0:00:02 > 0:00:04Melanie Andrews was desperate to convince her husband, Rob,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07that a life down under would be better for their future,
0:00:07 > 0:00:10and worth giving up close family ties in the UK.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13My auntie and uncle, they mean everything to me.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Leaving them behind is just going to be very hard.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18But, after a week of shocks...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20I'm not liking this at the moment.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22..and surprises...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- Wow.- Oh, my God.- Oh, I'm crying.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28..have the Andrews managed to achieve the life Mel had dreamt of?
0:00:28 > 0:00:32I just don't know how much I'd resent him later on for not going.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36So where are the Andrews family now?
0:00:36 > 0:00:39In the UK, or down under?
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Australia's warm climate and golden beaches have long been a magnet for
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Brits seeking a new life abroad.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13On average, nearly 100 of us emigrate to Australia every day.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15But the dream doesn't always match up to reality,
0:01:15 > 0:01:20and as many as a third of new arrivals end up heading back home.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25Moving your family to the other side of the world can throw up massive
0:01:25 > 0:01:28challenges - finding the right house,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31juggling finances and getting a job
0:01:31 > 0:01:34is daunting enough, but if your partner can't bear to leave
0:01:34 > 0:01:39friends and family behind, it becomes a huge dilemma.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43In 2011, the Andrews embarked on their trial week.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Two flights, 9,000 miles
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and 22 hours gave them time to think about the adventure ahead.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- I think we're excited about this week, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55You know, I'm nervous as well, but I'm really looking forward to it.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58You know, just want to get in there and convince Rob
0:01:58 > 0:02:00that it will be good.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03It's going to be more of a reality check.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- Yeah.- It is going to be a big test, this week.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07This is sort of like the make-or-break.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12It was a week that had the potential to change their lives for ever.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16And it was a long way from Folkestone in Kent.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Mel and husband Rob share their happy home with their children,
0:02:20 > 0:02:21Kobi, who was seven
0:02:21 > 0:02:23and little Lexi, who was then just three.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27But, for Mel, it was Australia that offered the life she'd dreamt of
0:02:27 > 0:02:29since she was a teenager.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31I'd originally planned to go travelling for six weeks,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and it fell through, so I couldn't go.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36And there was a second time I was going to go and that fell through.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40I was so upset and so gutted that I couldn't go.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42No-one wanted to take her, to be honest.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43No, so it's third time lucky.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47And, after being there on holiday for three weeks,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51I absolutely loved it, and Kobi and Lexi did as well -
0:02:51 > 0:02:55they were always outside, they were always playing in the park.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I suppose it is a lot like England.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- It's mainly the weather.- Apart from the weather and the lifestyle.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Just it's so far away.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Yeah.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06If they were going to make the dream a reality,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10they had to move fast, as their visa was close to running out.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14We've got two years left before our visa expires.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Once that expires, if we haven't gone to Australia permanently,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21then we just wouldn't be able to get that visa again.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24For the move to work, Rob had to decide if he could walk away
0:03:24 > 0:03:27from the family cleaning business he ran with his brother
0:03:27 > 0:03:29and start again in Australia.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Work does worry me, as well.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Even though I would do anything to do work,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37moving to Australia and starting fresh,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40not having the network of support you've got here,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42you know, it will be hard.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44So, yeah, that does worry me, as well.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47But there was something even more important than work that Rob would
0:03:47 > 0:03:51have to leave behind - his close family and friends.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54My auntie and uncle, I'm very close to.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57You know, and they mean everything to me.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Leaving them behind, it's just going to be very hard...
0:04:01 > 0:04:05..cos I'm just going to miss them so much.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09I wouldn't want Rob to do anything that he didn't want to do,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and I certainly don't want him to think that I'm trying to
0:04:12 > 0:04:15emotionally blackmail him into going, and forcing him.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Because, you know, I wouldn't.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19I love him to bits so, you know, at the end of the day,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22he's my husband and if he doesn't want to go, then we won't go.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24But, you know, I just don't know how...
0:04:26 > 0:04:29..how much I'd resent him later on for not going.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32With so much at stake, everyone's emotions were running high.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Ahead of them was a huge decision,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38perhaps the toughest they would ever have to make.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42The family visited Perth in Western Australia.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46Home for their trial week was the popular beach-side suburb
0:04:46 > 0:04:49of Watermans Bay, just a short drive from the airport.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Their three-bedroom property was only a couple of minutes' walk to
0:04:52 > 0:04:55the beach and had plenty of space for all the family.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Oh, look.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02Oh, look.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- I think the kids have got over their jet lag now.- I know.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- They won't go to sleep tonight. - No. Be a nightmare tonight.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10The children looked happy,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13but Mel and Rob's thoughts were already on the week ahead.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16What I'd really like to get out of this week would be really for Rob to
0:05:16 > 0:05:18really like it and to think,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20"Yeah, I could see really myself living here."
