An Australian Christmas.

Do you hang on to your own traditions or create anew? How does Santa look in his red shorts? (cool) Some Christmas carols have been changed to go with the season... it is strange to sing about snow in 40°C heat!

Local to us, the typical Christmas day is an early start - it is summer and the sun is up. Will it be a dip in a pool or trip to the beach this year? Lunch is more often than not prawns on the BBQ or a leg of ham served with salads, beer or a chilled wine (For Red wine fans, the chilled red wine by Brown Brothers is worth trying). Turkey and trimmings does feel a bit too much in the heat!
It is also cherry season so in addition to water melon, mangoes, bananas or pineapples, it is rare to go the day without cherries.
Still in, are trees with tinsel, pretty lights and time with family & friends.

9 Reasons to Enjoy Living in Australia.

If you are thinking of moving to Australia and are making your list of pull factors, I have a few suggestions to add....

We've been here for 5 years now and these reasons to love life here in Brisbane have stayed the same:

1. The Climate - warm most months of the year with only a few intensely hot and cold weeks.


2. Space - houses with land around them, green park lands and a sense of openness in the outback.


3. Low population - little traffic congestion, parking problems, empty beaches.


4. The Economy is still ok - we'll see how we go this next year!


5. Friendly Communities & plenty activities for all the family.


6. Good Schools for children- well rated internationally.


7. Low Crime Rate.


8. Low unemployment.


9. Nature and wild life - bush camping, fishing and four-wheel-driving on the beach.

Queensland Forcasts Storms

Though it is probably not quite as bad as media in search for sensational content describe it, there has been an unusual number of storms hitting South-East Queensland with exceptional force in November and December.


The Premier Ms Bligh has assured that defence force personnel can be called in to help if the storms persisted.

The weather bureau is forecasting more gusty showers and thunderstorms across south-east Queensland.


The storm season in Queensland starts in November and can persist up to March, though the risk usually slows down after December.

This summer is predicted to be especially warm, wet and stormy.


Residents usually take precautions by:

• being aware of weather alerts,


• trimming trees,


• securing loose items,


• preparing an emergency kit and


• covering any debris from previous storms.

Top 5 Australian Teachers Resource Websites.

A quick round up of websites that will no doubt be useful to any teacher thinking of immigrating.

The following sites have great teaching resources, job searching facilities and heaps of information about the teaching profession down-under.

http://www.teachers.on.net/
http://australia.teachers.net/
http://www.teachinginsa.sa.edu.au/
www.educationworld.net/salaries_aus.html
http://www.australiateachers.com/