0:00:02 > 0:00:06Moving to the other side of the world is a massive decision for anyone.
0:00:06 > 0:00:13But could you make the choice to go thousands of miles away, if it meant leaving everything you knew behind?
0:00:13 > 0:00:17This was the dilemma faced by the Larner family,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21when we gave them the chance to sample life in Perth, Western Australia.
0:00:21 > 0:00:27We're meeting up with them to find out where they are now and how their lives have changed.
0:00:27 > 0:00:33In 2006, the Larner family risked everything to put their emigration dreams to the ultimate test.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37We gave them just one week to make the life-changing decision -
0:00:37 > 0:00:39living in the UK or Australia?
0:00:39 > 0:00:44I don't know what hurdles we're going to come across until we're there.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Leaving everyone was almost too much to bear.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Talking about family and stuff now. It will be hard.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Affording the dream home became a nightmare.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58If you were happy to be contented in a rented accommodation...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- Not here, not in a slum. - I'm not saying in a slum!
0:01:01 > 0:01:06And just when they thought things were bad enough, they got much worse!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10We will miss you. Have a wonderful life. Keep in touch.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35In 2006,
0:01:35 > 0:01:40the Larners from Berkshire were facing a life-changing decision -
0:01:40 > 0:01:45whether to stay in the UK or uproot their family and move to Australia.
0:01:45 > 0:01:51We gave them a week to experience the highs and lows of life down under.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53But what happened next?
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Paul and Gemma Larner had lived in the Reading suburb
0:01:57 > 0:01:58of Tilehurst all their lives.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Paul was an electrician, working long hours with early starts,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05commuting to London to hold down his job.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08I've been working in London now, solid, for ten years.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Up, out the door at 5.30am to beat the rush.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Mum Gemma works long hours, too, keeping their home life together.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17I do everything with the children, everything to do with the house,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and then he'll get in the door and I'll say, "Hello, husband.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25"Children in bed, children bathed, children fed, done this, done that, done that,"
0:02:25 > 0:02:28then I go to do a ten-hour night shift.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32The strains of juggling life and work were beginning to take their toll.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37Something clicked in my life a couple of months ago, and I just decided life was a bit too short.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41I believe there's a better quality of life. I want to see what that quality of life is.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Hopefully, it's out there. I don't know till we're there.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49Leaving the UK also meant leaving behind their close family and friends.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52We live ten doors apart from my parents.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I have a brother who lives two minutes in the car.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59Gemma's got a nan and grandad that's still married, and they live in Reading.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03And my main thing, probably, at the moment is...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06taking the children away from their grandparents,
0:03:06 > 0:03:11cos not a lot of people have got their grandparents and great-grandparents so close.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13I've got one in a million.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Moving would have been a huge wrench for the family.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21Gemma and Paul were worried it would be the wrong decision for their parents and their children.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25The older generation in the family are pleased for us in front of our faces,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29but then we also know that they are devastated behind our backs.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31I'm sorry.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Talking about family and stuff, it will be hard.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41But these children are my family now
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and I need to see what I can do for them.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53To help Paul and Gemma consider the enormity of their decision,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56we sent them and their two young children to Perth for a week,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59to road-test the Australian way of life.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05The Larners travelled over 9,000 miles to reach their dream location.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09But, being 24 hours away from their home in the UK would be the real test.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Landing in Perth, the Larners were jetlagged but enthusiastic.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17They wasted no time and went straight to their rented accommodation.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23It was the type of property they dreamt of buying - a modern, open-plan four-bedroomed bungalow.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Look at the size of that!
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Isn't it modern?
0:04:26 > 0:04:34In 2006, this property was worth 530,000 which, at the time, was just over £210,000.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Moving to Australia would be a huge financial commitment.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38Oh!
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Look up through there, Cobey. The lounge. Let's go and have a look.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45The space. Innit light?
0:04:45 > 0:04:50Oh, Paul, look. Kids. Kids, kids, look!
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- My God. Oh, look, Paul!- Oh, look!
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- A dolphin.- A beer.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59"To the Larner family. Welcome to Australia. Have a drink on us."
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- Cobey, you can't.- I am.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07"Lindsay and Ralph and get settled in Perth." Isn't that lovely? My God!
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Shall we look round?
0:05:09 > 0:05:11I see a swimming pool. Look.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Look at that.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17They were ready to jump straight in to their week down under,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20but Gemma needed lots of convincing
0:05:20 > 0:05:26and proof of a better life before she would consider leaving her loved ones back in the UK.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I don't think I can make a decision. I need time.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32There's positives at the moment, but I've still got a little bit...
