0:00:02 > 0:00:07Moving halfway around the world to find work and a better future is a big gamble, especially
0:00:07 > 0:00:10if you run the risk of being worse off than you were at home.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15Back in 2010, that was the choice facing the Cliff family.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Today, we'll find out if they made the right one.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22Jimmy Cliff had found it impossible to get work as a bricklayer,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25leaving his family close to financial ruin.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30Money-wise in the UK, been a massive struggle.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34I was out of work for the best part of a year.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39But wife Nicola wouldn't be going anywhere if the sums didn't add up.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44This could be enough to just stop it all.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49And leaving behind their support network would be a massive strain on all of them.
0:00:49 > 0:00:55I think it's just...knowing...if I need them...
0:00:55 > 0:00:57they're not going to be here.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02We catch up with them to find out if their gamble paid off.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29In 2010, the Cliffs were faced with a life-changing decision -
0:01:29 > 0:01:33whether to swap their home in Leeds for a new start in Australia.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37They had one week to experience the reality of living Down Under.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42But was it enough to convince them to make the move for good?
0:01:42 > 0:01:45In 2010, bricklayer Jimmy
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and his wife Nicola lived in Leeds with their three sons, Conner,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53aged nine, Reese, aged seven, and Ethan, aged six.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58They dreamt of a better quality of life, with one key reason for considering the move.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04I have been out of work for quite a while, due to the recession.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Jobs are few and far between.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10And there's maybe 40-50 bricklayers going for the same job.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13With bricklaying work difficult to come by,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16the family were really struggling to make ends meet.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20At one point, we were at the brink of having to sell the house
0:02:20 > 0:02:23due to financial issues.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27And that's probably what helped give us the drive to go,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29try and move to Australia.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31There is a lot of pressure cos at the moment,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34I feel like I'm letting everyone down.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Jimmy's brother already lived in Australia
0:02:36 > 0:02:40and he hoped following him would give them all a new lease of life.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43But he had to talk Nicola round first.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47When Jimmy first mentioned about going to Australia,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50it just didn't appeal to me at all.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53I've never really wanted to go anywhere else,
0:02:53 > 0:02:59but the situation over here being financially hard and struggling,
0:02:59 > 0:03:04he sort of convinced me that it would be a good thing to do.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09But the thought of leaving loved ones was always going to be a tough decision.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12I would find it the hardest to make the move.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14I definitely know already,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18I get butterflies thinking about leaving everything behind.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Jimmy also had close family who'd be difficult to leave.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25The hardest person for me to leave is my Nana.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29I think knowing that if I did leave her, I'd never see her again, maybe.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33It's very worrying for me. I'd find it very hard to leave her behind.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44The Cliffs spent a week in Adelaide to help them decide
0:03:44 > 0:03:47if the move was right for them.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50After flying for 23 hours and 10,000 miles,
0:03:50 > 0:03:55the realisation of how far they'd come had hit home.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58It's not as easy as you'd think.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00It's not a journey you want to do every year.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04And it is rather hard to believe that we've got here.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Their base for the week was in the popular area of Brompton, 15 minutes
0:04:09 > 0:04:14from the town centre, but what were their first impressions like?
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Come on then, let's see what we've got.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Four beds.- Oh, wow!
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Their own bed each. - And we get to sleep downstairs!
0:04:30 > 0:04:32It'd be a starter place.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36I don't think I could see myself moving into it permanently.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40For Jimmy, finding work was key to a successful move.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I need to see if work's a definite
0:04:44 > 0:04:47possibility out here for me.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Whether I'll be able to cope with the weather. Whether I could earn enough money.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56With the family's financial future at stake, a lot was riding on the week.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00The Cliffs would have to make the biggest decision of their lives
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and it wasn't going to be an easy one.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14Back in the UK, the Cliffs lived in a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Leeds.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20They'd invested a lot of time and effort renovating their property
0:05:20 > 0:05:23and it was a home they were proud of.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27They hoped they could get £150,000 for it,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30giving them a maximum budget of £200,000.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35We showed them three different houses,
0:05:35 > 0:05:39to give them a realistic idea of what was available on their budget.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45The first stop was located in the suburb of Pennington.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49With industrial areas close by, property was generally cheaper
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and this three-bedroom house was under budget at £190,000.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56But was it what the Cliffs were looking for?
