Crompton Wanted Down Under


Crompton

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After years spent working abroad,

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you're more than happy to finally be back home.

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Your partner, though, wants a new life

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and already has a job offer on the other side of the world.

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Would you sacrifice everything that keeps you content to allow

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them to follow their dream?

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Air traffic controller Andrew Crompton thinks his family's

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life could really take off in Australia.

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This opportunity is once in a lifetime.

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All he needs to do now is convince wife Gemma to give up

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everything she loves in the UK.

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It's starting a new life.

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Everything is from scratch.

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So when a trial week reveals some home truths...

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That's insane?

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..will Gemma be persuaded to green-light Andrew's dream or

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keep the family grounded in the UK?

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How do you choose between a life you love and the man you love and

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what he wants from his life?

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Home to over a million expats, Australia's long been

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the destination of choice for British families on the move.

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Promising average annual temperatures of 21 degrees,

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some of the best features on the planet

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and a world-famous laid-back lifestyle, it's easy to see

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the attraction for the thousands who emigrate there every year.

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But it isn't idyllic for everyone who makes the move.

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Almost half return home with their dream in tatters.

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Former Naval Officer Gemma Crompton is used to navigating her way

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through stormy situations,

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but her most challenging journey yet is on the horizon.

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While she is happy with a new career and life in the English

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countryside, husband Andrew has a very different outlook.

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He is convinced his family will be better off living in Australia.

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With a job offer already on the table,

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it is crunch time for the Cromptons.

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In just one week, can Andrew steer Gemma towards the life

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he's wanted for years?

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The family's first ever visit to Australia gets underway with

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just over 22 hours in the sky flying from London

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to Brisbane with stopovers in Dubai and Sydney.

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When they finally arrive, Andrew admits it has been quite a journey.

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It was pretty long.

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It was quite tiring trying to grab a few hours' sleep.

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Now he's here, Andrew is excited about the week ahead.

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It is really warm,

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I am loving it, so I can't wait to see where we get to go.

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-It is better than England.

-Better than England? You are right.

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Your five-minute experience of Australia.

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And that is all it took.

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Henry is on board already but Gemma is going to take

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a lot more work despite the sunshine.

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It makes it a lot more appealing, but as far as moving

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my entire life here, I am still... I still need to be convinced.

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As they take their first steps into Brisbane, Andrew knows where

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his family will spend the rest of their lives is anything but certain.

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Back in the UK, the Crompton family live in Fishburn in County Durham.

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They are dad Andrew, mum Gemma,

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seven-year-old Henry and five-year-old Matilda.

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Andrew and Gemma met in the Royal Navy 15 years ago.

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Andrew stayed on dry land while Gemma sailed the world

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deployed to conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Andrew then became a civil air-traffic controller and after

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six years at sea, Gemma retrained as a radiographer.

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-Right, we are going to make chocolate brownies.

-Yay!

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Now parents to Henry and Matilda, Gemma loves being permanently

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on home turf.

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Having been in the Navy and travelled the world as much

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as I have, it made me really appreciate the UK

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and convinced I would stay here forever.

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Not if Andrew has his way, though.

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Seeing an advert for air-traffic controllers in Brisbane

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set him thinking about a new life on the other side of the world.

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He got in the car and said, "Australia are recruiting,

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"do you want to move there?" I said I am not going.

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Despite Gemma's reluctance, Andrew went ahead and applied for

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the position and months later he has landed himself a job offer.

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I've been through all the testing that is required and as long as

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I successfully complete my training, I will be accepted for the job.

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Andrew is now determined to put the country on Gemma's radar.

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Everything about it just screams this would be

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a great place to go to.

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The opportunities for the children as they grow up

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far outweigh the opportunities that are in the UK.

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We are outdoors people and being in a climate like Australia,

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that would afford us all the more opportunity to do that.

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The only thing standing between Andrew and the life he wants

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is Gemma.

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It is difficult knowing that Gemma is very happy with our life here.

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If you had asked me last year if I would move to Australia,

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I would have said never, I will never move to Australia.

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Gemma is happy with life in the UK.

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Dedicated to her new career, she is passionate about practising

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tae kwon do at her local club and has a close-knit group of friends.

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Convincing her to give all that up will be a massive challenge.

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I don't know if I could make the sacrifices.

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I find it all very unsettling that I knew exactly where my life

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was going and I was going to work for promotion in the hospitals

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I was in and stay there until I retired.

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Moving half the world away would also mean spitting Gemma from

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sister Joanne, who she sees every day, and that prospect is

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already causing heartache.

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She has been extremely emotional about it.

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Out of everybody, she would be the one that is hard to leave.

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We're best friends.

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She makes me laugh.

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I can tell her anything and I can rely on her and she knows me

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inside out and to be able to just turn up at somebody's house

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and have that is really, really special.

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The couple are at polar opposites when it comes to where they

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should be living, but Andrew's job offer means it is now decision time.

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In one week, Gemma will face an agonising choice between

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the life she loves and the one her husband is longing for.

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This opportunity is once in a lifetime.

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If we don't go now, we never will go and I think if we didn't even

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attempt to go, we will regret it for the rest of our lives.

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How do you choose between a life you love and the man you love

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and what he wants from his life?

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To find out where their future lies,

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the family are visiting Queensland in the north-east of Australia.

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Often referred to as the Sunshine State,

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it is the second-largest and third most populated state in the country.

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Their temporary base is the suburb of Buddina just

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over 60 miles north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast.

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But will their first glimpse of Aussie living be enough to

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get Gemma excited?

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-Woo!

-It has only got a pool. Wow.

-We have got our very own swimming pool.

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-This is unbelievable.

-Don't start crying.

-No.

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I just feel a bit overwhelmed because I didn't expect

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anything this amazing and grand and luxurious.

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Inside is impressive too.

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-This is the biggest front door I have ever seen in my life.

-Whoa!

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-Oh, my goodness.

-What could be upstairs?

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I don't know because all the bedrooms are downstairs.

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Its location might be surprising,

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-but the main living area is an instant hit.

-Oh, my goodness.

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-This is amazing.

-Isn't it?

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You can see the sea.

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With the beach on their doorstep,

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the family can't wait to feel the sand between their toes.

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Andrew is already feeling more confident about the week ahead.

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I think we have got out the traps quite well.

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I think this was pretty much spot on the money for the start.

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I think it will be a bit of a rollercoaster, but after today,

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I can't see us going too far backwards.

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It can only get better.

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But despite her earlier enthusiasm,

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Gemma is already thinking about the decision she will soon face.

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Do I sacrifice their family and their relationships with their

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grandparents and my relationships to come and live somewhere sunny?

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Is it that shallow?

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Or is this really a better life for us?

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And if the answer to that really is yes, the answer will be easy.

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If I'm still on the fence at the end of the week,

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then it's going to be a much different question, I think.

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In the UK, home for the Cromptons is a modern four-bedroom

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detached house in Fishburn in County Durham.

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If Andrew can convince Gemma to make the move,

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their budget for a property in Australia is around £300,000.

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I'm hoping that if we did go, the house would be less important.

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So it would be more of location - close to beaches,

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close to parks, close to things that we can do.

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As long as it has got a decent bit of outside space,

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I don't think there's any real... Nothing would be a show stopper.

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My ideal home, we would love to have a pool and a large garden.

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With one of those shoe racks that rotates.

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All right, don't push the boat out.

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To find out what kind of house they could actually have in

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Australia, today we'll show the Cromptons three properties,

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two on budget and a third which could be their dream home.

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Only after they have seen each one, will they find out what it costs.

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The family's search begins in Pelican Waters.

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Nice isn't the right word!

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Unbelievable.

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Situated in the heart of Caloundra, this area is around

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an hour-and-a-half north of Brisbane but

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only minutes from Sunshine Coast beaches.

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Offering a wide range of coastal and sporting activities,

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the location should appeal to Andrew and Gemma.

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But will the house be on their wavelength too?

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-What do you think? I'm liking it, I am liking it.

-So far, so good.

-Wow.

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-THEY GASP

-Wow.

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-Oh, I love it.

-The modern interiors win Gemma over straight away.

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This is absolutely sensational.

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-Open-plan living.

-Yeah.

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This home's living area opens out onto a large garden,

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just what the couple were hoping for.

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I love this outside space.

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This is really the thing that gets me excited.

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The garden has plenty of room to roam and discovering it backs

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onto a golf club, there is little to dent enthusiasm.

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You feel like you're in the country even though you're in this

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big housing estate because you look over the golf course and

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it's trees and it's quiet.

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Moving back inside to check out the bedrooms,

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Andrew's chances of convincing Gemma seem to be on the up.

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This is going to be the bedrooms.

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-I think I just spied a walk-in wardrobe.

-Wow.

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-The master bedroom with ensuite is a definite hit.

-His and hers sinks.

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-That is what you have always wanted.

-I know. I can have my untidy side.

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And decent-sized bedrooms for the children go down well too.

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Ooh. I think this could be Tilda's room.

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This is actually what you need, it is not too big,

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it has got great outside space. Come on, you guys.

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And finally, a space for the boys.

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Look at the size of this garage.

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Everything is just so big. It's just the scale.

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It's like a little maze, this house, isn't it?

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It is the first place they've viewed, but it looks like

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this is somewhere the Cromptons could be comfortable.

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Is it affordable, though, with their £300,000 budget?

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Henry, what do you think?

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1,284 or something.

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1,284? That would be great.

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-I'll take it.

-It is immaculate, you could just move straight in.

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It is, yeah.

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Time to find out how much it costs.

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-OK, this is it, Tilda.

-Turn it over.

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-Ooh.

-Ooh.

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-So pretty much top of our budget.

-But doable.

-Yeah.

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It is doable.

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But if I was going top of the budget,

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we'd need a bigger guest room.

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-I am a bit disappointed actually at how much that is.

-Really?

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In my heart, I was hoping it would be a bit more affordable which would

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give us a bit more kind of leeway to look at something slightly bigger.

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-I think it is what we expected, though.

-Yeah. Right, come on then.

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Despite positive reactions to the house,

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the price has disappointed Gemma.

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If Andrew is to convince her to make the move, the next property

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will need to deliver what Gemma wants

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at a price she is happy to pay.

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To find out, the family travel to Maleny,

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a quaint town situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

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Surrounded by mountains and lush green hills,

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the area combines countryside with coastal living.

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But will this traditional character home be made-to-measure for

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the Cromptons?

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-Look at that.

-You could get a nice rocking chair on this deck.

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Gemma can see herself enjoying a seat in the sunshine,

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but will inside be as appealing?

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Let's have a look.

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It is a little bit old.

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Andrew is not as concerned about the dated decor.

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I like the log burner.

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Didn't even notice the log burner because the chair was in the way.

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The kitchen has one pleasing aspect.

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Oh, yeah, I like the kitchen.

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My goodness.

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This might change my view of this house.

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Gemma could be coming round.

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If you just take out the chairs and the pictures, then wow,

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it could be amazing, couldn't it?

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Will the bedrooms be to her liking too?

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Wow.

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-Mummy, this is mine and your bedroom.

-Mine and your bedroom?

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Where is Daddy going to sleep? In the garden?

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Might be some negotiating to do over sleeping arrangements but is

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-the en-suite worth fighting over?

-Not quite in our taste.

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No, it is a bit out-of-date, I think.

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The house might need upgrading but the generous gardens could be

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a big selling point.

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It is all about this view, isn't it?

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It is an impressive outlook and Andrew has spotted something

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which could please Gemma.

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-Gem, it is a granny flat.

-Oh, my goodness.

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-Check it out.

-I just love this garden.

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A studio cottage with its own kitchen and bathroom could be the

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perfect home from home for visitors.

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This is lovely. Oh, yeah.

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-This is amazing.

-This is fabulous.

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The furniture and fittings are more to Gemma's style.

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This bathroom is nice. This is nicer than the main house.

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Ooh!

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And the property's half-acre of gardens

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has taken Gemma's breath away.

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Let's have a quick look down here because this is absolutely colossal.

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We have found a football pitch.

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I love this. I love this.

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This is fabulous.

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Although underwhelmed at first,

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this home's hidden features have worked wonders on Gemma.

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I just love the garden and the views and I can see myself

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pottering my hours away.

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If you took the garden out of it, though, I don't think you'd feel the same.

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No, if the garden wasn't here, I wouldn't feel the same.

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So, is it a place they could afford to call home with £300,000 to spend?

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THEY GASP

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That is way over.

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That is £35,000 over budget.

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I mean, I love the garden, it is gorgeous, it is beautiful,

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but it doesn't tick all our boxes for that amount of money.

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-It doesn't tick many of them, really.

-No.

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The home just hasn't offered enough to justify

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a price tag £35,000 over the couple's budget.

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The family head back to Pelican Waters to check out what

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we think could be their dream home.

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-My goodness, these are, like, palatial.

-Wow.

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Based on their ideal wish list, will this contemporary

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five-bedroom house in a private gated community

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be an all-round winner?

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Oh, yeah.

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This is going to be a good one.

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Hopefully inside won't disappoint.

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-Oh, my goodness. Look at this.

-Wow.

-It is massive.

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It is huge.

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With a wine cellar and cinema room,

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this house definitely isn't run-of-the-mill.

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But will it be the one to convince Gemma to make the move?

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Look at that kitchen.

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I love how all just opens out,

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the whole living area is just in and out at the same time. It is amazing.

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Wandering outside,

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Matilda soon spots something else to get excited about.

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-Swimming pool.

-Massive.

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Not only that, there is a slide.

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And you've got a garden on the side.

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It is less roomy than the last one, but still enough for Gemma.

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-The garden is gorgeous.

-I'm coming.

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-It is just so quiet.

-It is quiet.

-I know.

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Back inside, a perfect play area for Henry and Matilda.

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-Table football?

-This is your space, Henry.

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There's something for everyone.

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But Gemma is trying not to get carried away.

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The problem is, everything from this point on

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would be a disappointment, you know what I mean?

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Nothing else can complete with this house.

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It's just absolutely unreal.

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The only thing missing is a granny flat, but with five bedrooms,

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there is still plenty of room for guests.

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There's a double downstairs bed and then

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a single upstairs bed for when people come and sleep over.

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Gemma can definitely see herself living in a house like this,

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and the enormous master bedroom with en suite

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almost leaves her speechless.

0:19:580:20:00

This is my bedroom, remember!

0:20:000:20:02

Don't think so, Henry!

