0:00:02 > 0:00:03After years spent working abroad,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06you're more than happy to finally be back home.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Your partner, though, wants a new life
0:00:08 > 0:00:13and already has a job offer on the other side of the world.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Would you sacrifice everything that keeps you content to allow
0:00:16 > 0:00:18them to follow their dream?
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Air traffic controller Andrew Crompton thinks his family's
0:00:23 > 0:00:26life could really take off in Australia.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29This opportunity is once in a lifetime.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32All he needs to do now is convince wife Gemma to give up
0:00:32 > 0:00:35everything she loves in the UK.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37It's starting a new life.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Everything is from scratch.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42So when a trial week reveals some home truths...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47That's insane?
0:00:47 > 0:00:50..will Gemma be persuaded to green-light Andrew's dream or
0:00:50 > 0:00:52keep the family grounded in the UK?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57How do you choose between a life you love and the man you love and
0:00:57 > 0:01:00what he wants from his life?
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Home to over a million expats, Australia's long been
0:01:31 > 0:01:35the destination of choice for British families on the move.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Promising average annual temperatures of 21 degrees,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41some of the best features on the planet
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and a world-famous laid-back lifestyle, it's easy to see
0:01:44 > 0:01:48the attraction for the thousands who emigrate there every year.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51But it isn't idyllic for everyone who makes the move.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Almost half return home with their dream in tatters.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Former Naval Officer Gemma Crompton is used to navigating her way
0:02:01 > 0:02:03through stormy situations,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07but her most challenging journey yet is on the horizon.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11While she is happy with a new career and life in the English
0:02:11 > 0:02:15countryside, husband Andrew has a very different outlook.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20He is convinced his family will be better off living in Australia.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22With a job offer already on the table,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25it is crunch time for the Cromptons.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29In just one week, can Andrew steer Gemma towards the life
0:02:29 > 0:02:31he's wanted for years?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35The family's first ever visit to Australia gets underway with
0:02:35 > 0:02:39just over 22 hours in the sky flying from London
0:02:39 > 0:02:42to Brisbane with stopovers in Dubai and Sydney.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46When they finally arrive, Andrew admits it has been quite a journey.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49It was pretty long.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52It was quite tiring trying to grab a few hours' sleep.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Now he's here, Andrew is excited about the week ahead.
0:02:58 > 0:02:59It is really warm,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I am loving it, so I can't wait to see where we get to go.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- It is better than England. - Better than England? You are right.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Your five-minute experience of Australia.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11And that is all it took.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Henry is on board already but Gemma is going to take
0:03:13 > 0:03:17a lot more work despite the sunshine.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21It makes it a lot more appealing, but as far as moving
0:03:21 > 0:03:25my entire life here, I am still... I still need to be convinced.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32As they take their first steps into Brisbane, Andrew knows where
0:03:32 > 0:03:36his family will spend the rest of their lives is anything but certain.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Back in the UK, the Crompton family live in Fishburn in County Durham.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48They are dad Andrew, mum Gemma,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51seven-year-old Henry and five-year-old Matilda.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Andrew and Gemma met in the Royal Navy 15 years ago.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Andrew stayed on dry land while Gemma sailed the world
0:04:01 > 0:04:04deployed to conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Andrew then became a civil air-traffic controller and after
0:04:09 > 0:04:13six years at sea, Gemma retrained as a radiographer.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- Right, we are going to make chocolate brownies.- Yay!
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Now parents to Henry and Matilda, Gemma loves being permanently
0:04:21 > 0:04:23on home turf.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Having been in the Navy and travelled the world as much
0:04:25 > 0:04:29as I have, it made me really appreciate the UK
0:04:29 > 0:04:32and convinced I would stay here forever.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Not if Andrew has his way, though.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Seeing an advert for air-traffic controllers in Brisbane
0:04:40 > 0:04:44set him thinking about a new life on the other side of the world.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47He got in the car and said, "Australia are recruiting,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50"do you want to move there?" I said I am not going.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Despite Gemma's reluctance, Andrew went ahead and applied for
0:04:54 > 0:04:57the position and months later he has landed himself a job offer.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02I've been through all the testing that is required and as long as
0:05:02 > 0:05:07I successfully complete my training, I will be accepted for the job.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Andrew is now determined to put the country on Gemma's radar.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Everything about it just screams this would be
0:05:15 > 0:05:17a great place to go to.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20The opportunities for the children as they grow up
0:05:20 > 0:05:24far outweigh the opportunities that are in the UK.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We are outdoors people and being in a climate like Australia,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31that would afford us all the more opportunity to do that.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38The only thing standing between Andrew and the life he wants
0:05:38 > 0:05:40is Gemma.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44It is difficult knowing that Gemma is very happy with our life here.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50If you had asked me last year if I would move to Australia,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I would have said never, I will never move to Australia.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Gemma is happy with life in the UK.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Dedicated to her new career, she is passionate about practising
0:06:01 > 0:06:05tae kwon do at her local club and has a close-knit group of friends.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Convincing her to give all that up will be a massive challenge.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14I don't know if I could make the sacrifices.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18I find it all very unsettling that I knew exactly where my life
0:06:18 > 0:06:21was going and I was going to work for promotion in the hospitals
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I was in and stay there until I retired.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Moving half the world away would also mean spitting Gemma from
0:06:27 > 0:06:31sister Joanne, who she sees every day, and that prospect is
0:06:31 > 0:06:32already causing heartache.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38She has been extremely emotional about it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Out of everybody, she would be the one that is hard to leave.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46We're best friends.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52She makes me laugh.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56I can tell her anything and I can rely on her and she knows me
0:06:56 > 0:06:59inside out and to be able to just turn up at somebody's house
0:06:59 > 0:07:01and have that is really, really special.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05The couple are at polar opposites when it comes to where they
0:07:05 > 0:07:10should be living, but Andrew's job offer means it is now decision time.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13In one week, Gemma will face an agonising choice between
0:07:13 > 0:07:17the life she loves and the one her husband is longing for.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20This opportunity is once in a lifetime.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23If we don't go now, we never will go and I think if we didn't even
0:07:23 > 0:07:27attempt to go, we will regret it for the rest of our lives.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32How do you choose between a life you love and the man you love
0:07:32 > 0:07:34and what he wants from his life?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44To find out where their future lies,
0:07:44 > 0:07:49the family are visiting Queensland in the north-east of Australia.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Often referred to as the Sunshine State,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55it is the second-largest and third most populated state in the country.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Their temporary base is the suburb of Buddina just
0:07:59 > 0:08:03over 60 miles north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06But will their first glimpse of Aussie living be enough to
0:08:06 > 0:08:07get Gemma excited?