0:05:56 > 0:06:03This is a real disappointment. It's far too small. Really dull.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07They wouldn't leave Leeds for this property.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13The entire garden's under cover.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- For a family with young children, this just doesn't work, does it?- No. - Whatsoever.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22A big disappointment, really, by the time we've gone through the whole house.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Depending on land prices, you would probably be better off knocking this
0:06:26 > 0:06:29house down and rebuilding cos you'd have more to
0:06:29 > 0:06:32show for your money than what this house offers.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35I can safely say I just don't like it.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Out of here.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39They weren't won over.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Would the next property live up to their expectations?
0:06:44 > 0:06:49In the popular but affordable suburb of Seaford, this house was only
0:06:49 > 0:06:53a five-minute stroll to the beach and offered them five bedrooms,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57a decent sized living space and a large garden for the boys.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00All for £185,000.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06It's different.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09This is more like a room size we'd want for a living room.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Yeah.- The kitchen obviously needs to change.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14It's a lot smaller than I thought.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18It needs ripping out and starting again.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Another bedroom.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26There's not enough space in any of the rooms to fit a full size family.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31I don't think it's showing any value for money whatsoever.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35No. They seem to be putting a price on sunshine, more than property.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Yeah.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38Not happy.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- It's a bit small if it's the main bedroom.- It is, isn't it?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Not really what I was hoping for at all.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54Starting to worry a little bit about the house prices.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55You're just not getting...
0:07:55 > 0:07:58You're not getting as much as I originally thought.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02At the moment, it's making me doubt even wanting to come out.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05I didn't think we had that low a budget
0:08:05 > 0:08:09but it's proving...to be working against us at the moment.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Let's go.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Although £15,000 under their budget,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18the reality of what they could afford was hitting home.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22It all rested on the final house.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26This four-bedroom property was situated in the country suburb
0:08:26 > 0:08:28of Happy Valley.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Although just over budget at £205,000, it had a modern finish,
0:08:32 > 0:08:37large living space and room for the boys to play outside.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- Looks so much better already. - It does.- Whitewashed walls.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Looks fresher.- It's nice.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Plenty of potential and it's decent enough to work with.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53You could cope with it for quite a while before you did owt with it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55It was a huge improvement.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58There were four decent-size bedrooms for the whole family -
0:08:58 > 0:09:01it seemed to offer them all the space they needed.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- This is better.- Wow! - This is far better.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Decent size rooms. - Decent double room.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Yes, this is perfect. - Couldn't expect anything more.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20Just a slightly...less price, so we could afford it!
0:09:20 > 0:09:22They were won over by the stylish interiors
0:09:22 > 0:09:25and there was just the garden left to see.
0:09:25 > 0:09:31The garden's nice, plenty of room, garden shed to keep all the tools.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Yeah, I think this is perfect.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Ticks most of the boxes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- It's ticked every box bar price. - Yeah.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45The Cliffs viewed three different properties
0:09:45 > 0:09:48but their dream home was just beyond reach.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Had they seen enough to convince them to leave their home in Leeds?
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Today's been a day full of mixed emotions,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59looking at houses here in Australia.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02It seems the properties a bit further afield from the city
0:10:02 > 0:10:04are a bit more reasonably priced.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06And better value for money.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11So our votes for the property in Australia versus the UK is...
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Australia.- United Kingdom.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25If I could guarantee we'd have a bit more money to come over with,
0:10:25 > 0:10:30and maybe look at the more expensive property, the last one,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33then I would definitely have chosen Australia.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36As it stands at the moment,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39I wouldn't want to give up what I already have.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Australian property hadn't convinced the Cliffs.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45And affording the dream home seemed beyond them.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Everything now hinged on Jimmy getting the job
0:10:48 > 0:10:50and salary to afford it.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Back in Leeds, Jimmy struggled to find work as a bricklayer
0:10:59 > 0:11:03and this put a huge strain on the family income.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07He dreamt of having steady work and a more secure wage.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13I miss bricklaying terribly. I have a lot of pride in my work.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16I always feel when a job's done to be able to look back
0:11:16 > 0:11:19and know that I've left some mark on the world.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Jimmy had spent the last six months labouring as a scaffolder
0:11:26 > 0:11:31and although he was grateful for work, finances were tight.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Money-wise in the UK, being a massive struggle.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39I was out of work for the best part of a year.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43If I hadn't have had that bit of work then I honestly think
0:11:43 > 0:11:45we would have lost the house.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48If work was available in Australia,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52it would go a long way to convincing Jimmy it was the right move to make.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56We arranged for him to meet with Jason McKenzie,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59who owned a local bricklaying company.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- All right, mate? Is it Jason? - Jimmy, how are you going, mate? - Nice to meet you.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09Jimmy was keen to discover all he could about working Down Under.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11What days do you work here?
