Interesting thread. So mine is a strange one. AOR 18 August 2018 (that is not a typo).
I recently ordered GCMS (actually CBSA) notes. I had been in security screening since May 2019. The notes show that my application was approved at CIO Sydney on 01 October 2019. It gets even better as I can also see the visa number and authority document number for my COPR. I can, however, also see an expiry date which is 14 may 2020. Unfortunately, someone seems to have slept on it and I never received a mail.
I therefore contacted CIO Sydney through Webform after getting to know this and they responded. First response said that they had sent a "ready for Visa" mail on 02 October 2019, but that they would follow up with the officer. The second one said that they have initiated action at their end and that they invite me to contact them if I don't get a response by 25 July.
I am sharing this with you all since there seems to be some doubt in people's minds regarding GCMS notes. My advice; order them. Worth their weight in gold they are.
Secondly, it is a fruitless business hanging about. I was working through an agent and the only thing she said was "We need to wait". DON'T listen to them; they are not personally invested in your case and, in many cases do not even know about various things that can be done. Had I acted earlier, I may have saved months of my life. As things stand now, hopefully the situation will be salvaged. It is not worth the risk free-wheeling on the basis of advice from the likes of them. Get out there, find out what you can do and for heaven's sake, do it. For yourself!!
Here's wishing you all the best of luck and good health.
Do take care.