0:00:01 > 0:00:05Moving Down Under may seem like a dream come true.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08But what if it meant leaving behind your only granddaughter?
0:00:08 > 0:00:13Back in 2009, that was the dilemma faced by the Burnley family
0:00:13 > 0:00:15when they experienced life in Australia.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Today, we're going to find out
0:00:17 > 0:00:21how they coped with making that heartbreaking choice.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Martin and Andrea Burnley
0:00:23 > 0:00:26were dreaming of swapping their daily grind in the UK
0:00:26 > 0:00:29for a sunnier, more relaxed life Down Under.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32I've always wanted to go to Australia, since I can remember.
0:00:32 > 0:00:38And after spending a week in Darwin, they were unsure of what to do.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- I think we've got to think of us for a while.- We have. Definitely.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But when we caught up with them in 2010,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47they were still living in Leeds.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50It's not as simple as it was when we set out two years ago.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52A lot of things have changed.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Now, we visit them again to find out if they were able
0:00:56 > 0:00:59to make their final leap and leave their loved ones behind.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26In 2009, Martin and Andrea Burnley
0:01:26 > 0:01:29were faced with a life-changing decision -
0:01:29 > 0:01:33whether to stay in their Leeds home or move to Australia.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38We gave them one week to experience every aspect of life Down Under
0:01:38 > 0:01:41but what's happened since we last met them?
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Martin and Andrea Burnley were living in Yorkshire with their 19-year-old son Michael.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Andrea always felt a burning passion to emigrate to Australia.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53I've always wanted go to Australia, ever since I can remember.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56And we tried a few times to go and something's always got in the way.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01Martin's skills as a satellite dish fitter could get them the visa they needed.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07Although the family had been discussing the move for years, Martin still wasn't fully convinced.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Originally, it were Andrea's idea. She's always wanted go there.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Recently, I seem to have come round a bit, over the last four or five years.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18I like the look of the country and what have you. It seems to be appealing to me more.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Andrea wants to go more than me.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25One of the Burnleys' greatest fears was that son Michael would not go with them.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31I've got a lot of mixed thoughts about Australia. I don't know what to expect. I'm just hoping to find
0:02:31 > 0:02:38some new friends, hopefully get into sports that I'm playing now and have a bit of a better lifestyle.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Michael and older brother Paul played rugby league
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and it was a huge part of the family's life.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49Andrea hoped that the Australian lifestyle held the keys to their future
0:02:49 > 0:02:53and that her eldest son Paul and his family might also join them.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Paul lives with his girlfriend and he's got a three-year-old daughter.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02And he's finding it increasingly difficult to find work over here.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05His girlfriend's at university studying to be a teacher
0:03:05 > 0:03:10and their plan is to come over as soon as she's qualified.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13But what they say and what they do when the time comes...
0:03:13 > 0:03:18I think if they definitely said they wasn't coming, that might sway me.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23They say they are. I'd be devastated if I got over there and loved it and they said they weren't coming.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26But it won't just be hard leaving Honey-Lily.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Andrea's parents were also a huge part of her life.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32My dad's got cancer, but he's a fighter.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35And he just tells me I must go.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39He applied to New Zealand before I was born and got in,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41but they never got round to it.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44He says it's one thing that he really, really regrets.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Although she would miss her family terribly,
0:03:47 > 0:03:52she was determined to try and live the dream her father never had the chance to.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55But Martin was the main visa applicant.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59And at 44, he was a year from the cut-off age on the skilled migration list.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00It's now or never.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05If we don't get through by this time next year, that's it, we're never going to get there.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14To help the Burnleys consider the huge change they'd be making,
0:04:14 > 0:04:20we sent them and their youngest son Michael to Darwin to try out the Australian lifestyle.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26Darwin is a small city with a warm climate and has got some of the best rugby league in Australia.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30It seemed to be the perfect place to build their future.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34The Burnleys were about to make the biggest trip of their lives.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39The journey took them across three continents and more than 8,000 miles.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44They arrived exhausted but ready for the challenges of the week ahead.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49Looking forward to it, actually. Looking forward to it. It'll be good. I hope.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54The week in Oz would give them an insight into all aspects of life Down Under.
0:04:56 > 0:05:02But would it leave them feeling homesick or convince them to make the move?
