0:00:02 > 0:00:04If everything revolves around your work
0:00:04 > 0:00:07and your family life is suffering, it's time to take action.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10But would you be prepared to move halfway around the world to
0:00:10 > 0:00:16find the answer? In 2008, that was the choice facing the Hughes family.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Four years on, we are finding out
0:00:18 > 0:00:20if it was one they were willing to make.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25David and Jenny Hughes felt like they worked too hard for little reward.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28They hoped Australia may be the answer.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30You seem to be working harder and harder
0:00:30 > 0:00:33and yet there's less disposable income
0:00:33 > 0:00:36for yourselves and money to enjoy.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Their life together had got off to a difficult start.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44We got married and, at the wedding breakfast, I actually came down with a brain illness.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47I was touch and go.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51So I could have been married and widowed within a number of hours, really.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55And they had to balance the benefits of a fresh start in Australia
0:00:55 > 0:00:58against the pain of leaving behind their family in the UK.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04'I'll miss everybody a lot, because we really are a close family.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:06It's harder for me,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10because I take everyone's emotions on board.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Four years on, how have their lives changed?
0:01:14 > 0:01:16It was probably one of the hardest things
0:01:16 > 0:01:19I've ever had to do in my life. Relocating your family one minute
0:01:19 > 0:01:23and then leaving your husband and your children at an airport
0:01:23 > 0:01:25to fly back to just where you've come from.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51In 2008, the Hughes family traded their hectic lives in Liverpool
0:01:51 > 0:01:55for a week experiencing the reality of life in Australia.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58At the end of it, they'd face a huge decision -
0:01:58 > 0:02:01whether to stay in the UK or to make the move for good.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Today we'll find out what's happened since we saw them.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07The Hughes were hoping to find a better
0:02:07 > 0:02:11quality of life in Australia, far from their home in Liverpool.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Dave worked as diesel mechanic
0:02:13 > 0:02:16and found his working week hugely demanding.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20The orientation towards family life, it's gone dead in the UK.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22It's all work and no play.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Me average day, generally, is between five and half five most mornings.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Leave the house just after six o'clock.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35I'm not likely to be in until after seven, half seven of a night some nights.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Just generally chasing my tail, most of the days.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40D-E-L-A...
0:02:40 > 0:02:46His wife, Jenny, juggled being a housewife and mother with two part-time jobs.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49You seem to be working harder and harder and yet
0:02:49 > 0:02:53there's less disposable income for yourselves and money to enjoy.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Here, it's speeding up faster and faster.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00And there's no way you can see it slowing down.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Both were desperate to spend more quality time with their children,
0:03:04 > 0:03:0811-year-old Rhiannon and Rhys, who was five.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13Australia could benefit for us in that way, to being family orientated.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15This is the chance they get to just be children.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19And I think their childhood's a really important part,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21the most important part of their life.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25The couple had already experienced their fair share of ups and downs.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28We got married and at the wedding breakfast,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32I actually come down with a brain illness.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34I was touch and go.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Probably only a 20% chance of surviving.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40The question I asked Dave was, "How did you get through it?"
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Because he was seriously ill and nearly died on our wedding day.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47I could have been married and widowed within hours, really.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52But, for Dave, the answer he gave me was he knew his life was facing him
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and he had a life to look forward to.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57After Dave had stared death in the face,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01the family were determined to seize the day.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04It's better to have done something with your life
0:04:04 > 0:04:06than to have regrets that you never did.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08We're looking at it that way,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11we've got the chance to do it and we want to do it.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16If things aren't right and it doesn't suit us, we can come back.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Dave and Jenny wanted to make the most of their lives,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22but their loved ones were hugely important to them.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24ALL: Cheers!
0:04:24 > 0:04:27They have large extended families living close by
0:04:27 > 0:04:32and both sets of grandparents play a huge part in the children's lives.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36The hardest thing I would be giving up would be my family.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39I would come back if Jenny didn't like it.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Because, at the end of the day, I married Jenny.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46I would have to stick by her.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48No marriage is worth that.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50If she didn't like it, I would have to come back.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52With such a huge decision ahead,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55it was vital that Dave could persuade Jenny a move down under
0:04:55 > 0:04:59would be worth the pain of leaving family behind.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08The Hughes' home for the week was Darwin,
0:05:08 > 0:05:14capital of the Northern Territory and 8 1/2 thousand miles from home.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18After 22 hours in the air, they arrived at four in the morning.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23The reality of the distance was already beginning to bite
0:05:23 > 0:05:27as it was the first time any of them had set foot in Australia.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- It is a long way, isn't it? - A very long way to come.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34But enjoyable. It's been enjoyable.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Are you looking forward to being in Australia, Rhys?