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I think it's going to open our eyes a lot more
0:05:22 > 0:05:25to what we thought it was going to be like.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Just as soon as you get here, you've got that vibe about the place,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31that you could just see yourself living here.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So, yeah, first impression's very good.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Back in the UK, the Andrews lived in this three-bedroom ex-council house
0:05:45 > 0:05:47in Folkestone.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Based on its estimated value,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52they had a budget of around £180,000 to spend,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and they're expecting a lot for their money in Oz.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59It would be at least a four-bedroom detached.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Whether it's got a pool or not, it's got to have a home cinema.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05That's always been something I've always wanted.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Mel does want a nice house, but as long as it's big enough
0:06:09 > 0:06:14to hopefully accommodate loads of visits from friends and family,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16then that would do me fine.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Whilst the children were with the childminder,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21we gave the Andrews a taste of Perth's housing market.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25We showed them three options - two based on budget and a third,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27which could have been their dream home.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Only after they'd seen each one did they find out its value.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Their property tour started in the suburb of Butler,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36on the outskirts of the city, with this three-bedroom house.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40You could have a dining room table here, couldn't you?
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I don't know. I'm not liking this at the moment.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I don't mind it.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45No.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Not a bad-size kitchen, though.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51But when you look from the kitchen down there, it's not open plan.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55It certainly wasn't impressing Rob,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58who looked like he might be a tough customer.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00A walk-in wardrobe. And an en-suite.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Not appealing to me much...
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- No.- ..I'm afraid.- No.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09There was only the outside space left to try and tempt him.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- This is quite nice.- Yeah. - Because it's like a blank canvas.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17We would have to spend a lot to get it how we would want it.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Yeah.- And I don't think it would be worth it.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24The house had left Rob cold, but what about the price?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Would they even be able to afford something like this
0:07:26 > 0:07:29on their £180,000 budget?
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Whoa!
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- 230,000.- 230,000.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41347,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Don't you... Don't you think the properties are more expensive?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- Than what we thought?- Yeah.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52At £50,000 over budget, it was a big setback for Mel.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- It's a no-no, this one. - Yeah.- For me, anyway.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Well, let's just hope you like the next one, then.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01ROB CHUCKLES
0:08:01 > 0:08:05In Perth, affordable housing is often only found out in the suburbs,
0:08:05 > 0:08:09which sometimes means up to a two-hour daily commute.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13With their budget in mind, the Andrews headed to Yanchep.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16The average house prices in this area are still high,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19but a cheaper new build was a realistic option.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21As the development was still being built,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24they viewed a three-bedroom show home to give them an idea of what
0:08:24 > 0:08:27a typical finished house would look like.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34This is nice.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Nice, big walk-in wardrobe.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Look at the size of that.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Cor, look at the size of this.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Cor, this is lovely.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50As soon as you walk through the door,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52it's got that bit of a wow factor.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57With its stylish interiors and open spaces, this house felt ideal.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00A cinema room.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Ticks all the boxes so far. - Oh, definitely.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Without a doubt.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Bedroom.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Nice double bedroom. Ideal for Kobi.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14I like the big windows as well.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- Oh, this is nice.- This is a nice bedroom.- Lexi would love this room.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20It's lovely, isn't it?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- They are all nice-sized rooms, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26We'd best both get working, so I can have this house.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27- It's lovely, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30And a large garden, complete with built-in barbecue,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33seemed tailor-made for Mel's dream of an outdoor lifestyle -
0:09:33 > 0:09:35assuming the sun came out!
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Would it be within their £180,000 budget?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Go on, then.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Wow.- Oh, my God.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49£200,000.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51300,000.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Nice. That's all I can say.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55When can we move in?
0:09:55 > 0:10:00You wouldn't get something like this back in England for 200,000,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- I don't think.- No, you wouldn't.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08If there's a chance we could afford one of these properties, you know,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12it does sort of put you up the ladder a bit more.
0:10:12 > 0:10:18It was £20,000 over budget, but Mel could see the possibilities,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20and even Rob looked like he might be ready to settle in.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22But before they made a final decision,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24there was one more property to see.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30The final house was in the coastal suburb of Banksia Grove,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33and a 30-minute drive to Perth made it the closest
0:10:33 > 0:10:35of all three properties to the city.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Like so much of what was on offer in Perth,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40it was another new-build house.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Mel and Rob viewed a show home with four bedrooms,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48a cinema room and open-plan design.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52On paper, this looked like the house that could definitely convince Rob.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- That's nice. - It's nice, innit?- Yeah.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58It's a big hallway.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Wow.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Walk-in wardrobe. Nice.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05The en suite. No shower.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10It was a good start, and there was another room to come.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Look at that kitchen.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- It's lovely.- It's an ideal size for us four.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Oh, yeah, definitely. - I love it so far.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Yeah, I do. Move in tomorrow.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23It looked as if property three
0:11:23 > 0:11:26could have offered the space the Andrews wanted.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29So that's four bedrooms.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Weren't expecting...