0:05:32 > 0:05:34A bit reserved.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41The Larners' home in Tilehurst was a three-bedroom semi-detached,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45worth about £300,000 in 2006.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49A good sale would have provided them with around £200,000 of equity.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54After that, it all depended on finding the right house in Australia.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58The first potential home on the Larners' property tour was in the nearby suburb of Connolly -
0:05:58 > 0:06:01a three-bedroomed townhouse in a residential development,
0:06:01 > 0:06:07on the market at 450,000 - just over £180,000 in 2006.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Beautiful. How are you?- Very well. - Come on through.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14You've got a kitchen, which is...
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Nothing too fancy but very nice and functional.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- So, this is classed as a lounge-diner, yes?- That's correct. That's correct.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25I like modern houses and this is quite dated to me. So, it needs maintenance.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- If you know my husband, maintenance isn't his forte.- Yeah.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32As far as the space goes already, this is actually less than what we've got at home.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37It was older than the Larners were looking for and, although affordable,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40it failed to get them really excited.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- I can hear traffic. Are we close to a main road? - Yes. This is Hodges Drive.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- It's quite a busy road.- Right. - But it's all price reflective.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51This wasn't going to convince Gemma to swap her home in the UK.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Bit shocked at how much the house is worth, considering the main road behind it.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59I want a bit more space, and I'd like a detached if I possibly can.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- This particular venue, nice. - Maybe a swimming pool.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Maybe a swimming pool. - I think reality has hit.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08BOTH: We're not getting one!
0:07:08 > 0:07:13There was, potentially, more to get excited over with property number two.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17In Ashby, at that time a new residential development on the edge of North Perth.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21It fulfilled much more of the Larners' expectations.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- Oh, my Lord.- That's more like it. - That's more modern, isn't it?
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- That's better.- That's lovely.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Suppose you'd have your lounge there.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35We've got a lounge through here, sweet.
0:07:35 > 0:07:42This is the posh lounge! Look at the size! That's the bee's knees.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43Go and have a look, then.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- That's a nice-size garden, Paul. - A lot bigger than I imagined.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51You could have a swimming pool there, couldn't you?
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- This is lovely, Paul. It's just what I actually had in mind, to be honest. - This is more the dream, isn't it?
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- If you're going to do an upheaval from the UK, you want something like this, don't you?- Yeah.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03You might have sold me now, Paul. THEY LAUGH
0:08:03 > 0:08:10It's nice to know that now we can move from the UK to Australia and not downgrade.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- That's important.- Yeah.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18It was reassuring to find out there were homes for the kind of money Paul and Gemma could afford.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Going a little further with their budget might have meant so much more,
0:08:22 > 0:08:26as they found with the next house.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Property number three was in the new estate of Stirling, 10 minutes from the centre of Perth.
0:08:30 > 0:08:37Here you could buy your plot of land then choose from one of the latest prefabs on the market.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Prefabs Aussie style, of course!
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- God! God...- Oh, my Lord.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49It is really plush, isn't it?
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Look at the garden, Gemma.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53Posh lounge, Paul.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- I'm almost at home already.- I know!
0:08:56 > 0:09:00If two lounges aren't enough...
0:09:00 > 0:09:02That is awesome.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05I'll call this the play area.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07It's too big for a play area.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Here you are, look.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15I take it this is the master. Wow, look at the size!
0:09:15 > 0:09:17And they've got a big bed in here.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20What a beautiful, beautiful house.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22This would be my dream home. Big time.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28Property three overwhelmed them, but they needed to know what the real cost of this place was,
0:09:28 > 0:09:29including the land.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34This house is absolutely amazing and beautiful. How much would something like this set us back?
0:09:34 > 0:09:39To build this house it's about 350,000 as a base price.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43To finish it, as you see it here today, about 500,000.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45You put this house wherever you wanted to?
0:09:45 > 0:09:51The land values range from, probably, 200,000 up to, perhaps, 1 million.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54How long would the build process take?
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Somewhere between six to nine months
0:09:56 > 0:10:04- to get the house to the construction stage.- Right.- The construction, approximately 12 months.
0:10:04 > 0:10:10- Yeah. But it's worth waiting for a house like this, Paul.- It is. - Yeah. Just a big. It's fab.
0:10:10 > 0:10:17So, was Gemma impressed enough by what she'd seen to vote for homes in Australia over the UK?
0:10:18 > 0:10:20We've seen three very different homes.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23From the first home, I'd probably get on the plane and go back home
0:10:23 > 0:10:25because I'm happy with what I've got.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30To this display home, which is phenomenal. Which is out of my expectation.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- And there is no way we can actually afford this house at home, could we?- No.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37So, the vote, for this,
0:10:37 > 0:10:42would definitely, definitely, homes compared to UK,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44it would have be...
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Australia.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53To afford their dream home, Paul would need a dream wage.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58His job back in the UK was to maintain the heating controls at the Houses of Parliament.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I've been working in London now, solid, for ten years.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Up, out the door at 5.30am to beat the rush.