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Mum and Dad may have been exhausted, but Rhys was full of energy
0:05:42 > 0:05:45and raring to go and meet some of the locals.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Crocodiles and worms and spiders.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53After one or two mishaps...
0:05:53 > 0:05:55That wasn't supposed to happen.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59..the Hughes made their way to the house they'd be staying in for the week.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Their base was in Larrakeyah,
0:06:07 > 0:06:13named after the Aboriginal people, the original inhabitants of Darwin.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It was just minutes from the coast.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19The size of the rooms was a shock for Rhiannon.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Bigger than we've got at home. More space.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It looks great. My God.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- You're not normally speechless! - Yeah!
0:06:27 > 0:06:30The kitchen's bigger than our living room.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37The sheer size, it's amazing, that...
0:06:37 > 0:06:40It makes our house look really poky.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43You could fit our house in the garage!
0:06:43 > 0:06:46If things go by what it's like in the dark,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49it'll be a wow factor again in the morning.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52But, for now, it's time for bed.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Back in the UK, the Hughes family live
0:07:02 > 0:07:07in a small terraced house, which they hoped was worth about £100,000.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10They're very pressed for space, especially outdoors
0:07:10 > 0:07:14and hoped to find something better in Australia.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17They'd set themselves a budget of £200,000,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20including a mortgage, to make the move.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25Property prices in Darwin had been climbing steadily at the time,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28but Dave's skills as a diesel mechanic
0:07:28 > 0:07:30gave him great earning potential.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33We found three properties for them to view.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35The first was in Palmerston,
0:07:35 > 0:07:40a short commute from central Darwin and within easy reach of the coast.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42There were three bedrooms...
0:07:44 > 0:07:47..plenty of living space
0:07:47 > 0:07:49and a large garden.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54It was priced at 400,000, at the time about £180,000,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58so comfortably within their £200,000 budget.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03There was no shortage of space,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and Dave was especially taken with the kitchen.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11The one thing I like about it, I can actually reach in the cupboards.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13They're not too high for me.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Over here they do actually have, like, a kitchenette,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18which is both of them together.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22And they still have a living area and entertainment areas.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Which you just couldn't do with any of them houses in the UK.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28But that wasn't the only difference from UK houses.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32The fan, as well. It's getting a bit hot.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Said we've been on top of a cupboard.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39I'm glad I'm not 6ft, or I'd have nothing at all on the top by then!
0:08:39 > 0:08:43The decor was certainly different, too.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Wow, the face!
0:08:45 > 0:08:48It's a bit like The Mummy! That's what happens in The Mummy.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51But Jenny wasn't scared off that easily.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53She was already making plans.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55This is a lot more roomy and airy.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00You could have more people around a lot more often.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04It's just a shame sometimes it's not people that we've got back in the UK
0:09:04 > 0:09:06that you can offer it to as much.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Fingers crossed they come over and visit us a lot more.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13If friends were to visit, bedrooms would have to be up to scratch.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Nice wardrobes.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Right to the ceiling.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24The toy box got Rhys' vote, but what about the garden?
0:09:24 > 0:09:26This is nice isn't it?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29This is really nice.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33You've found a bike?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The house was on a large plot set back from the road
0:09:36 > 0:09:39and had the swimming pool they dreamt of owning.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Essential in Darwin's steamy tropical climate.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Think you'd be able to have a nice swim in there?
0:09:47 > 0:09:51The garden had definitely impressed Jenny.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55You've got your own privacy, obviously. You're not living too close to everybody else.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- And you're shaded as well. - The way it is with the actual trees, it's like a paradise for us.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- Definitely. - Yeah, it's like a paradise.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Dave's seeing the benefits of a large garden.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10The way I look at it is, the kids can actually be kids.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14They can come out in the garden, do what they want in the garden,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17with us not really worrying what they're up to.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20And Jenny could see real potential indoors, too.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It's not necessarily my taste initially,
0:10:23 > 0:10:28but over a period of time you adjust it to yourself.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31After that, property two had a lot to live up to.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34This three-bedroom house was in Parap,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37a quiet residential area of Darwin just minutes from the sea.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46It was on the market for 630,000, then around £285,000
0:10:46 > 0:10:49so a real stretch for the Hughes' budget.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55First stop was the master bedroom, with this en suite bathroom.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Look at that!