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Back in the UK, the Burnleys were living in a four-bedroom semi in an area of Leeds they loved.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16But they were hoping for more.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21In Australia, they wanted a spacious three or four-bedroom detached house with a pool.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26Their budget was £225,000.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33We showed them three properties to give them an idea of the cost of Australian homes.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38First up was a two-bedroom unit overlooking the park
0:05:38 > 0:05:40with views of the beach.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45It was on the market in 2009 for £220,000, so within their budget.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- What do you reckon? - A bit cramped.- It is a bit.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59- Not a bad size, but I expected bigger.- Yeah.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- This is nice. I like this.- I like the open-plan.- Yeah. Looks good.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- Still needs a new kitchen. - I like it, but I don't like the fact it's up four flights of steps.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11And I've got no garden.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- I don't like it at all. - Don't you?- No.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18I definitely want a house, certainly not an apartment.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21And more space. More bedrooms.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I expected from Australia bigger house, bigger garden.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30The size and feel of this property wasn't what Andrea had in mind.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37The second property, in a quiet cul-de-sac, had three bedrooms
0:06:37 > 0:06:41and a uniquely designed living space.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45It was on the market for around £275,000,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47so just over their budget.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53But maybe, it was more in line with they're looking for.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- This is nice, isn't it? - Yeah, this is better.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- Good size.- Nice kitchen.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- I like this area. - It's nice, in't it?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Yeah. I can sit and watch telly while I can see you cooking.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- Oh, wow!- Shaded.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Oh, we've got a pool. - Oh, that's nice. I like that.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- It's unusual that it's completely separate.- Oh, yeah.
0:07:17 > 0:07:23- This is better.- That's just made it all better now?- Yeah. This is what you want to come to Australia for.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Definitely. That's what you want to come home to after a hard day's work.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Although slightly over their budget, property two convinced them
0:07:30 > 0:07:35their perfect home was in reach if they pushed their finances.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41The third property was another apartment just five minutes from the centre of Darwin.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47Set on a resort, it had a communal gym and pool to add to its three double bedrooms.
0:07:47 > 0:07:53On the market for £320,000, it was well over the Burnleys' budget.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- This is nice, isn't it? - Yeah, I like this.- Lovely.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- I like the shape of it. - Very nice kitchen.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- My kind of kitchen. More your fridge.- Beautiful that, isn't it?
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Is that a television screen? - Don't know.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Don't know.- It says control system.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Oh, it controls all the lights and stuff and music and that.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14That's clever, isn't it?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- This is nice. - Yeah, this is nice, isn't it?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Apart from the scrap yard, it's a beautiful view.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Yeah, the scrap yard's not very good, but yeah, it is nice.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Very nice. I liked it.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Good design. All modern.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33A lot better than the other apartment.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35It's just not for us.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38We want our own little plot of land and little house.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43You couldn't say there was anything wrong with it, but it's an apartment and not what we're looking for.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49Andrea had very definite ideas about the sort of home she wanted if they were to move Down Under
0:08:49 > 0:08:52and apartment living wasn't one of them.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56But property two did seem to press some of the right buttons.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59So, were Andrea and her family sold on property in Australia?
0:08:59 > 0:09:01It was time for their first vote.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06Based on the properties that we've seen here in Darwin, our vote goes to...
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Australia.- UK.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16What's all that about?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- What's with you with UK?- At least I've made a vote. You haven't.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21I can't make my mind up.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- Why have you gone UK? - Because I think the properties are quite expensive over here.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30With only one vote for Australia, it looked like the move was in doubt.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Affording the dream home seemed beyond them.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38Everything hinged on Martin getting the job and salary to afford it.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48Back in the UK, Martin earned around £30,000 as a satellite-dish fitter.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51If I can find the work, I think I'd be able to do it.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56It would probably take a while to get into it because they'll work different ways.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00I think they use a lot bigger dishes than what we use, but I think I should be OK with it.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07We work five over sevens, so we work a lot of weekends.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13It would be nice if I could get some weekends off. That would be really good.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17In Australia, Martin was looking for similar work,
0:10:17 > 0:10:23but even if he found it, he would need to do a conversion test to work Down Under.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29He knew finding the right job could be make or break for his family,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33so he met with Mark Sellers, boss of a satellite installation business.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36After a quick introduction, it was straight to work.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- I'll show you around, you can meet the other technicians.- Thank you.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44OK, this is where we do our repairs and put all our equipment together.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48This is an 85 centimetre dish, our standard size dish in Australia.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53This is a lot bigger than what we use. We tend to just use a 43 centimetre dish.