0:08:09 > 0:08:16- Woo!- It has only got a pool. Wow.- We have got our very own swimming pool.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21- This is unbelievable. - Don't start crying.- No.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I just feel a bit overwhelmed because I didn't expect
0:08:24 > 0:08:29anything this amazing and grand and luxurious.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Inside is impressive too.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- This is the biggest front door I have ever seen in my life.- Whoa!
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Oh, my goodness. - What could be upstairs?
0:08:46 > 0:08:50I don't know because all the bedrooms are downstairs.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Its location might be surprising,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- but the main living area is an instant hit.- Oh, my goodness.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- This is amazing.- Isn't it?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04You can see the sea.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06With the beach on their doorstep,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09the family can't wait to feel the sand between their toes.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Andrew is already feeling more confident about the week ahead.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17I think we have got out the traps quite well.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21I think this was pretty much spot on the money for the start.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24I think it will be a bit of a rollercoaster, but after today,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I can't see us going too far backwards.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29It can only get better.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But despite her earlier enthusiasm,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Gemma is already thinking about the decision she will soon face.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Do I sacrifice their family and their relationships with their
0:09:41 > 0:09:45grandparents and my relationships to come and live somewhere sunny?
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Is it that shallow?
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Or is this really a better life for us?
0:09:49 > 0:09:53And if the answer to that really is yes, the answer will be easy.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56If I'm still on the fence at the end of the week,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59then it's going to be a much different question, I think.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09In the UK, home for the Cromptons is a modern four-bedroom
0:10:09 > 0:10:13detached house in Fishburn in County Durham.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16If Andrew can convince Gemma to make the move,
0:10:16 > 0:10:22their budget for a property in Australia is around £300,000.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26I'm hoping that if we did go, the house would be less important.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29So it would be more of location - close to beaches,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31close to parks, close to things that we can do.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34As long as it has got a decent bit of outside space,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37I don't think there's any real... Nothing would be a show stopper.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42My ideal home, we would love to have a pool and a large garden.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45With one of those shoe racks that rotates.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47All right, don't push the boat out.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53To find out what kind of house they could actually have in
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Australia, today we'll show the Cromptons three properties,
0:10:56 > 0:11:01two on budget and a third which could be their dream home.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Only after they have seen each one, will they find out what it costs.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08The family's search begins in Pelican Waters.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Nice isn't the right word!
0:11:10 > 0:11:11Unbelievable.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Situated in the heart of Caloundra, this area is around
0:11:15 > 0:11:17an hour-and-a-half north of Brisbane but
0:11:17 > 0:11:20only minutes from Sunshine Coast beaches.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Offering a wide range of coastal and sporting activities,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26the location should appeal to Andrew and Gemma.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29But will the house be on their wavelength too?
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- What do you think? I'm liking it, I am liking it.- So far, so good.- Wow.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- THEY GASP - Wow.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- Oh, I love it.- The modern interiors win Gemma over straight away.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45This is absolutely sensational.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- Open-plan living.- Yeah.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51This home's living area opens out onto a large garden,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54just what the couple were hoping for.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57I love this outside space.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01This is really the thing that gets me excited.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05The garden has plenty of room to roam and discovering it backs
0:12:05 > 0:12:08onto a golf club, there is little to dent enthusiasm.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11You feel like you're in the country even though you're in this
0:12:11 > 0:12:14big housing estate because you look over the golf course and
0:12:14 > 0:12:16it's trees and it's quiet.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Moving back inside to check out the bedrooms,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Andrew's chances of convincing Gemma seem to be on the up.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25This is going to be the bedrooms.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- I think I just spied a walk-in wardrobe.- Wow.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- The master bedroom with ensuite is a definite hit.- His and hers sinks.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- That is what you have always wanted. - I know. I can have my untidy side.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42And decent-sized bedrooms for the children go down well too.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Ooh. I think this could be Tilda's room.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49This is actually what you need, it is not too big,
0:12:49 > 0:12:54it has got great outside space. Come on, you guys.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57And finally, a space for the boys.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Look at the size of this garage.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Everything is just so big. It's just the scale.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07It's like a little maze, this house, isn't it?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09It is the first place they've viewed, but it looks like
0:13:09 > 0:13:13this is somewhere the Cromptons could be comfortable.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Is it affordable, though, with their £300,000 budget?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Henry, what do you think?
0:13:18 > 0:13:211,284 or something.
0:13:21 > 0:13:241,284? That would be great.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- I'll take it.- It is immaculate, you could just move straight in.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29It is, yeah.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Time to find out how much it costs.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- OK, this is it, Tilda. - Turn it over.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Ooh.- Ooh.
0:13:41 > 0:13:47- So pretty much top of our budget.- But doable.- Yeah.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48It is doable.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51But if I was going top of the budget,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53we'd need a bigger guest room.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- I am a bit disappointed actually at how much that is.- Really?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59In my heart, I was hoping it would be a bit more affordable which would
0:13:59 > 0:14:04give us a bit more kind of leeway to look at something slightly bigger.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- I think it is what we expected, though.- Yeah. Right, come on then.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Despite positive reactions to the house,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12the price has disappointed Gemma.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15If Andrew is to convince her to make the move, the next property
0:14:15 > 0:14:17will need to deliver what Gemma wants
0:14:17 > 0:14:19at a price she is happy to pay.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23To find out, the family travel to Maleny,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27a quaint town situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Surrounded by mountains and lush green hills,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32the area combines countryside with coastal living.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35But will this traditional character home be made-to-measure for
0:14:35 > 0:14:37the Cromptons?
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- Look at that.- You could get a nice rocking chair on this deck.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Gemma can see herself enjoying a seat in the sunshine,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49but will inside be as appealing?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Let's have a look.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53It is a little bit old.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Andrew is not as concerned about the dated decor.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I like the log burner.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Didn't even notice the log burner because the chair was in the way.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05The kitchen has one pleasing aspect.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Oh, yeah, I like the kitchen.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09My goodness.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13This might change my view of this house.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Gemma could be coming round.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21If you just take out the chairs and the pictures, then wow,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24it could be amazing, couldn't it?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Will the bedrooms be to her liking too?
0:15:27 > 0:15:28Wow.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Mummy, this is mine and your bedroom.- Mine and your bedroom?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Where is Daddy going to sleep? In the garden?
