Hi Jamie,
Not sure it will do what you want (just getting into it myself) but you might like to check out virtualWire (Arduino library). It uses those 433MHz modules Phil mentioned.
The supply situation doesn't seem any better here in Australia. I got my Freeduinos etc from nkcelectronics. I'd certainly use them again, even though the exchange rate is much worse now. 
Sad to see the only local electronics mag, Silicon Chip, doesn't seem interested in Arduino either. I told them about it last year, but I think they have a vested interest in Pic & Picaxe. Hence the local supply situation.