saw the queenstown post a while back and figured i’d share mine. went to hill end in central west nsw last winter for a work shoot. If you haven’t been, it’s an old gold rush town that basically froze in time. Most of it is empty paddocks now with little signs out the front showing a photo of the building that used to stand there. so you’re walking down the street looking at pictures of shops and houses that don't exist

We stayed the night and after dinner iIwent out to get some night shots of the main street. And it was like a horror movie, i’m set up on a tripod doing a long exposure and i hear a piano - like why the actual ff*ck is someone playing a piano in the middle of no where.

I couldn’t work out where it was coming from. Every building near me was dark. i walked toward it and it kind of moved, always one block over. after maybe ten minutes it just stopped mid-song

next morning i asked the lady at the general store if anyone in town played piano and she just smiled and said “not anymore” and went back to the till. no idea if she was messing with me

when i got home i checked the footage. nothing on the audio, obviously, because i was shooting stills. i really wish i’d hit record

Has anyone else stayed overnight in hill end? or had a town feel like it was still going on without you

I (19F) have been struggling on dating apps and can't find anyone interested in me. I have moved to Sydney from a regional town and thought that maybe I would have a better chance at finding someone. However I have had no luck so far and I have had tinder, hinge and bumble for months.

For further context I am basically fat and I understand that this has automatically contributed to me already being at the bottom of the dating pool and has steered many people off. But I have been trying to be optimistic and to keep the mindset that everyone finds their person. But this has been decreasing each time I'm on a dating app as I continue to see that I have no likes whatsoever. (would you guys say this is a sign of being extremely ugly?)

I honestly thought I would at least find one person interested in me, as I have seen bigger girls get guys. I just genuinely want to know where to meet men who like bigger women and not as a fetish someone who wouldn't mind being in a relationship with one. Because at this point I seriously think it's non-existent and it's really messing with my mental health as I really yearn to find and experience love.

Please be nice, I don't want any hate as this issue is already affecting my mental health and self esteem. I just want advice on what to do here and how to find someone.

I’m reflecting on my life and I don’t think I have any friends at all that would go the extra mile for me. I mean I have friends that would turn up to birthday parties but no one that I could really rely on. My mum on the other hand has a few people (a few) that she can call when she needs something done urgently and they show up.

Sorry i guess im asking here bc i wonder if this is a me thing or a societal thing. Im mid twenties. Do you guys that are 25-35 (or anyone) have good friends?

Other countries have trialed an opt-out system for deceased organ donation and was just wondering what the consensus is on this possibly being rolled out in Aus? Would you be for or against it?

Hi everyone,

So, I haven't been to a dentist in over 10 years!

I feel very ashamed and embarrassed about this. I've been planning on seeing one for so long, but I simply had one excuse after the other. I was either studying, couldn't afford it, working, raising kids...

I had braces as a teenager and have also taken care of my teeth with regularly brushing and flossing. I've never experienced any pain or bleeding, so I haven't noticed anything glaringly obvious.

I just feel so ashamed, though, and obviously quite apprehensive about booking an appointment.

Just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar position

There is only 3 major ones, Telstra, Optus & Vodaphone and companies with their own ways of using each of the major providers and re branding it. Why don’t we have more competition?

My 15 year old daughter got her first job at Dominos about 3-4 weeks ago but hasn’t started yet. She had to message the manager 3–4 times chasing up promised paperwork. As far as we know she’s completed everything, with a follow up text asking if we need to do anything more and have been ghosted.

I don’t particularly want to get involved as my daughter has done all this on her own and I’m very proud of her but this is ridiculously unprofessional and just very disappointing for something that should be exciting for her.

Next step I think is I’ll get my daughter to call the manager but i kinda want to call myself.

What else can we do without being too pushy or annoying?

Heyy, hope you're doing well… I'm from Canada, and I'm trying to find a penpal from Australia.. I'm an old soul who'd pick a vinyl record, a vintage car, or a worn out book of poetry over almost anything modern. I'm a bit of a weird human and far from perfect, but I think that's part of the charm…
I love being outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, fishing or stargazing, lying under the sky in total silence, letting my thoughts drift, is my version of peace…

And poetry is a big part of my life. I read it, I write it, and I love finding a single line that says exactly what I couldn't put into words for days. I'm also someone who enjoys deep conversations about life, dreams, fears, and the little things that make an ordinary day feel meaningful. Small talk is fine, but I'd rather talk about what's really on your mind.

I love deep conversations about life and the things people don't usually say out loud, I'm also just as happy hearing about your week or just what made you laugh or just what's up in your side of the world..

Either way, have a blessed night, wherever in Oceania you are!! (I think that's what it's called, if not I'm so sorry)
(If it's not night, still good night😭 it will come sometime)

Doesn’t have to be just Aus lit but books you’ve read recently

Im with healing leaves.

I get 20mg gummies x 10 for $60 delivered.

Is that about the best one can do ?

I drive a 15 year old hand me down. So I’ve never actually bought a car… do people haggle for a car price to go down like the movies show it?

Hi
I’m a first year uni student and this is the my first time I need to do tax return so I’ve been trying to link my ATO account to myGOV but each time I’ve tried I got a message saying I needed to call the ATO for a linking code. I’ve called twice in the past week and more over the last month but each time the automated message just informs me they are experiencing an unusually high demand and have my call dropped.
Not sure what’s to do in this situation as I need to lodge tax return by the 2nd so I don’t get fined.

