RA Aus is one great answer. Conversion Training is another option (better than a Flight Review). The best answer is of course to get the hell away from that school. I don't know Melbourne but that Maitland thing sounds all right.
Just think of this as an excuse for you to justify spending the extra money on doing something fun (tailwheel endo, work towards a multi endo (even if you don't finish it instructor signs you out for an AFR), Low Level endo, Formation etc).
Aus needs more people committing aviation for the fun of it so get out there and have some fun.
FRQ CB