Charley,

I'm from Brisbane, like John (except not originally).
John forgot to mention that an American-tuned banjo is
no good here, because it doesn't use Australian scales.
However, I could perhaps get it converted for you, at a very
reasonable fee (reasonable to me, anyway)
And as far as begging/buying/stealing goes, there is only
one choice to fit in with traditional Australian ... but I've
forgotten which one it is. If you look like getting to
Brisbane, contact me at iclarke@bigpond.net.au, and
I'll get you a gig (unpaid) at a local club.

If you don't get this email, let me know, and I'll re-send it.

Regards,
Shimbo.