From: Paul Date: 2005-09-22T18:26:39+09:00 Subject: Re: Places for a programmer to live? Crikey mate. I reckon Queensland, crocs 'n all is the best place to do IT or anything for that matter. In Australia most of the IT jobs are in Sydney, Melboune and oh! yes I nearly forgot, Canberra (the capital, half way between the afore mentioned cities). Money is good in these cities but they are expensive too. But I'd recommend Brisbane, Queensland. Weather's fantastic. Sub Tropical (shorts all year round if you like exept int the morning and night time in winter). Great fishing, surfing etc. Close to the water, Gold Coast south, Sunshine Coast north both within 1-1.5hr drive. Plenty of jobs for Govt. Utilities & etc. There is public transport available. They have lately started a trial 24 train service (30 years late I think). We have international & local talent to entertain you. We have food both good and bad. You might get to see the Crock Hunter too. His zoo is just up the road, so is Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland and tropical rainforests. You get better money & opportunities in Sydney etc, but the it actually gets cold down there in winter and why live in Australia and have to be cold. Also IT types are look favourably upon in visa applications in areas that there is a 'skill shortage'. Best move my mum and dad ever made was emigrating here from the UK in 1971. Had to discover Queensland myself though as we went straight to Adelaide in South Australia. Don't see much Ruby happening in the jobs market at the moment. trying http://www.jobnet.com.au 's search: skill => 'ruby' == nil ditto skill => 'rails' and that was an Australia wide search too. Paul.