Poll

Which day are you available (vote for all appropriate)?

24th November
3 (30%)
1st December
2 (20%)
8th December
3 (30%)
15th December
2 (20%)

Total Members Voted: 4

Author Topic: Canberra  (Read 159102 times)

deborah

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Canberra
« on: May 25, 2014, 11:39:51 PM »
I had such a great time at the Melbourne meet up that I want one where I live - does anyone want a meetup in Canberra?

This_Is_My_Username

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« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2014, 01:18:45 AM »
it looks like just us, Deborah.

pm me if you are interested in meeting up for a coffee/beer/chat

Evangeline

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2014, 06:48:55 AM »
I'd be interested in a cbr meet up too!

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2014, 03:46:23 AM »
Someone said they would like to do it after 22nd June. I have been trying to think of an appropriately Mustashian place. Any suggestions welcome.

I did talk to Erindale Library a few months ago (for something else I am doing). There is a room in the library with a kitchenette and an urn that is FREE to any non-charging group with an educational outcome (they have knitters in there on Thursdays) - I am sure we would qualify, and we can definitely eat in there. I could see if we could book it on a Saturday (they are closed on Sundays), and bring stuff. Of course this may be a bit TOO Mustashian.

I assume a weekend would be a more suitable time for people than a week day.

happy

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2014, 03:20:08 AM »
I live 2 or 3 hours from Canberra, but would love to come down if I can make it. Booked solid in June. July looks good. The library idea sounds pretty good - Outdoor picnic in winter in Canberra is prob optimistic!

bigchrisb

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2014, 03:53:21 AM »
I'm in.

Keep me posted on where. 

A BBQ at one of the lake free BBQ's with cycle access would be in the spirit?


This_Is_My_Username

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2014, 10:06:46 PM »
I'm keen.

Outdoors in Canberra in june/july, we will freeze

theconcierge

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2014, 10:24:16 PM »
I would be interested as well :)A

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #8 on: June 17, 2014, 02:42:10 AM »
I have just been to Erindale Library. The JP who is there every Saturday has the use of the community room from 11am until 1pm.

We could have it from about 1:15pm to 3:45pm (the library shuts at 4pm on Saturdays). They don't currently have anyone using the room at this time in July, so we could choose whichever Saturday we like. I am currently available any Saturday.

So, is this OK? and which Saturday would you like - 5th, 12th, 19th or 26th July?

http://www.act.gov.au/browse/topics/sport-and-recreation/barbecue-and-picnic-areas is a brochure on parks in the ACT. I looked for ones with gas BBQs and picnic shelter, and came up with - 18 Gungahlin Town Park, 37 Acton Park, 41 Remembance Park, 46 Commonwealth Park, 55 Weston Park, 56 Yarralumla Bay, 60 Telopea Park, 61 Kingston Foreshores, 67 National Arboretum, 68 Stromlo Forest Park,  82 Tuggeranong Town Centre Park, 86 Faden Pines Park, 2 Uridarra Crossing, 14 Honeysuckle (home of the moon walk), 15 Orroral Valley... If we wanted to, there are BBQs at the other end of Wanniassa - in Wheeler Cres opposite where Athllon Drive and Drakeford Drive meet (the park is between the corner and Wheeler Cres).

Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #9 on: June 17, 2014, 03:14:37 AM »
Count me in too! I'm good for any of those dates in July. The library sounds like the best option for wintry Canberra.

This_Is_My_Username

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #10 on: June 17, 2014, 05:36:39 AM »
12th and 26th are good for me

thanks for organising, deborah

happy

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #11 on: June 17, 2014, 06:40:15 AM »
5th and 26th are best for me. I might be able to manage 12/19th if I can pull off some rearranging..

Evangeline

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #12 on: June 17, 2014, 04:34:37 PM »
Sorry guys can't make the 26th. I'm doing family stuff because it's my birthday a ('zero' year!)
Erindale is also pretty far for me, I live northside so it'd probably take
me a whole day to get there! Maybe next meet up we can go to a more centrally located library? I'm sure they'll all have similar facilities available.

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #13 on: June 17, 2014, 04:57:15 PM »
One reason for Erindale Centre is that on Saturdays route 900 buses run there from Belconnen every 15 minutes - see http://www.action.act.gov.au/routes/saturday/900_belconnen - sad you can't make it.

bigchrisb

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #14 on: June 17, 2014, 08:00:59 PM »
I'm out for the 19th and 26th (un-mustachian interstate weddings for friends).  I'm keen to come though - also northside, so happy to car pool / give a lift if its a day I can attend.

Thanks for organising!

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #15 on: June 17, 2014, 10:34:37 PM »
Would the 12th be better for more people?

bigchrisb

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #16 on: June 17, 2014, 10:45:45 PM »
I'm good for 1:15 on the 12th.  Would need to leave by about 3.

This_Is_My_Username

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« Reply #17 on: June 19, 2014, 09:22:40 PM »
happy to meet anywhere in canberra on the 12th. 

Evangeline, I can give you a lift if you need.   I am also northside.

sounds good, thanks deborah.


Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #18 on: June 20, 2014, 01:10:49 PM »
I'm good for the 12th too.

happy

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #19 on: June 20, 2014, 04:15:55 PM »
I'm keen. I have something to reschedule, and another family issue has just emerged, but I'm hoping it will all be sorted by the 12th and I can make it.

theconcierge

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #20 on: June 21, 2014, 09:00:31 PM »
Hi guys

I am keen, just won't know until a little closer to the date. If I am free, I will be there!

Evangeline

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #21 on: June 22, 2014, 04:58:23 AM »
12th is good for me too.
Google maps says it will be a 1 hour 20min bike ride from my place, which is not so bad if it's going to be around 1pm. I'm also just about to buy a new bike, so I'm keen to put it through its paces on that weekend. Thanks for offers of lifts though!!

deborah> thanks for sending my the PMs. I could have sworn I'd turned on notifications for this thread but the option doesn't seem to have 'stuck'.

This_Is_My_Username

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« Reply #22 on: June 23, 2014, 09:47:23 PM »
great, see you all on the 12th

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #23 on: June 24, 2014, 12:52:02 AM »
Just letting you know that I put in an application for the 12th yesterday with ACT libraries - should hear back tomorrow.

Evangeline

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #24 on: June 25, 2014, 06:18:54 AM »
Hello all, sorry to be a PITA but something's suddenly come up for me on the 12th at 2pm. It will take me an hour to cycle from Erindale Library to the place I need to get to so is there a possibility for rescheduling to a bit earlier? 12 or anything before that?

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #25 on: June 25, 2014, 07:50:39 PM »
They came back today - and it is booked for the 12th July at 1:15pm. They don't want us to use the boiling water (they think it is unsafe - it actually is, as the tap is about 30cm above the sink draining board), so I'll bring a thermos flask of boiled water. I'll also bring some soup and some mugs and some whiteboard markers (there are two whiteboards).

Sorry, it can't be earlier as the JP has use of the room until 1pm.

Evangeline

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #26 on: June 30, 2014, 08:16:42 AM »
Aww too bad. Was really keen to meet up with you guys and pick your brains on investing (currently have a reasonably large 'stash that is hidden under the virtual mattress). There's always next time though :)

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #27 on: July 10, 2014, 03:25:17 AM »
Hope everyone is still coming. I've included a map of where Erindale Library is. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday. There is parking out the front of Erindale Library, and the bus stop is about where the knife and fork symbol is, in Comrie Street, next to the shopping centre.
« Last Edit: July 10, 2014, 03:29:39 AM by deborah »

happy

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #28 on: July 10, 2014, 04:05:20 AM »
Sending my apologies. Haven't been able to negotiate out of various issues in a way that will leave me free for a whole day, which I will need by the time I drive down and back.
Hope its a raging success, you all have a great time and you have another meet up so i can come next time.

This_Is_My_Username

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #29 on: July 10, 2014, 05:01:40 AM »
see you then :)

Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #30 on: July 10, 2014, 03:01:43 PM »
I'll be there too.

bigchrisb

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #31 on: July 10, 2014, 06:30:42 PM »
Me too - but I'll need to be gone by about 2:30 - turning a pig into sausages in the afternoon!

theconcierge

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #32 on: July 11, 2014, 03:17:37 AM »
Hi guys

Really wish I could make it but I have had the last two days off work with a very nasty cold. I am still coughing everywhere, so I don't want to get anyone else sick (been through my whole family already). Hope everyone has fun and I look forward to catching up with others soon

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #33 on: July 11, 2014, 03:51:44 AM »
Hi guys

Really wish I could make it but I have had the last two days off work with a very nasty cold. I am still coughing everywhere, so I don't want to get anyone else sick (been through my whole family already). Hope everyone has fun and I look forward to catching up with others soon
Really sorry you can't make it - these bugs really get around. And it's been so cold!

bigchrisb

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #34 on: July 14, 2014, 05:33:15 PM »
Just a quick thanks to those that braved the cold!  Was good to have a chat with some with a similar financial outlook. 

Anyone keen on another meetup?  Personally, I'd like to see what we can share from our experiences - I know I've had a lot of learning's on investments structures and tax, but would be keen to learn more from others on real estate.

Anyone keen?

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #35 on: July 14, 2014, 05:37:26 PM »
I was thinking we could have another meetup in mid September, perhaps in the North. The meetup was great!

This_Is_My_Username

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« Reply #36 on: July 14, 2014, 08:11:13 PM »
It was good to meet you all on the 12th. 

Thanks deborah for organising!

I'm keen to do it again

Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #37 on: July 15, 2014, 02:29:11 AM »
I got a lot out of it too and am up for it again. Mid-Sep is currently good for me.

Evangeline

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #38 on: July 16, 2014, 08:13:01 AM »
I'm keen too, hopefully I can make it this time!
Northside (or even central) would be great. I can do 14 Sept but not the 3rd weekend in Sept. 

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #39 on: July 20, 2014, 06:19:54 PM »
Where would we like to meetup next? Is everyone OK with 14th September?

The ACT library room page http://www.library.act.gov.au/library_services/room_hire says that there are rooms at most libraries, but I think that the one at Dickson, Woden or Kippax, or either training room at Gungahlin seem to be the most appropriate for us. These all have some kitchen facilities and I am not sure that the smallest rooms would be big enough (they would have been last time when we had four).

Of course, in September, we might go for a bbq somewhere, or something else. I would love to try BigChrisB's sausages!

happy

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #40 on: July 21, 2014, 03:02:50 AM »
Definitely can't do 14 September. Would be ok for the weekend 27/28th

Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #41 on: July 21, 2014, 03:10:21 AM »
Late Sep/Early Oct is out for me. Going on a motorbike ride to see a great big red rock!

This_Is_My_Username

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #42 on: July 21, 2014, 03:24:14 AM »
i can't do 14 sep, but most other dates are fine

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #43 on: July 21, 2014, 03:43:07 AM »
I think I'll set up a vote.
Late Sep/Early Oct is out for me. Going on a motorbike ride to see a great big red rock!
Guess where I went last week

Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #44 on: July 21, 2014, 04:26:49 AM »
I think I'll set up a vote.
Late Sep/Early Oct is out for me. Going on a motorbike ride to see a great big red rock!
Guess where I went last week

I'm not sure where that is, but I love the mustache etched in the sand!

deborah

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #45 on: July 21, 2014, 04:18:33 PM »
I think I'll set up a vote.
Late Sep/Early Oct is out for me. Going on a motorbike ride to see a great big red rock!
Guess where I went last week

I'm not sure where that is, but I love the mustache etched in the sand!
Wilsons Prom. Thanks for liking it - took a few tries to get the mustache right (pity the others weren't good - they had surf behind them). Camped there on the way home, and thought that travel to wonderful places is one of the main reasons people go for MMM.

This_Is_My_Username

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« Reply #46 on: July 21, 2014, 11:38:19 PM »
thanks for starting the poll :)

bigchrisb

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #47 on: July 22, 2014, 12:04:02 AM »
Thanks for the poll - I've voted.  Northside is good for me.

Have had a change of circumstance since our last meet-up - signed a contract to buy a place (Turner).  Can debate if it was a wise move at the moment or not.  However, after some suggestions on minimizing the damage now its done. 

Tricks I can see:
- Rent it out for a while before moving in.  That way I can claim stamp duty as a tax deduction. (I'm not eligible for concessional duty or first home buyer stuff).
- Get lowest rate possible. Best I've found is 4.54 from loans.com.au.
- Get a depreciation schedule done and depreciate the billy-o out of it in the first year.
- Just before the tenant leaves and I move in, get the work I want done, so I can claim that too.  Main things are the carpets, and replacement of a couple of windows with double glazed units, and conversion of halogen lightign to LEDs.  Gets that dealt with in pre-tax dollars.

Once I move into it, pay out the mortgage.  Borrow against it to refinance my margin loan (drop interest rate half a percentage point, remove margin call risk). Get a housemate paying a room cash in hand.

Any other ideas you clever folks can think of?

Ozstache

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Re: Canberra
« Reply #48 on: July 22, 2014, 04:05:55 AM »
Thanks for the poll - I've voted.  Northside is good for me.

Have had a change of circumstance since our last meet-up - signed a contract to buy a place (Turner).  Can debate if it was a wise move at the moment or not.  However, after some suggestions on minimizing the damage now its done. 

Tricks I can see:
- Rent it out for a while before moving in.  That way I can claim stamp duty as a tax deduction. (I'm not eligible for concessional duty or first home buyer stuff).
- Get lowest rate possible. Best I've found is 4.54 from loans.com.au.
- Get a depreciation schedule done and depreciate the billy-o out of it in the first year.
- Just before the tenant leaves and I move in, get the work I want done, so I can claim that too.  Main things are the carpets, and replacement of a couple of windows with double glazed units, and conversion of halogen lightign to LEDs.  Gets that dealt with in pre-tax dollars.

Once I move into it, pay out the mortgage.  Borrow against it to refinance my margin loan (drop interest rate half a percentage point, remove margin call risk). Get a housemate paying a room cash in hand.

Any other ideas you clever folks can think of?

I had prepared a very convincing presentation on the woes of property investment in Canberra to give at our next gathering, so I guess that I'm going to have to shelve that now...

Just kidding! Congrats on securing a new place and for thinking up ways to maximise its tax deductibility. The only thing that doesn't look right with your cunning plan is that those pre you moving in upgrades sound more of a capital nature to me, hence are depreciable over a few years rather than directly tax-deductible in one year. If you can make some of it sound like maintenance instead, those bits can then be tax deductible.

This_Is_My_Username

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« Reply #49 on: July 22, 2014, 11:30:25 PM »
I've got a loans.com mortgage, for about 6 months so far, at a similar rate.

All is going well so far. 

The rate is the best in australia.

Remember to get cashout at eftpos to avoid cash-withdrawl fees. 

The startup/paperwork was a bit of a hassle, but that seems normal.

The Loan manager (salesman) tends to palm you off to less competent assistant/support staff.  So watch out for that. 

overall, slightly more hassle for very low rate, definitely worth it.