0:00:02 > 0:00:06The Thom family has travelled with the RAF across the world,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10but now mum Lori's dream is to settle next in Australia.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14We have got to pick somewhere to settle down,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17and I think, why not Australia?
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Originally the one pushing for the move,
0:00:19 > 0:00:24a latest posting has changed things for husband Kevin.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26I'm the one putting the brakes on.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Could a trial week in Melbourne convince the whole family?
0:00:30 > 0:00:32I got to play football in Australia.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Or is the pull of home just too strong?
0:00:40 > 0:00:43I would feel so guilty. I'd feel like I'm pulling their grandchildren
0:00:43 > 0:00:44away from them.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08With sun, sea and opportunities,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12it's no surprise so many of us flock to Australian shores every year in
0:01:12 > 0:01:14search of a better life.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19Today, the country has over one million UK-born residents,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21but the grass isn't always greener,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and leaving everything you know half a world away
0:01:24 > 0:01:27can be a lot harder than you think.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Uprooting the family goes with the territory when you're military,
0:01:30 > 0:01:35but after 20 years of relocation, relocation, relocation,
0:01:35 > 0:01:40the Thoms are desperate to settle down in their forever home.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43The only problem? Dad Kevin thinks this should be close to his nearest
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and dearest in his Scottish hometown,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51while mum Lori has her heart set on planting those roots much further
0:01:51 > 0:01:54away in Australia.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58With everything up in the air, the time has come for this RAF family to
0:01:58 > 0:02:02decide where their dream landing should be, once and for all.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06To get from the UK to the south of Australia,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09the Thom family have spent more than 22 hours in the air.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15As they touch down in Melbourne,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19the huge distance between them and Scotland is hitting home.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22My bag's broken. The journey was probably worse than what I expected.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Definitely not fun, especially when you've got the little one,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29when he's just screaming most of the way.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- And Lori's in no doubt about the challenge ahead.- Where is it?
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Really hoping that the weather's going to be on my side and that
0:02:36 > 0:02:38we're going to see lots of things that's going to help convince the
0:02:38 > 0:02:43men in my life that our future lies in Australia.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46And are they up for convincing?
0:02:46 > 0:02:47I think I could be convinced,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50but it's quite a slim chance that I could be.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52It's a huge decision to make,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55and if it doesn't feel right, then...then it will be a no for me.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01Lori has just seven days to convince her family Australia will give them
0:03:01 > 0:03:04the outdoor lifestyle they so desperately want.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10Meet the Thoms -
0:03:10 > 0:03:15dad Kevin, mum Lori, Niall aged 11, and baby Lachlan, 18 months.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Lori and Kev met in the RAF in 2005.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22It was love at first sight.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23So it was a whirlwind romance.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Met in the March and married in the November.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- Someone described us as a really, really happy, perfect couple. - LAUGHTER
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Is everyone coming on the trampoline?
0:03:34 > 0:03:39As a couple, we're both really outdoorsy. We're both very active.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42We love keeping fit. We need to be out and about.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44We both love travelling.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47And travel they did, together and on their own.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49They were deployed to the troubled hotspots of the world.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Lori was a medic on board a Chinook helicopter at the front line in Iraq
0:03:53 > 0:03:55and Afghanistan.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00I joined the Royal Air Force when I was 16 years old, so very young.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02I absolutely loved the majority of it.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04And that's where I met my lovely husband Kev,
0:04:04 > 0:04:09who was serving as a physical training instructor at the time.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11The RAF has meant being constantly
0:04:11 > 0:04:15on the move, and Kevin's latest posting is RAF Lossiemouth in
0:04:15 > 0:04:17north-east Scotland.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22Born and bred in the local area, for Kevin it's a return home.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26I think I moved up here thinking I would move on again at some point.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28But the time we've spent here,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30I'm starting to feel that I could settle up here.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37However, being at the RAF's beck and call is taking its toll on Lori.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40So, we've moved five times in the last ten years,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and Kev will just come home from work and say,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46"Right, we're moving here in," you know,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48"two months', three months' time."
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And I just...I find that really difficult.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56The Thoms are desperate to put down roots once and for all,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00and initially Kev hoped a new life in Australia could bring that about.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07It was my dream, because I travelled there in 1997 and '98, and I had an
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- amazing time.- He went travelling there before he joined the Royal Air
0:05:11 > 0:05:17Force, and he's gone on about it to me for the past 12 years.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19However, Lori was not on board.
