Hi, I'm not sure exactly which forum to post my question. Will try to keep it brief. I live in Darwin and would like to relocate to Perth within the next 12 months. I'm soon to be divorced and have 3 children, my lawyer is aware of my intentions and has explained the legal route that would need to be followed. I am studying a full-time degree and work part time. I receive child support and some government assistance. How would this change? Assuming the soon to be ex-husband makes the move easy I would like to go once my degree is finished so within the next 12-18 months. I have only ever lived in Darwin, having moved here 6 years ago from England. Are there any tips you can give me? Cost of living details? I will graduate as a primary school teacher, what is the job situation like over there? Any schools you would suggest approaching? What about suburbs to live in? A 3-bedroom unit would be ideal for us. I will also need a good primary school for my 2 boys and a high school for my daughter, she is commencing year 7 which is middle school here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU for reading.
Help Please: Relocating from Darwin to Perth?
Last edited 07/01/2016 - 11:55
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Perth is really struggling on all job fronts (perhaps not so much on teaching) but take into account more people are leaving the state than arriving - this will surely have an impact on demand. If things have changed in 18 months go for it.
That said, if you could secure work before you move, rent/housing is cheaper so it can be a win win.
Thank you for your input. I thought about leaving fairly soon but it makes sense to finish my degree here as opposed to transferring to another university and having to redo placements etc. I really like Perth so I hope it works out.
As recent teaching graduate you may find it difficult to find a teaching job in Perth. You usually have to spend some time teaching in a regional area before you can get a teaching job in Perth.
Assuming the soon to be ex-husband makes the move easy
I think it would be wise to plan for the opposite of that.
Child support / assistance will depend on the individual rulings - there may be an element contingent on access to children. Your lawyer / centerlink case manager will be able to advise further.
The myschools website will give you a bit of a picture about what schools are in what area. If going to public schools, pay particular attention to the catchment boundaries of course. They have some stats of the schools that you can use to form part of the picture.
Domain will give you an idea on house prices (buy and rent).
Good luck.
As others have said, finding work in the Perth metro area as a primary teaching graduate is likely to be tricky. There is a greater demand for teachers in regional areas of WA. Many graduate teachers are gaining fixed term contracts after building positive relationships with schools by doing steady relief work, however this can be a difficult road to tread as it makes for an unstable income.
Good luck :)
As to housing affordability, please ask again in 8 months or so. Trying to gauge suburbs, and then schools etc that far in advance won't work out well!