0:10:59 > 0:11:02The sitting room also went down well.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's got a warm feeling with the decor in here.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10A kitchen-diner twice as big as the one back home was a winner.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13You've got plenty of preparation and plenty of storage space
0:11:13 > 0:11:16for things to be put away.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Fair-sized bedrooms.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20They've all got double beds.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21We couldn't fit double beds in ours.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Our small rooms,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27there's only the one room you can fit a bed in and that's ours.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29You're automatically pushed into bunk beds
0:11:29 > 0:11:32because you're trying to utilise the space upwards.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Jenny loved the idea of having a clutter-free home.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39It's tidy because everything's got its place.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Especially with children, they bring that much stuff with them as well.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45And Dave had plans for the bathroom.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Can you imagine yourself in that bath with those windows?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51I could. How about I sit in there,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54my Guinness on one side, another one on the other.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- That's me finished. - That's really nice.- It is.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01All that was left was to check outside.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06There were fewer trees than the last house,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09but it still had plenty of shady spots to keep cool.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14To be fair, that is quite a suntrap that pool, without that.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Are you coming in, Rhys?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21And the children were very happy with that all-important pool.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It is nice, the way they've designed it.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Despite the price, the family were positive about the second house,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29which left one more stop to make.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33It was a traditional elevated house
0:12:33 > 0:12:37with three bedrooms and loads of outdoor living space.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Located in the desirable suburb of Jingili,
0:12:41 > 0:12:46it cost 660,000, then just under £300,000.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It was considerably above their budget,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51so a house to aspire to in the future.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Dave was lost for words.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01And Jenny loved the contemporary touches.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- It's a lot more modern, a lot more up to date, really.- Yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07More up to date.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- I like the colours more.- Yes, I do.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I really like the stainless steel. It just looks really clean.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18Even the Darwin climate didn't seem to be a problem.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21This is the beauty of this, it's cool and shaded.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Just the feeling and the surroundings of it is really nice.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Wow! Look at that.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Look, Rhys.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Look at that pool.- We've got the best of both worlds in this house.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39If you want to catch a bit of sun down there,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- you've got that facility.- Yes. - You've got the pool to dip into
0:13:42 > 0:13:45and then if you're really feeling overwhelmed with the heat,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48you've got the chance to come up here and cool off.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Jenny was getting a very good feeling about this house.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57It's a home, it's not just a house.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01There's a difference between a house and a home.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04It's the feeling it gives you, especially when you walk in.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14While the children made themselves at home,
0:14:14 > 0:14:18the surprises kept coming for Jenny and Dave.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- It's gorgeous. - Absolutely gorgeous.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22You'll be gobsmacked in a minute.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Come and look at what I've just found.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29Leaving their loved ones behind was the big concern for the Hughes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33But this house had the answer - a self-contained guest room.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Somebody could stay over, quite easily, if they wanted to.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41That goes for friends and family. This has really impressed me.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46This house has well impressed the pair of us, hasn't it?
0:14:46 > 0:14:50It's just unbelievable. The views, the facilities.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52And it wasn't over yet.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- HE LAUGHS - Wow.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It's just unbelievable.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01It's like the TARDIS,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04you keep getting that little bit extra all the time,
0:15:04 > 0:15:05just when you think you've finished.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09What happens if you turn that corner, what else will we find down there?
0:15:09 > 0:15:10I love the trampoline.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- You love the trampoline?- Woo!
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Jenny and Dave were well and truly won over.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18There's not much more you'd want out of a house.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- No.- And this is just giving everything.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23It's lovely for the children.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26You've got the pool, you've got space where they can play.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28All you have to do is sit outside
0:15:28 > 0:15:32and be with the family and just enjoy yourselves.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35So, how did the Hughes vote?
0:15:35 > 0:15:39House number one had plenty of space and a cool shady garden,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41even if they didn't like the decor,
0:15:41 > 0:15:46but at £180,000, it was a good 20,000 under their budget.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Property two looked the part indoors with loads of storage space,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55but the garden was less inviting
0:15:55 > 0:16:00and the £285,000 price tag didn't appeal either.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05And house three seemed to have it all, including space for visiting family.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08But at just under £300,000,
0:16:08 > 0:16:13it was something they'd have to look to the future to afford.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14So after a day of house-hunting,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17had the Hughes' been won over by Aussie property?