0:10:53 > 0:11:00Yeah, you tend to have a stronger satellite in your part of the world and more satellites to come off on.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06While Martin was experiencing what work could be like in Australia,
0:11:06 > 0:11:11Andrea had a chance to reflect on those she would be leaving behind.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15If we decided to move and move quite quickly, it would be at least
0:11:15 > 0:11:20three years before Paul and Gemma decided to come over here, if they did.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25And we'd just miss so much of Honey. And I'm very worried that even if they did make the move,
0:11:25 > 0:11:30I wouldn't have the same bond that I have with her now. I don't think you could ever get that back.
0:11:30 > 0:11:36Leaving Honey-Lily behind was the toughest decision she'd ever have to make.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41If she gets upset when I leave, then I don't know if I'll be able to get on that plane.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44But they'd be going nowhere unless Martin got a job.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48If the hours and conditions were right, it might convince him life was better in Oz.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Generally, we will work Monday to Friday.
0:11:50 > 0:11:57- Most of us have our Saturday and Sundays off because of our outdoor lifestyle.- OK.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- What's the pay structure like? - The pay structure is 55,000 a year. Plus there is a bonus system.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Depending on the project, you'll get a certain percentage of it.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11You've got a good bonus for your Christmas break. We do close down for two weeks for Christmas
0:12:11 > 0:12:16and of course, we have a superannuation system in Australia which is your pension system.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Just one other question. When can I start?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22It looked like he'd fit right in.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25So, after a hard day's work, how did he vote?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Based on the work that I've seen in Darwin, my vote goes to...
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Australia.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Work seemed to have sold the move to Australia for Martin.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45But like Andrea, he still had concerns about the family they would be leaving behind.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49You can't put a price on watching your granddaughter grow up. There's no price on that.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56And obviously, I don't know, I don't think we would even consider
0:12:56 > 0:13:01the money side of it. We'd just say, "Look, we're not prepared to not see Honey growing up,"
0:13:01 > 0:13:04and I'm confident that she'd want to go back, she really would.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07And we'd just sell up and go back.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Martin's job would hopefully provide them with a steady income
0:13:15 > 0:13:22but if they were going to afford that dream home, they had to get a good price for their house in Leeds.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28In 2009, Martin and Andrea believed their home to be worth around £205,000.
0:13:30 > 0:13:36To get a professional view, we sent two estate agents to value their house.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44This is the sitting room. Nicely presented. Good-sized room with a gas fire and wooden floors.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49Nice new-looking open-plan kitchen with modern appliances.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52It's a well-presented property. It's been redecorated recently
0:13:52 > 0:13:56and is presented very well, with a nice modern feel, internally.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00I would value this property at £189,995. For a quick sale.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03A little less than they'd expected.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06A second opinion may be more what they had anticipated.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12Losing space from the second bedroom where the staircase goes up for the loft conversion is a bit of an issue.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15People do like to have the two double bedrooms on that floor.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20Probably between the region of 160,000-165,000 is achievable
0:14:20 > 0:14:23within a relatively short period of time.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26That was a lot lower than they'd hoped for.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Not impressed with that.- No. Very shocked, considering what the others have gone for in the area.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Very shocked. I was shocked at the first one, never mind the second one.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Even worse. 160, 165.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- Quite surprised at that.- Definitely surprised. Yeah. Yeah.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46I thought it would definitely get over 200.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- I would have thought 195, 200.- Mm.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59To be sure that Australia was right for them, the Burnleys wanted
0:14:59 > 0:15:03to experience what the Aussie lifestyle had to offer.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06So they took a road trip deep into the bush.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12They went to Litchfield National Park, 80 miles south-west of Darwin.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18As the boys cooled off, Andrea had a chance to reflect on the experience so far
0:15:18 > 0:15:22and granddaughter Honey-Lily was never far from her thoughts.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25While we've been here, it's been absolutely wonderful.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Knowing that we're going back home, how that will weigh on your mind,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33knowing that I'm not going to see her for months and months on end, even years.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37I think, when the time comes, it will be really, really upsetting. I don't know how I will manage.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41The Burnleys were nearing the end of their trip to the outback.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45They had been impressed by what they have seen of the Australian lifestyle,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49it could have meant making the decision to leave Honey-Lily behind.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Based on the lifestyle we've experienced so far, our vote goes to...
0:15:55 > 0:15:56ALL: Australia.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06The Burnleys wanted to find out how easy it would be to make friends in Australia.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11And, luckily, they shared a common passion, rugby league.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16Back in the UK, rugby was a big part of Michael's social scene and he hoped it would be a great way
0:16:16 > 0:16:19to for him to make friends quickly in Australia.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24I should be fine and make a lot of friends, especially if I start playing rugby.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26The Oval...