0:11:03 > 0:11:09He wanted a similar job in Australia with better conditions, better hours and, of course, better pay.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14Luckily for Paul, there had been changes to the entry rules, meaning that, for the first time,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16anyone with Paul's skills who is under 45
0:11:16 > 0:11:20had a great change of qualifying for a skills-based visa.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23At that time, there was plenty of work for him to do.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Got my pliers, got my tape.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Let's get started. - Ready to go?- Yeah.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33But to get a visa, he'd have to begin by working for someone else and that was the catch.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37He hadn't been a jobbing electrician for eight years.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- All coming back to you? - It's flowing back now, yeah.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Ooh, I need a cup of tea already.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48I think I'm a natural, Paul.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Shall I move straight on to brain surgery now?
0:11:51 > 0:11:56Paul was keen to know if his earnings would be enough to kickstart their new life.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59What sort of salary would I be looking at?
0:11:59 > 0:12:04Currently, electricians, in the paper they're asking for upwards of 25 an hour.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Which works out to about 50,000, 52,000 a year.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Self-employed, anywhere from maybe 100,000 - 200,000 a year,
0:12:11 > 0:12:14depending on how hard you want to work.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- So it'll double.- Quite easily, yeah.
0:12:16 > 0:12:22Paul was earning £40,000 a year, so he'd start with a 50% pay cut.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24But it was Gemma he was worried about.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29My days at work are going to be pretty full and long, I would have thought, to start with.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34So, it's got to be a top priority to get Gemma up and mobile so she's not going to be isolated.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38While Paul got to grips with the realities of working down under,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Gemma tried out the beach life in Iluka.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45She knew that, for the first few months at least, if they moved to Australia,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48she'd be without her entire support network.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52With two young children to entertain, she had her work cut out.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54SHE LAUGHS
0:12:54 > 0:12:56It seems quite new. I don't know how new it is.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58It's got everything for the children.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03If I meet some people and get some groups of friends up, it'll be nice
0:13:03 > 0:13:06for mums to sit on the beach and the kids to play in the water.
0:13:06 > 0:13:13It's shallow, and I do believe there's a reef to stop any sharks coming near us.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14So I'm quite happy.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19After a day at work and on the beach, there was plenty of food for thought.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22It was tough for Paul to find out that, although there was plenty of work,
0:13:22 > 0:13:27he could only earn £20,000 - half of what he got in the UK -
0:13:27 > 0:13:31and going back to the shop floor wasn't what he had in mind.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36Did he decide work was better in Australia or in the UK?
0:13:36 > 0:13:40I'm going to give this vote to the UK.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47Paul and Gemma were starting to realise it might not be quite so easy to choose
0:13:47 > 0:13:48between the UK and Australia.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50The stresses were beginning to show.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53If you would be happy to live in rented accommodation for a year...
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- I would be. But not in a slum. - I'm not saying a slum.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01But that's a massive step to leave my house at home
0:14:01 > 0:14:03just to live a dream that might not happen.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06It's not a dream. It's quality of life for the kids.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10But, what we've got to see is how much disposable income is left.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15After you've got your salary in, how much food, how much rent, how much disposable income?
0:14:15 > 0:14:19We've got a lot of disposable income that we didn't manage very well at home.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- If we don't manage it here, then I'll be in catch 22 and back to work. - Yeah?- Yeah.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- Deal.- What?
0:14:27 > 0:14:28What deal?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- Are you going to give it a go? - No, I'm not saying yes yet.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38With difficult decisions still left to be made,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41the Larners decided to get a real taste of the Aussie outdoors.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45If they were to live in Australia,
0:14:45 > 0:14:50getting to know their scaly and furry neighbours would be the polite thing to do.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Jordan was especially thrilled to meet some of the continent's cutest creatures.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56And, of course, Mum couldn't resist a nice cuddle.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Ooh, you are heavy!
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Aww, I've got a big bear.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's like a giant teddy bear.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06He's very happy. You're doing a good job there, Gem.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Has he gone asleep? Yeah.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- This is extraordinary. It's lovely. Beautiful place, friendly staff. - Not expensive either.- Non-expensive.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Yeah, quality day out.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20One of their biggest worries about living in Australia was the relative cost of living.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26If they were to afford a house like the ones they'd seen, they knew counting every penny was essential.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30They needed to find out how far their money could really go.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33We've been to the beach and you can park on the beach for free.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36You can go into the town centres and park for free.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40At the moment, we're converting. So, we're probably a little bit more well-off.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44When we went for steak the other night, the steak didn't seem expensive.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49But if you was earning the dollar, then it probably would have been expensive-ish.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Petrol is the one commodity which is a big difference.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58I would say, give or take a couple of pence, it's half the price of English fuel.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So, I'm filling a whole car up for £25,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04where at home we're paying £50 for the same amount of fuel.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07That's about the only thing which is a big difference.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It's a big shock, but then you do need your cars.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12This gave them another tricky vote.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16So, the cost of living, weather, taking the kids out,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19not costing an arm and a leg.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I suppose we've got to award this to...