0:05:19 > 0:05:26The thought of leaving my sister and my mum and my friends behind,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I just thought was absolutely ludicrous.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37But when Niall came along, she was grounded.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40She retrained as a post-traumatic stress counsellor.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Determined to create a better life
0:05:42 > 0:05:45as a family, the tables slowly turned.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49We were on our own up here to start off with,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51and we made it work.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55We have got to pick somewhere to settle down,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57and I think, why not Australia?
0:05:57 > 0:06:02I really do believe it can offer us a much more outdoorsy lifestyle.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04And now it's Kevin who's stalling.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Moving back home and the draw of home, friends, family,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13my perspective has changed.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I kind of feel guilty, because I'm thinking I was the one that almost
0:06:16 > 0:06:18planted the seed in her head, to some extent,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and now I almost feel like I'm the one putting the brakes on.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Niall...
0:06:23 > 0:06:25And he's not the only one.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Son Niall has settled into his fifth school in almost as many years,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30and he loves it.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36When my mum and dad told me I could be moving to Australia,
0:06:36 > 0:06:41I wasn't happy, because, like, I was all settled.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43He's on the football team and he's pretty good.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48That's it, Niall, come on!
0:06:48 > 0:06:52My biggest worry about moving to Australia is there might not be as
0:06:52 > 0:06:54much football as there is here,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and, like, also leaving my friends behind.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59CHANTING AND CHEERING
0:07:02 > 0:07:05And then it's back to Granny and Grandad's for tea -
0:07:05 > 0:07:09another unexpected bonus to Lossiemouth living.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11For Kevin, leaving his job is difficult enough,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15but leaving his parents is virtually unthinkable.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20The thing I would feel the most guilty about moving would be for my
0:07:20 > 0:07:22parents missing the boys.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Because they missed a lot of Niall growing up.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29To see them growing the bond with Niall, and then see how they are
0:07:29 > 0:07:34with Lockie, that... I would feel so guilty.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I'd feel like I'm pulling their grandchildren away from them.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41And Lori's only too aware any move would tear apart these newly-formed
0:07:41 > 0:07:43emotional bonds.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I'd feel like I was taking my mum's grandchildren away and my sister's
0:07:47 > 0:07:49nephews away.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53It'll be so emotional to see them...
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Sorry.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Sorry. Seeing them say goodbye to
0:07:59 > 0:08:04their, um...their grandchildren, because they just dote on them.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08One thing the couple do agree on is that it's now or never.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10I just want to give it a go.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12I know we've got to settle down somewhere,
0:08:12 > 0:08:16and I expected to just...
0:08:16 > 0:08:19that place to feel like home when I found it,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22and I don't feel like I've found it yet in the UK.
0:08:22 > 0:08:28- Lockie.- With the couple divided, everything rides on this trial week.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32We have the security, we have the stability,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35we've already got a great work-life balance, good quality of life.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37And what if we can't get that?
0:08:37 > 0:08:42If the trial week can't help convince Kev and Niall that we
0:08:42 > 0:08:45should move to Australia, then
0:08:45 > 0:08:48unfortunately my dream will be over.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57For their trial week down under, the family is visiting Melbourne,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00the capital of the state of Victoria,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03dubbed one of the most liberal cities on the planet.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Their home for the week, this modern,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09open-plan house is about seven miles
0:09:09 > 0:09:11north of the city centre.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Nice to finally be here.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18When the family arrive, everyone is visibly exhausted with the journey,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20but Lori knows she's got work to do.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I'm apprehensive, but I'm going to have to be a bit of a saleswoman,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26to be selling it to you and Niall.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29For you to sell this week to me,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32I guess what we're going to do - the two key things are
0:09:32 > 0:09:35employment and a good lifestyle with a nice home.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Well, we shall see.- We shall see.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Back in Scotland, the Thom family live in a rented house provided by
0:09:48 > 0:09:53RAF Lossiemouth. It's their fifth military house in ten years.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57We have moved around quite a bit, but I know, coming to Lossiemouth,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59it feels like home for me here.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02With all the family photos and children's paintings,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04she's done her best to make it their own,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07but it's not the place Lori wants to call home.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09It doesn't feel like my home.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13I can't decorate the way I would like to decorate.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15We're only here for a couple of years.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18There's no point putting wallpaper on the walls, cos you have to take
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- it all off.- However, she has definite ideas as to what her home
0:10:23 > 0:10:25will look like in Australia.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27I definitely want an en suite.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32It would be imperative to have a huge walk-in wardrobe.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35State-of-the-art kitchen with a big island in the middle.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Open-planned, you know.- I'm never going to get to see it, because I'm
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- always going to be on my second or third job...- So we... - LAUGHTER
0:10:44 > 0:10:47To see just what their £400,000 budget could buy them around
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Melbourne, we've lined up three houses -
0:10:50 > 0:10:54two close to their budget, and a third which might very well be their
0:10:54 > 0:10:55dream property.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58The Thoms travel half an hour north to Craigieburn.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02It might sound Scottish, but it is in fact a sprawling Aussie suburb
0:11:02 > 0:11:04popular with families.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Its population is set to double in the next decade due to its flat
0:11:08 > 0:11:11surroundings and proximity to central Melbourne.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13You get a good return on your bucks,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15but let's see if it's up their street.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21And it's off to a great start for Niall.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- You like it?- Yeah.- What do you like about it?- The balconies.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You can see yourself chilling on the balconies?
