To close the loop: I am now the proud owner of
- SkyWatcher HEQ5 Pro Dual: Bintel recommended the SW mount due to parts availability in Australia. Functionally similar to the Saxon EQ5 one; certainly for my needs anyway.
- Bintel 6 Inch f/5 OTA newt: Initially I had requested the f/6 OTA but this was not in stock anymore so went with f/5. From reading/discussions I think it'll make minimal difference for visual viewing (as compared to f/6) and will have a wider field of view. In any case, a vast improvement over what I have now.
This is for my 40th birthday on the weekend so I'm resisting unboxing until then - reading manuals and the guides Martin so kindly sent in the meantime
I'm sure I will have some follow-up questions before too long.