0:16:17 > 0:16:19It was time to vote.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23We've looked at three properties in Australia and each one has had
0:16:23 > 0:16:26different qualities that we've liked.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31But for us our vote, in comparison to the property we have in the UK, must go to...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35ALL: Australia!
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Affording the house of their dreams in Australia would all come down
0:16:45 > 0:16:49to whether or not mechanic Dave could find work there.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52All kitted out in safety boots,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Dave was off to test drive a job as a diesel fitter
0:16:54 > 0:16:57at a local truck maintenance garage.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02So he went to meet garage owner Mark to find out about his prospects.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06What sort of knowledge do you have on stuff like brakes and gearboxes?
0:17:06 > 0:17:11I'm a time-served diesel fitter, from 16 years old.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I got as much experience as I possibly could
0:17:14 > 0:17:17and then I actually wanted to specialise,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19so I specialised in the engine side of it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- So it's the engine side mainly? - It's the engine side mainly.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25While Mark explained the nuts and bolts of the job,
0:17:25 > 0:17:30Jenny took the children out to a local playground in Darwin.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35Emigrating was Dave's idea
0:17:35 > 0:17:37and he hoped this week would persuade Jenny
0:17:37 > 0:17:40that their future was in Australia.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41But she had a lot to leave behind
0:17:41 > 0:17:45and her worries were never far from the surface.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50For myself, more so, I think the emotional elements
0:17:50 > 0:17:53have been a little bit more apparent before we came out.
0:17:53 > 0:17:59Because it was the realisation of not seeing family for a long time.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03And obviously that stirred quite a few emotions,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06maybe some were unexpected.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09For myself, I think it's a lot more in the forefront,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11trying to imagine how life will be,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16being on my own a bit more with not as much family around.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22I think at home, not so much you take for granted, but you live with it all the time.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25So it's thinking of how it's going to be without.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Haulage is a vital part of Darwin's economy
0:18:28 > 0:18:33and 50-metre trucks are a familiar sight on the region's roads.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Pulling power of that sort requires ongoing maintenance,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39and Dave needed to show his mettle.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46Meanwhile, Jenny worried about how Dave's getting on.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Work was a vital part of their decision to emigrate.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55For Dave, work's a major part of his life, obviously.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58He's very dedicated to his job, always has been.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02He's very professional in his view to work.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05He's got to be settled in a job in Australia,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07find his feet and be comfortable.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09And enjoy the work he's doing.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13At the end of the day, his work is going to have an effect on all of us
0:19:13 > 0:19:16as to how we all settle here.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Back at the garage, Dave was keen to find out if working down under
0:19:20 > 0:19:24could offer the better work/life balance he was desperate to find.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30The main thing, I believe, in keeping a good crew
0:19:30 > 0:19:32is to have a good home life.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38If the kids never see your dad or your missus never sees her husband,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40they're not going to hang around long.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44So we've got try and work hard, make money
0:19:44 > 0:19:46and balance our lifestyle as well.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50One of the reasons why I'm thinking of coming over here, is that reason.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53We can all work hard and we're all here to make money.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55But, at the end of the day, we live in Australia.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59We live, especially in Darwin, for the lifestyle, mate.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02We live here because it's God's country and we want to enjoy it.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It's been good to meet you, mate!
0:20:04 > 0:20:07The salary on offer could have been as much as £33,000,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11compared to the £26,000 that Dave earned in the UK.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14My impression of Dave,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17for one, as a person, he's got the right attitude.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19He's a really, really nice guy.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22His knowledge is there and he's got the right attitude towards it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25I wouldn't have a hassle of employing him and giving him a go.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28So, work was on offer, but was the salary enough
0:20:28 > 0:20:31for Dave and his family to afford to live here?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33It was time to vote.
0:20:33 > 0:20:39I think I could quite easily slot into this end of Australia.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43My choice is...
0:20:43 > 0:20:44Australia.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48It was good news, but there was still a long way to go
0:20:48 > 0:20:52before his dream of moving to Australia became a reality.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01With the Hughes family concerned about how they'd settle in,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04we arranged for them to meet some locals for a barbecue.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06It was the perfect way to make new friends
0:21:06 > 0:21:10and sample the Aussie lifestyle before they made their massive decision.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Pleased to meet you.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18In true British fashion, the conversation turned to the weather.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23It's nice now. Just the worrying thing for us is the humidity.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- We've heard about it, really. - Get an air-conditioned car,
0:21:26 > 0:21:28an air-conditioned office and away you go.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31With the hellos out of the way,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35the girls got chatting and the children took to the swings,
0:21:35 > 0:21:39whilst the boys got stuck into the serious business of the barbecue.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45To get into the Aussie spirit,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Dave tried his hand at a spot of cooking.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51He's done it now. You're having that one.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Dad!