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- And things look even brighter inside.- Oh, this is nice!
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's nice and wide.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Yeah, it's nice. It's big, yeah. - It's nice. Nice and spacious.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37But what about Lori's must-have -
0:11:37 > 0:11:40an open-plan kitchen, her family hub?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43So, it's open-planned. It's nice and big.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Maybe we'd make some friends in Australia, or when family came to
0:11:47 > 0:11:51visit we could all kind of sit in this area.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- Yeah.- You could be cooking away.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Yeah?- Yeah.- And that's one thing I can't see.- No, I can't see that!
0:11:57 > 0:12:01So, Kevin's no good in the kitchen. What about the bedroom?
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Oh, this is a nice, big bedroom.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07It's definitely got the space that we want.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10It's light, it's airy. Perfect for us.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- Yeah, the size is good.- Let's hope the en suite is big enough for them.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Oh! En suite. - Yeah, not the biggest en suite.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I've got to admit, I thought, given the size of the bedroom,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- it would be bigger.- We could redo it. It's got a nice floor.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27A little disappointing.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Well, Lori's staying positive.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32And to the must-have on everybody's wish list...
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Our walk-in wardrobe.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36I don't think I'd get a look-in in getting any of my stuff in here.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39But why are you thinking that your stuff would go in here?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41I don't understand that logic.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43We'd never share a wardrobe.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Dad's would go in that box. - LAUGHTER
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Young Niall seems more impressed with his own room.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Ah, this is nice and bright.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55I would be happy in a room like this, just because, like, I like the
0:12:55 > 0:12:58view, and when I wake up it would be, like,
0:12:58 > 0:12:59I can just look out the window.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02He liked the balconies from the onset,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05so maybe the garden will interest this footy fan.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Oh, now, this is nice. This is a nice outdoor space.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- It's a nice big space.- Could have a nice big set of patio chairs,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- table, barbecue.- So, would this space suit you?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Is this big enough for you to kick a ball around?
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Definitely not.- OK.- Hmmm.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24This property has slightly underwhelmed.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26But, if it's within their £400,000 budget,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29would that make it more attractive?
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Big moment. So, what does everyone think?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I think I like the ones more in the UK.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38But, yeah, the space... Overall, the space is fantastic.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40So how much do you think it is?
0:13:40 > 0:13:45I'm going to say £397,000.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50I'm going to say £375,000.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54I'm going to go for 425,000.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02So, Niall, do you want to do the honours? Turn the card over?
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Ooh!- Oh, it's over budget.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- So Niall was actually £2,000 out. - Niall was £2,000 out.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- He doesn't want to move. - LAUGHTER
0:14:14 > 0:14:16I just think it's unaffordable, really,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19with the work we'd need to do on top.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23So, yeah, no, I'm not going to lie, I'm disappointed.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29That's £23,000 over budget, but Niall is pleased as punch he got the
0:14:29 > 0:14:32value right. This is one competitive family.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Lori's dream is off to a wobbly start.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Let's see if property number two can get things back on track.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43The 40-minute drive gets them to the family-friendly pocket
0:14:43 > 0:14:46of Burnside Heights. Close to shops, schools,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49and a fast train direct to the city centre,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52this four-bedroom house could be more to their liking.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55First impressions aren't great.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I'd say my only reservation is I've never considered a single-storey.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I've always liked the idea of two-storey.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- Double storey.- Yeah.- Once inside,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08the lack of an upstairs is immediately forgotten.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Oh, no, this is lovely. - Aw, that's nice.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Just a nice impact as you walk through the door.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I absolutely love this front room. I think it would really suit our
0:15:17 > 0:15:20needs. And I actually like that there's no TV in here.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- I think that's something we could carry on.- Yeah.- Uh, no. - LAUGHTER
0:15:23 > 0:15:26This is very much to my taste. Well, to our taste, isn't it?
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- To your taste.- Oh, Lori, are you not picking up the lack of enthusiasm?