0:16:23 > 0:16:25..Australia!
0:16:28 > 0:16:33On the Larners' last day in Australia and, with decision time nearly upon them,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36they were invited for an old-fashioned Aussie barbie,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39with Paul's workmate Paul and his wife Tracey.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44It was their last chance to discuss what it's like to live here, with some real Australians.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49And for Gemma to discuss her fears with another woman for the first time.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54How are you going, Paul? On the stakes? Think we've sold her on it yet?
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- I don't know about her...- You're sold and sealed, aren't you?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00He got off the plane and was like, "Ooh, look at the weather!"
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Just one thing - how many redbacks do you get a year?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Check your chair!
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I suppose the question is for Gemma - when are you coming?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Now, Tracey has put me at rest because...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15You feel...
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Gone again?!
0:17:18 > 0:17:21You've already got one friend.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25Gemma was making friends, but missing the ones back home was the real problem.
0:17:29 > 0:17:37In 2006, we showed the Larner family some heartfelt messages from their closest friends and family,
0:17:37 > 0:17:42to remind them just what they'd be leaving behind if they made the move down under.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Hi, kids.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I understand you've made a decision
0:17:49 > 0:17:50to finally leave home.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54I'm glad about that because you won't be bothering me for any more cash.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57No, but seriously, we will miss you.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59We have a good relationship.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02We do fall out, like most mother and daughter,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06but then, a daughter's a daughter all her life so I'll never lose her.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08The hardest thing they'll find
0:18:08 > 0:18:10is leaving family behind.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13It'll take a lot for friends and family to go and visit them.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16It's not just the distance, it's money-wise.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18I just want to see them happy.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19They're happy at the moment.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23I want to see them happy. If they feel that's what they need to do, then fine.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28Gemma and Paul and Cobey and Jordan, we love you very much.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32We will miss you.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Have a wonderful life, keep in touch.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Oh, I can't do that.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Ooh.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Mummy?
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Why is she crying?
0:18:53 > 0:18:59You don't actually get down to the nitty gritty when you're speaking to them personally at home.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- Dennis does.- Which is nice, because he's behind us.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- But he also doesn't... want you to go.- Yeah.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18The gruelling week down under had taken its toll on the Larners.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23How would they cast their final votes? A new life in Australia or return to the UK?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Australia!
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Australia!
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Despite potential problems, the Larners had chosen Australia over the UK.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39And without wasting any time, Paul immediately switched his sporting loyalties.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47In 2008, we met up with the Larners again,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51to find out if they HAD packed up and made the move down under.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53So where were the Larners two years later?
0:19:53 > 0:19:55ALL: Australia!
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I went to Joondalup, north of Perth,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03to find out how they'd settled into their rental home.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- Hello!- Hello, Larner family! You've done it - you've moved to Australia. Lovely to meet you.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Hi, Gemma.- Hiya, Nicki.- Hi, Paul. - Hi, Nicki, how you doing?
0:20:14 > 0:20:20- Loving the shorts!- Yes!- Very proud. - Very proud.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- So, do I get a guided tour? - Yep.- Oh, yes.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Kids, do you want to go out and play?- Yeah!- Go on, then.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27See you later.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30They had been in Perth for seven months,
0:20:30 > 0:20:34where their home was a three-bedroomed detached house in the northern suburbs.
0:20:34 > 0:20:40Falling prices and an economic downturn had meant that the Reading house had not sold.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Paul and Gemma's dream of a new house in Australia
0:20:42 > 0:20:48depended on the UK property market recovering quickly, or they'd have to seriously rethink their plans.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51So how long have you signed up to rent this house for?
0:20:51 > 0:20:56We've got a 12-month rental here and, so far, we've been in it for four months.
0:20:56 > 0:21:03So we've got another eight months to go and then, all being well, we'll sign another 12 months.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05At the moment, we're living the dream.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Is that to give you time to find a property that you like,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10or are you looking to actually build?
0:21:10 > 0:21:14We're in the process of purchasing a bit of land at the moment,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16subject to sale of our house in the UK.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21And that will be to build our house - our dream home.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26For a rental property, this, to me, looks like it's got really high spec.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Was it brand-new when you moved in? - Yeah.- It's probably more the top end of the rental.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32We were very lucky to get a new build.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36That was my main criteria. If I was going to live in a rental,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40I had this horrible vision of a rental being dark and dingy and needing a lot of maintenance.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43You know what I'm like with maintenance.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48There's a natural warmth to this house. As soon as we walked in, we knew this was the one for us.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51So we went for it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55So your house in Reading, how difficult has it been to sell?
