Frame Builder considering move to Oz!!

[GIA_Engineering]

Hi

my Husband and I run GIA Engineering Ltd in the UK. Gav is ex Spondon Veteran of 20 years... All is going very well over here and we get a lot of interest from Aussies but it's difficult to trade as we often need parts to work with.

We have always had a dream about moving to Oz...been a couple of times and love the people and lifestyle. Obviously its a big up-heavel with kids, etc, but again we are talking about it!

Are there any Big Tube Ally Frame/Bike Builders out there who might be interested in offering Gav a job or business propersition???? If so we would love to hear from you!!:D

Cheers

Anne-Marie

[BANDITROD]

Well I can't offer you a job but I would love to see you guys building those beautiful frames out here in aus

[Tony Nitrous]

Hi Anne-Marie.
Lot's of Pommies on here, I moved out in 04 after 4 visits.

I've been a fan of Spondon and GIA for a while as im sure
many of us on here are.

I would love to see an "Aussie Spondon" !
Some of the guys on here might be able to shed more light
on the legality or registering aftermarket frames. I know
of a Harris and 2 Spondon owner's out here who have had drama's.

[GIA_Engineering]

Cheers Guys!

So isn't anyone building specials out there then? We wasn't really sure... You have some Chopper guys.. are they registering the frames on a new build does anyone know?

AM :)

[BANDITROD]

I know pommy chopper built sharky a frame but I'm not sure what the go was for the rego I'm sure he will chime in soon

[Large]

I own a Spondon.

It's a TLR moteured TLS frame.

It was built* and engineered in Western Australia to meet all the ADRs (Australian Design Rules), but I can't register it in NSW without another engineering report.

We have New South Wales Vehicle Regulations- which mostly refer to fog lamps and towbars that may override the ADRs.

You guys may have 5000 speed cameras and 50,000 stabbing cameras in London alone, but we have a level of gubmint between the federal gub and the local gub, called the state gub, and they all want their share of their own stupid rules.

Having said that, I've seen the GIA frames in Streetfighters Mag and if you are the blokes responsible for those welds You should be able to get a welding job in WA earning good money.

Then again you could get a job welding up dodgy hardtail Harley frames in any state

[Bubble Boy]

Do it
I moved to Oz some 18 years ago and have never looked back.
If you cant build enough ally frames for bikes give me a ring and I can sub some work out building crash frames for compressors and Nitrox membranes
regards
Si

[Gix11]

Maybe you can supply frames for Ben's builds? : www.extremecreations.com.au

He'd probably know the ins-and-outs of at least NSW's regulations regarding custom frames.

What part of the country were you hoping to move to?

Azrael (Tom) over in WA is planning a custom frame company, he also spoke i length with Sweary Bob so I'm sure he'd know some details.

Also, Steve Burns (MotoMax) is over there with his "MONSTER" spondon framed bike as well.

[GIA_Engineering]

Thanks Guys.. lots of useful comments. I've emailed Extreme Creations just now - it looks like a great company and has a good website.

We have been to Queensland and really wanted to end up that side of Oz but WA keeps coming up as having good job opportunities for welders. I for one wouldn't have an issue with WA... gotta go were the work is! But Gav has got his heart set on being around the East cost of QL.

Thanks again, your advice is greatly appreciated.

[JDinOZ]

Hey! Yep move to Australia I did and it was the best decision ever.. I live on the Gold Coast so SE QLD, make sure you move near me so I can profit from your expertise haha :D

Have you got a Visa yet? This will prove to be the hardest part of moving to Australia in my opinion..

But yeh would be awesome to have a pro framebuilder over here, good luck!

[rod185651]

Welcome to the forum guys, the only thing you will have to take in to consideration if you move to QLD is the different time zones.

You will have to set your watch back ten years ;)

[GIA_Engineering]

No, not got Visa researching our options at the mo... But looking at your property prices we'll be living in a tent!! whats going on out there? Prices to rent or buy seem really steep compared to UK :(

[Fight_fan]

Depends where u look. I was in the UK last year and was shocked at how expensive houses were!
All the best with ur research tho! I'd love to see more of ur frames out here!

[Bubble Boy]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering

No, not got Visa researching our options at the mo... But looking at your property prices we'll be living in a tent!! whats going on out there? Prices to rent or buy seem really steep compared to UK :(



thats because we live in a nice country not an island off europe full of poles [:o)]

[JDinOZ]

Yeh the prices are real steep around here, your best looking at properties a little bit outside the centre of the Coast, Mudgereeba, Gilston, Nerang maybe? Then again you can find some good places here too, you just got to keep at it and get lucky.. Anyways there's plenty of camping grounds around so just rock up, set up and then look haha

Anyways I thought UK prices were steep az?

[Gix11]

If you want to move where there's a lot of people then you'll be paying big. If you think you could set up shop out in the sticks a bit then you can get a large area for cheap money and ship your items out to customers.

If you set up a good workshop / showroom out of town then I'm sure anybody wanting to spend $5k+ on a frame would have no problems finding you!

Everybody loves their own part of the country and I'll probably step on toes here, but I live on the Gold Coast (out in the hinterland) and love it here. I travelled Australia before deciding where I liked the most. If I wasn't here I reckon I'd live in Melbourne.

IF you love riding, WA might be a disappointment after the UK as far as interesting roads go. I'm sure the WA guys would back me up here.

What sort of money were you hoping to spend on a house / rent?

Checked here thoroughly?: www.realestate.com.au

[crazymofo]

depending on when your looking to move out here will depend if i have a job proposition for you... im looking to branch out on my own early next year, building specials, so i could definitely use the experienced skill set you guys possess. but its a gamble, as i'll just be starting my own shop out and i cannot guarantee workloads.

cheers.joe.

[GIA_Engineering]

Thanks Guys. Were are you Joe?

