Hi MMPD

im an Aussie living in the uk and im a teacher so i may be able to help you with your education questions.

Schooling is state run however enrolment is through the individual schools. Its not like england where if you dont live in teh right area you cant go to a particular school. If you dont hear anything back my advice would be to call the school in february (school holidays atm) or when you get there.

In rented places youhave to pay for electricity, gas and sometimes water the owners usualy pay land rates (from my experience anyway)

dont bother bringing white goods check out the harvey norman or Bing lee, retrovision web sites for prices on white goods....i remember harvey norman doing a package deal for me

dont worry about the mosquitos or bed nets all houses are fitted with fly screens and unless you live next to a swamp your not going to get worried by mosquitos (not saing that they wont be there though)

lastly its a great city brisbane im sure you will enjoy