Australian residents again

We are definitely getting back into being Australian residents again.   We have our original Tax File numbers, and our original South Australian Drivers Licence numbers.   Luckily no tax debts on the tax files and no fines on the licences.   Amazing how these numbers are still there after twenty six years, and with our last address on them.  Mind you, we had to provide heaps of identification to prove that we were who we said we were, and that we were back here to live permanently.

Identity proof!   Passports of course, bank statements, signed statements from bank, flight numbers, addresses, proof of transfer of money from UK, our address at Windsor Gardens and the names of the universities we attended and when.    

But we have passed the tests.    And we now have our Medicare Cards, Drivers Licences and Tax File numbers.   We have logged into the My Gov website and linked medicare and tax with it, so should be set for the future.   As we have not been to a doctor yet, or put in a tax return, there is no activity on these links.   I am sure this will change sometime in the future.

I have joined the Ambulance Fund which covers me for all emergency calls and transport between hospitals, in all states.   For those people living in the UK, to use an ambulance is not free in South Australia, and can cost $1000 for an emergency call out, if the person has no cover, either through their Private Health Scheme or Ambulance Fund.

After many hours of researching I have finally joined a Private Health Scheme, at a reasonable price and for a pretty good basic cover.    Private Health Care here can be such a rip off, and very expensive.   The government health care scheme (Medicare) covers everyone for public hospitals and general care, but of course waiting lists can be a problem.   However, for accidents and major urgent care, the public hospital takes over anyway.   Interestingly, there is no discrimination being over 70, except that I get a huge government rebate when I take out private health care.   But cover is the same, regardless of whether one is 20 or 70.    

Of course, Walter has a Gold Card, lucky him, which entitles him to free medical care, plus dental, hearing and optical care.   He has earned this Gold Card, due to having been a soldier in a war zone.   So I guess he has earned it.  But he is the envy of everyone here.

We have no monthly budget to work on, as yet, due to not knowing enough about our future income.   Well we are budgeting the money we brought over, very carefully, and there is still some monthly income, but we have no monthly budget, as yet.   This is due to the UK Government Pensions, International Department, not reviewing our pensions.   We rang them three weeks before we left the UK, but whoever took the call did not action it.   As some of our pensions are based on living in the UK, we will now receive less money, which is fair enough.   But last month our normal pensions were paid into our UK bank account.   We rang again last week, and were promised all will be sorted out.   Lets wait and see.

So we continue to live, as normally as possible, with our new cards, and new direct debits, here in Australia, partly at Donna and Patrick's house and partly at Darren's house.   We are so appreciative of all their care and attention.

And now a few photos.

The beacon at Port Adelaide.    

Port Adelaide has been spruced up somewhat, with buildings restored, new paving and trees planted, and I think at times it is quite busy with entertainment, shops and interesting events.   On this particularly cold Sunday, Port Adelaide was as dead as it was 26 years ago.

Some of the buildings need much love and restoration.

As it was Sunday, the shops were closed, and the streets deserted, but I still love the old Australian style verandahs.

There was a Coffee Bus.   I know you will appreciate this, Steve.

Donna and Patrick took us to the nursery at Virginia, where we bought citrus trees, plus a few other items.   It will be good to have a lemon tree in the garden.

The nursery at Virginia was a delight to visit, but I noticed the town has grown somewhat, with new housing and light industrial sites.   I remember when it was a backwater, with farmers growing tomatoes in their glass houses.   Not a great way to make money, and sadly some were tempted to grow another crop, namely marijuana, in amongst the tomato plants.   The three years I spent at Virginia Primary School was quite an introduction to teaching, I might add.   And no, we were not given any of the 'other' plants to use, although the farmers were very generous in supplying us with tomatoes and homemade passata. 

Donna busily planting up her tubs, with Walter supervising from his chair.

We all enjoyed the sunshine, although Patrick and Donna worked so hard at replanting tubs they could not really enjoy the sunshine as much as Walter, Poppy and me.

We have been very busy, buying extra furniture and bits and pieces, to fit into our many rooms and huge garden.   All stored in Donna and Patrick's garage.   Our container was meant to arrive at Port Adelaide today, but the ship has been delayed for six days, due to storms.   Hope our container is still on the ship!   Then the Bio Security people have to inspect the items in the container to make sure we are not bringing in any suspicious items.  This will take up to two weeks, so I guess it will be a few weeks before we see our English belongings.

Lucy took us for a drive around Henley Beach, and we saw what was left of our old home on the Esplanade.    I think there are just the outer walls left, plus a few inner walls.   The beautiful ornate front hallway is no more.   It also looks like they are adding another story onto the side part of the house.   I wonder what happened to the two marble fireplaces on that side.   Hope they sold them, and not just thrown them out.   The people who own the house obviously are not interested in a restoration project. 

 Tomorrow afternoon we take over our new house.