[Hagarr]

aBOUT TO GET MY HEAD BITTEN OFF HERE BUT IF YOU WERE COMING TO oZ JUST ON THE WHIM OF SETTING UP AN ENGINEERING BUSINESS BASED ON AFTERMARKET FRAMES (oops) for motorcycles , forget it!! Full Stop Inverted Commas!!

I have owned my Harris since '83 and most (95%) of motorcycling community wouldn't have a clue as to what it is.

Most "Bike Builders" buy bling and bolt on to standard Jap bikes and why wouldn't you, modern Jap stuff is awesome.

It's only a select few who really appreciate "Owning" a special and putting up with it's intricacies.

Just ask the few on here and others outside of ASF who have dabbled, it's bloody hard work making a living with specialist bikes and or frames, DiCandilo tried here in WA with specialist frames and bikes and if John couldn't make it work I doubt there are many other "Enthusiasts" would have the Passion or money that John had to make it work.

Only my 2 cents worth but if you are a coded welder and want a job get yourself a 457 visa and i'll employ you and then you can do some trickery to my Harris.

Check my website I'm after a good pipe fitter!

[Jinx]

Escaped to Oz from the Midlands 36 years ago and never went back. Great place to live but the politicians and Transport Department Engineers are total fuckwits. My advice is apply to emigrate and work in the mining/gas sector as a welder. Some huge jobs starting in Gladstone Qld soon and unbelievable amounts of money going to be thrown around. The new emigration policies are going to favour skilled English speaking migrants and these people will be fast tracked. Once you're here there's nothing to stop you from setting up a business in your spare time.

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Hagarr

aBOUT TO GET MY HEAD BITTEN OFF HERE BUT IF YOU WERE COMING TO oZ JUST ON THE WHIM OF SETTING UP AN ENGINEERING BUSINESS BASED ON AFTERMARKET FRAMES (oops) for motorcycles , forget it!! Full Stop Inverted Commas!!

I have owned my Harris since '83 and most (95%) of motorcycling community wouldn't have a clue as to what it is.

Most "Bike Builders" buy bling and bolt on to standard Jap bikes and why wouldn't you, modern Jap stuff is awesome.

It's only a select few who really appreciate "Owning" a special and putting up with it's intricacies.

Just ask the few on here and others outside of ASF who have dabbled, it's bloody hard work making a living with specialist bikes and or frames, DiCandilo tried here in WA with specialist frames and bikes and if John couldn't make it work I doubt there are many other "Enthusiasts" would have the Passion or money that John had to make it work.

Only my 2 cents worth but if you are a coded welder and want a job get yourself a 457 visa and i'll employ you and then you can do some trickery to my Harris.

Check my website I'm after a good pipe fitter!


Not at all! Your advice is useful.

The original plan was/is for Gav to work as a welder for the money but I (the wife) wondered if there was any scope for him to either join an existing company out there in the same line of business because he is damn good at what he does - and I doubt anyone over there has the same pedigree in terms of experience [:X] Or move our exisiting business over there.

As it happens, with the research done over the past couple of days.. We have come to the conclusion that it wouldn't work over there as you have a far smaller population spread over a massive country. We aren't just restricted to the UK over here because its fairy easy to export to Europe and there is a fair bit of interest out there for what we do... But it is still a niche market! Also it's apparent you have issues registering the frames as it's not a done thing... which sounds like a lot of hassel. At the end of the day these frames dont make huge profits, its a labour of love!

Where do I find your website?

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Jinx

Escaped to Oz from the Midlands 36 years ago and never went back. Great place to live but the politicians and Transport Department Engineers are total fuckwits. My advice is apply to emigrate and work in the mining/gas sector as a welder. Some huge jobs starting in Gladstone Qld soon and unbelievable amounts of money going to be thrown around. The new emigration policies are going to favour skilled English speaking migrants and these people will be fast tracked. Once you're here there's nothing to stop you from setting up a business in your spare time.

Thanks for your reply - I'll look up Gladstone :D

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Hagarr



Check my website I'm after a good pipe fitter!


Found it - sorry I'm new[:I]

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Jinx

Some huge jobs starting in Gladstone Qld soon and unbelievable amounts of money going to be thrown around.

Do you have any details or pointers of where I can find info? Gladstone looks nice :)

[wackyrider]

As others have said, Gladston is going to have a few projects going, so there will be plenty of work available in the area. Have a look on www.seek.com.au and you might be able to find something. Property might be expensive here, but with the right skills you can make some very good money here.

[lurch]

quote:Do you have any details or pointers of where I can find info? Gladstone looks nice :)


You can expect high rent/property prices in Gladstone also, so make sure you look before you leap. I lived there for 5 years up until mid 2008 and, if it wasn't for the $ I was making, would probably have left much sooner. It has some good points (especially if you like fishing - which I don't) but it wasn't the place for us.

On the + side there would be plenty of people around with large amounts of disposable income to spend on custom frames etc if you wanted to keep running the business on the side. Might have to consider branching out into the Hardley Ableson market around there though [xx(]....

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:
You can expect high rent/property prices in Gladstone also, so make sure you look before you leap. I lived there for 5 years up until mid 2008 and, if it wasn't for the $ I was making, would probably have left much sooner. It has some good points (especially if you like fishing - which I don't) but it wasn't the place for us.

So it was Gladstone that wasn't for you - not Oz I assume? Whereabouts are you now and what didn't suit you and yours?

Thanks :)

[Gix11]

Where do you live now? Also, what is it about Aus that appeals to you? I'm a pom and know many poms that have moved here. It seems they like certain areas as well! Some go to the wrong place and think that Australia is shit and then leave again. You'll need a broad mind to adapt to a completely different lifestyle, but if you have that mindset the rewards are endless!

