It's better in Aussieland ( we spend a few months there in Adelaide and Williamstown back in '02 and I loved it there...learned to do silk ribbon embroidery.
Hey Drue, Willianstown is not far from where I live. If you ever come back to visit let me know, would love to meet up.
I think here in Aussieland we are very well off for quilting supplies and fabric though it is fairly expensive $18 - $25 a metre.I spent this afternoon at the Australian Machine Quilting Festival where many Machines including long arms were on display and available for people to try. There were many other stalls showing every ruler and quilting gadget available I think. Also Ricky Tims, Renae Haddadin and several other American quilters were here to teach classes. So yes we are very spoiled for supplies for our craft.