0:21:52 > 0:21:55But Jenny couldn't resist taking over.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Little did she realise, barbecuing is man's work. Apparently.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02We've just been talking about how we don't let women near the barbecue.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- And then I take over. - Now you've taken over!
0:22:10 > 0:22:12You're having the broken one, Dave.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18The Hughes enjoyed a hearty breakfast
0:22:18 > 0:22:20with their new Aussie friends.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It's amazing what happens when there's food.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- How's the Aussie tucker?- Nice.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33It seemed their natural friendliness
0:22:33 > 0:22:35would help the Hughes family settle in.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39But what do they think? It was time to vote.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42We spent the whole morning with a traditional Australian family today.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47We really got on well with them, made friends with them instantly.
0:22:47 > 0:22:54So our vote, today with getting to meet people, has to go with...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Australia!
0:23:04 > 0:23:06The Hughes' biggest fear was how they would deal
0:23:06 > 0:23:10with leaving behind a tight network of friends and family.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12So with the children happy to join them,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15how would they react to seeing messages from back home?
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- Hi, Jenny, Dave...- Rhys, Rhiannon. - Rhiannon, Rhys.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19We can't even get it right!
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- Hi, Dave.- Hi, Dave. - Hope you enjoyed yourself, mate.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28Just a few words to say how much we will miss you,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30'how much we love you'
0:23:30 > 0:23:37and how much we would hope you make your right decision.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40You know, there's some lovely lives out there
0:23:40 > 0:23:42and the kids are just young. You know?
0:23:42 > 0:23:48'I think Jenny and Dave are doing it for them more than themselves.'
0:23:48 > 0:23:52To go over there and get a better life for themselves, you couldn't argue.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56'You know,'
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I know Jenny and Dave are grown up but it's the little ones
0:23:59 > 0:24:02that really bothers me and fills me up.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06I'd miss them so much.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Sorry.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18We would both miss them.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21You know, Rhys is such a little character,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25and Rhiannon, she's such a lovely child.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- JENNY'S DAD:- Don't get upset. - JENNY'S MUM: Easier said than done.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35'Hi Jenny and Dave, Rhiannon and Rhys.'
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I hope you decide the right thing.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41I will miss you but...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46I just hope you decide to do the right thing.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50Won't stand in your way, me or your dad.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53And I love you lots and I will miss you.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Your dad and I love you and the rest of the family love you.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03I won't stand in your way, but I hope,
0:25:03 > 0:25:08I truly hope that you will give it an awful lot of thought.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12And we all love you. And a mum's love is very strong.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20Make your own decision, but remember we're always there for you.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Never, ever forget that.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27All right, Rhiannon?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33You're torn, I think, because...
0:25:34 > 0:25:38..especially for me, I think,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40it's harder for me
0:25:40 > 0:25:43because I take everyone's emotions on board.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48I know I'll miss everybody a lot, because we really are a close family.
0:25:48 > 0:25:54And I am the most torn out of all this, because I think,
0:25:54 > 0:26:00although I want to give the children a better life, and Dave and myself, and I know
0:26:00 > 0:26:05Dave will probably have a better life out here as well as work.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09He would have more enjoyment time and freedom
0:26:09 > 0:26:13and be able to enjoy what he's working for a lot more here.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Our families do mean a lot to us.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21But...
0:26:28 > 0:26:31(It's OK.)
0:26:32 > 0:26:37If we could move everybody out here, that would be the perfect solution.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Because I know for a fact that everybody would love it out here.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I'm not just saying that.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47I think anybody who's experienced the week we've had over here,
0:26:47 > 0:26:52I defy anybody to say they couldn't love this lifestyle.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54The way everybody's been.
0:26:54 > 0:27:02I feel like here, this week, we've just embraced the whole new Australian family and become one.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's made it even harder, I think, now.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13The Hughes' week in Australia had been an emotional one.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16They'd found the spacious home they'd always wished for.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21Dave discovered his skills were in high demand.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25And outdoor living was a big hit with the children.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30But would in it be enough to convince the Hughes to leave their family and loved ones behind?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Dave was torn.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40When you're here, you don't want to go. When you're back over there, it's hard to come back.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44I just can't put into words at the moment
0:27:44 > 0:27:46which way it will go.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50I'm hoping we do come back to the Darwin area.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56But that's only going to take time and a lot of thinking about which way we want to go.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02But it was time for everyone to make the final decision.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06They'd spent a week experiencing the reality of life down under
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and now their future plans rested on a crucial vote.