[Jinx]

Gladstone in Qld and Karratha in WA are the places to be for welding and pipework in the gas sector. A good welder or any other tradesman in the WA resource sector can easily earn up to $200k a year. Qld isnt paying as much as WA at the moment but when the LNG plants and new coal mines fire up so will the wages. With 7 major projects about to start this year in Qld we will need over 50,000 workers. Its never looked so good.
http://www.seek.com.au/#
http://www.discovergladstone.com/

[Tony Nitrous]

I turned down a chance for mine related work.
Decided that I didnt move out here to chase the
big money at the expence of a lfestyle.

I've had good times and bad but im still near
the Ocean, have great rides around the dam's
and mountains, have a good choice of everything
I want from Bikes shop's, Places to go, Folk to meet,
stuff I want to buy, I work 5 minutes from home and
havent seen a frost in 7 years. Money doesnt always
get you quality of life.

Tony.J.
Brisbane.

[Jinx]

quote:Originally posted by Tony Nitrous

I turned down a chance for mine related work.
Decided that I didnt move out here to chase the
big money at the expence of a lfestyle.

I've had good times and bad but im still near
the Ocean, have great rides around the dam's
and mountains, have a good choice of everything
I want from Bikes shop's, Places to go, Folk to meet,
stuff I want to buy, I work 5 minutes from home and
havent seen a frost in 7 years. Money doesnt always
get you quality of life.

Tony.J.
Brisbane.


Very true Tony. I'm on good money, live in Brisbane but work in Western Australia. I work in the desert and live in a camp. Only see my family for 1 week in every 4. Be glad when Brisbane starts some decent construction projects and I can go home every night and ride my bikes on a weekend :D.

[lurch]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering
So it was Gladstone that wasn't for you - not Oz I assume? Whereabouts are you now and what didn't suit you and yours?

Thanks :)


Correct, I'm a born and bred Aussie. We liked being on the coast but both of our families and long-term friends were elsewhere so we made a "lifestyle" choice and moved back to Toowoomba in QLD to be closer to them. Mining and construction projects are starting to pick up west of Toowoomba but there's no big $ to be made in the town itself for most.

Gladstone can be a difficult place to maintain a circle of friends since people are coming and going with construction projects all the time. That really pissed my mrs off because she was home alone 90% of the time as I travelled around central QLD during the week for my job. The other issue is that it can be difficult to avoid looking at the ugly alumina refinery, power station and coal stockpile/loading dock within the city limits. You don't have to travel far at all for better scenery though.

Chances are moving there would be a temporary measure and a stepping stone for a skilled welder/fabricator anyway. A lot of the construction industry work for welders in Oz is fly-in-fly-out from major cities so you could be based somewhere nice while hubby goes off and makes the big $ :D.

[hungrywolf]

Go to QLD. the weathers great, and they know how to play rugby league (I'll avoid calling it football so as not to confuse). I lived in Brisbane for the first 25 years of my life, and I am now in Wollongong, NSW. Can't wait to get back up north. Also, registration is so much easier. My bike is still reg'd in qld.

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Gix11

Where do you live now? Also, what is it about Aus that appeals to you? I'm a pom and know many poms that have moved here. It seems they like certain areas as well! Some go to the wrong place and think that Australia is shit and then leave again. You'll need a broad mind to adapt to a completely different lifestyle, but if you have that mindset the rewards are endless!

We're in the midlands - Nottingham. Living near the sea is really appealing to us both. We hate how crowded life is around here... gardens getting smaller and smaller as people build houses in them!

When we visited Brisbane we loved the weather (of course), the laid back/no class attitude of the Aussies. BBQ's! And excellent seafood (myself anyway) Everyone we met seemed happy to be alive and you all love your country! Here everyone is constantly moaning about something and our streets feel more unsafe each year! I worry for our kids future and want to give them a better and more healthy life. I dread them growing up into teenagers and being torn between keeping them safe indoors and letting them grow up in the big bad world! I also loved how the roads are so smooth and wide and everything was clean. The spiders and snakes scare the shit out of me but thats about the only negative. :D

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Jinx

Gladstone in Qld and Karratha in WA are the places to be for welding and pipework in the gas sector. A good welder or any other tradesman in the WA resource sector can easily earn up to $200k a year. Qld isnt paying as much as WA at the moment but when the LNG plants and new coal mines fire up so will the wages. With 7 major projects about to start this year in Qld we will need over 50,000 workers. Its never looked so good.
http://www.seek.com.au/#
http://www.discovergladstone.com/

Thanks - thats really useful :)

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by lurch


quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering
So it was Gladstone that wasn't for you - not Oz I assume? Whereabouts are you now and what didn't suit you and yours?

Thanks :)


Correct, I'm a born and bred Aussie. We liked being on the coast but both of our families and long-term friends were elsewhere so we made a "lifestyle" choice and moved back to Toowoomba in QLD to be closer to them. Mining and construction projects are starting to pick up west of Toowoomba but there's no big $ to be made in the town itself for most.

Gladstone can be a difficult place to maintain a circle of friends since people are coming and going with construction projects all the time. That really pissed my mrs off because she was home alone 90% of the time as I travelled around central QLD during the week for my job. The other issue is that it can be difficult to avoid looking at the ugly alumina refinery, power station and coal stockpile/loading dock within the city limits. You don't have to travel far at all for better scenery though.

Chances are moving there would be a temporary measure and a stepping stone for a skilled welder/fabricator anyway. A lot of the construction industry work for welders in Oz is fly-in-fly-out from major cities so you could be based somewhere nice while hubby goes off and makes the big $ :D.

Thanks for your honest account... Am I right in thinking the upcoming projects in Gladstone would mean he could earn good money and come home at night? Our kids are very young and I wouldn't want him to work away if possible. Maybe we could go there in the beginning to get some money behind us.... We would prefer Brisbane really.

[lurch]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by lurch


quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering
So it was Gladstone that wasn't for you - not Oz I assume? Whereabouts are you now and what didn't suit you and yours?