0:15:31 > 0:15:36This is exactly like the kitchen I'd kind of imagined.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37It's done exactly to your style.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I can just imagine me cooking
0:15:40 > 0:15:42and you guys having breakfast here.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46There's a lovely dining area as well, which is separate.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50If I were to envisage my dream house in Australia,
0:15:50 > 0:15:54so far, from what I've seen here today, this is pretty much it.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Oh! That's making our decision to
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- say no even harder now, isn't it, Niall?- Yeah.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05And it's going to get even harder.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09Oh, a bedroom. It's definitely a beautiful space.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Oh, wow! Look at the size of that bath!
0:16:13 > 0:16:15And the shower. Oh, his and hers!
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Or hers, hers, hers, hers. - Well, yeah.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Oh, dear. So is there anything for the boys?
0:16:26 > 0:16:31Ah. If Mum got her way and we moved across, this could be your room.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33I'll obviously not like the decorations...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- No.- No, we'd de-girly it.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37You could throw your stuff on the floor like you do at home,
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- make yourself at home.- Can Niall see himself getting comfortable here?
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Family bathroom.- Yeah.- That's a lovely size, isn't it?
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Especially if we do have guests.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Nice big mirror for you to gel your hair in the morning.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- No, it's natural beauty, isn't it? - Of course, of course.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57And outside is definitely an improvement on property one.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- In fact, this outdoor space could have it all.- That's nice.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04That's bigger than what I'd think from being inside the house.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07It's enough room for the children's trampoline and slide,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11and Niall to kick a football about.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- What do you think, Niall?- Yeah, it's big enough to do all of that.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Lori loves this property so much.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Is the downside going to be they simply can't afford it?
0:17:20 > 0:17:22So, what do you think, Kev?
0:17:22 > 0:17:26I think the house is done to such a high spec.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29I'm going to say £430,000.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- Oh. OK, Niall?- £432,000.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38I'm going to go for 412.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50You were 11 off, and how much was I off?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Yeah, Mummy's losing at this, isn't she?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55It's slightly over, but it's still over.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Unless I worked three jobs for you.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Well, yeah, that's always an idea.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06And finally, the dream house.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09It's ten minutes away in Caroline Springs -
0:18:09 > 0:18:12a green field suburb development, started from scratch at the
0:18:12 > 0:18:15turn-of-the-century, with every possible amenity on-site.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20But it's going to take something extra special for Lori to prefer it
0:18:20 > 0:18:23over the last one. And you know Lori -
0:18:23 > 0:18:25her face always tells a story.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- OK.- It does make an impact when you come through the door.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Yeah, I'm not sure it's the impact
0:18:33 > 0:18:35that I would personally be going for.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38It's my...this is my personal opinion - I like it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40It's like the water all coming down...
0:18:40 > 0:18:42You just love the water features.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46It's everything they asked for on paper...
0:18:46 > 0:18:50OK. The kitchen is a really good size.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53The kitchen, the dining area there,
0:18:53 > 0:18:57the massive open-plan living room, I love.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- It's a huge space.- It's massive!
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- We could have 11 more children, Kev!- Oh, wow! - LAUGHTER
0:19:05 > 0:19:09If I'm truthful, the only box that it's ticking is the amount of space
0:19:09 > 0:19:13it has. And if the Queen lived in open-plan living,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17this is kind of the sense of what I think her drawing room would look
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- like.- And upstairs,
0:19:19 > 0:19:25the huge open spaces continue to astound and appal in equal measure.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- Oh, my word!- Oh, that's a massive space.- This is huge!
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Gigantic.- We'd need three Hoovers.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35It's just too large.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39It's too open-planned for it to feel...homely?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42So, maybe be careful what you wish for, Lori.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Wow, again!
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I asked for open-planned living, I asked for his and hers sinks,
0:19:49 > 0:19:53I asked for lots of space, and it over-delivers.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58And things get bigger and bigger with the walk-in wardrobe.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Probably bigger than Lachlan's bedroom at home.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Oh, definitely.- Would Dad's stuff fit in this one?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Yes, I actually think your stuff would fit in this one.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08That is absolutely massive.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11This place certainly has lots of space, but rather than that being a
0:20:11 > 0:20:15plus, it appears to be putting Lori off. Can the garden redeem this
0:20:15 > 0:20:19property to a family that adores being outside?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21So, Niall, this is what you wanted.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23You wanted a swimming pool if we were to move to Australia.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- What do you think?- Does this fit the bill?- It's spacious, yeah.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- I like it.- I think it's unnecessary. I'd rather have a garden area with,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34like, a barbecue and, like, a patio area.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38But it's at the detriment to a garden, so it's pool over footy.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Are you happy with that?
