KOPI IS GOING TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA THIS WEEK!

KOPI IS GOING TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA THIS WEEK!

Hi everyone, if you are in Melbourne why not go to this event?

Event: Get Lost Maze
Location: Queensbridge Square, Southbank, Melbourne
Date & Time: Friday 27th April (7am-9pm) and Saturday 28th April (9am-6pm)
Admission: Entry is free 

Read more here:

http://www.helpkopigooverseas.com/

Negotiating your Salary and work hours

Negotiating your Salary and work hours

After getting a job, most of us will be wondering what our pay and work hours like. Some will just jump in to sign the contract.. after all the pay in the contract is much higher than our previous pay in Singapore.. But before you do anything .. please wait!!!! Read this article first!.

 In Australia, there are 2 kinds of "job contracts", Individual contracts or Award/Enterprise agreement.. which on are you on?

Individual Contract

It may be an "individual contract" e.g. your pay is confidential to you only. You can negotiate your own pay and terms of contract like working hours or other benefits.

For individual contract it maybe more flexible, you should be able to negotiate your own salary, whether you want to salary sacrifice your pay to buy a car, for your house mortgage, RDOs etc..

For those of you who are not too sure on the negotiation process, joining a union may help as they have experienced people who can help you look through your contract before you sign it.


Award or Enterprise agreement

It maybe part of a award or enterprise agreement, where someone / or some group (Usually a union) has already negotiated your pay and benefits on behalf of you. Your pay and benefits will be exactly the same as the person doing the same job as you are.

When you accept a job in this category, means you accept the terms of your enterprise agreement. You can search award or enterprise agreements at Fair Work Australia website http://www.fwa.gov.au/
Unions:

Award / enterprise agreement are non negotiable with no extra claim while in force unless provisioned, you will be unable to vary any terms or conditions while the award/enterprise agreement is in force.

Usually they are in force for a period of 2 years where the next round of negotiation with the employer commence. You will be able to nominate a representative, which is usually your union to negotiate on your
behalf.

Sometimes there maybe a dispute with the employer on the negotiation process over pay and conditions. Then there's the usual stop work meetings, strikes, etc that you see on tv quite often..

For professionals, there's Apesma, they can help you if you are a member
http://www.apesma.com.au/

For tradies
Go thru the website and find the union that is most relevant to your job.
http://www.unionsaustralia.com.au


Working Hours
Typically 38 hours week,
Some jobs has flexible starting and ending time, just check or arrange with your boss
Some company may pay overtime or penalty rates, please check with your employer

Benefits
In NSW, everyone is entiled to 2 months long service leave after working for the same employer for 10 years.
Some jobs usually award/enterprise agreement usually provision for a "RDO" or rotating day off once or twice a month.

Will it rain in my area today?

Will it rain in my area today?

It's rainy season in now Sydney once again .. and one way the locals check the if rain is coming is by checking the radar.. a sample of the picture is as below..

It is an animated image that tells you approximately where the rain are heading.. from this page we can see mid/moderate rain along the coast of NSW between Sydney and Newcastle..

Link to the radar is here:
http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/radar/


Of coz you have the regular weather update on the news, papers etc..

Catching Public Transport in Sydney

Catching Public Transport in Sydney

The website for public transport info in NSW is here:
http://www.131500.com.au

Type of public transport
Most commonly used are Bus/Trains/Ferry although there are others like tram and monorail as well.

Tickets
Most common tickets

Bus: 

Single trips for irregular users 
(usually @ non peak hours, Buy direct from bus drivers, drivers give change, sometimes if at peak hours, bus drivers dont sell tickets to fasten boarding time, in this case, buy from authorised bus ticket resellers)

Multi trip bus tickets
Called Travel 10, please check prices from the link above, valid for 10 trips. Depending on how far you are travelling on a bus. The ticket above is a travel 10 for 1-2 sections.