0:12:11 > 0:12:16Most people, if they want to work year round, they can just about get away with it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Summer can be pretty hot. You can get mid-40s.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23I dread to think what it could be like in the middle of summer here.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Probably in January, you wouldn't want to be standing here.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31I've always had problems with the cold. I've never really liked working in the cold.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35I'd much rather be warm and sweaty than cold and shivering.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38There's nothing worse than being cold.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Whilst he was putting Australian bricklaying to the test,
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Nicola wanted to see what Adelaide had to offer free of charge.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Mind the road.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Bike South Australia rents a range of free-to-hire bikes
0:12:52 > 0:12:55and the boys are keen to give BMXing a try.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Nicola wanted to make sure the boys would be happy and settled
0:13:01 > 0:13:04and free activities were a real bonus.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It's a perfect day out really.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Nice, sunshine, couldn't ask for anything more.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It reminds you why you want to be here.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17But she knew the move hinged on Jimmy's ability to find work.
0:13:17 > 0:13:2190% of the reason we even considered applying for a visa over here
0:13:21 > 0:13:25was to help Jimmy be able to stay in the work that he loves,
0:13:25 > 0:13:30but the biggest worry about this week is going to be if we find out
0:13:30 > 0:13:36Jimmy can't earn as much as he'd need to to replace both the wages.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41So if his salary doesn't cover it, there's not really much hope.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Finances weren't her only concern,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47as thoughts turned to those she'd be leaving behind.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50I know if everything falls under us,
0:13:50 > 0:13:54my mum and dad are still there to pick it up.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Here, we're kind of stuck by ourselves.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03I think it's just...knowing if...I need them,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05they're not going to be here.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12The thoughts of leaving family back home were overwhelming for Nicola.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16But this heartache would be for nothing
0:14:16 > 0:14:20if Jimmy couldn't secure a job that would afford the life they wanted.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25What kind of money would we be talking roughly for me,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28if I was coming over here, working in Australia?
0:14:28 > 0:14:34With residential, we'd probably start around 27 per hour.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36That can range right up to 35.
0:14:36 > 0:14:42It just depends on what sort of quality the person brings to the table, as far as work skills.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44So if you can wall 'em straight and wall a few down,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- you've got a chance of making a bit more money.- Yeah. Definitely.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51This was excellent news for Jimmy.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56That worked out at between £600 and £850 a week.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00From what I've seen, you've got all the qualities there, so, yeah.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Keep in touch and we'll definitely go from there.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05All right, thanks a lot, mate.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Looking forward to meeting you again. Thank you very much.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11It was a huge weight off Jimmy's mind,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14and it was pretty easy to guess which way he voted.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18I had a really great day. I had a wonderful experience walling again.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20The wages, I'm very impressed with.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I should be able to make a decent living for me and my family.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26So my final decision is going to be...
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Australia!
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Jimmy's dream of finding work and a good wage looked possible.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39There was just the small matter of persuading Nicola and the children.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Nicola and Jimmy wanted to make sure that their three sons got
0:15:52 > 0:15:55the most from their time in Australia.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Hello. Nice to meet you.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02We brought them to Glenelg Marina to take a ride on a catamaran
0:16:02 > 0:16:05and to get up close to some of Australia's wildlife.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Dolphin!
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- Where?- There!
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- Two!- Two!
0:16:11 > 0:16:15OK, guys, we've got a good-sized pod up ahead of us just here!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17It's all happening straightaway.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Here they come! Heads down, guys!
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Jimmy hoped the trip would be a positive one but for Nicola,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37thoughts of what she would be leaving behind were never far away.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42I'd love to bring the whole family with me.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47It'd make any move ten times easier on me.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51But unfortunately it's not the case.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56And they will have to be left behind.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Although trips like that wouldn't happen every weekend,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04the family day out had given them
0:17:04 > 0:17:08an opportunity to forget about their financial worries.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Enjoy the rest of your stay. - Thank you.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13So how did they vote on lifestyle?
