0:00:02 > 0:00:05If your marriage was at breaking point because of your partner's job,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08how far would you go to save it?
0:00:08 > 0:00:12One woman feels her only option is to uproot her family
0:00:12 > 0:00:16and start a new life nearly 9,000 miles away.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19But will life in Australia really be any different?
0:00:20 > 0:00:22With dad Simon hardly home,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25the Holroyds' relationship is in serious trouble.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- TEARFUL:- To be honest, me and Simon have come to the end of the road.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32When a week in Australia shows moving there could be the answer...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35When I'm not away, it's bliss, cos there's never no arguments.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38It's just been amazing, it has been great to spend some time together.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42..will Helen be brave enough to sacrifice relationships in the UK...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45I feel torn, I feel like I have got to choose between
0:00:45 > 0:00:47you and the kids or my mum.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50..to secure the family life they are desperate for?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It is just such a difficult...
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Why does Australia have to be on the other side of the world?
0:01:20 > 0:01:23More than 30 times bigger than the UK and the sixth largest country
0:01:23 > 0:01:27in the world, Australia is a nation built on immigration.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30With the warm climate, cosmopolitan cities
0:01:30 > 0:01:34and an estimated 50% of the population living less than
0:01:34 > 0:01:37five miles from the coast, it is easy to see why
0:01:37 > 0:01:41thousands of British families emigrate each year,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44in search of their happy ever after in the sunshine.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50Simon Holroyd is living away from his family five days a week,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53leaving wife Helen juggling work with childcare
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and the pair's relationship in ruins.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00All the couple want is some semblance of a family life,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and Helen has come up with a drastic solution -
0:02:03 > 0:02:06moving halfway around the world to Australia.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Ahead of the Holroyds lies a week to discover
0:02:09 > 0:02:13if the country is the answer to their problems and can save their marriage.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Their journey begins with almost 22 hours in the air,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24flying from Manchester to Brisbane via Dubai.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25And dad Simon is relieved
0:02:25 > 0:02:29when they finally touch down in Australia for the first time.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32I'm absolutely worn out. This one was sleeping on my lap.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Yeah, and she was snoring. You were snoring!
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- You were!- You were snoring!
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Harry has already spotted a difference from home.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43To be honest, it's a really hot country.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46And Helen admits she's feeling overwhelmed.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48I don't know how I feel.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I'm excited to be here, but I am nervous, I am scared.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54It's decision time, isn't it?
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Helen is absolutely right.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Ahead of the family lies a week that could change their lives for ever.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Meet the Holroyds from West Yorkshire.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08They are dad Simon, mum Helen,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12eight-year-old Harry and five-year-old Alexa.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14- Yes!- Aah!
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Simon and Helen met in 2006, and after a whirlwind romance,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20were engaged five months later.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Our relationship when we first got together was brilliant, wasn't it?
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Simon's job as a full-time welder often took him away from home,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32but becoming parents a year later made the time apart harder to handle.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34I knew you worked away and I was fine with that,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38but as soon as we had Harry, that's when it all changed.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Simon swapped welding for a job closer to home
0:03:44 > 0:03:46in an attempt to be around more.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49And I loved that because you were at home every day.
0:03:49 > 0:03:50He was at home for his tea every night.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53But the money just didn't work for us, did it?
0:03:53 > 0:03:55After me first month it was basically...
0:03:55 > 0:03:56What you earn in a week.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59What I could earn near enough in a week from doing the job
0:03:59 > 0:04:00which I do now.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03With two children to feed, Simon returned to welding,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and for the past five months he has worked
0:04:06 > 0:04:09in central London from Monday to Friday every week.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15My alarm goes off Monday morning at 2.15, I generally leave the house
0:04:15 > 0:04:20about 2.45, travel down to London, work until six o'clock at night.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21It is horrendous, to be honest.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24While Simon grafts down south, Helen relies on her mum's help
0:04:24 > 0:04:28as she juggles work with looking after Harry and Alexa.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32But despite the support, she is fed up being on her own.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33I get irritated having to do
0:04:33 > 0:04:35everything by myself all of the time.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38The bills, the shopping - everything.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39It is like being a single mum.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43I know a lot of people who are in the same boat,
0:04:43 > 0:04:44people that are single.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47But I am not single, and it is not how it should be.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54And Harry and Alexa are missing time with their dad.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58I miss Daddy, because he works away every day of the week.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Simon is exhausted by the time the weekend comes,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07and the ongoing situation is putting his and Helen's relationship at risk.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13They have arguments sometimes because he doesn't come home
0:05:13 > 0:05:16and she wants to see him more.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- I have just had enough of it. I just can't stand it.- I know.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25The situation has got so bad that Helen is even questioning
0:05:25 > 0:05:28whether her and Simon have a future together.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I just sometimes think that rather than going through
0:05:30 > 0:05:34all of the heartache, it might be easier if we're not together.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36SHE SNIFFS
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Obviously I don't want to split up, I love him to death, but...
0:05:41 > 0:05:43..something's got to change.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44Before it's too late.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Inspired by stories from friends who have made the move,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Helen now thinks Australia could be the answer to the problem.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Obviously, we want to go for the nice things, the weather and stuff,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59but the main thing for me is just having you
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- come home every day.- Yeah.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04That's why I want to go to Australia,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07because I want you to be able to come home all the time.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11Moving nearly 9,000 miles is an extreme solution,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15but Simon's willing to do whatever it takes to keep his family together.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I do love my wife and kids so much,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19and this is one of the only ways
0:06:19 > 0:06:22we're going to be able to spend that quality time together.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25But much as she is desperate for change, Helen is also
0:06:25 > 0:06:29torn at the prospect of being on the other side of the world from her mum.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32I just don't how I would cope not having her on the doorstep.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36She means the world to me, and I just don't know if I could.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40I feel torn, I feel like I've got to choose between
0:06:40 > 0:06:42you and the kids, or my mum.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44And it's awful.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48It's a heartbreaking choice, but after eight years of Simon
0:06:48 > 0:06:51coming and going, the couple are pinning all their hopes on Australia
0:06:51 > 0:06:54giving them the answers they need.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58We're not really expecting miracles,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01but anything has got to be better than the current situation.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05The way that it has been, we could end up splitting up, I don't know.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I'm just praying that Australia...
0:07:08 > 0:07:09HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:07:09 > 0:07:11..works out how we want it to.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25For their trial week down under, the family are staying in
0:07:25 > 0:07:28a rented property in Coolum Beach,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31on the north end of Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34It's a quiet area popular with young families,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36but will it be what the Holroyds had in mind?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- In you go.- A swimming pool!
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Oh, wow.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- It's a good start. - Imagine having this to live in.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- I know.- That is so nice. Patio doors.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47- GASPING:- Harry!
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Big barbecue!- Guess what we're having for tea?
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- AUSTRALIAN ACCENT:- Shrimps on the barbie!- "Shrimps on the barbie"!
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Alexa has already got the lingo.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Inside, their home for the week looks perfect.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- Wow.- Big open-plan.- That what you want?- Yeah. Look at the kitchen.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Come and have a look at the kitchen.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Helen is happy with her first glimpse of Australian living.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13And as they check out the rest of the house,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Simon admits he is impressed, too.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Unbelievable. Massive.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Tour over, Simon and the children waste no time getting into the pool,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25and Helen's quickly reminded of why she is considering moving
0:08:25 > 0:08:27so far from home.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Seeing Simon and the kids like this is amazing,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31it's what I have wanted for such a long time.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35It is probably the happiest I have seen him in a long time,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39because he is fed up with his lifestyle at home. Hates it.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41This is perfect, this is what we want,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44this is why we have come to Australia.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46They have only been here a few hours
0:08:46 > 0:08:48but Simon is already seeing the benefits.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50To me and Helen, it would just mean the world.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52That is what we are searching for, really,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54some quality time together.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58But it is not long before Helen is reminded of reality.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03Living a lifestyle like this will mean leaving her mum behind.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08I would find it hard leaving my mum, but I have got to think of us.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Difficult choices lie ahead, but, ultimately, Helen knows
0:09:12 > 0:09:16her and Simon's future happiness is riding on the next seven days.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21To be honest, me and Simon have come to the end of the road.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23If we don't...
0:09:23 > 0:09:26If we don't do this, I don't know what is going to happen.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Back in the UK, Helen and Simon
0:09:39 > 0:09:43rent a three-bed townhouse in Cottingley, West Yorkshire.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45And they have clear ideas of what
0:09:45 > 0:09:47they would be looking for in Australia.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Four bedrooms, open-plan, lots of space.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51A garage, that would be nice as well,
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- because we have always wanted a garage.- Yeah.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54Just to put your junk in.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57South-facing garden for the barbecues in the summer.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Obviously, I would like the swimming pool, but that is not...
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- That's a bonus, isn't it? - It's not on my list.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06With a maximum budget of £12,000 for rent each month,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08a swimming pool might be out of the question,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10but Helen is prepared to compromise.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Property is important, but...
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- ..it's more important that you come home every day.- Yeah.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20To find out what kind of house they could actually have in Australia,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24today we will show them three properties - two on budget
0:10:24 > 0:10:26and a third which could be their dream home.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Only after they have seen each one will they find out its value.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33First stop is Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37just an hour's drive from Queensland's capital city, Brisbane.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40This family-friendly suburb has shops and schools on the doorstep
0:10:40 > 0:10:43and is just ten minutes' drive from the beach,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46but will this three-bedroom house be to the family's taste?
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Ooh.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- It's got carpet, as well. - Brilliant carpet.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04Helen is obviously a carpet fan, but what does she make of the kitchen?
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Oh, this is gorgeous! I could live in this.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Couldn't you?- Yeah.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12The open-plan living area ticks another box,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15but will outside have the space they want?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- All the gardens are so big, aren't they?- The amount of land you get.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Do you like it? Do you like this house?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It's lovely. Compared to what we have got back home...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29SIMON SCOFFS THEY BOTH LAUGH
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- We could get a dog, as well. - As long as you walk it.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32HELEN LAUGHS
0:11:32 > 0:11:34If you are home every night,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37you will have plenty of time to take the dog out, Simon.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Meantime, the spacious master gives Helen something else
0:11:41 > 0:11:43to get excited about.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44HELEN GASPS
0:11:44 > 0:11:45A big walk-in wardrobe!
0:11:45 > 0:11:47SIMON LAUGHS
0:11:47 > 0:11:48I have always wanted a walk-in wardrobe.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51And next door, something to make Alexa smile, too.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Ah!
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Aww. Aww, that's nice, int' it?
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Little girl's room. - So will this do for you, Harry?
0:12:01 > 0:12:03HELEN LAUGHS HARRY MUMBLES UNHAPPILY
0:12:03 > 0:12:06They might need to negotiate on the decor to get Harry signed up,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09but moving on, the bathroom is a talking point.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Do you know what else I have noticed?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The bathrooms are separate to the toilets, which is brilliant.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17It's not massive, but it is nice.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Even with a tiny bath,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24this house hasn't pulled the plug on the family moving.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29But with £1,200 for rent every month, can they afford something like this?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- How much do you think it is worth? - 1,100.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- What about you, Alexa?- Eh...£1,000.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41£1,000 and £1,100. I'm going to say...
0:12:41 > 0:12:42I don't know!
0:12:42 > 0:12:44..about 950?
0:12:44 > 0:12:50- I would say about 900.- £900. - £900 a month, yes.- Right.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00HELEN GASPS
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Wow.- 890!- That's cheaper than we thought.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08Gosh. You can have something like this for that. That's amazing.
0:13:08 > 0:13:14- That is unbelievable, that.- I think that is very doable.- Yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Shall we go and see what else there is?
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- Yeah.- What else we can afford. I'm excited about it.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- Shall we go?- Come on, then.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25£300 under budget is a great start,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28and Helen is encouraged about the kind of house they could have.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33This is going to be really nice.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Hopefully, the next place will prove a hit, too.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Also situated in Sippy Downs, this traditional four-bedroom house
0:13:40 > 0:13:43promises plenty of what Helen and Simon desire.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45This looks nice.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Nice big double garage there.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Ooh.- They did want a garage.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Stepping inside, Helen feels at home straightaway.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- This is gorgeous.- You have got your little carpeted room.- Yeah.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I love carpet, I would have to have carpet.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- It's a British thing. I bet this is more money.- Do you think?- Yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- We have only looked in one room. - It just looks expensive.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Fair point, Simon. Now, what about that garage?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12And this is what we have always wanted, a big double garage!
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- This is as big as our living area at home.- It's bigger.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17And what do you think to this, Harry?
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Yeah, would you like a boat? - Would you like a boat?
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- You'd be able to catch sharks.- Sharks?
0:14:22 > 0:14:23No, they're not big enough.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25SIMON SHUDDERS
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Hopefully, there are no hidden dangers in the rest of the house.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Oh, this is gorgeous!
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I hate cooking, but I would probably quite like it here.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- I would enjoy it more.- Is that a promise, is it?- Well, no, but...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40We'll see.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42With Simon hopefully home for tea every night,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Helen could find herself busy in the kitchen.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Meanwhile, there is still more to check out.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Ohh, what?- It's gorgeous.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53A dressing room again.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57This must be an Aussie thing, having dressing rooms. It's got to be.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00You wouldn't need that, because you don't have much clothes, do you?
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- No.- I could have it. - Pair of shorts, T-shirt.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- I can't believe the size of this house.- I know.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11It's definitely not short on space, and when Helen spots
0:15:11 > 0:15:15a potential room for her mum, it's the icing on the cake.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- This is Mum's style, this.- Yeah.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I think if I got Mum to come out here and we were living here,
0:15:20 > 0:15:21she wouldn't go back home!
0:15:21 > 0:15:24And just when they thought things couldn't get any better -
0:15:24 > 0:15:26a garden with a pool.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Oh, my God, I could cry.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32This is just the sort of thing we would want to come out here for.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- It's amazing.- Definitely, yeah.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- We won't be able to afford this, I don't think.- No.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- This is going to cost a fortune.- No way.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- I want it.- Do you?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I loved the other house, but I love this even more.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Helen has really fallen for this house, but before she gets
0:15:48 > 0:15:52too carried away, it is time to find out how much it costs.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- If we could get something like this, I'm coming. Definitely.- Yeah?
0:15:56 > 0:15:57It's a no-brainer.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01The couple have £1,200 for rent every month.
0:16:01 > 0:16:08I have got in my head, about, English pounds, about 1,350.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Maybe more.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- Maybe about 1,200.- 1,200?- Yeah.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17How much do you think it is worth, Alexa?
0:16:17 > 0:16:20£199.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Whoa, we are definitely moving in, then.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25That is cheap! What about you, Harry?
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- Erm...- Do you think it is more than the other one or less?- 1,250.- Right.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- OK, do you want to turn it round, Harry?- Yeah.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- Oh, my God!- I was so close!
0:16:44 > 0:16:49- You're joking.- 1,165. Unbelievable.- Innit?
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Flippin' 'eck.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- That is amazing. Wow.- Yeah? - I'm really shocked.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I know, yeah.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01The Holroyds are having a great day so far, and it is not over yet.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02This has been a bit nice.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04SIMON LAUGHS
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Next stop is Buderim, a small town
0:17:08 > 0:17:11overlooking the southern Sunshine Coast.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14With excellent schools and close to retail and leisure facilities,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18the area is increasingly popular with families.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21But will this three-storey house hit the spot?
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Wow. Goodness me.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Spacious and modern, this place is a real show home.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Wow.- This is unreal.- It's massive.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36SIMON LAUGHS INCREDULOUSLY
0:17:36 > 0:17:38This is like where someone famous would live.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Helen is imagining a celebrity lifestyle,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and spotting a hot tub certainly helps.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Can you imagine getting in this on a night?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- HARRY:- Every day. - Every day?
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Boasting extensive gardens, there's plenty of room for outside living.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Look at the garden.- You could have a golf course in there.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00That might be a bit ambitious, maybe a pitch-and-putt course
0:18:00 > 0:18:01for Harry and Alexa?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04They would have a whale of a time, in all the woods and stuff.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06This IS going to be expensive.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07- EXHALING:- Heh.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11But when they move back inside, Helen casts cost concerns aside
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and starts to worry about how big the house really is.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19This is a bit...too big. Maybe. I don't know.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- A lot of cleaning. - SHE CHUCKLES
0:18:23 > 0:18:27It's a valid point, and there is more to look after upstairs.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- ALEXA:- This bedroom.- Oh, wow.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32This will be the master bedroom up here.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33My God!
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Just the standard of everything is so much better than back home,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- isn't it?- I think so.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43This house has definitely impressed Helen and Simon,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45but will its price tag put it out of reach?
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- I like this one the best.- Do you?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Because it has got a really big garden.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Yeah, I knew you would like the garden.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- They can run wild out there, can't they?- It's got a hot tub.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58It is nice, and it has got amazing views, as well.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Yeah, that is stunning.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Personally, I think it is going to be way over our budget.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Yeah. Alexa, how much do you think this one would be?
0:19:06 > 0:19:09£3,080.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- £3,080?! - What about you, Harry?- £1,400.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- I will go with 15. - I would say more. 17.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22ALL: One, two, three!
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- THEY GASP - 1,630.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Mmm. - ALEXA:- Have we got enough money?
0:19:29 > 0:19:30SIMON LAUGHS
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- I think that is a bit over.- More than £400 over budget
0:19:33 > 0:19:36makes this house something to aspire to,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39but Helen and Simon aren't too disappointed.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Personally...- No, I know.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- ..I preferred the other house a lot more, and it's cheaper.- Yeah.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Discovering the local property market has been a largely
0:19:49 > 0:19:51positive experience for the Holroyds.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Property one didn't have the four bedrooms the family are after,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56but it was well within budget.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Property two was a real hit, with the pool Helen wanted
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and at a price they could afford.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05And delivering the wow factor,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09the final property of the day was the ultimate dream home.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Even discovering it was over budget wasn't enough to
0:20:12 > 0:20:14dampen Helen's spirits.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16So, how will the Holroyds vote
0:20:16 > 0:20:20when it comes to choosing between property in Australia and the UK?
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- Shall we vote for where we want to live, here or in the UK?- Yeah!
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- Let's go for it.- Let's go.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42ALL: Australia!
0:20:43 > 0:20:47HELEN AND KIDS: Yay!
0:20:47 > 0:20:49High-five!
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- That second house that we saw, with the swimming pool.- Yeah.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54That is ideal, and we could have Mum come and stay,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57she could come and stay for probably three, four, six months, whatever.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Three, four or six?- Well, six.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01She'd have her own little area.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03I would let her come for a few months a year,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- but I don't know about... - You won't have any choice.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10I get my own way all the time.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22With a unanimous vote for Australia,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25the Holroyds' week has got off to a promising start.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28But Simon and Helen both know the Australia dream
0:21:28 > 0:21:32could quickly fade if Simon can't find a job that enables him
0:21:32 > 0:21:35to be home every night and fund the lifestyle they want.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Back in the UK, Simon is away from home every Monday to Friday,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44working as an arc welder.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46I really enjoy me job, I do.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49When I started doing the job, I was single,
0:21:49 > 0:21:54obviously, working away from home, it was brilliant.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59But now with a family, the single most important thing is Simon
0:21:59 > 0:22:01being able to do the same job closer to home.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04I don't mind doing a lot of hours, as long as I could get to
0:22:04 > 0:22:06go home on a night to spend time with my family.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08That's the whole point of this.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Helen has worked as everything from shop assistant to air hostess.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Now a classroom assistant, she has finally found a job she loves,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18but she is prepared to put family above work.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22The most important thing for us is for Simon to get the correct job.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24I am willing to sacrifice my job for us
0:22:24 > 0:22:27to have the family life that we have wanted.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33With so much at stake, the couple are nervous about what a day
0:22:33 > 0:22:36exploring Brisbane's job market might bring.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42At the end of the day, it's a make or break, Simon's job.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44We need to find out what the wage is going to be like,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48if there is much work for me out here. Hopefully, there is.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51The majority of skilled workers on the Sunshine Coast
0:22:51 > 0:22:53commute to Brisbane.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So, we have arranged for Simon to meet Joe and Martin Lewandowski
0:22:56 > 0:23:02at their industrial welding firm on the south side of the city.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Simon.- Hello.- Martin. Nice to meet you.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Nice to meet you, Martin, I'm Simon.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- This is Joe, the director. - All right?
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Before getting down to business, the guys show Simon around.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Australian standards is higher standards, you know,
0:23:15 > 0:23:16than British standards.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Really?- The pressure's on for Simon to make an impression.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Meanwhile, Helen is meeting
0:23:22 > 0:23:25teacher's aide Helen Greoff at Matt Flinders Anglican College in Buderim.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- It is absolutely huge, this place. - It is a big place.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- All the facilities here are pretty good.- Yeah. It's fantastic.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39So much different to where I come from, completely.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42It's a good start for Helen, but back at the welding company,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Simon's isn't as promising.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50What I see, you have just only very basic welding.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56- From your experience, you are more structural tradesman.- Right.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00We do some structure, all right? But it is minimal, the structure.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07His skills may not be a perfect fit for this company,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10but Martin reassures him all is not lost.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12There is a place here for everybody.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17If we do take you on, we could get you to do TA work,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20or labour around the yard, or in the workshop.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24You know, we could ease you into the welding side of things.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25Slowly, yeah.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Simon could work here as a trade's assistant while upgrading his skills.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33But how would that affect the family financially?
0:24:33 > 0:24:38So, if, erm, you were to give me an opportunity,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41what would the wage expectations be?
0:24:41 > 0:24:47A first start, you would be looking at probably 22 to 24,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49because we have to really invest it with you.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53The hourly rate would give him an annual salary of around £25,000,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56but that would increase once fully trained.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Then you would probably look at
0:25:01 > 0:25:06- between 28 and 38.- Right.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Even long-term, Simon's salary is only slightly more than what
0:25:10 > 0:25:12he already earns, but the big difference would be that he is
0:25:12 > 0:25:15able to go home when his day's work is done.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I just want to be at home, I don't want to work away any more.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21If you do get work here with us,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24then you will be with your wife and kids.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It is exactly the news Simon wanted to receive,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29and should make Helen very happy, too.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30Back at the college,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33she is getting a handle on her own prospects down under.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38So, what kinds of qualifications would you need?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Most teacher assistants here have a TAFE qualification.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43And is that something that I could do over here?
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- You definitely could.- Yeah.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49And you might even find that you would get recognition for
0:25:49 > 0:25:51your experience and the other course that
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- you have already done.- Right.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Qualifying could take up to two years, but Helen is not put off.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00What we would normally suggest to someone is that they come in
0:26:00 > 0:26:02and present us with their resume.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06And also, it is always really helpful to just start volunteering.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08That's great.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11So assuming she can find a paid job, all Helen
0:26:11 > 0:26:14needs to now know is how much she can earn.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18OK, so what is the salary over here for a full-time teacher's assistant?
0:26:18 > 0:26:22For a teacher assistant that works the full five-day week,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- we are at about 35,000 per year.- Right.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27That is quite a lot more.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Is it?- Yeah.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Around £17,500 is almost double
0:26:32 > 0:26:36what she gets doing the same job in the UK.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39All in all, Helen's school visit could be graded excellent.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42I would love my children to come to a school like this,
0:26:42 > 0:26:44and I would love to work in a school like this.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It's just amazing.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48The Holroyds have had an informative day at work,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51but when Simon reunites with Helen, he is quick to flag the fact
0:26:51 > 0:26:55that he would initially be working as a trade's assistant, not a welder.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57What would it be like to start from the beginning again?
0:26:57 > 0:27:03To start from the beginning - probably about 24 an hour.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06But that's at the beginning. The welders were getting 38.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Is that good or...?- Well...
0:27:08 > 0:27:11I think it is a little bit more than what we were expecting.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16- What about working hours? This is the question.- Working hours were...
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- ..probably the same as what I do now.- Not working away?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- Not working away. - That's fine.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Compared to what you do now, that is great, isn't it?
0:27:25 > 0:27:26What about you, how have you done?
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Yeah, good, amazing school, you should see it. Oh, my goodness.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36- Amazing.- Really?- Massive. And about 35,000 a year.- Really?!
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Which is double what I'm on!
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- So, yeah, that's good.- That means I might go part-time, then.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44If you're not earning quite as much and I'm earning more,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- then it would work out, wouldn't it? - Yeah, it would, yeah.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52For Simon, achieving a better work/life balance
0:27:52 > 0:27:55may come at a cost, but how will the couple choose
0:27:55 > 0:27:58when it comes to work in Australia or the UK?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Our decision is going to be...
0:28:05 > 0:28:06BOTH: Australia!
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- Yeah?- Yeah!
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Taking a step backwards or having to re-qualify professionally
0:28:19 > 0:28:24hasn't been enough to dent Helen and Simon's desire to make the move.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Simply having Simon home every night will be enough to
0:28:28 > 0:28:31transform family life. To give them a glimpse of how
0:28:31 > 0:28:34they could spend their new-found spare time,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37the Holroyds head off on a typically Aussie day out.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39And for Harry and Alexa, it is
0:28:39 > 0:28:44a rare opportunity to spend time having fun with both Mum and Dad.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Making the most of their time together,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53the family following the footsteps of typical Sunshine Coasters,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55and take a ferry to Fraser Island,
0:28:55 > 0:28:57the largest sand island in the world.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Massive.
0:29:02 > 0:29:08Almost 75 miles long and 14 miles wide, there is plenty to see.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11This is paradise.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Could easily spend a day on here, just with t'kids running about.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Ooh!
0:29:17 > 0:29:18This is the proper jungle.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23The island is the only place in the world where
0:29:23 > 0:29:26rainforests grow on sand dunes, and after a short trek through it,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29the family stop off for some lunch.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- So, what do you think to Australia altogether, then?- Really good.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- Do you like it? - I love it. Really do.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39The day is rounded off on the beach,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42giving the family the perfect opportunity to dip their toe
0:29:42 > 0:29:47in the water and find out if typical Aussie living is really for them.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Definitely ten out of ten.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Back home in the UK, we've got Blackpool or Scarborough,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56in the North Sea, and it is absolutely freezing.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59It's just been amazing, it's been great to spend some time
0:29:59 > 0:30:02together, cos that don't happen often back home.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04And if we can get this every weekend,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06it is a no-brainer, isn't it?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10The afternoon also gives the couple a chance to reflect on
0:30:10 > 0:30:13their relationship and how much the potential move could mean to them.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17You sort of lose touch with each other, and, obviously, with him
0:30:17 > 0:30:21working away, it is not the same, but being over here, it's...
0:30:21 > 0:30:23kind of falling in love again.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28When I'm not away, it is bliss, because there is never no arguments.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29And as for the kids,
0:30:29 > 0:30:34it's great to spend good quality time together as one big unit.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Yay!
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Harry and Alexa would love this lifestyle every day.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43If we lived in Australia, then we would like to play
0:30:43 > 0:30:46on the beach a lot, and in the swimming pool a lot.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Everyone has fallen under Australia's spell,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52and for Simon, the lifestyle they stand to gain far outweighs
0:30:52 > 0:30:54the potential decrease in his pay packet.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57If we were to come, we would have to have quite
0:30:57 > 0:31:00a few cutbacks, like I say.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Just watch the pennies, or the dollars.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07But as Helen relaxes into her surroundings,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11it is not long before she is contemplating reality.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Living this life would mean saying goodbye to her mum.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17I'm not going to start crying again, but...
0:31:22 > 0:31:23It would be difficult.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29The decision is huge, it is massive.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33It is leaving everything that we know behind.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35It is going to be difficult, very difficult.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Helen faces a heart-wrenching choice come the end of the week,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42but for now, it is time for the family
0:31:42 > 0:31:46to choose between lifestyle in Australia and the UK.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54ALL: Australia!
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- Have we all got the same? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Oh, that was going to be a definite, wasn't it? Fab.
0:32:12 > 0:32:13The whole family are enjoying
0:32:13 > 0:32:15what Australia could potentially offer,
0:32:15 > 0:32:20but Simon and Helen know their chances of getting the life they want
0:32:20 > 0:32:25could be washed out to sea if finances don't work in their favour.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27While the children play outside,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Simon and Helen figure out how living costs
0:32:29 > 0:32:31in Australia compare with the UK.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35We have provided the financial facts, starting with their weekly food shop.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37All right, 3p difference on carrots,
0:32:37 > 0:32:39that's neither here nor there, is it?
0:32:39 > 0:32:41But look at your butter - £2 cheaper.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- £2 CHEAPER?- Yeah. - That's a bonus, cos I love butter.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48SHE LAUGHS
0:32:48 > 0:32:52All right, do you want to work it out and see the difference, then?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55A quick run through the shopping list reveals how much more
0:32:55 > 0:32:57they would pay for food down under.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01It is only £2.24.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I thought it was going to be a lot worse than that, actually.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05That's not so bad at all.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- That is almost £70 every month.- It is doable, isn't it?
0:33:09 > 0:33:11That's nothing here or there, is it?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13You change the way you eat, don't you?
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- Well, yeah... - Or you stop drinking beer.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Or you and your wine, more like.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20There's no time for domestics.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24- The couple move on to the bigger monthly bills.- The rent...
0:33:24 > 0:33:25going on that second house,
0:33:25 > 0:33:29the one with the swimming pool that we preferred, is quite a bit more.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- It's about double, that.- Yeah.
0:33:31 > 0:33:37Council tax, they don't pay, which is a bonus.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- Gas, no gas.- No.
0:33:40 > 0:33:46Overall, the couple's outgoings will be £2,708 every month in Australia -
0:33:46 > 0:33:49almost £800 more than they spend in the UK.
0:33:51 > 0:33:57- That is a lot, and that's because of the house.- Yeah.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It's a huge amount of money.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02And with Simon's salary set to decrease, and Helen having to
0:34:02 > 0:34:05take time out to boost her qualifications,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07things go from bad to worse.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11In the UK, they have £1,300 left over after bills every month,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14but in Australia, they would be £20 in the red.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18That's... Yeah, that's fine.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Well, it's not, but what about once we're qualified?
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Once we're qualified...
0:34:23 > 0:34:26To do the jobs that we both want to come out and do.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Desperate to make the finances work, the couple recalculate
0:34:30 > 0:34:34based on Simon being a welder and Helen a classroom assistant.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38And when the sums are all done, it is a much more favourable outcome.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40That is £1,700 better off.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46£415.73 more than what we have got back home.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- Yeah, more than what we already save.- Right.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- That is good.- So £415...- Mm.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58In the long run, the couple could be financially better off,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00but have the figures done enough to
0:35:00 > 0:35:03make them choose Australia over the UK?
0:35:03 > 0:35:06OK, so, based on the information that we have found out today
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and our reality check, we are going to make a vote.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Australia.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- Undecided? - It's just the money, isn't it?
0:35:24 > 0:35:26I know what you are saying there,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29but I have sort of voted on the qualified side.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Yeah, and if I was voting just on that, it would have been
0:35:32 > 0:35:33Australia, but...
0:35:35 > 0:35:38It's not going to be that to start with, and...
0:35:38 > 0:35:43You don't know, I could get qualified, I might not get a job.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- Do you know I mean?- There is always that.- So, that is why I am...
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Helen and Simon have been united all week, but fearing for their
0:35:57 > 0:36:02short-term finances has left Helen undecided about the move.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04And there is another hurdle ahead,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09as Helen faces the reality of being 9,000 miles from her mum.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11The couple ask the children to join them
0:36:11 > 0:36:14to watch messages from their loved ones back home.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Go on, then, get the remote, Harry.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- Hi!- Helen and Simon.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Hi, Harry and Alexa.- ALL:- Hi, guys!
0:36:25 > 0:36:26We wish we could be there with you,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30hope you have had a great time in Brisbane this week.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Alexa and Harry are always full of life,
0:36:32 > 0:36:36they are always laughing, having a great time, running around.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39As a family, I think they are pretty solid.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Helen is very family-orientated, the kids are very important to her.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Simon is one of me best friends.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48He's a good lad, a really good lad.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Selfishly, I would hate it if they went,
0:36:52 > 0:36:53but I think it would be an amazing experience,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55and I think it would change their lives.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57I think it will bring their family closer
0:36:57 > 0:37:01and Harry and Alexa, they will have a very good childhood.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- HELEN'S FRIENDS:- I think the main thing is going to be
0:37:03 > 0:37:05- leaving her mum.- Yeah.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Ever since she talked about Australia,
0:37:07 > 0:37:12deep down I have known that she will do it, she will go.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14And it's the right thing for them.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16HELEN'S MUM SNIFFS
0:37:16 > 0:37:19It doesn't mean it is the right thing for me.
0:37:20 > 0:37:25I won't see them in real life...
0:37:25 > 0:37:27again.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31They said we can go out there for a holiday,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35but my various health problems - no chance.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40SHE SOBS
0:37:44 > 0:37:46I don't want her to go.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51But I know that's being selfish.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55And I know that her father would say to follow her dream.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I know there is ways of seeing them every day,
0:38:03 > 0:38:08but it is not the same as holding your child in your arms.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11And holding your grandchildren.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Follow your heart.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17If you think it is right, then do it. You've got to give it a go.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22Just take this opportunity and grab it with both hands.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24If your life is going to be better...
0:38:24 > 0:38:26go for it, love.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29We will support you every step of the way.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31We'll support your family, so we'll support your mum, as well.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34I know that is going to be one of the hardest things for you to do.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36That would mean a lot.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- HELEN'S MUM:- I will always be here.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40I love you, all of you.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Bye.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58SHE SOBS
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Yeah? You all right, Alexa?
0:39:01 > 0:39:06I would miss everybody so much. What about your mum and dad?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I didn't expect that at all, I thought...
0:39:09 > 0:39:12I thought they would come over and see us,
0:39:12 > 0:39:17but she's saying they probably won't be able to because of her health.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21We're going to go back and see them, don't worry.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36Hearing how loved ones feel has proved heartbreaking for Helen,
0:39:36 > 0:39:40and with Simon facing the prospect of perhaps saying goodbye to his parents
0:39:40 > 0:39:45for good, the couple now need to make the biggest decision of their lives.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47As the family prepare to choose where
0:39:47 > 0:39:50they will spend their future, will the human cost of moving mean
0:39:50 > 0:39:54the dream life, and potentially Simon and Helen's marriage,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56is over for good?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- Do you want to go and get an ice cream?- Yeah.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04Did you have a nice day on the beach?
0:40:04 > 0:40:07When the Holroyds arrived in Australia a week ago,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09it was with high hopes that the country would give them
0:40:09 > 0:40:12more quality time together as a family.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14And it has lived up to expectations.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Bringing the kids to Australia, it definitely offers
0:40:19 > 0:40:23a lot more than what they are getting in the UK at the moment.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Yesterday just proved the sort of fun we could have.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27The kids miss their dad.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29That is why we want to come out here,
0:40:29 > 0:40:32so we can spend more time as a family.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34But while the week showed what life could be like,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37it has also reinforced Helen's angst over choosing between
0:40:37 > 0:40:40what is best for her family and leaving her mum.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43I am so confused at the moment.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49I feel if we don't make this move, then our marriage might end,
0:40:49 > 0:40:51I really dread to think what might happen
0:40:51 > 0:40:55because of the problems that we have had up until now.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00But then again, if we come out here, am I going to be so devastated
0:41:00 > 0:41:04that I'm away from my family that we will just argue anyway?
0:41:04 > 0:41:08I just, I really don't know what the best thing to do is.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Ultimately, life in the UK has pushed Simon and Helen to breaking point.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16To be honest, this is what we do really need.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24We do need a definite change from the UK life, that is 100%,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26we need something to change.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41It is going to be so hard, it is going to
0:41:41 > 0:41:43be such a hard decision to make.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49It is just such a difficult...
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Why does Australia have to be on the other side of the world?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58For better or worse, it is time for the family to choose
0:41:58 > 0:42:01once and for all if Australia really is the answer to their prayers.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- ALL: Australia! - Yay!
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Oh, I wasn't sure whether you would vote Australia, Alexa.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Thought you might say you wasn't sure.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- Definitely Australia? - And you, Harry, yeah?
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Brilliant.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29I am glad we have all chosen Australia,
0:42:29 > 0:42:31I do think it was a hard decision.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I'm going to start crying again in a minute.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- Do you think this has got everything to offer?- And more, definitely.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- I think if we don't give it a go, we would regret it.- Definitely, yes.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Definitely. We need to give it a shot, don't we?
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Especially for these two, don't we?
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Yeah, definitely. Come on, let's go.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52Come on.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56It had been a life-changing week for the Holroyds
0:42:56 > 0:42:59and it looked like they were all set to take the leap
0:42:59 > 0:43:02and start afresh on the other side of the world.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09So, 12 months later,
0:43:09 > 0:43:13it's time to find out if the family are now living at home...
0:43:13 > 0:43:14or away.
0:43:15 > 0:43:20It's September 2016 and the Holroyds are living in...
0:43:20 > 0:43:22West Yorkshire in the UK.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26But they're currently in the process of packing up their lives
0:43:26 > 0:43:28to move to the other side of the world.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31Now, what else do we need to do? Take these pictures down, look.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34The trial week had convinced Helen and Simon
0:43:34 > 0:43:37Australia was where their family's future lay.
0:43:37 > 0:43:38It's given me a really good insight
0:43:38 > 0:43:41into what Australia would be like to live for real.
0:43:41 > 0:43:42It went really well, to be fair.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46Time spent down under saw the country capture everyone's hearts.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49I loved the swimming pools, the beaches
0:43:49 > 0:43:52and eating ice creams every day.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54The weather was great.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56We spent a lot of time down at the beach.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58And all the people were really kind.
0:43:58 > 0:43:59I can't wait to go there again.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01We were just all really happy. It was really good.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05When the whole family voted for Oz at the end of the week,
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Helen couldn't quite take it in.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10It was quite emotional, again, for to me.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12Because that's all I seem to do!
0:44:12 > 0:44:14It was a relief, to be honest, knowing that,
0:44:14 > 0:44:16you know, we all wanted to do the same thing.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21After the trial week, the family stayed on to explore further.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25- We basically moved in with our friends for ten days.- Yeah.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28Ten days and extended our stay.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31We had their car and we had a key to the house, so it was just like...
0:44:31 > 0:44:33We pretty much lived how we would live.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35Yeah, yeah, in the same kind of house that we'd have
0:44:35 > 0:44:37and all that kind of stuff.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39- So that was a good insight, wasn't it...- Yeah.- ..to what we'd do?
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Yeah, I think we had a good sample of
0:44:42 > 0:44:45the Australia way of life, to be fair.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48The Holroyds headed back to the UK
0:44:48 > 0:44:50convinced the country could offer them
0:44:50 > 0:44:53the normal family life they'd been craving.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56But the long journey home gave Helen pause for thought.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59I think we had three plane journeys and it was...
0:44:59 > 0:45:02it was just forever. Absolutely forever.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05She decided on the way back that she didn't think she'd be able to do it.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09All I kept thinking is, "I can't. I can't. It's too far."
0:45:10 > 0:45:13However, her doubts were soon dispelled
0:45:13 > 0:45:15when the reality of life in the UK hit home.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18I went back to work. He was working away.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21And the weather started getting bad again and...
0:45:21 > 0:45:24She phoned me up a couple of days after she'd been back at work
0:45:24 > 0:45:26and pretty much said...
0:45:26 > 0:45:28"I don't want this. I don't want to live like this any more."
0:45:28 > 0:45:30"I want to get out of here. I want to give it a go."
0:45:30 > 0:45:32So we got straight on with it, didn't we?
0:45:32 > 0:45:34We just started planning straight away.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Decision made, they started the lengthy process
0:45:38 > 0:45:40for applying for a visa.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43They knew it wouldn't be easy but, fortunately,
0:45:43 > 0:45:45things were made slightly less difficult
0:45:45 > 0:45:48by Simon's work moving closer to home.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52He's been in Manchester, so he's been coming home every night,
0:45:52 > 0:45:53which has been amazing.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56We've had that little bit of quality time,
0:45:56 > 0:45:58which is pretty much what we're looking forward to
0:45:58 > 0:46:00when we arrive in Australia, yeah.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04He's here every night to help bath the kids and have tea with us,
0:46:04 > 0:46:05all that kind of normal...
0:46:05 > 0:46:09the normal lifestyle that we've wanted for ages.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14Now Daddy's at home, it's a lot better,
0:46:14 > 0:46:17because there's not arguing with Mummy and Daddy all the time.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19All right, love.
0:46:19 > 0:46:20- Take care.- Yeah, good.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23My mum and me
0:46:23 > 0:46:26and Alexa needed Dad to help us out.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30Having Simon back in their daily lives
0:46:30 > 0:46:33has helped confirm they've made the right decision.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37That has not had any impact on me at all about changing my mind.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41We've seen Australia now and we've got it set in our sights.
0:46:41 > 0:46:42110%, I want to go.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44Yeah, definitely, yeah.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51The couple decided to apply for a skilled working visa,
0:46:51 > 0:46:53which would give them permanent residency.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56As the main breadwinner, the onus was on Simon.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00First up, he had to sit an English language exam.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03It was a bit daunting, having left school 20-odd years ago,
0:47:03 > 0:47:05having to go back into the classroom.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07He was really, really worried about that.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09I even said to Helen, I says,
0:47:09 > 0:47:11"We might as well give up the idea now."
0:47:11 > 0:47:14So we got him some English tutoring.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17Helen, she was quite encouraging.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21She said, "You can do it. You're not as daft as you look!"
0:47:21 > 0:47:23Helen was right.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25We were in bed, weren't we, when we got the results?
0:47:25 > 0:47:28It was about seven o'clock in the morning, they came through
0:47:28 > 0:47:30and it said what we needed. And you didn't believe me, did you?
0:47:30 > 0:47:32I was like, "We've done it! Well, you've done it!"
0:47:32 > 0:47:34I pretty much passed it the first time round.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38But that was just the first step.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42Having learnt his trade on the job, Simon had no formal qualifications
0:47:42 > 0:47:47and so was faced with the arduous task of having his skills verified.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50I pretty much had to prove I had all the experience
0:47:50 > 0:47:55which was required to get the Australian qualification,
0:47:55 > 0:47:59which was also required to go for the visa.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01That's when we had to get an agent involved,
0:48:01 > 0:48:05a paid agent to do it, because there was a lot involved, wasn't there?
0:48:05 > 0:48:09So then we had to go back 20 years to when he first started welding.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13I went back and saw a couple of old work colleagues
0:48:13 > 0:48:17who I worked with at the time and they did some statements.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21That got sent away and then we had to wait 12 weeks.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25Simon had to authenticate at least eight years of work
0:48:25 > 0:48:27in order to qualify for a visa.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30I mean, that wait was the worst wait ever, wasn't it?
0:48:30 > 0:48:31To be fair, yeah.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Because if they'd come back saying he's got six years,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36then it would have been game over, wouldn't it?
0:48:36 > 0:48:39You're thinking, "Are we going to get it or are we not?"
0:48:39 > 0:48:42And obviously, you pay all this money
0:48:42 > 0:48:45and they could still turn round and say, "No, you're not having one."
0:48:45 > 0:48:48But all the hard work paid off
0:48:48 > 0:48:51and on July 4th, 2016,
0:48:51 > 0:48:54the good news finally came through.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58I was just about to go to work and we got a call from the agent.
0:48:59 > 0:49:00It was just surreal.
0:49:00 > 0:49:04I was just over the moon. Absolutely over the moon. Brilliant.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06I still have to pinch myself now, actually.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09- It was like the best feeling in the world, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14With visas approved, Helen wasted no time in moving things forward.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16She had flights booked
0:49:16 > 0:49:19before Simon got home from work that same evening.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22I spoke to him on the phone and I was like, "This date or that date?"
0:49:22 > 0:49:23You know, and he just went, "It's up to you."
0:49:25 > 0:49:29Leaving day is 6th November, 2016.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33With the move imminent, there hasn't been a minute to waste.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36It was all systems go. We had to start selling stuff in the house.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38Car-boot sales.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41Downgraded our cars. You don't realise how much is involved.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44I can just about...
0:49:44 > 0:49:45carry it.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49We booked the shipping company to come in, as well.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51They were pretty much here for 12 hours,
0:49:51 > 0:49:53wrapping and packing the house away.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57Which then, it's pretty much one of the points
0:49:57 > 0:50:00when you realise just exactly what you are doing.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04- So, we've been in this house empty, haven't we, for two weeks?- Yeah.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06It's been like camping in an empty house.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08The kids have loved it, haven't they?
0:50:08 > 0:50:12It felt really weird because we've never really lived like that before,
0:50:12 > 0:50:15sleeping on blow-up beds. We've got one TV.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18- Proper glamping.- Yeah, it is.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21Simon and Helen have already been making inroads
0:50:21 > 0:50:23on the work front down under.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28Hopefully, I'd love to get a job back in a school.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30That would be ideal.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32But to start with, I'm going to work with my friend for a bit.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35They've got their own business, so I'm going to be working with
0:50:35 > 0:50:37her straightaway, so that will bring some money in.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41Simon has been busy applying for work online.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43I'm on quite a few job sites at the moment.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Hopefully, I want to get a job before I get there.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48It's just to take that little bit of pressure off,
0:50:48 > 0:50:51even if it's just part-time or anything like that,
0:50:51 > 0:50:54- just so you know you've got a little bit of something coming in.- Mm.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57There's lots of work out there for him,
0:50:57 > 0:51:00so one of them jobs has got his name on it, definitely.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03Helen's adamant there will be no question of him
0:51:03 > 0:51:06working away from home.
0:51:06 > 0:51:07He's not going to do it.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09He's not doing it, he's already said.
0:51:09 > 0:51:13You know, it's a massive move, it's a whole new life change,
0:51:13 > 0:51:16you know, he'll do whatever's offered.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18It doesn't have to be welding.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21As long as he's coming home every day and having that family time,
0:51:21 > 0:51:24he'll do anything. So, yeah.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26Surfing, surf shop on the beach, or...
0:51:26 > 0:51:28In his dreams!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31They've also been busy on the house-hunting front.
0:51:31 > 0:51:36We've been looking at houses, well, for the last 18 months, really.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39We're going to look at where we stayed before.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42We're going to try and look for a house before we go.
0:51:42 > 0:51:43If that doesn't happen,
0:51:43 > 0:51:46then obviously we'll be house-hunting straight away.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50And they've already identified a school for the children.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52The kids are going to be going to school probably about
0:51:52 > 0:51:56a week after we get there because they break up then for six weeks,
0:51:56 > 0:51:58so we want to get them into school before they break up.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Just so they can get to know a few people
0:52:01 > 0:52:03- and sort of break them in steadily. - Yeah.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07Because even for them, it's going to be a huge move.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11Harry and Alexa are looking forward to their new lives down under.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15I can't wait to visit the school, the beach,
0:52:15 > 0:52:17the sun.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23I just can't wait to visit Australia, full stop.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27I'm looking forward to living in Australia because it's hot weather,
0:52:27 > 0:52:30and the ice creams are really nice.
0:52:33 > 0:52:38I'm looking forward to as well eating my lunch outside at school.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40It'll be nice, warm weather.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44Plans are in progress for some special send-offs.
0:52:44 > 0:52:45We've got two.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48We've got one for the children and then one for us.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51Even written some nice invitations out
0:52:51 > 0:52:54with a little Australia flag with flip-flops on.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57Just to get everybody together, really. A final...final farewell.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59- Straight?- No.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04- It's all happy times now, isn't it? - Of course it is, yeah.- So, yeah.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10Helen may be putting on a brave face for now,
0:53:10 > 0:53:12but she knows, when it comes to the crunch,
0:53:12 > 0:53:15saying goodbye to her mum will be a huge wrench.
0:53:15 > 0:53:16I'm not crying.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25I knew I would end up doing this.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29There's going to be a lot of tears.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35The family are moving in with Helen's mum
0:53:35 > 0:53:37for a few weeks before they leave.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39Oh, what have you got in here?
0:53:39 > 0:53:41My life is in this bag.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43I'm going to miss her so much.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45Miss them all so much.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48Being under the same roof will make it even harder
0:53:48 > 0:53:50when the time comes to say goodbye.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52Oh...
0:53:52 > 0:53:56When I think about it, I get real butterflies in my tummy.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00It is hard for her, I know it is, but deep down,
0:54:00 > 0:54:03she knows we're doing the right thing.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06Yes, I'd like to cry buckets, but I can't at this stage,
0:54:06 > 0:54:09because I can't let them see how devastated I am.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13It is absolutely devastating.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20I'm not saying goodbye to her, I'm just, "See you soon," you know?
0:54:25 > 0:54:28Helen's mum has already booked her flight to visit down under,
0:54:28 > 0:54:32but for Simon's family that's not quite so easy.
0:54:32 > 0:54:36Unfortunately, my mum, she can't really get insured to fly
0:54:36 > 0:54:40because she's got all sorts of different medical reasons.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46My dad has always said he'd probably come out
0:54:46 > 0:54:49on his own, but it's...
0:54:50 > 0:54:53Obviously, they come as a pair, don't they?
0:54:53 > 0:54:58So, as the move fast approaches, are there any last-minute nerves?
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Yeah, maybe somebody wanting to come back home,
0:55:00 > 0:55:02maybe me, but...
0:55:03 > 0:55:05..I'm going to try not to.
0:55:05 > 0:55:06Smile.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08I'm going to make it work.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14I'm not saying we've had a bad life, but we've had issues, haven't we?
0:55:14 > 0:55:17- Yeah.- And the future is just...
0:55:17 > 0:55:20- It's just bright. Really bright, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:55:22 > 0:55:26Despite everything and everyone they'll be leaving behind,
0:55:26 > 0:55:30the couple can't wait to start their new life down under.
0:55:30 > 0:55:34I am really confident that our future lies within Australia.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Might even renew our wedding vows again.
0:55:37 > 0:55:38Are we?
0:55:40 > 0:55:42- Eh?- Maybe.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45- Where?- In Australia, on the beach.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48- Oh, right.- Yeah.
0:55:48 > 0:55:50We've even spoke about having another baby, but...
0:55:52 > 0:55:53I think...
0:55:53 > 0:55:55- It might happen. - I don't know, it's, erm...
0:55:57 > 0:55:59Dirty nappies again.
0:55:59 > 0:56:00Watch this space.
0:56:00 > 0:56:01We'll see.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05Got a lot to look forward to.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08- Is that the right way round?- Yeah.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10- No?- No.- Which way does it go? That way?
0:56:10 > 0:56:13We're just waiting now, just waiting to get on that plane.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15This is where we're going to be living.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25Helen and Simon have decided to put their relationship
0:56:25 > 0:56:28and Harry and Alexa's future happiness first.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31A real case of love conquering all.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35And we hope the family go on to make many happy memories together
0:56:35 > 0:56:38when they embark on their new life down under.