Tickets do not have an expiry date and is valid for 10 trips

Buy from authorised resellers, e,.g. newsagent. just ask for "travel 10s"

Train

System map:

Tickets:

Single trips for irregular users 
Buy at train station.Either vending machine or buy from the ticketing counter.
Avaliable in Single trip or Return. Buy a "Return" ticket if you are going somewhere and coming back to the same station on the same day

Tip: Buy a return ticket after 9am and you will save in paying "off peak" fares

Weekly train tickets "weeklies"
Called weeklies, valid for 7 days although 14 days are available for double the price. Valid for 7 days between your 2 nominated stations

Tip: Buy a weekly after 3pm, it's valid on that day and 7 days thereafter.


Ferry
Seldom take ferry, but for major jetty like circular quay, either buy tickets from vending machines or ticket counter.

If boarding from smaller jetty, buy from the conductor after boarding the ferry.


Tickets for multiple modes of transports e.g. Bus/train/ferry good for unlimited rides

• Day tripper - Valid for the whole day on many public transport in Sydney - ~about $20. 
• My multi tickets - e.g. mymulti1, mymulti2, mymulti3, Valid for 7 days on many public transport in the area that you have chosen.
• Family tickets only valid on Sundays, ~$2.50 for each travelling adult if travelling as family

Again please check link above for the real prices.

Catching a train at night

When travelling at night, you will notice that the train is very empty, the best and safest way is to travel on the train carriage next to the guard.

The guard is usually located in the middle of a 8 train carriage or in the last carriage if the train is a 4 train carriage.

You can also identify where are the possible locations on a train station platform where the train guard's carriage is likely to stop by looking out for the "Night safe area" words painted in blue on the platform next to the yellow line or the blue light on the train carriage.

If trains are not operating at night, nightride buses are available.

Train time table:

As for copy of the train timetable the next time you buy a train ticket from the ticketing counter.

Extra fees for using Airport Train station and certain stations on the airport line

If boarding a train from the airport, additional fee applies as the train stations are privately operated.
http://www.airportlink.com.au/price.php


Safety advises:

Here's some safety tips and advise from the mata mata:
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/106950/personal_safety_tips.pdf


Please feel free to ask any questions

First few things to do after arrival in Australia

First few things to do after arrival in Australia

Please try to do all these within the first week, all these are for potential nsw residents although people who intend to live other states may get some hints and tips from here too.

The first few things to do upon arrival in Australia is to create your identity in the Australian Society. This is for persons with PR only, those on work/student visa, you are not eligible for some stuffs. Check with your co or sch.

If you have the following documents handy, they are usually very useful

• Your Singapore Passport with your PR label (if no label on your passport, produce your PR approval letter)
• Your Singapore Driver's licence
• Your Singapore Bank ATM Card  or Credit Card (Name must be exactly the same as the Passport, if not the same dun be violent hor when they reject you!) 

Please try to arrange these within the first week. the following are not in order:

1. Get your teng ki:

For people like ah tan who who can't live without a "ang teng kee" this is your teng ki in Australia la!

How to get driving licence in NSW read this link.
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/

for other states find the transport agency of your state.
Reminder to google or go to the link and explore yourself ah, dun say you eyes got sai  stamp  didn't see the link ah.

For People with SG licence, if i remember correctly, if you get all your required documentation correct, fill in the correct form and pay the fee ~$150 for 5 years, you can get your licence printed on the spot for you.
Again the price you check yourself in the link above ah, you can pay 1 yr or 3 yr or 5 year but pay 5yr more wu hua..

If no SG licence, then suggest to you is either to take the Theory test and get your "L" plate licence and use as your teng ki or get this (there is a fee, check this)
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/photocard.html


2. Get a Medicare Card


To get free Medical care, you will need to register with medicare http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/,
You will need to provide documentations etc passport etc..  check the link for more  details. they will give you a green card  you will need to bring to the doctor clinic.

When you get ur medicare approved, you will usually get a print out of your medicare number, use that till they post you the card.

Card is usually green but some ppl get issued blue card for some reasons (i know why but explain this later if necessary)

Most clinic are usually free if you have the medicare card but some clinic will still charge you even though you have this card!

