Expert: Ian Smith - 4/7/2007

Question
G'day Ian -- got lots of questions; hope you can steer me right. I'm an Aussie, born in Woomera. Been in U.S. for 30 years. Hold dual citizenship. Married to Yank. Still both working -- he's freelance writer; I'm an editor. I would need access to work; he can work anywhere. We live on a large tract of land in the woods right now; are spoiled by never hearing anything except the rushing water of a river. Can't conceive of moving to major city, but realise we need to be *somewhat* close to a place of employment. But I drive 3 hours round-trip now to work, so I have a high tolerance for pain. Humidity and excessive heat or excessive rain are out. Cities we've visited: Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and the countryside between Syd-Canb.

Canberra's a bit too sedate for us. We both love Sydney, but not all those bloody people. My hubby did not take a shine to Melbourne; dunno why, but maybe I can get him to give at least the state another go. We both liked Adelaide quite a bit but I'm not sure it's the best place for our kids.

My cousin lives in Armidale; she says that's a bit too sedate/conservative for our tastes also.

Any rate, we're big on seclusion and lots of space, but need reasonable proximity to urban area for work, probably a newspaper, for me. Quality education for two kids (ages 2 and 5) is paramount -- I would rate that very highly. I mentioned the weather issues...um, what else...we love water (who doesn't)....Any suggestions on where to start?

Secondly, d'you envision any age discrimination for a new-to-the-country job applicant in her mid-40s?

Thanks very much -- sorry if I seem massively picky!

Answer
Wow, this wasn't the sort of question I envisaged but I'll give it my best shot.  Let me get this right, you don't want excessive heat or humidity.  That eliminates over 90% of Australia.
Personally I would have thought Armidale would have been a good choice but I don't know your personality like your cousin.  For mine, you can't have sedate in the busy cities and, once you're out of there you're in the country and, let's face, by and large you're talking conservative.
Adelaide is certainly another place I would have recommended.  How on earth you worked out Adelaide isn't a good place for your kids is a mystery to me since I have no idea what your criteria are.  I would have thought it was a good place for kids.
I'm also a fan of Perth which is virtually on the same latitude as Sydney but with lots more room and far less people.  It's also very bike friendly and the countryside south is some of Australia's finest.
In fact, working down somewhere like Bussleton and surrounds might be just what you're looking for.
I would have recommended the north and south coast of N.S.W. but, if the heat's going to get to you I'd be looking more at the south, say Kiama, Nowra, Eden.
Age discrimination may or may not be a problem, it depends to some degree on what particular job you're looking for.  At the moment we have very low unemployment so that would certainly be in your favour.
I hope this has been of some help.
Cheers, Ian