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Obviously I can still play keepie-uppies over there.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47It is really nice, but not to my style.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50And even with a budding footballer in the family,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54could they afford it anyway on their £400,000 budget?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- So...I think it's too small for us! - LAUGHTER
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- I can't get past the decor. - It's just not us.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- It doesn't reflect our personality. - No, so turn the card
0:21:03 > 0:21:05over and put us out of our misery.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Remember, they have a £400,000 budget.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Is that a mistake?! I don't understand that!- No.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21It just makes me think, for that money,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23what could we buy to our taste?
0:21:23 > 0:21:27I personally think it's worth more than that much money.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31I'm hoping we get some good news on the jobs,
0:21:31 > 0:21:36and we'll be swanning around our palace in Australia.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40A day house-hunting in Melbourne has been an eye-opener for the Thoms.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44Property one was in a nice area, but was on the small side,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47and the lack of grass space meant it was a no from the family.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Despite being single-storey,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Lori fell in love with property number two.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Perfect in shape and size and decor.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59However, Kevin's reaction was much more measured.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Property three had their eyes out on stalks, but this five-bedroom
0:22:03 > 0:22:06mansion was too much for the Thoms in every sense.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08It over-delivered, but not in a good way.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14So, when it comes to property, will they vote home or away?
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Based on the three properties we've viewed today, our vote goes to...
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- Australia!- Australia!- Undecided.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35You picked Australia!
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Well, just based on what I've seen today,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40and while I haven't seen my dream house,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42you get a lot more for your money.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43We saw some, you know,
0:22:43 > 0:22:48pretty spacious houses that were near enough on budget,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50which has been really encouraging.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53So you voted undecided, son.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57I like the houses, some of the houses here,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59but I don't like the area they're in.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Quite positive so far. However, finding the right jobs for both
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Kevin and Lori is crucial.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Both these high-flyers won't settle for anything less than what
0:23:16 > 0:23:18they've already got.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24Ex-RAF medic Lori has retrained as a post-traumatic stress nurse.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Back in the UK, she works for the Ministry of Defence,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30and she'll be the family's main visa applicant.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32I absolutely love my job.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34You see so much post-traumatic growth, actually,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38much more than you do trauma, which is really, really interesting,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42and something that I didn't expect when I went into the role.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Still in the RAF, Kevin is responsible for the training and
0:23:45 > 0:23:51personal development for over 2,000 servicemen. It's a senior position -
0:23:51 > 0:23:54one Kevin has worked hard and long to get.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I've been in the Air Force 17 years now.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58I absolutely love life in the Air Force.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Good morning. Welcome to today's training session...
0:24:01 > 0:24:04The ability to move different jobs, different units, different places,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08different people. I have never, never been bored.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Unfortunately, all that opportunity comes at a price.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Because of Kev's career and having to move every few years, my career,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20unfortunately, has definitely taken a backseat.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24I feel the move to Australia would really give me opportunities that
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I've not been able to seek out before, because we're never in a
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- place long enough.- If he does go,
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Kevin's looking to take a new path as a training consultant.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37But after 20 years in the military, it is a gamble.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40I have a great career.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43We've got great stability, great security.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44To kind of give all that up,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47move to the other side of the world, into the unknown...
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I'm just not sure how I feel about that.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57To check out job opportunities down under,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01we've arranged for Lori to visit a mental health clinic in Melbourne to
0:25:01 > 0:25:03meet Lisa Stokes, the head of nursing,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and right away it's good news.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Hi, Lori. I've had a look at your CV. You've certainly got a lot of
0:25:09 > 0:25:12interest and expertise in working with people who have complex trauma
0:25:12 > 0:25:14issues and PTSD.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17That's also an area that we're doing a lot of work in.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18So, from our perspective,
0:25:18 > 0:25:23you would be someone who would be highly desirable as an employee.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Encouraging news.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27But Lori's keen to tick all the boxes.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30For my current level of experience,
0:25:30 > 0:25:35if I were to get a full-time role in a hospital such as this,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38what kind of salary could I expect to earn?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41For your level of expertise, coming in at a starting rate,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44you'd be looking at around £56,000 a year.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- Oh, wow!- Is that good? - Yeah, that's really good!
