where or how can i find a good piano teacher

[theholygideons]

Hey guys,
Do you guys know of any good teachers in Australia, Sydney?
I was thinking of getting a piano teacher maybe start of next year or so.
Perhaps someone who could offer musical guidance.

[indianajo]

You may get a direct answer from Sydney, but if not:
Degrees and letters after the name aren't all that. Many great performers have terrible personality problems.  
My Mother found my piano teacher by asking around at the PTA at grade school.  It is a great way to get an actual review of a teacher suitable for starting out.  
People at music stores are usually screened for personality problems, but the lessons are expensive and you never get any extra time there.  
Churches are another place where people can talk about service people frankly.  Visit a church for a few weeks; talk to the mothers of children for beginning teachers.  
To find someone more advanced, attend Guild (professional organization) concerts.  The Am Guild of Organists here gives a lot of concerts.  I can't take organ lessons due to not owning an AGO compatible organ, but there are two people there with broad enough experience to help me with piano.  This is  without all the charges and paperwork of going through the local university, which does offer a private lessons program.      

[hfmadopter]

The very good teacher that I had years ago came recommended to me by my piano tuner at the time. As it was, she was also the organist and choir director at the Catholic Church. She came loaded with experience, had a great learning program in place and the cost at the time was very affordable.