Thanks :)


Correct, I'm a born and bred Aussie. We liked being on the coast but both of our families and long-term friends were elsewhere so we made a "lifestyle" choice and moved back to Toowoomba in QLD to be closer to them. Mining and construction projects are starting to pick up west of Toowoomba but there's no big $ to be made in the town itself for most.

Gladstone can be a difficult place to maintain a circle of friends since people are coming and going with construction projects all the time. That really pissed my mrs off because she was home alone 90% of the time as I travelled around central QLD during the week for my job. The other issue is that it can be difficult to avoid looking at the ugly alumina refinery, power station and coal stockpile/loading dock within the city limits. You don't have to travel far at all for better scenery though.

Chances are moving there would be a temporary measure and a stepping stone for a skilled welder/fabricator anyway. A lot of the construction industry work for welders in Oz is fly-in-fly-out from major cities so you could be based somewhere nice while hubby goes off and makes the big $ :D.

Thanks for your honest account... Am I right in thinking the upcoming projects in Gladstone would mean he could earn good money and come home at night? Our kids are very young and I wouldn't want him to work away if possible. Maybe we could go there in the beginning to get some money behind us.... We would prefer Brisbane really.


Yes, depending on the project of course. For example - the gas pipeline associated with the upcoming LNG plant (http://www.glng.com.au/) may require travel as it's 420km long while the plant itself is close to town.

[Jinx]

quote:
Thanks for your honest account... Am I right in thinking the upcoming projects in Gladstone would mean he could earn good money and come home at night? Our kids are very young and I wouldn't want him to work away if possible. Maybe we could go there in the beginning to get some money behind us.... We would prefer Brisbane really.


I went to Nottingham in 1973 so I understand you wanting to leave ;). The bulk of the work at Gladstone is 3 of at least 6 gas to liquid plants and loading facilities on Curtis Island. No reason not to be home every night if you live in Gladstone or close by. Send for the forms and do it. Australia House was in the Bullring in Brum but not sure about now.
http://www.qgc.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=464
http://www.energyskillsqld.com.au/industry-sectors/coal-seam-gas-liquefied-natural-gas-industry/csglng-in-queensland

[Gix11]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by Gix11

Where do you live now? Also, what is it about Aus that appeals to you? I'm a pom and know many poms that have moved here. It seems they like certain areas as well! Some go to the wrong place and think that Australia is shit and then leave again. You'll need a broad mind to adapt to a completely different lifestyle, but if you have that mindset the rewards are endless!

We're in the midlands - Nottingham. Living near the sea is really appealing to us both. We hate how crowded life is around here... gardens getting smaller and smaller as people build houses in them!

When we visited Brisbane we loved the weather (of course), the laid back/no class attitude of the Aussies. BBQ's! And excellent seafood (myself anyway) Everyone we met seemed happy to be alive and you all love your country! Here everyone is constantly moaning about something and our streets feel more unsafe each year! I worry for our kids future and want to give them a better and more healthy life. I dread them growing up into teenagers and being torn between keeping them safe indoors and letting them grow up in the big bad world! I also loved how the roads are so smooth and wide and everything was clean. The spiders and snakes scare the shit out of me but thats about the only negative. :D


The weather is great up here, although as a pom you will hate the hot summer days (40+ when it gets cooking), but compared to England you spend about 4 weeks compalining about the heat and love the rest of the year, whereas in England you enjoy 4 weeks of the year and complain about the rest.

Seafood - can't beat it. Fresh Snapper or Barramundi makes you wonder what the hell fish you used to eat.

The feeling of being unsafe is media driven. I reckon the problems have alsways been there but media makes money out of glorifying them and so now people see it everywhere. The Gold Coast has had a lot of murders in the last few months (morbid but true), but if you look into it, the economic climate has taken a lot of jobs, and the real useless thugs have lost all hope and now they're fighting to survive and sometimes it gets messy. Boil it down and they were drug dealers and theives anyway, but this happens everywhere. On a more basic level, I can still leave things in my car in full view and know they will be there when I get back. Try saying that about England. Think smart and stay away from trouble and you are safe.

Most good riding roads are in the country and so you have to take a chance with their upkeep. They have a trend for filling holes with gravel. A great combination on any bend whilst riding a bike.

Spiders and snakes? Yea, I live in the bush and we have both around the house, they only scare you for the first few months/years of moving to Aus, after that you realise you bought the hype and their fine. Stick your head in a crocodile's mouth and you may get bitten - leave them be and you all live happily. 16 years and no bites or trouble.

[BillyWhizz888]

Work in WA....
http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/7132.aspx

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/Prospect_June_2011.pdf

check out pages 30 onwards, this gives you a slight indication of what projects are coming up
page 34 gives you rough numbers of required personnel 51,783 thats right 51 thousand, and thats without the projects on 30 naming their numbers, you can add another 20,000 to the above

remember thats new projects, all projects are struggling to attract people, top trades on the right jobs are earning $300,000 plus on remote projects, wages in town (Perth) are rising as most are working remote

At then end of the day all of Australia is gods lucky country it doesnt matter where you live as companies will fly you in and out

[Hagarr]

FFFFUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!

Great articles Mel.

So have you filled out your papers yet Gav? or perhaps hop on an Indonesian fishing boat that seems to be the quickest way nowadays!!

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Hagarr

FFFFUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!

Great articles Mel.

So have you filled out your papers yet Gav? or perhaps hop on an Indonesian fishing boat that seems to be the quickest way nowadays!!


LOL... First job is to get the AQF 111. There is a company in the UK that does it. Aus just sounds better and better! We're still thinking Brisbane but at least we know there is plenty of work in WA or Gladstone if money is short or he cant get work in Brisbane.

Thanks again everyone for all the input and advice - it's been a great help to us!! See ya when we get there!! ;)

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:
The weather is great up here, although as a pom you will hate the hot summer days (40+ when it gets cooking), but compared to England you spend about 4 weeks compalining about the heat and love the rest of the year, whereas in England you enjoy 4 weeks of the year and complain about the rest.