0:28:11 > 0:28:19For us, family and friends, but particularly family, are a massive part of our life back in the UK.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24But will remain to be so wherever we are, UK or Australia.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28But here we feel that we've got so much potential
0:28:28 > 0:28:32and so much to offer our own family by coming to Australia.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37I can speak for all of us, 100% that the vote has to go with...
0:28:40 > 0:28:42..Australia!
0:28:53 > 0:28:55After a week of real highs and lows,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59the Hughes family chose a new start in Australia.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02But with some heartbreaking goodbyes facing them at home
0:29:02 > 0:29:04and an uncertain future ahead,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07were they able to take the next big step?
0:29:07 > 0:29:11When we caught up with Jenny, Dave, Rhiannon and Rhys,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14they were living in...
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Australia.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20They'd been down under for the last two years and are currently
0:29:20 > 0:29:23living in the Hunter Valley area of New South Wales.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26And it's clear that their trial week in Australia made its mark.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32When we actually got back from Australia, I went home
0:29:32 > 0:29:36and since we got back home we couldn't settle.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40We knew we really wanted to be here more than ever then.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44It just ticked all the boxes for us.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Back in Liverpool, Dave's long working hours left little time
0:29:47 > 0:29:50for family life and when they returned to the UK
0:29:50 > 0:29:53the situation got even worse.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Dave eventually had to work away with his company,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58which meant he was away from us Monday to Friday,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02which was something that, although we'd always worked hard
0:30:02 > 0:30:05weekends and shifts, we'd never been apart as a family.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09Ultimately, working away made this want to happen.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13So we actually upped the process with job applications
0:30:13 > 0:30:15and making the opportunity happen for us.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21But then came a heartbreaking setback.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Life took some very difficult twists and turns with us,
0:30:24 > 0:30:26which we never saw coming.
0:30:26 > 0:30:33We had a real string of personal tragedy
0:30:33 > 0:30:35and grief and loss before we left.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Sadly, I lost my mum very suddenly,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40which was a major blow to us as a family.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45For Jenny it was very hard to lose her mother and have to come out here.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48I kept asking the question, "Are you still OK?"
0:30:48 > 0:30:52And she said yeah. She has the odd time or so
0:30:52 > 0:30:57she feels she should be back there helping her sister and her father.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59It is tough on her. I know it is.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01It's very tough on her at the present moment.
0:31:01 > 0:31:06She needs to be in two places at once, and she can't be in two places.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09It was probably the most difficult decision
0:31:09 > 0:31:11we've ever had to make in our life
0:31:11 > 0:31:14and had to bring major sacrifices,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18which was particularly difficult for Dave and I
0:31:18 > 0:31:23and obviously the children because emotions were all over the place.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26As much as the fact that I'd lost my mum,
0:31:26 > 0:31:30who I'd been very fortunate to have in my life
0:31:30 > 0:31:33and the best mum anyone could have
0:31:33 > 0:31:36and the best family support network as well...
0:31:37 > 0:31:40..my future lay with David and the children,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43so for me I had to do what was right for them.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Despite everything, the Hughes stuck by their decision
0:31:47 > 0:31:50and pressed ahead with their plans to emigrate.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53And after facing the pain of leaving,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56they made their way down under to start their new lives.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01On their original visit to Australia,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04David discovered his skills as a mechanic would be in demand.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08And when it came to making the final move,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Dave was offered a job in the state's thriving mining industry,
0:32:11 > 0:32:14with the company he already worked for in the UK.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21We now live in Rutherford in New South Wales area of Australia
0:32:21 > 0:32:24due to the fact of being offered a position
0:32:24 > 0:32:27in the mining area of the Hunter Valley.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32Due to the mining boom in the Hunter Valley region, New South Wales,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35it's now become a housing shortage in the area,
0:32:35 > 0:32:39so this has came on the rental market
0:32:39 > 0:32:43and we just had to take it at face value,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47because of the shortage, and we were lucky to get what we've got.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50It was above our expectations, the house.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Their new home is a long way from the cramped terrace in Liverpool.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58We've got a lot more outdoor space than we had, and indoor space.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Also the possibility of an extra bedroom
0:33:00 > 0:33:03where family or friends can come and stay,
0:33:03 > 0:33:05which was a big thing for us as well.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11But the road to the Hughes' new life has been far from an easy one.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13I don't think anybody fully appreciates
0:33:13 > 0:33:17what the move is like and a huge upheaval of taking your family
0:33:17 > 0:33:20not only from a family home but across the world
0:33:20 > 0:33:24and particularly to another country and another culture.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27The move was harder than we thought.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Initially we thought it would be easy to come over
0:33:31 > 0:33:35and just start off as we meant to go on.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39But, no, it's not happened that way. We've had a few setbacks.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44We started the visa process and that was such a long-winded process,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47technicalities with your skills to be assessed,
0:33:47 > 0:33:52medicals and it just dragged that two years out for us.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55But visa difficulties aren't the only obstacle
0:33:55 > 0:33:58they've had to overcome. The logistics of moving
0:33:58 > 0:34:01a family of four to the other side of the world
0:34:01 > 0:34:03have brought yet more challenges.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07Before we got to Australia we'd planned the process
0:34:07 > 0:34:11of getting quotes for removals and things like that.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15I was particularly well organised with trying to arrange it,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18but what happened was that last week before we left
0:34:18 > 0:34:22we were actually being told, "I'm sorry, that's where it stops now.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25"Nothing else is going to fit in the container."