0:17:13 > 0:17:16We've just had a wonderful day out,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20and our decision on the lifestyle in the UK and Australia is...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Australia!
0:17:28 > 0:17:33I think the kids have started to realise that there's more out there
0:17:33 > 0:17:36than they actually thought there was, and I think that's definitely
0:17:36 > 0:17:41helped in forcing their decision into picking Australia.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45The Cliff family had been convinced by the Australian lifestyle
0:17:45 > 0:17:48but money issues were constantly on their minds.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58With the boys playing outside, Nicola and Jimmy got to see
0:17:58 > 0:18:03if their house really was worth the £150,000 they hoped for.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06We sent two estate agents round to see if it was realistic.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Modern kitchen.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Compact.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16That's a nice way to put "small"! Small!
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Beautiful lounge.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23This property has a newly modernised fitted kitchen
0:18:23 > 0:18:26with a rear double-glazed window, view to the rear back garden.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28STAIRS CREAK
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- It creaks! - I know, I was thinking that!
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Good-sized master bedroom.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37I reckon I would keep the price at £149,000
0:18:37 > 0:18:40but for a forced sale, we'd look at 145,000.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43I would value this house in the region of £160,000.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48For a quick sale, I would put it in the region of £155,000.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51I were kind of hoping it would go for a bit more,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54but I suppose with the way house prices have dropped at the moment,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56it's more what I were expecting.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03No surprises on the value of the house, but the Cliffs
0:19:03 > 0:19:07were looking for a better standard of living in Australia.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12Would comparing the costs between Oz and the UK show them it was possible?
0:19:14 > 0:19:15- What's next?- OK.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20Let's have a look at the property prices, since we've just seen that.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- Monthly repayments...- Yeah...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- I mean, them two...- 1,000 a month.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28That's not good.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30So we've got 1,050.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Plus... 55.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35160.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38Plus 160.
0:19:38 > 0:19:4020.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45So... 2,865.50.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- We already know there, we can see! - We're already down, so...
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- Minus...- Take away your 2,447.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55So we are down...
0:19:55 > 0:19:59£483 worse-off.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00Can't do it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02It's not even workable.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06It kind of says, you have to go back to work, doesn't it,
0:20:06 > 0:20:10for us to be able to make ends meet here whatsoever.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17I certainly thought we would have had more chance than that.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24If we can't afford a home we want,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28and the only compromise is
0:20:28 > 0:20:32putting up with a house that I can't stand to be in
0:20:32 > 0:20:3624 hours a day with the kids, then that's just not even an option.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38No.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42I... This could be enough to just stop it all now.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44It was a serious blow for Jimmy.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47If they'd be financially worse off living in Australia,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50where did it leave his dream?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Today's been one of the most important things we've had to consider,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56and unfortunately it's been rather disappointing.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58So our decision is...
0:21:01 > 0:21:02BOTH: UK.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Finances are essential wherever you are and if the sums don't work,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09there's not a lot we can do.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11It is definitely hanging in the balance now
0:21:11 > 0:21:15as to whether or not we'd choose to come out here.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26The Cliff family had a strong support network back in Leeds.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28After seeing messages from loved ones,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30could they tear themselves away?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Hi, Nicola, Jimmy. Hi, kids.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Hey, guys.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Very outgoing, isn't he, Jimmy? - Yeah.- Very outgoing.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41If you want anything, you've only got to ask him.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46I've three boys and I've always had a soft spot for Jim.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51He loves his boys, he loves his wife, and the rest of his family.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54The children are fantastic, Conner, Reese and Ethan.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56They're all loveable children.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01Nicola is very sensitive and a homely kind of person.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04She's more of the...
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- the lynchpin than David and I are. - Hmm.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10She's very close to her sisters.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13And I think if she did go, then...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16she'd be thinking about them all the time.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- It'd leave a big hole in your life. - Yes.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21I'm not one of the weekend grandmas.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25The children and Nicola and Jimmy have always been around.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Can't imagine... I can't imagine not having them here.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Wake up one morning and it'll be,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33"Where's Uncle Rich and Auntie Theresa?"