0:21:55 > 0:22:02We've accepted an offer on it this week, so it's very early stages. We've been there three times before.
0:22:03 > 0:22:10Once again, economic crisis, we've had to take a big dip on the asking price.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14But for us to continue our venture or our life in Australia,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18then we need to sell the house so we can move on here.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- The situation in the UK in 2006 was really rosy.- Yeah!
0:22:23 > 0:22:30- You didn't even consider having problems.- It was really rosy in the UK, house prices in Perth were low.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36So back in 2006, you could sell your house in the UK, move to Australia,
0:22:36 > 0:22:41have a brand-new house and half a mortgage. Those days are gone.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46It's apples for apples now. If not, it's more expensive in Perth to live than it is in the UK.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51'Even with those changes in house prices, and their UK home still on the market,
0:22:51 > 0:22:55'they had risked everything and gone for it in Australia.'
0:22:55 > 0:22:58This meant having to pay £900 a month for their rented house.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Oh, this is beautiful!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02The master, bit bigger than what we had in the UK.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- So we're made up. And this is most important for a lady, as well. - Space saver.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Perfect. This is what every woman wants.- Mm!
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Walk-in wardrobe.- Have you got the small area at the back for your clothes?- Yeah, it's a drawer.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Bottom one over there.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- This is my daughter's bedroom. - This is nice.- She loves it.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21She's got a walk-in wardrobe, bless her.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Oh! Look at... How tidy! - Yeah, bless her.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Have they settled in?
0:23:26 > 0:23:31In the first programme, they're racing around, they looked so happy, playing the whole time.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37- Has it been easy?- I think I've had one day where I had tears off Jordan, didn't I?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40They have not looked back. We haven't had time to sit still.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Every weekend - by Wednesday, we've worked out what we'll do at the weekend.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48The kids then have a couple of days to be excited about it.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50We go and do it and it just, you know...
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Jordan's already fluent in the national anthem, isn't she?
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- She's good, yeah.- The Aussie national anthem. I'm impressed!
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Let's see Cobey's room, see if it's as tidy.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Did you bring much furniture out with you?
0:24:04 > 0:24:08We brought everything over, which we found to be the best way.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11If you buy a crate, you might as well fill it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14That's the way we went about it, so there was six to eight weeks.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17That's a long time without your possessions.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- So you were waiting.- Yeah, you wait, but when you finally get your boxes, it's like, "Ohh!"
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- Financially, did it make sense to do it that way?- Big time, yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29One thing we've definitely done that's good was bring all our stuff out here.
0:24:29 > 0:24:36We haven't paid for anything. Because of the house not selling, we have no money to spend anyway.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41'I was really pleased. The Larners seemed to have landed on their feet in 2008,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'but was life down under really as rosy as it seemed?'
0:24:48 > 0:24:55Disappointed by the potential drop in salary, Paul was not impressed with work in Australia in 2006.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57But not being the type to give up easily,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00he went job hunting when he returned to the UK.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03After months of searching the internet, he found a job in Perth.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08I had a contract to work with a controls company when I first came over.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12I was in communications with this firm for three months.
0:25:12 > 0:25:18A lot of pressure was put on me to come out, then the house didn't sell so I had to remortgage,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21put my house up for rent so I could come out as quickly as possible
0:25:21 > 0:25:24to fulfil the contract which I'd signed several months earlier.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29And when I came out here, there wasn't even a uniform ready for me, let alone a toolbox,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33a vehicle, you know?
0:25:33 > 0:25:38It just didn't work out and, literally, I left that company on the Thursday,
0:25:38 > 0:25:43had a bit of a scary moment the second week in - you move 12,000 miles,
0:25:43 > 0:25:51find yourself homeless and with 200 in your pocket and you're thinking, "Oh! The non-believers were right."
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Fortunately, as quickly as I was in that position, I was out of it
0:25:57 > 0:26:00and we're doing all right now, thank you very much.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03Paul's job was working for a large company
0:26:03 > 0:26:08which was contracted to maintain the air conditioning systems for some of the largest buildings
0:26:08 > 0:26:10in Perth's business district.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Work in Australia wasn't quite what he was used to in the UK.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20Since coming to Australia, I'm not in the same line of work as I was in the UK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25I'm now more hands-on, doing mechanical, back to my roots, back to my electrical work.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29That takes time, going back to night school. But I haven't come out here for promotion.
0:26:29 > 0:26:35I've come out here to give my family a better quality of life, so as long as I'm working, I'm happy.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Having moved to the other side of the world, Gemma noticed
0:26:39 > 0:26:41the pace of her own life had slowed considerably.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Once the kids were settled, I found myself,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46I hate to admit it, getting bored
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and I needed to get myself out for friendship reasons.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53So I wanted to try and find some work.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58So I thought, "Oh, I've got nothing to lose," so I put my CV in to the local hospital
0:26:58 > 0:27:02and got a tinkle from one of the clinical midwives
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and invited me in for an interview.