Seafood - can't beat it. Fresh Snapper or Barramundi makes you wonder what the hell fish you used to eat.

The feeling of being unsafe is media driven. I reckon the problems have alsways been there but media makes money out of glorifying them and so now people see it everywhere. The Gold Coast has had a lot of murders in the last few months (morbid but true), but if you look into it, the economic climate has taken a lot of jobs, and the real useless thugs have lost all hope and now they're fighting to survive and sometimes it gets messy. Boil it down and they were drug dealers and theives anyway, but this happens everywhere. On a more basic level, I can still leave things in my car in full view and know they will be there when I get back. Try saying that about England. Think smart and stay away from trouble and you are safe.

Most good riding roads are in the country and so you have to take a chance with their upkeep. They have a trend for filling holes with gravel. A great combination on any bend whilst riding a bike.

Spiders and snakes? Yea, I live in the bush and we have both around the house, they only scare you for the first few months/years of moving to Aus, after that you realise you bought the hype and their fine. Stick your head in a crocodile's mouth and you may get bitten - leave them be and you all live happily. 16 years and no bites or trouble.


Thanks for taking the time to give your account - it makes alot of sense ;)

[rod185651]

Queensland is the only state in Australia where you can get a large dim sim.
Every Friday night we used to go to the fish and chip shop and order a piece of crumbed fish,a crumbed bug and a large dim sim.
Sincerely, it is the only thing I miss about not living up there.

Edit: Also great fishing and mud crabs,

[wackyrider]

We have large Dim Sims in Melbourne. They're called South Melbourne Dim Sims :)

[rod185651]

quote:Originally posted by wackyrider

We have large Dim Sims in Melbourne. They're called South Melbourne Dim Sims :)


Do they look like this?

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/rod185651/IMG_0005.jpg

I've searched high and low and I've only found them in QLD

[ALBI]

i hear ya tony i left my job at TEFOL would have grossed $160,000 if i had stayed but sick of the mine shit at drayton coal in musswellbrook when they called we had to drop everything and go up to fix the lube carts ,now im back on cars in town dropped half my pay, but home to see the kids and handbrake and home before it gets dark.

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by ALBI

i hear ya tony i left my job at TEFOL would have grossed $160,000 if i had stayed but sick of the mine shit at drayton coal in musswellbrook when they called we had to drop everything and go up to fix the lube carts ,now im back on cars in town dropped half my pay, but home to see the kids and handbrake and home before it gets dark.


Yep, this is what we're thinking... might not earn anywhere near as much working in Brisbane but at least me and the kids will get to see him. If all goes tits up he can always go and do a stint in Gladstone or WA.

Speaking of Brisbane.. we're looking for an Employer to sponsor him. He turned 40 a couple of weeks ago and we've just realised he's not got enough points now!! :( I'm going to contact every sheet metal/fabrication company in Brisbane if I have to... So if anyone knows anyone with a company that needs an Ally welder / fabricator with over 25 years in the trade (who's welds are amazing) point them in our direction please :D

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by rod185651

Queensland is the only state in Australia where you can get a large dim sim.
Every Friday night we used to go to the fish and chip shop and order a piece of crumbed fish,a crumbed bug and a large dim sim.
Sincerely, it is the only thing I miss about not living up there.

Edit: Also great fishing and mud crabs,


OK, so whats a dim sim?? (sorry for being dim) ;)

[Tony Nitrous]

One of the members on here has a stainless steel fabrication shop,
Not your thing, but he may know someone or be able to point you in
the right diretion. I'll ask him.

Over 40 ? That's why im here !
I was quite keen to move to Cyprus. Had a job lined up. Went there
6 times. Visited AU a few times and worked out I needed to be here
BEFORE I was 40 or I wouldnt get in, could always go back to Cyprus
afterwards if it didnt work out. Still here 7 years later.

Up North, very humid.
Middle bit, Hot and empty.
Down South, they have winters.
Perth, to far from everywhere.
That only left S/E Qld....;)

[rod185651]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by rod185651

Queensland is the only state in Australia where you can get a large dim sim.
Every Friday night we used to go to the fish and chip shop and order a piece of crumbed fish,a crumbed bug and a large dim sim.
Sincerely, it is the only thing I miss about not living up there.

Edit: Also great fishing and mud crabs,


OK, so whats a dim sim?? (sorry for being dim) ;)

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/rod185651/IMG_0005.jpg


It is a parcel of cabbage wrapped in a crispy like pastry.
It can be either steamed or deep fried.
I love them

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by rod185651


quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by rod185651

Queensland is the only state in Australia where you can get a large dim sim.
Every Friday night we used to go to the fish and chip shop and order a piece of crumbed fish,a crumbed bug and a large dim sim.
Sincerely, it is the only thing I miss about not living up there.

Edit: Also great fishing and mud crabs,


OK, so whats a dim sim?? (sorry for being dim) ;)

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/rod185651/IMG_0005.jpg


It is a parcel of cabbage wrapped in a crispy like pastry.
It can be either steamed or deep fried.
I love them


Well I didn't expect that!! Sounds interesting... Hopefully I'll get the chance to try one [8D]

[rod185651]

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/rod185651/smalldimsim.jpg

As Tony said, this the smaller variety.
These ones are available nationwide, but if you want to try the large dim sim you have to go to Queensland.

[Tony Nitrous]

Normaly they are a lot smaller and full of minced pork as well.
Mmmmmm..... steamed Dim Sim's. My favorite starter.[8D]

Next you'll be asking what a Chiko Roll is ?

or a "Pie Floater" ?

;)

[rod185651]

Don't forget the battered Sav ;)

[Tony Nitrous]

...or a Moreton Bay Bug ?

...or Tim Tams ?

;)

[Matt]

quote:Originally posted by Tony Nitrous

One of the members on here has a stainless steel fabrication shop,
Not your thing, but he may know someone or be able to point you in
the right diretion. I'll ask him.






Gday guys,

Yeah my shop is mainly stainless, we do dabble in ally but nothing to the standards of what you would be used to. We mainly do shopfitting type work, commercial kitchens etc. I will try and put together a list of companies I can think of for you to try and see what suits. I do have a really good mate who is a boat builder who I am sure could use your abilities but Im not sure if that is your thing.

I have been in brisbane all my life, I doubt I will ever move. I am off to Gladstone for a mining trade show this week just out of curiosity. It will be interesting to see whats new.

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Tony Nitrous

...or a Moreton Bay Bug ?

...or Tim Tams ?

;)


Had a Morton Bay Bug for my first meal in Cairns!! It remains to this day the best meal I've ever had!! ;)

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Matt


quote:Originally posted by Tony Nitrous

One of the members on here has a stainless steel fabrication shop,
Not your thing, but he may know someone or be able to point you in
the right diretion. I'll ask him.






Gday guys,

Yeah my shop is mainly stainless, we do dabble in ally but nothing to the standards of what you would be used to. We mainly do shopfitting type work, commercial kitchens etc. I will try and put together a list of companies I can think of for you to try and see what suits. I do have a really good mate who is a boat builder who I am sure could use your abilities but Im not sure if that is your thing.

I have been in brisbane all my life, I doubt I will ever move. I am off to Gladstone for a mining trade show this week just out of curiosity. It will be interesting to see whats new.

Thanks for replying mate!

To be honest he doesn't mind working with stainless but he is an ally specialist and we figure he might be more desirable to an Employer for his neat Ally work?? Boat building sounds brill! Are we talking Ally? We accept he's not going to be doing the bike stuff out there (maybe as a sideline in the future - who knows). We just need a decent steady job in Brisbane that meets the criteria for the visa and and an employer willing to sponsor him. Prior to being in business for himself he worked for Spondon for over 20 years. He's hard working, reliable, very experienced and a nice easy going guy (even if I do say so myself).

That list would be great - thanks.. I figure it's not going to be the easiest or quickest route in! But our only chance now :)

[Jinx]

Got some very interesting frames and swingarms on your site. A lot of talent there.
I fly back to Qld Wednesday and will ask around. Got a mate that manufactures bullbars and he's into bikes so you never know.
Anyone know the criteria for the visa and sponsor?
http://www.giaengineering.co.uk/

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Jinx

Got some very interesting frames and swingarms on your site. A lot of talent there.
I fly back to Qld Wednesday and will ask around. Got a mate that manufactures bullbars and he's into bikes so you never know.
Anyone know the criteria for the visa and sponsor?
http://www.giaengineering.co.uk/

Thanks - he is very talented :D

That's great - here is the criteria: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/ens/eligibility-employer.htm

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Jinx

Got some very interesting frames and swingarms on your site. A lot of talent there.
I fly back to Qld Wednesday and will ask around. Got a mate that manufactures bullbars and he's into bikes so you never know.
Anyone know the criteria for the visa and sponsor?
http://www.giaengineering.co.uk/

Also, it seems they are fast tracking people applying under the ENS (Employer Nomination Scheme) So if we did secure a job we could get over to start work reasonably quick:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=723169&highlight=got+enough+points

[wackyrider]

I'm here under the 457 business sponsored visa. Employer is now a registered sponsor and my visa runs for 4 yrs. Might be worth looking into as well. Only took 2 weeks to process once all the paperwork was done (that took a while). However, I was already here on a student visa working for the same company. Shouldn't make a difference though

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by wackyrider

I'm here under the 457 business sponsored visa. Employer is now a registered sponsor and my visa runs for 4 yrs. Might be worth looking into as well. Only took 2 weeks to process once all the paperwork was done (that took a while). However, I was already here on a student visa working for the same company. Shouldn't make a difference though

Thanks for your advice.... The only problem with that option is we have two kids and we want to make this a permanent move. Gav is 40 now so not getting any younger ;) If he lost his job we would have 28 days to find another sponsor or be on a one way ticket back to UK which would be a disaster. It would also put me (wife) under restrictions for work and we really want to settle quickly and buy a house - which I dont think we would be able to do on a 457?

Is it difficult to get an employer to sponsor you on 121/856 visa?

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by wackyrider

I'm here under the 457 business sponsored visa. Employer is now a registered sponsor and my visa runs for 4 yrs. Might be worth looking into as well. Only took 2 weeks to process once all the paperwork was done (that took a while). However, I was already here on a student visa working for the same company. Shouldn't make a difference though

It would also put me (wife) under restrictions for work

Apologies.. not restrictions exactly. It would just make it more difficult for me to get a good job on a temp visa

[wackyrider]

What they don't know won't hurt them, in regards to the work opportunities. I have no experience on the EMS visa. Was an option for me as well at one point, but I didn't have te work experience. Gav shouldn't have any problems with it, but you might find a bit of piece of mind if you talk to a migration agent. You pay more money, but u can get some good advice.

What about applying under the skilled workers visa (can't remember the sub-class right now). He has the qualifications and the work experience. this way you won't need a sponsor, but it may take longer to go through since he won't have a job waiting for him

[xa-mont]

you should give them you're migration agent's details so they don't end up with a shit one Jules.

[Hagarr]

quote:Thanks for your advice.... The only problem with that option is we have two kids and we want to make this a permanent move. Gav is 40 now so not getting any younger If he lost his job we would have 28 days to find another sponsor or be on a one way ticket back to UK which would be a disaster. It would also put me (wife) under restrictions for work and we really want to settle quickly and buy a house - which I dont think we would be able to do on a 457?

Is it difficult to get an employer to sponsor you on 121/856 visa?