So tip here is to look for "Bulk Billing", some clinic do bulk billing for All patients, some clinics do bulk billing for Children only . So check carefully ah.. if no bulk billing available in the clinic that you go.. you will need to pay.

Its best to check with the clinic whether they "bulk bill" when you call them up to make appointment.. most clinics in Australia need appointment, but there's some "walk in also welcome!"

Recommended to call up to make appointment first coz if you call up before you leave your house, you get to see the doc faster!!


3. Get a bank account
The bank requires 100 points identifications to open a bank account for most Australia residents, however as you are a recent /newly arrived migrant, you may not be able to produce this 100 points documents, so there is waiver for you.

Please speak with the bank. This waiver is only available to people who arrived less than 1 or 2 mths.. differnet bank different so better get this sorted within 1st week of your arrival. exact period of waiver please check with the bank yourself.

Best bank to get are those with full service and branches and yet no fees.

Currently we recommend NAB, coz it got no fees but please feel free to choose your own bank for your own individual needs.

The following are some links of the banks: of coz they are more la. just goolge.
http://www.anz.com.au/personal/
http://www.nab.com.au/
http://www.westpac.com.au/
http://www.commbank.com.au/
http://www.rabodirect.com.au/
http://www.bendigobank.com.au/public/
http://www.boq.com.au/

Some online only bank give high interest rates they are good but they got no physical bank branch, can't deposit cash. But try to get at least your daily bank account to be some bank that has branch readily available in your state, so that you can easily access to your cash by just queueing up at the counter.

Sometimes coz sometimes shit happens and you may need to withdraw cash over the atm limit. then you will have a problem with online only bank.

Please give your bank your TFN so that they will not withhold your interest for taxation purpose

4. Get a Tax file number
Need this for your job, and your bank account. I got this years ago, queued up at the ATO and got on the spot. now i think can get it online. please check this website:
http://www.ato.gov.au/

5. Register yourself with Centerlink 

You will be able to get access to some resources to help you to find a job, such as using free telephone, free computer with internet etc . Different centerlink offer different services i think ..
Check the link below or just turn up at a centerlink near u when u arrive
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/home/index.htm

All comments good or bad are welcome!

2012 Easter Weekend Plans Part 3

"Sydney Royal Easter Show" is the biggest event in Sydney for every Easter, that any Sydney visitors should not miss if you have not been to one before. In fact, I was told that (needs public vertification) it is the BIGGEST show in australia.


I took this photo from the train station Advertisement board. Apparently, $36 includes return train ride from Sydney Olympic Park where the show is held.
Anyone who is interested should do some homework from this website Sydney Easter show in detail.

For the knowledge, there is "Royal" shows in various state in Australia, the dates are different.
Royal shows in Australia

For Adelaide that would be in 1st week of September, if anyone is interested, i can get discounted tickets for the Adelaide royal show, that is if you are in Adelaide.

For Perth, I have not been to one yet, it is towards the end of september and 1st week of october. Here's the link perth royal show

I never been to Melbourne 'Royal' show, although i resided in melbourne for couple of years. But I would prefer to go moomba festival melbourne, that is celebrated every Labour day long weekend of each summer at Yarra river right outside the city. Simply because, it is FOC. I am that cheap. :D

If some kind souls can provide me some easter show pictures, please share with me, i will placed it up in this page.

2012 Easter Weekend Plans Part 2

Easter was last weekend and I HAD A AWESOME time. Many Thanks to people to help my easter trip a memorable one. It did not really go as what i had planned in mind >>
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/2012-easter-weekend-plans-part-1.html
Nevertheless I will share some of the things one could do for the next easter 2013 as well as the things i had done during easter holidays.

6th April Easter Friday

I arrived in Sydney 9am from adelaide. To make matter worse, my old aliment was back to haunt me since 1st April. I was very close to cancelling my trip, but on the 3rd April, i decide, fug it, since i can manage to limp my way to work, there is nothing to stop me from visiting my friends in sydney. So very kind Merlion offer me a ride from Kingsford airport to Marsfield.