0:22:33 > 0:22:37"They're back home in England." "Oh, when can we go and see them?"
0:22:37 > 0:22:39"When's Conner, Reese and Ethan coming over?"
0:22:39 > 0:22:42"Well, they're not. You might see them at Christmas."
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Don't leave!
0:22:49 > 0:22:52We'll miss them, really, really miss them.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57But, by the same token, I wouldn't want to stand in their way.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Give it a good try.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05You give it a go, and see how you go on.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10When you make the decision, you make it for you as a family.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15It's because it's what you want to do.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Whatever you decide, me and your dad...
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Don't worry about us.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23We'll be sat here waiting for you when you come home, though.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24We certainly will.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Their messages reminded them of what moving would really mean,
0:23:31 > 0:23:36and for one member of the family, the thought of leaving was too much.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39Come here, bud.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Seeing their son so upset took Nicola and Jimmy aback.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52I'm a little bit surprised that he's getting so emotional.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56It's quite upsetting to see, to be honest.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00It makes me feel slightly guilty that he's feeling like this,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04but I do think he would adapt and I do think he'd be OK
0:24:04 > 0:24:06if we chose to come out here.
0:24:06 > 0:24:12I think leaving life behind, basically, and starting again
0:24:12 > 0:24:15would be the hardest decision anyone would have to make.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19You know, I think it's just the initial saying goodbyes
0:24:19 > 0:24:24and leaving certain people behind that are the issues more than owt.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27It is the hardest choice we've ever had to make,
0:24:27 > 0:24:31as a family, as individual people.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Dragging your family to the other side of the world isn't really
0:24:35 > 0:24:36an easy choice to make.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45The Cliff family were about to make a decision
0:24:45 > 0:24:47that could change their lives forever.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Would Australia really provide them with the better life they were looking for?
0:24:51 > 0:24:55This, to be fair, is the dream. It's beautiful here.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59The kids are loving every second of it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02There is a fear of making the wrong decision, but...
0:25:04 > 0:25:09That's life in general. There's no guarantees.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13It's just where your heart takes you, I suppose.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17But Nicola was far from convinced that they could afford it.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21It's a terrifying thought to think that we'd be stuck at the other
0:25:21 > 0:25:26side of the world, not being able to, potentially, feed the children,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30and get them the basic things that they need.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It's no good having a beach and the sea
0:25:33 > 0:25:36if you can't provide food on the table.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Australia has a lot to offer,
0:25:40 > 0:25:46but the UK has my life, and the last 30 years have been there,
0:25:46 > 0:25:52and I don't think you can ever really imagine leaving it behind,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56and just not having everyone and everything you knew.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00The week in Australia had been a real challenge and had given them
0:26:00 > 0:26:04the opportunity to discover the pros and cons of a life-changing move.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07But would Australia provide them with all they were looking for?
0:26:07 > 0:26:09It was time to decide.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16It's been a really hard week, we've had a lot of highs and lows.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19The lifestyle here in Australia is incredible,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22but unfortunately it does come with a price.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23So our final decision is...
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Australia!- UK!
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Conner, Reese and Ethan still hadn't been convinced.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I would've chosen Australia.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40It's just seeing all the emotions that our families had.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42And it's made me change my idea.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Despite the emotional costs,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Nicola agreed that the family's future lay in Australia.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52I do think it's the best thing for everyone.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55If we can work our way round the money,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58there is a lot of places in Australia, so...
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Maybe we have to look a bit wider afield,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04but I do think we could make it work.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08I'm glad we're on the same page. Makes a nice change!
0:27:25 > 0:27:27After an eye-opening week Down Under,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31the Cliffs seem no closer to making a decision on their future.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34A few months later though, all that was about to change.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37So how are you both?
0:27:37 > 0:27:39We're OK. Not doing too bad.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44The first thing I noticed, the scaffolding's gone on the house.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48And then the second thing is, a sold sign, and I'm thinking,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50I know times were tough.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52I hope they weren't that tough,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55or have you got some good news to tell me?