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- No, I thought it'd only be a three bedroom.- Yeah.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Quite surprised, being a four bedroom.- Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Rob looked one over, and there was still the outside space to see.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42With a stunning garden, complete with beer pumps,
0:11:42 > 0:11:46this was a house that seemed to have everything they were looking for.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- It's lovely.- Yeah. Yeah, very nice.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Perfect.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53With a budget of £180,000, could they afford it?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Go on, do you want to do the honours?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Oh.- Oh, not far off, then.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02£270,000.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05So we wouldn't really be able to afford it.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07If we had a house like this,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10it'd definitely encourage you to move out here, wouldn't it?
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Yeah.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18They had potentially found the dream house that could have helped
0:12:18 > 0:12:23persuade Rob to move to Australia, but it was £90,000 over budget.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It had been an eye-opening day for the Andrews.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29The first house offered Mel the space and location she wanted,
0:12:29 > 0:12:35but Rob's reaction and a big price tag left the Andrews feeling cold.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38The second house spiced things up with its stunning interiors and
0:12:38 > 0:12:41cinema room, and costing less than they expected,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44it showed Rob an upside to property down under.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Finally, the open-plan living of property three
0:12:47 > 0:12:51offered both Rob and Mel a genuine dream home,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53even if the cost was a big ask.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56While Mel would have been happy in any of them,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59had these properties done enough to convince Rob that the move would be
0:12:59 > 0:13:02worth all the pain of leaving home behind?
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Based on the properties that we've seen today...
0:13:07 > 0:13:10..the houses in Australia versus England...
0:13:12 > 0:13:14..we have decided to vote for...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- ..Australia.- Australia.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27For the money you spend, you get a lot more for your money.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- Yeah.- And the three properties we saw,
0:13:30 > 0:13:36two of them were just really nice and just what we was looking for.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Round one, Australia.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Get ready for round two.- Yeah.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It had been a promising start for Mel,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47but with their budget potentially stretched by property,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50it was time to explore work opportunities.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Back in the UK, Rob worked at the cleaning firm
0:13:56 > 0:13:57started by his parents.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Moving the company down under would have been impossible,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04so Rob was considering returning to a trade he'd learned previously.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I did used to do painting and decorating many years ago.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10It's something I enjoy, so whether there was a way
0:14:10 > 0:14:13of getting into that field of work.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Yeah, I would like to definitely find out more about that as well.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20But while Rob's work would be vital to their finances,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24it was Mel who held the key to the move, thanks to her hairdressing
0:14:24 > 0:14:27qualifications, which had earned them their Australian visa.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30But Mel was nervous about her prospects.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33My main reservations about going back into hairdressing is,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37I suppose, am I still as good as I think I am,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39or that I was?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Because I haven't worked in a salon for so long
0:14:41 > 0:14:44and obviously, you know, techniques have changed,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46and I suppose that's my main reservation,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48is am I still going to be...
0:14:48 > 0:14:51..or am I going to be as good as I need to be?
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Mel's Australian dream rested on her ability to impress.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00So we arranged for her to see if she could still cut it at a modern salon
0:15:00 > 0:15:03in Subiaco, a trendy inner-city suburb.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07I think the pressure is on me to try and find work first rather than Rob.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Just mainly because obviously I've got that skill
0:15:11 > 0:15:13and hopefully that hairdressers are still in demand
0:15:13 > 0:15:15that I could maybe get a job straightaway,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18at least to get the money rolling in when we first arrive.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Hiya.- Hi, Mel, how are you?- Hello. - Welcome.- Thank you.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23With introductions out of the way,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25manager Charlene put Mel straight to work.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32So if you can shampoo, blow-dry and style it,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34so I can just have a look at your blow-drying skill...
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Yeah.- So let's get started with that.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Lovely.- OK, Laura? - How is that water for you, Laura?
0:15:39 > 0:15:40Perfect, thank you.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It was vital for Mel to find work, but also a lot rested on Rob finding
0:15:44 > 0:15:47a job that paid a decent wage.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Mel would then be another step closer to her dream.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53The work is the most important thing in this move.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58You know, if we can both get a job that we both enjoy and, you know,
0:15:58 > 0:16:04the money's there, then we can start to set our target in,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07you know, achieving the house that we want and the area
0:16:07 > 0:16:09that we want to live in.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Rob spent the day working with expat Bernie,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14who ran his own painting and decorating business.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15- All right, mate.- All right. How are you?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Rob.- Bernie.- How are you doing? - Yeah, good, mate.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Keen to see what he could do, Bernie set Rob to work.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24But was Rob really prepared to swap everything he had in the UK for
0:16:24 > 0:16:26a chance to work in the sunshine?
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- All right, Robbie, how are we looking?- Yeah, good, mate.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Beautiful.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33I've still got, you know, concerns about leaving, you know,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36me family behind, but I think if they saw what I could actually
0:16:36 > 0:16:40achieve here, you know, hopefully they can come round
0:16:40 > 0:16:42to the way that we're thinking
0:16:42 > 0:16:46and they'd be pleased with the decision that we may make.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Back at the salon,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Mel's time away from hairdressing was beginning to show.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53You are going well.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55It's just getting used to...