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- So, yeah, that's a lot more than I'm...- OK.- ..on at the moment.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56It couldn't be more positive for Lori.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Across town, Kevin is dropping into one of the oldest and
0:25:59 > 0:26:02established training companies in Melbourne,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05and to start with, it seems like it might not be as straightforward as
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Lori's skill set.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12So, from my CV, are my skills easily transferable to Australia?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Certainly, your background lends very easily to transfer.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19What you might need to do is get an upskill in a certificate for
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- training in assessment.- OK.- A lot of organisations look for that...- Yes.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26..as part of the core skills that
0:26:26 > 0:26:28people have, coming into an organisation.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Well, he's not one to shy away from hard work.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34But what about employment opportunities at the moment?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36In this market, in the learning development market,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38there's always quite a few positions around,
0:26:38 > 0:26:42and if you're looking at the training consultancy role as well,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45I know our organisation is always looking for things like that, too,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49so I definitely think that there's a lot of jobs around in this space.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51In line for promotion in the UK,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Kevin's keen to know if a move down under will pay off.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57So, I guess the big question -
0:26:57 > 0:27:00what kind of salary can I expect to earn if I were to make the move to
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Australia?- So, for the training consultant role,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07you'd be looking at around £48,000 per year,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and the learning and development manager role,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14about £66,000 per year, too, as a base level.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Actually, that training consultant is similar to what I'm on in the UK,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19but the learning development manager -
0:27:19 > 0:27:23and I think perhaps my skills could fit into that -
0:27:23 > 0:27:25that's a little bit more
0:27:25 > 0:27:29than what I'd expect to earn in the UK for that, so that's good news.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33So, all in all, a good result all round.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Can this day get any better?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38If you were to apply today, I could give you a job today,
0:27:38 > 0:27:40so I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45- Wow. I will be speaking to my husband later on today... - LAUGHTER
0:27:45 > 0:27:48..about filling out an application form.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50As the sun goes down over Melbourne,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Kevin and Lori meet up to swap notes.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- Hey, darling. - Hey, how are you doing?
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Kevin goes first.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- So?- I met a lady called Lauren.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04She spoke about two main roles.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06The first being training consultant,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and the second being a learning and development manager.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13The training consultant was £48,000 a year,
0:28:13 > 0:28:18and for the learning and development manager, was £66,000 a year.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20So that's fantastic news.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23So a little bit more than what I'm on in the UK at the moment.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26I also had two other bits of amazing news today.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31Firstly, my starting salary would be £56,000.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34And if I was to apply for a job today,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37they could offer me a role within that clinic.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Oh, that is absolutely tremendous!
0:28:39 > 0:28:43That is literally everything you've ever wanted.
0:28:43 > 0:28:44That's amazing.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Right, well, I guess it's time to put this to the vote.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Based on our work meetings today, our vote goes to...
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- Australia!- Australia!
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Second time you've voted Australia, Kev!
0:29:06 > 0:29:11Logic tells me, if I'm going to earn £20,000-plus more a year,
0:29:11 > 0:29:15then it would be silly to vote on the UK. If anything else, I had to
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- vote Australia, otherwise I feared for my life. - LAUGHTER
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Well, it's two down, but affordability and
0:29:21 > 0:29:24the emotional stuff is still to come.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27LAUGHTER
0:29:30 > 0:29:35Halfway through their trial week and two votes apiece for Oz.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It's going pretty much Lori's way.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41A move down under looks very much on the cards.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43But, as Kev points out,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47there's still that all-important financial reality check,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50and messages from family to hear.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55And as we all know, these very often change everything.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59First, though, it's time for them to sample the sort of lifestyle this
0:29:59 > 0:30:02super-energetic family might be able to endure -
0:30:02 > 0:30:05sorry, enjoy - down under.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10The reason most families are thinking of moving across the world
0:30:10 > 0:30:14is to spend more time together in the great Aussie outdoors.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15But this family takes outdoor
0:30:15 > 0:30:18pursuits to an altogether different level.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27- No pain, no gain.- Ten more. Nine. - Three.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Well done, son.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35LAUGHTER
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Thanks, Niall. High five for Team Mum?
0:30:38 > 0:30:41And that's just the warm-up.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Next stop, footy training, Aussie style.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Before we start, I'd like to give you this courtesy bag
0:30:49 > 0:30:50that contains our home kit.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- Go put it on and we'll see you on the pitch.- OK, thank you.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Despite having moved with his family countless times in his short life,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Niall is proving to be a natural team player.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Well done.- Good touches, Niall.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- Good touches.- Watching Niall made me realise that he does fit in really,
0:31:13 > 0:31:18really quickly. He'd settle in, probably quicker than any of us.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- Well done, Niall.- I got to play football in Australia,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23I got to keep this kit, and I made...
0:31:23 > 0:31:26I think I made a couple of friends today.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32And back on the beach for a cool down, a surprise call
0:31:32 > 0:31:37from sister Kylie really puts Lori through her paces.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Oh, show-off!
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- Hello.- Hello, darling. How has your week been? - LACHLAN GURGLES
0:31:44 > 0:31:46It's been absolutely amazing.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Oh, I just wish you were here to experience it with us.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53I've missed you guys so much. We're always going to be here,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55whatever, you know, whatever you decide.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Are you going to blow a kiss to Auntie Kylie?- Bye, Auntie Kylie.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- Love you lots, guys. I'll see you soon. - THEY BLOW KISSES
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Aww.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Me and Kylie speak at least four times a day.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12With the time difference, we won't be able to speak so much.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15I'm wondering whether I can live without that daily contact.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18I think it's fair to say the cold reality is starting to dawn on
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- everyone.- Right, I'm getting out! That is freezing! - LAUGHTER
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Is it cold?
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Second thoughts after that call from Kylie.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30The big decision for me will always be family and the pull of home.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35The call from home has unsettled them in the most unexpected way.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38How will the Thoms now vote?
0:32:38 > 0:32:41After our great day out today, our vote goes to...
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- Australia!- United Kingdom! - Undecided.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59So, how come undecided?
0:33:01 > 0:33:04I have had a fabulous day,
0:33:04 > 0:33:08but it also scared the living daylights out of me.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13I'm thinking, is the lifestyle worth not being close
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- to the people we love?- Yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Don't get me wrong, I had a really wonderful day today,
0:33:18 > 0:33:20and especially the football.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23But the football I've got in Scotland,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- I can't split the difference between it.- Sitting on the fence? - LAUGHTER
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Like you?- I'm really surprised you voted undecided.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32So, but...
0:33:32 > 0:33:34the fact that you have and the reasons for it,
0:33:34 > 0:33:36that's my exact reasons for not wanting to move.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- So it's true - at times I can see your point of view. - LAUGHTER
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- I never, ever thought I would say that. - LAUGHTER
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Things are anything but clear-cut for the Thoms.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58With Kevin getting keen on a move and wife Lori retreating slightly,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02all could be settled by the reality check.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05The couple sit down to compare the cost of living in the UK and
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Australia, starting with the weekly food shop.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- Right, let's have a look at some sums.- Yeah.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15So, nappies - we go through an awful lot of those, obviously.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18£9.52 more expensive.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- Can we potty train him early? - LAUGHTER
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- I think we're going to have to.- So, just going down the list, cat food,
0:34:24 > 0:34:29- £3.27 of an increase.- You never wanted a cat.- Well, if we do move,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31maybe we leave the cat as a gift for my parents.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- LAUGHTER - What a lovely gift that would be.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36So what does it all add up to?
0:34:36 > 0:34:43So we are £49.81 worse off every week.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45So, not a great start.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Next the couple move on to examine their biggest outgoings,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51basing their figures on the dream house they viewed.
0:34:51 > 0:34:58For our military quarter in the UK, we pay about £500 per month.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03And a mortgage in Australia would be £1,780.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Wow!
0:35:06 > 0:35:11And factoring in other household bills, it's not great news,
0:35:11 > 0:35:16as the couple discover they would be £1,703 worse off per month.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- That's ridiculous.- It makes me feel a bit sick, if I'm being honest.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- Yeah.- I'm feeling a bit defeated at the moment.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28Both Lori and Kev could earn substantially more in Oz.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Could the Australian salaries rescue the dream?
0:35:31 > 0:35:34I've got an extra £1,300 per month.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37And I've got an extra £1,500 per month.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45So that leaves us £1,097
0:35:45 > 0:35:48better off in Australia per month.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- Wow!- And the reality is suddenly looking better.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59- I'm speechless. - £13,000 better off a year!
0:35:59 > 0:36:05Not living in a military quarter with a pink carpet...
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- I like that pink carpet. - LAUGHTER
0:36:08 > 0:36:11I think I know how this vote's going to go.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Based on our reality check today, our vote goes to...
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- BOTH:- Australia!
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- Australia again, Kev?! - Yeah, well, I...
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- You're loving it. - You'd be daft not to,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36based on the reality check and the figures.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40I find it so encouraging that you voted for Australia again today,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43and I really think that you're starting to see that we could have a
0:36:43 > 0:36:45much better lifestyle in Australia.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Knowing they wouldn't lose out financially is reassuring,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59but whether they can cope with their emotional wobbles is about to be put
0:36:59 > 0:37:03to the test, as Lori and Kev sit down with older son Niall to watch
0:37:03 > 0:37:06messages from loved ones back home.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Right, are we ready?