0:16:26 > 0:16:31We took the Burnleys for a tour around the home of Darwin rugby league, Richardson Park.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Michael was keen to see how easy it was to make friends in Australia.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Yes, I know, I've got a sport up here that I love to do.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44I would definitely think about playing here.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Even Andrea could see the benefits.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Definitely on the plus side to be able to come here
0:16:50 > 0:16:55and know that Martin and Michael are really enjoying it.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Just to come and have a nice day out, in the sunshine,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02watching not only them playing rugby, but the children as well.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04It would be really nice day out.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08But, it hadn't been enough to make her forget her family back home.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11We are leaving people behind. It has weighed on my mind a lot,
0:17:11 > 0:17:15especially as you see things and think, "Paul would have loved this rugby ground."
0:17:15 > 0:17:20It's things like that that are going to hit me most.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36In 2009, the Burnley family had a really tough decision to make.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41And, seeing messages from their loved ones back home only made it harder.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46She will help anybody. She helps us a lot, doesn't she?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49She is a loving daughter, she's great.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54We had Honey-Lily when we were quite young.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58They've helped us with everything. They've been there all the time.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01I think it will be very difficult for Honey.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07She will realise that she is not just going to be able to jump in the van and come and see them.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09When she cries, she cries for Nana.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- She does, sometimes, yeah. - When she's poorly, she cries for Nana.- Yeah.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14All the time.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19You're best friends, actually, you're more like family to us.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Moving to Australia, it's quite upsetting for me and Neil.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24But, we wish you all the best.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29I think of Andrea like my mum, as well. I'm close to her as I am my mum.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38I love you so much, if you only knew it. I couldn't imagine her not being here.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42I do really want them to go because they really, really want to go.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I just can't imagine them not being here for us. I just couldn't.
0:18:45 > 0:18:51If it's for you, take it with our love.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54We'll always be here for you, if you need us.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59We love you loads and we'll miss you loads. So, good luck.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04You know we're going to miss you. You know we'll always miss you.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06It's going to be really difficult for us all,
0:19:06 > 0:19:10but it's an opportunity of a lifetime and you've just got to go for it.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12I hope you do it.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16We are going to miss you. I love you.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Bye!
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Have a good cry, love.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Yeah... She's a little monkey.- She's bringing it home, she really is.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- She's going to be the hardest person to leave behind, isn't she?- Yeah.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40It's going to be very difficult for us to do that.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Whether we can do it or not, is another matter.- Yeah, I know.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47I don't know.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56Leaving behind their son and granddaughter was really tugging at the heartstrings.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00It had been an emotional week with a real mixture of highs and lows.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03The time had come to make the final vote,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07a decision that could change the family's future forever.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12After spending a week in Australia and experiencing Australia,
0:20:12 > 0:20:13our vote goes to...
0:20:18 > 0:20:19..Australia.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23It was a surprisingly unanimous vote for Australia,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25with son Michael coming round to the idea.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27However, they knew it wouldn't be plain sailing
0:20:27 > 0:20:30and the reality of the move could be far harder than they hoped.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34This could be the last time that we have our last Christmas
0:20:34 > 0:20:37in England and my parents are quite old and so you never know, touch wood,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41I hope nothing will happen, but you never know what is round the corner.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45So, it's going to be hard, it's going to be hard,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49it is not a nice feeling. It's not a nice feeling.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50That'll be hard for me.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53There will be plenty of tears, plenty of them.
0:20:53 > 0:20:59I think... I don't want to miss out on Honey for three or four years,
0:20:59 > 0:21:04but I just think that if we don't come out here and do what we want
0:21:04 > 0:21:07to do, then they could take her anywhere in the world.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11They could move down south, Paul's looked at jobs in Spain.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15He could take her anywhere. He will go wherever the work is for him and Gemma.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17We have no control over that.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20I think we have got to try and think of us for a while.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23We have, we have, definitely.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35After a week in Australia, the Burnleys were unanimous
0:21:35 > 0:21:37in their decision to move down under.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40But when we caught up with them again in 2010,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43they still hadn't been able to make the move.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48After our trial week, we really explored Australia.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51We travelled to Brisbane to meet some friends and take in the rugby
0:21:51 > 0:21:54and then we moved south to Adelaide.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56We just fell in love with the place.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58We looked at several houses in Adelaide, didn't we?