0:16:55 > 0:16:56..to doing it all again.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01If you're thinking about coming out here in another six months...
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Yeah.- ..you could do a few courses in London or, you know,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07go to a few salons and maybe get some part-time work.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- Yeah.- Just so you're not so rusty when you come to Australia.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Because, you know, our expectations are quite high.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Yeah. Sure.- Yeah.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18It was bad news.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20If Mel wanted to make the grade in this kind of salon,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22she was looking at retraining.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25And with courses costing around 500,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29that meant at least 2,000 just to get her back up to speed.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32But would an Aussie salary compensate for that?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34If I was employed as a junior stylist,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36what are the wages sort of...?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Like I said, would be around about between 19 to 21.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41OK.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43An hourly rate like that meant
0:17:43 > 0:17:46a potential annual salary of around £28,000.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50It was a mixed result for Mel, so everything now hinged on Rob.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52But before he could make a decision,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54he needed to get some answers from Bernie.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59What's the, erm, wage that, you know, a decent painter could earn?
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Average 30 an hour.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05So work wise, in Perth, is there quite a bit of work here?
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Yeah, there's plenty of work in Australia.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09I've never been out of work myself.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11And how long have you been here for?
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- 13 years.- 13 years?- Yeah. You can't go wrong.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15A result for Rob.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19He could have earned more than £50,000 a year in Australia,
0:18:19 > 0:18:20doubling his UK salary.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24But was it worth giving up the family business for?
0:18:24 > 0:18:30The best thing I found out about today was the hours, you know,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33half seven in the morning, finishing at three,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36half three in the afternoon, so at least, you know,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40you've got time in the evenings to actually see the kids from school,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42pop down the beach.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47You know, it's just amazing, so overall really, really pleased.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51It was a big decision.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- How did you get on? - Yeah, all right, you?- Yeah.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56And the future of the move lay in Rob's hands.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- How did you get on, all right? - Yeah, all right.- Cool.- All right.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Based on our work experience today
0:19:02 > 0:19:04and the working hours
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and the wages we can earn, we are voting for...
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Australia.
0:19:11 > 0:19:12..Australia.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Ooh!- Shocked?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I am actually. Oh, I'm crying.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Hey.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23I think I was just so worried that...
0:19:23 > 0:19:26..you know, you wouldn't... They'd say, "Oh, you know,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29you need to be qualified," or you wouldn't be able to earn the money.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I was like, "Oh, God, he's going to choose England and that'll be it,
0:19:32 > 0:19:33"that'll be our dream over."
0:19:33 > 0:19:35So I'm pleased.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It looked as if Rob was coming round, but the question remained,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49could they afford to live down under?
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Shopping list.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52£9.81?!
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Oh, my God. Is that right?
0:19:54 > 0:19:57To help them find out, we had prepared a breakdown
0:19:57 > 0:19:59of their weekly living expenses.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Any difference in the cost of living
0:20:01 > 0:20:03would be offset by their potential earnings.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07So in the UK, our total income
0:20:08 > 0:20:11per year is 28,120.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14So you full-time in Australia, me full-time,
0:20:14 > 0:20:20we would be £3,950 a month better off.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Yeah. But that's as my junior stylist, so that would go up.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27So obviously we've got to take into consideration the mortgage.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30So even with that taken off,
0:20:30 > 0:20:34you're still looking roughly about £2,000 better off...
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- ..a month.- You know, it's sort of...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39It's there for the taking.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42On paper, it looks like the Andrews could have been as much
0:20:42 > 0:20:45as £2,000 a month better off in Australia.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Yummy.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52With all the facts and figures sorted, it was time to vote.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Based on the figures that we've seen today for the reality check
0:20:55 > 0:20:59and the wages that we can potentially earn in Australia
0:20:59 > 0:21:04and how they compare to the UK, we have decided to vote for...
0:21:07 > 0:21:08- ..Australia.- Australia.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11It was a no-brainer. Australia.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15So, erm...we can actually have
0:21:15 > 0:21:18a really nice lifestyle as a family.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21- Good.- Pleased.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31The sums had added up in Mel's favour.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34If Perth could have also offered the family a good lifestyle,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38she would have been even closer to convincing Rob to follow her dream.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44The Andrews visited John Forrest Park, about 16 miles from Perth.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47It was the ideal spot for a family day out.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51This is just how I imagined life in Australia to be, you know,
0:21:51 > 0:21:56to be outdoors, taking the kids places all together as a family.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58You know, the kids are going to benefit from it big time.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02I still have my concerns.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03The only reason being is...
