Hi rob.
looking back on my visa application it took 10 weeks for my skills assesment to be processed and it was positive.
Im guessing that you sent it to TRA for assesment and you have given them all the relevant docs IE letters from employers and all certificates etc etc.
After that you need to complete form 47sk for you,which will also include your family in the same doc,their is a lot to fill out.You will also need to complete form 80 for you and your wife and for children if they grown up and going with you.
I sent in my forms 47sk and form 80's in June 2007 via courier.Later on when requested you will have to get police clearances from all countries that you have lived in,this could take some time,I can advise you as regards to uk if needed.best to research this early on and get the required papers ready.but watch how long they are valid for.
You will then need medicals for all the family members.research this now for suitable doctors so you are prepared.You could get a medical done just for your own satisfaction by your doctor so you know that all is ok.The medical is strict be warned,they could even not accept you if your overweight badly.as i said my 47sks and 80s went in June 2007,they appointed a case officer in Jan and asked for my medicals etc at the same time.I received confirmation of my visa at the end of March.
It is a lot of work but think it is well worth it. I used Liveinaustralia to help me and i can honestly say they are fantastic.without them i would of definatly made some mistakes and they are also a good source of information.My skills were on the demand list also which they say puts me as priority for processing.
Hope this helps you out,feel free to pick my brains again if needed.
Mr.P