Hi,
I'm in the same boat as you, just bought a second hand 8" Dob. I'll probably have a play about with it before I go to a Star Party so I know which end is which
I've seen on facebook a group astro anarchy who go to Wyralong dam a little west of Beaudesert which is not too far from me in Jimboomba so I may go at some point when I have some more confidence.
I'll also be visiting astro petes shop near garden city to spend some money - that guy also hangs out with the astro anarchy group so I'll have a chat to him.