FISHERMEN, KAYAKERS, A BOAT
JETTY, AND THE FAMOUS HALVORSEN BOAT BUILDING COMPANY.
WE FOUND A LARGE PICNIC AREA NEXT TO THE WATER. TO MY AMAZEMENT THERE
WAS A LARGE COVERED AREA WITH WOODEN TABLES AND BENCHES, AND BUILT-IN
STAINLESS STEEL ELECTRIC BRAAIS! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PRESS A BUTTON
AND WAIT ABOUT 15 MINS. AND GUESS WHAT- THE PUBLIC TOILETS WERE CLEAN
AND EVEN HAD TOILET PAPER!
THE PARK RANGERS COME EVERY DAY TO CLEAN UP.
GREAT TO SEE YOUR RATES AND TAXES BEING PUT TO GOOD USE!
SO IS THIS PARADISE?
No, but the quality of life is pretty hard to beat.
So what do Australians and South Africans have in common?
Plenty or "heaps" as they would say...
But just because the average Aussie looks the same as you and me
doesn't mean that things get done the same way. You need some guidance
to help you adjust and settle in.
HOW HARD IS IT TO MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY?
VERY HARD
Australia is truly a wonderful place, but you have to look after
yourself. There isn't a welcoming party at the airport singing and
dancing when you arrive at the airport. The streets are not paved with
gold.
So as you read this you are probably feeling confused and scared.
That's just how my wife and I felt.
We went through the all trauma and stress of a big lifestyle change.
Along with divorce and the death of a loved one, it has been said
that settling in a new country is one of themost difficult and most
stressful situations you can experience.
So I'm not going to gloss over the hard times, but to tell you like
it is the emotional highs and lows that you will experience when you
decide to immigrate, but I will provide you with the answers to many
of the questions we were asking when we made the decision to go.
Answers that I would have paid THOUSANDS OF RAND for if I had had
access to them 6 years ago...
I HAVE TO SAY THOUGH
With all the good times and bad times that we went through, we have
no regrets.
Our major problem was the sense of helplessness when we arrived.
We had very little information, support, contacts.
We "did it tough" and I want to help you avoid the bad experiences
and the time and money that was lost.
If I could start over, knowing what I know now, I would have done a
lot more "homework" so I didn't feel like I was drowning when we were
trying to settle in.
We tried to do some research, but when you are still in South Africa,
you have different priorities: you may be at the stage where you are
winding up your job or business, catching up with friends, trying to
sell your house, deciding what to throw out or keep, organising the
removal company, finding a good home for your pets (unless you are
prepared to take them with, but that's another story).
SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW QUITE A LOT ABOUT AUSTRALIA?
I'm sure you know that the currency is a Dollar, that the official
language is English.
You may know about the various states such as NSW, WA, Queensland and
their capitals, you may know that each state has a Premier, you
probably know a bit about the various political parties.
Aussies also drive on the right hand side of the road, Robots are
called traffic lights
You know a few Australian singers, a few rock groups, you've watched
Aussie "Soapies", Aussie movies, you know some Aussie actors. You know
many of their sports personalities. You may know that Uluru is the
traditional name for Ayers Rock.
BUT HERE ARE SOME REAL ISSUES THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH:
* Where should we live?
* Rent or buy?
* Private or Public School?
* Where do I find a church?
* How do I get my driver's licence?
* How do I open a bank account?
* How does public transport work?
* Where are the best shops in the area?
* What is HECS or Fee Help?
* How do I start to look for a job?
* Should I buy a local map book (Aussies call it a street directory)
or a GPS?
* What is Centrelink?
* Private health insurance or Medicare?
* How do I register as a taxpayer?
* What's a group certificate?
* What is Superannuation?
* How do I get a phone service?
* How do I get a cell phone service?
* How do I get an internet service- should I get cable, wireless,
ADSL or naked DSL?
So if you consider all of the above and then include the stress and
emotional roller coaster you are on, it's really hard to make rational
and informed decisions when you are not prepared.
