Murray Family Wanted Down Under

Every parent wants to give their child

the best possible start in life.

But what if you passionately believe the only place to do that

is on the other side of the world?

Would you be prepared to uproot them

from everything and everyone they know

to start afresh in a country thousands of miles from home?

Bringing up daughter Jessica in the UK is getting single mum Lisa down.

I can't give her everything that she wants.

I love her to bits.

I just want to make her happy.

A trial-week down under sees both of them bowled over.

-Oh! What's that?

-A pool!

But when the figures don't add up...

It's just not going to work.

That's quite hard.

..could it end up raining on Lisa's Aussie parade?

With just seven people per square mile,

Australia's 100-times less densely populated than the UK,

and with miles of sandy beaches,

a sunny climate and a laid-back outdoors lifestyle,

it's no wonder it's the favourite destination for Brits

seeking to make a new life down under.

Struggling to make ends meet,

Lisa Murray is desperate to give her daughter, Jessica,

a brighter future in Australia.

But as a single mum,

starting again in a country she's never even visited

is a daunting prospect.

Now Lisa has just one week

to see if Australia really does offer the lifestyle

she wants for Jessica.

At the end of it,

both mum and daughter will face a life-changing decision,

whether to stay in the UK or to make a new life down under.

The Murrays' trial week begins with three flights in 24 hours.

As they touch down in Brisbane, opinions are somewhat divided.

The journey was actually not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

I couldn't sleep.

The food was horrible and my ears kept popping.

While Lisa can't believe she's finally on Australian soil...

I've been so excited.

We've been packed for weeks and weeks.

..she does have some apprehensions.

You kept saying to me on the plane, "Oh, before you go to the toilet,

"check under the toilet seat just in case there's any spiders."

I've been having really, really bad nightmares.

And it's not just spiders on her mind.

Everything rides on this week.

It's kind of the final stage.

I think after this week, it's kind of,

"Right, what are we doing then? Are we going or are we staying?"

The next seven days could be the biggest challenge

mum and daughter will ever face

as they decide on which side of the world their future lies.

Meet the Murrays.

Mum, Lisa, and Jessica, who's ten.

Lisa's had the Australian bug for many years.

Ever since I was a teenager, I've wanted to go.

From quite a while...

Watching, you know, Home And Away

and Neighbours and everything Australian,

I just love the whole idea of, you know,

of the sunshine and the outdoor living

and just having a better life.

Single-mum Lisa moved to Edinburgh from Newcastle 16 years ago,

and she and Jessica share an unbreakable bond.

It's fine!

Honestly, you'd think I was murdering you.

Oh, she's my world. Absolutely my world.

She just makes me so happy and so proud, as well.

I love her to bits.

I just want to make her happy.

The past few years have been a struggle for mum and daughter.

You know, having one wage

and living in Edinburgh is actually very, very hard.

I have actually been where I have come to a Friday,

had £5, and that has to last me till Tuesday.

Living hand-to-mouth,

Lisa's had to rely heavily on her dad for financial help.

My dad doesn't earn a lot, at all.

And every time, obviously, I need help, he's there.

He helps me out.

Not being able to provide for her own daughter is heartbreaking.

I can't give her everything that she wants.

And her friends have got all these really nice things,

and I can't afford to give her them. I feel ashamed.

I find that quite hard.

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.

I need a fresh start.

I would die for Jessica, and to give her the happiest life I possibly can

is my whole aim.

Fed up trying to make ends meet,

childcare manager Lisa's resurrected her decades-long dream

of a life in Australia.

The job that I do, it's so much better paid out there.

I know it's more expensive to live, but being able to

not rely on anybody else for help,

but also to be able to give Jessica a better lifestyle.

Day-to-day life in the UK can often be difficult for Jessica.

The school that I'm in is a good school,

just there is A LOT of bullies.

Like, a lot.

So, I don't really like school here.

I'm hoping taking her to the other side of the world

is going to just give her more of a life to get out and just enjoy it.

Although moving to Australia hasn't always been a shared dream...

She was like, "Oh, do I have to?

"Do I really have to go?"

