Hi Carol,
I am a newby to the board as well. Live in Western Australia though I am an old time blow in from Qld.
Haven't been quilting myself that long really (4yrs) time wise although in reality the past 12 months I've done very little quilting due to the effects of my cancer treatment. Just too debilitating to keep up with it.
Am finding the board to be a wonderful resource and hope you do as well.
Cheers
Maybe1 :D