0:34:25 > 0:34:28So unfortunately we had to get rid of a lot of things
0:34:28 > 0:34:30and didn't even have time to sell them
0:34:30 > 0:34:31or give them away to people,
0:34:31 > 0:34:35which I think made our move over here even more emotional
0:34:35 > 0:34:40because you've not dealt with things as you would have done appropriately.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Faced with losing many of their treasured possessions,
0:34:43 > 0:34:47the Hughes were forced to make another difficult decision.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49When we arrived in Australia,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52due to the problems we'd faced with removals,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54it was left that one of us had to return to the UK
0:34:54 > 0:34:58and it had to be me because Dave was the main visa holder.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01I actually returned to the UK after five days
0:35:01 > 0:35:05and left Rhiannon and Rhys and Dave at the airport.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08And it was probably one of the hardest things
0:35:08 > 0:35:09I've ever had to do in my life.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Relocate your family one minute to try and be a family,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and then leaving your husband and your children at an airport
0:35:16 > 0:35:18to fly back to where you come from.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Seeing them crying seeing me leave,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24so it was hard for all of us as individuals
0:35:24 > 0:35:28and as a family to have had to deal with that separation again.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31The death of a loved one, separation from close family
0:35:31 > 0:35:34and losing many of your personal belongings would be enough
0:35:34 > 0:35:37to make most people question their decision.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39But having come so far already,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42the Hughes were determined to make things work.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45However, it's not been easy.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48We have had a journey from hell.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52I do... I don't regret being in Australia,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55but I just wish we'd had a bit of a smoother ride.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59I don't think anyone has an easy ride of it - it's never easy -
0:35:59 > 0:36:03but I think for us, with what we faced before,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07made us stronger to deal with what we were facing, what was to come.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10But I could never have seen what was happening coming.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12And probably better that we didn't,
0:36:12 > 0:36:16cos you just have to deal with things facing it as it came.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19They may have had some tough times,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23but now at last the Hughes are able to enjoy the benefits of the move.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Here I only do five days a week. I don't do seven any more.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36I don't do the six. So that's a big change and a big step forward.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39I get the evenings now with my kids and family
0:36:39 > 0:36:43where before I was not getting the evenings with them,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45and the weekends I'm not called out any more.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48So I get the whole weekend with the family.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53So my life has totally changed since coming over here.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55The job has a lot of satisfaction in it.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58I look forward to coming into work cos, yes,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02I do enjoy my work and I enjoy and look forward to going home.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05I do a fair day's work to go home
0:37:05 > 0:37:09to enjoy the life back at home with the family.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16With more quality time together, everyone seems to be happier.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21I've seen positive effects in both of the children,
0:37:21 > 0:37:23predominantly Rhys.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Rhys just absolutely loves the country and loves the freedom
0:37:27 > 0:37:29and what he's been able to have.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Rhiannon probably faced the harder transition of moving here
0:37:33 > 0:37:34because she was older.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36They pretty much had to grow up overnight,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39which is not what you want for your children, really.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41But then you also need to make them
0:37:41 > 0:37:44adapt to what life's going to throw at them.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47When we first arrived, we encouraged the children
0:37:47 > 0:37:50to get involved in Australian sport and culture.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52We got them, they call them boogie boards, here.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55That was their first Christmas present. They wanted that.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57We went on the beach and took them there.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01They both like singing, so Rhys is in the school choir and just try
0:38:01 > 0:38:06to get involved with things that are more in tune with Australian life.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08But while Dave and the children
0:38:08 > 0:38:10had always been excited about the move,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Jenny faced an emotional decision.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16She took more convincing that Australia was for her,
0:38:16 > 0:38:17so how has she settled in?