Having been promised a dog down under, Jessica's changed her mind.

If I don't get a dog, I won't be very happy.

And now she's counting down the days.

I really, really want to go.

I'll get to go more outdoorsy and all of that.

I'll get to make new friends.

And also it will be a better place to grow up.

But a move would mean being separated

from the grandfather she loves.

Are you looking forward to coming down next week?

-Yeah?

-I'm very, very close to him.

Like, the day he goes away, I'm crying for, like, two whole hours.

She's so close to her grandad,

I think it's going to be heart-wrenching.

I would be really sad to move to Australia and say goodbye.

Lisa's also worried how she will cope without her dad.

It actually terrifies me to think that I'll be miles away

and I cannae just phone him up and say, "Can I borrow, like, £10?"

Or whatever. I need to fix being in the rut that we're in.

Desperate for a new beginning,

the week ahead's Lisa's best chance at turning life around.

And if Australia doesn't live up to expectations,

she could be back to square one.

I would be devastated if it's not everything

that I'm hoping it's going to be.

Because all that means is we'll be coming back here,

and it's just the same routine and it's my dream over.

I just want to have a good life for Jess.

A good life for Jess.

And I don't think we've got it here.

For their trial week in Australia,

the Murrays are staying in Hope Island,

a popular canal-side suburb

midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast beaches.

Home for the week is a two-bedroom apartment

in a secure gated community.

Oh, this looks really nice.

Do you know, this is actually a perfect area, though.

that I would...I would like to raise you in, though,

cos it's just so quiet.

That's one box ticked.

Whoa.

Whoa.

Oh, my goodness, Jessica.

This is amazing.

It's their first taste of Aussie-style living,

and they're not disappointed.

This is what I'd like to move to Australia for.

The pair are awestruck.

This is just so beautiful.

I need this flat.

And there's more to come.

-A key to a swimming pool!

-What?!

The icing on the cake is a private swimming pool within the grounds.

Oh, wow! Jessica, this is gorgeous.

Look!

They've only been in the country a few hours,

but Jessica's already won over.

What would you rate it out of ten?

Oh, I think it would have to be a nine.

Mine would be a ten.

It's the perfect start,

but Lisa knows she can't afford to get carried away just yet.

Everything hangs on the week ahead.

It's kind of either going to make a dream or break a dream.

And, hopefully, it's going to make it and not...

and not go home disappointed.

Back in the UK, Lisa and Jessica live in a two-bedroom,

top-floor flat in Gilmerton, just outside Edinburgh.

Yeah, it's quite small.

-Very.

-This is Jessica's room.

She's got so much stuff, there's not storage anywhere in the flat.

The area's not what it used to be.

So, when I moved in, it was really, really nice.

But now, there's...

-It's trashed.

-There's a lot of rubbish lying around.

I just don't feel it's very safe for her.

You know, so, I don't let her go very far at all.

Lisa knows exactly the kind of place she'd like to live down under.

See, when you see Neighbours and Ramsay Street,

that is actually what I would like.

OK, so what else is on the wish list?

I think my dream house would be...

-With a pool.

-..one with a pool.

Quite large, open planned.

-Very large.

-I don't want it to be

where there's loads of, you know, greenery.

So that no animals come.

Because then that would actually terrify me.

If they do make the move,

the Murrays plan to rent down under

and have a monthly budget of £1,100.

To find out what kind of home this could get them,

we're showing them three properties,

two close to budget, and one which could be their dream home.

The search begins in the suburb of Ormeau,

conveniently placed between the city in the north

and beaches in the south.

With plenty of dog-walking opportunities

and a strong sense of community,

it could be the perfect spot for the pair.

Jessica, these are beautiful houses.

Ain't no doubt about it.

What will their first impressions be of this modern three-bedroom home?

I don't know if I like the double garage.

I think because it looks just very...

It looks very concrete.

But I think it's very garage-y at the front.

On the plus side, the area gets a thumbs up.

Beautiful street.

-What do you think?

-I love it.

Whoa, there's two doors.

Yeah, that's it, the gate and the main door.

I like it's very neutral.

I like the colour scheme.

So far, so good.

I really like having the kitchen with the sitting-room

cos it'd be really nice being able to make your tea...

And also chat to me.

..and chat to you.

So, this would be a nice room for you, wouldn't it?

Smaller than the one you've got at home.

It could do you, but you would have to get rid of some of your stuff.

-That's fine.

-Yeah.

-Or like get smaller sort of...

Very accommodating, Jessica.

I like how all the rooms have got the fans in.

-Yeah.

-Big double wardrobes.

A nice big double bed.

In fact, I think this one would be more for me.

-Why?

-Because I could probably get more stuff in here.

Mum's having second thoughts, anyway.

Not much of a view.

You've got your neighbours straight out the window.

I don't need a perfect view to have the best bedroom.

Quite right, Jessica.

Just lots of room for your toys.

Lisa's got mixed opinions on the family bathroom, too.

Well, it's got a nice bath and shower.

It's quite small though, isn't it?

It's quite a little compact bathroom.

Well, there's only two of us.

Good point, Jessica.

And coming up, something to get Lisa more excited.

-Wow!

-What? What?

This is my bedroom.

No!

The master bedroom's got all the storage Mum needs.

Now, that is my dream.

-Whoa.

-This is perfect.

Beautiful views out onto the garden.

Outdoors there's a great spot for entertaining.

You know for friends over.

Nice big patio.

Although Jessica's got other ideas for the garden.

I like it because it's very big.

And if I did get a dog, this would be a good size.

Is it your ideal garden?

For the size of it, yeah.

-But it hasn't got a pool.

-It hasn't got a pool.

And is that what you really, really want?

-Yeah, I really, really want.

-So, maybe just kind of as a starter,

would you be happy with...?

Yeah, this would be lovely for a starter.

I could see myself living in a little house like this.

This house is very nearly perfect for the pair,

but is it somewhere they could afford to call home?

Their rental budget is £1,100 a month.

Shall we have a look at how much it is?

-Yep.

-Would you like to turn it over?

-Yes.

-Go on, then.

Oh, I'm dreading this!

That's £160 a month below budget.

Wow! That's on the lower end of our budget,

which is quite exciting, because if you want a pool,

it could still be in our price range.

That gives me a lot of hope...

..if I'm honest, that we could actually maybe afford a dream house.

With the day off to a positive start, the next stop is Labrador.

Overlooking the estuary of Southport Broadwater,

this suburb boasts plenty of opportunities

for outdoor activities,

and with no shortage of shops,

restaurants and a range of good schools,

it could be just the ticket for the Murrays.

Will this three-bedroom property work its charm on mum and daughter?

Oh, this is a nice, colourful house.

Isn't it?

-Yes.

-It's very yellow fellow.

That's got to be better than "too garage-y."

Now, I love the look of this.

This is like a Queenslander, I think.

-Yeah.

-Isn't it?

I really like all the palm trees

cos it makes you feel like you're in Australia.

Could be because you are, Lisa.

Going through the front door, though,

they're not sure where they are.

I think this could be, like, the living room.

Yeah, but, like, you don't just want to come in

and then there's a living room.

Well, what would you have this room as?

It could be like a table and chair room or something.

-A chill-out room.

-Yeah, a chill-out room.

Now, this is nice.

Not too big a kitchen.

Love the tiles.

Also, you've got more storage space.

Mm-hm. So, it's very...

It's a very contemporary house, isn't it?

It's not, like, too big or too small

because there's only the two of us right now. And maybe a dog.

And maybe a dog.

Jessica's not going to let Lisa forget her promise of a pooch.

The family bathroom's not for Lisa.

Yeah, I think it's a bit dated for me.

But, you know, we could change it

because if we live here, like, we could

change it to, like, pink and black.

Like hot pink and black stripes because that's what I would like.

Not sure that's going to wash, Jessica.

Wow!

This is my room.

-This is my room.

-No!

That is stunning.

The master bedroom's got the storage Lisa's looking for.

Nice big double wardrobe.

Triple wardrobes.

And it's a room with a view.

Can you imagine waking up to that every morning?

I could jump out of bed and go, "Lovely morning!"

But Lisa has other ideas.

I think we'd fight over this room, but I would win as I am the parent.

No, you won't.

I'll be paying the rent.

This would be my room.

Oh, see, imagine every morning

-stepping out with your cup of tea.

-Yeah.

Outdoors, the covered entertaining area

runs the full width of the house.

I like this.

-Yeah.

-This is...

This is huge.

-Lovely.

-Look, you've even got a Wendy house.

Would that not compensate for not having a pool?

No. I need a pool.

Nice try, Mum.

Thinking between the first one and this one,

I would probably more so go for this one

cos I really like the look of it.

It looks so picturesque and so nice and girlie.

It's very girlie. No, but that's what I like.

-I think it just...

-I don't like girlie.

-Do you want to have a little look in?

-Yeah.

You'd have great fun playing in there.

Not sure Jessica agrees.

I'm not a baby, you know.

I bet you have to crouch through this door.

Yep.

Although it may not have fitted their every need,

this house has impressed.

But will it be a tight squeeze on their £1,100 budget?

Shall we see, Jessica, what the price is?

Yes.

-Yes?

-Yes.

OK. Let's go.

It's almost on budget, and Lisa's relieved.

We're getting actually quite a lot of space for our money.

I'm really quite happy with that.

Maybe you might even be able to get somewhere with a pool.

You just never know.

With things continuing on a positive note,

it's on to the final property of the day.

We found what should be the Murrays' dream home.

It's in Molendinar, a well-established suburb

with a living-in-the-country feel.

Will this three-bedroom home deliver the full package?

-Oh, wow.

-Wow.

Liking this one.

Whoa. This is nice.

It's a hit, and they haven't even been inside yet.

Loving the front entrance.

It looks very posh, doesn't it?

Look at the front entrance,

Jessica, even with this.

-Oh, wow.

-This is lovely.

-I am loving just the corridor.

So, I don't even know where we should start.

-Shall we start that side?

-Yes.

Right. Let's go.

I'm so excited about this one.

There's plenty to celebrate.

Awesome interior.

-What's that?

-A pool!

Looks like Jessica's dream's come true at last.

We're buying this house.

The number-one thing on your list.

Come on, then. So, what do you think?

SHE GIGGLES

Are you very happy that there's a big pool?

Oh, well, we'll have to see if we can afford it, eh?

-WHISPERS:

-We might be able to afford it.

Right, OK.

No pressure there, then.

The kitchen's definitely got the wow factor.

This is gorgeous!

We are so living here.

This is my dream house.

It is mine because there's a pool.

It's just, like, ideal.

I think I'm sold on this house too, Jessica.

And this time the family bathroom doesn't disappoint.

Oh, now this is nice.

Very modern. It's really nice.

Very contemporary, I like it.

I like it a lot.

Bath, separate toilet.

That'll be so good for us.

The master bedroom leaves Lisa gobsmacked.

SHE SQUEALS

This is my... Oh, wow.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God, this is amazing.

I can imagine myself in that bath.

Mum.

-Mum.

-This is more than what I could actually dream of.

But Jessica's found a flaw with the open-plan layout.

Just say I wanted you for something right,

I come in and you're sitting in the bath...

You'll be in your pool, honey.

You won't want me. It's fine.

Lisa's seriously smitten with this property.

This is my perfect, perfect number ten.

But she's beginning to worry it'll be beyond her reach.

I just know I'm not going to be able to afford it.

I really hope we can afford this house...

-Same.

-..because I will seriously cry.

Compared to their flat in Edinburgh, this is the house of Lisa's dreams.

It's...it's absolutely perfect.

It's ticked off a lot of things.

It's ticked off with the pool.

Not too big and not too small.

It just looks the type of house that I want.

They're both sold,

but could the pair actually afford to live in a house like this

with a monthly budget of £1,100?

I don't know if I want to look at this.

Well, we have to. Just wait, I'll turn it over.

Are you ready?

Look at it, then.

What? Really?

It's £300 over budget, but...

-That's amazing!

-Yeah!

Could we afford this property?

So, if we looked at what the salary was over here, then yes,

we so could afford this house.

That would be amazing.

It's been a positive day on the property front.

The first house was under budget and had a garden big enough for a dog.

But no pool meant no go for Jessica.

The second property's modern interior twist

was appealing to Lisa,

but Jessica couldn't see herself hanging out in a Wendy house.

House number three was the dream home, and although over budget,

could still be within reach.

So, when it comes to Aussie homes, will it be home or away?

So, on today's property search, we are going to vote for...

-BOTH:

-Australia!

All the three properties we've seen were really good,

but I really loved the third one.

So, that's why I voted for Australia.

The last property was my dream property

and had everything, and it's not out of reach.

So, it's kind of...

It's helping with my dream of knowing

that we could have a good life over here.

Aussie homes have got the thumbs up from both Lisa and Jessica.

Would you just be in there all day?

But their plans for a life down

under could yet come to nothing if Lisa

can't find the right work opportunities.

Back in the UK, she's a childcare centre manager,

a job she's passionate about.

Your day's never the same.

Very busy, but you get so many rewards

when you see the children learn and progress.

Lisa's worked in childcare for 14 years,

but to transfer her skills down under

she'll have to complete a diploma.

It's kind of putting a lot of pressure

having to go back to college.

Financially-wise, am I going to be able...

..to support while studying?

There's no point in me going all the way over there

to be in the same situation that I am actually over here.

Getting the right salary down under will be crucial if Lisa's hopes

of a fresh start are ever to become a reality.

We've arranged for her to visit a local childcare centre

to find out just what her job

prospects might be on the Gold Coast.

While the children have fun outside, Lisa's met by manageress Bonnie.

-Would you like me to take you round? Have a look around?

-Yes, please.

-I'd love to. Thank you.

-Great, let's go.

Come through.

Every teacher has their own style of doing things.

Bonnie's impressed with Lisa's experience in the industry.

I can see your resume was fantastic, so you've done so much.

People will jump at that and you'll find you'll progress

extremely quickly through the system.

She's got some advice for Lisa on continuing her career down under.

You could start off as your Certificate III as the assistant,

learn the ropes while you're doing your four subjects and the diploma,

move into the teacher's role and then slowly as you're getting more

involved in the industry, move up into the director's role.

So, it's about getting your feet in the door, really, isn't it?

-Yes.

-And kind of proving, showing yourself and progressing forward.

-Yes.

-That makes total sense.

-Encouraged,

Lisa's keen to find out what kind of hours she'd be expected to work.

So, some of our staff with children would work an 8:00 to 4:30.

Some of them would work, you know, an 8:30 to 5:00.

There's a lot of flexibility in hours.

That's really good hours.

Flexible hours could mean more quality time with Jessica.

So, could Lisa actually get a placement in a centre like this?

We have three locations very close to each other.

So, definitely there'd be a spot in one of those locations

for you to do that placement.

Do you have part-time job opportunities as well?

There are a lot of people that go off on maternity leave,

so we are always looking for good educators.

It's all positive,

but Lisa's still got one very important question for Bonnie.

What kind of salary initially would I be looking at?

OK, so just as a Certificate, you'd be on 21.48 an hour.

-Right, OK.

-Which works out to 40,805 for the year.

At £22,000, that's roughly £2,000 less than Lisa's current salary,

but once qualified as a centre manager or director,

she could earn more.

And you'd look at 55,000 a year.

That's a potential increase of almost £9,000 a year.

It's good news and bad.

To be a director would be a lot better for me financially,

but I'd be worse off coming in as a level III which is the one thing

that I would be a bit worried about

obviously for coming over.

The day's given Lisa plenty of food for thought,

so how will it impact on her vote?

Based on my work day, I am going to vote for...

..undecided.

I vote undecided because long term, I would be extremely happy,

but the short term,

I need to ensure that if I came over to Australia,

I have everything in place and that I don't fail and end back in the UK

from struggling.

Doubts about making ends meet in the short term

have thrown a question mark

over Lisa's hopes for a fresh start down under.

But determined to give daughter Jessica a better future,

she's not giving up on her dream at the first hurdle.

So, will a day sampling the potential lifestyle they could have

help reinforce her reasons for wanting to relocate

to the other side of the world?

Jessica's passionate about animals.

So, where better for mum and daughter to hang out than one of

Queensland's animal welfare sanctuaries?

They're met by Rachel Willis.

-I'm Lisa.

-I'm Rachel, nice to meet you.

-And you are?

-Jessica.

Jess. This is Almond.

Jessica's big ambition in life is to work with animals

and the sanctuary has the perfect plan to jump-start her career.

It's called our animal care programme.

You spend the whole day learning how to look after companion animals.

When you've done that, if you're really super keen,

then you can come and volunteer for us.

Would you like to do a programme like that?

-Yeah, I would.

-Having been promised a dog if the move were to happen,

it's time to meet a potential pooch.

Sanctuary worker Megan introduces Samaya.

The best thing to do is take your treat,

put it in between your fingers like that and hold your hand flat.

There you go. Very nice.

Samaya's only been with us since Tuesday.

Just say when we do come here and just say she's still here,

I would definitely buy her.

Looks like Jessica's lovestruck.

-Aren't you gorgeous?

-Lie down.

-Do we take you home?

-Yeah, we should!

What does Samaya mean again?

It means eternal.

I can't remember what eternal means.

-So, forever.

-Ah, right.

Oh, yeah, that's a lovely name.

I would keep her name Samaya, or I would call her Gorgeous,

-cos she is gorgeous.

-Yeah, you liking that?

You're liking all the attention?

-Want your belly rubbed?

-Yeah, you like that, don't you?

Can we get this doggy?

Oh, we cannae today, sweetie.

Today's been a big hit with Jessica.

Samaya was my dream dog.

It was really nice to see as a mum her passion actually coming to life.

It was lovely.

It's left Jessica with no doubts as to where her future lies.

I would love to live in Australia.

I never want to go back to the UK.

It goes to show that my dream is actually now going on

to Jessica's dream as well.

But the day's also given Lisa a chance to reflect on the pressure

she is under to deliver on the lifestyle Jessica's fallen for.

If she wants to come and I can't afford to come,

I don't know how it's going to be for Jessica.

Cos I'm the only breadwinner,

it is the biggest burden in making sure that we don't struggle.

After just a taste of the life Jessica could have,

I think this vote's in the bag.

So, today we had a great day with the animals.

So, based on that, we are going to vote for...

-BOTH:

-..Australia!

I voted for Australia because I felt

Jessica really came out of her shell.

Working with animals is my dream, so, yeah.

I want to see her happy in an environment,

in an area she absolutely loves. So, that meant quite a lot to me.

So, it was really nice. I'd like to do that more.

Giving Jessica a brighter future is what her move's all about.

In the UK, everyday life's not quite what it should be.

Back home, Jessica's not happy at school.

She doesn't want to go in.

I hate school in the UK.

She's had bouts of, you know, bullying

and things like that at school.

To find out what Jessica might expect from school life down under,

we've arranged for mum and daughter to visit Coomera Anglican College.

Lisa's got high expectations.

I'm really, really excited to see what the school actually holds

-from what I've read about.

-But Jessica's got mixed emotions.

I'm nerve-cited.

You're nervous and excited?

Enrolment officer Rachel Castles shows them around.

Welcome to Coomera Anglican College.

-Shall we go and have a tour?

-Yes.

-Let's go.

Jessica loves drama, so first up, some role-play with Year Sixes.

If they're a little bit freaky cos there's so many of them

and only one of you, you don't have to talk to them,

you can just look at them like they're peasants.

-Deal?

-Hello, my name is Bridget Mandala.

I'm a pop star.

Oh, my goodness! Hello!

Give you my shoe?

LAUGHTER

# Whoa! #

She doesn't even want to listen. Off you go.

Sorry, sorry. Sorry.

After being thrown in at the deep end,

Jessica chats to her new Aussie friends

while Rachel fills Mum in on the school's anti-bullying policy.

We have a zero tolerance.

We teach the children not to be bystanders.

Go and talk to a teacher

and obviously get that in process to stop...

-That's fantastic.

-..dealt with straightaway.

That's Mum reassured.

Rachel's keen to put Jessica's mind at rest, too.

On your very, very, very, very first day, we give you buddies

and those friends are usually in your class.

-They can show...

-I think I've already made some friends.

Have you made some friends already?

-Some in the group.

-Jessica would fit in straightaway.

Rachel also introduces them to mum Sheena who made the move down under

six years ago.

My daughter was a year older than you, Jessica,

when she moved over here and, you know, she loves it.

The teachers are all so helpful.

The communication with the teachers is really good.

There are so many activities that you as a parent can be involved in,

-as well.

-So, Mum could make friends, too.

Lisa wants Jessica to leave school with a career plan,

so what kind of opportunities would she have here?

From Years Seven to Eight, they do core subjects.

So, they have a taste of everything.

Then when they get into the older year levels,

that's when we start to look at careers and what you want to do.

We've got fabulous teachers that will sit down and help

-with careers advice.

-Impressed with what she's seen,

Lisa's eager to find out how Jessica could make the switch to a school

-like this.

-If you were to move out next year, in January,

she would go into our Year Six.

-Right, OK.

-Which would be perfect for her.

It gives her a really great year of transitioning,

getting to make new friends,

finding her feet in Australia and in a whole new world.

-Thank you very much.

-Pleasure.

It's been an inspiring day for both of them.

I think this school's amazing.

And I would be so happy if we moved over here to...

for Jessica to attend this school.

And I think moving to Australia

would be a really good choice to make.

Knowing Jessica would settle easily in Australia is another boost for

Lisa's dream, but in order to turn it into reality,

the figures will have to stack up.

She's already concerned about the calculations.

If it says that we are worse off in Australia,

it's going to kind of be the end of the dream, really.

And we have to be very realistic.

It doesn't have to be the end of the dream because

if it's more expensive, just it's more expensive in Brisbane,

it could be less expensive somewhere else.

So, you're staying think positive?

-Yes.

-OK.

That's the spirit.

To help them do the sums,

we've provided a comparison of costs between the UK and Australia.

First up is the weekly shop.

So, tinned sweetcorn is 35p in the UK and it's 53p here.

That's a difference of 18p.

My hair dye, must...

is a huge must.

-Yes.

-It's £6.94 in the UK.

It's - oh! - £5.30!

That's minus £1.64.

I could dye my hair all the time.

Your hair might fall off, so let's not suggest that.

-OK.

-So, what does the weekly food bill come to?

That's a plus in Australia of £15.53.

That's an extra £62 per month on groceries alone.

-But...

-It's not a big difference.

-Yeah.

-And we could probably save...

-A lot more.

-Yeah.

We're not going to cry...

..as my mum would say.

So, no tears over the grocery bill.

But what about the bigger outgoings?

Basing the figures on the dream property they saw,

their monthly rental costs would almost triple in Australia.

Per month, we'd be paying £821 extra for a swimming pool.

If it was... If I was you, I would pay that much money for that house

if I was on my own.

Would you? So, you think there's more value for money, then?

Yeah, definitely.

It may be, Jessica,

but factored in with all the other outgoings down under...

So, it's £1,028 more expensive

to live in Australia for our expenditure.

A lot per month for Mummy to find.

That's an extra £12,000 a year.

The mounting costs could spell an end to Lisa's dream.

We could maybe...

..find cuts here and there, but it's still quite a big commitment.

But Jessica's determined not to give up.

We'll find a way.

I mean, we are the Murrays.

And the Murrays always find a way.

You could do without your pool.

Yeah, I'll do that.

And your dog.

I'll do that for a year.

Jessica's being very brave,

but based on Lisa's initial earnings

and without giving up on the dream house,

the pair would be worse off in Australia

by almost £500 a month.

Seeing the figures in black and

white has confirmed Lisa's worst fears.

It's the realisation that the dream that I've had for so long

for a better life is just...

It's just kind of blown it out of the water, really.

You've got to be realistic.

Don't cry.

It is quite gutting to know that...

..even though I'd get a better life over here for Jessica,

it's just not going to work.