Our too and from (457 applicant worker) has been on the same situation as you suggest with respect to having to go back if we go broke or don't want him anymore.

He's even now looking for a house to buy.

Keeps him sharpish!!!

No probs though he's a good worker and attitude, its a pity some of our spoilt natives aren't the same.

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by wackyrider

What they don't know won't hurt them, in regards to the work opportunities. I have no experience on the EMS visa. Was an option for me as well at one point, but I didn't have te work experience. Gav shouldn't have any problems with it, but you might find a bit of piece of mind if you talk to a migration agent. You pay more money, but u can get some good advice.

What about applying under the skilled workers visa (can't remember the sub-class right now). He has the qualifications and the work experience. this way you won't need a sponsor, but it may take longer to go through since he won't have a job waiting for him


We've not got enough points now mate as they've changed the system and he lost 10 points turning 40 a few weeks back! Age matters when it comes to the Permanent skilled visa I'm afraid! :(

[GIA_Engineering]

[/quote]
Gday guys,

Yeah my shop is mainly stainless, we do dabble in ally but nothing to the standards of what you would be used to. We mainly do shopfitting type work, commercial kitchens etc. I will try and put together a list of companies I can think of for you to try and see what suits. I do have a really good mate who is a boat builder who I am sure could use your abilities but Im not sure if that is your thing.
[/quote]

I've started email companies mate so if you get chance to give us that list - that would be great.... Also, if you have an email address for your boat builder mate - that sounds very appealing :)
Cheers

[whale]

Check these guys out
http://www.ywe.com.au/

Big Ally boat builder in Yamba - 3 hours south of Brisbane - Paradise

There's even a bloke in that part of the world who rides a Harris

[BillyWhizz888]

you want to play with Aluminium....
http://www.austal.com/en/ always looking for people

alas they dont pay top dollar, good starting point to settle in and see whats about then get out there and go for it ;)

[psycobilly]

bout time i added my 2 cents worth... coomera (between brisbane n gold coast has a boat building precint with brands like riveria, quintrex n a few luxury manufacturers whose names escape my poor memory. plenty of great riding roads around these areas. northern new south wales also has some magical roads, but i have only holidayed there so am unsure of work prospects. i hope you guys make it to our fine land as gav looks like an exceptional tradesman, who could teach this 43 y.o. fitter some trade skills. loved your web site but skinny ally tubes used wouldn't hold enough fuel to keep my buell running ;)

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by BillyWhizz888

you want to play with Aluminium....
http://www.austal.com/en/ always looking for people

alas they dont pay top dollar, good starting point to settle in and see whats about then get out there and go for it ;)


Cheers Mate - will drop them an email... Not getting much interest so far :( Seems the sponsorship might be puttin em off!

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by psycobilly

bout time i added my 2 cents worth... coomera (between brisbane n gold coast has a boat building precint with brands like riveria, quintrex n a few luxury manufacturers whose names escape my poor memory. plenty of great riding roads around these areas. northern new south wales also has some magical roads, but i have only holidayed there so am unsure of work prospects. i hope you guys make it to our fine land as gav looks like an exceptional tradesman, who could teach this 43 y.o. fitter some trade skills. loved your web site but skinny ally tubes used wouldn't hold enough fuel to keep my buell running ;)


Cheers mate... The boat industry is very appealing to Gav. He likes to build things of beauty!

Like I say though, we're not getting any response to the numerous emails sent.. Think the Sponsorship process is off putting to prospective employers and its more or less impossible for smaller companies to go down that route due to the criteria involving investment in employee training! Will keep trying though ;)

[BillyWhizz888]

quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by BillyWhizz888

you want to play with Aluminium....
http://www.austal.com/en/ always looking for people

alas they dont pay top dollar, good starting point to settle in and see whats about then get out there and go for it ;)


Cheers Mate - will drop them an email... Not getting much interest so far :( Seems the sponsorship might be puttin em off!


Austal sponsor many 457's usually asian / Philippino there are heaps of other yards around that area

http://www.hotfrog.com.au/Products/shipbuilding/Regions/Perth-Southern-Suburbs

http://www.careerjet.com.au/shipbuilding-jobs/perth-34532.html

http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&Keywords=shipbuilding&location=1009&SearchFrom=quick

http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&Keywords=aluminium&location=1009&SearchFrom=quickupper&SearchType=search+again



;)

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by BillyWhizz888


quote:Originally posted by GIA_Engineering


quote:Originally posted by BillyWhizz888

you want to play with Aluminium....
http://www.austal.com/en/ always looking for people

alas they dont pay top dollar, good starting point to settle in and see whats about then get out there and go for it ;)


Cheers Mate - will drop them an email... Not getting much interest so far :( Seems the sponsorship might be puttin em off!


Austal sponsor many 457's usually asian / Philippino there are heaps of other yards around that area

http://www.hotfrog.com.au/Products/shipbuilding/Regions/Perth-Southern-Suburbs

http://www.careerjet.com.au/shipbuilding-jobs/perth-34532.html

http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&Keywords=shipbuilding&location=1009&SearchFrom=quick

http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&Keywords=aluminium&location=1009&SearchFrom=quickupper&SearchType=search+again



;)


Thanks mate!!

Have emailed them anyway so will see if they reply. The 457 Visa scares us a bit, but from what I've heard its pretty much the only way an Employer will Sponsor you initially... Big gamble for us to come over on a temp visa - especially as we have kids and will be sellling the business/everything! But sometimes you gotta take a leap of faith!

I will get on to the others from the links you listed :D

[BillyWhizz888]

Everything in life is a gamble
I landed in Perth with a partner 3 kids and $5000 to my name
they dont call this the land of plenty for nothing [:p]

[Hagarr]

I appreciate It's difficult when you are unsure and don't know and its a huge upheavel to you and your family but seriously Billy has plenty of rooms to board you up until you get a job! HAHA

and the WASF boys will ensure you empty your bank account for alcmohol , hic.

I know its a long way from where your roots are , but seriously you will never look back, as Nike says,

[u]</u>JUST DO IT!

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by BillyWhizz888

Everything in life is a gamble
I landed in Perth with a partner 3 kids and $5000 to my name
they dont call this the land of plenty for nothing [:p]

Thanks!! That is really encouraging! We're gona get his skills assessment sorted now to get the ball rolling ;)

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by Hagarr

I appreciate It's difficult when you are unsure and don't know and its a huge upheavel to you and your family but seriously Billy has plenty of rooms to board you up until you get a job! HAHA

and the WASF boys will ensure you empty your bank account for alcmohol , hic.

I know its a long way from where your roots are , but seriously you will never look back, as Nike says,

[u]</u>JUST DO IT!



:D Thanks mate

[sharky]

Dont know if its still going but look up the STNI scheme (state territory nominated individual) It might mean you have to start off in another state (the scheme basically means you go to what ever state needs your trade for 2 yrs) but after that you are free to go any where. If you apply and are successful you get a letter that tells the immigration authority to fast track your visa app

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by sharky

Dont know if its still going but look up the STNI scheme (state territory nominated individual) It might mean you have to start off in another state (the scheme basically means you go to what ever state needs your trade for 2 yrs) but after that you are free to go any where. If you apply and are successful you get a letter that tells the immigration authority to fast track your visa app


Yes, been looking at that option! Turns out both of us are on that list of skills and I should be able to scrape the points as I'm younger than Gav ;)
Cheers for mentioning it

[sharky]

When I looked at coming here I didnt have enough points as an individual, with the stni scheme points were irrelavant.

[GIA_Engineering]

quote:Originally posted by sharky

When I looked at coming here I didnt have enough points as an individual, with the stni scheme points were irrelavant.


That one isn't running now from what I can see.. it's a Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa with a points test - but you get points for going to that region. Things change all the time though so you never know - what with the predicted skills shortage in WA! ;)

[Jinx]

Looks like Gladstone is about to kick off.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/origin-gas-project-brings-promise-of-jobs/story-fn6ck51p-1226103773555

[big chris]

I moved from the UK (I lived mostly in Yorkshire & Edinburgh) to Aus (Melbourne) 4 years ago.

You either live somewhere with a warm winter but a summer that gets unplesantly hot, or a bearable summer but a cold winter. You'll enjoy south QLD, though I have been in Bris in summer and the heat can get debilitating.

Melbourne has a short sharp winter, there are about 5 days of frost in winter, that's as bad as it gets. Summers are usually warm and dry, at least my first 3 here were like that, then the drought broke and last summer was wet. Still drier and warmer than a UK summer though.

The wierd thing you'd never thought you'd say is "its too hot and dry to ride a bike, I'll go there in the car as it has aircon". Riding the bike is fine, it sjust too hot for even the thinnest f bike gear. Or you could ride in singlet and thongs....

I'd avoid WA as its just too far from everything. Distances are far enough already in Aus. There's no more "drive for an hour or 2 on the motorway and you are at the rally/gig/festival/relative's house" So you just have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

Also, much of Aus is flat, so roads are straight, live somewhere with hills so you see corners.

Get a trailbike too, its a whole different style of riding, and great fun.

The weather and the economic standard of living (ie, fairly high wages) definitely make it worthwhile. You are a long way from family and friends though, and when you miss good mate's weddings, family deaths etc you feel the pain of distance then. You constantly live with your feet and your head in one country and your heart in another.

I came over as a single guy though, different for you as a family unit.

The high dollar does make certain things feel ridiculously expensive, beer is 6 quid a pint in certain Melbourne pubs. Books are 4 times what you'd pay at home, everything in a high street shop feels overpriced too. But some things are really cheap, like LPG (instead of petrol) is 33p a litre. Fresh food, especially fruit, seafood and meat is cheaper and better than you see at home too. Plus you are living in the climate of the mediterranean, so walking out your house into yet another day of sunshine is like being on a holiday.

When I go back to UK I always stock up on bike stuff. way cheaper.

Houses are overpriced too but there's nowt you can do about it, but given the current high AUD and low GBP this is not the ideal time to sell a home in the UK and bring GBP here. At least not until you are certain you'd want to do that.

The streets aren't paved with gold here, nothing comes for free, you have to work pretty hard in your first few years, but the country does reward it long term. Plus after 4 years you can get dual citizenship, best of everything then.

[Tony Nitrous]

quote:Originally posted by big chris

You either live somewhere with a warm winter but a summer that gets unplesantly hot, or a bearable summer but a cold winter. You'll enjoy south QLD, though I have been in Bris in summer and the heat can get debilitating.

Different folk take to it differently.
I love the heat, hate the cold.

Lived in the UK for 40 year's and always worked indoors.
Just done 7 years in Brissy working outside. Building sites,
earthworks, roads and sub-divisions. Never once have i felt
its was too hot or humid. Brissy is still too cold in winter.
F*ck going any further South that this !! :D

[Jinx]

Have to agree with Tony. Lived in Brisbane for 36 years working mostly in construction and never found it too hot. On the bike I use a textile jacket with plenty of air vents and body armour in summer and put the thermal liner in for winter. Perfect weather for 9 months of the year in Brisbane then 3 months of cold. It can get down to 5*C in the morning but gets up to 20*C+ during the day.

[BillyWhizz888]

quote:Originally posted by big chris
I'd avoid WA as its just too far from everything. Distances are far enough already in Aus. There's no more "drive for an hour or 2 on the motorway and you are at the rally/gig/festival/relative's house" So you just have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.


I hope someone reminds you that WA supports the whole Aussie economy
you just wait until we become a republic ;)
more jobs, more space and only a cheapo flight away to visit the hussle n bussle then leave it behind again [^]