This could waste a huge amount of time but more importantly, COULD
WASTE A LOT OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY.
I have spoken to many South Africans and heard their stories about
what they experienced, their sense of helplessness, frustration,
anger, confusion, depression.
YOU CAN AVOID THIS!
__
I have put together a booklet that has tips and information and links
to many websites, to help you in your quest for a new life.
You could download it right now and be reading it within a few
minutes.
THE A TO Z GUIDE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING THIS GIANT STEP
It has been written by a South African for South Africans
You could be browsing the various chapters within minutes
Save time, save money, minimise the anxiety.
Whether you are about to get on the plane or are still looking at
your options, you still need good, solid information, so this could be
more important than your Visa!
The book is designed around key topics in simple language.
THIS IS WHAT MY EBOOK CAN HELP YOU WITH:
* Gives you a starting point and helps you set goals
* You don't necessarily have to fly to Australia to "have a look"
* Shows you the pitfalls where you can lose money
* Tells you about many essential legal requirements
* Inform yourself without leaving home
* Build confidence and optimism
* Minimise stress when you arrive
* Be organised and prepared
* Have the right information ready to hand
THERE ARE OVER 15 CHAPTERS, PACKED WITH TIPS AND INFORMATION, AND
LINKS TO OVER MANY RELEVANT WEBSITES.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOPICS :
* Education: Private vs public Schools. University vs College or
TAFE
* How to open a Bank Account
* Accommodation: Where and how to look. Paying a bond if you rent.
Tenant's rights. Rent or buy? Mortgage brokers.
* Employment. Employment websites and resources. Award rates,
penalty rates, part time, full time, permanent part time, jobshare,
casual, contracter. Entitlements. Employer/employee Superannuation
contribution. Registering a business.
* Tax: How to apply for your tax file number. Why it is so important
to have one. Tax return obligations.
* Obtaining a Drivers Licence: Legal requirements, cost, tips and
advice
* Buying a car. Where to look. New vs used. Registration, insurance,
annual roadworthy test.
* Centrelink Benefits: What you need in order to claim
* Utilities: Gas vs Electricity. Who to contact. How to set up a
telephone and internet account.
* Transport: Tips and guides for using Sydney's Public Transport
System.
* Health Insurance: Who is eligible for Medicare. Private Health
schemes. Tax implications.
* Superannuation: How to provide for your retirement. Industry
superfunds vs Private
* Pets: Quarantine laws. What are the costs and the process required
if you want to bring animals with.
* Shopping: Shopping hours, late night shopping. Boxing day
bargains.
LADIES! My wife would have paid big bucks for this shopping guide.
You can relax. My wife and teenage daughters have put together some
ideas based on six years of shopping experience.
MEN! where to buy hardware and DIY stuff. TVs, electronic goods,
computers, sports eqiupment.
Plus some additional bonus tips about what furniture to bring, what
electrical appliances to bring, will your TV work in Australia, should
you bring your car with?
How to fill up your car at a service station.
Many people spend THOUSANDS OF RANDS to fly to Australia to see what
they can learn, but they actually don't learn that much._ It happened
to me._
SO ... WHO SHOULD BE READING THIS BOOK?
* If you want to escape the mindless crime and violence and start a
new life. Then you need this book to get some information and
guidelines.
* If you have already decided but you're not sure whether you want
to fly to Sydney to look around, then this book will help you with
that decision. It could save you a lot of money.
* If you have already decided to come to Sydney- great! This book
should be part of your travel kit.
"_OK, OK WHAT'S IT GOING TO COST ME?_" WELL ACTUALLY, I SEE IT AS AN
INVESTMENT!
I have had lots of input as to what is a fair price to ask, given the
time, effort and research I have put in.
I was going to charge $52.00. AUD (Australian dollars)
When I consider the amount of time and money I wasted when we first
arrived, and the stress my family and I went through by figuring it
all out for ourselves, then WITHOUT DOUBT: I would have been quite
prepared to pay a lot more than that.