That's quite hard.

Sorry.

As they prepare to vote, Lisa is crushed.

It's been a bit disappointing.

Sorry.

So, because of this, our vote will go to...

-..UK.

-Oh, wait. UK.

I'm shocked that you put the UK.

-Why did you put UK?

-Well, I wanted to go with Australia,

but obviously you're the boss, so I have to go with the UK.

But your dream doesn't have to end, Mum.

I love your positivity.

I've got a great daughter, don't I?

Finances have dealt a devastating blow to Lisa's hopes

of a new life down under and now there's the emotional cost

of a move to confront. We've put

together a DVD of messages from home.

Will Jessica's positivity survive the reality of leaving loved ones

behind in the UK?

Yeah, how do you feel about watching these videos?

-Nervous.

-What are you nervous about?

Because I want to move,

but then they're going to be saying not to move.

Well, shall we watch it, then?

-Yes, we shall.

-OK.

Hi!

Hi, Jess. Hi, Lisa.

Hi, guys. I hope yous have had a fab week.

-Hi.

-Hi, Lisa and Jessica.

Both Lisa and Jessica are crazy.

But really, really bubbly, lovely girls.

Lisa and Jessica...

..are like... They're like sisters.

Both similar personalities and sometimes they can have eruptions.

What?!

My relationship with Jessica, we are very close.

We really do cherish the time that we spend together.

Australia's always been a dream of Lisa's.

So, it's been something that's been discussed

from the beginning, really, of our friendship.

I think Lisa will find it difficult to make the decision

when it comes down to making the decision.

We'll miss you very much.

And I hope you're thinking very, very hard about what you want to do.

We will miss yous.

If they move to Australia, I'd be...

I'd be upset. I mean, I'd be devastated losing out on my girls.

But also really happy for her as well,

for the both of them.

I can't describe how much I'd miss them.

I'd miss Jessica to the end of the universe and back.

I don't think she realises that she's not going to be able

to come back and when it comes to school holidays,

it's no coming down to Grandma's any more.

Well, we will miss you cos we've become very good friends.

We'll miss you loads if you decide to go, but whatever you decide,

I'm here for you,

no matter what, no matter when and always remember that.

Love you both lots.

So, how does that make you feel?

Like I don't want to move.

Really?

Aww.

OK?

After years believing Australia would give Jessica a happier future,

Lisa now realises the move would leave them with a heavy financial

and emotional burden.

But having glimpsed how good life could be,

will the pair decide that's a price worth paying?

There's no doubt their time down under has shown Lisa and Jessica

just how good life could be in Australia.

I've seen Jessica flourish this week,

so I think it's enforced my vision of why I want to come out here.

I do think me and my mum will have a better life

in Australia than Scotland.

I actually really do want this

and knowing Jessica would really love to come out as well is...

has made me very happy.

But the harsh reality of costs down under

could see Lisa's dream washed away.

It's the same story that I can't improve my life for Jessica.

It would just be a big struggle all the time.

Predicting the outcome is difficult for Jessica.

And I do think she'll make the right decision,

but I can't really help with making the right decision for me

because my mum's the boss.

I need to go away and re-evaluate what I'm going to do.

So, when it comes to the final turn of the cards,

will the Murrays' future be decided by their heads or their hearts?

We've had an amazing week in Australia,

full of ups and downs, but now it's time to vote.

-BOTH:

-Australia!

Yay!

So, you want to move to Australia, then?

Yep. How are you since the reality check?

I thought you wouldn't want to move.

Because after listening to you last night, you talked a lot of sense...

No, I didn't. My brain's still hurting, you know.

No, but you did. And you were right in what you are saying.

We just need to re-evaluate.

We need to look at what we can and can't afford

and even if it takes us a little bit longer to get out here.

And knowing that she's going to be really happy makes me a happy mum.

Give me five.

Yeah!

It's been a week of tears and laughter for the Murrays,

but believing their long-term future

ultimately looks brighter in Australia,

Lisa has decided to stick with her dream

and Jessica's more than happy to go along with her.

Hopefully, it won't be too long

before they are packing up and heading for

a happier new life together down under.