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Might be some negotiating to do over sleeping arrangements but is
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- the en-suite worth fighting over? - Not quite in our taste.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47No, it is a bit out-of-date, I think.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50The house might need upgrading but the generous gardens could be
0:15:50 > 0:15:51a big selling point.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54It is all about this view, isn't it?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58It is an impressive outlook and Andrew has spotted something
0:15:58 > 0:16:01which could please Gemma.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Gem, it is a granny flat. - Oh, my goodness.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- Check it out. - I just love this garden.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11A studio cottage with its own kitchen and bathroom could be the
0:16:11 > 0:16:14perfect home from home for visitors.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18This is lovely. Oh, yeah.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- This is amazing.- This is fabulous.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25The furniture and fittings are more to Gemma's style.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28This bathroom is nice. This is nicer than the main house.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Ooh!
0:16:32 > 0:16:35And the property's half-acre of gardens
0:16:35 > 0:16:37has taken Gemma's breath away.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Let's have a quick look down here because this is absolutely colossal.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44We have found a football pitch.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I love this. I love this.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47This is fabulous.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Although underwhelmed at first,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55this home's hidden features have worked wonders on Gemma.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I just love the garden and the views and I can see myself
0:16:59 > 0:17:00pottering my hours away.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03If you took the garden out of it, though, I don't think you'd feel the same.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07No, if the garden wasn't here, I wouldn't feel the same.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11So, is it a place they could afford to call home with £300,000 to spend?
0:17:22 > 0:17:25THEY GASP
0:17:27 > 0:17:29That is way over.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33That is £35,000 over budget.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36I mean, I love the garden, it is gorgeous, it is beautiful,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40but it doesn't tick all our boxes for that amount of money.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- It doesn't tick many of them, really.- No.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46The home just hasn't offered enough to justify
0:17:46 > 0:17:50a price tag £35,000 over the couple's budget.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53The family head back to Pelican Waters to check out what
0:17:53 > 0:17:55we think could be their dream home.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- My goodness, these are, like, palatial.- Wow.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07Based on their ideal wish list, will this contemporary
0:18:07 > 0:18:09five-bedroom house in a private gated community
0:18:09 > 0:18:10be an all-round winner?
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Oh, yeah.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19This is going to be a good one.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Hopefully inside won't disappoint.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- Oh, my goodness. Look at this.- Wow. - It is massive.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It is huge.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31With a wine cellar and cinema room,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34this house definitely isn't run-of-the-mill.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37But will it be the one to convince Gemma to make the move?
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Look at that kitchen.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42I love how all just opens out,
0:18:42 > 0:18:48the whole living area is just in and out at the same time. It is amazing.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49Wandering outside,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Matilda soon spots something else to get excited about.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Swimming pool.- Massive.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Not only that, there is a slide.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03And you've got a garden on the side.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07It is less roomy than the last one, but still enough for Gemma.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- The garden is gorgeous.- I'm coming.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- It is just so quiet.- It is quiet. - I know.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Back inside, a perfect play area for Henry and Matilda.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Table football? - This is your space, Henry.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24There's something for everyone.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26But Gemma is trying not to get carried away.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29The problem is, everything from this point on
0:19:29 > 0:19:31would be a disappointment, you know what I mean?
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Nothing else can complete with this house.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36It's just absolutely unreal.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40The only thing missing is a granny flat, but with five bedrooms,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43there is still plenty of room for guests.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47There's a double downstairs bed and then
0:19:47 > 0:19:51a single upstairs bed for when people come and sleep over.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Gemma can definitely see herself living in a house like this,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58and the enormous master bedroom with en suite
0:19:58 > 0:20:00almost leaves her speechless.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02This is my bedroom, remember!
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Don't think so, Henry!
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- It's just absolutely perfect, isn't it?- It is.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Everything's really high standard.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17This house has sold itself to the whole family.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22But with £300,000 to spend, will they be able to afford it?
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I think it's really way smashed over the budget.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28It's way out of our budget.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31It's beautiful and I've loved seeing it, and it's going to just
0:20:31 > 0:20:33ruin my life that we can't afford it.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38Go for it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Oh!- Wow.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49That is even... It's way higher than we predicted.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Yeah, that is a lot more.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Yeah, that is colossally more money than we can afford.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Will we save up?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- I guess we'll have to save up. - Yeah.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01Never mind!
0:21:01 > 0:21:07At £150,000 over budget this house would be a stretch,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11unless the couple could substantially increase their earnings down under.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Property one had the space and gorgeous garden
0:21:14 > 0:21:17the couple wanted, but Gemma wanted more for the money.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Despite substantial grounds and a granny flat,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26the interiors of property two weren't quite to anyone's taste.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Complete with a pool and cinema room,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33property three was everything the family wanted.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37But at more than £150,000 over budget,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40sadly the price tag wasn't quite as agreeable.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42So, based on everything they've seen,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45how will the family vote when it comes to choosing between
0:21:45 > 0:21:47property in Australia and the UK?
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- Australia.- Undecided.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Australia.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Why are you undecided, then?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I loved all the houses, they were all gorgeous,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19but for the top of our budget
0:22:19 > 0:22:22we still didn't get exactly what we wanted.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24The last one was just fabulous
0:22:24 > 0:22:28and if it would start with a different number down...
0:22:28 > 0:22:32I don't know that we can afford to have, you know,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34a house that will meet our needs.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41Hoping for more for her money,
0:22:41 > 0:22:45the Sunshine Coast's property prices have added to Gemma's doubts
0:22:45 > 0:22:48about leaving the life she loves in the UK.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51She's passionate about her job at home,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54but the right work prospects down under could help Andrew's case.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Back in the UK, he's an air traffic controller
0:22:59 > 0:23:02at Durham Tees Valley Airport,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05but he's already landed himself a job down under.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07..have the DME report back to us.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Airservices Australia have offered me a position where I would
0:23:11 > 0:23:15control at Brisbane Tower and, subject to successfully completing
0:23:15 > 0:23:17a probationary period and training,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20they would make my position permanent.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Right, I just need to check some details with you.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Gemma has been a diagnostic radiographer at North Tees Hospital
0:23:26 > 0:23:28for the past four years.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Most of my day involves doing 3-D body scans of patients who come in.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37If Andrew's career down under is to take off,
0:23:37 > 0:23:42it's a job she'd have to sacrifice, and that's a devastating thought.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45It's a really important part of my life.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46And...
0:23:48 > 0:23:50..I would find it really difficult to go.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58To explore her work opportunities in Australia,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01we've arranged for Gemma to visit a private radiology clinic
0:24:01 > 0:24:04where she meets operations manager Trevor Gourlay.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Hi, nice to meet you.- I'm Trevor. How are you?- Very well, thanks.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09After a quick tour of the facilities,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Gemma is ready to quiz Trevor on her prospects.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Looking at my experience, would you consider me for a position here?