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Yeah, we got our visa awarded. It was a long wait.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02We put the house on the market.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Fingers crossed, there's a sale going through
0:28:05 > 0:28:07and we'll be making the move soon.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Which is fantastic news.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13We need to think of the boys and what their futures are going to be.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17If we can make it comfortable for them now and give them an opportunity
0:28:17 > 0:28:21when they finish school, then that's what we need to do.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Hopefully the future will be brighter for you.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26You've obviously worked so hard.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28You've got three fantastic little boys.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31I so hope it works out for you.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33We're just eager for the move now.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36The sooner the better. Get it done, start again.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41The Cliffs had undertaken the daunting task of packing up
0:28:41 > 0:28:44their lives and the enormity of the decision
0:28:44 > 0:28:46they had made had started to sink in.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54The last few months have just been a bit hectic for us, really.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Getting rid of excess items, toys, games
0:28:58 > 0:29:01and things that we really don't want to take over there
0:29:01 > 0:29:03and we can't afford to take over there.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06It just feels like a dream, really.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Nowt seems real any more at the moment.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13It's like any minute we could wake up and we haven't sold the house.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16We haven't just made the kids homeless
0:29:16 > 0:29:20and plan to move to the other side of the world with nowhere to stay!
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Jimmy and Nicola had the children's interests at heart but they were
0:29:25 > 0:29:29making a huge sacrifice to give them a better life.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34The thought of leaving my mum and dad behind is...
0:29:37 > 0:29:42..I can't put it into words to be honest. I feel sick, you know.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44You can get roots anywhere
0:29:44 > 0:29:47but you can't make your family come anywhere.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Makes me feel lucky obviously to have someone in my life
0:29:52 > 0:29:54who's willing to do something like this for me
0:29:54 > 0:29:59and leave everything behind, but I also have the guilt feeling
0:29:59 > 0:30:04that I am actually potentially going to break her heart by taking her
0:30:04 > 0:30:08away from her parents and her brother and sisters
0:30:08 > 0:30:12and whatnot, so... The nephews and nieces,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16she's always been there for them, she's doted on them,
0:30:16 > 0:30:21and to leave them all, it's a lot to leave behind.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34A few weeks later, the big day finally arrived.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37The time had come to say goodbye to loved-ones.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41See you later, squirt. Keep out of trouble, won't you.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Come here, you big softie.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- See you later!- See you later!
0:30:51 > 0:30:56At long last, it was time for the Cliffs to make their final journey on UK soil.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02We haven't got jobs yet, we haven't got a place to stay,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04we haven't got any schools set up.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09And we haven't got a fortune sat in the bank to make it any easier.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Looking forward to it now.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18I'll just be glad when we actually get there.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Nervous now but really excited.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23I just want to get there and see what we can do.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28Got to get settled and start the new life hopefully. Off we go.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Just a few months after returning home,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43the Cliffs were on their way back to Australia,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46this time for good - at least that was the plan.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48One year later, did the reality work out?
0:31:50 > 0:31:54It did. The Cliffs have set up home on the Gold Coast.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00After initially staying in Surfers Paradise with Jimmy's brother Jack,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03the Cliff family finally moved into their own rented property
0:32:03 > 0:32:05one month later.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09They live in a three-bedroom house in a gated complex in Robina,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13an hour's drive from Brisbane, complete with shared pool,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16gym and barbecue area.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Although the family seem to be settled,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21it has been far from an easy journey.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26When I first came here, I was near enough guaranteed work
0:32:26 > 0:32:28with my brother.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Unfortunately, two weeks before we were due to fly out,
0:32:32 > 0:32:36the firm where he works laid off quite a few guys,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39and the position for me basically became unavailable.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42I did the same as what you would do at home.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45On the internet, looking through newspapers,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49sending off as many applications as I possibly could.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53I'd hoped to stay at home with the children and not have to rush out
0:32:53 > 0:32:57and get a job, and then I did my CV up, started firing that out.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Unfortunately that received as little success as Jimmy's was
0:33:00 > 0:33:03for a while. It's so upsetting.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08We must have sent off hundreds of CVs and applications,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10just not to hear anything.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13We honestly thought we'd just fail...
0:33:13 > 0:33:14before we started, really.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17That's the impression we both got, I think.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19That we just couldn't do anything.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22And the money wasn't going to last that long.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It has been a bit harder than I thought.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30No matter you can say things are going to be hard, until you
0:33:30 > 0:33:35actually are going through them, you don't realise how hard they can be.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39However for Jimmy, while working part-time as a delivery driver,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43he got the opportunity to apply for a job he was a bit more familiar with.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Luckily for me, through one of the customers that we did
0:33:47 > 0:33:50a delivery for, they got me in touch with a scaffold company.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52That's when things picked up for us.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56I was starting to cover the rent, cover the food shopping.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- That was about it. - That WAS about it.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05But around that same time, you got your temp job, didn't you?
