Paddy, if you're going to buy Canon - a great choice if I may say so - there are a couple of things to think about. Firstly, the 2000D is coming out soon. It will be better than the 1000D but that might mean you will get the 1000D cheaper and it will still be a good camera. But also, have a look at a 50D and compare prices. I got my 50D for a steal (about $900 Australian). It's a step up from the 1000D yet it's probably cheaper at the moment. Of course if you're looking at lens kits that will change things a bit.
On lenses, a Canon 70-220mm F2.8 is a must for any fair dinkum photographer. Of course you have to be able to afford one but they are great. You'll need to get a 1.4x converter to go with it to give you some more focal length but it's worth it. The other reasonable option is to get a Canon 300mm F4. It will give you the focal length you will need without losing too much quality and it will be a bit cheaper than the other set-up. But it is a less versatile set-up than the previous option because it's not a zoom lens and you don't have the option of shooting at F2.8 without the converter attached. To be even cheaper you could look at Sigma's versions of the same lenses but they aren't quite as agood and aren't water proof.
When I advise people on what to get that's what I always say. If you don't quite have the cash to get a 2.8 lens yet it's worth saving up and waiting. Trust me. If you buy a cheap lens now you'll only want a better one later anyway. If you're keen that is.