0:22:04 > 0:22:07..the simple fact, is leaving friends and family.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09That's the biggest sacrifice we've got to make,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11and if that wasn't the case,
0:22:11 > 0:22:16I honestly would just go and pack my bags and come here tomorrow.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21To round the day off, Rob had a chance to indulge in an activity
0:22:21 > 0:22:24he enjoyed with his brother back home.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Don't fall off.- I won't.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- G'day Rob.- Hello, mate, how you are doing?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- I'm Greg.- Rob. Yeah, nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you, too.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Rob hit the trail with Greg from the Perth Mountain Bike Club.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41And it was going well...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46..to start with.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49No, I'm fine, just...
0:22:49 > 0:22:52..just me pride hurts more than anything.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56If I'm here, it's just a shame me brother won't be here.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59You know, it's me and him that always go out and do stuff like that
0:22:59 > 0:23:02but...but no, something like this is just brilliant.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05The reality of what he would be leaving behind
0:23:05 > 0:23:06was becoming clear to Rob.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09But Mel was just as clear that Australia
0:23:09 > 0:23:11offered everything she had ever wanted.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15I don't know why but I've never really felt settled anywhere,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17I don't know, it's really hard to explain,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20but here I could honestly say I could call this my home.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23If Rob didn't vote Australia,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27obviously I'd be upset because I think this week, you know,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29it has had a positive effect.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31But if he chooses the UK,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34I guess I just have to try and work on him a bit more.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36And I will.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39It had been a day to remember, but had a taste of the Australian
0:23:39 > 0:23:42lifestyle been enough to win everyone's vote?
0:23:42 > 0:23:45On today's outing...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49..and based on the day we had...
0:23:50 > 0:23:52..we are going to vote for...
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Australia.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Australia.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Undecided.
0:24:03 > 0:24:09- Really?- When I'd done the mountain biking, which I really enjoyed...
0:24:10 > 0:24:15..erm, it just brought home with, like, you know, me brother.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- I knew it would.- You know, that is the only thing.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Like, it's my brother that got me into it,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- and I just felt a bit lonely, that was all.- Yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28I've still got a bit of convincing, then, to get you out here.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31It should have been the most enjoyable day, but Mel's mission
0:24:31 > 0:24:34to win over Rob had suffered a serious setback.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35This is my last chance.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39You know, this is my third time to try and get out to Australia,
0:24:39 > 0:24:40so it's...
0:24:40 > 0:24:43..you know, it's... This is it.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47I haven't got any other chances, so I'm just hoping that, you know,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I can convince Rob that this would be the best place to bring up
0:24:50 > 0:24:53the kids and, you know, for all of us as a family,
0:24:53 > 0:24:58be able to settle down and, you know, just enjoy our lifestyle.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Time was running out for Mel to convince Rob to make the move.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09With Rob's resolve wavering, the Andrews were about to get
0:25:09 > 0:25:12another reminder of the friends and family they'd be leaving behind.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Mum and Dad felt it was important for the children
0:25:15 > 0:25:17to watch messages from loved ones at home, too.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Hello.- Hello, Mel, Rob, Kobi and Lexi.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Hope you're having the perfect time.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26What are they like as a family?
0:25:26 > 0:25:30They're loving, very loving.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- Very close.- Very close.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Very caring.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35They are really, really good fun.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Their children are lovely.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Really, really nice family.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40I mean, nine times out of ten,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Rob is always the funniest person in the room,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44without a shadow of a doubt.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46He is definitely one of a kind.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Lexi's kind of just happy-go-lucky,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51she's getting to the age where she's...
0:25:51 > 0:25:53She's a minx.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Kobi, he's quite a bright lad.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59He's very bright.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02You only have to show him something once and he picks it up.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03He's quite good like that.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- Very caring.- Yeah.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08When I first heard that they was going to be moving to Australia
0:26:08 > 0:26:09and applying to go to Australia,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12I thought it was going to be a good thing.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15You know, they've both wanted to do something like that, anyway.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16He's like a brother.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27I don't really know how we're going to sort of fill the gap
0:26:27 > 0:26:30that they're going to leave until, you know,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32they've actually done it, really.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35It's... But the decision's up to you, and
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I'm sure you'll make the right one. Good luck.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40We love you dearly.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Very, very much. We all do.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45And we hope you make the right decision, and...
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Yeah, good luck.- Good luck.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- I love you.- Yeah.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54And I hope that you've done all that you wanted to do.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Whatever decision you make, make sure it's for you.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Make sure it's the one that you're happy with
0:26:59 > 0:27:01and the one that will make you happy.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05As your mum, I just want you to be happy.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Yeah, and we'll see you when you get back.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Take care. Bye.- Bye.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21How do you feel?
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- Sad.- You feel sad?
0:27:27 > 0:27:30You know, there's been some real big positives,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- but then you watch that... - It sort of makes you feel...
0:27:33 > 0:27:36And it can just take everything away...
0:27:38 > 0:27:40It just throws everything up in the air, doesn't it?
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Mummy, Mummy.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Because whatever decision we make,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47we've got to make for the best for our family, don't we?