0:34:05 > 0:34:08So we had a bit of money spare that way.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13And then recently, two weeks ago, I left the scaffold company,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17and I'm now working with my brother doing solar panels.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21So after the initial setbacks, are the Cliffs on steadier ground?
0:34:22 > 0:34:24We've got most of the basics covered.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28The bank accounts, the rentals. The kids are in school and enjoying it.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30They're doing well.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33All the teachers have said that they're thriving.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37You wouldn't know that they've moved state let alone moved country.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41And Jimmy is finally seeing the benefits of working in the sunshine.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44He's got a job with his brother Jack, learning the ropes
0:34:44 > 0:34:48of installing solar panels as an electrician's labourer,
0:34:48 > 0:34:50but there's no special treatment.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55At the moment, cos my brother's still relatively new to the solar,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59he's picking it up real quick but yeah,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02we kind of expect to do 12-hour days.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04We set off at five o'clock in the morning.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08Very rare we get home before five. But that's through choice.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10We could just do one job if we wanted but we're earning
0:35:10 > 0:35:14good money at the moment so we might as well enjoy it whilst it lasts.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22This is ideal, doing this for a living at the moment.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Working with my baby brother, it's nice to work alongside him
0:35:26 > 0:35:30for a change instead of just seeing him the odd weekend.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33But there is one drawback.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Working Saturdays is obviously a bit of a disappointment.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Who wants to work a Saturday if you can help it?
0:35:40 > 0:35:45But on the other side, the money is better, and at the end of the day,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49if I want to be able to make it a permanent feature staying here
0:35:49 > 0:35:53in Australia, I need to get as much money as I possibly can
0:35:53 > 0:35:54to get me started.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56So it's all good.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58As long as he doesn't ask me to work Sundays as well
0:35:58 > 0:36:00then we should be all right.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Nicola has been enjoying getting out of the house too,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06working as a finance officer.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10I now work for a dental clinic,
0:36:10 > 0:36:11within a university.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13It's helped me get used to a lot of things,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15like the way Medicare works.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19It's been really nice to stop the isolated feelings being at work.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Being around people. I do work on the phones all day anyway
0:36:23 > 0:36:25so I'm talking to a lot of different people,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29who will give you their opinions of Australia and where you're at.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32They hear my accent straightaway. They know I'm not local.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35That hits off a conversation of something else.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39I got offered a permanent job last week so,
0:36:39 > 0:36:43I was temping there for originally six weeks, that dragged out
0:36:43 > 0:36:47a little bit longer, so now I've got the permanent job.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50So with a job for Nicola and Jimmy's work going well,
0:36:50 > 0:36:54the decision to leave is starting to look like the right one.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58We were at breaking point when we left the UK.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It is a lot more financially secure for us.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Jimmy was barely working in the UK.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07We were struggling most of the time to pay the mortgage.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12At least here we have the option of moving again
0:37:12 > 0:37:16so we could probably find something a little bit cheaper if we had to.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21But for now, we're fine. I can't see us moving from here for a while.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26I think if you come over to Australia thinking it's going to be
0:37:26 > 0:37:31a piece of cake, you're going to be very disappointed and upset
0:37:31 > 0:37:36and you're probably going to want to fly home within the next six weeks.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40You have to look at it as being back in England, really.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44If work's hard in England, it's hard to find work everywhere else as well.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47If you play it safe and say six months to find work
0:37:47 > 0:37:50and have money to support you for that period of time,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53I think you've got more chance of making it work.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03One of the big draws for moving to Australia was the outdoor lifestyle.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07It was something the Cliff family weren't able to enjoy back in Leeds.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12I'm definitely confident in my decision, our decision,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15to move out here as a family.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19The lifestyle in general, it's a lot more of a healthier lifestyle.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Instead of the kids being cooped up, stuck indoors all the time,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25we're coming to the beach or going for a swim.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28There's always something for the kids to do.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30It doesn't cost you a fortune.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34I mean, just going surfing nearly five o'clock in the evening
0:38:34 > 0:38:37in nearly winter, you know.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41You can't really ask for much more.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43And what do the boys make of their new lives?