I waited for his car at Public Pick up in T2.It is a area consists of 52 parking spaces offering 10 minutes free pick-up time. Vehicles that stay beyond the free 10 minutes, or park in a car park area outside the designated Public Pick-up area, pay normal parking rates.


Users can refer to below link for further information on dropping off and picking up in kingsford Airport in Sydney.
dropping off and picking up in Kingsford
Soon i saw a glimpse of merlion, sturdy old car and i jumped in! She is a really sturdy old ger -- one of the old classic we used to see in our japanese manga

Anyhow, after i dropped my bags at my friend's room, we headed to Macquarie shopping centre for brunch at 'Thai Break". It is not a Chat Thai branch. Food there taste quite OK for a thai eatery. price is along 12-15Aud for a dish with large serve of rice. In general, 2 girls can share 1 dish. I have yet to try out all their menu BUT i can assure you, their tom yam soup is just 4/10. Not spicy nor sour, no strong aroma as well.

After brunch, i parted my ways with Merlion, and agree that we will go uncle phil's house on Easter Saturday for Dinner, i will elaborate that in next part.

Sydney Opera House
This was the 4th time i was in sydney, but never once i set foot near the Opera House.
1st time, i was too stuffed at work that i didnt really managed to do much homework to figure out the transport system in sydney prior my x'mas break.
2nd time, it was for work, simply had no time to explore.
3rd time, it was still for work but i flew in with mum 1 day on sun, still i was so stuffed with work that i STILL did not managed to figure out how to make my way to the Opera House although i managed to squeeze some time to travel into city.
So hence, the 4th time, i had my frd to bring me there, and i learn to figure out sydney transport system. It was easier than reading on the brouchure, at least for me.

We arrive at Waynard Station, change trains into Platform 5/6 that travels to Circular quay Station. Upon exiting the station, on our way to the opera house, there is a lot of ferry terminal one can ride to visit serveral places, which i did not really pay attention to.

BUT there is a ferry ride to Luna Park, $30, but Luna Park entry is free. It will be interesting for family to bring kids on their first ferry ride and travel to Luna park. The children's dream and paradise.



That pretty much conclude my first day in sydney for Easter.

Singapore Club in Australia Advice: Buying a Car in Sydney Part 2 (Buying Car)

Singapore Club in Australia Advice: Buying a Car in Sydney Part 2 (Buying Car)

After reading our part one:
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/singapore-club-in-australia-advice.html

So you have decided to get the car of your choice.. here's part 2!!

So you have choose the car.. remember our previous advice:

• Make sure that the car is registered in the STATE that you are buying. Do not buy interstate cars.
• Do not buy the car if it's not registered even if it's velly cheap and seller say easy to register
• Make sure that the car has long "rego" or registration so that you no need to pay registration 1 or 2 weeks after buying the car.
• Check for "Australian Compliance plate", usually installed under the bonnet in additional to manufacturer's plate.

Buying 2nd Car in Sydney is really very easy 

For private sale, once you paid the seller, he will need to give you his "rego" papers, you will need to fill it in and go to your nearest RTA office to pay these fees. 

For buying from dealer, they will give you the rego papers and a pink slip.

Some examples of RTA office location are here:

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/motorregistries/2000_popup.html

You will need to pay:

• Transfer Fee ~About $50 or 60??? (i think)
• Stamp Duty ~About 5% or 10% of your purchase value  (estimate only check link below)
• Late fees if you are late

Read more about it here:

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/regotransfer/index.html

When you transfer the car to your name, you also transfer the CTP insurance to your name, this is for personal liability damage and compulsary. 

Transferring and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance

A vehicle's existing CTP insurance will be automatically transferred when the registration is transferred. You don't need to do anything about CTP insurance until the registration is due for renewal.

You will still need to get your own car insurance to insure your car eg the normal 3rd Party or comprehensive insurance just like when you own a car in sg.

Before  you got your car transfered to your name, it's better to get the vehicle details, eg, Registration or Car plate number, VIN number and engine number, all these information are found on the "rego" papers.

You will need this information to:

Check the PPSR register

To ensure car is not stolen property in NSW.. check this Personal Property Securities Register  first: http://www.ppsr.gov.au/Pages/ppsr.aspx

And buy your own Car insurance.(3rd party or comprehensive) to insure yourself against claim by other car owners etc.

Here are several links to get your car insurance, please go online and get a quote form them to know the price.

From our experience, the cheapest is Coles insurance

http://www.colesinsurance.com.au/car-insurance

You can try others too (you use google search la maybe can find more!)

http://www.aami.com.au/

http://www.qbe.com.au/Insurance.html

http://www.nrma.com.au/car-insurance/index.shtml

Most car insurance have 14 day free trial period. so better insure first, then find the cheapest!

Also it's good to have roadside assistance:

Roadside assistance, handy if you driving old car

http://www.mynrma.com.au/join/roadside-assistance.htm

Just go to NRMA la if other dealers offer u other brands of roadside assistance, dun take it la, got ppl take say no good, call for tow truck say dun have, say tell them  leave the car at the roadside but NRMA very good come within 30mins!

********************************************************************************

Renewing your rego if your registration going to expire, about 1 or 2 mth before the RTA will send you a renewal notice.. you will need to...

Minimum

• Pay Registration Fee ~$200-$300
• Pay CTP "Green slip" (depends on your age) ~$400 - $600
• Send your car for rego check / inspection and pay for "pink slip" ~$30

Optional

• Pay your comprehensive /3rd party insurance when necessary (variable amount, depends on your age, please get a free quote from the links above to know more)

When we say optional is really optional, so if u no buy insurance then langa with merceedes, then how? you pay yourself!

Good to have

Roadside assistance, handy if you driving old car

http://www.mynrma.com.au/join/roadside-assistance.htm

What does the Rego check do?

Very simple, just simple check , roadworthy check, nothing mechanical , doesn't check very detailed thing!

Something like:

Check all your lights are working

Check if you tire not botak

Check if your wiper/water spray is working

Do a road test and brake test to see if your brake is working

****************************************************************************

So that's about it, remember to take good care of your car when u buy it ok? 

• Change engine oil every 6mths or 10,000km (mineral oil also ok!)
• Do not use engine flush
• Change tyre when it's botak
• If dunno the history, flush at least the coolant and if possible all the liquid inside the car at least once during your ownership!
• Don't just turn up at any workshop, ask for recommendations, else they just chop u
• If you feel that something is wrong with your car, faster fix it before it go worse!
• Do not pump e10 unleaded petrol if your car does not support it!

When going to car workshop their usual market rate labour charge is $90/hr!! 

Hope that this can help you in your car ownership in Sydney..  any questions or any thing that I have missed out please feel free to add...

Rego label (past on your wind screen)

Rego certificate keep till u selling your car u will need it

Singapore Club in Australia Advice: Buying a Car in Sydney Part 1 (Looking for a car)

Singapore Club in Australia Advice: Buying a Car in Sydney  Part 1 (Looking for a car)

During one of our recent gathering.. one of the most commonly asked question is how to buy a car in Sydney? Is it risky to buy a old car?

In one of our previous post, we have a small section about car ownership in Sydney..
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/typical-living-cost-in-sydney.html


This post is to explain more, we talk more about old car coz it's cheaper and higher risk, if u can afford new car then is the best la got warranty etc, but old car, we take the risk.

Where to find lobang for old car:

Here are some guide to get you started:

Online: (Google la .. i am sure u can find more!)
Car sales websites:

http://www.carsales.com.au/

http://www.drive.com.au/buy-used-cars

http://www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car

http://www.carpoint.com.au/

Of coz you can also buy car on ebay la!

http://cars.ebay.com.au/

Or the usual Classified websites

http://www.gumtree.com.au 

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/

Others (Traditional way):

• Newspaper Classifieds. your traditional way to buy and sell car
• Your local newspaper E.g North Shore Times
• Car with for sale sign driving on the road or parked at the road site
• Don't forget your uni or local shopping center notice board, there maybe good lobang there!