0:27:48 > 0:27:52I just want my kids to get the best out of everything, really.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54You know, I just want them to...
0:27:56 > 0:27:57..enjoy life and...
0:27:59 > 0:28:03..I know we're taking them away from friends and family...
0:28:05 > 0:28:08..but they will make new friends here.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12You know, me auntie and uncle, I know it's hard for them.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It's hard for me, as well.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16The thing is, we don't know if it's the right decision or not,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19but I guess we'll never know unless we try it.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Watching the messages had given the whole family pause to consider
0:28:25 > 0:28:28the momentous decision they were about to make.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30You know, if I think about it too much,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I'd probably crack and say, "No," you know?
0:28:32 > 0:28:36I just think if I don't try it I'll never know and I just know
0:28:36 > 0:28:38I'll end up kicking myself, thinking I should have done it
0:28:38 > 0:28:39when I had the chance.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44If I decided against the move to Australia, Mel...
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Yeah, I think she would be upset so, yeah,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49that does play on my mind a little bit because, you know,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52she's my wife at the end of the day and I want to try and make a happy.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57It was the end of a difficult week and time for the Andrews to make
0:28:57 > 0:28:59their final vote.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Based on our week here in Australia,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05as a family we have decided that we want to live in...
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- ..Australia!- Australia.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Really?
0:29:15 > 0:29:16I think if we don't...
0:29:18 > 0:29:20..give it a go,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22we will regret it for the rest of our lives.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24It has got to be the hardest...
0:29:25 > 0:29:27..the hardest thing we'll ever do, but...
0:29:29 > 0:29:31..life's too short to have regrets, and I don't want that.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- What about you, Kobes? - What did you say to Daddy?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43You want to live in Australia
0:29:43 > 0:29:45and you want to live in the UK, don't you?
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- Yeah.- And Lexi chose Australia.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It is a big step and we don't know if the grass is greener on the other
0:29:53 > 0:29:57side, but unless we try it, we'll never know,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00and I'd rather find out for myself.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03I think, from the family's point of view, yeah,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05you've got to do it.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Definitely. Go for it?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- Hm?- Do you want to go for it? - Yeah.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18Love you.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Love you, Mummy.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27That was 2011.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33Back in 2013, we caught up with the Andrews to discover they were in...
0:30:33 > 0:30:35..Perth.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It was quite a scary feeling, wasn't it, when we landed at the airport?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42It was like, we've left our life behind.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Suddenly it hit me and I thought,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46"Oh, my God, have we done right thing?"
0:30:46 > 0:30:48The Andrews were living in a four-bed detached house
0:30:48 > 0:30:52just 20 minutes from the beach and 20km from the centre of Perth,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54and Rob was delighted with his new surroundings.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00When I drive to work and I'm heading towards the city, you know,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04you're driving over the Swan River, the sun is shining,
0:31:04 > 0:31:06you feel happy straightaway.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Moving to the other side of the world hadn't just made
0:31:08 > 0:31:12the family closer - it had made it bigger too.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17For the family, we've got another one on the way.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Erm...
0:31:19 > 0:31:21So that's going to be five of us now.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24So that's going to be exciting times.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27With a new addition to the family on the way,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30the children were looking forward to the future.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Me and Lexi want to...
0:31:33 > 0:31:34LEXI WHISPERS
0:31:34 > 0:31:35We want to a...
0:31:35 > 0:31:37We want a little brother.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Cos...
0:31:41 > 0:31:46I don't know why Lexi does, but I just want another brother because...
0:31:46 > 0:31:49So he can teach him wrestling and beat me up.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50That's not true.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52But it wasn't all plain sailing.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Rob had struggled to find work.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59Yeah, when we made the move over here, obviously I was
0:31:59 > 0:32:02wanting to get into my painting and decorating,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05but that sort of has been put on hold for the time being.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09He had hoped to get work through a contract he had secured during
0:32:09 > 0:32:13the family's trip, but the promise of work fell through
0:32:13 > 0:32:16so Rob fell back on a trade he knew well.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19I've started up doing my carpet cleaning,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21which I used to do back home as well.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25And, yeah, it's going really well.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31You know, I had to invest in some machinery and the vehicle, so, yeah,
0:32:31 > 0:32:33it's going really well.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40The carpet cleaning company had taken off, but Rob's dream
0:32:40 > 0:32:45of a painting and decorating business was still very much alive.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Here to go off on your own, you need a painter's registration,
0:32:48 > 0:32:53so I'm going back to college, doing night school,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55just to get the ticket.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Mel also had to change careers.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01The hours in a salon just wouldn't be practical for me,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03especially with the children at school,
0:33:03 > 0:33:04I need something around them.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08So I'm working as a secretary for a cleaning company,
0:33:08 > 0:33:12so it's very similar to what I was doing back in the UK,
0:33:12 > 0:33:14so it's something I'm familiar with.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15I basically run the office,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19which I really enjoy and it's nice because I can work it around
0:33:19 > 0:33:22the children's schooling.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25For Rob, leaving his aunt and uncle was a major stumbling block to
0:33:25 > 0:33:28the move and breaking the news that he was leaving turned out
0:33:28 > 0:33:30to be harder than he imagined.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34So, yeah, when the time came to tell them, it was...
0:33:34 > 0:33:38..you know, it was, I suppose, like a lightning strike, I suppose,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41to them, knowing that we was actually going to leave.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46But I never thought I would get that reaction what we did.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Rob's aunt and uncle were devastated by the decision,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53and one year on, they still hadn't spoken.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57It hurt, didn't it? It hurt you big time.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00You know, it still does, but,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02you know, there's nothing you can do and, you know,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06we've just got to carry on, haven't we?
0:34:06 > 0:34:08You know, the first year has been a learning curve,
0:34:08 > 0:34:13and it's got us in here and, you know, we're starting to make friends
0:34:13 > 0:34:16so I think the next year, our second year,
0:34:16 > 0:34:18I think we've just got so much to look forward to.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22By the third year, I think we will class it as being settled and
0:34:22 > 0:34:24feeling like we are at home.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32Despite a shaky start down under, and the emotional pull from home,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Mel still believed that the move was the right thing
0:34:35 > 0:34:37for all the family to do.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39So five years later,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42are they still living on the other side of the world,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44or back home in the UK?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49It's 2017, and the Andrews are living in...
0:34:49 > 0:34:50..Perth.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Slightly larger, of course,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58with three-year-old Macy now part of the family.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02So, we've been here...
0:35:02 > 0:35:06It's five years in June so it will be four years since we've been back.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07We haven't seen anyone.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Mel's pregnancy was just the start
0:35:10 > 0:35:13of a turbulent few months for the family.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17She was eight weeks early, so she spent some time
0:35:17 > 0:35:19in special care in King Eddie's Hospital in Subi.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21They were brilliant.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23It was hard.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25The premature birth of their daughter
0:35:25 > 0:35:30showed Rob and Mel just how far away they were from friends and family.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35We had very little network of friends and family close by.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40You know, Mel struggled a lot.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45Well, we all did, but obviously Mel, being the mum, more than ever.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53But it made us stronger and if anything has come out of it,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56it's made me and Mel strong.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Just like the rest of the family, Macy is thriving these days.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03She is just brilliant.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04She is a mini you.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06She's just like her daddy.
0:36:06 > 0:36:07- The only one.- Yeah.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11The other two are more my side, I think, aren't they?
0:36:11 > 0:36:14She's a proper little Aussie.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15She doesn't like wearing shoes.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19- Nope.- I think Kobi's quite glad that he hasn't got a little brother
0:36:19 > 0:36:21because she does not leave Lexi alone.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Wherever Lexi goes, she follows,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and she wants to do everything that Lexi's doing.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29The family have moved since their last visit and are still renting,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32although they hope to change that in the near future.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34The other house, in Kellyville, weren't we?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37But I think we left there because,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40obviously, the rent was just ridiculous, it was too high.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43And obviously it didn't have a swimming pool.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Where we're actually renting now is in a lovely cul-de-sac,
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- got lovely neighbours. I think... - Pool.- Yeah, with a pool.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53When the time's right I would like to put an offer in for this,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56and we're still looking at buying some land
0:36:56 > 0:36:59for an investment property, as well.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Work wise, Rob has fulfilled his ambition
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and now owns his own painting and decorating business.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11The work situation, I mean, I had to go off and,
0:37:11 > 0:37:12you know, start on me own.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17And then, as I got more and more busy,
0:37:17 > 0:37:22erm, Mel started taking over the office side
0:37:22 > 0:37:28of the business and generally running the day-to-day of it.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30I've always said, you know,
0:37:30 > 0:37:35especially being husband and wife, you know, both working together,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37you know, will it work?
0:37:39 > 0:37:44And to be honest, I think what helps is, because I'm out all day
0:37:44 > 0:37:48on site, and she's here, you know, even though we have contact
0:37:48 > 0:37:52on the phone, to be honest, it works really well
0:37:52 > 0:37:54and she is really good at her job.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59So, five years on, how do they feel about the move now?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02I think I've settled into Australia
0:38:02 > 0:38:04more than Rob. I think...
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Again, because Rob does his painting,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10you know, he's working on his own.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13He's been lucky that he has made a few friends from painting,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16like he went to college and did his registration,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18so he made a few friends there
0:38:18 > 0:38:21and obviously a couple of guys that do painting with him.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24You know, he's made friends with them,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26so that's nice for him.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30But I think, cos I've made friends through, obviously, the kids.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Not many, but I did make a few, so I had that social outlet I could,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36you know, maybe,
0:38:36 > 0:38:38with the kids having play days after school, you know,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41you'd meet up and have a coffee with the mum or, you know...