0:27:04 > 0:27:10They've just employed me and another member of staff to assist the midwives, so I'm made up.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14I'm getting to know people now, so people say, "Hello, Gemma," and it's so nice
0:27:14 > 0:27:17and in the UK, you didn't often get a doctor
0:27:17 > 0:27:22or a consultant or whatever saying hello to you, they'd just walk past you.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26But doesn't matter what grade you are over here everyone says g'day to you, so it's cool.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Most of the Larners' dreams had become a reality,
0:27:34 > 0:27:39and the quality of life was high on the family agenda.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44A favourite day out was to visit the marina nearby for a spot of fishing with the children.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Dolphin! There's a dolphin! Where you gone?- She's down there. - There she is!
0:27:47 > 0:27:49She's there.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55When we first came out we so wanted to be here and yet
0:27:55 > 0:27:58we had another two years to wait but it's been well worth the wait.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Life in Australia is a lot better for us as a family
0:28:00 > 0:28:04because we spend a lot of time together and we can plan things
0:28:04 > 0:28:07which means we get the kids excited so they're part of it.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13They tell us what they want to do and we actually go out... Obviously, the sun helps immensely.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- I got SpongeBob!- SpongeBob!
0:28:16 > 0:28:19We've been here, so far, during their winter.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22It's been better than the UK's summer.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25So on Wednesday, we sit down and talk about what we want to do.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28The kids chirp up, "We haven't been fishing for two weeks!"
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Or have a go bodyboarding on Sunday.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34So on Wednesday, we make a decision
0:28:34 > 0:28:38and then me and Gemma's job is to keep the excitement till then.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40The opportunities are just so there.
0:28:40 > 0:28:47The positives outweigh the homesickness a million to one.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49I cannot envisage going back to the UK
0:28:49 > 0:28:52other than for family reunions or something like that.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Back in 2008, I also had a surprise for the family.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02We've actually got some new ones for you,
0:29:02 > 0:29:07- so Paul, if I can give that to you. - I've got goose pimples already.- Ooh!
0:29:07 > 0:29:09Let's see what they've got to say.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- Oh, no!- Hi, Paul, Gemma, Cobey, Jordan.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20Missing you,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23but by golly, we're so proud of you.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28We are missing you so, so much, we still miss you every single day.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Paul's mad. He's never grown up.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34He is my best friend.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36You don't get many best friends,
0:29:36 > 0:29:41but Paul is definitely my best friend in my life, and I really do miss him.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Gemma's amazing, she is what you would class as a true friend.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50She's definitely missed big time, she's an absolute cracking person, genuine person.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55When Paul and Gemma first come to tell us that they might be going to Australia,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59it is earth-shattering.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04We are upset that Paul and Gemma aren't going to be around for the birth of our first child together,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07it would be lovely to have Cobey and Jordan there,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11growing up with our child, so we're all friends together.
0:30:11 > 0:30:18I genuinely wish that they hadn't gone to the other side of the world to be happy,
0:30:18 > 0:30:22but I understand fully why they've done it,
0:30:22 > 0:30:27and I couldn't say, come back here.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32They've definitely left a hole in my life, all of them,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Paul, Gemma, Cobey, Jordan.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38I really do miss them,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42it's like a big part of my life has just disappeared.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46You can't not like the whole family. They're just lovable people.
0:30:46 > 0:30:52Certainly your dad is very proud of you, very proud of what you're doing,
0:30:52 > 0:30:56misses you, obviously, as we both do,
0:30:56 > 0:31:01but I can say that honestly from your dad and from your nans and your grandad,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04they all think you've made a very good move
0:31:04 > 0:31:06and they're pleased that you're happy.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11Well, you know that I miss you and I miss you all, from the bottom of my heart,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14and I really will be counting the days till we can come and see you,
0:31:14 > 0:31:19and I really wish you was here for the little 'un, I really do.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I love you, you know I love you all.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27We're surely missing you folkies, but we're so very proud,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30but hopefully see you all soon.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Lots of love from Dad, myself and a big lick from Fozzie.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36Bye.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41SHE SOBS
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Three and a half years and the first tear.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Paul, I can see this time those messages really hit home.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10It's weird, I've never stopped...
0:32:10 > 0:32:14to think about other people other than my family before.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19I think about have I done the right thing for my family, so I'm in this little circle.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24I think I've done that on purpose, or else you would never have done it in the first place.
0:32:24 > 0:32:30- It's an eye-opener.- The reality's kicking in a little bit. - The reality's kicking in, yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36After a two-year adventure, how did they vote on their future in Australia?
