Welcome Simon!
What are the skies like in Blacktown? Blackskies? (Sorry, couldn't resist).
Like the other guys have said, feel free to post any questions. I am still a relative newbie, and believe me, I have been GREATLY assisted by what others have told me on this forum. The thing I would really encourage you to do, if possible, is to meet up with some other astro-nerds for some "team viewing" in your area. I have learnt the most by checking out what other people do in the field.
Rod