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Rhiannon's on the bus, Rhys is at childcare,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25I'm running a bit late this morning,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28and I'll pop back and do a few bits and pieces
0:38:28 > 0:38:30if I've got things to do before I go out
0:38:30 > 0:38:34and then I'm off to work. For nine to five.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39Jenny still combines her career with looking after the house and family.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42We do have work/life balance,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46considering I've got two roles at the moment, two jobs.
0:38:46 > 0:38:52Purely because I can work it round my lifestyle and our family lifestyle
0:38:52 > 0:38:54and we can choose our free time,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57which is something we wouldn't have the choice to do
0:38:57 > 0:38:59a lot of the time back in the UK.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07The chance to live a better family lifestyle
0:39:07 > 0:39:10was the main reason the Hughes chose to emigrate.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So has there been an upside to the difficult times they faced?
0:39:16 > 0:39:20The big thing for me is just seeing Dave happier.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25It's been like a huge roller coaster of emotions for all of us,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29but we've ridden it and at times the rise has been quite terrifying,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32but we've got through it and for me,
0:39:32 > 0:39:36now seeing the children after two years
0:39:36 > 0:39:40just starting to find their feet and becoming more settled,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42that's been a major factor for me.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Our life over here now is more as a family.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49We're able to go out as a family, do things, go to the park.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Go shopping together.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56We weren't able to do that in the UK.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59It's being able to work around my family,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02not the family work around work.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05That's the biggest thing that's changed for us in being over here.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08The move has certainly paid off in terms of family,
0:40:08 > 0:40:10but did it come at a cost of losing friends
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and a social life as Jenny originally feared?
0:40:13 > 0:40:17We've built up quite a big network of friends over here.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21We were welcomed by expats from other countries,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23that made a huge difference initially when we arrived.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Hello, Rhys!
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Today, a friend's daughter is celebrating her fourth birthday.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32It's a good chance for the whole family
0:40:32 > 0:40:35to let their hair down and enjoy the party.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Happy birthday, Anneka.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41Oh, no - it's your birthday! Happy birthday!
0:40:43 > 0:40:46The thing you've got in common is that you are all in
0:40:46 > 0:40:50exactly the same boat and the same position that you are there to help
0:40:50 > 0:40:52and support each other as much as you can,
0:40:52 > 0:40:56but understanding the fact that you are never really replacing
0:40:56 > 0:40:58friends and family you have in the UK.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06So, after a roller-coaster ride, has it all been worth it?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Our Australian dream has worked, but not fully yet.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18It's still got a long way to go.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21This was never going to be an easy ride.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27But we are getting through each item day by day.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Even when you are on days where you feel like,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33"What have I done it all for?"
0:41:33 > 0:41:35You've got to remember why you did it,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37take yourself back to remember why
0:41:37 > 0:41:41and obviously stick with it and sit out the ride and enjoy it.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47I'm very proud of the family for what we've achieved.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49I think realistically if we weren't strong
0:41:49 > 0:41:54and proud of what we were doing, it would have fallen apart by now.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55But that's not going to happen.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59We are going from strength to strength day by day.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03The process of moving to Australia has made Jenny stronger herself
0:42:03 > 0:42:07and her strength has strengthened us.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11I think my mum would be very proud of me,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13that I've done my best for my family.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15That's all she ever did for us.
0:42:16 > 0:42:22And so for me, I'm just trying to follow in her footsteps and family.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Without family, I don't think you have a lot
0:42:24 > 0:42:27and I think your life is harder without family,
0:42:27 > 0:42:31so I've always got my family whether in the UK or here, I know I've
0:42:31 > 0:42:36got my husband back where he should be, and my kids have got their dad.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38And he's got us.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41All you ever want and every parent wants for the children
0:42:41 > 0:42:43and themselves is to be happy.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Emigrating is never an easy process for any family
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and the Hughes have seen their fair share of bumps
0:42:55 > 0:42:58on the road to a new life, but after digging deep
0:42:58 > 0:43:01it looks as if they are starting to see the rewards
0:43:01 > 0:43:03that brought them down under.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05We wish them all a happy future.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd