When relocating to Australia from the UK, one of the first things you notice is the exuberant and colourful bird life. Mum never tires of seeing and hearing Rainbow Lorikeets, Cockatoos and Rosellas; but there are a few birds we need to give a wide berth.

We wrote about the Australian magpie last year and although we’re getting used to their warning signs… Read more

This is a quick update because the latest news has already been published on a number of excellent resources.

On 15th May the Treasury released a further exposure draft relating to the proposed Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) reform. Again, at a glance, it looked like it might be good news for overseas temporary residents as transitional arrangements were mentioned. However, upon closer examination it appears that not much is… Read more

Australian media recently announced a new mobile phone \ Facebook app that provides real-time advice to parents experiencing sleep-related issues with their children.

The report Mum read in the Daily Telegraph confirms that, “In Australia, about 25 per cent of up to three-year-olds have sleep problems and, with older children aged three to six, 18 per cent of mums consider their child’s sleep a problem.”

The new Live Advice Facebook service is offered by… Read more

To: The Hon Wayne Swann MP – Treasurer, The Hon David Bradbury MP – Assistant Treasurer

CC: The Hon. Joe Hockey MP – Shadow Treasurer, The Hon Barry O’Farrell – NSW Premier, The Hon. Adrian Piccoli MP – NSW Education Minister, Australian and UK media.

I am writing to urge you to give overseas temporary residents, in particular families living in NSW, a fair go regarding the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) \ Living Away from Home… Read more

Over the past 24 hours there has been wide discussion and debate regarding a 2012 – 2013 Budget announcement and the Australian government’s proposed LAFHA reform. Mum hopes to set the record straight…

Update on LAFHA Reform

On Tuesday 8th May, in a joint media release with the Hon David Bradbury Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation, the Australian government announced further reforms to the Living Away from… Read more

Last month, during the wet spells we’ve been having in Eastern Australia, Mum read an article about the increasing number of Death Cap Mushrooms in and around Canberra. Wherever you live in the world, you no doubt teach your children to be wary of mushrooms and toadstools, however likely it is to find a fairy underneath.

Death Cap Mushrooms Australia

Death Cap Mushrooms live up… Read more

At chateau Mum’s gone 2 Aus it feels like summer ended, it started raining, we all got sick, we got better, it stopped raining and now it’s May! The last few months have been a blur of passing the latest bugs between us and keeping the kids entertained during yet another wet spell. That’s what was happening offline.

Online, April was a busy and exciting month and there was a distinct theme at Mum’s gone 2… Read more

This week’s Photo Friday was taken at the outdoor toddler playground in Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter, Sydney. Whenever I see this sign it makes me smirk because it’s not the most obvious sign you’d expect to see at a playground.

Moore Park Entertainment Quarter Sydney

If you haven’t been before the Entertainment Quarter or “EQ” as it’s commonly known, at Moore Park is a great place to visit with kids. There are two… Read more

A few weeks ago we wrote about Opening a bank account in Australia – which bank and when to open an account. Mum explained that it’s easy to open an account from your country of origin and pick up your cards once we arrive in Aus. Of the “big four” banks in Australia we recommended the Commonwealth Bank Australia and can provide assistance in opening an account: read about our call back service… Read more

We launched our third Australian relocation ebook this week: The ABC of Australian Schooling, aimed at students (children), parents and teachers.

Our third ebook provides over 100 terms used in everyday school life in Australia; the simple, visual format make it perfect for children of any age. It will help you feel confident and excited about your move to Australia.

Best time to move to Australia

Our other ebooks are essential reading for parents… Read more