0:38:44 > 0:38:47I'm having fun in Australia because I like surfing.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53We go to the beach a lot more and it's warmer.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56The boys have changed dramatically since we got out here.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01They are just so independent. They are changing their accent slightly.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02They're just confident.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Just in general, when you go to the parks and things,
0:39:06 > 0:39:11the kids will be playing and before you know it, they're talking to
0:39:11 > 0:39:13loads of other kids, chasing each other around, just the way
0:39:13 > 0:39:18that they do put themselves forward and make their presence known.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21They seem to get accepted into groups quite quick.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Having extended family in Australia who have been through it before
0:39:24 > 0:39:27has helped the Cliffs understand their own experiences,
0:39:27 > 0:39:31and the family is extending further with the arrival of Jack's new baby.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Having Jimmy's brother around with us
0:39:34 > 0:39:37really helped settle the boys in to start with.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39It was just a face that they knew.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Because we knew Axel was on the way,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44they were getting excited for him to come along
0:39:44 > 0:39:50and getting to see him, and now they enjoy it if we get to babysit too,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52so they have fun when he comes around to play.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54I think they've had it tough.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57I think most people who leave everything behind in England
0:39:57 > 0:40:00to start afresh on the other side of the world, it's always
0:40:00 > 0:40:03going to be tough but it's up to you how you deal with it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06I think they've done really well so far,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10and hopefully they'll stick around and stay out here.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I know down the track when the little fella gets a little bit older
0:40:13 > 0:40:17he'll be able to appreciate having his cousins and his family around.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22Although he is going to miss the family back in England but hopefully
0:40:22 > 0:40:26one day they'll come too, and we can have our happy family in Australia.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29But being closer to one side of the family has meant leaving another
0:40:29 > 0:40:31back in the UK.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35It's a choice that's still tough for the Cliffs to live with.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38I have been up and down as to whether or not
0:40:38 > 0:40:42I thought this was the right thing, or we made the biggest mistake ever.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45My family means everything and always will.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49The way of coping with it is,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I strongly believe my family will come out here at some point,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54it's just a matter of when.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Leaving your family behind, giving up everything you've got,
0:40:59 > 0:41:02you know, it's scary to think about.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Not really any major regrets, I wouldn't say.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Maybe leaving my nana behind.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10I think if owt did happen and I didn't see her again,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12I would regret moving away then.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14But my nana wouldn't have wanted me
0:41:14 > 0:41:18to put our lives on hold for the sake of her anyway.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21If she could understand what's taken place with us all,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24I think she'd be really proud of us.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31After everything the Cliffs have been through to get here,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33what do they see for the future?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36The plan for the next seven or eight months or so
0:41:36 > 0:41:39is probably just try to save up as much money as we can,
0:41:39 > 0:41:44see how work goes and what happens with the way things are
0:41:44 > 0:41:48at the moment, and maybe a year or so down the line,
0:41:48 > 0:41:49if things are looking good,
0:41:49 > 0:41:54then maybe see about investing in buying a property somewhere.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58The Cliff family took a huge risk to try a new life
0:41:58 > 0:42:00on the other side of the world.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04They face similar challenges both in the UK and Australia.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07So after all the heartache, would they recommend it?
0:42:09 > 0:42:12It was a lot of finding our feet and struggling and...
0:42:12 > 0:42:14"Have we done the right thing, haven't we?"
0:42:14 > 0:42:16But once the kids got in school,
0:42:16 > 0:42:21once we started to find work, it's all just fallen into place now.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I'd like to think, you know, a lot of people could attempt to do
0:42:26 > 0:42:31these things and realise there is a lot more to the world than just
0:42:31 > 0:42:36staying at home and relying on your own securities all the time.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41It's nice to actually take a gamble and live your life, really.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45It is definitely easier to have a hard life in Australia
0:42:45 > 0:42:47than it is to have a hard life in Leeds!
0:42:51 > 0:42:54It's been a long time coming but the Cliff family
0:42:54 > 0:42:58are finally in Australia and settling into their new lives.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01While there's still plenty of hard work ahead,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04the dream they risked everything for is a lot closer.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd