Holroyd Family Wanted Down Under


Holroyd Family

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If your marriage was at breaking point because of your partner's job,

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how far would you go to save it?

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One woman feels her only option

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is to uproot her family

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and start a new life nearly 9,000 miles away.

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But will life in Australia really be any different?

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With dad Simon hardly home,

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the Holroyds' relationship is in serious trouble.

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-TEARFUL:

-To be honest, me and Simon have come to the end of the road.

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When a week in Australia shows moving there could be the answer...

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When I'm not away, it's bliss, cos there's never no arguments.

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It's just been amazing, it has been great to spend some time together.

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..will Helen be brave enough to sacrifice relationships in the UK...

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I feel torn, I feel like I have got to choose between

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you and the kids or my mum.

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..to secure the family life they are desperate for?

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It is just such a difficult...

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Why does Australia have to be on the other side of the world?

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More than 30 times bigger than the UK and the sixth largest country

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in the world, Australia is a nation built on immigration.

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With the warm climate, cosmopolitan cities

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and an estimated 50% of the population living less than

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five miles from the coast, it is easy to see why

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thousands of British families emigrate each year,

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in search of their happy ever after in the sunshine.

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Simon Holroyd is living away from his family five days a week,

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leaving wife Helen juggling work with childcare

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and the pair's relationship in ruins.

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All the couple want is some semblance of a family life,

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and Helen has come up with a drastic solution -

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moving halfway around the world to Australia.

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Ahead of the Holroyds lies a week to discover

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if the country is the answer to their problems and can save their marriage.

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Their journey begins with almost 22 hours in the air,

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flying from Manchester to Brisbane via Dubai.

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And dad Simon is relieved

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when they finally touch down in Australia for the first time.

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I'm absolutely worn out. This one was sleeping on my lap.

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Yeah, and she was snoring. You were snoring!

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-You were!

-You were snoring!

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Harry has already spotted a difference from home.

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To be honest, it's a really hot country.

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And Helen admits she's feeling overwhelmed.

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I don't know how I feel.

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I'm excited to be here, but I am nervous, I am scared.

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It's decision time, isn't it?

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Helen is absolutely right.

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Ahead of the family lies a week that could change their lives for ever.

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Meet the Holroyds from West Yorkshire.

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They are dad Simon, mum Helen,

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eight-year-old Harry and five-year-old Alexa.

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-Yes!

-Aah!

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Simon and Helen met in 2006, and after a whirlwind romance,

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were engaged five months later.

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Our relationship when we first got together was brilliant, wasn't it?

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Simon's job as a full-time welder often took him away from home,

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but becoming parents a year later made the time apart harder to handle.

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I knew you worked away and I was fine with that,

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but as soon as we had Harry, that's when it all changed.

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Simon swapped welding for a job closer to home

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in an attempt to be around more.

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And I loved that because you were at home every day.

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He was at home for his tea every night.

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But the money just didn't work for us, did it?

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After me first month it was basically...

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What you earn in a week.

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What I could earn near enough in a week from doing the job

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which I do now.

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With two children to feed, Simon returned to welding,

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and for the past five months he has worked

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in central London from Monday to Friday every week.

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My alarm goes off Monday morning at 2.15, I generally leave the house

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about 2.45, travel down to London, work until six o'clock at night.

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It is horrendous, to be honest.

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While Simon grafts down south, Helen relies on her mum's help

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as she juggles work with looking after Harry and Alexa.

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But despite the support, she is fed up being on her own.

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I get irritated having to do

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everything by myself all of the time.

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The bills, the shopping - everything.

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It is like being a single mum.

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I know a lot of people who are in the same boat,

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people that are single.

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But I am not single, and it is not how it should be.

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And Harry and Alexa are missing time with their dad.

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I miss Daddy, because he works away every day of the week.

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Simon is exhausted by the time the weekend comes,

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and the ongoing situation is putting his and Helen's relationship at risk.

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They have arguments sometimes because he doesn't come home

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and she wants to see him more.

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-I have just had enough of it. I just can't stand it.

-I know.

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The situation has got so bad that Helen is even questioning

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whether her and Simon have a future together.

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I just sometimes think that rather than going through

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all of the heartache, it might be easier if we're not together.

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SHE SNIFFS

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Obviously I don't want to split up, I love him to death, but...

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..something's got to change.

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Before it's too late.

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Inspired by stories from friends who have made the move,

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Helen now thinks Australia could be the answer to the problem.

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Obviously, we want to go for the nice things, the weather and stuff,

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but the main thing for me is just having you

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-come home every day.

-Yeah.

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That's why I want to go to Australia,

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because I want you to be able to come home all the time.

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Moving nearly 9,000 miles is an extreme solution,

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but Simon's willing to do whatever it takes to keep his family together.

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I do love my wife and kids, so much,

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and this is one of the only ways

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we're going to be able to spend that quality time together.

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But much as she is desperate for change, Helen is also

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torn at the prospect of being on the other side of the world from her mum.

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I just don't how I would cope not having her on the doorstep.

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She means the world to me, and I just don't know if I could.

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I feel torn, I feel like I've got to choose between

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you and the kids, or my mum.

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And it's awful.

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It's a heartbreaking choice, but after eight years of Simon

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coming and going, the couple are pinning all their hopes on Australia

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giving them the answers they need.

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We're not really expecting miracles,

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but anything has got to be better than the current situation.

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The way that it has been, we could end up splitting up, I don't know.

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I'm just praying that Australia...

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HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

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..works out how we want it to.

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For their trial week Down Under, the family are staying in

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a rented property in Coolum Beach,

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on the north end of Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

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It's a quiet area popular with young families,

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but will it be what the Holroyds had in mind?

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-In you go.

-A swimming pool!

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Oh, wow.

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-It's a good start.

-Imagine having this to live in.

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-I know.

-That is so nice. Patio doors.

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-GASPING:

-Harry!

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-Big barbecue!

-Guess what we're having for tea?

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-AUSTRALIAN ACCENT:

-Shrimps on the barbie!

-"Shrimps on the barbie"!

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Alexa has already got the lingo.

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Inside, their home for the week looks perfect.

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-Wow.

-Big open-plan.

-That what you want?

-Yeah. Look at the kitchen.

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Come and have a look at the kitchen.

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Helen is happy with her first glimpse of Australian living.

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And as they check out the rest of the house,

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Simon admits he is impressed, too.

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Unbelievable. Massive.

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Tour over, Simon and the children waste no time getting into the pool,

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and Helen's quickly reminded of why she is considering moving

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so far from home.

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Seeing Simon and the kids like this is amazing,

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it's what I have wanted for such a long time.

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It is probably the happiest I have seen him in a long time,

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because he is fed up with his lifestyle at home. Hates it.

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This is perfect, this is what we want,

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this is why we have come to Australia.

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They have only been here a few hours

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but Simon is already seeing the benefits.

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To me and Helen, it would just mean the world.

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That is what we are searching for really,

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some quality time together.

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But it is not long before Helen is reminded of reality.

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Living a lifestyle like this will mean leaving her mum behind.

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I would find it hard leaving my mum, but I have got to think of us.

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Difficult choices lie ahead, but, ultimately, Helen knows

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her and Simon's future happiness is riding on the next seven days.

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To be honest, me and Simon have come to the end of the road.

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If we don't...

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If we don't do this, I don't know what is going to happen.

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Back in the UK, Helen and Simon

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rent a three-bed townhouse in Cottingley, West Yorkshire.

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And they have clear ideas of what

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they would be looking for in Australia.

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Four bedrooms, open-plan, lots of space.

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A garage, that would be nice as well,

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-because we have always wanted a garage.

-Yeah.

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Just to put your junk in.

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South-facing garden for the barbecues in the summer.

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Obviously, I would like the swimming pool, but that is not...

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-That's a bonus, isn't it?

-It's not on my list.

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With a maximum budget of £12,000 for rent each month,

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a swimming pool might be out of the question,

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but Helen is prepared to compromise.

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Property is important, but...

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-..it's more important that you come home every day.

-Yeah.

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

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today we will show them three properties - two on budget

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and a third which could be their dream home.

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Only after they have seen each one will they find out its value.

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First stop is Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast,

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just an hour's drive from Queensland's capital city, Brisbane.

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This family-friendly suburb has shops and schools on the doorstep

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and is just ten minutes' drive from the beach,

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but will this three-bedroom house be to the family's taste?

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Ooh.

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-It's got carpet, as well.

-Brilliant carpet.

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Helen is obviously a carpet fan, but what does she make of the kitchen?

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Oh, this is gorgeous! I could live in this.

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-Couldn't you?

-Yeah.

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The open-plan living area ticks another box,

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but will outside have the space you want?

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-All the gardens are so big, aren't they?

-The amount of land you get.

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Do you like it? Do you like this house?

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It's lovely. Compared to what we have got back home...

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SIMON SCOFFS AND THEY BOTH LAUGH

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-We could get a dog, as well.

-As long as you walk it.

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HELEN LAUGHS

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If you are home every night,

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you will have plenty of time to take the dog out, Simon.

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Meantime, the spacious master gives Helen something else

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to get excited about.

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HELEN GASPS

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A big walk-in wardrobe!

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SIMON LAUGHS

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I have always wanted a walk-in wardrobe.

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And next door, something to make Alexa smile, too.

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Ah!

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Aww. Aww, that's nice, int' it?

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-Little girl's room.

-So will this do for you, Harry?

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HELEN LAUGHS AND HARRY MUMBLES UNHAPPILY

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They might need to negotiate on the decor to get Harry signed up,

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but moving on, the bathroom is a talking point.

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Do you know what else I have noticed?

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The bathrooms are separate to the toilets, which is brilliant.

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It's not massive, but it is nice.

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Even with a tiny bath,

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this house hasn't pulled the plug on the family moving.

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But with £1,200 for rent every month, can they afford something like this?

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-How much do you think it is worth?

-1,100.

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-What about you, Alexa?

-Eh...£1,000.

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£1,000 and £1,100. I'm going to say...

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I don't know!

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..about 950?

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-I would say about 900.

-£900.

-£900 a month, yes.

-Right.

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HELEN GASPS

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-Wow.

-890!

-That's cheaper than we thought.

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Gosh. You can have something like this for that. That's amazing.

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-That is unbelievable, that.

-I think that is very doable.

-Yeah.

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Shall we go and see what else there is?

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-Yeah.

-What else we can afford. I'm excited about it.

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-Shall we go?

-Come on, then.

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£300 under budget is a great start,

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and Helen is encouraged about the kind of house they could have.

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This is going to be really nice.

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Hopefully, the next place will prove a hit, too.

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Also situated in Sippy Downs, this traditional four-bedroom house

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promises plenty of what Helen and Simon desire.

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This looks nice.

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Nice big double garage there.

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-Ooh.

-They did want a garage.

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Stepping inside, Helen feels at home straightaway.

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-This is gorgeous.

-You have got your little carpeted room.

-Yeah.

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I love carpet, I would have to have carpet.

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-It's a British thing. I bet this is more money.

-Do you think?

-Yeah.

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-We have only looked in one room.

-It just looks expensive.

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Fair point, Simon. Now, what about that garage?

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And this is what we have always wanted, a big double garage!

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-This is as big as our living area at home.

-It's bigger.

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And what do you think to this, Harry?

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-Yeah, would you like a boat?

-Would you like a boat?

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-You'd be able to catch sharks.

-Sharks?

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No, they're not big enough.

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SIMON SHUDDERS

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Hopefully, there are no hidden dangers in the rest of the house.

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Oh, this is gorgeous!

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I hate cooking, but I would probably quite like it here.

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-I would enjoy it more.

-Is that a promise, is it?

-Well, no, but...

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We'll see.

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With Simon hopefully home for tea every night,

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Helen could find herself busy in the kitchen.

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Meanwhile, there is still more to check out.

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-Ohh, what?

-It's gorgeous.

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A dressing room again.

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This must be an Aussie thing, having dressing rooms. It's got to be.

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You wouldn't need that, because you don't have much clothes, do you?

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-No.

-I could have it.

-Pair of shorts, T-shirt.

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-I can't believe the size of this house.

-I know.

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It's definitely not short on space, and when Helen spots

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a potential room for her mum, it's the icing on the cake.

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-This is Mum's style, this.

-Yeah.

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I think if I got Mum to come out here and we were living here,

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she wouldn't go back home!

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And just when they thought things couldn't get any better -

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a garden with a pool.

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Oh, my God, I could cry.

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This is just the sort of thing we would want to come out here for.

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-It's amazing.

-Definitely, yeah.

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-We won't be able to afford this, I don't think.

-No.

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-This is going to cost a fortune.

-No way.

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-I want it.

-Do you?

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I loved the other house, but I love this even more.

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Helen has really fallen for this house, but before she gets

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too carried away, it is time to find out how much it costs.

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-If we could get something like this, I'm coming. Definitely.

-Yeah?

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It's a no-brainer.

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The couple have £1,200 for rent every month.

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I have got in my head, about, English pounds, about 1,350.

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Maybe more.

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-Maybe about 1,200.

-1,200?

-Yeah.

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How much do you think it is worth, Alexa?

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£199.

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Whoa, we are definitely moving in then.

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That is cheap! What about you, Harry?

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-Erm...

-Do you think it is more than the other one or less?

-1,250.

-Right.

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-OK, do you want to turn it round, Harry?

-Yeah.

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-Oh, my God!

-I was so close!

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-You're joking.

-1,165. Unbelievable.

-Innit?

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Flippin' 'eck.

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-That is amazing. Wow.

-Yeah?

-I'm really shocked.

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I know, yeah.

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The Holroyds are having a great day so far, and it is not over yet.

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This has been a bit nice.

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SIMON LAUGHS

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Next stop is Buderim, a small town

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overlooking the southern Sunshine Coast.

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With excellent schools and close to retail and leisure facilities,

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the area is increasingly popular with families.

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But will this three-storey house hit the spot?

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Wow. Goodness me.

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Spacious and modern, this place is a real show home.

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-Wow.

-This is unreal.

-It's massive.

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SIMON LAUGHS INCREDULOUSLY

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This is like where someone famous would live.

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Helen is imagining a celebrity lifestyle,

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and spotting a hot tub certainly helps.

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Can you imagine getting in this on a night?

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-HARRY:

-Every day.

-Every day?

0:17:460:17:47

Boasting extensive gardens, there's plenty of room for outside living.

0:17:470:17:51

-Look at the garden.

-You could have a golf course in there.

0:17:510:17:56

That might be a bit ambitious, maybe a pitch-and-putt course

0:17:560:17:59

for Harry and Alexa?

0:17:590:18:01

They would have a whale of a time, in all the woods and stuff.

0:18:010:18:04

This IS going to be expensive.

0:18:040:18:05

-EXHALING:

-Heh.

0:18:050:18:07

But when they move back inside, Helen casts cost concerns aside

0:18:070:18:11

and starts to worry about how big the house really is.

0:18:110:18:14

This is a bit...too big. Maybe. I don't know.

0:18:150:18:19

-A lot of cleaning.

-SHE CHUCKLES

0:18:190:18:22

It's a valid point, and there is more to look after upstairs.

0:18:230:18:27

-ALEXA:

-This bedroom.

-Oh, wow.

0:18:270:18:29

This will be the master bedroom up here.

0:18:290:18:32

My God!

0:18:320:18:33

Just the standard of everything is so much better than back home,

0:18:350:18:38

-isn't it?

-I think so.

0:18:380:18:40

This house has definitely impressed Helen and Simon,

0:18:400:18:43

but will its price tag put it out of reach?

0:18:430:18:45

-I like this one the best.

-Do you?

0:18:470:18:49

Because it has got a really big garden.

0:18:490:18:51

Yeah, I knew you would like the garden.

0:18:510:18:53

-They can run wild out there, can't they?

-It's got a hot tub.

0:18:530:18:55

It is nice, and it has got amazing views, as well.

0:18:550:18:57

Yeah, that is stunning.

0:18:570:18:59

Personally, I think it is going to be way over our budget.

0:18:590:19:02

Yeah. Alexa, how much do you think this one would be?

0:19:020:19:06

£3,080.

0:19:060:19:09

-£3,080?!

-What about you, Harry?

-£1,400.

0:19:090:19:14

-I will go with 15.

-I would say more. 17.

0:19:140:19:19

ALL: One, two, three!

0:19:200:19:22

-THEY GASP

-1,630.

0:19:230:19:26

-Mmm.

-ALEXA:

-Have we got enough money?

0:19:260:19:29

SIMON LAUGHS

0:19:290:19:30

-I think that is a bit over.

-More than £400 over budget

0:19:300:19:33

makes this house something to aspire to,

0:19:330:19:36

but Helen and Simon aren't too disappointed.

0:19:360:19:38

-Personally...

-No, I know.

0:19:380:19:41

-..I preferred the other house a lot more, and it's cheaper.

-Yeah.

0:19:410:19:45

Discovering the local property market has been a largely

0:19:450:19:48

positive experience for the Holroyds.

0:19:480:19:51

Property one didn't have the four bedrooms the family are after,

0:19:510:19:54

but it was well within budget.

0:19:540:19:56

Property two was a real hit, with the pool Helen wanted

0:19:570:20:01

and at a price they could afford.

0:20:010:20:03

And delivering the wow factor,

0:20:030:20:05

the final property of the day was the ultimate dream home.

0:20:050:20:09

Even discovering it was over budget wasn't enough to

0:20:090:20:12

dampen Helen's spirits.

0:20:120:20:14

So, how will the Holroyds vote

0:20:140:20:16

when it comes to choosing between property in Australia and the UK?

0:20:160:20:20

-Shall we vote for where we want to live, here or in the UK?

-Yeah!

0:20:200:20:24

-Let's go for it.

-Let's go.

0:20:240:20:26

ALL: Australia!

0:20:400:20:41

HELEN AND KIDS: Yay!

0:20:430:20:46

High-five!

0:20:460:20:48

-That second house that we saw, with the swimming pool.

-Yeah.

0:20:480:20:51

That is ideal, and we could have Mum come and stay,

0:20:510:20:54

she could come and stay for probably three, four, six months, whatever.

0:20:540:20:57

-Three, four or six?

-Well, six.

0:20:570:20:59

She'd have her own little area.

0:20:590:21:01

I would let her come for a few months a year,

0:21:010:21:03

-but I don't know about...

-You won't have any choice.

0:21:030:21:06

I get my own way all the time.

0:21:070:21:09

With a unanimous vote for Australia,

0:21:200:21:22

the Holroyds' week has got off to a promising start.

0:21:220:21:25

But Simon and Helen both know the Australia dream

0:21:250:21:28

could quickly fade if Simon can't find a job that enables him

0:21:280:21:32

to be home every night and fund the lifestyle they want.

0:21:320:21:35

Back in the UK, Simon is away from home every Monday to Friday,

0:21:370:21:41

working as an arc welder.

0:21:410:21:43

I really enjoy me job, I do.

0:21:430:21:46

When I started doing the job, I was single,

0:21:460:21:49

obviously, working away from home, it was brilliant.

0:21:490:21:54

But now with a family, the single most important thing is Simon

0:21:540:21:58

being able to do the same job closer to home.

0:21:580:22:01

I don't mind doing a lot of hours, as long as I could get to

0:22:010:22:04

go home on a night to spend time with my family.

0:22:040:22:06

That's the whole point of this.

0:22:060:22:08

Helen has worked as everything from shop assistant to air hostess.

0:22:080:22:12

Now a classroom assistant, she has finally found a job she loves,

0:22:120:22:15

but she is prepared to put family above work.

0:22:150:22:18

The most important thing for us is for Simon to get the correct job.

0:22:180:22:22

I am willing to sacrifice my job for us

0:22:220:22:24

to have the family life that we have wanted.

0:22:240:22:27

With so much at stake, the couple are nervous about what a day

0:22:300:22:33

exploring Brisbane's job market might bring.

0:22:330:22:36

At the end of the day, it's a make or break, Simon's job.

0:22:370:22:41

We need to find out what the wage is going to be like,

0:22:410:22:44

if there is much work for me out here. Hopefully, there is.

0:22:440:22:48

The majority of skilled workers on the Sunshine Coast

0:22:480:22:50

commute to Brisbane.

0:22:500:22:53

So, we have arranged for Simon to meet Joe and Martin Lewandowski

0:22:530:22:56

at their industrial welding firm on the south side of the city.

0:22:560:23:00

-Simon.

-Hello.

-Martin. Nice to meet you.

0:23:020:23:04

Nice to meet you, Martin, I'm Simon.

0:23:040:23:06

-This is Joe, the director.

-All right?

0:23:060:23:08

Before getting down to business, the guys show Simon around.

0:23:080:23:12

Australian standards is higher standards, you know,

0:23:120:23:15

than British standards.

0:23:150:23:16

-Really?

-The pressure's on for Simon to make an impression.

0:23:160:23:19

Meanwhile, Helen is meeting

0:23:190:23:22

teacher's aide Helen Greoff at Matt Flinders Anglical College in Buderim.

0:23:220:23:25

-It is absolutely huge, this place.

-It is a big place.

0:23:260:23:30

-All the facilities here are pretty good.

-Yeah. It's fantastic.

0:23:300:23:33

So much different to where I come from, completely.

0:23:350:23:39

That's a good start for Helen, but back at the welding company,

0:23:390:23:42

Simon's isn't as promising.

0:23:420:23:44

What I see, you have just only very basic welding.

0:23:450:23:50

-From your experience, you are more structural tradesman.

-Right.

0:23:510:23:56

We do some structure, all right? But it is minimal, the structure.

0:23:560:24:00

His skills may not be a perfect fit for this company,

0:24:030:24:07

but Martin reassures him all is not lost.

0:24:070:24:10

There is a place here for everybody.

0:24:100:24:12

If we do take you on, we could get you to do TA work,

0:24:120:24:17

or labour around the yard, or in the workshop.

0:24:170:24:20

You know, we could ease you into the welding side of things.

0:24:200:24:23

Slowly, yeah.

0:24:230:24:25

Simon could work here as a trade's assistant while grading his skills.

0:24:250:24:29

But how would that affect the family financially?

0:24:290:24:33

So, if, erm, you were to give me an opportunity,

0:24:330:24:38

what would the wage expectations be?

0:24:380:24:41

A first start, you would be looking at probably 22 to 24,

0:24:410:24:46

because we have to really invest it with you.

0:24:460:24:49

The hourly rate would give him an annual salary of around £25,000,

0:24:490:24:53

but that would increase once fully trained.

0:24:530:24:56

Then you would probably look at

0:24:570:25:01

-between 28 and 38.

-Right.

0:25:010:25:06

Even long-term, Simon's salary is only slightly more than what

0:25:060:25:09

he already earns, but the big difference would be that he is

0:25:090:25:12

able to go home when his day's work is done.

0:25:120:25:15

I just want to be at home, I don't want to work away any more.

0:25:150:25:18

If you do get work here with us,

0:25:180:25:20

then you will be with your wife and kids.

0:25:200:25:23

It is exactly the news Simon wanted to receive,

0:25:230:25:26

and should make Helen very happy, too.

0:25:260:25:29

Back at the college,

0:25:290:25:30

she is getting a handle on her own prospects Down Under.

0:25:300:25:33

So, what kinds of qualifications would you need?

0:25:340:25:37

Most teacher assistants here have a TAFE qualification.

0:25:370:25:41

And is that something that I could do over here?

0:25:410:25:43

-You definitely could.

-Yeah.

0:25:430:25:46

And you might even find that you would get recognition for

0:25:460:25:49

your experience and the other course that

0:25:490:25:51

-you have already done.

-Right.

0:25:510:25:53

Qualifying could take up to two years, but Helen is not put off.

0:25:530:25:56

What we would normally suggest to someone is that they come in

0:25:560:26:00

and present us with their resume.

0:26:000:26:02

And also, it is always really helpful to just start volunteering.

0:26:020:26:06

That's great.

0:26:060:26:08

So assuming she can find a paid job, all Helen

0:26:080:26:10

needs to now know is how much she can earn.

0:26:100:26:14

OK, so what is the salary over here for a full-time teacher's assistant?

0:26:140:26:18

For a teacher assistant that works the full five-day week,

0:26:180:26:22

-we are at about 35,000 per year.

-Right.

0:26:220:26:25

That is quite a lot more.

0:26:250:26:27

-Is it?

-Yeah.

0:26:270:26:29

Around £17,500 is almost double

0:26:290:26:32

what she gets doing the same job in the UK.

0:26:320:26:35

All in all, Helen's school visit could be graded excellent.

0:26:350:26:39

I would love my children to come to a school like this,

0:26:390:26:42

and I would love to work in a school like this.

0:26:420:26:44

It's just amazing.

0:26:440:26:45

The Holroyds have had an informative day at work,

0:26:450:26:48

but when Simon reunites with Helen, he is quick to flag the fact

0:26:480:26:51

that he would initially be working as a trade's assistant, not a welder.

0:26:510:26:55

What would it be like to start from the beginning again?

0:26:550:26:57

To start from the beginning - probably about 24 an hour.

0:26:570:27:02

But that's at the beginning. The welders were getting 38.

0:27:020:27:06

-Is that good or...?

-Well...

0:27:060:27:08

I think it is a little bit more than what we were expecting.

0:27:080:27:11

-What about working hours? This is the question.

-Working hours were...

0:27:110:27:15

-..probably the same as what I do now.

-Not working away?

0:27:170:27:20

-Not working away.

-That's fine.

0:27:200:27:22

Compared to what you do now, that is great, isn't it?

0:27:220:27:24

What about you, how have you done?

0:27:240:27:26

Yeah, good, amazing school, you should see it. Oh, my goodness.

0:27:260:27:30

-Amazing.

-Really?

-Massive. And about 35,000 a year.

-Really?!

0:27:300:27:36

Which is double what I'm on!

0:27:360:27:39

-So, yeah, that's good.

-That means I might go part-time, then.

0:27:390:27:42

If you're not earning quite as much and I'm earning more,

0:27:420:27:44

-then it would work out, wouldn't it?

-Yeah, it would, yeah.

0:27:440:27:47

For Simon, achieving a better work/life balance

0:27:490:27:52

may come at a cost, but how will the couple choose

0:27:520:27:55

when it comes to work in Australia or the UK?

0:27:550:27:58

Our decision is going to be...

0:27:580:28:00

BOTH: Australia!

0:28:050:28:06

-Yeah?

-Yeah!

0:28:080:28:10

Taking a step backwards or having to re-qualify professionally

0:28:150:28:19

hasn't been enough to dent Helen and Simon's desire to make the move.

0:28:190:28:24

Simply having Simon home every night will be enough to

0:28:240:28:28

transform family life. To give them a glimpse of how

0:28:280:28:31

they could spend their new-found spare time,

0:28:310:28:33

the Holroyds head off on a typically Aussie day out.

0:28:330:28:37

And for Harry and Alexa, it is

0:28:370:28:38

a rare opportunity to spend time having fun with both Mum and Dad.

0:28:380:28:43

Making the most of their time together,

0:28:470:28:49

the family following the footsteps of typical Sunshine Coasters,

0:28:490:28:53

and take a ferry to Fraser Island,

0:28:530:28:55

the largest sand island in the world.

0:28:550:28:57

Massive.

0:28:570:28:58

Almost 75 miles long and 14 miles wide, there is plenty to see.

0:29:020:29:07

This is paradise.

0:29:090:29:11

Could easily spend a day on here, just with t'kids running about.

0:29:110:29:14

Ooh!

0:29:140:29:16

This is the proper jungle.

0:29:160:29:18

The island is the only place in the world where

0:29:200:29:22

rainforests grow on sand dunes, and after a short trek through it,

0:29:220:29:26

the family stop off for some lunch.

0:29:260:29:28

-So, what do you think to Australia altogether, then?

-Really good.

0:29:300:29:33

-Do you like it?

-I love it. Really do.

0:29:330:29:35

The day is rounded off on the beach,

0:29:370:29:39

giving the family the perfect opportunity to dip their toe

0:29:390:29:42

in the water and find out if typical Aussie living is really for them.

0:29:420:29:47

Definitely ten out of ten.

0:29:470:29:49

Back home in the UK, we've got Blackpool or Scarborough,

0:29:490:29:53

in the North Sea, and it is absolutely freezing.

0:29:530:29:56

It's just been amazing, it's been great to spend some time

0:29:560:29:58

together, cos that don't happen often back home.

0:29:580:30:02

And if we can get this every weekend,

0:30:020:30:04

it is a no-brainer, isn't it?

0:30:040:30:05

The afternoon also gives the couple a chance to reflect on

0:30:070:30:10

their relationship and how much the potential move could mean to them.

0:30:100:30:13

You sort of lose touch with each other, and, obviously, with him

0:30:130:30:16

working away, it is not the same, but being over here, it's...

0:30:160:30:21

kind of falling in love again.

0:30:210:30:23

When I'm not away, it is bliss, because there is never no arguments.

0:30:230:30:27

And as for the kids,

0:30:270:30:29

it's great to spend good quality time together as one big unit.

0:30:290:30:33

Yay!

0:30:330:30:35

Harry and Alexa would love this lifestyle every day.

0:30:370:30:40

If we lived in Australia, then we would like to play

0:30:400:30:43

on the beach a lot, and in the swimming pool a lot.

0:30:430:30:46

Everyone has fallen under Australia's spell,

0:30:460:30:49

and for Simon, the lifestyle they stand to gain far outweighs

0:30:490:30:52

the potential decrease in his pay packet.

0:30:520:30:54

If we were to come, we would have to have quite

0:30:540:30:57

a few cutbacks, like I say.

0:30:570:31:00

Just watch the pennies, or the dollars.

0:31:010:31:04

But as Helen relaxes into her surroundings,

0:31:040:31:07

it is not long before she is contemplating reality.

0:31:070:31:10

Living this life would mean saying goodbye to her mum.

0:31:100:31:13

I'm not going to start crying again, but...

0:31:140:31:17

It would be difficult.

0:31:220:31:23

The decision is huge, it is massive.

0:31:260:31:29

It is leaving everything that we know behind.

0:31:290:31:32

It is going to be difficult, very difficult.

0:31:320:31:35

Helen faces a heart-wrenching choice come the end of the week,

0:31:360:31:40

but for now, it is time for the family

0:31:400:31:42

to choose between lifestyle in Australia and the UK.

0:31:420:31:46

ALL: Australia!

0:31:520:31:53

-Have we all got the same?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:31:560:31:59

Oh, that was going to be a definite, wasn't it? Fab.

0:31:590:32:02

The whole family are enjoying

0:32:110:32:13

what Australia could potentially offer,

0:32:130:32:15

but Simon and Helen know their chances of getting the life they want

0:32:150:32:19

could be washed out to sea if finances don't work in their favour.

0:32:190:32:24

While the children play outside,

0:32:240:32:27

Simon and Helen figure out how living costs

0:32:270:32:29

in Australia compare with the UK.

0:32:290:32:30

We have provided the financial facts, starting with their weekly food shop.

0:32:300:32:35

All right, 3p difference on carrots,

0:32:350:32:37

that's neither here nor there, is it?

0:32:370:32:39

But look at your butter - £2 cheaper.

0:32:390:32:41

-£2 CHEAPER?

-Yeah.

-That's a bonus, cos I love butter.

0:32:420:32:46

SHE LAUGHS

0:32:460:32:48

All right, do you want to work it out and see the difference, then?

0:32:480:32:52

A quick run through the shopping list reveals how much more

0:32:520:32:55

they would pay for food Down Under.

0:32:550:32:57

It is only £2.24.

0:32:590:33:00

I thought it was going to be a lot worse than that, actually.

0:33:000:33:03

That's not so bad at all.

0:33:030:33:04

-That is almost £70 every month.

-It is doable, isn't it?

0:33:050:33:09

That's nothing here or there, is it?

0:33:090:33:11

You change the way you eat, don't you?

0:33:110:33:13

-Well, yeah...

-Or you stop drinking beer.

0:33:130:33:15

Or you and your wine, more like.

0:33:150:33:18

There's no time for domestics.

0:33:180:33:20

-The couple move on to the bigger monthly bills.

-The rent...

0:33:200:33:23

going on that second house,

0:33:230:33:25

the one with the swimming pool that we preferred, is quite a bit more.

0:33:250:33:29

-It's about double, that.

-Yeah.

0:33:290:33:31

Council tax, they don't pay, which is a bonus.

0:33:310:33:37

-Gas, no gas.

-No.

0:33:370:33:40

Overall, the couple's outgoings will be £2,708 every month in Australia -

0:33:400:33:46

almost £800 more than they spend in the UK.

0:33:460:33:49

-That is a lot, and that's because of the house.

-Yeah.

0:33:500:33:56

It's a huge amount of money.

0:33:560:33:59

And with Simon's salary set to decrease, and Helen having to

0:33:590:34:02

take time out to boost her qualifications,

0:34:020:34:05

things go from bad to worse.

0:34:050:34:07

In the UK, they have £1,300 left over after bills every month,

0:34:070:34:11

but in Australia, they would be £20 in the red.

0:34:110:34:14

That's... Yeah, that's fine.

0:34:160:34:18

Well, it's not, but what about once we're qualified?

0:34:180:34:21

Once we're qualified...

0:34:210:34:23

To do the jobs that we both want to come out and do.

0:34:230:34:26

Desperate to make the finances work, the couple recalculate

0:34:260:34:30

based on Simon being a welder and Helen a classroom assistant.

0:34:300:34:33

And when the sums are all done, it is a much more favourable outcome.

0:34:330:34:38

That is £1,700 better off.

0:34:380:34:40

£415.73 more than what we have got back home.

0:34:420:34:46

-Yeah, more than what we already save.

-Right.

0:34:460:34:49

-That is good.

-So £415...

-Mm.

0:34:510:34:53

In the long run, the couple could be financially better off,

0:34:540:34:57

but have the figures done enough to

0:34:570:35:00

make them choose Australia over the UK?

0:35:000:35:03

OK, so, based on the information that we have found out today

0:35:030:35:06

and our reality check, we are going to make a vote.

0:35:060:35:09

Australia.

0:35:180:35:20

-Undecided?

-It's just the money, isn't it?

0:35:210:35:24

I know what you are saying there,

0:35:240:35:26

but I have sort of voted on the qualified side.

0:35:260:35:29

Yeah, and if I was voting just on that, it would have been

0:35:290:35:31

Australia, but...

0:35:310:35:32

It's not going to be that to start with, and...

0:35:350:35:38

You don't know, I could get qualified, I might not get a job.

0:35:380:35:42

-Do you know I mean?

-There is always that.

-So, that is why I am...

0:35:420:35:46

Helen and Simon have been united all week, but fearing for their

0:35:540:35:57

short-term finances has left Helen undecided about the move.

0:35:570:36:02

And there is another hurdle ahead,

0:36:020:36:04

as Helen faces the reality of being 9,000 miles from her mum.

0:36:040:36:09

The couple ask the children to join them

0:36:090:36:11

to watch messages from their loved ones back home.

0:36:110:36:14

Go on, then, get the remote, Harry.

0:36:140:36:15

-Hi!

-Helen and Simon.

0:36:190:36:22

-Hi, Harry and Alexa.

-ALL:

-Hi, guys!

0:36:220:36:24

We wish we could be there with you,

0:36:240:36:26

hope you have had a great time in Brisbane this week.

0:36:260:36:30

Alexa and Harry are always full of life,

0:36:300:36:32

they are always laughing, having a great time, running around.

0:36:320:36:35

As a family, I think they are pretty solid.

0:36:350:36:39

Helen is very family-orientated, the kids are very important to her.

0:36:390:36:43

Simon is one of me best friends.

0:36:430:36:45

He's a good lad, a really good lad.

0:36:460:36:48

Selfishly, I would hate it if they went,

0:36:490:36:51

but I think it would be an amazing experience,

0:36:510:36:53

and I think it would change their lives.

0:36:530:36:55

I think it will bring their family closer

0:36:550:36:57

and Harry and Alexa, they will have a very good childhood.

0:36:570:37:01

-HELEN'S FRIENDS:

-I think the main thing is going to be

0:37:010:37:03

-leaving her mum.

-Yeah.

0:37:030:37:05

Ever since she talked about Australia,

0:37:050:37:07

deep down I have known that she will do it, she will go.

0:37:070:37:12

And it's the right thing for them.

0:37:120:37:13

HELEN'S MUM SNIFFS

0:37:130:37:16

It doesn't mean it is the right thing for me.

0:37:160:37:18

I won't see them in real life...

0:37:200:37:25

again.

0:37:250:37:27

They said we can go out there for a holiday,

0:37:270:37:30

but my various health problems - no chance.

0:37:300:37:35

SHE SOBS

0:37:380:37:39

I don't want her to go.

0:37:440:37:46

But I know that's being selfish.

0:37:470:37:51

And I know that her father would say to follow her dream.

0:37:510:37:55

I know there is ways of seeing them every day,

0:38:000:38:03

but it is not the same as holding your child in your arms.

0:38:030:38:08

And holding your grandchildren.

0:38:080:38:11

Follow your heart.

0:38:110:38:13

If you think it is right, then do it. You've got to give it a go.

0:38:130:38:17

Just take this opportunity and grab it with both hands.

0:38:170:38:21

If your life is going to be better...

0:38:210:38:24

go for it, love.

0:38:240:38:26

We will support you every step of the way.

0:38:260:38:28

We'll support your family, so we'll support your mum, as well.

0:38:280:38:31

I know that is going to be one of the hardest things for you to do.

0:38:310:38:34

That would mean a lot.

0:38:340:38:36

-HELEN'S MUM:

-I will always be here.

0:38:360:38:37

I love you, all of you.

0:38:370:38:39

Bye.

0:38:410:38:43

SHE SOBS

0:38:570:38:58

Yeah? You all right, Alexa?

0:38:580:39:01

I would miss everybody so much. What about your mum and dad?

0:39:010:39:05

I didn't expect that at all, I thought...

0:39:050:39:09

I thought they would come over and see us,

0:39:090:39:11

but she's saying they probably won't be able to because of her health.

0:39:110:39:16

We're going to go back and see them, don't worry.

0:39:180:39:21

Hearing how loved ones feel has proved heartbreaking for Helen,

0:39:310:39:36

and with Simon facing the prospect of perhaps saying goodbye to his parents

0:39:360:39:40

for good, the couple now need to make the biggest decision of their lives.

0:39:400:39:45

As the family prepare to choose where

0:39:450:39:47

they will spend their future, will the human cost of moving mean

0:39:470:39:50

the dream life, and potentially Simon and Helen's marriage,

0:39:500:39:54

is over for good?

0:39:540:39:56

-Do you want to go and get an ice cream?

-Yeah.

0:40:000:40:02

Did you have a nice day on the beach?

0:40:020:40:04

When the Holroyds arrived in Australia a week ago,

0:40:040:40:07

it was with high hopes that the country would give them

0:40:070:40:09

more quality time together as a family.

0:40:090:40:12

And it has lived up to expectations.

0:40:120:40:14

Bringing the kids to Australia, it definitely offers

0:40:150:40:19

a lot more than what they are getting in the UK at the moment.

0:40:190:40:23

Yesterday just proved the sort of fun we could have.

0:40:230:40:25

The kids miss their dad.

0:40:250:40:27

That is why we want to come out here,

0:40:270:40:29

so we can spend more time as a family.

0:40:290:40:32

But while the week showed what life could be like,

0:40:320:40:34

it has also reinforced Helen's angst over choosing between

0:40:340:40:37

what is best for her family and leaving her mum.

0:40:370:40:40

I am so confused at the moment.

0:40:410:40:43

I feel if we don't make this move, then our marriage might end,

0:40:440:40:49

I really dread to think what might happen

0:40:490:40:51

because of the problems that we have had up until now.

0:40:510:40:55

But then again, if we come out here, am I going to be so devastated

0:40:560:41:00

that I'm away from my family that we will just argue anyway?

0:41:000:41:04

I just, I really don't know what the best thing to do is.

0:41:040:41:07

Ultimately, life in the UK has pushed Simon and Helen to breaking point.

0:41:070:41:12

To be honest, this is what we do really need.

0:41:130:41:16

We do need a definite change from the UK life, that is 100%,

0:41:180:41:24

we need something to change.

0:41:240:41:25

It is going to be so hard, it is going to

0:41:390:41:41

be such a hard decision to make.

0:41:410:41:43

It is just such a difficult...

0:41:470:41:49

Why does Australia have to be on the other side of the world?

0:41:490:41:52

For better or worse, it is time for the family to choose

0:41:540:41:57

once and for all if Australia really is the answer to their prayers.

0:41:570:42:01

-ALL: Australia!

-Yay!

0:42:100:42:12

Oh, I wasn't sure whether you would vote Australia, Alexa.

0:42:140:42:18

Thought you might say you wasn't sure.

0:42:180:42:21

-Definitely Australia?

-And you, Harry, yeah?

0:42:220:42:25

Brilliant.

0:42:250:42:27

I am glad we have all chosen Australia,

0:42:270:42:29

I do think it was a hard decision.

0:42:290:42:31

I'm going to start crying again in a minute.

0:42:310:42:34

-Do you think this has got everything to offer?

-And more, definitely.

0:42:340:42:38

-I think if we don't give it a go, we would regret it.

-Definitely, yes.

0:42:380:42:42

Definitely. We need to give it a shot, don't we?

0:42:420:42:45

Especially for these two, don't we?

0:42:450:42:47

Yeah, definitely. Come on, let's go.

0:42:470:42:50

Come on.

0:42:500:42:52

Fearful of what the future could hold

0:42:560:42:58

if they returned permanently to the UK, Helen and Simon have decided to

0:42:580:43:03

put their relationship and Harry and Alexa's future happiness first.

0:43:030:43:07

A real case of love conquering all,

0:43:070:43:10

and we hope the family go on to make many happy memories together

0:43:100:43:13

when they embark on their new life Down Under.

0:43:130:43:16

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