0:21:58 > 0:22:02And they were really, really nice beautiful properties.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Again, they were bungalows which is what we want, really.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07When we came back from Australia,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10we decided it was something we definitely wanted to do.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12But unfortunately,
0:22:12 > 0:22:16things have happened that have put things off for a little while.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Unfortunately, my father passed away suddenly.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21My dad always regrets not going to New Zealand
0:22:21 > 0:22:22and taking the opportunity.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25He was 100% behind us and wanted us to go
0:22:25 > 0:22:28and I wanted him to come and see us out there.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30My mum actually said afterwards
0:22:30 > 0:22:33it would have broken his heart if I had gone.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37He wouldn't have said anything, but she said it would have broken his heart.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41The boys have decided not to come.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44So it was put off until the beginning of this year.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47We decided to put the house on the market.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49But we've not really had any interest.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53So we are either deciding to continue for a few more months
0:22:53 > 0:22:57or rent the house out and try moving over later this year.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I really, really want to make the move to Australia.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05I have wanted to do it for so long. I just feel it is for us.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10The downside is now that the children aren't coming.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13I can't even begin to explain how I feel about that.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16But I just know that I think they will do it in the future
0:23:16 > 0:23:20and if we've left it too late, we'll never be able to go.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- We'll be left behind. - Yes, we'll be left behind.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26And we'll lose them and never be able to see them again.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Everything seemed to be against them, but Andrea was as determined
0:23:30 > 0:23:34as ever, and the death of her father gave her the strength to plough on.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40With the boys having made the decision not to move to Australia for now,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Andrea and Martin would be leaving behind both their sons
0:23:43 > 0:23:45and granddaughter.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50This was originally Honey's room, as you can see by the decor.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55It was great to paint a room pink for the first time ever.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59But recently, unfortunately, Paul has split up with Gemma and moved back home.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01He has been home since September, October last year.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03We've now got a full house again.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08So it is going back probably 10 or 15 years. Very noisy.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Even more so now because Honey sleeps every other night.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14We have actually gone to five in the family from having four.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The Burnleys' situation had changed on all fronts.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Now that Honey-Lily was a bigger part of Andrea and Martin's lives,
0:24:21 > 0:24:27tearing themselves away from her was almost too much to bear.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30The plan had been for Paul, his girlfriend Gemma
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and their daughter Honey-Lily to join Andrea and Martin
0:24:32 > 0:24:36in Australia, once Gemma had her teaching qualification.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39But the break-up had changed everything.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42This is a new flat I am moving into.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Obviously, with my parents moving to Australia,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49I had to find somewhere to live! So a big step for me, really.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53And I should be moving in a couple of weeks, hopefully.
0:24:53 > 0:24:59The initial plan was that my parents would be going over there and
0:24:59 > 0:25:03in a few years time, me, Gemma and Honey-Lily would be joining them.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07But, obviously, the situation has changed.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11I think it threw my mum and dad a bit
0:25:11 > 0:25:16and they were in two minds for a few months with what they were doing.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19I am worried about them going, for Honey more than anything.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Honey is so close to them.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It will be a massive change for her.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28It'll be really difficult for her, I think.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33Paul and Honey-Lily definitely weren't going with Andrea and Martin.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36As tough as this was, they still needed to come to terms with it
0:25:36 > 0:25:40if they were going to make the move.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45The pain of leaving was made worse by the fact that Michael had also decided to stay in the UK.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Mum is pushing a heck of a lot.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49She's really trying to get me over there when they go.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52But I've told her I don't want to go this year.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55It might be two years, it might be five years.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I do want to go. Just not now.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01If he told me now he'd definitely never come over,
0:26:01 > 0:26:02I really would be upset.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07I just can't ever see my future without the two boys in my life.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09They've always been there and a big part of my life.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12If I told my mom I wasn't going to go, definitely,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14I don't think my parents would go.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Because they really don't want to leave us behind. They want me to go.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22If I said definitely no, I don't think they would go, to be fair.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25It's going to be awful. It's going to be really hard.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29It's making it harder every time if neither of them will be there.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33So, I don't know, I don't how I am going to cope.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36But we'll just have to try our best, that's all we can do.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39I know I can't make his mind up for him.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42The move down under divided the Burnley family
0:26:42 > 0:26:44and the close relationships they'd always had.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47If Andrea and Martin made the move,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50it could have torn the family apart for good.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52It was time to vote again.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56It's been a difficult nine months since our week's trial in Australia.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00A lot of things have changed, but now it is our time to make a decision.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- Australia.- Australia.- Australia.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- Long-term future, are you going to move over?- It's a plan.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20The plan is, in the long term...
0:27:20 > 0:27:23That's fine, as long as you're not going to...
0:27:23 > 0:27:24rule it out completely.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28No, it's not ruled out completely, it's still what I want to do.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- You don't know what's going to happen.- Fair enough.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35It's a plan. We'll see.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44In 2009, the Burnley family spent a week in Darwin,
0:27:44 > 0:27:48to experience the reality of what life in Australia would be like.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It was a week that would push them to their limits.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- I think we've got to think of us for a while.- We have, definitely.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00But the Burnley's circumstances changed dramatically
0:28:00 > 0:28:02after they returned to the UK
0:28:02 > 0:28:06and their plans to emigrate were thrown up in the air.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10I just can't ever see my future without the two boys in my life.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12They've always been a big part of my life.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16And after all the emotional heartache, could Andrea
0:28:16 > 0:28:19and Martin actually make the move to Australia?
0:28:21 > 0:28:25In 2010, the Burnleys' were still determined their future
0:28:25 > 0:28:30was in Australia, despite a few complications along the way.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33So, one year on, have they finally made their dream move?
0:28:38 > 0:28:39It's summer 2011
0:28:39 > 0:28:42and Andrea and Martin Burnley
0:28:42 > 0:28:45have been living in Australia for over a year.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49They're currently renting a house in Kingston Park,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53a small beachside suburb 12 miles south of Adelaide.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01The historic area is popular for its Mediterranean climate,
0:29:01 > 0:29:03relaxed lifestyle and stunning coastline.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08After the uncertainty of making such a huge decision,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11how have Andrea and Martin found life in Australia?
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Before we came out here, we did have a few dilemmas.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Your dad was in hospital. My dad had just died.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20My mum didn't want us to come.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25My children had decided to stay back in the UK,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28so it was... I nearly didn't get on the plane.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31When our sons came to the airport to have a meal with us
0:29:31 > 0:29:37on the last day, and then they left, a few things started to hit home.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Then you realise that it would be the last time you would see them
0:29:40 > 0:29:44for a long time. And, yes, it was really hard.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47We've come here, you don't have a car, you don't have a house,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49you don't have a job.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51And it's been really tough.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55It's a big learning curve, isn't it? It has been for the last 12 months.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57It's been different having to start all over again.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01Especially for their age, a bit old in the tooth for starting again.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05We loved Darwin but we believe the summers are just too hot and humid.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Adelaide is Australia's best kept secret.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13When we looked at it, it has proper seasons. We do have a winter.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18When we arrived we decided on quite a large range of where we wanted to live
0:30:18 > 0:30:21so we weren't tied to any one particular suburb.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24We started going to view but Martin got a job straight away.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28I was having to do it by myself. We came and viewed this. You didn't even see it.
0:30:28 > 0:30:33The house itself is probably a little bit big for us. We do like it.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37If people come they can go upstairs, it has an upstairs to it
0:30:37 > 0:30:41and it's got a bathroom up there, two bedrooms, another living room.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44We tend to just live downstairs. It's open plan living.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48We've got an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe, which Andrea absolutely adores.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50She's always wanted one.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53My garage has got my jet ski in there, that's nice and safe.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57We've got a nice patio at the back for our barbecues.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00The beach is two minutes away. The local pub is five minutes away.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03All our friends live around here.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07When you've been so unsettled, you need to feel comfortable in your house, we have found that.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09We are quite pleased we found this.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Both Andrea and Martin found work relatively easily.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Andrea works for one of Australia's largest banks
0:31:22 > 0:31:26and Martin is now working as an audiovisual engineer.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34Finding a job in Adelaide wasn't too bad. I applied to this company in May before we came out.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37He said he needed somebody straightaway, but he says
0:31:37 > 0:31:42when you arrive in Australia, drop me a line and we'll see what we can do.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46I'd been here two weeks and I thought it's time to start looking for a job and I had a little rest.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49I applied and he says, "Can you come for an interview."
0:31:49 > 0:31:54I've been here ever since, 12 months. The work we do is completely different to work in the UK.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57When I worked in the UK, we were installing satellite systems,
0:31:57 > 0:32:01which was fairly straight forward. This is really a lot harder work.
0:32:02 > 0:32:09We actually install projectors and we've put in screens and TVs
0:32:09 > 0:32:13and we build racks and it's a big system that we install
0:32:13 > 0:32:16and they go into universities and hospitals.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21I'm also studying and doing my cabling course at the moment, my cabling licence.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24It's going to take me probably two or three months to finish the course
0:32:24 > 0:32:26and then an exam at the end of it.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28So, if I get that, that's pretty good.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33It allows me to be able to cable in domestic properties and commercial properties.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Financially, it's good.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I'm on roughly about the same as what I was back home.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42I don't have to work as many hours. I just work Monday to Friday.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45I get every Saturday and Sunday off. It's absolutely brilliant.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50So, things are looking good on the work front for Martin
0:32:50 > 0:32:53and he's enjoying his new job Down Under.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Having weekends off means there's more time for socialising
0:32:57 > 0:33:01and they've really started to fit into Australian life.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Since we've been here, we've met a heap of people.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Whether it's people who have only just arrived here,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11people who have been here for five or 10 years.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13We've got such a big, diverse set of friends.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17We're always being invited places, we invite people out with us.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21I work with quite a few people who have moved here at a similar time to me.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25Everybody just invites everybody else out.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28We get to see quite a lot of South Australia.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31We've travelled around in the car quite a bit and we've been
0:33:31 > 0:33:36to the Murray River because Martin's bought himself a jet ski. We go down there.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39It's nice to have something to do. It gets you out of the house
0:33:39 > 0:33:43and that's what the whole point of being in Australia is, is the outdoor living.
0:33:43 > 0:33:49We just tend to get out and enjoy ourselves instead of watching TV like you would do back home.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Back in UK, you could never have anything like this back in the UK.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01It's fantastic. It is everything. It's really good because you have lots of fun with it
0:34:01 > 0:34:06and the best part of having this is in Australia you get to use it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11For eight months of the year, we can use it. In England, you might use it once a year if you were lucky.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15Martin has been after all kinds of toys since he's been in Australia.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19He's been getting tools, his Ute, his jet ski. That's going to stop soon.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22It's my turn next.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31Despite making friends in Adelaide, it doesn't replace the loved ones
0:34:31 > 0:34:33they've left on the other side of the world.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36It's been really hard.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Then, obviously, the first year has been hard.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Obviously, Skype helps a lot seeing the kids.
0:34:43 > 0:34:50It has been hard. Christmas was hard. Not being with Honey and I think, how have we done the first 12 months?
0:34:50 > 0:34:54It has been difficult. They do say the first 12 months is the hardest.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Let's hope it gets easier. I don't want it to get any harder!
0:34:58 > 0:35:02We have managed without mums and dads and brothers and sisters,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04we keep in touch with them all the time.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09But, it's just our children. We've never been without them for a birthday or Christmas, holidays.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11And as adults, we took them away with us.
0:35:11 > 0:35:18It's been particularly difficult for Andrea and Martin to leave their only granddaughter, Honey-Lily.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21We were used to seeing Honey every single day.
0:35:21 > 0:35:27Because of the time differences we only get to chat with her on the Internet, once or twice a week.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31Now she's been out here, she has her own koala that she has named.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35I can't wait for her to come back.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40I miss Honey all the time. Every time I see her, I could just start crying most of the time. I miss her.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43To leave them behind and come to Australia,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46the first six or seven months, it was really, really hard.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49You miss things like birthdays and Christmas.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51My son got engaged, Honey's birthday...
0:35:51 > 0:35:54It's been difficult. Anybody who says it's easy, it's not.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57It's one of the hardest things I've ever done.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58I never want to do it again.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02It is getting easier. I love being here.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05The only downside is not having the children here.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08If they were here, life would be absolutely perfect.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12To be honest, I'm not really sure what I would do if the children
0:36:12 > 0:36:15decided that they definitely weren't going to come out here.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20It's something that I pushed to the back of my mind.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24I honestly don't think that I could spend the rest of my life
0:36:24 > 0:36:27without the children and my grandchildren.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34The long term future is that I hope that they all will eventually come and join us.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38If they don't, I don't know what the long-term future holds for us in Australia.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I hope we don't have to make that decision, to be honest with you.
0:36:41 > 0:36:47I just hope they will say, it is a better place to bring honey up and they will come and join us.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59The uncertainty of not knowing whether Paul and Michael will join them Down Under
0:36:59 > 0:37:02has cast a shadow over their future in Australia.
0:37:11 > 0:37:17Back in the UK, Paul and Michael have been living their own separate lives.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Paul is back with Gemma and she's finishing off the teacher training
0:37:21 > 0:37:24that could get them an Australian Visa.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31But how are their sons feeling since their parents moved 10,000 miles away.
0:37:34 > 0:37:40The thing I miss most about my parents is first thing, my dad drinking.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44As daft as it sounds, rugby is on, or grand prix,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47we used to always sit in the kitchen or go to the pub
0:37:47 > 0:37:51and have a couple of pints and have a good laugh and talk about rugby.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55As I got older, Dad seemed to be more like a best friend than a dad.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59We could have a bit of banter, a joke with, a drink with.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Yes, I really do miss that closeness with my dad.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Same with my mum, me and my mum, we get on great.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10It's been difficult for everybody. I thought it was difficult when they left England
0:38:10 > 0:38:16but when we left Australia it were more difficult. We loved it.
0:38:16 > 0:38:22We saw what mum and dad have got now and it's a really nice place where they live.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25They've got a really relaxed lifestyle.
0:38:25 > 0:38:31Obviously, my mum had things sorted, taking me to look at schools and stuff like that.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Will Michael or Paul be joining their parents Down Under?
0:38:34 > 0:38:40It's not an easy decision but it's one that we will have to make in the next few years, isn't it?
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- Especially when your visa comes through.- Well, you can make it, not me!
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- You can tell your parents.- You can tell them, I want you to tell them.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54It's something we'll think about nearer the time... In a few years.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55Probably have kids.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00We've given it a lot of thought, maybe over the last year.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02A lot of thought about what we want,
0:39:02 > 0:39:06where we want to be in five years time, say.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08We don't want to be here.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11It's definitely right for us. Or, at least, we're hoping it will be.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14We'll give it a chance, give it a shot.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23The prospect of leaving themselves was hard enough the first time around.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26The reality of being separated could really hit home
0:39:26 > 0:39:30when we show them messages from their family back in the UK.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Hiya, mum, hiya, dad. I hope you're well.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36I hope the weather is a lot better than it is over here.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40I hope you're doing OK. We miss you and love you absolutely loads.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44ALL: Hiya, Nanna and Granddad, hope you're having a nice time.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51Hi, Mum and Dad. I hope you're still having a nice time. I hope the weather's still better than here.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56Just so you know we still miss you the same as we did the day you left.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00We hope to see you soon. We hope to come out there and join you soon.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Hi, Andrea and Martin, just a quick message to say, "hi".
0:40:04 > 0:40:08I hope you're having a lovely time. We're hoping to join you soon.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11I've only got eight months left, so hopefully, if all goes well
0:40:11 > 0:40:15we'll be there with Honey-Lily to give you a big hug and big kiss.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Hiya, Nanna and Granddad, I hope the weather is nice
0:40:18 > 0:40:23and I hope you are having a nice time in Australia.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I love you and I won't forget you, ever. Bye!
0:40:35 > 0:40:41Is quite emotional when you see them. It brings it all back.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44You know, you get yourself moving on a little bit over 12 months
0:40:44 > 0:40:48and then it all comes back when you see them like that.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52Yes, you just want them to be here, really. That's all you want.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57It's nice to listen and hear the messages but, yes, it's tough, really tough.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59You just want them to be here.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05The brighter side of that, with Gemma saying she's only got another eight months to go
0:41:05 > 0:41:10and they might be coming to join us, that's a positive and that makes you feel better.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13We never expected her to say that..
0:41:15 > 0:41:18We knew Paul was keen to move out here
0:41:18 > 0:41:20but we weren't sure about Gemma.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24Obviously, she's got to leave all her family behind.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28But, yes, we will be chuffed to bits if they do join us.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I think Gemma will just want to watch Home And Away, won't she?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Although the first 12 months have been a testing time,
0:41:41 > 0:41:45Andrea Martin have been forging ahead with their lives in Australia and making new friends
0:41:45 > 0:41:47has helped them settle in quickly.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53We decided to have a big outdoor barbecue and invite some friends
0:41:53 > 0:41:57with it being our year anniversary of being in Australia.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00We do this all the time in the summer.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03There's only a couple of months of the year when you can't do it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:09We're always outside and that's the whole point of being here. We don't have to plan a barbecue.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12You know, it's going to be really nice weather.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Yes, normally!
0:42:19 > 0:42:22I can't get them both because it's not big enough!
0:42:22 > 0:42:25It's a typical Yorkshire day.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27It's like being back home is this, for me.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30We are used to barbecuing in the rain.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33You wouldn't believe it was 28 degrees last Saturday
0:42:33 > 0:42:36and it's going to be 25 next Saturday.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Yorkshire's just brought the rain over so we don't miss it too much.
0:42:46 > 0:42:52After a year living in Adelaide, the Burnleys seem to feel at home.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54And, with just a hint of more family members joining them,
0:42:54 > 0:43:00their Australian dream could be complete in the not too distant future.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk.