0:00:02 > 0:00:04Convincing one of the people you love to move halfway
0:00:04 > 0:00:07around the world is a tough enough task,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11but, when two members of your family have big
0:00:11 > 0:00:16worries about uprooting their lives, it can be a recipe for heartbreak.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Finding himself in just that situation four years ago,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Craig Hoe spent a trial week in Australia hoping to
0:00:22 > 0:00:25persuade his family to make the move for good.
0:00:25 > 0:00:31Today, we'll discover which side of the world the Hoes now call home.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34On their original trial week down under, Craig's wife Lisa
0:00:34 > 0:00:36was far from sold.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40If this is Australian life, then you can keep it, cos I don't want it.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43And the move risked tearing the family apart.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46When I know that I'm not going to see you again,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48it really tears at my heart.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51So, four years on, find out if the Hoes stayed in the UK
0:00:51 > 0:00:54or made the move down under.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57We both said, "If there's anybody that doesn't want to go, say now."
0:00:57 > 0:01:00We all have to agree that we're doing this.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25With over 20,000 miles of coastline and a famously sunny climate,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Australia has long been a favourite destination for Brits
0:01:28 > 0:01:31dreaming of a new life abroad.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35But leaving everything you know behind to start again so far from
0:01:35 > 0:01:39home can turn a simple dream into the hardest challenge of your life.
0:01:40 > 0:01:46In 2011, the Hoe family faced some big decisions.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49After spending a week experiencing everything Australia had to
0:01:49 > 0:01:52offer, they faced a life-changing choice,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56whether to stay in the UK or make the move there for good.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Today, four years on,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02we'll catch up with the family to find out what happened next.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09The Hoes' original trial week began with a 10,000 mile journey
0:02:09 > 0:02:10to Brisbane.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16It was the furthest they'd ever been from family in the UK
0:02:16 > 0:02:20and on arrival they were excited, if a bit confused.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23We set off on Saturday at...
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- About one o'clock. - ..one o'clock in the afternoon.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30And we're now Monday morning. Are we Monday? I don't know where we are!
0:02:31 > 0:02:34The thought of family and friends they'd be leaving behind
0:02:34 > 0:02:36was already hitting home.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38I was already thinking about what I was leaving behind,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41before I'd even set off, before I'd even got in the car.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43So, yeah...
0:02:43 > 0:02:48It was an emotional start and there were still seven days to go.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54In 2011, home for the Hoe family was the village of Hedon, near Hull.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Dad Craig and Mum Lisa were living with Ellie, then 16,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and Libby and Poppy, then aged nine and seven.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Craig ran his own plumbing business
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and Lisa worked part-time as a hairdresser.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Providing their family with a comfortable life,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12though, came at a high price.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15I can leave in the morning, at seven in the morning,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19the kids will be in bed and then I can get in after, say nine,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22maybe 10 o'clock at night and they're back in bed.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24It just seems to be at the point, at the minute,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28where we're just living together, but separate lives.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Desperate for a better quality of life with his family,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Craig felt the only solution was to move to Australia.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38The reason why we're making the move is, hopefully, to spend more
0:03:38 > 0:03:40time and more quality time as a family,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44before the girls grow up and I just miss everything.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Cos I've missed so much up to now. I just don't want to miss any more.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49While Lisa was happy at home,
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Craig had managed to persuade her to investigate emigrating.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56It's like trying to fix something that isn't broken.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57Why are we doing it, why?
0:03:57 > 0:04:01We've got a lovely life, we've got a lovely home, nice lifestyle, the girls...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03It's like that itch you can't scratch, you don't know why,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05there's just something there that we have to...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08It's just a nagging in the background that, kind of,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10it's your fault, you put it there.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- Yeah.- It's all your fault.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16But the girls weren't convinced by the idea of a new life down under.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21I don't exactly really, really, really, really want to go,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24because of our really lovely family.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27And there was more pressure on Ellie,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30as she'd be leaving her biological father behind.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35I'll miss my dad, I'll miss my nana,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37I'll miss my best friend so much.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Words can't even describe, like...
0:04:43 > 0:04:46I'm crying now. Erm...
0:04:46 > 0:04:51I'm not sure, I just... I'd try and make new friends, but
0:04:51 > 0:04:55they'd never replace what I've got here.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58So...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Lisa also struggled with the thought of leaving loved ones.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06I don't even know if I could say goodbye to all those people.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15I won't be able to be there if they need me and that'll be really hard.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I just feel like I'm letting them down.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23I wish I could just pick them all up
0:05:23 > 0:05:26and take them with me,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28but it's our dream, it's not theirs.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38The Hoes visited Queensland's Gold Coast, to see
0:05:38 > 0:05:41if it was the ideal location for a new start.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Australia's sixth largest city, it should have offered
0:05:46 > 0:05:50plenty of work, housing and lifestyle possibilities.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54But selling it to Lisa and Ellie would be a big ask for Craig.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59With this in mind, the Hoes sped off to their base for the week.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05They stayed in a four-bedroom house in the area of Pacific Pines,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07but did it get the week off to a good start?
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Woohoo, it's nice and warm. Have a look.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15Very nice.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Rocking horse!- Oh, rocking horse!
0:06:18 > 0:06:21It certainly looked like there was something for everyone.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- You've got your walk-in wardrobe. - Yay! Ye-hey!
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Craig and Lisa also seemed to have found what they were looking for.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- LISA GASPS - Look at that view!
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Wow.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35It is like living the dream, isn't it?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37It's better than I imagined.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42The house was a great start to their Australian adventure,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46but Ellie was aware her decision would affect everyone else's future.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Mum's been talking to me about it a lot, asking if I'd want to go,
0:06:52 > 0:06:53but I don't know.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56I'm just scared of making the wrong decision.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58With much to deal with over the coming week,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01difficult decisions for everyone lay ahead.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11In the UK, the Hoes were living in a new, four-bedroom
0:07:11 > 0:07:15detached house near Hull that they'd made into a home they loved.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19And, for Lisa, to give it up for a house in Australia, there was
0:07:19 > 0:07:21one feature she'd have to have.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25If there was a choice, pool or walk-in wardrobe,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27we'd be having the walk-in wardrobe.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29We'll go to the beach.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32To help find them their ideal home,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35we gave the Hoes a taste of the Australian property market.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37We showed them three different houses,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41ranging from their dream home to what they could afford.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45After seeing what was on offer, we revealed the price of each house.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52First up was a property in the area of Upper Coomera.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55It was in a convenient location, being a short drive to the
0:07:55 > 0:07:58beaches, Brisbane and close to parks and shopping centres.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01It could have had everything the Hoes wanted from a house,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04but was it to be to their taste?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Nice, isn't it?
0:08:06 > 0:08:08No, not really.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Lisa wasn't impressed.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Let's have a look at the rest.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13I just don't like the layout.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15It's dark.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17It was a terrible start.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20But, at least it did have a walk-in wardrobe.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23That isn't a walk-in wardrobe. I don't like it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24OK.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27And the style wasn't quite to Lisa's taste either.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30It's old-fashioned, it's like a nana's house.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Clearly this house wasn't what they wanted from their dream home.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Even Craig was struggling with this property.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38The pool's not helping.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42It's not the Australian dream, it's more the nightmare, this house, isn't it?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44It was a bad start for Craig.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48This house wasn't to their taste, but did the price make a difference?
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Was this all they could afford on their £250,000 budget
0:08:52 > 0:08:55or could their ideal home still be within their reach?
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Now what it's worth.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Do you want to have a guess what you think? Just open it?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Just open it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09So, £247,000, that's similar to...
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- £250,000? 250 grand for this?- Yeah.
0:09:13 > 0:09:19- I couldn't spend another minute in it, let alone a lifetime. No.- No.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20No way.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25That was a blow, this house cost nearly as much as their UK home.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27If this was what their budget could achieve,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30was the right home going to be out of reach?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34The next house was in the area of Coombabah.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36It was close to the beach
0:09:36 > 0:09:39and had plenty of outdoor space for the Aussie lifestyle Craig wanted.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42After the disappointment of the first property,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45did this house lift their spirits?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48A lot smaller than the other one, isn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It isn't on par with what we've got at home.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Oh, dear. Again, another disappointing start.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56And the bedrooms didn't help.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- I can't believe how small the bedrooms are.- Yeah.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01I wouldn't be able to have a bedroom this size.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- But all the bedrooms are this size. - Yeah.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07If this is Australian life then you can keep it, cos I don't want it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Was there any chance of the price helping?
0:10:10 > 0:10:13With everyone so disheartened by the size of this house,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15was Craig's dream over?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It was time to find out what it was worth.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- BOTH:- 272.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27It was £22,000 over what they'd hoped to
0:10:27 > 0:10:29get for their home in the UK.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32When I think of what I could buy at home for that,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34it's just a no-brainer.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37I wouldn't feel happy living here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41I would... I would be on the first plane back home.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45With disappointment so far, Craig needed to find a house
0:10:45 > 0:10:49that his family could see themselves living in, and fast.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Everything hinged on the last property.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Returning to where they'd started,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58the last house was also in the Upper Coomera area.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01However, it was quite a different proposition from the first one.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04It was a new-build, on a new development
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and it was Craig's last chance of convincing the family.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10This is what I expected.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11Yes!
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- Oh!- Oh!
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Now you're talking. Wow.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21It seemed the Hoes had finally arrived.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23THEY GASP
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Oh, my goodness. - This is amazing, isn't it?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28LISA SIGHS
0:11:28 > 0:11:30With four bedrooms and two receptions,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33it sounded like this house was right up their street.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- I love it. This is the Aussie dream. - Yeah.- This is what we were thinking.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Defo.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Upstairs, things got even better.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Oh! This is my room!
0:11:47 > 0:11:51And Lisa found just what she'd always wanted.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- LISA GASPS - Walk-in wardrobe.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- THEY LAUGH - I am happy now.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58This is the dream house.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Suddenly, it seemed things were looking up.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Woohoo, look at this.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Had the Hoes finally found their dream house?
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- It's gorgeous.- Poppy, don't climb. - Look at the view.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- This is just, it's like another world.- It is like another world.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15This house had everyone singing to a very different
0:12:15 > 0:12:18tune from the first two, but could they afford it?
0:12:18 > 0:12:20If it was out of their reach,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Craig's hope of emigrating could have been over.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It was time to find out the price.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28I don't want to look.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30THEY GASP
0:12:30 > 0:12:34That was more than £70,000 over budget.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- I thought it would be a lot more than that, to be fair.- I did.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38A lot more.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Despite appearing to be out of reach,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44the Hoes were convinced this was the house for them.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48You always want to do better in life and the other houses weren't
0:12:48 > 0:12:52doing better, it was a step back, not a step forward.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- I'd move here tomorrow. - Me too.- I don't want to leave.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00It was a huge relief for Craig and a big comeback for his dream.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03I'm off the ropes, coming back fighting now.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05I'm happy.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07See you soon, house.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09HE CHUCKLES
0:13:09 > 0:13:12The first house was a bad start for everyone, even though
0:13:12 > 0:13:15it had a walk-in wardrobe.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19The second fared no better and didn't lift their spirits.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23But the third house was a completely different story and gave
0:13:23 > 0:13:28everyone fresh hope, although it could've been a struggle to afford.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Was Craig's hope of emigrating in with a fighting chance?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33It was time to find out.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37My vote goes to...
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- ALL:- Australia.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50It had been a great start for Craig,
0:13:50 > 0:13:54but his dream would come with a serious price tag if Ellie
0:13:54 > 0:13:57and Lisa wouldn't consider Australia without a dream house.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01And that meant Craig and Lisa had to find decent work prospects
0:14:01 > 0:14:02and salaries.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Being a self-employed plumber, Craig worked long hours, missing
0:14:09 > 0:14:13out on family life, something he was desperate to avoid in Australia.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17If it's the same amount of hours that I'm working back home,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21that's not going to give me the family time that I want.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25It's just geography, it's not going to make a better lifestyle for us.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29We arranged for Craig to work with Stuart, who had a similar
0:14:29 > 0:14:31business on the Gold Coast.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It was a day of getting back to basics.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37It's like the good old days, fetching and carrying.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- Lackey, eh?- Yeah, haven't been one of them for a while, it'll be good.- Unreal.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43It was fine doing this for a day,
0:14:43 > 0:14:47but Craig was concerned about the long-term prospects.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50If I did make the move over, would the job opportunities be there?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53At the moment, the way things are, I'd say it'll be pretty tough.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Once the housing picks up again, not a problem.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59That didn't sound great.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02In the UK, Lisa was a self-employed hairdresser.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04After her disappointment with property,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07what she could have earned could've made all the difference.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Yeah, I would put in the extra hours,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12just to have that walk-in wardrobe.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Lisa had a tryout at a large salon in a mall.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- Hi.- Hello.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It was quite different to what she was used to.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22So, Lisa, have you ever worked in a big chain before?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24No, I rent a chair in a salon.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29So I just pay rent and then whatever I earn is, you know, mine.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32The different working style also meant a difference in pay.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Is the wage pretty good? - Yeah, definitely.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39You know, from your first years, to your seniors,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43definitely between 15 to 20, I think, an hour.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47That was £10-12 an hour, a lot less than Lisa brought home in the UK.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50However, there was a silver lining.
0:15:50 > 0:15:56Price-wise, if you were to do a semi, how much would you charge?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59For that, you're probably looking at 99.95.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03In England, I would charge £45 for that,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06so it's like a £20 difference.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- OK.- So earning potential is obviously going to be more here.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- Definitely.- Which is good.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Thank you very much.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17That sounded more encouraging for Lisa.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Across town, Craig was finding out about his earning potential.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Salary-wise, do you know, roughly, what...?
0:16:24 > 0:16:27If... You'd probably get work, if you work for someone, you're
0:16:27 > 0:16:30probably looking at around 60 grand a year, something like that.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33That was around £37,000.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36More than Craig took home in the UK, but would it mean
0:16:36 > 0:16:40an end to the gruelling hours that came with being self-employed?
0:16:40 > 0:16:43If you want quality time with your wife and kids, probably
0:16:43 > 0:16:44- work for someone.- Yeah.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48And you'll probably start at seven, knock off at three, four o'clock.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- Yeah.- Your weekends are yours, your after-hours are yours.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55That was just what Craig wanted to hear.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- There she goes.- Lovely.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00First bit of Aussie plumbing.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Oh, sensational!
0:17:04 > 0:17:07So a good day for Craig, but how did Lisa vote after her first
0:17:07 > 0:17:11experience of work in Australia?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Based on the salon I was in today,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I would go with...
0:17:21 > 0:17:23..UK.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29The wages are a bit rubbish, really, compared to the UK.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32I prefer my salon.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36It was a setback for Craig's hopes of convincing Lisa to emigrate.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39How did he feel about working in Australia?
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Based on what I found out today, I'm voting for...
0:17:43 > 0:17:44Australia.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48For me to be able to finish work and have a happy medium with
0:17:48 > 0:17:51the family, it's just not possible at home.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53At the end of the day, it's going to be worth it.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The lure of more time with his family had persuaded Craig
0:17:56 > 0:17:58that Australia was the place to be,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01but he still had to convince Lisa.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10The promise of a better work-life balance had won Craig over,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13but Lisa's doubts were growing.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15She and Ellie both had concerns about a move.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20They decided to chat with others that had faced the same issues.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23The family set off to see the Wilsons, old friends who'd
0:18:23 > 0:18:27emigrated to Australia two years previously.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29They had laid on a traditional British welcome,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31with an Aussie twist.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Tea and cakes by the pool.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Thoughts soon turned to being so far from loved ones.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43My dad came over and I had to go to work the day he left, cos I
0:18:43 > 0:18:46could see in his eyes he was getting upset and I was, I just had to go.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52I can't imagine, like, you've left them and that would be really hard,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55then you get them back for a bit, and then they've got to go again.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57I just can't imagine.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00By the pool, Ellie shared her worries with Ruby.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04I'm just worried that I won't make friends if I do come here.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06I thought the same thing, like,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08"Oh, I'm never going to make any friends."
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Yeah.- But I did and they're really nice.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15At the table, Lisa's doubts were growing.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18You just do feel guilty, you do feel like...
0:19:18 > 0:19:20You'll have weeks where you'll be really good
0:19:20 > 0:19:25and you're on a bit of a high and then you'll go downhill.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27You're putting too much pressure on yourself
0:19:27 > 0:19:30and life is for living, at the end of the day.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32This is what it's all about.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34The visit to close friends had shown them the ups
0:19:34 > 0:19:36and downs of moving so far from home.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39But whether it had helped or hindered Craig's dream wasn't clear.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- See you soon.- Yeah, see you soon. See you, Craig.- Yeah, see you soon.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48As Lisa missed home,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52some quality time together could've been the perfect remedy.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54For the family,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57moving to Australia was about finding a better quality of life.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00If the Gold Coast delivered the lifestyle they wanted,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02it could've been a big step forward.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Come on, kids.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07They visited Corrumbin animal park, to see
0:20:07 > 0:20:10if Australia could give them the time together they desired.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17For the girls, it was a rare treat, not just because of the wildlife.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18DIDGERIDOO PLAYS WEAKLY
0:20:18 > 0:20:21It's really nice having time to spend with Dad,
0:20:21 > 0:20:26because we don't really get to do that.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31It seemed Craig's plan had worked, the day out won everyone over.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33To be here and to see all this
0:20:33 > 0:20:37and to see Craig with the girls has just been fantastic.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40I think I'd want to live in Australia.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44However, there were still worries about one member of the family.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49Ellie feels like she would be quashing our dreams, really.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52My dream is that we're all together and happy
0:20:52 > 0:20:55and we wouldn't be if one of us was at the other side of the world.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Ellie's doubts reminded the couple just how big a price
0:20:58 > 0:21:02they might have to pay if they did choose to make the move for good.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Australia.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- ALL:- Australia.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Whoo-hoo-hoo!
0:21:16 > 0:21:19You're just embarrassing, I knew you were going to do something.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21LISA CHANTS
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Even though she'd voted for the Australian lifestyle,
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Ellie still felt the weight of the decision riding on her shoulders.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32I feel a bit under pressure that it's about me.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37If I want to move, then they'll go, but if I don't want to,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39then they won't.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42It's a bit...daunting.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Experiencing the benefits of the Gold Coast lifestyle had
0:21:50 > 0:21:53given the Hoes' spirits a much-needed boost.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56It had given them a glimpse of a future
0:21:56 > 0:21:58they could've enjoyed as a family.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01However, Ellie's worries remained
0:22:01 > 0:22:03and there was another obstacle in their path.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07The Hoes' house in the UK was a modern, four-bedroom
0:22:07 > 0:22:10detached property they'd lovingly extended
0:22:10 > 0:22:14and believed to be worth around £250,000.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17They needed to get every penny to be able to afford
0:22:17 > 0:22:19the kind of house they wanted in Australia.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Two estate agents gave the family a professional valuation.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Lovely, remodelled kitchen, very clean lines.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Modern and contemporary.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33This is a very nice modern living space.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36The feature fire really sets the room off.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42Very nice, elegant bedroom, lovely decor.
0:22:42 > 0:22:48Wow, now this is a bathroom, absolutely fantastic.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51A lovely place to stretch out, fabulous.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53All my hard work there, look.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58I'd put it on the market for £195,000.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02And for a quick sale, I'd be looking between £180,000 and £185,000.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06It was over £50,000 less than they were hoping for.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07That's a shock, isn't it?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10In the current market place, I'd suggest an asking
0:23:10 > 0:23:14price of about £220,000,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18with for sale value, probably 210.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21I thought when we got it done before it was miles more than that?
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- It was.- It was but the house prices have dropped.- Oh, that's rubbish.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29The low value of their house was a real blow for the Hoes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Craig's dream life in Australia was left hanging in the balance.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36To see if there was any way of affording the move,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39we'd prepared a breakdown of living costs.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47There's nothing on here that is anywhere near the price,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51it's all at least double, if not triple.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53It's ridiculous.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55The day-to-day costs came in higher than back home.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Craig would've earned more in Australia,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00but how did the figures add up?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- Shall I press it?- Yeah.
0:24:05 > 0:24:12£1,670.58 overdrawn.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Doing the maths had highlighted just how difficult a move would be.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Could Lisa and Craig afford to live in Australia?
0:24:20 > 0:24:22It was time to vote on the cost of living.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Our vote goes to...
0:24:32 > 0:24:34..UK.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35UK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41I couldn't say Australia, because it doesn't make financial sense.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Yeah.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Seeing their living costs in black
0:24:48 > 0:24:51and white had shaken even Craig's confidence about making
0:24:51 > 0:24:55the move, but the biggest challenge facing the Hoes lay ahead,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58dealing with the pain of leaving loved ones behind.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02Lisa and Craig understood seeing messages from home could be
0:25:02 > 0:25:04a painful experience for the children,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07but they've decided to watch them together, as a family.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13- Hi!- Hi, guys. - Hope you're having a fantastic time.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Hi, guys, hope you're having the best ever time.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Ellie, the first-born, is just...
0:25:23 > 0:25:27I'm so proud of her, she's just... She's amazing.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33And Libby, she's just a miniature Lisa, loves adventure.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I couldn't wish for three more beautiful grandchildren.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41I was gutted to hear that they may be going to Australia to live.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46Obviously, I don't want them to. They're my world.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I'll miss them loads and loads.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55For my own reasons, you know I don't want you to go.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57I'll miss you all like crazy.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03- I love you all so much. - Love you all. Love you all lots.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Hey, bro, come back to England, mate.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16She's like my best friend.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21When I know that I'm not going to see you again,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24it really tears at my heart.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Well, Nana's just being silly again, as usual.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I do love you all so much.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40I can't go on.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45ELLIE CRIES
0:26:45 > 0:26:48THEY SNIFF
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Hearing from loved ones had been a harrowing reminder of all
0:26:57 > 0:26:59the Hoes stood to lose, if they chose to move.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01With their future in the balance,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04the family faced their final decision.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09It'd been a challenging week for everyone.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Craig and Lisa had fallen for the lifestyle
0:27:11 > 0:27:13they could lead in Australia.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15But, as their final vote approached,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17were they certain where their future lay?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20For Craig, it was all about a better family life.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25I feel guilty that, when we're back in the UK, I don't get to
0:27:25 > 0:27:27spend as much quality time with them that I'd like.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31But Ellie was afraid of leaving behind the people she loved.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35It's not just round the corner, it's the other side of the world.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39I don't really know what I'd do without my friends that I've got now.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41And Lisa felt stuck in the middle.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46I do feel really torn between the UK and Oz.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49You know, Craig really wants this,
0:27:49 > 0:27:53but I feel torn between Australia and the life I've got.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56So, after a week of tough choices,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59when it came to the final decision, which way did they vote?
0:28:03 > 0:28:06We've had a brilliant week. We've had our highs, we've had our lows.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09So, on that, I'm voting for...
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Australia.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12- POPPY AND LIBBY:- Australia.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Australia.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Australia.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- What's the matter? - I just feel really bad.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Why?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31I don't know, I just feel really torn.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38I'm surprised with your vote, obviously,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40but I'm glad you're willing to give it a try.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42And I love you.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Lisa and Craig seemed united in their thoughts about what was
0:28:59 > 0:29:01best for their girls.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Four years on, it's time to find out
0:29:04 > 0:29:07whether they actually went ahead with the move.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11It's May 2015 and the Hoes are living in...
0:29:12 > 0:29:15..Australia!
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Craig was delighted when his family voted in favour of making
0:29:18 > 0:29:21his long-held dream finally come true.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It was a bit of a relief, really,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26cos I'd dragged everybody to the other side of the world.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28It was my dream
0:29:28 > 0:29:31and I was expecting everybody else to jump on board with it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Arriving home from their trial week,
0:29:34 > 0:29:38before they committed to spending money on a visa, the family
0:29:38 > 0:29:41sat down to make sure everyone really was on the same page.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44We said, "If we're doing this,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47"we all have to agree that we're doing this."
0:29:47 > 0:29:51We said, "If there's anybody that doesn't want to go, say now."
0:29:51 > 0:29:53And everybody said they wanted to go.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Unbeknown to Craig, Lisa was harbouring doubts,
0:29:56 > 0:30:00but went ahead, knowing how passionate he was about the move.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05You know, I just kept going forward and thinking, "It's something
0:30:05 > 0:30:10"Craig wants to do, it'd be good for the girls, it's a good opportunity.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12"Let's just try."
0:30:12 > 0:30:16The only way I could get through it was to say in my head,
0:30:16 > 0:30:17"I'm going for two years.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21"I'll give it two years and I'll see how I get on."
0:30:21 > 0:30:24The couple set about selling their family home.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28For Lisa, it was a diversion from her worries about emigrating.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31The challenge of selling your home, packing it all up into a box,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35you know, all that then kicked in and I went into that
0:30:35 > 0:30:40mode of keeping busy and organising this for my family.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43With their move just weeks away,
0:30:43 > 0:30:45the family moved in with Craig's mum, Elaine.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48But tragic news was to delay their departure.
0:30:48 > 0:30:54And then we got the call to say that the cancer had come with Elaine.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57It was like someone pulled the rug from under your feet.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00It was just devastating. It's the worst thing someone could tell you.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Craig's mum had suffered from cancer for years,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06but, with her condition worsening, the family
0:31:06 > 0:31:10stayed on for another four months, until she was given the all-clear.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12That was hard as well, when we left.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Leaving her, knowing what she'd been through.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17It was just horrible, wasn't it?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- LISA SIGHS - Driving off the drive and just...
0:31:19 > 0:31:20CRAIG SIGHS
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Not everyone was excited at the prospect of their new life, though.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27I just got cold feet, in a way,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30because I didn't think it would be so soon.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Ellie was torn, but went along with the move to keep her dad happy.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Moving to Australia was my dad's dream and I respected that
0:31:37 > 0:31:40and that's why I wanted to give it a try.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Part of me did, part of me
0:31:42 > 0:31:45still wanted to be in the UK with my family and my friends,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49but I knew that it was something I had to do.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Finally, in April 2013,
0:31:54 > 0:31:59the family jetted off to start their new life on Queensland's Gold Coast.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07The harsh reality of starting from scratch soon hit home.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13To arrive in a country with no job, no house,
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- no furniture.- No car.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19So it was like, "Right, what do we do?"
0:32:19 > 0:32:22The first thing we needed to get sorted, really,
0:32:22 > 0:32:27was Craig's licence and for him to get out to work as soon as possible.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30You literally start haemorrhaging money from the minute you
0:32:30 > 0:32:33touch down.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Securing a job for Craig wasn't as easy as the couple hoped.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Finding out that he couldn't have a full plumbing licence and
0:32:39 > 0:32:44that he needed to go on restricted was another...a blow, yeah.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Plumbers are on the skills shortage list,
0:32:46 > 0:32:50but, then when you get here, they won't give you the licence to work.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53You just keep banging your head on different walls.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Craig did find work on a casual basis,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58but, though it was close to home, the pay was low.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02I was working for a plumber, I was doing quite a lot of the local
0:33:02 > 0:33:07coffee shops and new petrol stations and the like.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It helped settle in.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13The family's first five weeks were spent staying with friends.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16But, with limited space, tensions ran high and Ellie,
0:33:16 > 0:33:18in particular, suffered from homesickness.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23It seemed to be like we were arguing a lot,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26because it was, kind of, on top of each other.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31It takes a lot to do it, to move here. It's so hard.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33It was so hard.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35When they finally found a house to rent,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38the family couldn't wait to settle.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41We were so excited about getting this house and moving in.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44This was when, you know, this was it.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46It was going to all be good from then on.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49So, yeah, that was a massive relief, once we'd found our own place.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54But, on the night they moved in, Ellie dropped a bombshell.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Ellie just said, "You know what? I don't even want to be here.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58"I want to go back."
0:33:58 > 0:34:01And, virtually, begged us.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05I just knew how I felt and I knew that I had to go back.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07It was just something I had to do.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13And then the next day is when she flew back to the UK.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Waving goodbye to her daughter was hard for Lisa.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I drove her to the airport.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I don't know how I drove her there
0:34:21 > 0:34:24and I certainly don't know how I got back in one piece.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I cried the whole way back.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30She was 18, but she was still our baby, you know.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34It was almost like you were grieving, she was gone.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37It was like she'd died, it was awful.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41# When that hurt gets thrown
0:34:41 > 0:34:45# Don't you know this life... #
0:34:51 > 0:34:53With Ellie gone, it was a tough time
0:34:53 > 0:34:57and their furniture being delayed on its way from the UK didn't help.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01We had to buy all outdoor furniture,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03which we were using as indoor furniture.
0:35:03 > 0:35:0510 weeks on an airbed, all of us.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09We were literally camping inside of this lovely house.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13You're waking up at two o'clock in the morning, the airbed's gone flat.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15You're waiting for your furniture to come, you're just,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19"What are we doing? What are we doing here?"
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Soon, Lisa's own doubts and anxieties came to the surface
0:35:21 > 0:35:23once more.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26I literally went to the doctor's, I was having pains in my chest.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I thought I was having a heart attack
0:35:28 > 0:35:31and apparently it was a panic attack, I'd never had one,
0:35:31 > 0:35:34I'd never experienced anything like that before.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36But worse was to come.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39While out in their new car, Lisa met the full force of Australia's
0:35:39 > 0:35:42sometimes savage weather.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44I'd just picked the children up from school,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- the sky just went dark and green. - It just went bright green.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Everyone starts to run for cover and these hailstones,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53the size of a golf ball, started to come down.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55There was people's windscreens smashing.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59This brand-new car that we'd just spent a lot of money on was
0:35:59 > 0:36:02just getting smashed to pieces.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07I got back and I rang the insurance and started crying!
0:36:07 > 0:36:12Every time we said, "It can't get any worse", it usually did.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15And things went from bad to worse.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Just two months after arriving,
0:36:17 > 0:36:21Craig received the devastating news his mum's cancer had worsened.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25It's just horrific.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29One of the most important people in your life and then to turn round
0:36:29 > 0:36:32and say that they're ill and you're at the other side of the world.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34It's just heartbreaking.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Quietly, I could see he was freaking out, you know.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43I think even he was ready to throw in the towel, at this point.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Craig and Lisa made the journey back to the UK to say their farewells.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52After leaving Mum in hospital, saying goodbye to her was...
0:36:52 > 0:36:53It was just...
0:36:53 > 0:36:58It was just horrendous. I don't know how we did it, to be fair.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06And she's sat in a chair and she's saying, "Go, it's OK, you go."
0:37:06 > 0:37:11She blew us a kiss and it was like she knew, she said, "I love you."
0:37:11 > 0:37:14It was the hardest thing I've ever done.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17The hardest thing, by far, leaving,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20knowing that we were never ever going to see her again.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24A month after returning to Australia,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26came the call Craig had been fearing most.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30And then I got the phone call to say that my mam had passed away.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37We actually got to watch the funeral on a live stream.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42Watching your mum's funeral from the other side of the world was...
0:37:42 > 0:37:46It was just, again,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48one of those days you didn't think would ever happen.
0:37:48 > 0:37:54You just want to be there and hug them
0:37:54 > 0:37:58and, you know, help out with everything. It just...
0:37:58 > 0:38:01That feeling of letting everyone down is awful.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08And just when things were at their bleakest came the ultimate
0:38:08 > 0:38:10kick in the teeth.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15The guy that he was working for lost his contract,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18so, when we got back, Craig didn't have a job to come back to.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Craig secured another job,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23but the pay wasn't enough to keep the family going.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Lisa hit rock bottom and issued Craig with an ultimatum,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30if their financial situation didn't improve in eight weeks,
0:38:30 > 0:38:32they'd be flying home.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36I, basically, said to Craig,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40the run up to this Christmas, "If things aren't better
0:38:40 > 0:38:44"by the time the house is up for renewal, we're gone, we're leaving."
0:38:44 > 0:38:47I had to start then looking for work.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Still doing the job I was doing, but then looking all the time
0:38:50 > 0:38:53to try and find another job.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56All the hardship they'd endured, on top of Lisa's homesickness,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59became too much to bear.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02I felt like it was working for Craig and the girls,
0:39:02 > 0:39:03but it wasn't working for me.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08And the pull of home was far outweighing
0:39:08 > 0:39:11the beauty of Australia.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14For me, that was, basically, I think
0:39:14 > 0:39:18it was the kick up the backside that I needed, to be fair,
0:39:18 > 0:39:22to push and get something better.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Craig was offered a better paid contract,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27but it was only short-term.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31Though it could have become more permanent, there was no guarantee.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Craig was really worried and said,
0:39:35 > 0:39:37"Well, this job that I've got now is long-term."
0:39:37 > 0:39:41And I said, "You're not listening. This isn't long-term.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43"I'm not going to be here long-term.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45"You've only got eight weeks left in this country anyway,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48"so give it a go.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51"If this job works out and you do end up with something,
0:39:51 > 0:39:55"then it's your shot at staying, but, I'm telling you now, I am not
0:39:55 > 0:39:58"staying, if nothing's changed in eight weeks' time, we are leaving."
0:39:58 > 0:40:01But the job worked out better than Craig had dared hope.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05I got there, absolutely loved it.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08So then after the eight weeks, they basically turned round
0:40:08 > 0:40:10and said, "Look, we want to give you a job, we want to keep you."
0:40:10 > 0:40:16And now, well, I've been there since then and it's just been great.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20Finally, life down under seemed to be picking up.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24Craig's role is with a petrochemical maintenance company
0:40:24 > 0:40:26and his shifts mean he's finally got the time together
0:40:26 > 0:40:30with his family he wanted so badly.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Every other Monday, I get off.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34So we spend the weekends with the girls,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37but then Craig and I actually get a day together, just us...
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- Yeah.- ..which is really bizarre.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44So every other Monday's like our date day, we go out for the day.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47And he gets to pick us up from school, it's a lot better.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Yeah, it's a lot better, because when we ask him to come
0:40:51 > 0:40:55to places now, he can come.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57The girls are also thriving.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03Poppy's school captain, she's dancing, she's enjoying her dance.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08Libby's school council leader, she's singing.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13In 2014, the family moved into a new luxury home, with pool,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15in the suburb of Upper Coomera.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Their new life seemed complete, but, without Ellie, there was
0:41:19 > 0:41:22always a part of the jigsaw missing.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24It did make me feel more settled for a while,
0:41:24 > 0:41:29but my home wasn't complete without all my kids in it.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Life without Ellie in the house, you know,
0:41:32 > 0:41:36for a long time I put out five dinner plates on an evening.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38And then I'd get upset that one was empty.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43But more good news was on the horizon.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47Just a month ago, Ellie returned to give Australia another go.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Coming back to Australia and being reunited with my mum,
0:41:53 > 0:41:58dad and sisters was the best feeling in the world.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03It really was, it was just lovely.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08When Ellie finally came back, it was brilliant. It felt like...
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- It just felt like everything was falling into place, at last.- Yeah.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Everything was starting to work out
0:42:14 > 0:42:17and we could actually start living here.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19The last two years have been hard.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23When you actually explain to people what's happened, it's like it's
0:42:23 > 0:42:27happened to someone else, cos so many bad things have happened.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Really, does that really happen to one family?
0:42:30 > 0:42:32But after everything they've been through,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35the family are optimistic about their future down under.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38It does have its constant highs and lows.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43But, eventually, the highs do outweigh the lows.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I'm starting to feel now like it's been worth it, you know.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50It's...
0:42:50 > 0:42:54It's only just started to feel like it was worth it.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02It may have taken a while, but, at long last, the entire Hoe
0:43:02 > 0:43:07family are back together and all set to make the most of life down under.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10We wish them every continued happiness
0:43:10 > 0:43:12and all the best for the future.