Go and visit Car Dealers:
This is a big place somewhere at the western end of sydney near to blacktown, in there you can see a huge selection of cars.
http://www.carcity.com.au/

Parramatta Road Car dealerships 

Just Drive down Parramatta road from Sydney, westbound towards Parramatta, you will pass by many dealerships.. just turn up and look at the you are interested car! The road is so long and lined up with Car dealers from Sydney University to Parramatta Church Street!

Go to a Car Auction:

This is something that's very interesting here, you can get a variety of cars here, the only problem is you can't test drive.. and no recourse if you bought a lemon. 
However,  the good thing is most car are EX GOVERNMENT FLEET vehicles, so means that they are usually serviced at their regular interval, but of coz since it's a FLEET car, there's no owner and drivers do not take good care of their car.. but the cars there are relatively new and most likely you can find a bargain here.

here are some website for u to get started.
http://www.pickles.com.au/about/branch-location/sydney
http://www.governmentauctions.com.au/
http://www.manheim.com.au/


Buy from Dealer or Buy from Private?

Buying from private:

• No warranty
• No recourse if sold a lemon
• Cheaper

The previous owner  may have fines or outstand loans on the car, to prevent that check the PPSR link below
To ensure car is not stolen property in NSW.. check this Personal Property Securities Register  first: http://www.ppsr.gov.au/Pages/ppsr.aspx

Buying from dealer

• Some claim they give warranty (REal or not i dunno la)
• Dealers are legally obligated to give you a "roadworthy" car (is car really roadworthy?)
• Dealers are more expensive
• Maybe able to lodge a complain if sold a lemon, or goods not as described.

If you dun feel safe buying a old car, we got mechanic friend who maybe able to help, read more here:
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/automotive-workshop-in-sydney-he-will.html


Your Consumer rights
As a consumer, you have the right to be given the goods that's exactly described... If after buying the car, maybe if you have some complains, go back to the person who sold you the car and try to resolve it.

If you bought from a dealer, you maybe able to get some help from "FAIR TRADING" office if you feel that you really got cheated http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Consumers/Buying_goods.html


So take your time to pick and choose the car you like.. so many cars in Sydney, there will be one that suits you!

Remember :

• Car age is not by year rather by mileage if a newish 2010 car has 400k Mileage, better avoid them!
• To get Low mileage car: around 100k is good (But beware ppl modifying speedo and mileage)
• Avoid cars with engine oil leaks (expensive to repair)
• Avoid cars with screeching sound when cold start (Prob engine belt need to change also $$$)
• Check the car tyre not botak (1 tyre at least $70 for 165R13) change 4 then multiply that by 4!!
• Manual car are cheaper than Automatic
• Make sure that the car is registered in the STATE that you are buying. Do not buy interstate cars.
• Do not buy the car if it's not registered even if it's velly cheap and seller say easy to register
• Make sure that the car has long "rego" or registration so that you no need to pay registration 1 or 2 weeks after buying the car.

Part 2 will talk about registration and insurance and maintaince etc..  akan datang!

So any questions about Part 1 please feel free to ask.. as for Registration and insurance etc please
go to part 2 here: http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/singapore-club-in-australia-advice_10.html

Thanks!!

Why Perth?

Hi,

I am one of the contributors of this blog but I rarely post anything. So let me introduce myself once again for the benefit of the new people here. I'm asingaporeanson and I blog at asingaporeanson.blogspot.com. One reason that I don't contribute much in this blog is that I am (considered) new to Australia. As this is a informative blog, it doesn't make sense for me to post inaccurate data  to confused, or worse, mislead innocent Singaporeans.

The second reason being I am slow to warm up to people. I am never one who makes the first move. Yes, even on the internet.

Albeit my limited knowledge of Australia, I could offer something by talking about the place I am living, more specifically, why I chose Perth as my migration destination. I hope this will not spark a pointless argument with you justifying why your state is better than others, which is probably true. But to you, not to the others obviously. Thus, pointless.

I'm not going to tell anyone why Perth is the best place to be in. For starters, I have not even been to any other states outside Western Australia so I don't want to pretend that I've seen the world. Neither should anyone else, in my opinion. 

So why Perth?

Weather

I am not sure what kind of weather people in other states are experiencing. Everyone has different preferences and measure the quality of weather their own yardstick. How I measure good weather is the number of days I can go around in T-shirt and shorts. That's the kind of wear I like to be in and that's why I came to Australia. Not that I can't wear T-shirt and shorts in Singapore but I feel better doing that in Australia because everyone does the same thing, be it in the suburbs or the city, at least where Perth is concerned. You could probably do the same in Singapore a decade ago but these days if you do that in Orchard Road you might get dirty looks, if you know what I mean.

In Perth, I clad in this mode during all of Summer (obviously), Spring and Autumn. I have not experienced my first Winter since I came. I'll tell you if I could do that. To me, not having to go stark naked or add layers for most of the year, that is good weather.

Geographical Position

To date, my sister has visited me once. Another 4 friends are thinking of doing the same. My safe assumption would be they would consider twice if I were to live in the eastern cities. Higher air fares and longer flight hours, though not really significant, acts as a psychological factor to dissuade potential visitors coming over for a 'quickie'.

This may not be important to earlier migrants but it is helpful for a new migrant who came over without a single kin or friend. Moreover, the feeling of being 4.5 hours away from home makes feel a bit less daunting. I am after all but a normal insecure human being.

Cost

I measure it by Days-I-Could-Survive-Without-A-Job. Obviously, coming over without a job has its risks. That's probably the sole reason why people read my blog. To find out if I am dead, or still alive for those who care. With my capital as the fixed variable, apparently Perth offered me more Days-I-Could-Survive-Without-A-Job than the eastern cities. More Days, the higher of my chance of finding a job, any job, and kick off my new life in Australia.

I supposed there aren't many who can argue against money. As unimportant as it is, it still hold a considerable power over one's life. In this case, it decided where I go.

Misc advantages

It's easy to spell and pronounce. I'm the lazy kind of people and I dislike correcting others - unless they start to correct me first. Perth is Perth. People don't get it wrong and start spelling it as Melburn or Sdyney. Very cool.

There are less people here. A key reason I left Singapore was the high population density. The last thing I want is to experience that all over again. I don't get high being trapped in traffic jams either. It's alright here. Population density is more important that anyone cares to rate it. In a congested place, people get tense. When things go wrong, the chances of people going over the top are higher. Many times, tension is mistaken as racial disharmony or what nots. In reality, people are just getting annoyed with too many people around, most of the time they are not even conscious of it. Imagine being trapped on an island, you'll tend to be happy to see a newcomer - regardless of his/her skin colour. Unless he is gay or something.

There are less Singaporeans here. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Singaporeans. But there ARE some kind of Singaporeans that you, and everyone, hate. Those are the kind that you wish to avoid anywhere in the world. The less likely I will meet some of these morons in Perth.

I could go on but it's time for work. So byebye and enjoy your holidays.

Welcome to Australia! What is Singapore Club in Australia about?

Welcome to Australia! What is Singapore Club in Australia about?

Hi All, after a new influx of new members and curious visitors, we again received some more emails and queries about what is this Singapore club in Australia about.. there's some FAQ in this link:
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/p/what-is-this-club-about.html

We are just an independent club based in Sydney, providing a platform and welcoming any Singaporeans from Singapore Island or formerly called  Temasek Island who wish to get involved in the following:

Basically we welcome anyone who:

• Are preparing to go to Australia, needs some questions answered eg migration application, accom etc, 
• Just arrived in Australia, need some advice like Tax, medicare, driving licence, hospital etc
• Already living in Australia and wants to know more Singaporeans
• Already living or established in Australia, wants to help another Singaporean in need. 

Our vision is to build our own club house:
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/our-vision-singapore-club-in-australia.html

Although we are mainly based in Sydney, we know a lot of Singaporeans living in other states of Australia now, our favourite uncle always say: "We are taken by surprised by the number of Sg coming to know this "kongsi" but t wont be the same like other club bcos members are encourage to form stalellite in their own states but come uinder the same umbrella lor. We are all kah ki lang after all"

Here's some more Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are you funded by any political association whether in Australia or Singapore?
A: No
Q: Are you funded by any Government department whether in Australia or Singapore?
A: No
Q: Are you going to feedback my information or statistics to any Government?
A: No as we we don't even ask for any of your personal details
Q:Why are your members talking about <topic you don't like>
A: Australia practices Freedom of speech, anyone can say what they want.
Q: I don't know what is all this about? / I don't know what the heck is going on!
A: Why worry so much? Just come to our gathering when you are free and get to know us. It's better to judge us by personally talking to us in person rather than hiding behind your monitor and trying to guess what we trying to do.

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE AHOY

I was surfing for something and i came across these 2 videos that makes me laugh. OMG it was so much home.





The first video is something you do not really get to see in australia, parking! if u realise, singaporeans who gotton their license in singapore are often seen to do rear parking in australia. So if you get to see a asian/oriental driver doing reverse parking done swee swee(nicely) in 1 try. That could be a singaporean for all you know.
i ish cio tio peng san!



For foreigners who would like to learn more about singaporeans, the video below should give you and peek of a day of a ordinary singaporean in singapore

Singaporeans in Darwin Contact

Singaporeans in Darwin Contact

Are you looking for Singaporeans in Darwin? 


Thanks to the generous helping sprit of Singaporeans,  We at Singapore Club in Australia are happy to bring you this good news!


Although most of us are based in Sydney at Singapore Club in Australia, a fellow Singaporean residing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (NT) has been kind enough to be a contact point for Singaporeans who have questions regarding Darwin or Northern Territory!! 


This means that the club is really living up to it's name.. helping Singaporeans in Australia!

Now we have expanded our reach and trying to help Singaporeans in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin!!

If you have any questions about  Darwin or Northern Territory, she might be able to advise. To utilise this service, please contact us via the contact us page and we will forward your questions to her promptly. 


You are also welcome to join in the facebook groups to know more people!!

Singapore Club in Australia Facebook group - Created by us
http://www.facebook.com/groups/313304015390607/


Singapore / Australia Facebook group - Created by Thomas Tan
http://www.facebook.com/groups/193346864096551/

Who is Merlion Singa? The Mascot of Singapore Club in Australia, born in Temasek Island, then Singapore, now living in Sydney Australia!

Who is Merlion Singa? The Mascot of Singapore Club in Australia, born in Temasek Island, then Singapore, now living in Sydney Australia!

During our recent gathering, a question keep poping out among the conversation.. "Who is Merlion Singa?" Some say he/she is Uncle Phil?

Merlion Singa is a helpful person, he/she replies to email and logs in to facebook but he/she can be anyone you know.

This icon is rotated among several helpful volunteers who are kind enough to volunteer their time for this helpful cause.

Anyone who is keen to volunteer their time and help out by answering email questions are welcome to be one!

Merlion Singa's idol is "the stig from Top Gear", http://www.topgear.com/who-is-the-stig/

If you like Merlion Singa remember to click "like"!

If you want to know more about Merlion Singa, Please read more here:
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/more-about-merlion-singa.html
http://singaporeclubau.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/introducing-our-club-mascot-merlion.html

Singapore Club in Australia Report Card: 31 Mar 2012 - BBQ /tok cock Session - Homebush

Singapore Club in Australia Report Card: Singapore Club in Australia 31 Mar 2012 - BBQ /tok cock Session - Homebush

Hi all, we in the Singapore Club in Australia have a successful BBQ once again today, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and everyone who has attended.


Here's an email from one of our members, we reproduce it with their permission although some part is edited for clarity and their identity removed.


Hi Merlion Singa and Uncle Phil, 


Thanks so much for organising this BBQ event, the Homebush location is so nice and beautiful and we didn't even know that there is such a beautiful place so near to our home! 


I wish to say that we have missed speaking to someone else in Singlish, Hokkien and Chinese in the last few years that we have been in  Sydney, so it's really nice to get to know you people.


Keep up the good work!


Thanks and Best Regards
xxxxxxx