0:38:41 > 0:38:44So I did make friends that way,
0:38:44 > 0:38:46and I think, that way, I settled in more.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51I would say I'm the one that's more...a little bit up and down.
0:38:53 > 0:38:59You know, Mel has been, I would say, more of the rock, definitely.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03She's... You know, she has been my rock through this
0:39:03 > 0:39:05because I do struggle a lot.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10Erm... It's not as much as missing England,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13it's missing the people that we left behind,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15and I still struggle with that but, you know,
0:39:15 > 0:39:19I just maybe have to, you know, get through that
0:39:19 > 0:39:24because I've got to do what's best for my children and, you know,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26that's all we've ever set out to do.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Nonetheless, the Andrews have made Perth their home to the extent that
0:39:30 > 0:39:34they have applied for Australian citizenship.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37We did our test in November, which we passed,
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- which is great because it's only me and you that have to do it.- Yeah.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43So the kids go on our application.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Macy is, obviously, already a citizen.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48And then you have to wait...
0:39:48 > 0:39:52It says up to six months for your ceremony to pledge your...
0:39:52 > 0:39:57- ..allegiance to Australia.- Before you can apply for your passport.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00So we're not there yet, but we know we've passed the test.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03It wasn't a case of, right, we're going to get our citizenship
0:40:03 > 0:40:05and then we're going to go back.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10It was a case of, you've got to set goals and our goal was, you know,
0:40:10 > 0:40:16to get a citizenship and then we'll be Australians as well as
0:40:16 > 0:40:19British and for the kids as well, because...
0:40:19 > 0:40:21They are 99.9% Aussies now.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Unfortunately, it has been a mixed bag of emotions,
0:40:26 > 0:40:28as Mel and Rob have still not reconciled
0:40:28 > 0:40:30with Rob's aunt and uncle.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Unfortunately, some people don't...
0:40:34 > 0:40:35I don't think they see it like that.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38They just see if like, "Oh, they've decided to leave,
0:40:38 > 0:40:40"they've moved away. That's it."
0:40:40 > 0:40:42You know, we're not going to see them again,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44so for whatever reason they don't want to stay in touch.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47You know, some people don't agree with what we've done, but at the end
0:40:47 > 0:40:54of the day, you know, it's my family and that's what I've got to do.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I've got to look out for the best for them.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00What they don't understand, it was the hardest thing that we've ever
0:41:00 > 0:41:02done, to make that decision to move away from everyone.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Erm...
0:41:04 > 0:41:06And of course we miss them.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07We miss them everyday, but...
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Yeah, it doesn't stop you missing people and thinking about them every
0:41:12 > 0:41:15day and still thinking, have we made the right decision?
0:41:15 > 0:41:18I've always said it's better to regret something you've done
0:41:18 > 0:41:20than regret something you haven't done.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Really? Because I think that was actually me that said that.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- No, no, no.- I think you'll find that's my motto.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28- Look back on the... - Yeah, look back.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- On season one.- I think it was me, actually. I've always said that.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37That hasn't stopped Mel and Rob from planning
0:41:37 > 0:41:40a very special Christmas for their family.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44As soon as we landed, we said the first Christmas
0:41:44 > 0:41:46we're going to do Australian things.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Go down to the beach, have a beer on the beach on Christmas Day.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And to be honest because it was so different, it was brilliant,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- weren't it?- It was nice. - The sea was just lovely.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59It's just not the same here. You just don't get that.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I mean, you can go round to your friends' and have a barbecue...
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- Which is the norm, really. - Which is nice, yeah, which is nice.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08But I just missed that environment of being in the pub
0:42:08 > 0:42:10and feeling all Christmassy
0:42:10 > 0:42:12with the Christmas carols and Christmas decorations.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15We are going back to the UK in December for Christmas
0:42:15 > 0:42:19and New Year, for five weeks, and we can't wait.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Yeah, no, it's going to be exciting.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22After four years away, it's, er...
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Yeah, we're just looking forward to it, you know,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29to catching up with everyone,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32family and friends and, erm,
0:42:32 > 0:42:36the kids experience a British Christmas again.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Macy has, obviously, never been to England.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41She's going to have a shock.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44How cold it is and, obviously, the long flight.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48But, erm, yeah, I'm looking forward to taking her back
0:42:48 > 0:42:51and seeing where her roots are from.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54Your mum and dad are super excited, aren't they?
0:42:54 > 0:42:56Because they have already bought loads of Christmas decorations,
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- and I think it's going to be like walking into Santa's Grotto.- Yeah.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02I think, especially, for Macy...
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- And that's just for me! - ..she's going to love it.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Macy's going to love it.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09And, obviously, seeing family and friends,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12that's just, you know, the icing on the cake, really.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18It may not have been completely plain sailing for the Andrews,
0:43:18 > 0:43:22but they've no regrets when it comes to their decision
0:43:22 > 0:43:27about making a new start for their family in Australia.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31We wish Rob, Melanie, Kobi, Lexi and Macy the best of luck.