0:32:36 > 0:32:40It's not all plain sailing, a move like this, it's never going to be,
0:32:40 > 0:32:45but we are loving our life and our family vote is going to...
0:32:45 > 0:32:47ALL: AUSTRALIA!
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!- Oi! Oi! Oi!
0:32:54 > 0:32:58It's two years on and we've caught up with the Larners again.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Are they still living the Australian dream?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05So, where are they in 2010?
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- ALL: UK! - No! Hang on a minute...
0:33:09 > 0:33:12ALL: Australia!
0:33:12 > 0:33:17- THEY LAUGH - BLEEP- I knew it was coming!
0:33:17 > 0:33:23Of course! The Larners are still in Australia and having lots of fun by the look of it.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26They're still in Perth - the same street, but a different house.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30It looks like they were finally able to build their dream home.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Building the house was my main selling point in getting Gemma over here -
0:33:34 > 0:33:37the thought that she could actually design her own house
0:33:37 > 0:33:41and furnish it how she wants to and all the rest of it.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Which is so different from where we're from in the UK.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48That was the bargaining tool I used,
0:33:48 > 0:33:54and this land was up for sale and it was land which was good for us
0:33:54 > 0:33:57because it was only two doors up from where we'd made our home.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02So, although we moved, we haven't moved.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05We knew it was going to be a 12-month build.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08What we didn't plan for is the six months to get to build.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11so then you're up to 18 months.
0:34:11 > 0:34:18Fortunately, the way the staffing levels have changed with time,
0:34:18 > 0:34:22they're much more efficient and the actual build only took three months.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27At a total cost of 560,000 for the house and the land,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30it's made them all very happy.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36It's a beautiful house, it's got a pool, which... It was so important to us for so many reasons.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41For myself, being a father, I've been able to say I've actually done it,
0:34:41 > 0:34:48actually getting the settled enjoyment out of the kids when they are in the pool.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51It seems to have gone really well for the Larners,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54but it has taken a lot of hard work to get there.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Paul has even managed to get himself a new job,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59but before we find out what's been happening,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02let's have a look around their brand-new Aussie home,
0:35:02 > 0:35:06guided through by Gemma, the proud designer of the house.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10This is our bedroom. We've just finished it.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12We just need some more furniture and lights,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16but the budget is a bit limited at the moment.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20This is probably the size of my lounge in the UK.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23The idea is Paul and I have some nice, comfy chairs and a telly
0:35:23 > 0:35:27and chill out in the evening and leave the kids in the other part of the house.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30And the fact that we've got an en suite and double wardrobes!
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Bit spoilt, really.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35So, I've actually got a wardrobe for myself
0:35:35 > 0:35:36and a wardrobe for my husband.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39This is our double shower, and we've got a toilet at the end.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46So this is probably bigger than the family bathroom I had for four of us
0:35:46 > 0:35:47back in the UK.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Well, Gemma seems more than pleased with her new home,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54and Paul, who's fortunate to have this drive to work in the morning,
0:35:54 > 0:35:58seems also to have found a new standard of living.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01When you was last with us, I was working for a company
0:36:01 > 0:36:05in the same area of work, but not in the same industry,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08so it was more mechanical, where before I come from controls.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11And then the opportunity to get back into controls came along
0:36:11 > 0:36:1515 months ago, so I grabbed it with both hands
0:36:15 > 0:36:17and settled in very well.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20And it's no different in the UK, what I was doing, to out here.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24The only difference being is that the plant's totally reversed.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27I used to have four boilers and one very small chiller,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and now I've got four massive chillers and one very small boiler.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35So, that's my day-to-day job as a service engineer,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39to go on site to make sure all this equipment is running as it should be.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43So, this is the kitchen. So far, so good.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45I haven't found anything I don't like about the kitchen,
0:36:45 > 0:36:46which is a bonus...
0:36:46 > 0:36:51But it's just, um... Yeah, you never thought it'd be so hard,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54but to have the choice of having a plain bit of paper
0:36:54 > 0:36:58and starting from scratch was quite stressful, actually.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00But, you know, we've moved in now.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02We feel it was home as soon as we opened the front door.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04There's things that we'd still like,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08which will come in time, but obviously,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10just have to sit and wait and be patient.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13But it's funny, we're not about material any more.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17We've lost that since we've been here. We're just not that bothered.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20We feel like, because we've moved 10,000 miles,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24doesn't really matter what your house, surroundings, is.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26I mean, this is beautiful, don't get me wrong,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and I'm very grateful that I've had the chance to build my house -
0:37:29 > 0:37:33my husband would have my head on the chopping board otherwise -
0:37:33 > 0:37:36but it's having your family round you, i.e. Paul and my kids.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39That makes me feel like a unit, so this is lovely.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42This makes it a lot easier. This is our family area,
0:37:42 > 0:37:46but again, the final touches haven't been finished
0:37:46 > 0:37:49like your photographs. We haven't put any photographs up yet.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53They're all the things I want to do. I want to enjoy it slowly.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54I don't want to rush things.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58I love this view, though, because we get the winter sun coming in
0:37:58 > 0:38:02and also the summer sun, but I'm going to enjoy it as a mum, definitely,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05because I can see the children out on the al fresco,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07and I can see in the swimming pool, which is great.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10And Paul's new job has brought some unexpected benefits.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14What I've found over here in Australia is the team morale
0:38:14 > 0:38:18and team bonding is one of the major factors.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20So, socialising Friday after work,
0:38:20 > 0:38:25you'll find that's...almost...
