Expert: Frank Denison - 1/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi, myself and my partner (aged 28 +29) have just received our working holiday visa to work in Australia for a period of 1 year.  We leave on 31st April.  However, as yet we have nothing planned.  We just dont know where to go.  We want somewhere with a beach and city night life.  We where looking at surfer's paradise however dont know anything about this place.  I am a probation officer and my partner is an electrician and we hope to do our jobs out there.  Can you offer us any advice on where to go.  At the moment our budget is low so this also needs to be taken into consideration.

thanking you in advance
Tracy

ANSWER: Hi Tracy,
        While Surfers Paradise has great beaches, I feel it is aimed at the tourist market. It also can be expensive during peak seasons. It does have the nightlife you are after though.

Perhaps a move slightly inland of Surfers Paradise will be a cheaper option, and still give you the nightlife and the beach.

Places like Southport, Ashmore, Nerang,Robina, Ready Creek, Gaven, Oxenford Helensvale, may be cheaper options

On the Sunshine Coast which is north of Brisbane you could try Tanawha, Sippy Downs, Buderim, Forest Glen Nambour.

If you need more assistance, feel free to contact me anytime.

Regards,
Frank

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Frank, thanks that i very helpful.  I would just also like to ask about probation service in these areas.  Do you know it there one place that i need to go in order to get a job in this field?

Tracy

Answer
Hi Tracy,
        I am not sure of the title probation officer. I am guessing it is the same as a Parole officer. If so, thy these job sites which may have something available.

www.seek.com.au, http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/ and
http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/occupation/view/342111A

Hope this helps.

Once again feel free to contact me anytime, and if you need assistance when you arrive in Brisbane, let me know.

Regards,
Frank