Have a look at the NZ composite developments. I have a couple (9 and 12 wt). The 9wt is a boron composite 9' 2 piece and has caught hundreds of fish in NT, PNG, Qld including 35lb barra, GT to 12 kg and Macks to 10 Kg. Bought the blank and made it up for about $250.
The 12wt is a horse and not something I use frequently, pull it out for billie or big cobes.
10wt is great all round
If you are in Melb - talk to guys at Compleat Angler, as they should be able to show you whats available.