We're doing it

[Trillian]

I don't think you need much advice, I'm sure you will slot in to the lifestyle no worries There is loads and loads of funding available to you if you want to regenerate areas. We did it a few years back to fence off our creek and plant trees etc to stop errosion and it was well worth it - even if we did spend nearly a week solid on the computer getting the application done LOL. Start buying The Land newspaper though - a lot of the grants are advertised through there and it will also help you keep current on advancements in farming practice etc as well as give you a feel for key issues. Oh and if you do run cattle, you will have to get yourself set up for NLIS because even if you aren't seriously into it, you will still need to be able to trace your livestock's movements etc when being brought and sold.

[Inanna]

Woo hoo for you all!!!! That's exciting. I hope it's not too stressful at the MIL...

[Amity]

That all sounds SO awesome! Enjoy!

[Kazbah]

I'm so jealous!!!!! Can't wait to see your progress in photos!!

[mrsmac]

How exciting!!!
I wouldn't worry about DS and kinder, they adjust to change really well at this age especially boys, I teach kindergarten (your prep) and have had kids leave for other schools after 6 months and been happy as larry. You are so positive about it all that will rub off on him and he will be fantastic.

[Smoke Jaguar]

Thanks all!
Got The Land and Weekly Times in my bookmarks now

[rubibaby]

Just goes to show ya, you don't achieve goals if you don't have them in your sights

Too true...

[Smoke Jaguar]

Settlement day today! We have it!
We went to see it yesterday and I fell in love all over again. It's gorgeous in summer and lush in late autumn! Can't wait to go on Sunday with the dogs (their first time) and have a good walk around the hills part of it. I wish we had a horse float so that I could bring my horse for a spin.
After much angst, we're well on our way.
So, I have my garlic growing bible and I'm now looking into alpacas for myself (DP can do his beef cattle), just researching it for now.
Our individual childhood dreams have just materialised. Now, to build the shed.

[krysalyss]

Hi Mayaness! How exciting! We are about to move to our new piece of land where we will also be building our strawbale house. We are going to be doing most of it ourselves (DH has already designed it and just needs to approved by his dad who is a draftsman). Exciting times ahead for us! Will be interested to hear about your building journey

[allycat06]

How exciting, congratulations! I'd love to hear/see more about your straw bale house when you start building....it's something we're looking into in the future.

[Astrid]

Woo Hoo! Can't wait to see how you go with the alpacas

[Smoke Jaguar]

Ok, so alpacas will have to wait, as they cost so much per head and we need something to graze NOW...so we met with the trusted local stock agent and on Monday we get the ball rolling with registrations, numbers etc. 100 head! Just for starters while we're not living there.
Krysalyss - what's your building timeframe? Blog your progress? Whereabouts are you? (not asking specifics, for security reasons )
I'll scout for some retiree or rescue horses closer to the moving time, which entirely depends on how long it takes to convert the shearing shed...cos DP has changed his mind and decided the existing shed is doable!
There are STACKS of wombats around, so I'm hoping roaming dogs help them realise there may be better places to live that aren't on the fragile hills, at least not till we've had a couple of years to plant some trees to stabilise the soil.
We've had a Landcare guy come out for Ecotender to help us put a bid together to fence off the creek in the bottom sections.
We've met one of the neighbours and have yet to make ourselves known to the family on the other side, but hear they are very nice.
We've met the previous owner who gave us great info and starting points.
We ARE going to get a fourby wagon, instead of the dual cab ute DP was thinking of, cos we have to be realistic...DP wants a third child!
I've got us an ABN and we have to find an accountant who can deal with farming stuff (the local one here may be of limited use, even though we LOVE her).


The Landcare guy said he was thinking of the exact same thing re: garlic growing...thereby validating my plan to DP, who thought it would be one of my 'projects' that was better in theory than practice and that he was going to tolerate. Now because someone else says there's money in it he's taking it more seriously
We've taken the dogs once and they were in seventh heaven. I have taken a squillion photos already. And this is without having found a house site yet (though there are several potentials).
But most importantly, I bought a large happy flag (in fucshia, poor DP is a bit embarrassed by it) and stuck it on the first gate

[Oorki Galoorki]

Wow Mayaness!!!!
it all sounds awesome!
i hope your blogging it all

[~Raven~]

Oh yay for you! I totally missed this tread before so I'm happy to read how it's progressed

I was down at Kardella Sth not long ago at Djinta Djinta winery. Lovely spot! Grew up in Wonthaggi too.

[Smoke Jaguar]

It's been a while - nearly done with Melbourne
DP seems to be torn between the work he does and wanting to be down South. He says he'll stay here till he resigns, but he's non-committal with himself as to when that will be. He likes what he does, he hates the low pay, he got along far better with the other guy he was assistant to, before his braindead manager moved everyone around, and doesn't want to commute that far with those 'cons'.
Anyway, we have tanks installed for the caravan and shed site and I have to bite the bullet and go to a shopping mall for a Telstra shop to get a mobile internet SIM for our wireless router. I hate our local shopping centre! I'm a street front shopper!
Anyway, once we have internet I can organise VOIP and have a phone down there so that I feel better while DP stays here with his mum during the week.
I HAVE to make a move in the next two weeks because of kinder starting. I want DS to feel comfy in his new surrounds and to feel like he lives there IYKWIM.
Anyway, 105 head of cattle (steers) are ours, we have a caravan to live out of while we convert the shed and I'm working on painting our letterbox!

[Jennifer13]

Woohoo! Glad to hear you're moving out there hun. I know it will be a tricky start, but just think where you'll be once it's all done and you're properly settled.