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If your marriage was at breaking point because of your partner's job, | 0:00:02 | 0:00:05 | |
how far would you go to save it? | 0:00:05 | 0:00:08 | |
One woman feels her only option is to uproot her family | 0:00:08 | 0:00:12 | |
and start a new life nearly 9,000 miles away. | 0:00:12 | 0:00:16 | |
But will life in Australia really be any different? | 0:00:16 | 0:00:19 | |
With dad Simon hardly home, | 0:00:20 | 0:00:22 | |
the Holroyds' relationship is in serious trouble. | 0:00:22 | 0:00:25 | |
-TEARFUL: -To be honest, me and Simon have come to the end of the road. | 0:00:25 | 0:00:29 | |
When a week in Australia shows moving there could be the answer... | 0:00:29 | 0:00:32 | |
When I'm not away, it's bliss, cos there's never no arguments. | 0:00:32 | 0:00:35 | |
It's just been amazing, it has been great to spend some time together. | 0:00:35 | 0:00:38 | |
..will Helen be brave enough to sacrifice relationships in the UK... | 0:00:38 | 0:00:42 | |
I feel torn, I feel like I have got to choose between | 0:00:42 | 0:00:45 | |
you and the kids or my mum. | 0:00:45 | 0:00:47 | |
..to secure the family life they are desperate for? | 0:00:47 | 0:00:50 | |
It is just such a difficult... | 0:00:50 | 0:00:52 | |
Why does Australia have to be on the other side of the world? | 0:00:52 | 0:00:55 | |
More than 30 times bigger than the UK and the sixth largest country | 0:01:20 | 0:01:23 | |
in the world, Australia is a nation built on immigration. | 0:01:23 | 0:01:27 | |
With the warm climate, cosmopolitan cities | 0:01:27 | 0:01:30 | |
and an estimated 50% of the population living less than | 0:01:30 | 0:01:34 | |
five miles from the coast, it is easy to see why | 0:01:34 | 0:01:37 | |
thousands of British families emigrate each year, | 0:01:37 | 0:01:41 | |
in search of their happy ever after in the sunshine. | 0:01:41 | 0:01:44 | |
Simon Holroyd is living away from his family five days a week, | 0:01:45 | 0:01:50 | |
leaving wife Helen juggling work with childcare | 0:01:50 | 0:01:53 | |
and the pair's relationship in ruins. | 0:01:53 | 0:01:56 | |
All the couple want is some semblance of a family life, | 0:01:56 | 0:02:00 | |
and Helen has come up with a drastic solution - | 0:02:00 | 0:02:03 | |
moving halfway around the world to Australia. | 0:02:03 | 0:02:06 | |
Ahead of the Holroyds lies a week to discover | 0:02:06 | 0:02:09 | |
if the country is the answer to their problems and can save their marriage. | 0:02:09 | 0:02:13 | |
Their journey begins with almost 22 hours in the air, | 0:02:16 | 0:02:20 | |
flying from Manchester to Brisbane via Dubai. | 0:02:20 | 0:02:24 | |
And dad Simon is relieved | 0:02:24 | 0:02:25 | |
when they finally touch down in Australia for the first time. | 0:02:25 | 0:02:29 | |
I'm absolutely worn out. This one was sleeping on my lap. | 0:02:29 | 0:02:32 | |
Yeah, and she was snoring. You were snoring! | 0:02:32 | 0:02:34 | |
-You were! -You were snoring! | 0:02:34 | 0:02:36 | |
Harry has already spotted a difference from home. | 0:02:38 | 0:02:40 | |
To be honest, it's a really hot country. | 0:02:40 | 0:02:43 | |
And Helen admits she's feeling overwhelmed. | 0:02:43 | 0:02:46 | |
I don't know how I feel. | 0:02:46 | 0:02:48 | |
I'm excited to be here, but I am nervous, I am scared. | 0:02:48 | 0:02:51 | |
It's decision time, isn't it? | 0:02:51 | 0:02:54 | |
Helen is absolutely right. | 0:02:54 | 0:02:56 | |
Ahead of the family lies a week that could change their lives for ever. | 0:02:56 | 0:03:00 | |
Meet the Holroyds from West Yorkshire. | 0:03:04 | 0:03:06 | |
They are dad Simon, mum Helen, | 0:03:06 | 0:03:08 | |
eight-year-old Harry and five-year-old Alexa. | 0:03:08 | 0:03:12 | |
-Yes! -Aah! | 0:03:13 | 0:03:14 | |
Simon and Helen met in 2006, and after a whirlwind romance, | 0:03:14 | 0:03:18 | |
were engaged five months later. | 0:03:18 | 0:03:20 | |
Our relationship when we first got together was brilliant, wasn't it? | 0:03:20 | 0:03:24 | |
Simon's job as a full-time welder often took him away from home, | 0:03:24 | 0:03:28 | |
but becoming parents a year later made the time apart harder to handle. | 0:03:28 | 0:03:32 | |
I knew you worked away and I was fine with that, | 0:03:32 | 0:03:34 | |
but as soon as we had Harry, that's when it all changed. | 0:03:34 | 0:03:38 | |
Simon swapped welding for a job closer to home | 0:03:42 | 0:03:44 | |
in an attempt to be around more. | 0:03:44 | 0:03:46 | |
And I loved that because you were at home every day. | 0:03:46 | 0:03:49 | |
He was at home for his tea every night. | 0:03:49 | 0:03:50 | |
But the money just didn't work for us, did it? | 0:03:50 | 0:03:53 | |
After me first month it was basically... | 0:03:53 | 0:03:55 | |
What you earn in a week. | 0:03:55 | 0:03:56 | |
What I could earn near enough in a week from doing the job | 0:03:56 | 0:03:59 | |
which I do now. | 0:03:59 | 0:04:00 | |
With two children to feed, Simon returned to welding, | 0:04:00 | 0:04:03 | |
and for the past five months he has worked | 0:04:03 | 0:04:06 | |
in central London from Monday to Friday every week. | 0:04:06 | 0:04:09 | |
My alarm goes off Monday morning at 2.15, I generally leave the house | 0:04:09 | 0:04:15 | |
about 2.45, travel down to London, work until six o'clock at night. | 0:04:15 | 0:04:20 | |
It is horrendous, to be honest. | 0:04:20 | 0:04:21 | |
While Simon grafts down south, Helen relies on her mum's help | 0:04:21 | 0:04:24 | |
as she juggles work with looking after Harry and Alexa. | 0:04:24 | 0:04:28 | |
But despite the support, she is fed up being on her own. | 0:04:28 | 0:04:32 | |
I get irritated having to do | 0:04:32 | 0:04:33 | |
everything by myself all of the time. | 0:04:33 | 0:04:35 | |
The bills, the shopping - everything. | 0:04:35 | 0:04:38 | |
It is like being a single mum. | 0:04:38 | 0:04:39 | |
I know a lot of people who are in the same boat, | 0:04:39 | 0:04:43 | |
people that are single. | 0:04:43 | 0:04:44 | |
But I am not single, and it is not how it should be. | 0:04:44 | 0:04:47 | |
And Harry and Alexa are missing time with their dad. | 0:04:50 | 0:04:54 | |
I miss Daddy, because he works away every day of the week. | 0:04:54 | 0:04:58 | |
Simon is exhausted by the time the weekend comes, | 0:05:00 | 0:05:03 | |
and the ongoing situation is putting his and Helen's relationship at risk. | 0:05:03 | 0:05:07 | |
They have arguments sometimes because he doesn't come home | 0:05:09 | 0:05:13 | |
and she wants to see him more. | 0:05:13 | 0:05:16 | |
-I have just had enough of it. I just can't stand it. -I know. | 0:05:16 | 0:05:20 | |
The situation has got so bad that Helen is even questioning | 0:05:22 | 0:05:25 | |
whether her and Simon have a future together. | 0:05:25 | 0:05:28 | |
I just sometimes think that rather than going through | 0:05:28 | 0:05:30 | |
all of the heartache, it might be easier if we're not together. | 0:05:30 | 0:05:34 | |
SHE SNIFFS | 0:05:34 | 0:05:36 | |
Obviously I don't want to split up, I love him to death, but... | 0:05:36 | 0:05:39 | |
..something's got to change. | 0:05:41 | 0:05:43 | |
Before it's too late. | 0:05:43 | 0:05:44 | |
Inspired by stories from friends who have made the move, | 0:05:46 | 0:05:49 | |
Helen now thinks Australia could be the answer to the problem. | 0:05:49 | 0:05:53 | |
Obviously, we want to go for the nice things, the weather and stuff, | 0:05:53 | 0:05:57 | |
but the main thing for me is just having you | 0:05:57 | 0:05:59 | |
-come home every day. -Yeah. | 0:05:59 | 0:06:00 | |
That's why I want to go to Australia, | 0:06:02 | 0:06:04 | |
because I want you to be able to come home all the time. | 0:06:04 | 0:06:07 | |
Moving nearly 9,000 miles is an extreme solution, | 0:06:07 | 0:06:11 | |
but Simon's willing to do whatever it takes to keep his family together. | 0:06:11 | 0:06:15 | |
I do love my wife and kids so much, | 0:06:15 | 0:06:17 | |
and this is one of the only ways | 0:06:17 | 0:06:19 | |
we're going to be able to spend that quality time together. | 0:06:19 | 0:06:22 | |
But much as she is desperate for change, Helen is also | 0:06:22 | 0:06:25 | |
torn at the prospect of being on the other side of the world from her mum. | 0:06:25 | 0:06:29 | |
I just don't how I would cope not having her on the doorstep. | 0:06:29 | 0:06:32 | |
She means the world to me, and I just don't know if I could. | 0:06:32 | 0:06:36 | |
I feel torn, I feel like I've got to choose between | 0:06:36 | 0:06:40 | |
you and the kids, or my mum. | 0:06:40 | 0:06:42 | |
And it's awful. | 0:06:42 | 0:06:44 | |
It's a heartbreaking choice, but after eight years of Simon | 0:06:44 | 0:06:48 | |
coming and going, the couple are pinning all their hopes on Australia | 0:06:48 | 0:06:51 | |
giving them the answers they need. | 0:06:51 | 0:06:54 | |
We're not really expecting miracles, | 0:06:54 | 0:06:58 | |
but anything has got to be better than the current situation. | 0:06:58 | 0:07:01 | |
The way that it has been, we could end up splitting up, I don't know. | 0:07:01 | 0:07:05 | |
I'm just praying that Australia... | 0:07:06 | 0:07:08 | |
HE CLEARS HIS THROAT | 0:07:08 | 0:07:09 | |
..works out how we want it to. | 0:07:09 | 0:07:11 | |
For their trial week down under, the family are staying in | 0:07:23 | 0:07:25 | |
a rented property in Coolum Beach, | 0:07:25 | 0:07:28 | |
on the north end of Queensland's Sunshine Coast. | 0:07:28 | 0:07:31 | |
It's a quiet area popular with young families, | 0:07:31 | 0:07:34 | |
but will it be what the Holroyds had in mind? | 0:07:34 | 0:07:36 | |
-In you go. -A swimming pool! | 0:07:36 | 0:07:38 | |
Oh, wow. | 0:07:38 | 0:07:40 | |
-It's a good start. -Imagine having this to live in. | 0:07:40 | 0:07:43 | |
-I know. -That is so nice. Patio doors. | 0:07:43 | 0:07:46 | |
-GASPING: -Harry! | 0:07:46 | 0:07:47 | |
-Big barbecue! -Guess what we're having for tea? | 0:07:49 | 0:07:51 | |
-AUSTRALIAN ACCENT: -Shrimps on the barbie! -"Shrimps on the barbie"! | 0:07:51 | 0:07:55 | |
Alexa has already got the lingo. | 0:07:56 | 0:07:58 | |
Inside, their home for the week looks perfect. | 0:07:58 | 0:08:01 | |
-Wow. -Big open-plan. -That what you want? -Yeah. Look at the kitchen. | 0:08:01 | 0:08:06 | |
Come and have a look at the kitchen. | 0:08:06 | 0:08:08 | |
Helen is happy with her first glimpse of Australian living. | 0:08:08 | 0:08:11 | |
And as they check out the rest of the house, | 0:08:11 | 0:08:13 | |
Simon admits he is impressed, too. | 0:08:13 | 0:08:15 | |
Unbelievable. Massive. | 0:08:15 | 0:08:18 | |
Tour over, Simon and the children waste no time getting into the pool, | 0:08:18 | 0:08:22 | |
and Helen's quickly reminded of why she is considering moving | 0:08:22 | 0:08:25 | |
so far from home. | 0:08:25 | 0:08:27 | |
Seeing Simon and the kids like this is amazing, | 0:08:27 | 0:08:29 | |
it's what I have wanted for such a long time. | 0:08:29 | 0:08:31 | |
It is probably the happiest I have seen him in a long time, | 0:08:33 | 0:08:35 | |
because he is fed up with his lifestyle at home. Hates it. | 0:08:35 | 0:08:39 | |
This is perfect, this is what we want, | 0:08:39 | 0:08:41 | |
this is why we have come to Australia. | 0:08:41 | 0:08:44 | |
They have only been here a few hours | 0:08:44 | 0:08:46 | |
but Simon is already seeing the benefits. | 0:08:46 | 0:08:48 | |
To me and Helen, it would just mean the world. | 0:08:48 | 0:08:50 | |
That is what we are searching for, really, | 0:08:50 | 0:08:52 | |
some quality time together. | 0:08:52 | 0:08:54 | |
But it is not long before Helen is reminded of reality. | 0:08:55 | 0:08:58 | |
Living a lifestyle like this will mean leaving her mum behind. | 0:08:58 | 0:09:03 | |
I would find it hard leaving my mum, but I have got to think of us. | 0:09:03 | 0:09:08 | |
Difficult choices lie ahead, but, ultimately, Helen knows | 0:09:08 | 0:09:12 | |
her and Simon's future happiness is riding on the next seven days. | 0:09:12 | 0:09:16 | |
To be honest, me and Simon have come to the end of the road. | 0:09:17 | 0:09:21 | |
If we don't... | 0:09:21 | 0:09:23 | |
If we don't do this, I don't know what is going to happen. | 0:09:23 | 0:09:26 | |
Back in the UK, Helen and Simon | 0:09:37 | 0:09:39 | |
rent a three-bed townhouse in Cottingley, West Yorkshire. | 0:09:39 | 0:09:43 | |
And they have clear ideas of what | 0:09:43 | 0:09:45 | |
they would be looking for in Australia. | 0:09:45 | 0:09:47 | |
Four bedrooms, open-plan, lots of space. | 0:09:47 | 0:09:49 | |
A garage, that would be nice as well, | 0:09:49 | 0:09:51 | |
-because we have always wanted a garage. -Yeah. | 0:09:51 | 0:09:53 | |
Just to put your junk in. | 0:09:53 | 0:09:54 | |
South-facing garden for the barbecues in the summer. | 0:09:54 | 0:09:57 | |
Obviously, I would like the swimming pool, but that is not... | 0:09:57 | 0:10:00 | |
-That's a bonus, isn't it? -It's not on my list. | 0:10:00 | 0:10:02 | |
With a maximum budget of £12,000 for rent each month, | 0:10:02 | 0:10:06 | |
a swimming pool might be out of the question, | 0:10:06 | 0:10:08 | |
but Helen is prepared to compromise. | 0:10:08 | 0:10:10 | |
Property is important, but... | 0:10:10 | 0:10:12 | |
-..it's more important that you come home every day. -Yeah. | 0:10:14 | 0:10:17 | |
To find out what kind of house they could actually have in Australia, | 0:10:17 | 0:10:20 | |
today we will show them three properties - two on budget | 0:10:20 | 0:10:24 | |
and a third which could be their dream home. | 0:10:24 | 0:10:26 | |
Only after they have seen each one will they find out its value. | 0:10:26 | 0:10:30 | |
First stop is Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast, | 0:10:30 | 0:10:33 | |
just an hour's drive from Queensland's capital city, Brisbane. | 0:10:33 | 0:10:37 | |
This family-friendly suburb has shops and schools on the doorstep | 0:10:37 | 0:10:40 | |
and is just ten minutes' drive from the beach, | 0:10:40 | 0:10:43 | |
but will this three-bedroom house be to the family's taste? | 0:10:43 | 0:10:46 | |
Ooh. | 0:10:49 | 0:10:51 | |
-It's got carpet, as well. -Brilliant carpet. | 0:10:57 | 0:10:59 | |
Helen is obviously a carpet fan, but what does she make of the kitchen? | 0:10:59 | 0:11:04 | |
Oh, this is gorgeous! I could live in this. | 0:11:04 | 0:11:07 | |
-Couldn't you? -Yeah. | 0:11:07 | 0:11:10 | |
The open-plan living area ticks another box, | 0:11:10 | 0:11:12 | |
but will outside have the space they want? | 0:11:12 | 0:11:15 | |
-All the gardens are so big, aren't they? -The amount of land you get. | 0:11:15 | 0:11:19 | |
Do you like it? Do you like this house? | 0:11:19 | 0:11:23 | |
It's lovely. Compared to what we have got back home... | 0:11:25 | 0:11:27 | |
SIMON SCOFFS THEY BOTH LAUGH | 0:11:27 | 0:11:29 | |
-We could get a dog, as well. -As long as you walk it. | 0:11:29 | 0:11:31 | |
HELEN LAUGHS | 0:11:31 | 0:11:32 | |
If you are home every night, | 0:11:32 | 0:11:34 | |
you will have plenty of time to take the dog out, Simon. | 0:11:34 | 0:11:37 | |
Meantime, the spacious master gives Helen something else | 0:11:38 | 0:11:41 | |
to get excited about. | 0:11:41 | 0:11:43 | |
HELEN GASPS | 0:11:43 | 0:11:44 | |
A big walk-in wardrobe! | 0:11:44 | 0:11:45 | |
SIMON LAUGHS | 0:11:45 | 0:11:47 | |
I have always wanted a walk-in wardrobe. | 0:11:47 | 0:11:48 | |
And next door, something to make Alexa smile, too. | 0:11:48 | 0:11:51 | |
Ah! | 0:11:51 | 0:11:53 | |
Aww. Aww, that's nice, int' it? | 0:11:53 | 0:11:57 | |
-Little girl's room. -So will this do for you, Harry? | 0:11:57 | 0:12:01 | |
HELEN LAUGHS HARRY MUMBLES UNHAPPILY | 0:12:01 | 0:12:03 | |
They might need to negotiate on the decor to get Harry signed up, | 0:12:03 | 0:12:06 | |
but moving on, the bathroom is a talking point. | 0:12:06 | 0:12:09 | |
Do you know what else I have noticed? | 0:12:10 | 0:12:12 | |
The bathrooms are separate to the toilets, which is brilliant. | 0:12:12 | 0:12:15 | |
It's not massive, but it is nice. | 0:12:15 | 0:12:17 | |
Even with a tiny bath, | 0:12:19 | 0:12:21 | |
this house hasn't pulled the plug on the family moving. | 0:12:21 | 0:12:24 | |
But with £1,200 for rent every month, can they afford something like this? | 0:12:24 | 0:12:29 | |
-How much do you think it is worth? -1,100. | 0:12:29 | 0:12:32 | |
-What about you, Alexa? -Eh...£1,000. | 0:12:32 | 0:12:36 | |
£1,000 and £1,100. I'm going to say... | 0:12:36 | 0:12:41 | |
I don't know! | 0:12:41 | 0:12:42 | |
..about 950? | 0:12:42 | 0:12:44 | |
-I would say about 900. -£900. -£900 a month, yes. -Right. | 0:12:44 | 0:12:50 | |
HELEN GASPS | 0:12:59 | 0:13:00 | |
-Wow. -890! -That's cheaper than we thought. | 0:13:00 | 0:13:03 | |
Gosh. You can have something like this for that. That's amazing. | 0:13:03 | 0:13:08 | |
-That is unbelievable, that. -I think that is very doable. -Yeah. | 0:13:08 | 0:13:14 | |
Shall we go and see what else there is? | 0:13:14 | 0:13:16 | |
-Yeah. -What else we can afford. I'm excited about it. | 0:13:16 | 0:13:19 | |
-Shall we go? -Come on, then. | 0:13:19 | 0:13:21 | |
£300 under budget is a great start, | 0:13:22 | 0:13:25 | |
and Helen is encouraged about the kind of house they could have. | 0:13:25 | 0:13:28 | |
This is going to be really nice. | 0:13:30 | 0:13:33 | |
Hopefully, the next place will prove a hit, too. | 0:13:33 | 0:13:36 | |
Also situated in Sippy Downs, this traditional four-bedroom house | 0:13:36 | 0:13:40 | |
promises plenty of what Helen and Simon desire. | 0:13:40 | 0:13:43 | |
This looks nice. | 0:13:43 | 0:13:45 | |
Nice big double garage there. | 0:13:45 | 0:13:47 | |
-Ooh. -They did want a garage. | 0:13:48 | 0:13:51 | |
Stepping inside, Helen feels at home straightaway. | 0:13:51 | 0:13:54 | |
-This is gorgeous. -You have got your little carpeted room. -Yeah. | 0:13:54 | 0:13:58 | |
I love carpet, I would have to have carpet. | 0:13:58 | 0:14:01 | |
-It's a British thing. I bet this is more money. -Do you think? -Yeah. | 0:14:01 | 0:14:04 | |
-We have only looked in one room. -It just looks expensive. | 0:14:04 | 0:14:07 | |
Fair point, Simon. Now, what about that garage? | 0:14:07 | 0:14:09 | |
And this is what we have always wanted, a big double garage! | 0:14:09 | 0:14:12 | |
-This is as big as our living area at home. -It's bigger. | 0:14:12 | 0:14:15 | |
And what do you think to this, Harry? | 0:14:15 | 0:14:17 | |
-Yeah, would you like a boat? -Would you like a boat? | 0:14:17 | 0:14:19 | |
-You'd be able to catch sharks. -Sharks? | 0:14:19 | 0:14:22 | |
No, they're not big enough. | 0:14:22 | 0:14:23 | |
SIMON SHUDDERS | 0:14:23 | 0:14:25 | |
Hopefully, there are no hidden dangers in the rest of the house. | 0:14:25 | 0:14:29 | |
Oh, this is gorgeous! | 0:14:29 | 0:14:31 | |
I hate cooking, but I would probably quite like it here. | 0:14:31 | 0:14:34 | |
-I would enjoy it more. -Is that a promise, is it? -Well, no, but... | 0:14:34 | 0:14:37 | |
We'll see. | 0:14:37 | 0:14:40 | |
With Simon hopefully home for tea every night, | 0:14:40 | 0:14:42 | |
Helen could find herself busy in the kitchen. | 0:14:42 | 0:14:45 | |
Meanwhile, there is still more to check out. | 0:14:45 | 0:14:47 | |
-Ohh, what? -It's gorgeous. | 0:14:48 | 0:14:50 | |
A dressing room again. | 0:14:52 | 0:14:53 | |
This must be an Aussie thing, having dressing rooms. It's got to be. | 0:14:53 | 0:14:57 | |
You wouldn't need that, because you don't have much clothes, do you? | 0:14:57 | 0:15:00 | |
-No. -I could have it. -Pair of shorts, T-shirt. | 0:15:00 | 0:15:04 | |
-I can't believe the size of this house. -I know. | 0:15:04 | 0:15:06 | |
It's definitely not short on space, and when Helen spots | 0:15:08 | 0:15:11 | |
a potential room for her mum, it's the icing on the cake. | 0:15:11 | 0:15:15 | |
-This is Mum's style, this. -Yeah. | 0:15:15 | 0:15:17 | |
I think if I got Mum to come out here and we were living here, | 0:15:17 | 0:15:20 | |
she wouldn't go back home! | 0:15:20 | 0:15:21 | |
And just when they thought things couldn't get any better - | 0:15:21 | 0:15:24 | |
a garden with a pool. | 0:15:24 | 0:15:26 | |
Oh, my God, I could cry. | 0:15:26 | 0:15:28 | |
This is just the sort of thing we would want to come out here for. | 0:15:29 | 0:15:32 | |
-It's amazing. -Definitely, yeah. | 0:15:32 | 0:15:34 | |
-We won't be able to afford this, I don't think. -No. | 0:15:34 | 0:15:36 | |
-This is going to cost a fortune. -No way. | 0:15:36 | 0:15:39 | |
-I want it. -Do you? | 0:15:39 | 0:15:41 | |
I loved the other house, but I love this even more. | 0:15:41 | 0:15:44 | |
Helen has really fallen for this house, but before she gets | 0:15:44 | 0:15:48 | |
too carried away, it is time to find out how much it costs. | 0:15:48 | 0:15:52 | |
-If we could get something like this, I'm coming. Definitely. -Yeah? | 0:15:52 | 0:15:56 | |
It's a no-brainer. | 0:15:56 | 0:15:57 | |
The couple have £1,200 for rent every month. | 0:15:57 | 0:16:01 | |
I have got in my head, about, English pounds, about 1,350. | 0:16:01 | 0:16:08 | |
Maybe more. | 0:16:08 | 0:16:10 | |
-Maybe about 1,200. -1,200? -Yeah. | 0:16:11 | 0:16:15 | |
How much do you think it is worth, Alexa? | 0:16:15 | 0:16:17 | |
£199. | 0:16:17 | 0:16:20 | |
Whoa, we are definitely moving in, then. | 0:16:20 | 0:16:22 | |
That is cheap! What about you, Harry? | 0:16:22 | 0:16:25 | |
-Erm... -Do you think it is more than the other one or less? -1,250. -Right. | 0:16:25 | 0:16:30 | |
-OK, do you want to turn it round, Harry? -Yeah. | 0:16:30 | 0:16:32 | |
-Oh, my God! -I was so close! | 0:16:42 | 0:16:44 | |
-You're joking. -1,165. Unbelievable. -Innit? | 0:16:44 | 0:16:49 | |
Flippin' 'eck. | 0:16:49 | 0:16:51 | |
-That is amazing. Wow. -Yeah? -I'm really shocked. | 0:16:51 | 0:16:55 | |
I know, yeah. | 0:16:55 | 0:16:57 | |
The Holroyds are having a great day so far, and it is not over yet. | 0:16:57 | 0:17:01 | |
This has been a bit nice. | 0:17:01 | 0:17:02 | |
SIMON LAUGHS | 0:17:02 | 0:17:04 | |
Next stop is Buderim, a small town | 0:17:06 | 0:17:08 | |
overlooking the southern Sunshine Coast. | 0:17:08 | 0:17:11 | |
With excellent schools and close to retail and leisure facilities, | 0:17:11 | 0:17:14 | |
the area is increasingly popular with families. | 0:17:14 | 0:17:18 | |
But will this three-storey house hit the spot? | 0:17:18 | 0:17:21 | |
Wow. Goodness me. | 0:17:22 | 0:17:25 | |
Spacious and modern, this place is a real show home. | 0:17:27 | 0:17:31 | |
-Wow. -This is unreal. -It's massive. | 0:17:31 | 0:17:34 | |
SIMON LAUGHS INCREDULOUSLY | 0:17:34 | 0:17:36 | |
This is like where someone famous would live. | 0:17:36 | 0:17:38 | |
Helen is imagining a celebrity lifestyle, | 0:17:38 | 0:17:41 | |
and spotting a hot tub certainly helps. | 0:17:41 | 0:17:44 | |
Can you imagine getting in this on a night? | 0:17:44 | 0:17:46 | |
-HARRY: -Every day. -Every day? | 0:17:46 | 0:17:48 | |
Boasting extensive gardens, there's plenty of room for outside living. | 0:17:48 | 0:17:52 | |
-Look at the garden. -You could have a golf course in there. | 0:17:52 | 0:17:56 | |
That might be a bit ambitious, maybe a pitch-and-putt course | 0:17:56 | 0:18:00 | |
for Harry and Alexa? | 0:18:00 | 0:18:01 | |
They would have a whale of a time, in all the woods and stuff. | 0:18:01 | 0:18:04 | |
This IS going to be expensive. | 0:18:04 | 0:18:06 | |
-EXHALING: -Heh. | 0:18:06 | 0:18:07 | |
But when they move back inside, Helen casts cost concerns aside | 0:18:07 | 0:18:11 | |
and starts to worry about how big the house really is. | 0:18:11 | 0:18:14 | |
This is a bit...too big. Maybe. I don't know. | 0:18:15 | 0:18:19 | |
-A lot of cleaning. -SHE CHUCKLES | 0:18:19 | 0:18:22 | |
It's a valid point, and there is more to look after upstairs. | 0:18:23 | 0:18:27 | |
-ALEXA: -This bedroom. -Oh, wow. | 0:18:27 | 0:18:29 | |
This will be the master bedroom up here. | 0:18:29 | 0:18:32 | |
My God! | 0:18:32 | 0:18:33 | |
Just the standard of everything is so much better than back home, | 0:18:35 | 0:18:38 | |
-isn't it? -I think so. | 0:18:38 | 0:18:40 | |
This house has definitely impressed Helen and Simon, | 0:18:40 | 0:18:43 | |
but will its price tag put it out of reach? | 0:18:43 | 0:18:45 | |
-I like this one the best. -Do you? | 0:18:47 | 0:18:49 | |
Because it has got a really big garden. | 0:18:49 | 0:18:51 | |
Yeah, I knew you would like the garden. | 0:18:51 | 0:18:53 | |
-They can run wild out there, can't they? -It's got a hot tub. | 0:18:53 | 0:18:56 | |
It is nice, and it has got amazing views, as well. | 0:18:56 | 0:18:58 | |
Yeah, that is stunning. | 0:18:58 | 0:18:59 | |
Personally, I think it is going to be way over our budget. | 0:18:59 | 0:19:02 | |
Yeah. Alexa, how much do you think this one would be? | 0:19:02 | 0:19:06 | |
£3,080. | 0:19:06 | 0:19:09 | |
-£3,080?! -What about you, Harry? -£1,400. | 0:19:09 | 0:19:14 | |
-I will go with 15. -I would say more. 17. | 0:19:14 | 0:19:19 | |
ALL: One, two, three! | 0:19:21 | 0:19:22 | |
-THEY GASP -1,630. | 0:19:23 | 0:19:26 | |
-Mmm. -ALEXA: -Have we got enough money? | 0:19:26 | 0:19:29 | |
SIMON LAUGHS | 0:19:29 | 0:19:30 | |
-I think that is a bit over. -More than £400 over budget | 0:19:30 | 0:19:33 | |
makes this house something to aspire to, | 0:19:33 | 0:19:36 | |
but Helen and Simon aren't too disappointed. | 0:19:36 | 0:19:39 | |
-Personally... -No, I know. | 0:19:39 | 0:19:41 | |
-..I preferred the other house a lot more, and it's cheaper. -Yeah. | 0:19:41 | 0:19:45 | |
Discovering the local property market has been a largely | 0:19:45 | 0:19:49 | |
positive experience for the Holroyds. | 0:19:49 | 0:19:51 | |
Property one didn't have the four bedrooms the family are after, | 0:19:51 | 0:19:54 | |
but it was well within budget. | 0:19:54 | 0:19:56 | |
Property two was a real hit, with the pool Helen wanted | 0:19:58 | 0:20:01 | |
and at a price they could afford. | 0:20:01 | 0:20:04 | |
And delivering the wow factor, | 0:20:04 | 0:20:05 | |
the final property of the day was the ultimate dream home. | 0:20:05 | 0:20:09 | |
Even discovering it was over budget wasn't enough to | 0:20:09 | 0:20:12 | |
dampen Helen's spirits. | 0:20:12 | 0:20:14 | |
So, how will the Holroyds vote | 0:20:14 | 0:20:16 | |
when it comes to choosing between property in Australia and the UK? | 0:20:16 | 0:20:20 | |
-Shall we vote for where we want to live, here or in the UK? -Yeah! | 0:20:20 | 0:20:24 | |
-Let's go for it. -Let's go. | 0:20:24 | 0:20:26 | |
ALL: Australia! | 0:20:40 | 0:20:42 | |
HELEN AND KIDS: Yay! | 0:20:43 | 0:20:47 | |
High-five! | 0:20:47 | 0:20:49 | |
-That second house that we saw, with the swimming pool. -Yeah. | 0:20:49 | 0:20:51 | |
That is ideal, and we could have Mum come and stay, | 0:20:51 | 0:20:54 | |
she could come and stay for probably three, four, six months, whatever. | 0:20:54 | 0:20:57 | |
-Three, four or six? -Well, six. | 0:20:57 | 0:20:59 | |
She'd have her own little area. | 0:20:59 | 0:21:01 | |
I would let her come for a few months a year, | 0:21:01 | 0:21:03 | |
-but I don't know about... -You won't have any choice. | 0:21:03 | 0:21:06 | |
I get my own way all the time. | 0:21:08 | 0:21:10 | |
With a unanimous vote for Australia, | 0:21:20 | 0:21:22 | |
the Holroyds' week has got off to a promising start. | 0:21:22 | 0:21:25 | |
But Simon and Helen both know the Australia dream | 0:21:25 | 0:21:28 | |
could quickly fade if Simon can't find a job that enables him | 0:21:28 | 0:21:32 | |
to be home every night and fund the lifestyle they want. | 0:21:32 | 0:21:35 | |
Back in the UK, Simon is away from home every Monday to Friday, | 0:21:37 | 0:21:41 | |
working as an arc welder. | 0:21:41 | 0:21:44 | |
I really enjoy me job, I do. | 0:21:44 | 0:21:46 | |
When I started doing the job, I was single, | 0:21:46 | 0:21:49 | |
obviously, working away from home, it was brilliant. | 0:21:49 | 0:21:54 | |
But now with a family, the single most important thing is Simon | 0:21:54 | 0:21:59 | |
being able to do the same job closer to home. | 0:21:59 | 0:22:01 | |
I don't mind doing a lot of hours, as long as I could get to | 0:22:01 | 0:22:04 | |
go home on a night to spend time with my family. | 0:22:04 | 0:22:06 | |
That's the whole point of this. | 0:22:06 | 0:22:08 | |
Helen has worked as everything from shop assistant to air hostess. | 0:22:08 | 0:22:12 | |
Now a classroom assistant, she has finally found a job she loves, | 0:22:12 | 0:22:16 | |
but she is prepared to put family above work. | 0:22:16 | 0:22:18 | |
The most important thing for us is for Simon to get the correct job. | 0:22:18 | 0:22:22 | |
I am willing to sacrifice my job for us | 0:22:22 | 0:22:24 | |
to have the family life that we have wanted. | 0:22:24 | 0:22:27 | |
With so much at stake, the couple are nervous about what a day | 0:22:30 | 0:22:33 | |
exploring Brisbane's job market might bring. | 0:22:33 | 0:22:36 | |
At the end of the day, it's a make or break, Simon's job. | 0:22:38 | 0:22:42 | |
We need to find out what the wage is going to be like, | 0:22:42 | 0:22:44 | |
if there is much work for me out here. Hopefully, there is. | 0:22:44 | 0:22:48 | |
The majority of skilled workers on the Sunshine Coast | 0:22:48 | 0:22:51 | |
commute to Brisbane. | 0:22:51 | 0:22:53 | |
So, we have arranged for Simon to meet Joe and Martin Lewandowski | 0:22:53 | 0:22:56 | |
at their industrial welding firm on the south side of the city. | 0:22:56 | 0:23:02 | |
-Simon. -Hello. -Martin. Nice to meet you. | 0:23:02 | 0:23:04 | |
Nice to meet you, Martin, I'm Simon. | 0:23:04 | 0:23:06 | |
-This is Joe, the director. -All right? | 0:23:06 | 0:23:09 | |
Before getting down to business, the guys show Simon around. | 0:23:09 | 0:23:12 | |
Australian standards is higher standards, you know, | 0:23:12 | 0:23:15 | |
than British standards. | 0:23:15 | 0:23:16 | |
-Really? -The pressure's on for Simon to make an impression. | 0:23:16 | 0:23:19 | |
Meanwhile, Helen is meeting | 0:23:19 | 0:23:22 | |
teacher's aide Helen Greoff at Matt Flinders Anglican College in Buderim. | 0:23:22 | 0:23:25 | |
-It is absolutely huge, this place. -It is a big place. | 0:23:27 | 0:23:30 | |
-All the facilities here are pretty good. -Yeah. It's fantastic. | 0:23:30 | 0:23:34 | |
So much different to where I come from, completely. | 0:23:35 | 0:23:39 | |
It's a good start for Helen, but back at the welding company, | 0:23:39 | 0:23:42 | |
Simon's isn't as promising. | 0:23:42 | 0:23:44 | |
What I see, you have just only very basic welding. | 0:23:45 | 0:23:50 | |
-From your experience, you are more structural tradesman. -Right. | 0:23:51 | 0:23:56 | |
We do some structure, all right? But it is minimal, the structure. | 0:23:56 | 0:24:00 | |
His skills may not be a perfect fit for this company, | 0:24:03 | 0:24:07 | |
but Martin reassures him all is not lost. | 0:24:07 | 0:24:10 | |
There is a place here for everybody. | 0:24:10 | 0:24:12 | |
If we do take you on, we could get you to do TA work, | 0:24:12 | 0:24:17 | |
or labour around the yard, or in the workshop. | 0:24:17 | 0:24:20 | |
You know, we could ease you into the welding side of things. | 0:24:20 | 0:24:24 | |
Slowly, yeah. | 0:24:24 | 0:24:25 | |
Simon could work here as a trade's assistant while upgrading his skills. | 0:24:25 | 0:24:29 | |
But how would that affect the family financially? | 0:24:29 | 0:24:33 | |
So, if, erm, you were to give me an opportunity, | 0:24:33 | 0:24:38 | |
what would the wage expectations be? | 0:24:38 | 0:24:41 | |
A first start, you would be looking at probably 22 to 24, | 0:24:41 | 0:24:47 | |
because we have to really invest it with you. | 0:24:47 | 0:24:49 | |
The hourly rate would give him an annual salary of around £25,000, | 0:24:49 | 0:24:53 | |
but that would increase once fully trained. | 0:24:53 | 0:24:56 | |
Then you would probably look at | 0:24:58 | 0:25:01 | |
-between 28 and 38. -Right. | 0:25:01 | 0:25:06 | |
Even long-term, Simon's salary is only slightly more than what | 0:25:06 | 0:25:10 | |
he already earns, but the big difference would be that he is | 0:25:10 | 0:25:12 | |
able to go home when his day's work is done. | 0:25:12 | 0:25:15 | |
I just want to be at home, I don't want to work away any more. | 0:25:15 | 0:25:18 | |
If you do get work here with us, | 0:25:18 | 0:25:21 | |
then you will be with your wife and kids. | 0:25:21 | 0:25:24 | |
It is exactly the news Simon wanted to receive, | 0:25:24 | 0:25:26 | |
and should make Helen very happy, too. | 0:25:26 | 0:25:29 | |
Back at the college, | 0:25:29 | 0:25:30 | |
she is getting a handle on her own prospects down under. | 0:25:30 | 0:25:33 | |
So, what kinds of qualifications would you need? | 0:25:35 | 0:25:38 | |
Most teacher assistants here have a TAFE qualification. | 0:25:38 | 0:25:41 | |
And is that something that I could do over here? | 0:25:41 | 0:25:43 | |
-You definitely could. -Yeah. | 0:25:43 | 0:25:46 | |
And you might even find that you would get recognition for | 0:25:46 | 0:25:49 | |
your experience and the other course that | 0:25:49 | 0:25:51 | |
-you have already done. -Right. | 0:25:51 | 0:25:53 | |
Qualifying could take up to two years, but Helen is not put off. | 0:25:53 | 0:25:56 | |
What we would normally suggest to someone is that they come in | 0:25:56 | 0:26:00 | |
and present us with their resume. | 0:26:00 | 0:26:02 | |
And also, it is always really helpful to just start volunteering. | 0:26:02 | 0:26:06 | |
That's great. | 0:26:06 | 0:26:08 | |
So assuming she can find a paid job, all Helen | 0:26:08 | 0:26:11 | |
needs to now know is how much she can earn. | 0:26:11 | 0:26:14 | |
OK, so what is the salary over here for a full-time teacher's assistant? | 0:26:14 | 0:26:18 | |
For a teacher assistant that works the full five-day week, | 0:26:18 | 0:26:22 | |
-we are at about 35,000 per year. -Right. | 0:26:22 | 0:26:25 | |
That is quite a lot more. | 0:26:25 | 0:26:27 | |
-Is it? -Yeah. | 0:26:27 | 0:26:29 | |
Around £17,500 is almost double | 0:26:29 | 0:26:32 | |
what she gets doing the same job in the UK. | 0:26:32 | 0:26:36 | |
All in all, Helen's school visit could be graded excellent. | 0:26:36 | 0:26:39 | |
I would love my children to come to a school like this, | 0:26:39 | 0:26:42 | |
and I would love to work in a school like this. | 0:26:42 | 0:26:44 | |
It's just amazing. | 0:26:44 | 0:26:46 | |
The Holroyds have had an informative day at work, | 0:26:46 | 0:26:48 | |
but when Simon reunites with Helen, he is quick to flag the fact | 0:26:48 | 0:26:51 | |
that he would initially be working as a trade's assistant, not a welder. | 0:26:51 | 0:26:55 | |
What would it be like to start from the beginning again? | 0:26:55 | 0:26:57 | |
To start from the beginning - probably about 24 an hour. | 0:26:57 | 0:27:03 | |
But that's at the beginning. The welders were getting 38. | 0:27:03 | 0:27:06 | |
-Is that good or...? -Well... | 0:27:06 | 0:27:08 | |
I think it is a little bit more than what we were expecting. | 0:27:08 | 0:27:11 | |
-What about working hours? This is the question. -Working hours were... | 0:27:11 | 0:27:16 | |
-..probably the same as what I do now. -Not working away? | 0:27:17 | 0:27:20 | |
-Not working away. -That's fine. | 0:27:20 | 0:27:22 | |
Compared to what you do now, that is great, isn't it? | 0:27:22 | 0:27:25 | |
What about you, how have you done? | 0:27:25 | 0:27:26 | |
Yeah, good, amazing school, you should see it. Oh, my goodness. | 0:27:26 | 0:27:30 | |
-Amazing. -Really? -Massive. And about 35,000 a year. -Really?! | 0:27:30 | 0:27:36 | |
Which is double what I'm on! | 0:27:36 | 0:27:39 | |
-So, yeah, that's good. -That means I might go part-time, then. | 0:27:39 | 0:27:42 | |
If you're not earning quite as much and I'm earning more, | 0:27:42 | 0:27:44 | |
-then it would work out, wouldn't it? -Yeah, it would, yeah. | 0:27:44 | 0:27:47 | |
For Simon, achieving a better work/life balance | 0:27:49 | 0:27:52 | |
may come at a cost, but how will the couple choose | 0:27:52 | 0:27:55 | |
when it comes to work in Australia or the UK? | 0:27:55 | 0:27:58 | |
Our decision is going to be... | 0:27:58 | 0:28:00 | |
BOTH: Australia! | 0:28:05 | 0:28:06 | |
-Yeah? -Yeah! | 0:28:08 | 0:28:10 | |
Taking a step backwards or having to re-qualify professionally | 0:28:15 | 0:28:19 | |
hasn't been enough to dent Helen and Simon's desire to make the move. | 0:28:19 | 0:28:24 | |
Simply having Simon home every night will be enough to | 0:28:24 | 0:28:28 | |
transform family life. To give them a glimpse of how | 0:28:28 | 0:28:31 | |
they could spend their new-found spare time, | 0:28:31 | 0:28:34 | |
the Holroyds head off on a typically Aussie day out. | 0:28:34 | 0:28:37 | |
And for Harry and Alexa, it is | 0:28:37 | 0:28:39 | |
a rare opportunity to spend time having fun with both Mum and Dad. | 0:28:39 | 0:28:44 | |
Making the most of their time together, | 0:28:47 | 0:28:49 | |
the family following the footsteps of typical Sunshine Coasters, | 0:28:49 | 0:28:53 | |
and take a ferry to Fraser Island, | 0:28:53 | 0:28:55 | |
the largest sand island in the world. | 0:28:55 | 0:28:57 | |
Massive. | 0:28:57 | 0:28:59 | |
Almost 75 miles long and 14 miles wide, there is plenty to see. | 0:29:02 | 0:29:08 | |
This is paradise. | 0:29:09 | 0:29:11 | |
Could easily spend a day on here, just with t'kids running about. | 0:29:11 | 0:29:14 | |
Ooh! | 0:29:14 | 0:29:17 | |
This is the proper jungle. | 0:29:17 | 0:29:18 | |
The island is the only place in the world where | 0:29:20 | 0:29:23 | |
rainforests grow on sand dunes, and after a short trek through it, | 0:29:23 | 0:29:26 | |
the family stop off for some lunch. | 0:29:26 | 0:29:29 | |
-So, what do you think to Australia altogether, then? -Really good. | 0:29:30 | 0:29:33 | |
-Do you like it? -I love it. Really do. | 0:29:33 | 0:29:35 | |
The day is rounded off on the beach, | 0:29:38 | 0:29:39 | |
giving the family the perfect opportunity to dip their toe | 0:29:39 | 0:29:42 | |
in the water and find out if typical Aussie living is really for them. | 0:29:42 | 0:29:47 | |
Definitely ten out of ten. | 0:29:47 | 0:29:49 | |
Back home in the UK, we've got Blackpool or Scarborough, | 0:29:49 | 0:29:53 | |
in the North Sea, and it is absolutely freezing. | 0:29:53 | 0:29:56 | |
It's just been amazing, it's been great to spend some time | 0:29:56 | 0:29:59 | |
together, cos that don't happen often back home. | 0:29:59 | 0:30:02 | |
And if we can get this every weekend, | 0:30:02 | 0:30:04 | |
it is a no-brainer, isn't it? | 0:30:04 | 0:30:06 | |
The afternoon also gives the couple a chance to reflect on | 0:30:07 | 0:30:10 | |
their relationship and how much the potential move could mean to them. | 0:30:10 | 0:30:13 | |
You sort of lose touch with each other, and, obviously, with him | 0:30:13 | 0:30:17 | |
working away, it is not the same, but being over here, it's... | 0:30:17 | 0:30:21 | |
kind of falling in love again. | 0:30:21 | 0:30:23 | |
When I'm not away, it is bliss, because there is never no arguments. | 0:30:23 | 0:30:28 | |
And as for the kids, | 0:30:28 | 0:30:29 | |
it's great to spend good quality time together as one big unit. | 0:30:29 | 0:30:34 | |
Yay! | 0:30:34 | 0:30:36 | |
Harry and Alexa would love this lifestyle every day. | 0:30:38 | 0:30:41 | |
If we lived in Australia, then we would like to play | 0:30:41 | 0:30:43 | |
on the beach a lot, and in the swimming pool a lot. | 0:30:43 | 0:30:46 | |
Everyone has fallen under Australia's spell, | 0:30:46 | 0:30:49 | |
and for Simon, the lifestyle they stand to gain far outweighs | 0:30:49 | 0:30:52 | |
the potential decrease in his pay packet. | 0:30:52 | 0:30:54 | |
If we were to come, we would have to have quite | 0:30:54 | 0:30:57 | |
a few cutbacks, like I say. | 0:30:57 | 0:31:00 | |
Just watch the pennies, or the dollars. | 0:31:02 | 0:31:04 | |
But as Helen relaxes into her surroundings, | 0:31:04 | 0:31:07 | |
it is not long before she is contemplating reality. | 0:31:07 | 0:31:11 | |
Living this life would mean saying goodbye to her mum. | 0:31:11 | 0:31:13 | |
I'm not going to start crying again, but... | 0:31:15 | 0:31:17 | |
It would be difficult. | 0:31:22 | 0:31:23 | |
The decision is huge, it is massive. | 0:31:26 | 0:31:29 | |
It is leaving everything that we know behind. | 0:31:29 | 0:31:33 | |
It is going to be difficult, very difficult. | 0:31:33 | 0:31:35 | |
Helen faces a heart-wrenching choice come the end of the week, | 0:31:37 | 0:31:40 | |
but for now, it is time for the family | 0:31:40 | 0:31:42 | |
to choose between lifestyle in Australia and the UK. | 0:31:42 | 0:31:46 | |
ALL: Australia! | 0:31:52 | 0:31:54 | |
-Have we all got the same? -Yeah. -Yeah. | 0:31:56 | 0:31:59 | |
Oh, that was going to be a definite, wasn't it? Fab. | 0:31:59 | 0:32:03 | |
The whole family are enjoying | 0:32:12 | 0:32:13 | |
what Australia could potentially offer, | 0:32:13 | 0:32:15 | |
but Simon and Helen know their chances of getting the life they want | 0:32:15 | 0:32:20 | |
could be washed out to sea if finances don't work in their favour. | 0:32:20 | 0:32:25 | |
While the children play outside, | 0:32:25 | 0:32:27 | |
Simon and Helen figure out how living costs | 0:32:27 | 0:32:29 | |
in Australia compare with the UK. | 0:32:29 | 0:32:31 | |
We have provided the financial facts, starting with their weekly food shop. | 0:32:31 | 0:32:35 | |
All right, 3p difference on carrots, | 0:32:35 | 0:32:37 | |
that's neither here nor there, is it? | 0:32:37 | 0:32:39 | |
But look at your butter - £2 cheaper. | 0:32:39 | 0:32:41 | |
-£2 CHEAPER? -Yeah. -That's a bonus, cos I love butter. | 0:32:43 | 0:32:46 | |
SHE LAUGHS | 0:32:46 | 0:32:48 | |
All right, do you want to work it out and see the difference, then? | 0:32:48 | 0:32:52 | |
A quick run through the shopping list reveals how much more | 0:32:52 | 0:32:55 | |
they would pay for food down under. | 0:32:55 | 0:32:57 | |
It is only £2.24. | 0:32:59 | 0:33:01 | |
I thought it was going to be a lot worse than that, actually. | 0:33:01 | 0:33:03 | |
That's not so bad at all. | 0:33:03 | 0:33:05 | |
-That is almost £70 every month. -It is doable, isn't it? | 0:33:06 | 0:33:09 | |
That's nothing here or there, is it? | 0:33:09 | 0:33:11 | |
You change the way you eat, don't you? | 0:33:11 | 0:33:13 | |
-Well, yeah... -Or you stop drinking beer. | 0:33:13 | 0:33:16 | |
Or you and your wine, more like. | 0:33:16 | 0:33:18 | |
There's no time for domestics. | 0:33:18 | 0:33:20 | |
-The couple move on to the bigger monthly bills. -The rent... | 0:33:20 | 0:33:24 | |
going on that second house, | 0:33:24 | 0:33:25 | |
the one with the swimming pool that we preferred, is quite a bit more. | 0:33:25 | 0:33:29 | |
-It's about double, that. -Yeah. | 0:33:29 | 0:33:31 | |
Council tax, they don't pay, which is a bonus. | 0:33:31 | 0:33:37 | |
-Gas, no gas. -No. | 0:33:37 | 0:33:40 | |
Overall, the couple's outgoings will be £2,708 every month in Australia - | 0:33:40 | 0:33:46 | |
almost £800 more than they spend in the UK. | 0:33:46 | 0:33:49 | |
-That is a lot, and that's because of the house. -Yeah. | 0:33:51 | 0:33:57 | |
It's a huge amount of money. | 0:33:57 | 0:33:59 | |
And with Simon's salary set to decrease, and Helen having to | 0:33:59 | 0:34:02 | |
take time out to boost her qualifications, | 0:34:02 | 0:34:05 | |
things go from bad to worse. | 0:34:05 | 0:34:07 | |
In the UK, they have £1,300 left over after bills every month, | 0:34:07 | 0:34:11 | |
but in Australia, they would be £20 in the red. | 0:34:11 | 0:34:14 | |
That's... Yeah, that's fine. | 0:34:17 | 0:34:18 | |
Well, it's not, but what about once we're qualified? | 0:34:18 | 0:34:21 | |
Once we're qualified... | 0:34:21 | 0:34:23 | |
To do the jobs that we both want to come out and do. | 0:34:23 | 0:34:26 | |
Desperate to make the finances work, the couple recalculate | 0:34:26 | 0:34:30 | |
based on Simon being a welder and Helen a classroom assistant. | 0:34:30 | 0:34:34 | |
And when the sums are all done, it is a much more favourable outcome. | 0:34:34 | 0:34:38 | |
That is £1,700 better off. | 0:34:38 | 0:34:40 | |
£415.73 more than what we have got back home. | 0:34:43 | 0:34:46 | |
-Yeah, more than what we already save. -Right. | 0:34:46 | 0:34:49 | |
-That is good. -So £415... -Mm. | 0:34:51 | 0:34:53 | |
In the long run, the couple could be financially better off, | 0:34:54 | 0:34:58 | |
but have the figures done enough to | 0:34:58 | 0:35:00 | |
make them choose Australia over the UK? | 0:35:00 | 0:35:03 | |
OK, so, based on the information that we have found out today | 0:35:03 | 0:35:06 | |
and our reality check, we are going to make a vote. | 0:35:06 | 0:35:10 | |
Australia. | 0:35:18 | 0:35:20 | |
-Undecided? -It's just the money, isn't it? | 0:35:21 | 0:35:24 | |
I know what you are saying there, | 0:35:24 | 0:35:26 | |
but I have sort of voted on the qualified side. | 0:35:26 | 0:35:29 | |
Yeah, and if I was voting just on that, it would have been | 0:35:29 | 0:35:32 | |
Australia, but... | 0:35:32 | 0:35:33 | |
It's not going to be that to start with, and... | 0:35:35 | 0:35:38 | |
You don't know, I could get qualified, I might not get a job. | 0:35:38 | 0:35:43 | |
-Do you know I mean? -There is always that. -So, that is why I am... | 0:35:43 | 0:35:46 | |
Helen and Simon have been united all week, but fearing for their | 0:35:54 | 0:35:57 | |
short-term finances has left Helen undecided about the move. | 0:35:57 | 0:36:02 | |
And there is another hurdle ahead, | 0:36:02 | 0:36:04 | |
as Helen faces the reality of being 9,000 miles from her mum. | 0:36:04 | 0:36:09 | |
The couple ask the children to join them | 0:36:09 | 0:36:11 | |
to watch messages from their loved ones back home. | 0:36:11 | 0:36:14 | |
Go on, then, get the remote, Harry. | 0:36:14 | 0:36:16 | |
-Hi! -Helen and Simon. | 0:36:20 | 0:36:22 | |
-Hi, Harry and Alexa. -ALL: -Hi, guys! | 0:36:22 | 0:36:25 | |
We wish we could be there with you, | 0:36:25 | 0:36:26 | |
hope you have had a great time in Brisbane this week. | 0:36:26 | 0:36:30 | |
Alexa and Harry are always full of life, | 0:36:30 | 0:36:32 | |
they are always laughing, having a great time, running around. | 0:36:32 | 0:36:36 | |
As a family, I think they are pretty solid. | 0:36:36 | 0:36:39 | |
Helen is very family-orientated, the kids are very important to her. | 0:36:39 | 0:36:43 | |
Simon is one of me best friends. | 0:36:43 | 0:36:45 | |
He's a good lad, a really good lad. | 0:36:46 | 0:36:48 | |
Selfishly, I would hate it if they went, | 0:36:49 | 0:36:52 | |
but I think it would be an amazing experience, | 0:36:52 | 0:36:53 | |
and I think it would change their lives. | 0:36:53 | 0:36:55 | |
I think it will bring their family closer | 0:36:55 | 0:36:57 | |
and Harry and Alexa, they will have a very good childhood. | 0:36:57 | 0:37:01 | |
-HELEN'S FRIENDS: -I think the main thing is going to be | 0:37:01 | 0:37:03 | |
-leaving her mum. -Yeah. | 0:37:03 | 0:37:05 | |
Ever since she talked about Australia, | 0:37:05 | 0:37:07 | |
deep down I have known that she will do it, she will go. | 0:37:07 | 0:37:12 | |
And it's the right thing for them. | 0:37:12 | 0:37:14 | |
HELEN'S MUM SNIFFS | 0:37:14 | 0:37:16 | |
It doesn't mean it is the right thing for me. | 0:37:16 | 0:37:19 | |
I won't see them in real life... | 0:37:20 | 0:37:25 | |
again. | 0:37:25 | 0:37:27 | |
They said we can go out there for a holiday, | 0:37:27 | 0:37:31 | |
but my various health problems - no chance. | 0:37:31 | 0:37:35 | |
SHE SOBS | 0:37:38 | 0:37:40 | |
I don't want her to go. | 0:37:44 | 0:37:46 | |
But I know that's being selfish. | 0:37:47 | 0:37:51 | |
And I know that her father would say to follow her dream. | 0:37:51 | 0:37:55 | |
I know there is ways of seeing them every day, | 0:38:00 | 0:38:03 | |
but it is not the same as holding your child in your arms. | 0:38:03 | 0:38:08 | |
And holding your grandchildren. | 0:38:08 | 0:38:11 | |
Follow your heart. | 0:38:11 | 0:38:13 | |
If you think it is right, then do it. You've got to give it a go. | 0:38:13 | 0:38:17 | |
Just take this opportunity and grab it with both hands. | 0:38:17 | 0:38:22 | |
If your life is going to be better... | 0:38:22 | 0:38:24 | |
go for it, love. | 0:38:24 | 0:38:26 | |
We will support you every step of the way. | 0:38:26 | 0:38:29 | |
We'll support your family, so we'll support your mum, as well. | 0:38:29 | 0:38:31 | |
I know that is going to be one of the hardest things for you to do. | 0:38:31 | 0:38:34 | |
That would mean a lot. | 0:38:34 | 0:38:36 | |
-HELEN'S MUM: -I will always be here. | 0:38:36 | 0:38:38 | |
I love you, all of you. | 0:38:38 | 0:38:40 | |
Bye. | 0:38:41 | 0:38:43 | |
SHE SOBS | 0:38:57 | 0:38:58 | |
Yeah? You all right, Alexa? | 0:38:58 | 0:39:01 | |
I would miss everybody so much. What about your mum and dad? | 0:39:01 | 0:39:06 | |
I didn't expect that at all, I thought... | 0:39:06 | 0:39:09 | |
I thought they would come over and see us, | 0:39:09 | 0:39:12 | |
but she's saying they probably won't be able to because of her health. | 0:39:12 | 0:39:17 | |
We're going to go back and see them, don't worry. | 0:39:18 | 0:39:21 | |
Hearing how loved ones feel has proved heartbreaking for Helen, | 0:39:31 | 0:39:36 | |
and with Simon facing the prospect of perhaps saying goodbye to his parents | 0:39:36 | 0:39:40 | |
for good, the couple now need to make the biggest decision of their lives. | 0:39:40 | 0:39:45 | |
As the family prepare to choose where | 0:39:45 | 0:39:47 | |
they will spend their future, will the human cost of moving mean | 0:39:47 | 0:39:50 | |
the dream life, and potentially Simon and Helen's marriage, | 0:39:50 | 0:39:54 | |
is over for good? | 0:39:54 | 0:39:56 | |
-Do you want to go and get an ice cream? -Yeah. | 0:40:01 | 0:40:03 | |
Did you have a nice day on the beach? | 0:40:03 | 0:40:04 | |
When the Holroyds arrived in Australia a week ago, | 0:40:04 | 0:40:07 | |
it was with high hopes that the country would give them | 0:40:07 | 0:40:09 | |
more quality time together as a family. | 0:40:09 | 0:40:12 | |
And it has lived up to expectations. | 0:40:12 | 0:40:14 | |
Bringing the kids to Australia, it definitely offers | 0:40:15 | 0:40:19 | |
a lot more than what they are getting in the UK at the moment. | 0:40:19 | 0:40:23 | |
Yesterday just proved the sort of fun we could have. | 0:40:23 | 0:40:25 | |
The kids miss their dad. | 0:40:25 | 0:40:27 | |
That is why we want to come out here, | 0:40:27 | 0:40:29 | |
so we can spend more time as a family. | 0:40:29 | 0:40:32 | |
But while the week showed what life could be like, | 0:40:32 | 0:40:34 | |
it has also reinforced Helen's angst over choosing between | 0:40:34 | 0:40:37 | |
what is best for her family and leaving her mum. | 0:40:37 | 0:40:40 | |
I am so confused at the moment. | 0:40:42 | 0:40:43 | |
I feel if we don't make this move, then our marriage might end, | 0:40:45 | 0:40:49 | |
I really dread to think what might happen | 0:40:49 | 0:40:51 | |
because of the problems that we have had up until now. | 0:40:51 | 0:40:55 | |
But then again, if we come out here, am I going to be so devastated | 0:40:56 | 0:41:00 | |
that I'm away from my family that we will just argue anyway? | 0:41:00 | 0:41:04 | |
I just, I really don't know what the best thing to do is. | 0:41:04 | 0:41:08 | |
Ultimately, life in the UK has pushed Simon and Helen to breaking point. | 0:41:08 | 0:41:12 | |
To be honest, this is what we do really need. | 0:41:13 | 0:41:16 | |
We do need a definite change from the UK life, that is 100%, | 0:41:19 | 0:41:24 | |
we need something to change. | 0:41:24 | 0:41:26 | |
It is going to be so hard, it is going to | 0:41:39 | 0:41:41 | |
be such a hard decision to make. | 0:41:41 | 0:41:43 | |
It is just such a difficult... | 0:41:47 | 0:41:49 | |
Why does Australia have to be on the other side of the world? | 0:41:49 | 0:41:52 | |
For better or worse, it is time for the family to choose | 0:41:55 | 0:41:58 | |
once and for all if Australia really is the answer to their prayers. | 0:41:58 | 0:42:01 | |
-ALL: Australia! -Yay! | 0:42:10 | 0:42:12 | |
Oh, I wasn't sure whether you would vote Australia, Alexa. | 0:42:15 | 0:42:18 | |
Thought you might say you wasn't sure. | 0:42:18 | 0:42:21 | |
-Definitely Australia? -And you, Harry, yeah? | 0:42:22 | 0:42:25 | |
Brilliant. | 0:42:25 | 0:42:27 | |
I am glad we have all chosen Australia, | 0:42:27 | 0:42:29 | |
I do think it was a hard decision. | 0:42:29 | 0:42:31 | |
I'm going to start crying again in a minute. | 0:42:31 | 0:42:34 | |
-Do you think this has got everything to offer? -And more, definitely. | 0:42:34 | 0:42:38 | |
-I think if we don't give it a go, we would regret it. -Definitely, yes. | 0:42:38 | 0:42:42 | |
Definitely. We need to give it a shot, don't we? | 0:42:42 | 0:42:45 | |
Especially for these two, don't we? | 0:42:45 | 0:42:48 | |
Yeah, definitely. Come on, let's go. | 0:42:48 | 0:42:51 | |
Come on. | 0:42:51 | 0:42:52 | |
It had been a life-changing week for the Holroyds | 0:42:52 | 0:42:56 | |
and it looked like they were all set to take the leap | 0:42:56 | 0:42:59 | |
and start afresh on the other side of the world. | 0:42:59 | 0:43:02 | |
So, 12 months later, | 0:43:06 | 0:43:09 | |
it's time to find out if the family are now living at home... | 0:43:09 | 0:43:13 | |
or away. | 0:43:13 | 0:43:14 | |
It's September 2016 and the Holroyds are living in... | 0:43:15 | 0:43:20 | |
West Yorkshire in the UK. | 0:43:20 | 0:43:22 | |
But they're currently in the process of packing up their lives | 0:43:24 | 0:43:26 | |
to move to the other side of the world. | 0:43:26 | 0:43:28 | |
Now, what else do we need to do? Take these pictures down, look. | 0:43:28 | 0:43:31 | |
The trial week had convinced Helen and Simon | 0:43:31 | 0:43:34 | |
Australia was where their family's future lay. | 0:43:34 | 0:43:37 | |
It's given me a really good insight | 0:43:37 | 0:43:38 | |
into what Australia would be like to live for real. | 0:43:38 | 0:43:41 | |
It went really well, to be fair. | 0:43:41 | 0:43:42 | |
Time spent down under saw the country capture everyone's hearts. | 0:43:42 | 0:43:46 | |
I loved the swimming pools, the beaches | 0:43:46 | 0:43:49 | |
and eating ice creams every day. | 0:43:49 | 0:43:52 | |
The weather was great. | 0:43:52 | 0:43:54 | |
We spent a lot of time down at the beach. | 0:43:54 | 0:43:56 | |
And all the people were really kind. | 0:43:56 | 0:43:58 | |
I can't wait to go there again. | 0:43:58 | 0:43:59 | |
We were just all really happy. It was really good. | 0:43:59 | 0:44:01 | |
When the whole family voted for Oz at the end of the week, | 0:44:01 | 0:44:05 | |
Helen couldn't quite take it in. | 0:44:05 | 0:44:08 | |
It was quite emotional, again, for to me. | 0:44:08 | 0:44:10 | |
Because that's all I seem to do! | 0:44:10 | 0:44:12 | |
It was a relief, to be honest, knowing that, | 0:44:12 | 0:44:14 | |
you know, we all wanted to do the same thing. | 0:44:14 | 0:44:16 | |
After the trial week, the family stayed on to explore further. | 0:44:17 | 0:44:21 | |
-We basically moved in with our friends for ten days. -Yeah. | 0:44:21 | 0:44:25 | |
Ten days and extended our stay. | 0:44:25 | 0:44:28 | |
We had their car and we had a key to the house, so it was just like... | 0:44:28 | 0:44:31 | |
We pretty much lived how we would live. | 0:44:31 | 0:44:33 | |
Yeah, yeah, in the same kind of house that we'd have | 0:44:33 | 0:44:35 | |
and all that kind of stuff. | 0:44:35 | 0:44:37 | |
-So that was a good insight, wasn't it... -Yeah. -..to what we'd do? | 0:44:37 | 0:44:39 | |
Yeah, I think we had a good sample of | 0:44:39 | 0:44:42 | |
the Australia way of life, to be fair. | 0:44:42 | 0:44:45 | |
The Holroyds headed back to the UK | 0:44:46 | 0:44:48 | |
convinced the country could offer them | 0:44:48 | 0:44:50 | |
the normal family life they'd been craving. | 0:44:50 | 0:44:53 | |
But the long journey home gave Helen pause for thought. | 0:44:53 | 0:44:56 | |
I think we had three plane journeys and it was... | 0:44:56 | 0:44:59 | |
it was just forever. Absolutely forever. | 0:44:59 | 0:45:02 | |
She decided on the way back that she didn't think she'd be able to do it. | 0:45:02 | 0:45:05 | |
All I kept thinking is, "I can't. I can't. It's too far." | 0:45:05 | 0:45:09 | |
However, her doubts were soon dispelled | 0:45:10 | 0:45:13 | |
when the reality of life in the UK hit home. | 0:45:13 | 0:45:15 | |
I went back to work. He was working away. | 0:45:15 | 0:45:18 | |
And the weather started getting bad again and... | 0:45:18 | 0:45:21 | |
She phoned me up a couple of days after she'd been back at work | 0:45:21 | 0:45:24 | |
and pretty much said... | 0:45:24 | 0:45:26 | |
"I don't want this. I don't want to live like this any more." | 0:45:26 | 0:45:28 | |
"I want to get out of here. I want to give it a go." | 0:45:28 | 0:45:30 | |
So we got straight on with it, didn't we? | 0:45:30 | 0:45:32 | |
We just started planning straight away. | 0:45:32 | 0:45:34 | |
Decision made, they started the lengthy process | 0:45:36 | 0:45:38 | |
for applying for a visa. | 0:45:38 | 0:45:40 | |
They knew it wouldn't be easy but, fortunately, | 0:45:40 | 0:45:43 | |
things were made slightly less difficult | 0:45:43 | 0:45:45 | |
by Simon's work moving closer to home. | 0:45:45 | 0:45:48 | |
He's been in Manchester, so he's been coming home every night, | 0:45:48 | 0:45:52 | |
which has been amazing. | 0:45:52 | 0:45:53 | |
We've had that little bit of quality time, | 0:45:53 | 0:45:56 | |
which is pretty much what we're looking forward to | 0:45:56 | 0:45:58 | |
when we arrive in Australia, yeah. | 0:45:58 | 0:46:00 | |
He's here every night to help bath the kids and have tea with us, | 0:46:00 | 0:46:04 | |
all that kind of normal... | 0:46:04 | 0:46:05 | |
the normal lifestyle that we've wanted for ages. | 0:46:05 | 0:46:09 | |
Now Daddy's at home, it's a lot better, | 0:46:11 | 0:46:14 | |
because there's not arguing with Mummy and Daddy all the time. | 0:46:14 | 0:46:17 | |
All right, love. | 0:46:17 | 0:46:19 | |
-Take care. -Yeah, good. | 0:46:19 | 0:46:20 | |
My mum and me | 0:46:20 | 0:46:23 | |
and Alexa needed Dad to help us out. | 0:46:23 | 0:46:26 | |
Having Simon back in their daily lives | 0:46:28 | 0:46:30 | |
has helped confirm they've made the right decision. | 0:46:30 | 0:46:33 | |
That has not had any impact on me at all about changing my mind. | 0:46:33 | 0:46:37 | |
We've seen Australia now and we've got it set in our sights. | 0:46:37 | 0:46:41 | |
110%, I want to go. | 0:46:41 | 0:46:42 | |
Yeah, definitely, yeah. | 0:46:42 | 0:46:44 | |
The couple decided to apply for a skilled working visa, | 0:46:48 | 0:46:51 | |
which would give them permanent residency. | 0:46:51 | 0:46:53 | |
As the main breadwinner, the onus was on Simon. | 0:46:53 | 0:46:56 | |
First up, he had to sit an English language exam. | 0:46:56 | 0:47:00 | |
It was a bit daunting, having left school 20-odd years ago, | 0:47:00 | 0:47:03 | |
having to go back into the classroom. | 0:47:03 | 0:47:05 | |
He was really, really worried about that. | 0:47:05 | 0:47:07 | |
I even said to Helen, I says, | 0:47:07 | 0:47:09 | |
"We might as well give up the idea now." | 0:47:09 | 0:47:11 | |
So we got him some English tutoring. | 0:47:11 | 0:47:14 | |
Helen, she was quite encouraging. | 0:47:14 | 0:47:17 | |
She said, "You can do it. You're not as daft as you look!" | 0:47:17 | 0:47:21 | |
Helen was right. | 0:47:21 | 0:47:23 | |
We were in bed, weren't we, when we got the results? | 0:47:23 | 0:47:25 | |
It was about seven o'clock in the morning, they came through | 0:47:25 | 0:47:28 | |
and it said what we needed. And you didn't believe me, did you? | 0:47:28 | 0:47:30 | |
I was like, "We've done it! Well, you've done it!" | 0:47:30 | 0:47:32 | |
I pretty much passed it the first time round. | 0:47:32 | 0:47:34 | |
But that was just the first step. | 0:47:36 | 0:47:38 | |
Having learnt his trade on the job, Simon had no formal qualifications | 0:47:38 | 0:47:42 | |
and so was faced with the arduous task of having his skills verified. | 0:47:42 | 0:47:47 | |
I pretty much had to prove I had all the experience | 0:47:47 | 0:47:50 | |
which was required to get the Australian qualification, | 0:47:50 | 0:47:55 | |
which was also required to go for the visa. | 0:47:55 | 0:47:59 | |
That's when we had to get an agent involved, | 0:47:59 | 0:48:01 | |
a paid agent to do it, because there was a lot involved, wasn't there? | 0:48:01 | 0:48:05 | |
So then we had to go back 20 years to when he first started welding. | 0:48:05 | 0:48:09 | |
I went back and saw a couple of old work colleagues | 0:48:09 | 0:48:13 | |
who I worked with at the time and they did some statements. | 0:48:13 | 0:48:17 | |
That got sent away and then we had to wait 12 weeks. | 0:48:17 | 0:48:21 | |
Simon had to authenticate at least eight years of work | 0:48:21 | 0:48:25 | |
in order to qualify for a visa. | 0:48:25 | 0:48:27 | |
I mean, that wait was the worst wait ever, wasn't it? | 0:48:27 | 0:48:30 | |
To be fair, yeah. | 0:48:30 | 0:48:31 | |
Because if they'd come back saying he's got six years, | 0:48:31 | 0:48:33 | |
then it would have been game over, wouldn't it? | 0:48:33 | 0:48:36 | |
You're thinking, "Are we going to get it or are we not?" | 0:48:36 | 0:48:39 | |
And obviously, you pay all this money | 0:48:39 | 0:48:42 | |
and they could still turn round and say, "No, you're not having one." | 0:48:42 | 0:48:45 | |
But all the hard work paid off | 0:48:45 | 0:48:48 | |
and on July 4th, 2016, | 0:48:48 | 0:48:51 | |
the good news finally came through. | 0:48:51 | 0:48:54 | |
I was just about to go to work and we got a call from the agent. | 0:48:54 | 0:48:58 | |
It was just surreal. | 0:48:59 | 0:49:00 | |
I was just over the moon. Absolutely over the moon. Brilliant. | 0:49:00 | 0:49:04 | |
I still have to pinch myself now, actually. | 0:49:04 | 0:49:06 | |
-It was like the best feeling in the world, wasn't it? -Yeah. | 0:49:06 | 0:49:09 | |
With visas approved, Helen wasted no time in moving things forward. | 0:49:10 | 0:49:14 | |
She had flights booked | 0:49:14 | 0:49:16 | |
before Simon got home from work that same evening. | 0:49:16 | 0:49:19 | |
I spoke to him on the phone and I was like, "This date or that date?" | 0:49:19 | 0:49:22 | |
You know, and he just went, "It's up to you." | 0:49:22 | 0:49:23 | |
Leaving day is 6th November, 2016. | 0:49:25 | 0:49:29 | |
With the move imminent, there hasn't been a minute to waste. | 0:49:29 | 0:49:33 | |
It was all systems go. We had to start selling stuff in the house. | 0:49:33 | 0:49:36 | |
Car-boot sales. | 0:49:36 | 0:49:38 | |
Downgraded our cars. You don't realise how much is involved. | 0:49:38 | 0:49:41 | |
I can just about... | 0:49:41 | 0:49:44 | |
carry it. | 0:49:44 | 0:49:45 | |
We booked the shipping company to come in, as well. | 0:49:46 | 0:49:49 | |
They were pretty much here for 12 hours, | 0:49:49 | 0:49:51 | |
wrapping and packing the house away. | 0:49:51 | 0:49:53 | |
Which then, it's pretty much one of the points | 0:49:53 | 0:49:57 | |
when you realise just exactly what you are doing. | 0:49:57 | 0:50:00 | |
-So, we've been in this house empty, haven't we, for two weeks? -Yeah. | 0:50:00 | 0:50:04 | |
It's been like camping in an empty house. | 0:50:04 | 0:50:06 | |
The kids have loved it, haven't they? | 0:50:06 | 0:50:08 | |
It felt really weird because we've never really lived like that before, | 0:50:08 | 0:50:12 | |
sleeping on blow-up beds. We've got one TV. | 0:50:12 | 0:50:15 | |
-Proper glamping. -Yeah, it is. | 0:50:15 | 0:50:18 | |
Simon and Helen have already been making inroads | 0:50:19 | 0:50:21 | |
on the work front down under. | 0:50:21 | 0:50:23 | |
Hopefully, I'd love to get a job back in a school. | 0:50:25 | 0:50:28 | |
That would be ideal. | 0:50:28 | 0:50:30 | |
But to start with, I'm going to work with my friend for a bit. | 0:50:30 | 0:50:32 | |
They've got their own business, so I'm going to be working with | 0:50:32 | 0:50:35 | |
her straightaway, so that will bring some money in. | 0:50:35 | 0:50:37 | |
Simon has been busy applying for work online. | 0:50:37 | 0:50:41 | |
I'm on quite a few job sites at the moment. | 0:50:41 | 0:50:43 | |
Hopefully, I want to get a job before I get there. | 0:50:43 | 0:50:45 | |
It's just to take that little bit of pressure off, | 0:50:45 | 0:50:48 | |
even if it's just part-time or anything like that, | 0:50:48 | 0:50:51 | |
-just so you know you've got a little bit of something coming in. -Mm. | 0:50:51 | 0:50:54 | |
There's lots of work out there for him, | 0:50:54 | 0:50:57 | |
so one of them jobs has got his name on it, definitely. | 0:50:57 | 0:51:00 | |
Helen's adamant there will be no question of him | 0:51:00 | 0:51:03 | |
working away from home. | 0:51:03 | 0:51:06 | |
He's not going to do it. | 0:51:06 | 0:51:07 | |
He's not doing it, he's already said. | 0:51:07 | 0:51:09 | |
You know, it's a massive move, it's a whole new life change, | 0:51:09 | 0:51:13 | |
you know, he'll do whatever's offered. | 0:51:13 | 0:51:16 | |
It doesn't have to be welding. | 0:51:16 | 0:51:18 | |
As long as he's coming home every day and having that family time, | 0:51:18 | 0:51:21 | |
he'll do anything. So, yeah. | 0:51:21 | 0:51:24 | |
Surfing, surf shop on the beach, or... | 0:51:24 | 0:51:26 | |
In his dreams! | 0:51:26 | 0:51:28 | |
They've also been busy on the house-hunting front. | 0:51:28 | 0:51:31 | |
We've been looking at houses, well, for the last 18 months, really. | 0:51:31 | 0:51:36 | |
We're going to look at where we stayed before. | 0:51:36 | 0:51:39 | |
We're going to try and look for a house before we go. | 0:51:39 | 0:51:42 | |
If that doesn't happen, | 0:51:42 | 0:51:43 | |
then obviously we'll be house-hunting straight away. | 0:51:43 | 0:51:46 | |
And they've already identified a school for the children. | 0:51:46 | 0:51:50 | |
The kids are going to be going to school probably about | 0:51:50 | 0:51:52 | |
a week after we get there because they break up then for six weeks, | 0:51:52 | 0:51:56 | |
so we want to get them into school before they break up. | 0:51:56 | 0:51:58 | |
Just so they can get to know a few people | 0:51:58 | 0:52:01 | |
-and sort of break them in steadily. -Yeah. | 0:52:01 | 0:52:03 | |
Because even for them, it's going to be a huge move. | 0:52:03 | 0:52:07 | |
Harry and Alexa are looking forward to their new lives down under. | 0:52:07 | 0:52:11 | |
I can't wait to visit the school, the beach, | 0:52:11 | 0:52:15 | |
the sun. | 0:52:15 | 0:52:17 | |
I just can't wait to visit Australia, full stop. | 0:52:20 | 0:52:23 | |
I'm looking forward to living in Australia because it's hot weather, | 0:52:23 | 0:52:27 | |
and the ice creams are really nice. | 0:52:27 | 0:52:30 | |
I'm looking forward to as well eating my lunch outside at school. | 0:52:33 | 0:52:38 | |
It'll be nice, warm weather. | 0:52:38 | 0:52:40 | |
Plans are in progress for some special send-offs. | 0:52:41 | 0:52:44 | |
We've got two. | 0:52:44 | 0:52:45 | |
We've got one for the children and then one for us. | 0:52:45 | 0:52:48 | |
Even written some nice invitations out | 0:52:48 | 0:52:51 | |
with a little Australia flag with flip-flops on. | 0:52:51 | 0:52:54 | |
Just to get everybody together, really. A final...final farewell. | 0:52:54 | 0:52:57 | |
-Straight? -No. | 0:52:57 | 0:52:59 | |
-It's all happy times now, isn't it? -Of course it is, yeah. -So, yeah. | 0:53:00 | 0:53:04 | |
Helen may be putting on a brave face for now, | 0:53:07 | 0:53:10 | |
but she knows, when it comes to the crunch, | 0:53:10 | 0:53:12 | |
saying goodbye to her mum will be a huge wrench. | 0:53:12 | 0:53:15 | |
I'm not crying. | 0:53:15 | 0:53:16 | |
I knew I would end up doing this. | 0:53:23 | 0:53:25 | |
There's going to be a lot of tears. | 0:53:27 | 0:53:29 | |
The family are moving in with Helen's mum | 0:53:33 | 0:53:35 | |
for a few weeks before they leave. | 0:53:35 | 0:53:37 | |
Oh, what have you got in here? | 0:53:37 | 0:53:39 | |
My life is in this bag. | 0:53:39 | 0:53:41 | |
I'm going to miss her so much. | 0:53:41 | 0:53:43 | |
Miss them all so much. | 0:53:43 | 0:53:45 | |
Being under the same roof will make it even harder | 0:53:45 | 0:53:48 | |
when the time comes to say goodbye. | 0:53:48 | 0:53:50 | |
Oh... | 0:53:50 | 0:53:52 | |
When I think about it, I get real butterflies in my tummy. | 0:53:52 | 0:53:56 | |
It is hard for her, I know it is, but deep down, | 0:53:56 | 0:54:00 | |
she knows we're doing the right thing. | 0:54:00 | 0:54:03 | |
Yes, I'd like to cry buckets, but I can't at this stage, | 0:54:03 | 0:54:06 | |
because I can't let them see how devastated I am. | 0:54:06 | 0:54:09 | |
It is absolutely devastating. | 0:54:11 | 0:54:13 | |
I'm not saying goodbye to her, I'm just, "See you soon," you know? | 0:54:16 | 0:54:20 | |
Helen's mum has already booked her flight to visit down under, | 0:54:25 | 0:54:28 | |
but for Simon's family that's not quite so easy. | 0:54:28 | 0:54:32 | |
Unfortunately, my mum, she can't really get insured to fly | 0:54:32 | 0:54:36 | |
because she's got all sorts of different medical reasons. | 0:54:36 | 0:54:40 | |
My dad has always said he'd probably come out | 0:54:42 | 0:54:46 | |
on his own, but it's... | 0:54:46 | 0:54:49 | |
Obviously, they come as a pair, don't they? | 0:54:50 | 0:54:53 | |
So, as the move fast approaches, are there any last-minute nerves? | 0:54:53 | 0:54:58 | |
Yeah, maybe somebody wanting to come back home, | 0:54:58 | 0:55:00 | |
maybe me, but... | 0:55:00 | 0:55:02 | |
..I'm going to try not to. | 0:55:03 | 0:55:05 | |
Smile. | 0:55:05 | 0:55:06 | |
I'm going to make it work. | 0:55:06 | 0:55:08 | |
I'm not saying we've had a bad life, but we've had issues, haven't we? | 0:55:10 | 0:55:14 | |
-Yeah. -And the future is just... | 0:55:14 | 0:55:17 | |
-It's just bright. Really bright, isn't it? -Yeah. | 0:55:17 | 0:55:20 | |
Despite everything and everyone they'll be leaving behind, | 0:55:22 | 0:55:26 | |
the couple can't wait to start their new life down under. | 0:55:26 | 0:55:30 | |
I am really confident that our future lies within Australia. | 0:55:30 | 0:55:34 | |
Might even renew our wedding vows again. | 0:55:34 | 0:55:37 | |
Are we? | 0:55:37 | 0:55:38 | |
-Eh? -Maybe. | 0:55:40 | 0:55:42 | |
-Where? -In Australia, on the beach. | 0:55:43 | 0:55:45 | |
-Oh, right. -Yeah. | 0:55:45 | 0:55:48 | |
We've even spoke about having another baby, but... | 0:55:48 | 0:55:50 | |
I think... | 0:55:52 | 0:55:53 | |
-It might happen. -I don't know, it's, erm... | 0:55:53 | 0:55:55 | |
Dirty nappies again. | 0:55:57 | 0:55:59 | |
Watch this space. | 0:55:59 | 0:56:00 | |
We'll see. | 0:56:00 | 0:56:01 | |
Got a lot to look forward to. | 0:56:03 | 0:56:05 | |
-Is that the right way round? -Yeah. | 0:56:05 | 0:56:08 | |
-No? -No. -Which way does it go? That way? | 0:56:08 | 0:56:10 | |
We're just waiting now, just waiting to get on that plane. | 0:56:10 | 0:56:13 | |
This is where we're going to be living. | 0:56:13 | 0:56:15 | |
Helen and Simon have decided to put their relationship | 0:56:22 | 0:56:25 | |
and Harry and Alexa's future happiness first. | 0:56:25 | 0:56:28 | |
A real case of love conquering all. | 0:56:28 | 0:56:31 | |
And we hope the family go on to make many happy memories together | 0:56:31 | 0:56:35 | |
when they embark on their new life down under. | 0:56:35 | 0:56:38 |