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. You seem well rounded.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24It's a good start, and opportunities could be plentiful
0:24:24 > 0:24:28with a new public hospital being built on the Sunshine Coast.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34One of the most advanced hospitals in the world, we're led to believe,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38and looking at somewhere about 140 imaging staff, which is...
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Wow, that's really nice to know that there's going to be such demand
0:24:41 > 0:24:43for my profession in the coming year.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46As Andrew has already secured a job,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49he takes the time to explore education options for Harry
0:24:49 > 0:24:52and Matilda, visiting Suncoast Christian College,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54a popular private school.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58If we can't give them the education and the opportunities that
0:24:58 > 0:25:01they've got in the UK then it's a no-go, really.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04The family are welcomed by school principal, Mark Ash.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Right, so, I gather you guys are ready for a bit of
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- a look around the school.- Yeah.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19While Henry and Matilda sit in on a lesson,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Andrew asks Mark about their potential Aussie schooling.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Matilda is just about to turn five and in the UK she's been
0:25:27 > 0:25:30at school for a year, almost.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Coming to Australia, I think we'd be concerned
0:25:32 > 0:25:34that she would re-sit a year.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37In Queensland here, there's a lot of flexibility given to schools
0:25:37 > 0:25:41around starting age, so our head of primary would do an interview,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45do an assessment of where she's at in terms of literacy, numeracy,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48look at her social skills and then, in consultation with you,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51determine whether it's best to start in prep, year one,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53what's going to give her the best outcome.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55It's welcome news.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Andrew's also keen to find out about their physical education.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00What sort of sports programme do you have
0:26:00 > 0:26:02on a day to day, week to week basis?
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Yeah, we've just finished seasons of volleyball and football
0:26:05 > 0:26:07in secondary after-school sport
0:26:07 > 0:26:11and the primary kids are just midway through their first season
0:26:11 > 0:26:13with touch, netball, volleyball, basketball.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Andrew is happy with what he's heard and Harry and Matilda
0:26:18 > 0:26:22sound like they'd have no problem fitting in.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- So, what did you guys think of the school, then, today?- I like it.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- You like it. You want to come here? - I love it!- You love it?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30That should make Gemma happy too.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35Back at the clinic, she's finding out about potential work hours.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Well, our MRI starts here at seven, goes through till nine every night.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44We occasionally do Saturdays if the workload demands it.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48All she needs to know is her potential salary.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50So, what kind of wage would I be expecting to earn
0:26:50 > 0:26:52if I was working in the private radiography sector?
0:26:52 > 0:26:54With your qualifications,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56you'd probably start off at 90,000 to 100,000.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59It sort of gets up to about 115, I suppose.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01That's unbelievable.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03That's more than double what I earn in the UK.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06It's been encouraging news for Gemma all the way.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11But has she had enough to choose a career in Australia over the UK?
0:27:11 > 0:27:12I'm ready to vote.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Australia!
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It's just so much better than it could be at home.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It was an easy decision to make after the conversation I had.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Australia all the way.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Mind made up, Gemma is keen to share her news with Andrew
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- and find out how he got on at school.- So, how did the kids get on?
0:27:38 > 0:27:41It was impressive. It was, like, loads of resources.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44I think both of them thought it was brilliant.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- So you'd be really, really happy for them to go...- Oh, yeah, absolutely.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- Yeah, it was brilliant. - Oh, that's great news.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Andrew is anxious to hear how Gemma got on.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54So, how was your day? How did the job go?
0:27:54 > 0:27:57My qualifications were really good.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59I'd be quite desirable in Australia.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03And the best bit was he said I would earn 115,000.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- 115,000?- Yeah.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07- That is mint.- Yeah.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Discovering she could earn more doing the job she loves
0:28:15 > 0:28:19could mean Gemma is beginning to understand Australia's appeal.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23But there's a long way yet to go before the move's a done deal.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26A key part of Andrew's desire to emigrate is the lifestyle
0:28:26 > 0:28:28he believes the country could offer.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31So, will a typically Aussie family day out
0:28:31 > 0:28:34bring him one step closer to achieving his goal?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Making the most of the fine weather,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48the family head east of Caloundra to enjoy a day at Kings Beach.
0:28:50 > 0:28:51It's going to be fun.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57With its water fountains and playground right on the oceanfront,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00this is a popular spot for families with young children,
0:29:00 > 0:29:05and Henry and Matilda take to the lifestyle like ducks to water.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06This is awesome.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Henry spots an adventurous activity he'd like to try.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Bungee jump!
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- Do you fancy doing bungee jumping? - Do you want to go on the jump?
0:29:14 > 0:29:17It's the perfect way to burn off some energy.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20OK, little man, move into the middle and I'll tell you when to jump.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- Do you think you could get used to this, then?- Oh, yeah.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25It beats hanging out in Fishburn in the rain.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27That should be music to Andrew's ears.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Time for a spot of lunch in the park.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39Is this our first picnic?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41First-ever picnic in Australia.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Andrew is delighted to finally experience Aussie living.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Before we came, I felt, is it going to live up to my expectations?
0:29:51 > 0:29:54And it's gone way past everything that I thought it would be.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Gemma could be warming to the idea of
0:29:57 > 0:29:59a life in the southern hemisphere.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03It just really has opened my eyes to what kind of a life we can have.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04The weather, obviously, is a huge bonus.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07You can do so much more with your children when you've got
0:30:07 > 0:30:08a sunny day pretty much guaranteed every day.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12But she's still mindful sunshine isn't everything.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17It's starting a new life. You know, everything is from scratch.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22And I'm still kind of on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25and I find it hard to think of this place as home.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Andrew is all too aware Gemma is torn
0:30:29 > 0:30:33and that come the end of the week, she'll hold the key to their future.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34She has the ultimate veto.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to come,
0:30:37 > 0:30:39and none of us will.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41As the afternoon draws to a close,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45Gemma is pondering the reality of leaving her sister in the UK.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52I don't know if I'm ready for that, and I'm pretty sure she's not.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55I mean, she's texted me every day that we've been here
0:30:55 > 0:30:58and I just can't imagine having a life without her being in it.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02A difficult decision lies ahead for Gemma,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06but based on today alone, it's time to find out if the family
0:31:06 > 0:31:09prefer the lifestyle in the UK or Australia.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- Australia!- Australia.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Is everybody the same? Yay!
0:31:29 > 0:31:31I just loved how everything was just
0:31:31 > 0:31:34all so close to the beach as well, so you could have a really full day
0:31:34 > 0:31:37without really getting bored of doing any activities.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41And then we had a picnic in the park and it was all in the same place.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Everything was together.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45And it was all free, really, it was really good. Had a great day.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Did you have a great day? Yeah!
0:31:52 > 0:31:56With another vote going his way, Andrew could be inching closer
0:31:56 > 0:31:59to achieving the life he wants for his family.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02But will the finances down under stack up?
0:32:02 > 0:32:05The couple would sell their house in the UK and believe it's worth
0:32:05 > 0:32:07around £200,000.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11We sent round two estate agents to give their valuations.
0:32:11 > 0:32:12I'm a bit nervous about this.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14I'm nervous in case it looks messy or dirty.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17So weird.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22This is a really airy, modern hall.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Lovely wooden flooring.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31It's a really, really modern kitchen. Lovely range cooker.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Looks really nice.- It does, yeah.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35That's my dad.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40Nice big family space. Lots of happy pictures on the wall.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42It looks really nice.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Oh, what a lovely room.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Like having a hotel room in your home.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Lots of space, lots of storage.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53Right, nice neutral white bathroom suite.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Do you think he's saying it's a bit boring?
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Yeah, everything seems to be working fine. Great.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00He flushed the toilet!
0:33:03 > 0:33:05It's a great spare room,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07and a lovely view at the back over the fields.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11We've got a family dog here, who's obviously very happy.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Oh, Earl's on! Fantastic.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16And we've got all this countryside here, here, and here.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Really appealing for any family.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It's gorgeous. Looks good.
0:33:22 > 0:33:23In the current market conditions,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27I would value this property at £180,000.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32And for a quick sale, I would value this property at £170,000.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33What?
0:33:33 > 0:33:37I would value this house at £195,000.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41For a quick sale, I would value it at £175,000.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43So, that's a bit under.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46That changes what we would be able to afford over here,
0:33:46 > 0:33:47- if we decide to come...- True.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50..because that's 20 grand less than we were expecting.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Hopefully there won't be more nasty shocks when the couple
0:33:58 > 0:34:00examine finances in Australia.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01To see how they add up,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05we've prepared a comparison of costs with the UK.
0:34:05 > 0:34:06Here we go.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10First up, a look at the weekly grocery shop.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Brown sauce is, like, way more expensive.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16We'll have to source our own supply.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- Bananas are a lot more expensive. - Yeah, they are.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- It's just surprising, really. - And potatoes.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26Most of it is slightly more expensive, I would say.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29A quick tot up of the figures reveals what they'll be
0:34:29 > 0:34:31paying out for food every week.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34153.23.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37So, the UK was 133.72.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40So, £19.51 more expensive.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45That's almost £80 more every month.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- Not too bad, though, could have been worse.- No, happy days.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Encouraged, the couple move on to the bigger monthly bills.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54The mortgage here, based on the first house we viewed,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57is 1,507.33.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Childcare is a lot more,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02because obviously we won't have our family.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06And then private school fees per month for both kids,
0:35:06 > 0:35:08436.13.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13The added extras quickly stack up and it's clear the couple
0:35:13 > 0:35:15will be spending much more down under.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- 1,326.69...- Yeah.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21..more expensive per month.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- Yeah.- Wowzers.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29It's a considerable hit, but Gemma could almost double her salary
0:35:29 > 0:35:32in Australia and that could help massively.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- 7,654.- And that's per month.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42We earn just under £32,000 a year more than we do in the UK.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44But then, it's obviously more expensive to live.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46It's a phenomenal increase in earnings,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49and when the couple subtract their outgoings,
0:35:49 > 0:35:54they discover they'd be £1,300 better off each month.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- That's £16,000 a year. - SHE GASPS
0:36:11 > 0:36:13That's insane.
0:36:17 > 0:36:18That's insane.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- 16 grand? That's like a wage, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25That's a whole wage on top.
0:36:29 > 0:36:30That's really overwhelming.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36It's got to be a positive result for Andrew as the couple vote
0:36:36 > 0:36:39on finances in Australia versus the UK.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Based on our finances, the UK versus Australia,
0:36:44 > 0:36:46we're going to vote for...
0:36:57 > 0:36:58..Australia.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59Australia!
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- So, you're happy with that, then? - Oh!
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Happy with an extra 16 grand a year?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08I'd be insane to vote anything else based on finances.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12So far, Gemma has discovered the work, lifestyle
0:37:12 > 0:37:15and financial opportunities Australia could offer
0:37:15 > 0:37:17are hard to argue with.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21But Andrew's dream could still stall as Gemma confronts
0:37:21 > 0:37:23the reality of leaving loved ones.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26The family sit down to watch messages from home.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30So, we're going to watch our family and friends' videos from home
0:37:30 > 0:37:32and it might be a little bit sad, OK?
0:37:32 > 0:37:36Because it's going to be all your family telling you
0:37:36 > 0:37:38what they think about us maybe moving to Australia.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40So, do you think you're happy to watch that,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- even though it might make you sad? - It won't make me sad.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- It won't make you sad, OK. So, are you sure?- Mm-mm.- Yeah, OK.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47- Should we watch it, then?- Yeah.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53- Hi!- Hi, Gemma, Andy, Henry, Matilda.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Hi, kids, this is your nanna.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Hi! Hi, Gemma, Andy, Matilda and Henry.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03My son, wonderful boy.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Just like his father.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10My relationship with my sister is she's my best friend.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14We're there for each other, we're on the phone a lot of the time.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17She's a very outgoing girl, she's a very loving girl,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19very proud of her.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Two lovely kids. Very well brought up, very well-behaved.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26It will bring them on leaps and bounds down under.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29I ain't going to last forever.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32She's hopefully going to live a lot longer than I will now
0:38:32 > 0:38:34and I want what's best for them.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37It's going to break my heart.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47There would be a huge hole in my life if the grandchildren go.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Whatever you do, you have our full backing and our full support.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55I love you all very much.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59SHE EXHALES
0:38:59 > 0:39:02I hope you make the right decision for yourselves.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Love you both, and adore my grandchildren.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07(Bye.)
0:39:09 > 0:39:12I'm gutted that you're going to be across the world.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14SHE SOBS
0:39:22 > 0:39:24But I know you're only on the other end of a phone,
0:39:24 > 0:39:28and I know we'll still stay in touch and still be close.
0:39:28 > 0:39:29I'm very proud of you.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34You all right?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I know Joanne was going to be the hard one.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39SHE EXHALES
0:39:40 > 0:39:43She's just such a huge part of our life,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46and I need her, I need her.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50So it will be hard to leave.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Are you worried about me?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54No, I'm OK.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Hearing messages from home was particularly tough for Gemma,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01who, after years at sea,
0:40:01 > 0:40:06has grown accustomed to having loved ones close by once more.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Knowing friends and family will support whatever decision
0:40:08 > 0:40:13they reach is reassuring, but will the thought of how much they'll
0:40:13 > 0:40:16be missed mean Andrew's dream is about to run aground for ever?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24When the Cromptons touched down in Australia a week ago,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Andrew was hoping the country would sell itself as somewhere the
0:40:27 > 0:40:29family could make themselves at home.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I don't want to apply all the pressure on Gemma, but, obviously,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I was already sold on the idea of coming here in the first place.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39But this was all about convincing her.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43It was more for me about whether I could still be happy here as well,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46and I'm feeling a lot more positive.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48But there's still a bit of a niggle, you know,
0:40:48 > 0:40:53my family and my friends, and also how we'd settle over in Australia.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56With his job offer already on the table,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Gemma knows Andrew's more determined than ever to make the move.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05He's already here, he's made this move in his head and his heart.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08This week has just cemented 100% that this is the right place
0:41:08 > 0:41:10for us to be.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12And Henry's been convinced too.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I think it'll be quite nice being here for a long time,
0:41:16 > 0:41:18being in the sunshine.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I don't like being in the rain.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23But as the final decision approaches,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Andrew's still not sure what life his wife will choose.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30If she votes yes, that would be fantastic,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32we would make a brilliant life here.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35If she decides that it's just not what she wants, then,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38OK, I'll have to console myself to that fact.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42It's totally emotional, my head is in Australia now,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46my heart is just still attached, and I can't really explain it.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I just feel sad when I think about leaving home.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56What Gemma decides next will change the family's path for ever,
0:41:56 > 0:42:00as Andrew prepares to find out whether the week's done enough to
0:42:00 > 0:42:03finally convince her to follow his dream.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07So, after a trial week in Australia, we're ready to make our final vote.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- Australia.- Australia! - Really? Good news.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Yeah, I think so. I mean, there's always going to be...
0:42:28 > 0:42:30It's going to be an emotional rollercoaster,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and it's going to be hard to leave, but this is definitely the
0:42:33 > 0:42:37right place to raise our kids, and it's the right place for us.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39And employment-wise, financially,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42and the lifestyle is what I want for me as well as them,
0:42:42 > 0:42:47so I might be a bit crazy on the transition but let's go for it.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49- Are you guys happy with that? - Right, guys, let's go!
0:43:00 > 0:43:04It was a really tough decision for Gemma,
0:43:04 > 0:43:06but after much deliberating,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10Andrew had finally got the all-clear to start his new job as an
0:43:10 > 0:43:13air traffic controller down under.
0:43:13 > 0:43:18One year on, it's time to find out if the family's journey of
0:43:18 > 0:43:20a lifetime had taken off.
0:43:20 > 0:43:26It's April 2016, and the Cromptons are living in Queensland, Australia.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29When they all chose to move down under at the end of their
0:43:29 > 0:43:33trial week, Andrew felt all his dreams had come true.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35I was really made up.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38I always thought we'd make that decision and, er, I believed that
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Gem would come round to the idea that Australia was
0:43:41 > 0:43:42a better life for us.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45But when everybody voted, and everybody at the same time
0:43:45 > 0:43:47shouted out "Australia," it was, er...
0:43:47 > 0:43:49I thought, "It's going to happen, we're going to move,"
0:43:49 > 0:43:51and that's everything I wanted.
0:43:52 > 0:43:53Go, quick!
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Their week in Australia had convinced Gemma
0:43:57 > 0:44:01a move was worth the sacrifice of breaking close ties to home.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05There wasn't really anything holding me back except leaving my family.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Everything else was better here, and I didn't expect that.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12With their minds made up, she began putting the wheels in motion
0:44:12 > 0:44:15before they even landed back in the UK.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18I started making lists, and I think that made Andy very uneasy,
0:44:18 > 0:44:23just how manic I was going to get as soon as we hit UK soil.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26I think he started to see what he'd let himself in for.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31Breaking the news to family wasn't as painful as they'd anticipated.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34I think they all secretly, whether they voiced it or not, were
0:44:34 > 0:44:36expecting us to go back and say, "We're going to go to Australia."
0:44:36 > 0:44:40Andrew had already been given a start date in October for his
0:44:40 > 0:44:43new job, so there was no time to lose.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47We arrived back in April 2015, and we left on the 30th of September.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51I think that was the hardest thing, having the finish line, so we had
0:44:51 > 0:44:54to fit everything in before that, and that was the trickiest bit.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57It was full throttle, making sure that we had everything in place.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00Andrew had already secured a temporary visa because of his
0:45:00 > 0:45:04job offer, but Gemma was keen to put things on a more permanent basis.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09I didn't want to move across the world on a temporary anything,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12so I realised that my job would get us a permanent visa.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16Gemma's visa came through within three months, then...
0:45:16 > 0:45:18I was just hit with this, "Wow, this is real!
0:45:18 > 0:45:20"We are really going to Australia."
0:45:20 > 0:45:24It was exciting that it was happening and we could have
0:45:24 > 0:45:28this new life, but then it was like a real bold underline -
0:45:28 > 0:45:30"You are leaving everything behind."
0:45:30 > 0:45:35The couple began the mammoth task of packing up their lives in the UK.
0:45:35 > 0:45:36We had to empty our loft,
0:45:36 > 0:45:40which I'm sure everyone can understand what an epic job that is.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44But there were some things they were determined not to get rid of.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46We knew that if we were coming there was
0:45:46 > 0:45:49no way we were leaving our dogs behind, and that was really tough.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52To get your dogs into Australia is no mean feat.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00With such a quick turnaround, before they knew it, it was time to go.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03I get emotional just thinking about saying goodbye.
0:46:05 > 0:46:06It was an emotional time for Gemma,
0:46:06 > 0:46:09particularly saying goodbye to her sister,
0:46:09 > 0:46:12and I think they were putting it off until that very last moment.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16I knew that was going to be the hard one for me, and it really was awful.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20But when departure day dawned, it was time to dry the tears.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22It was more of a release, wasn't it? It was, er...
0:46:22 > 0:46:26It had finally arrived and we were embarking on the adventure.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28Once we got on the plane, that bit was done,
0:46:28 > 0:46:29and it was all exciting from there on,
0:46:29 > 0:46:32and every time we got a step closer to Australia we were kind of
0:46:32 > 0:46:34pinching ourselves thinking,
0:46:34 > 0:46:37"We're doing this, we're really moving to Australia."
0:46:37 > 0:46:39The Cromptons touched down in Brisbane at the end of
0:46:39 > 0:46:44September 2015, less than six months after their trial week,
0:46:44 > 0:46:47and moved into their new home on the Sunshine Coast.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49We looked on the internet,
0:46:49 > 0:46:52we found some houses that were in our price range, and we decided
0:46:52 > 0:46:56that this was the house we wanted, this was the "Wow" house.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59It was a great start to their new life.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01It was so impressive.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04The sun was shining, the garden was all in full flower...
0:47:04 > 0:47:06We got into the house, and it was just gorgeous.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09It was a lovely time, it was like being on holiday but then
0:47:09 > 0:47:11knowing that we were here to live.
0:47:11 > 0:47:12Their house is in Buderim,
0:47:12 > 0:47:17a picturesque township overlooking Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19This area's just fabulous.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23It's a mountain with rainforests, and what a place to live,
0:47:23 > 0:47:27- it's just sensational. - This is our open plan living area.
0:47:27 > 0:47:28It's really nice and bright.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31This is exactly what we wanted from a house in Australia.
0:47:31 > 0:47:32We all get to stay together,
0:47:32 > 0:47:34even when somebody's cooking dinner, it's ideal.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37But it's not perfect in every aspect.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39We've got a beautiful view, but the kitchen is just tiny.
0:47:39 > 0:47:44- But I like the view from down here. - The view is exceptional.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47It's nice to sit and eat your dinner here looking out at that.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50The master bedroom's got a pleasing outlook too.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52We've got beautiful views out into the forest.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54Erm, it's nice and big and spacious,
0:47:54 > 0:47:58and we've got a walk-in wardrobe, which was one of my tick-lists.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00Again, though, it does have a downside.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02It's right on the living room,
0:48:02 > 0:48:06and when your children get up at 5am, it's less than ideal.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09Henry and Matilda are happy with their lot.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11This is my bedroom.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14My bed has got a slide.
0:48:14 > 0:48:18It was important for us to bring, like, the beds and the furniture
0:48:18 > 0:48:22just to give the kids as much continuity as they could from home.
0:48:22 > 0:48:23This is my bedroom.
0:48:23 > 0:48:28I've got a bunk bed, so when people come to stay they can sleep,
0:48:28 > 0:48:31and Tink, she sleeps on the end there.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35The room's a bit dark, but it's close to the man-cave,
0:48:35 > 0:48:37so that's why I picked it.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39This is the man-cave.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43We've got a TV up here, and there's a nice view of all the house.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Me and Daddy like to hang out up here sometimes.
0:48:46 > 0:48:50We thought it would be great, but to be honest it's so hot up here...
0:48:50 > 0:48:53- We could live without it, I think.- What?!
0:48:54 > 0:48:56Maybe not, Mum!
0:48:56 > 0:49:00The house is situated right in the middle of a forest.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:49:02 > 0:49:06You get the Australian king parrots come and land, and we can feed them
0:49:06 > 0:49:09and, you know, that's so different from pigeons at home and sparrows.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11It's ideal for the dogs,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13we've got a bit of a grass area so they can have a run.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15We can leave them out here when we're at work.
0:49:15 > 0:49:16We're very in love with our dogs,
0:49:16 > 0:49:18it was important that they were happy here.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22With Andrew starting his work just a couple of weeks after arriving
0:49:22 > 0:49:26back in Australia, the family were jet-propelled into life down under.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30So we had to get the kids set up in school, set up bank accounts,
0:49:30 > 0:49:32set up medicare accounts...
0:49:32 > 0:49:35So we expected to arrive and have 18 days lying in the sun,
0:49:35 > 0:49:38and what happened was we spent 18 days sitting in offices
0:49:38 > 0:49:41around the Sunshine Coast waiting for pieces of paper.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45- And then I flew to Melbourne for... - Three months.- ..three months, yeah.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47So that was pretty tough.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50With Andrew off training, Gemma was left flying solo.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54But unfortunately her settling in period was about to
0:49:54 > 0:49:55hit some turbulence.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58Having decided to rent out their home in the UK rather than
0:49:58 > 0:50:02sell it, Gemma was devastated to receive some very unsettling news
0:50:02 > 0:50:04from the other side of the world.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09The tenants we had in our home took out identity theft in our name.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13We were getting bills dropping in to family where we'd had our
0:50:13 > 0:50:17mail redirected saying that we were owing £1,000 on credit cards
0:50:17 > 0:50:18and store cards.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21You hear about it happening, you don't expect it to happen to you.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25The stress of knowing I had criminals living in my home,
0:50:25 > 0:50:28I found that really, really emotional.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32More than 1,000 miles away from Andrew, Gemma felt very alone.
0:50:32 > 0:50:36It was really hard trying to set up a new life here with all of that
0:50:36 > 0:50:40going on in the UK and not really having a support network to help me.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42At times, Andrew feared the worst.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45Every day was kind of like maybe Gemma will turn around and go,
0:50:45 > 0:50:47"D'you know what? It's too hard, I can't do it,"
0:50:47 > 0:50:49and we'd have to go home.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52Eventually, the situation was resolved, the tenants evicted,
0:50:52 > 0:50:54and the debt cleared.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57The Cromptons got on with establishing their new lives
0:50:57 > 0:51:00in Australia, but being away from his family for long periods
0:51:00 > 0:51:02began to tell on Andrew.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06And I only got back for a couple of weekends through that entire time,
0:51:06 > 0:51:07and that was hard.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11Being separated from Henry and Matilda was especially difficult.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13I hadn't been away from the children for more than
0:51:13 > 0:51:15a couple of nights here or there.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18It was hard not to have that physical contact with them,
0:51:18 > 0:51:20giving them a hug when they felt bad,
0:51:20 > 0:51:24or sharing their successes at school or their new friends.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28It was less than ideal, but we knew there was no other way to do it.
0:51:28 > 0:51:33It was a challenging time for the couple, but it didn't put them off.
0:51:33 > 0:51:34On the really bad days, I was like,
0:51:34 > 0:51:38"Well, on a good note, at least I'm in Australia!"
0:51:38 > 0:51:41The children have adapted well to life down under.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45They are always outside, they love school, they've got new friends.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47They love the lifestyle that it affords them, you know,
0:51:47 > 0:51:51every day when they're not at school we're out and about doing something.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54I like living here because there's more sunshine
0:51:54 > 0:51:56so I get more time to play out.
0:51:56 > 0:52:02I think moving to Australia was a good idea.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04After about three weeks, Henry said,
0:52:04 > 0:52:06"Thank you, Mammy, for bringing us to Australia.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08"I love my new life."
0:52:08 > 0:52:09And I was like, "Oh!
0:52:10 > 0:52:12"We've made the right choice!"
0:52:13 > 0:52:15And Mum and Dad feel very at home too.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17Everybody's really friendly,
0:52:17 > 0:52:20you walk past people on the street and they say hi.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23I was really moved by just how welcoming everybody was.
0:52:23 > 0:52:25It's been... It's been fabulous.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28Andrew's now in the final stages of his training.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31I always wanted to continue to be an air traffic controller,
0:52:31 > 0:52:34but I'd have probably come and been a bin man or anything, really.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36The fact that I could come and continue to do
0:52:36 > 0:52:39a job that I love was a bonus.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42It's taken a bit of getting used to, though.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45Brisbane Airport is completely different to the airport
0:52:45 > 0:52:47I used to control out of Durham Tees Valley.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50The number of aeroplanes, the amount of passengers,
0:52:50 > 0:52:53just the scale of the airport itself, everything's different.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56There's an awful lot of mental discipline to unlearn the way
0:52:56 > 0:52:59you've done things historically to then start doing it the way
0:52:59 > 0:53:01you're meant to do it in the new way.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03Getting to work's a lot different as well.
0:53:03 > 0:53:08My commute in England was 20-25 minutes at worst,
0:53:08 > 0:53:13whereas here, at best, it's 65 minutes. Now, that's hard.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16It makes an early start a really very early start.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19On the flipside of that coin, when I'm not at work,
0:53:19 > 0:53:23I'm exactly where I want to be, on the Sunshine Coast.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25Gemma's recently started work too.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28Having moved into the private sector, she finds working as
0:53:28 > 0:53:32a radiographer down under a lot less stressful than in the UK.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34We have a lot more space between our patients
0:53:34 > 0:53:37so there's more time to really build up a rapport with your
0:53:37 > 0:53:40patients and look after them, so I do enjoy that, that's nice.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Everybody here's really happy in their job.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45There's a much calmer working environment
0:53:45 > 0:53:46than I've ever been used to.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50And it's not just Gemma reaping the benefits of her new job.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54Where I work is actually only 10 minutes drive from my home.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57It tends to be eight till five, Monday to Friday,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00which fits really well with the children going to afterschool care.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02I'm at work when they're at school.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04There's no more me going out to work when they're going to bed,
0:54:04 > 0:54:07and then being asleep all day when they're home,
0:54:07 > 0:54:09so we have much better family time, much better balance.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11That's not the only bonus either.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14I'm earning more now in Australia doing three days a week than
0:54:14 > 0:54:18I did in the UK working four days a week, so it's no comparison.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21Overall, Gemma's very content with her lot.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23I always had big aspirations when I was in the UK
0:54:23 > 0:54:24of what I wanted to do.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27I think those have changed, actually, with my move to Australia.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30But in terms of career ladder-climbing,
0:54:30 > 0:54:33I think I'm just going to enjoy my life on the coast.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36The family have already had plenty of visitors.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38First out was Andrew's mum.
0:54:38 > 0:54:39She arrived two months in,
0:54:39 > 0:54:42and stayed right through Christmas and New Year,
0:54:42 > 0:54:44and during that time Andy's sister flew in,
0:54:44 > 0:54:49and then my mum arrived three weeks ago, so we've had a lot of visitors.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52- We haven't had much time on our own, really.- No.
0:54:52 > 0:54:53If you're aching for some bacon...
0:54:53 > 0:54:55THEY LAUGH
0:54:55 > 0:54:59Life's been so busy there's scarcely time to be homesick,
0:54:59 > 0:55:02but the distance from home did hit hard when Gemma missed an
0:55:02 > 0:55:05important family occasion back in the UK.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08Joanne got married a month ago,
0:55:08 > 0:55:11and I couldn't be there because I'm here,
0:55:11 > 0:55:15so nothing will ever...
0:55:15 > 0:55:19give me that back, and I feel awful cos that was my choice to come.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23She may not have been able to be there in person, but thanks
0:55:23 > 0:55:26to modern technology, Gemma still played a part in the big day.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28I watched her put her dress on,
0:55:28 > 0:55:31and I watched her get her hair done, and just before she walked
0:55:31 > 0:55:33down the aisle it was just me and her talking!
0:55:33 > 0:55:35That's amazing that you can do that in this day and age,
0:55:35 > 0:55:39and that really does make the distance less, and it does help.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43So far, Australia's surpassed all of the couple's expectations.
0:55:43 > 0:55:47You can't even get anywhere close to living in the UK as we live here.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49Our spare time as a family's exceptional now.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53We're never in, so we spend a lot of time at the beach,
0:55:53 > 0:55:55that is never going to get old for us.
0:55:55 > 0:55:56We go swimming in the river,
0:55:56 > 0:55:59and the dogs are swimming alongside us, and that's great fun.
0:55:59 > 0:56:03Everything we do here is as a family, and it's a lovely lifestyle.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06Even your worst day here is just amazing.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08That sounds cheesy, but it is.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11They've no doubt they've made the right move.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14With all the emotional ups and downs we've had since we moved to
0:56:14 > 0:56:18Australia, there's not a moment where I've regretted my decision.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20We've been in Australia six months now,
0:56:20 > 0:56:23and I can honestly say every day I've woken up and thought,
0:56:23 > 0:56:26"Thank goodness we made the choice to come."
0:56:26 > 0:56:27They really are living the dream.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30I didn't even know that my life could be this good.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33So we're kind of creating a new bar for the dream,
0:56:33 > 0:56:34and it's much higher than it used to be.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38I will always be English and British, but Australia is my home.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42I'm just so grateful that we did this for our children because
0:56:42 > 0:56:45their life will be so much better here than it ever would have
0:56:45 > 0:56:46been in the UK.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51Everything about who we are fits perfectly with what Australia
0:56:51 > 0:56:55has to offer, and I can't ever see us going back.
0:56:55 > 0:57:00We love Australia, it's just the most amazing place,
0:57:00 > 0:57:02and I'm so grateful that they let us in!
0:57:05 > 0:57:09Life has really taken off for the Cromptons down under,
0:57:09 > 0:57:12and despite Gemma's initial reservations,
0:57:12 > 0:57:16it looks like she's more than happy to have made the move.
0:57:16 > 0:57:20We wish her, Andrew, Henry and Matilda
0:57:20 > 0:57:25a long and happy future living the dream on Australia's Sunshine Coast.