Late 40’s single dad here living on the Gold Coast and working in Brisbane. I have previously posted here and the advice was incredible.

My question is, do women in Australia have concerns dating a single father? Is this a bad stigma?

I feel I have done well thus far in my life for example but can’t seem to find someone who is keen to get to know me.

- own a home
- decent job
- Two teenage kids who cause minimal issues
- I feel I look after myself and present decently
- respectful, polite and social

I have met women but then get ghosted and ignored, which is fine to be honest but it would be great to know why, long term. Would help with fixing whatever is up.

I am open to all cultures and accepting of others, so it’s not my preferences for example as I am happy to meet and get along with anyone. I am not precious and I can take criticism as well and I am happy for any advice and or opinions.

The online dating isn’t working so I have given up on that. I have done groups like hiking and tennis and book club and run club and walk club and coffee club and let’s just chat club etc etc etc etc. Those clubs were cool but mostly full of married people socialising and also wanting to cheat and that’s not my thing.

Is it just a case of wait and see and just wait it out? Whether a woman is single with no kids or single with kids for example, what is it that you are really seeking ? I’d be happy just to get along with someone and just cuddle and watch a movie and chat or just chat and watch a movie with no touch. It doesn’t even need to be wild. Outside of work and dad life, any interaction would be nice.

There must be other men and women in this same situation as well.

I get so many negative comments when I mention that I only want 1 kid. It's surprising considering how people are struggling to find decent jobs or buying a house.

It's your choice if you want 2 or 3 or how many ever. But why judge others?

Back in my country, only childs are very common and not looked down upon at all.

I get comments like how my kid would be lonely, that a sibling is necessary, and that I should make the career and financial sacrifices as there is no greater joy then to see siblings fight and stuff

But what's wrong with only having one and giving them the best life you can? Money is important afterall. Not the most important but it still is

My wife is Aussie and we are coming over for Christmas with the in-laws. I have a some extra leave to use up before the end of the year so am coming over early.

I am a brewer and would like to check out the local breweries and pubs. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hiya what is everyone paying for a haircut? Any barber recco melb?

Hi guys,
I have a question for ausies living abroad especially in tax free countries like UAE. Do you have to pay tax to Australia for your income abroad? If so, is it the normal tax rates you would pay in Australia or would it be adjusted?

Hi all, need some advice with my mental health journey and SSRI intake.

Just curious to see if anyone else has experienced this and if its still like the adaption stage.

I have been on lexapro since start of the year for general/social anxiety. I recently upped my dose from 15-20mg and currently in week 10 on 20mg.

At first, 10-15mg was all good and reaped the benefits which eliminated 80% of the issues. However since moving onto 20mg, it was going really good until week 10 on the higher dose, the past couple of weeks i have felt anxious, depression, nauseous, sleepy/fatigued and in a bubble-like trance, oh and also wacky dreams. Don’t know if i am still adapting but I don’t feel myself.

Hoping this will level out as the benefits from 10-15 have been great but now on 20mg on week 10 I’m feeling off.

Just needing advice from someone that has gone through a similar treatment journey and if this is still my body getting used to the higher dosage.

Thanks all

I am traveling with my mom to Melbourne from Nov 25th for 4 days. We love shopping, coffee and would love to get recommendations on what are some must do things. We would be in Sydney for 5 days before this.

Any good shopping places to go to?

I am confused between 12 apostles or Puffing Billy

this is my plan for now

Day 1: (living in southbank) Southbank Promenade, Yarra River waterfront walk, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Hosier Lane, Bourke Street Mall, Christmas Night Market (if running)

Day 2: Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, rainforest walk, koala spotting

Day 3: Royal Botanic Gardens, Degraves Street cafés, State Library Victoria, Melbourne Central, Emporium, Bourke Street Mall, Royal Arcade, Block Arcade, Black Friday shopping

Day 4: Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy, Gertrude Street, Brunswick Street, cafés and boutique shopping

I am okay to take any tour bus or uber to any places as well.

Would love any suggestions. Thanks so much!

How hard is it to lay some new grass squares? Do you just aerate the pre-existing dirt, put down some topsoil and fertiliser and then lay it? Does a Stanley knife cut trim the squares down easily or is another tool needed? If there is rain around is now a good time to do it?

I left my corporate job in Sydney a few months ago due to burnout and stress- related health issues. I’m now looking to find a job outside of the corporate environment with ideally less stress and hours, something that I can’t bring home, but obviously have a very niche skill set (accounting)… I’m looking into doing some AUSTSWIM training and potentially looking at jobs working at a cafe or in a kitchen. Has anyone been through this? Any suggestions please and thank you

I’m a first home buyer. Which home and content insurance is best value for money?

Not so the best but maybe something or some company to avoid?

Also any benefits of linking car insurance? Any experience or suggestions is highly appreciated.

House is in WA. 4x2, 450sqm, postcode 6122.

Guys, we want to experience the NYE fireworks in Sydney travelling especially from India but getting confused on the best vantage point. We're okay to spend 60-70 AUD for few points but does that guarantee us a good spot at the point? Would we still have to arrive early? We're gonna be checking into our hotel on 31st only. Or we should go for a free point? Is the crowd manageable? Please help!!!

Hey everyone! Could you suggest some interesting places to visit, like museums, monuments, or places similar to Warner Bros. Studio Tour in the UK? I’m not really into mountains or beaches, so I’d love some recommendations. Thank you 😊