It feels like I'm really starting to become an Aussie now... and I've only been here a week! The weekend saw continuing fabulous weather - with blue skies, sunshine and temps up to 28 degrees it certainly doesn't feel like autumn yet! We made the most of it with a walk down to the beach on Saturday and a swim in the ocean pool... better than the open ocean when you've got a 3-year-old in tow! It was a staggering 22.5 degrees, which is pretty much as hot as it gets, although to a wuss like me, it still felt chilly! Fine once you've got in and we did it the best way... just jump!
The weather broke on Monday evening with strong winds and a tropical storm... lots of thunder, impressive lighning and torrential rain. The rain continued on Tuesday, but was quite sporadic, so we managed to get out and about without getting wet, although the temperatures had dropped (only 21 degrees), so it was time for some trousers (ok, only 3/4 length ones!) and long sleeves!
I finally got out to sort out my drivers licence and Medicare yesterday, in between the showers. Warriewood is a great place to get this done if you're based somewhere along the Northern Beaches... Warriewood Centro shopping mall has an RTA office and a Medicare Service Centre all under one roof. I had a bit of a wait at the RTA office and then had to call my friend back to act as a referee as I didn't have a bank statement as proof of address - they wouldn't accept a letter from my bank sending me my debit card! I had to fill in an application form and it seems a bit strange that you can't pick one up online or at the RTA office so you can come prepared. Other than that, the process was quick and easy, taking around 20 mins... they just had to check my visa online once they'd taken copies of my passport and my UK licence. Then it was the eyesight test which is done via a standard optician's letter chart which you read via a mirror over the shoulder of the person at the counter... the only issue is the mirror shakes as people walk up and down behind the counter! I did OK though and the final question was how long did I want my licence to last? You can get 1 year, 3 year or 5 year licences, the only difference between them being cost. A 1 year costs $52, whilst a 5 year is $162... a much better bargain. Your licence is issued by the state (in this instance New South Wales), so if you leave the state to live in a different state, you need to get a new licence from the state in which you're resident and give up your NSW one. I believe you do get a refund for the years which are unused on your old licence. The final part was to get my photo done (they have a camera with a little seat in front!) and then wait for the licence to be produced, which takes about 5 mins.
Then it was across to the Medicare office where no sooner had I taken a ticket (it's just like the deli counter in Tesco... pick a ticket and wait till your number comes up!) then I was called up! I'd already completed a registration form as I'd picked one up at another Medicare centre, so the lady just plugged my data into the computer and printed off a slip with my new Medicare number on it which I can use until my Medicare card comes through in a couple of weeks. I asked whether they had any information leaflets on Medicare services, but it seems they just have everything online now, so I will have to find out how it all works. According to her, I am eligible for full Medicare services immediately, whereas I thought I was limited in what I could get during my first 2 years here, so I'll have to check that out on the Department of Immigration website (immi.gov.au). I also asked about PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits) which are similar to getting NHS prescriptions in the UK, reducing the cost of drugs. I have regular prescription drugs to take, so this is quite important as I only have 2 months supply before I have to get some more prescribed. She did have a leaflet on that, so once I've had chance to read it, I should be all set to get my medicine!
I think that leaves me pretty much sorted with all the mundane bits and pieces which have to be done soon after you arrive. Now if I can just sort out a job...
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