0:38:25 > 0:38:29put upon you by your management, you know.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32"We was disappointed not to see you on Friday having a drink," you know?
0:38:32 > 0:38:37Where in the UK, because it takes so long to get home
0:38:37 > 0:38:40and you want to see your family as well...
0:38:40 > 0:38:42I can have a drink and still be home in time for tea here,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45where I couldn't do that. I even missed tea in the UK.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48You get out of bed in the morning, you go to the vehicle,
0:38:48 > 0:38:53the sun is shining. I take a road which is possibly one of the best roads in the world.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56It's a feel-good factor.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00You get to work. You've got good communication with people,
0:39:00 > 0:39:06and then at the end of the day, taking the same drive home,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09taking that aura back into the family at home.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It's plusses all round.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16The Larners have succeeded in living out their dream,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19but earlier in the year, Paul and Gemma were devastated
0:39:19 > 0:39:22by some very sad family news from the UK.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Now... I never thought I'd say it, eh?
0:39:29 > 0:39:31I was being good up to now.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36We lost...both nans.
0:39:36 > 0:39:37And my dog.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Losing family members when you're this far away
0:39:41 > 0:39:43is the worst possible scenario.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Made a little bit more difficult, not so much difficult for myself,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50but I haven't had that much loss in my family,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53so very difficult to deal with.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58Both nans were very positive,
0:39:58 > 0:40:02even though they were quite older ladies, if you like.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06They actually could see why we was doing it,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09and when we both all said goodbye to them,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13they said, you know, "Please don't come back for the funeral."
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Deep down, we felt, you know, we were settled,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21that we didn't feel compelled to go back to the UK.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Both nans would turn over. They would just NOT want us to go back.
0:40:25 > 0:40:32On the flip side of that, when your mum or your mother-in-law,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35at their most needy time,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38you can't offer that arm and a hug and all the rest of it,
0:40:38 > 0:40:40so that's very sad.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45What I done is, my nan... I sent my grandad a little card
0:40:45 > 0:40:48and then I wrote a little verse
0:40:48 > 0:40:50and I got my dad to say it at the funeral.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54And then, when the funeral was happening,
0:40:54 > 0:41:00I sat with a drink and a picture of my nan
0:41:00 > 0:41:03and put some music on mega loud.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08As much as they want to hug you and be with you at the point of time,
0:41:08 > 0:41:13it is that expensive and they'd rather it go on the kids
0:41:13 > 0:41:16rather than on an air fare back to the UK.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23The children were always Paul and Gemma's main concern,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26and if they hadn't settled into their new home,
0:41:26 > 0:41:28all their efforts may have gone to waste.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Since we've been over here, the kids have really fitted in.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35They've not been unsettled at all.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40There's not been five minutes where they've wished for anything
0:41:40 > 0:41:41other than what they've got,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44so I think if you're going to be making this journey over here
0:41:44 > 0:41:49and you're worried about your kids, it's possibly the last thing you need to worry about.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54As for Gemma, it was a little bit rocky at the start.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58I think anyone and everyone goes through it. I went through it a bit,
0:41:58 > 0:42:03but you tend, as a man, to try and hide it, to keep the family strong.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06And what about the future?
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Now we've just gone past two years, we don't talk about it any more.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Our life now is in Australia.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17There isn't... And sometimes, when you go out and you socialise,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20people talk about "how long have you been here now, when are you going back?"
0:42:20 > 0:42:22I'm sort of over all that.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25My life's here. I'll go back when I'm good and ready.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30I don't feel like I'm attracted to go back or magnetised to go back
0:42:30 > 0:42:35or... This sounds bad, even an element of responsibility to go back.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38You know, my responsibility is my family.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43You can see what we've done here. We've built a home and now we're living our life.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45ALL: Goodbye, UK!
0:42:45 > 0:42:49The Larners have become a true Australian family.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54Having built their own house, could this mean they're staying down under
0:42:54 > 0:42:55for life?
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Join us again, when we catch up with another family
0:42:59 > 0:43:01on Wanted Down Under Revisited.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:16 > 0:43:20E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk