[CountryBumpkin]

DF is under consideration for an 8/6 job up there, and if he gets it, if all goes well would like to consider going residential up there so we can be closer to him... Whats it like for families? We have 5 children between 8 and 3 weeks, (3 are school aged - year 2, 1 and pre-primary). hospitals, medical centre, shopping centre etc? I'm not expecting anything massive, jsut liek to know what we'd be up for if we did get the job and move Thank you

[~*Erica*~]

I live in Paraburoo and we love it!!

I'll try and answer your questions.

Para is a great town for families. There is a primary school, day care centre, hospital, medical centre and shopping centre.

The shopping centre is only small - hairdresser, IGA, newsagency, chemist, bottleshop - yes, that's it.

It is a small town, but very community minded. There are lots of sporting clubs and everyone is very friendly.

It is isolated - make no mistake. And it can get very hot - think 50 deg in the summer, BUT everything is air conditioned - house, school, shops, your car etc. If your DH works for Rio Tinto then they will subsidise your electricity during summer months. For the last couple of weeks we have had between 25-29 each day - just lovely.

If there is anything else you want to know - just ask.

I would prefer to be in Para some of the other mining towns.

[CountryBumpkin]

Thanks for your quick reply Erica

The position is with Rio Tinto The thought of that kind of heat is scary! But we're up for a bit of an adventure, and for us we'd just like to do a few years so we can save up some money, get a bit paid off the house and be able to travel a bit..

[amz1987]

Hey!

I lived in Tom Price for 17 years which is 80kms from Para! You wont regret moving up North. Your friends become your family. There are so many fansatic places to visit and its just a beautiful place to live. You might have a bit of a culture shock going up there as it is so isolated, but its a fantastic oppurtunity and experience for your family.

Good luck!

Amz

[~*Erica*~]

Your friends become your family.

This is so very true. They really do and you can pick your friends

Don't forget that on weekends you can go sight seeing. Paraburdoo is on the edge of Karijni National Park - full of beautiful gorges. Coral Bay and Exmouth are only 5 hours away.

Things like clothes and shoes are hard to buy. Karratha is only 4.5 hours away and you can get all you need there.

We do tend to talk about distances in terms of hours rather than kms - you get used to it.

Do you have a 4WD?

Don't forget to come and find me when you get here.

[CountryBumpkin]

Thank you for your reply amz

Erica thats why DF and i discussed - we're currently plannign to buy an offroad camper trailer, and we own a landcruiser. The opportunities to show our children something a little different would be great! DF is used to the heat of the Pilbara, working up there, he's been in mostly exploration drilling up there and in the NT, so working out in it... although it will be a little different he now gets to sit in an airconditioned drill rig LOL.

Clothes and such i'm happy to buy online, or mum would shop for me and send up (or come visit more often ) and i'll be hunting you down

I'm a little scared about moving away from somewhere so familiar, and away from all my family, who i'm very close to... but its not forever

This post has been edited by CountryBumpkin: 26/07/2011, 09:04 PM

[~*Erica*~]

Don't be scared. Easy to say, I know. I was a bit overwhelmed when we moved.

You will be fine, you will meet school Mum's, there is a playgroup.

One of the best things about Para is that there are new people arriving all the time. Your kids won't be the 'new kids' for very long.

I was very close to my family as well. Sadly, most have passed on.

Treat it as a wonderful new adventure you are doing together.

You'll be fine.

[creepersgonnacre...]

it is a beautiful place-I wish I could go back for a visit

[Guest_maybelle_*]

I grew up in Paraburdoo. It was a fabulous place to be a kid, so much to do and see! It was a while back, but their were lots of clubs and activities as well as freedom to have our own adventures.

I could not think of anything worse than living there as an adult, but I am a prissy, fancypants, dirt fearing, shop loving, inner city dwelling princess who gets sooky at the thought of wearing practical shoes. So long as you are not like me, you will be fine Like everyone has said, it is a real community and very social. Don't stress about the heat, you will get used to it very quickly and everything is air conditioned.

I too would love to go back for a visit sometime Such a gorgeous part of the world.

[ironbutterfly]

Thought you might find this helpful to know.
DH is currently working up there and had a meeting today. There are currently only 3x1's with no pools available. We are waiting to find out when we can 'apply' for one (DH has only been there 1 1/2 months) but they are looking at expanding the township.

Erica may also be able to confirm this I'm going by 2nd had info from DH, but they are having difficulty in getting a permanent Dr there (just incase it maybe an issue for you)

Also be aware some people say "x is just down the road" and it could actually be ALOT further away. I grew up between Karratha and Geraldton and DH always teases me about that!