Expert: Ian Smith - 8/28/2003

Question
Hi,
My family are in the process of applying for a permanent visa,  I have family in Port Macquarie and we are hoping to move either there or Coff Harbour.  Employment is the only thing that is causing me great concern.  I am an Accountant and my husband is a plumber,  do you think that we are likely to encounter many problems getting work.  My husband will probably set up his own business but in the interim I will need to support us.  I have four children aged 14 11 9 7 how do you feel about the areas long term propects.  I currently live just outside London and do not wish to move from one big City to another, hence our choice of a more regional area.

It would be nice to hear from you

Jacquie

Answer
Plumbing will be a doddle, as in most western societies, tradesmen are at a premium.  As for accountancy I really don't know, that would depend on availablility at the time.  However, as I live here, I would also suggest you consider Newcastle.  Better beaches than Port, more social life and the biggest seaboard lake in Australia along with the biggest tourist vineyards and, it's only 15 minutes from the centre of the city and you're out of it.  It also has a world ranked university which your children may appreciate at a later date.  I had to travel to a lot of places before I realised what was here.  Consequently you would have better chances of employment without the hassle of big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Port is nice, has good infrastructure, as does Coffs and I'm sure your kids would enjoy any of the above listed places.
You might also consider South West Rocks, Yamba and Forster.
For some photos and some info I have a site at "virtualtourist" under "iandsmith" or you could just check out the "Australia" sites and you'll find mine in the top 5.
One thing I can promise you is, you'll love the weather out here!
Cheers, Ian