_SO THERE IS GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS !_
The GOOD NEWS is that against the advice of others I have reduced the
price.
The BAD NEWS is that the price will go up later.
So how much have I slashed the price by?...$10.00?...$15.00?..
$20.00?.. Nah! Better than that.
I have gone against my instincts and decided to give you a SPECIAL
OFFERYou will SAVE $30.00!
YupI have slashed $30 off the original price. That's Thirty Dollars.
You have the opportunity right now to order
"HOW TO SURVIVE IMMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA" for a bargain price of
$22.00
PLUS! as a new year gift to you I'm going to throw in a BONUS
BOOKLET with sections on Aussie slang and expressions, plus useful
tips, plus links to several useful websites.
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!
I have included a 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, no questions asked. (But
no free steak knives!).
YES! I WANT TO PURCHASE THIS EBOOK FOR AUD 22.00
_CLICK __HERE__ TO ORDER!_
Your payment will be processed over a secure server
(you can choose PAYPAL OR CLICKBANK)
Once the payment is processed succesfully you will automatically be
redirected to a
page where you can download my eBook and Bonus book in PDF format.
REMEMBER you risk nothing at all with my 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE,
no questions asked.
I wish you the very best in your travels
Copyright (c) 2009 Vic Chatterton. All rights reserved worldwide
It's difficult to describe this feeling of TOTAL FREEDOM you will
only truly understand it when you arrive here and experience it
yourself...
_"DO YOU THINK WE WILL LIKE SYDNEY?" _
It's hard not to love it: there is something for everyone.
Sydney is the oldest and largest city in Australia.
It has a population of about 5 million people, spread over a fairly
large area.
It is situated in the south east of New South Wales, which is the
country's most populated state.
Sydney was the host city for the 2000 Olympic Games and is famous for
its Harbour, Harbour Bridge, and of course the Opera house.
Like any large city there is so much more than just beautiful
buildings, art galleries and museums to experience.
I love walking around the streets of the City and enjoying the sights
and architecture, the old pubs, theatres and hotels then strolling
down to Circular Quay and watching the cruise ships docking.
On Boxing Day, thousands of people take a picnic basket and line the
numerous vantage points along the waterways of Sydney Harbour to watch
the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Every New Year's eve we are treated to a world famous spectacular
fireworks display, not just on the Harbour Bridge, but at several
locations along the harbour.
There are fabulous golf courses, the famous Sydney Cricket ground,
Sydney Rugby stadium, ice skating rinks, ten pin bowling, numerous
exhibitions, the Maritime Museum, motor shows, food and wine festivals
For live performance lovers, there are international performances
from rock groups to comedy to opera.
From Eric Clapton to Helmut Lotti; from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Andre
Rieu.
There are jazz venues, musical productions, ballet, opera, plays.
Every January, Sydney stages a two week festival, featuring music,
theaatre, dance, visual arts.
Darling Harbour has the world's biggest Imax theatre.
There are beautiful streets and arcades with fashion houses.
You can experience motor racing, horse racing, greyhound racing, dog
shows.
There is an amazing variety of restaurants: modern Australian,
Continental, Asian, African.
One street in Glebe, near Sydney University has about 15 of
restaurants from different countries of origin ranging from Tibetan to
Mexican.
There are fish markets, produce markets, craft markets
A few hours drive away is the famous Hunter Valley with its wine
estates and Bed and Breakfast establishments.
Sydney's climate is roughly similar to Johannesburg, but not as dry.
The districts to the west have more extremes of temperature, but
closer to the city and beaches it is more moderate.
With the Blue Mountains to the west, beautiful beaches to the east,
waterways, bushland, and parks, it's not hard to understand why
Sydneysiders love the outdoor living so much.
You can be lying on the beach, walking a bush trail, surfing,
sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing or windsurfing within 30 minutes of
your home.
"HOW TO SURVIVE IMMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA"
WELCOME TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER!
WRITTEN FOR SOUTH AFRICANS BY A SOUTH AFRICAN.