0:20:030:20:05

-It's just absolutely perfect, isn't it?

-It is.

0:20:080:20:11

Everything's really high standard.

0:20:110:20:14

This house has sold itself to the whole family.

0:20:140:20:17

But with £300,000 to spend, will they be able to afford it?

0:20:170:20:22

I think it's really way smashed over the budget.

0:20:240:20:27

It's way out of our budget.

0:20:270:20:28

It's beautiful and I've loved seeing it, and it's going to just

0:20:280:20:31

ruin my life that we can't afford it.

0:20:310:20:33

Go for it.

0:20:370:20:38

-Oh!

-Wow.

0:20:440:20:46

That is even... It's way higher than we predicted.

0:20:460:20:49

Yeah, that is a lot more.

0:20:490:20:51

Yeah, that is colossally more money than we can afford.

0:20:510:20:55

Will we save up?

0:20:550:20:57

-I guess we'll have to save up.

-Yeah.

0:20:570:21:00

Never mind!

0:21:000:21:01

At £150,000 over budget this house would be a stretch,

0:21:010:21:07

unless the couple could substantially increase their earnings down under.

0:21:070:21:11

Property one had the space and gorgeous garden

0:21:110:21:14

the couple wanted, but Gemma wanted more for the money.

0:21:140:21:17

Despite substantial grounds and a granny flat,

0:21:190:21:22

the interiors of property two weren't quite to anyone's taste.

0:21:220:21:26

Complete with a pool and cinema room,

0:21:280:21:30

property three was everything the family wanted.

0:21:300:21:33

But at more than £150,000 over budget,

0:21:330:21:37

sadly the price tag wasn't quite as agreeable.

0:21:370:21:40

So, based on everything they've seen,

0:21:400:21:42

how will the family vote when it comes to choosing between

0:21:420:21:45

property in Australia and the UK?

0:21:450:21:47

-Australia.

-Undecided.

0:22:060:22:09

Australia.

0:22:090:22:11

Why are you undecided, then?

0:22:110:22:13

I loved all the houses, they were all gorgeous,

0:22:140:22:16

but for the top of our budget

0:22:160:22:19

we still didn't get exactly what we wanted.

0:22:190:22:22

The last one was just fabulous

0:22:220:22:24

and if it would start with a different number down...

0:22:240:22:28

I don't know that we can afford to have, you know,

0:22:280:22:32

a house that will meet our needs.

0:22:320:22:34

Hoping for more for her money,

0:22:400:22:41

the Sunshine Coast's property prices have added to Gemma's doubts

0:22:410:22:45

about leaving the life she loves in the UK.

0:22:450:22:48

She's passionate about her job at home,

0:22:480:22:51

but the right work prospects down under could help Andrew's case.

0:22:510:22:54

Back in the UK, he's an air traffic controller

0:22:570:22:59

at Durham Tees Valley Airport,

0:22:590:23:02

but he's already landed himself a job down under.

0:23:020:23:05

..have the DME report back to us.

0:23:050:23:07

Airservices Australia have offered me a position where I would

0:23:070:23:11

control at Brisbane Tower and, subject to successfully completing

0:23:110:23:15

a probationary period and training,

0:23:150:23:17

they would make my position permanent.

0:23:170:23:20

Right, I just need to check some details with you.

0:23:200:23:22

Gemma has been a diagnostic radiographer at North Tees Hospital

0:23:220:23:26

for the past four years.

0:23:260:23:28

Most of my day involves doing 3-D body scans of patients who come in.

0:23:290:23:34

If Andrew's career down under is to take off,

0:23:340:23:37

it's a job she'd have to sacrifice, and that's a devastating thought.

0:23:370:23:42

It's a really important part of my life.

0:23:420:23:45

And...

0:23:450:23:46

..I would find it really difficult to go.

0:23:480:23:50

To explore her work opportunities in Australia,

0:23:550:23:58

we've arranged for Gemma to visit a private radiology clinic

0:23:580:24:01

where she meets operations manager Trevor Gourlay.

0:24:010:24:04

-Hi, nice to meet you.

-I'm Trevor. How are you?

-Very well, thanks.

0:24:040:24:07

After a quick tour of the facilities,

0:24:070:24:09

Gemma is ready to quiz Trevor on her prospects.

0:24:090:24:12

Looking at my experience, would you consider me for a position here?

0:24:140:24:17

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. You seem well rounded.

0:24:170:24:21

It's a good start, and opportunities could be plentiful

0:24:210:24:24

with a new public hospital being built on the Sunshine Coast.

0:24:240:24:28

One of the most advanced hospitals in the world, we're led to believe,

0:24:290:24:34

and looking at somewhere about 140 imaging staff, which is...

0:24:340:24:38

Wow, that's really nice to know that there's going to be such demand

0:24:380:24:41

for my profession in the coming year.

0:24:410:24:43

As Andrew has already secured a job,

0:24:430:24:46

he takes the time to explore education options for Harry

0:24:460:24:49

and Matilda, visiting Suncoast Christian College,

0:24:490:24:52

a popular private school.

0:24:520:24:54

If we can't give them the education and the opportunities that

0:24:540:24:58

they've got in the UK then it's a no-go, really.

0:24:580:25:01

The family are welcomed by school principal, Mark Ash.

0:25:010:25:04

Right, so, I gather you guys are ready for a bit of

0:25:040:25:07

-a look around the school.

-Yeah.

0:25:070:25:09

While Henry and Matilda sit in on a lesson,

0:25:160:25:19

Andrew asks Mark about their potential Aussie schooling.

0:25:190:25:22

Matilda is just about to turn five and in the UK she's been

0:25:240:25:27

at school for a year, almost.

0:25:270:25:30

Coming to Australia, I think we'd be concerned

0:25:300:25:32

that she would re-sit a year.

0:25:320:25:34

In Queensland here, there's a lot of flexibility given to schools

0:25:340:25:37

around starting age, so our head of primary would do an interview,

0:25:370:25:41

do an assessment of where she's at in terms of literacy, numeracy,

0:25:410:25:45

look at her social skills and then, in consultation with you,

0:25:450:25:48

determine whether it's best to start in prep, year one,

0:25:480:25:51

what's going to give her the best outcome.

0:25:510:25:53

It's welcome news.

0:25:530:25:55

Andrew's also keen to find out about their physical education.

0:25:550:25:59

What sort of sports programme do you have

0:25:590:26:00

on a day to day, week to week basis?

0:26:000:26:02

Yeah, we've just finished seasons of volleyball and football

0:26:020:26:05

in secondary after-school sport

0:26:050:26:07

and the primary kids are just midway through their first season

0:26:070:26:11

with touch, netball, volleyball, basketball.

0:26:110:26:13

Andrew is happy with what he's heard and Harry and Matilda

0:26:150:26:18

sound like they'd have no problem fitting in.

0:26:180:26:22

-So, what did you guys think of the school, then, today?

-I like it.

0:26:220:26:25

-You like it. You want to come here?

-I love it!

-You love it?

0:26:250:26:28

That should make Gemma happy too.

0:26:280:26:30

Back at the clinic, she's finding out about potential work hours.

0:26:300:26:35

Well, our MRI starts here at seven, goes through till nine every night.

0:26:350:26:39

We occasionally do Saturdays if the workload demands it.

0:26:390:26:44

All she needs to know is her potential salary.

0:26:440:26:48

So, what kind of wage would I be expecting to earn

0:26:480:26:50

if I was working in the private radiography sector?

0:26:500:26:52

With your qualifications,

0:26:520:26:54

you'd probably start off at 90,000 to 100,000.

0:26:540:26:56

It sort of gets up to about 115, I suppose.

0:26:560:26:59

That's unbelievable.

0:26:590:27:01

That's more than double what I earn in the UK.

0:27:010:27:03

It's been encouraging news for Gemma all the way.

0:27:030:27:06

But has she had enough to choose a career in Australia over the UK?

0:27:060:27:11

I'm ready to vote.

0:27:110:27:12

Australia!

0:27:200:27:22

It's just so much better than it could be at home.

0:27:220:27:24

It was an easy decision to make after the conversation I had.

0:27:240:27:27

Australia all the way.

0:27:270:27:29

Mind made up, Gemma is keen to share her news with Andrew

0:27:320:27:35

-and find out how he got on at school.

-So, how did the kids get on?

0:27:350:27:38

It was impressive. It was, like, loads of resources.

0:27:380:27:41

I think both of them thought it was brilliant.

0:27:410:27:44

-So you'd be really, really happy for them to go...

-Oh, yeah, absolutely.

0:27:440:27:46

-Yeah, it was brilliant.

-Oh, that's great news.

0:27:460:27:48

Andrew is anxious to hear how Gemma got on.

0:27:480:27:51

So, how was your day? How did the job go?

0:27:510:27:54

My qualifications were really good.

0:27:540:27:57

I'd be quite desirable in Australia.

0:27:570:27:59

And the best bit was he said I would earn 115,000.

0:27:590:28:03

-115,000?

-Yeah.

0:28:030:28:06

-That is mint.

-Yeah.

0:28:060:28:07

Discovering she could earn more doing the job she loves

0:28:110:28:15

could mean Gemma is beginning to understand Australia's appeal.

0:28:150:28:19

But there's a long way yet to go before the move's a done deal.

0:28:190:28:23

A key part of Andrew's desire to emigrate is the lifestyle

0:28:230:28:26

he believes the country could offer.

0:28:260:28:28

So, will a typically Aussie family day out

0:28:280:28:31

bring him one step closer to achieving his goal?

0:28:310:28:34

Making the most of the fine weather,

0:28:420:28:45

the family head east of Caloundra to enjoy a day at Kings Beach.

0:28:450:28:48

It's going to be fun.

0:28:500:28:51

With its water fountains and playground right on the oceanfront,

0:28:530:28:57

this is a popular spot for families with young children,

0:28:570:29:00

and Henry and Matilda take to the lifestyle like ducks to water.

0:29:000:29:05

This is awesome.

0:29:050:29:06

Henry spots an adventurous activity he'd like to try.

0:29:070:29:10

Bungee jump!

0:29:100:29:12

-Do you fancy doing bungee jumping?

-Do you want to go on the jump?

0:29:120:29:14

It's the perfect way to burn off some energy.

0:29:140:29:17

OK, little man, move into the middle and I'll tell you when to jump.

0:29:170:29:20

-Do you think you could get used to this, then?

-Oh, yeah.

0:29:200:29:22

It beats hanging out in Fishburn in the rain.

0:29:220:29:25

That should be music to Andrew's ears.

0:29:250:29:27

Time for a spot of lunch in the park.

0:29:330:29:35

Is this our first picnic?

0:29:380:29:39

First-ever picnic in Australia.

0:29:390:29:41

Andrew is delighted to finally experience Aussie living.

0:29:440:29:48

Before we came, I felt, is it going to live up to my expectations?

0:29:480:29:51

And it's gone way past everything that I thought it would be.

0:29:510:29:54

Gemma could be warming to the idea of

0:29:540:29:57

a life in the southern hemisphere.

0:29:570:29:59

It just really has opened my eyes to what kind of a life we can have.

0:29:590:30:03

The weather, obviously, is a huge bonus.

0:30:030:30:04

You can do so much more with your children when you've got

0:30:040:30:07

a sunny day pretty much guaranteed every day.

0:30:070:30:08

But she's still mindful sunshine isn't everything.

0:30:080:30:12

It's starting a new life. You know, everything is from scratch.

0:30:130:30:17

And I'm still kind of on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster,

0:30:190:30:22

and I find it hard to think of this place as home.

0:30:220:30:25

Andrew is all too aware Gemma is torn

0:30:260:30:29

and that come the end of the week, she'll hold the key to their future.

0:30:290:30:33

She has the ultimate veto.

0:30:330:30:34

If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to come,

0:30:340:30:37

and none of us will.

0:30:370:30:39

As the afternoon draws to a close,

0:30:390:30:41

Gemma is pondering the reality of leaving her sister in the UK.

0:30:410:30:45

I don't know if I'm ready for that, and I'm pretty sure she's not.

0:30:480:30:52

I mean, she's texted me every day that we've been here

0:30:520:30:55

and I just can't imagine having a life without her being in it.

0:30:550:30:58

A difficult decision lies ahead for Gemma,

0:31:000:31:02

but based on today alone, it's time to find out if the family

0:31:020:31:06

prefer the lifestyle in the UK or Australia.

0:31:060:31:09

-Australia!

-Australia.

0:31:240:31:26

Is everybody the same? Yay!

0:31:270:31:29

I just loved how everything was just

0:31:290:31:31

all so close to the beach as well, so you could have a really full day

0:31:310:31:34

without really getting bored of doing any activities.

0:31:340:31:37

And then we had a picnic in the park and it was all in the same place.

0:31:370:31:41

Everything was together.

0:31:410:31:42

And it was all free, really, it was really good. Had a great day.

0:31:420:31:45

Did you have a great day? Yeah!

0:31:450:31:47

With another vote going his way, Andrew could be inching closer

0:31:520:31:56

to achieving the life he wants for his family.

0:31:560:31:59

But will the finances down under stack up?

0:31:590:32:02

The couple would sell their house in the UK and believe it's worth

0:32:020:32:05

around £200,000.

0:32:050:32:07

We sent round two estate agents to give their valuations.

0:32:070:32:11

I'm a bit nervous about this.

0:32:110:32:12

I'm nervous in case it looks messy or dirty.

0:32:120:32:14

So weird.

0:32:160:32:17

This is a really airy, modern hall.

0:32:190:32:22

Lovely wooden flooring.

0:32:220:32:24

It's a really, really modern kitchen. Lovely range cooker.

0:32:270:32:31

-Looks really nice.

-It does, yeah.

0:32:310:32:33

That's my dad.

0:32:330:32:35

Nice big family space. Lots of happy pictures on the wall.

0:32:350:32:40

It looks really nice.

0:32:400:32:42

Oh, what a lovely room.

0:32:420:32:44

Like having a hotel room in your home.

0:32:440:32:47

Lots of space, lots of storage.

0:32:470:32:49

Right, nice neutral white bathroom suite.

0:32:500:32:53

Do you think he's saying it's a bit boring?

0:32:530:32:56

Yeah, everything seems to be working fine. Great.

0:32:560:32:58

He flushed the toilet!

0:32:580:33:00

It's a great spare room,

0:33:030:33:05

and a lovely view at the back over the fields.

0:33:050:33:07

We've got a family dog here, who's obviously very happy.

0:33:070:33:11

Oh, Earl's on! Fantastic.

0:33:110:33:13

And we've got all this countryside here, here, and here.

0:33:130:33:16

Really appealing for any family.

0:33:180:33:20

It's gorgeous. Looks good.

0:33:200:33:22

In the current market conditions,

0:33:220:33:23

I would value this property at £180,000.

0:33:230:33:27

And for a quick sale, I would value this property at £170,000.

0:33:270:33:32

What?

0:33:320:33:33

I would value this house at £195,000.

0:33:330:33:37

For a quick sale, I would value it at £175,000.

0:33:370:33:41

So, that's a bit under.

0:33:410:33:43

That changes what we would be able to afford over here,

0:33:430:33:46

-if we decide to come...

-True.

0:33:460:33:47

..because that's 20 grand less than we were expecting.

0:33:470:33:50

Hopefully there won't be more nasty shocks when the couple

0:33:550:33:58

examine finances in Australia.

0:33:580:34:00

To see how they add up,

0:34:000:34:01

we've prepared a comparison of costs with the UK.

0:34:010:34:05

Here we go.

0:34:050:34:06

First up, a look at the weekly grocery shop.

0:34:070:34:10

Brown sauce is, like, way more expensive.

0:34:100:34:13

We'll have to source our own supply.

0:34:130:34:16

-Bananas are a lot more expensive.

-Yeah, they are.

0:34:160:34:19

-It's just surprising, really.

-And potatoes.

0:34:190:34:22

Most of it is slightly more expensive, I would say.

0:34:220:34:26

A quick tot up of the figures reveals what they'll be

0:34:260:34:29

paying out for food every week.

0:34:290:34:31

153.23.

0:34:330:34:34

So, the UK was 133.72.

0:34:340:34:37

So, £19.51 more expensive.

0:34:380:34:40

That's almost £80 more every month.

0:34:410:34:45

-Not too bad, though, could have been worse.

-No, happy days.

0:34:450:34:48

Encouraged, the couple move on to the bigger monthly bills.

0:34:480:34:51

The mortgage here, based on the first house we viewed,

0:34:510:34:54

is 1,507.33.

0:34:540:34:57

Childcare is a lot more,

0:34:570:35:00

because obviously we won't have our family.

0:35:000:35:02

And then private school fees per month for both kids,

0:35:020:35:06

436.13.

0:35:060:35:08

The added extras quickly stack up and it's clear the couple

0:35:080:35:13

will be spending much more down under.

0:35:130:35:15

-1,326.69...

-Yeah.

0:35:150:35:18

..more expensive per month.

0:35:190:35:21

-Yeah.

-Wowzers.

0:35:210:35:23

It's a considerable hit, but Gemma could almost double her salary

0:35:250:35:29

in Australia and that could help massively.

0:35:290:35:32

-7,654.

-And that's per month.

0:35:340:35:38

We earn just under £32,000 a year more than we do in the UK.

0:35:380:35:42

But then, it's obviously more expensive to live.

0:35:420:35:44

It's a phenomenal increase in earnings,

0:35:440:35:46

and when the couple subtract their outgoings,

0:35:460:35:49

they discover they'd be £1,300 better off each month.

0:35:490:35:54

-That's £16,000 a year.

-SHE GASPS

0:35:540:35:56

That's insane.

0:36:110:36:13

That's insane.

0:36:170:36:18

-16 grand? That's like a wage, isn't it?

-Yeah.

0:36:200:36:23

That's a whole wage on top.

0:36:230:36:25

That's really overwhelming.

0:36:290:36:30

It's got to be a positive result for Andrew as the couple vote

0:36:320:36:36

on finances in Australia versus the UK.

0:36:360:36:39

Based on our finances, the UK versus Australia,

0:36:410:36:44

we're going to vote for...

0:36:440:36:46

..Australia.

0:36:570:36:58

Australia!

0:36:580:36:59

-So, you're happy with that, then?

-Oh!

0:37:010:37:03

Happy with an extra 16 grand a year?

0:37:030:37:05

I'd be insane to vote anything else based on finances.

0:37:050:37:08

So far, Gemma has discovered the work, lifestyle

0:37:090:37:12

and financial opportunities Australia could offer

0:37:120:37:15

are hard to argue with.

0:37:150:37:17

But Andrew's dream could still stall as Gemma confronts

0:37:170:37:21

the reality of leaving loved ones.

0:37:210:37:23

The family sit down to watch messages from home.

0:37:230:37:26

So, we're going to watch our family and friends' videos from home

0:37:260:37:30

and it might be a little bit sad, OK?

0:37:300:37:32

Because it's going to be all your family telling you

0:37:320:37:36

what they think about us maybe moving to Australia.

0:37:360:37:38

So, do you think you're happy to watch that,

0:37:380:37:40

-even though it might make you sad?

-It won't make me sad.

0:37:400:37:43

-It won't make you sad, OK. So, are you sure?

-Mm-mm.

-Yeah, OK.

0:37:430:37:46

-Should we watch it, then?

-Yeah.

0:37:460:37:47

-Hi!

-Hi, Gemma, Andy, Henry, Matilda.

0:37:490:37:53

Hi, kids, this is your nanna.

0:37:530:37:56

Hi! Hi, Gemma, Andy, Matilda and Henry.

0:37:560:38:00

My son, wonderful boy.

0:38:000:38:03

Just like his father.

0:38:040:38:05

My relationship with my sister is she's my best friend.

0:38:070:38:10

We're there for each other, we're on the phone a lot of the time.

0:38:100:38:14

She's a very outgoing girl, she's a very loving girl,

0:38:140:38:17

very proud of her.

0:38:170:38:19

Two lovely kids. Very well brought up, very well-behaved.

0:38:200:38:23

It will bring them on leaps and bounds down under.

0:38:230:38:26

I ain't going to last forever.

0:38:270:38:29

She's hopefully going to live a lot longer than I will now

0:38:290:38:32

and I want what's best for them.

0:38:320:38:34

It's going to break my heart.

0:38:350:38:37

There would be a huge hole in my life if the grandchildren go.

0:38:420:38:47

Whatever you do, you have our full backing and our full support.

0:38:490:38:53

I love you all very much.

0:38:530:38:55

SHE EXHALES

0:38:570:38:59

I hope you make the right decision for yourselves.

0:38:590:39:02

Love you both, and adore my grandchildren.

0:39:020:39:06

(Bye.)

0:39:060:39:07

I'm gutted that you're going to be across the world.

0:39:090:39:12

SHE SOBS

0:39:120:39:14

But I know you're only on the other end of a phone,

0:39:220:39:24

and I know we'll still stay in touch and still be close.

0:39:240:39:28

I'm very proud of you.

0:39:280:39:29

You all right?

0:39:320:39:34

I know Joanne was going to be the hard one.

0:39:350:39:38

SHE EXHALES

0:39:380:39:39

She's just such a huge part of our life,

0:39:400:39:43

and I need her, I need her.

0:39:430:39:46

So it will be hard to leave.

0:39:470:39:50

Are you worried about me?

0:39:500:39:52

No, I'm OK.

0:39:520:39:54

Hearing messages from home was particularly tough for Gemma,

0:39:560:39:59

who, after years at sea,

0:39:590:40:01

has grown accustomed to having loved ones close by once more.

0:40:010:40:06

Knowing friends and family will support whatever decision

0:40:060:40:08

they reach is reassuring, but will the thought of how much they'll

0:40:080:40:13

be missed mean Andrew's dream is about to run aground for ever?

0:40:130:40:16

When the Cromptons touched down in Australia a week ago,

0:40:210:40:24

Andrew was hoping the country would sell itself as somewhere the

0:40:240:40:27

family could make themselves at home.

0:40:270:40:29

I don't want to apply all the pressure on Gemma, but, obviously,

0:40:310:40:34

I was already sold on the idea of coming here in the first place.

0:40:340:40:37

But this was all about convincing her.

0:40:370:40:39

It was more for me about whether I could still be happy here as well,

0:40:390:40:43

and I'm feeling a lot more positive.

0:40:430:40:46

But there's still a bit of a niggle, you know,

0:40:460:40:48

my family and my friends, and also how we'd settle over in Australia.

0:40:480:40:53

With his job offer already on the table,

0:40:530:40:56

Gemma knows Andrew's more determined than ever to make the move.

0:40:560:41:00

He's already here, he's made this move in his head and his heart.

0:41:010:41:05

This week has just cemented 100% that this is the right place

0:41:050:41:08

for us to be.

0:41:080:41:10

And Henry's been convinced too.

0:41:100:41:12

I think it'll be quite nice being here for a long time,

0:41:130:41:16

being in the sunshine.

0:41:160:41:18

I don't like being in the rain.

0:41:180:41:21

But as the final decision approaches,

0:41:210:41:23

Andrew's still not sure what life his wife will choose.

0:41:230:41:27

If she votes yes, that would be fantastic,

0:41:270:41:30

we would make a brilliant life here.

0:41:300:41:32

If she decides that it's just not what she wants, then,

0:41:320:41:35

OK, I'll have to console myself to that fact.

0:41:350:41:38

It's totally emotional, my head is in Australia now,

0:41:380:41:42

my heart is just still attached, and I can't really explain it.

0:41:420:41:46

I just feel sad when I think about leaving home.

0:41:460:41:49

What Gemma decides next will change the family's path for ever,

0:41:520:41:56

as Andrew prepares to find out whether the week's done enough to

0:41:560:42:00

finally convince her to follow his dream.

0:42:000:42:03

So, after a trial week in Australia, we're ready to make our final vote.

0:42:030:42:07

-Australia.

-Australia!

-Really? Good news.

0:42:210:42:25

Yeah, I think so. I mean, there's always going to be...

0:42:250:42:28

It's going to be an emotional rollercoaster,

0:42:280:42:30

and it's going to be hard to leave, but this is definitely the

0:42:300:42:33

right place to raise our kids, and it's the right place for us.

0:42:330:42:37

And employment-wise, financially,

0:42:370:42:39

and the lifestyle is what I want for me as well as them,

0:42:390:42:42

so I might be a bit crazy on the transition but let's go for it.

0:42:420:42:47

-Are you guys happy with that?

-Right, guys, let's go!

0:42:470:42:49

It was a really tough decision for Gemma,

0:43:000:43:04

but after much deliberating,

0:43:040:43:06

Andrew had finally got the all-clear to start his new job as an

0:43:060:43:10

air traffic controller down under.

0:43:100:43:13

One year on, it's time to find out if the family's journey of

0:43:130:43:18

a lifetime had taken off.

0:43:180:43:20

It's April 2016, and the Cromptons are living in Queensland, Australia.

0:43:200:43:26

When they all chose to move down under at the end of their

0:43:260:43:29

trial week, Andrew felt all his dreams had come true.

0:43:290:43:33

I was really made up.

0:43:330:43:35

I always thought we'd make that decision and, er, I believed that

0:43:350:43:38

Gem would come round to the idea that Australia was

0:43:380:43:41

a better life for us.

0:43:410:43:42

But when everybody voted, and everybody at the same time

0:43:420:43:45

shouted out "Australia," it was, er...

0:43:450:43:47

I thought, "It's going to happen, we're going to move,"

0:43:470:43:49

and that's everything I wanted.

0:43:490:43:51

Go, quick!

0:43:520:43:53

Their week in Australia had convinced Gemma

0:43:550:43:57

a move was worth the sacrifice of breaking close ties to home.

0:43:570:44:01

There wasn't really anything holding me back except leaving my family.

0:44:010:44:05

Everything else was better here, and I didn't expect that.

0:44:050:44:08

With their minds made up, she began putting the wheels in motion

0:44:080:44:12

before they even landed back in the UK.

0:44:120:44:15

I started making lists, and I think that made Andy very uneasy,

0:44:150:44:18

just how manic I was going to get as soon as we hit UK soil.

0:44:180:44:23

I think he started to see what he'd let himself in for.

0:44:230:44:26

Breaking the news to family wasn't as painful as they'd anticipated.

0:44:260:44:31

I think they all secretly, whether they voiced it or not, were

0:44:310:44:34

expecting us to go back and say, "We're going to go to Australia."

0:44:340:44:36

Andrew had already been given a start date in October for his

0:44:360:44:40

new job, so there was no time to lose.

0:44:400:44:43

We arrived back in April 2015, and we left on the 30th of September.

0:44:430:44:47

I think that was the hardest thing, having the finish line, so we had

0:44:470:44:51

to fit everything in before that, and that was the trickiest bit.

0:44:510:44:54

It was full throttle, making sure that we had everything in place.

0:44:540:44:57

Andrew had already secured a temporary visa because of his

0:44:570:45:00

job offer, but Gemma was keen to put things on a more permanent basis.

0:45:000:45:04

I didn't want to move across the world on a temporary anything,

0:45:050:45:09

so I realised that my job would get us a permanent visa.

0:45:090:45:12

Gemma's visa came through within three months, then...

0:45:120:45:16

I was just hit with this, "Wow, this is real!

0:45:160:45:18

"We are really going to Australia."

0:45:180:45:20

It was exciting that it was happening and we could have

0:45:200:45:24

this new life, but then it was like a real bold underline -

0:45:240:45:28

"You are leaving everything behind."

0:45:280:45:30

The couple began the mammoth task of packing up their lives in the UK.

0:45:300:45:35

We had to empty our loft,

0:45:350:45:36

which I'm sure everyone can understand what an epic job that is.

0:45:360:45:40

But there were some things they were determined not to get rid of.

0:45:400:45:44

We knew that if we were coming there was

0:45:440:45:46

no way we were leaving our dogs behind, and that was really tough.

0:45:460:45:49

To get your dogs into Australia is no mean feat.

0:45:490:45:52

With such a quick turnaround, before they knew it, it was time to go.

0:45:550:46:00

I get emotional just thinking about saying goodbye.

0:46:000:46:03

It was an emotional time for Gemma,

0:46:050:46:06

particularly saying goodbye to her sister,

0:46:060:46:09

and I think they were putting it off until that very last moment.

0:46:090:46:12

I knew that was going to be the hard one for me, and it really was awful.

0:46:120:46:16

But when departure day dawned, it was time to dry the tears.

0:46:160:46:20

It was more of a release, wasn't it? It was, er...

0:46:200:46:22

It had finally arrived and we were embarking on the adventure.

0:46:220:46:26

Once we got on the plane, that bit was done,

0:46:260:46:28

and it was all exciting from there on,

0:46:280:46:29

and every time we got a step closer to Australia we were kind of

0:46:290:46:32

pinching ourselves thinking,

0:46:320:46:34

"We're doing this, we're really moving to Australia."

0:46:340:46:37

The Cromptons touched down in Brisbane at the end of

0:46:370:46:39

September 2015, less than six months after their trial week,

0:46:390:46:44

and moved into their new home on the Sunshine Coast.

0:46:440:46:47

We looked on the internet,

0:46:470:46:49

we found some houses that were in our price range, and we decided

0:46:490:46:52

that this was the house we wanted, this was the "Wow" house.

0:46:520:46:56

It was a great start to their new life.

0:46:560:46:59

It was so impressive.

0:46:590:47:01

The sun was shining, the garden was all in full flower...

0:47:010:47:04

We got into the house, and it was just gorgeous.

0:47:040:47:06

It was a lovely time, it was like being on holiday but then

0:47:060:47:09

knowing that we were here to live.

0:47:090:47:11

Their house is in Buderim,

0:47:110:47:12

a picturesque township overlooking Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

0:47:120:47:17

This area's just fabulous.

0:47:170:47:19

It's a mountain with rainforests, and what a place to live,

0:47:190:47:23

-it's just sensational.

-This is our open plan living area.

0:47:230:47:27

It's really nice and bright.

0:47:270:47:28

This is exactly what we wanted from a house in Australia.

0:47:280:47:31

We all get to stay together,

0:47:310:47:32

even when somebody's cooking dinner, it's ideal.

0:47:320:47:34

But it's not perfect in every aspect.

0:47:340:47:37

We've got a beautiful view, but the kitchen is just tiny.

0:47:370:47:39

-But I like the view from down here.

-The view is exceptional.

0:47:390:47:44

It's nice to sit and eat your dinner here looking out at that.

0:47:440:47:47

The master bedroom's got a pleasing outlook too.

0:47:470:47:50

We've got beautiful views out into the forest.

0:47:500:47:52

Erm, it's nice and big and spacious,

0:47:520:47:54

and we've got a walk-in wardrobe, which was one of my tick-lists.

0:47:540:47:58

Again, though, it does have a downside.

0:47:580:48:00

It's right on the living room,

0:48:000:48:02

and when your children get up at 5am, it's less than ideal.

0:48:020:48:06

Henry and Matilda are happy with their lot.

0:48:060:48:09

This is my bedroom.

0:48:090:48:11

My bed has got a slide.

0:48:110:48:14

It was important for us to bring, like, the beds and the furniture

0:48:140:48:18

just to give the kids as much continuity as they could from home.

0:48:180:48:22

This is my bedroom.

0:48:220:48:23

I've got a bunk bed, so when people come to stay they can sleep,

0:48:230:48:28

and Tink, she sleeps on the end there.

0:48:280:48:31

The room's a bit dark, but it's close to the man-cave,

0:48:310:48:35

so that's why I picked it.

0:48:350:48:37

This is the man-cave.

0:48:370:48:39

We've got a TV up here, and there's a nice view of all the house.

0:48:390:48:43

Me and Daddy like to hang out up here sometimes.

0:48:430:48:46

We thought it would be great, but to be honest it's so hot up here...

0:48:460:48:50

-We could live without it, I think.

-What?!

0:48:500:48:53

Maybe not, Mum!

0:48:540:48:56

The house is situated right in the middle of a forest.

0:48:560:49:00

It's gorgeous, isn't it?

0:49:000:49:02

You get the Australian king parrots come and land, and we can feed them

0:49:020:49:06

and, you know, that's so different from pigeons at home and sparrows.

0:49:060:49:09

It's ideal for the dogs,

0:49:090:49:11

we've got a bit of a grass area so they can have a run.

0:49:110:49:13

We can leave them out here when we're at work.

0:49:130:49:15

We're very in love with our dogs,

0:49:150:49:16

it was important that they were happy here.

0:49:160:49:18

With Andrew starting his work just a couple of weeks after arriving

0:49:180:49:22

back in Australia, the family were jet-propelled into life down under.

0:49:220:49:26

So we had to get the kids set up in school, set up bank accounts,

0:49:260:49:30

set up medicare accounts...

0:49:300:49:32

So we expected to arrive and have 18 days lying in the sun,

0:49:320:49:35

and what happened was we spent 18 days sitting in offices

0:49:350:49:38

around the Sunshine Coast waiting for pieces of paper.

0:49:380:49:41

-And then I flew to Melbourne for...

-Three months.

-..three months, yeah.

0:49:410:49:45

So that was pretty tough.

0:49:450:49:47

With Andrew off training, Gemma was left flying solo.

0:49:470:49:50

But unfortunately her settling in period was about to

0:49:500:49:54

hit some turbulence.

0:49:540:49:55

Having decided to rent out their home in the UK rather than

0:49:550:49:58

sell it, Gemma was devastated to receive some very unsettling news

0:49:580:50:02

from the other side of the world.

0:50:020:50:04

The tenants we had in our home took out identity theft in our name.

0:50:050:50:09

We were getting bills dropping in to family where we'd had our

0:50:090:50:13

mail redirected saying that we were owing £1,000 on credit cards

0:50:130:50:17

and store cards.

0:50:170:50:18

You hear about it happening, you don't expect it to happen to you.

0:50:180:50:21

The stress of knowing I had criminals living in my home,

0:50:210:50:25

I found that really, really emotional.

0:50:250:50:28

More than 1,000 miles away from Andrew, Gemma felt very alone.

0:50:280:50:32

It was really hard trying to set up a new life here with all of that

0:50:320:50:36

going on in the UK and not really having a support network to help me.

0:50:360:50:40

At times, Andrew feared the worst.

0:50:400:50:42

Every day was kind of like maybe Gemma will turn around and go,

0:50:420:50:45

"D'you know what? It's too hard, I can't do it,"

0:50:450:50:47

and we'd have to go home.

0:50:470:50:49

Eventually, the situation was resolved, the tenants evicted,

0:50:490:50:52

and the debt cleared.

0:50:520:50:54

The Cromptons got on with establishing their new lives

0:50:540:50:57

in Australia, but being away from his family for long periods

0:50:570:51:00

began to tell on Andrew.

0:51:000:51:02

And I only got back for a couple of weekends through that entire time,

0:51:020:51:06

and that was hard.

0:51:060:51:07

Being separated from Henry and Matilda was especially difficult.

0:51:070:51:11

I hadn't been away from the children for more than

0:51:110:51:13

a couple of nights here or there.

0:51:130:51:15

It was hard not to have that physical contact with them,

0:51:150:51:18

giving them a hug when they felt bad,

0:51:180:51:20

or sharing their successes at school or their new friends.

0:51:200:51:24

It was less than ideal, but we knew there was no other way to do it.

0:51:240:51:28

It was a challenging time for the couple, but it didn't put them off.

0:51:280:51:33

On the really bad days, I was like,

0:51:330:51:34

"Well, on a good note, at least I'm in Australia!"

0:51:340:51:38

The children have adapted well to life down under.

0:51:380:51:41

They are always outside, they love school, they've got new friends.

0:51:410:51:45

They love the lifestyle that it affords them, you know,

0:51:450:51:47

every day when they're not at school we're out and about doing something.

0:51:470:51:51

I like living here because there's more sunshine

0:51:510:51:54

so I get more time to play out.

0:51:540:51:56

I think moving to Australia was a good idea.

0:51:560:52:02

After about three weeks, Henry said,

0:52:020:52:04

"Thank you, Mammy, for bringing us to Australia.

0:52:040:52:06

"I love my new life."

0:52:060:52:08

And I was like, "Oh!

0:52:080:52:09

"We've made the right choice!"

0:52:100:52:12

And Mum and Dad feel very at home too.

0:52:130:52:15

Everybody's really friendly,

0:52:150:52:17

you walk past people on the street and they say hi.

0:52:170:52:20

I was really moved by just how welcoming everybody was.

0:52:200:52:23

It's been... It's been fabulous.

0:52:230:52:25

Andrew's now in the final stages of his training.

0:52:250:52:28

I always wanted to continue to be an air traffic controller,

0:52:280:52:31

but I'd have probably come and been a bin man or anything, really.

0:52:310:52:34

The fact that I could come and continue to do

0:52:340:52:36

a job that I love was a bonus.

0:52:360:52:39

It's taken a bit of getting used to, though.

0:52:390:52:42

Brisbane Airport is completely different to the airport

0:52:420:52:45

I used to control out of Durham Tees Valley.

0:52:450:52:47

The number of aeroplanes, the amount of passengers,

0:52:470:52:50

just the scale of the airport itself, everything's different.

0:52:500:52:53

There's an awful lot of mental discipline to unlearn the way

0:52:530:52:56

you've done things historically to then start doing it the way

0:52:560:52:59

you're meant to do it in the new way.

0:52:590:53:01

Getting to work's a lot different as well.

0:53:010:53:03

My commute in England was 20-25 minutes at worst,

0:53:030:53:08

whereas here, at best, it's 65 minutes. Now, that's hard.

0:53:080:53:13

It makes an early start a really very early start.

0:53:130:53:16

On the flipside of that coin, when I'm not at work,

0:53:160:53:19

I'm exactly where I want to be, on the Sunshine Coast.

0:53:190:53:23

Gemma's recently started work too.

0:53:230:53:25

Having moved into the private sector, she finds working as

0:53:250:53:28

a radiographer down under a lot less stressful than in the UK.

0:53:280:53:32

We have a lot more space between our patients

0:53:320:53:34

so there's more time to really build up a rapport with your

0:53:340:53:37

patients and look after them, so I do enjoy that, that's nice.

0:53:370:53:40

Everybody here's really happy in their job.

0:53:400:53:42

There's a much calmer working environment

0:53:420:53:45

than I've ever been used to.

0:53:450:53:46

And it's not just Gemma reaping the benefits of her new job.

0:53:460:53:50

Where I work is actually only 10 minutes drive from my home.

0:53:500:53:54

It tends to be eight till five, Monday to Friday,

0:53:540:53:57

which fits really well with the children going to afterschool care.

0:53:570:54:00

I'm at work when they're at school.

0:54:000:54:02

There's no more me going out to work when they're going to bed,

0:54:020:54:04

and then being asleep all day when they're home,

0:54:040:54:07

so we have much better family time, much better balance.

0:54:070:54:09

That's not the only bonus either.

0:54:090:54:11

I'm earning more now in Australia doing three days a week than

0:54:110:54:14

I did in the UK working four days a week, so it's no comparison.

0:54:140:54:18

Overall, Gemma's very content with her lot.

0:54:180:54:21

I always had big aspirations when I was in the UK

0:54:210:54:23

of what I wanted to do.

0:54:230:54:24

I think those have changed, actually, with my move to Australia.

0:54:240:54:27

But in terms of career ladder-climbing,

0:54:270:54:30

I think I'm just going to enjoy my life on the coast.

0:54:300:54:33

The family have already had plenty of visitors.

0:54:330:54:36

First out was Andrew's mum.

0:54:360:54:38

She arrived two months in,

0:54:380:54:39

and stayed right through Christmas and New Year,

0:54:390:54:42

and during that time Andy's sister flew in,

0:54:420:54:44

and then my mum arrived three weeks ago, so we've had a lot of visitors.

0:54:440:54:49

-We haven't had much time on our own, really.

-No.

0:54:490:54:52

If you're aching for some bacon...

0:54:520:54:53

THEY LAUGH

0:54:530:54:55

Life's been so busy there's scarcely time to be homesick,

0:54:550:54:59

but the distance from home did hit hard when Gemma missed an

0:54:590:55:02

important family occasion back in the UK.

0:55:020:55:05

Joanne got married a month ago,

0:55:050:55:08

and I couldn't be there because I'm here,

0:55:080:55:11

so nothing will ever...

0:55:110:55:15

give me that back, and I feel awful cos that was my choice to come.

0:55:150:55:19

She may not have been able to be there in person, but thanks

0:55:190:55:23

to modern technology, Gemma still played a part in the big day.

0:55:230:55:26

I watched her put her dress on,

0:55:260:55:28

and I watched her get her hair done, and just before she walked

0:55:280:55:31

down the aisle it was just me and her talking!

0:55:310:55:33

That's amazing that you can do that in this day and age,

0:55:330:55:35

and that really does make the distance less, and it does help.

0:55:350:55:39

So far, Australia's surpassed all of the couple's expectations.

0:55:390:55:43

You can't even get anywhere close to living in the UK as we live here.

0:55:430:55:47

Our spare time as a family's exceptional now.

0:55:470:55:49

We're never in, so we spend a lot of time at the beach,

0:55:490:55:53

that is never going to get old for us.

0:55:530:55:55

We go swimming in the river,

0:55:550:55:56

and the dogs are swimming alongside us, and that's great fun.

0:55:560:55:59

Everything we do here is as a family, and it's a lovely lifestyle.

0:55:590:56:03

Even your worst day here is just amazing.

0:56:030:56:06

That sounds cheesy, but it is.

0:56:060:56:08

They've no doubt they've made the right move.

0:56:080:56:11

With all the emotional ups and downs we've had since we moved to

0:56:110:56:14

Australia, there's not a moment where I've regretted my decision.

0:56:140:56:18

We've been in Australia six months now,

0:56:180:56:20

and I can honestly say every day I've woken up and thought,

0:56:200:56:23

"Thank goodness we made the choice to come."

0:56:230:56:26

They really are living the dream.

0:56:260:56:27

I didn't even know that my life could be this good.

0:56:270:56:30

So we're kind of creating a new bar for the dream,

0:56:300:56:33

and it's much higher than it used to be.

0:56:330:56:34

I will always be English and British, but Australia is my home.

0:56:340:56:38

I'm just so grateful that we did this for our children because

0:56:380:56:42

their life will be so much better here than it ever would have

0:56:420:56:45

been in the UK.

0:56:450:56:46

Everything about who we are fits perfectly with what Australia

0:56:480:56:51

has to offer, and I can't ever see us going back.

0:56:510:56:55

We love Australia, it's just the most amazing place,

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and I'm so grateful that they let us in!

0:57:000:57:02

Life has really taken off for the Cromptons down under,

0:57:050:57:09

and despite Gemma's initial reservations,

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it looks like she's more than happy to have made the move.

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We wish her, Andrew, Henry and Matilda

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a long and happy future living the dream on Australia's Sunshine Coast.

0:57:200:57:25

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