It took me a while (we've been here 12months next week) and the police is a great 'family' to have, but I wanted to meet people independent of them. I joined a gym (and got a great deal where I run the creche one day a fortnight in return for free gym membership), we go to playgroup, DD does swimming lessons and gymnastics, and I've just sucked up my nerves and asked a couple of the other mums out or round for a coffee. I've made some great friendships, and often other mums are as nervous as you.
ETA I highly doubt it, but if you're moving to central Australia, give me a hoy
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