Lulu, I say go for it. I agree that your pros list is better than you cons list, and that they are short term negatives, that will be over ridden once you've graduated. Knowing that you've got a practice there to take over is a HUGE plus. I really think that if you put this off, you'll regret it.

I can't help you with practical stuff, I am yet to live out my own dream I want to finish having my babies first, before I launch into study. But I am taking baby steps to get there, and doing what I think will help me down the track. I agree that contacting Centrelink is a good idea, to give you a clue about what you're entitled to.

Good luck, you can do it!