0:37:08 > 0:37:09Ready.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Hello, Auntie Laurie, Uncle Kev, Niall and Lockie.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- Hi.- Hi.- Aww.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Hi, everyone. I hope you're well and
0:37:17 > 0:37:19I hope you've had a fantastic week.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Kev is our only son.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23He means the world to us.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Lori is amazing.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29She is my best friend.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Niall and Lockie are just two beautiful grandsons.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37When Kevin was 21, he went to Australia for a year,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and that was so hard.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42To see four of them moving to the other side of the world,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44I think it would break my heart.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- Aww! - I would support them, of course.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49But at the same time, you know,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51the selfish part of me doesn't want them to go,
0:37:51 > 0:37:56the selfish part of me wants them to just be down the road, and...
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Yeah. I think I will put on a brave face for them.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Um...
0:38:01 > 0:38:04But it'll be something that I'll find really difficult.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Kevin, I will say this -
0:38:06 > 0:38:08that you're like my brother to me,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10and I will miss you so, so much.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13But please, just make the best decision for yourselves,
0:38:13 > 0:38:15and you know fine that I will support you through whatever
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- decision you make.- If it's something you want to go for,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22then go for it.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26And I hope you've found a decent-sized house that has an
0:38:26 > 0:38:29annexe or a granny flat, because we will be there.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- LAUGHTER - Enjoy yourself.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34You'll make the right decision.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- What will be will be. - Yes, que sera, sera.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- Mmm. Oh, Doris Day. - I won't start singing.- No, Don't. - LAUGHTER
0:38:41 > 0:38:43We wish you the best of luck,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46but we truly would like you to stay here.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Bye.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Did you realise she found it difficult when you went travelling
0:38:55 > 0:38:57- when you were 21?- No. - No?- No. No, no.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01I've never been 100% sure on moving to Australia,
0:39:01 > 0:39:07and that 1% that I added on the football, that's just gone down.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10I almost feel like, after watching Mum,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13I almost feel like I'm running out on them.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15So...
0:39:18 > 0:39:22At the start of the week, Lori Thom had one mission -
0:39:22 > 0:39:26to convince husband Kevin and their boys that her dream of moving to a
0:39:26 > 0:39:31healthier life in Australia could be their dream, too.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33But during the trial week,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37it was the pull of family from home that hit Lori hard.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Tempting though the job offers and lifestyle are, it might not be
0:39:41 > 0:39:43enough, and as Kevin says,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46they're in this together or not at all.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50So, as the family prepare to vote for this, their final time,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52just what way will it go?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Will they all vote the same way?
0:39:54 > 0:39:57This is a hard one to call.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59What would you do?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02When the Thoms arrived in Melbourne a week ago,
0:40:02 > 0:40:06Lori was convinced it was where her family's future lay.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Australia has ticked so many boxes for me this week.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15It's shown me that we can have an amazing lifestyle, and everyone has
0:40:15 > 0:40:17welcomed us with open arms.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21But emotions have run high unexpectedly, making Lori wobble.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Today, after seeing messages from home,
0:40:26 > 0:40:31it has made me realise that the move is not as clear-cut as I'd first
0:40:31 > 0:40:35anticipated. So if I'm the driving force behind this,
0:40:35 > 0:40:40it really worries me what kind of extra doubts have crept in
0:40:40 > 0:40:43for Kev and Niall.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46And is she right to worry?
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Everything in my head says moving to Australia
0:40:49 > 0:40:52seems like the right decision,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54but my heart's saying no.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58And it's so difficult to separate head and heart.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03And with a maturity that belies his 11 years,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06is Niall still hanging on tight to his convictions?
0:41:06 > 0:41:10I never wanted to come to Australia, never mind move to Australia,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13but since I've been here, I've changed my mind a little bit.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18This week has been amazing. It's been such a good experience.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21As the last vote of the week approaches,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24- it's crunch time for the Thoms. - It's so tough.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27It's so hard to explain how tough it is to make a decision.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It's time to vote.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Based on our amazing week in Australia,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34our final vote goes to...
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Australia!- Undecided! - United Kingdom!
0:41:55 > 0:42:00Wow! I really thought we'd done enough this week to convince you...
0:42:00 > 0:42:04I'm confused. I can see us having a great life here.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07But then I also think we can have a great life back home. I'd be willing
0:42:07 > 0:42:10to try, but just not... For us not to consider it to be permanent.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14For you to say that you could possibly give it a try
0:42:14 > 0:42:19- and to vote undecided is much better than you voting UK in my eyes.- Yeah.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21So you voted UK, buddy.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24There are two things that are important to me.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27I don't want to move school, and I like the football club I'm at.
0:42:27 > 0:42:28I know, buddy. I know.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32I think we can all agree we've had an absolutely amazing week with a
0:42:32 > 0:42:35great insight into Australia,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37and I think we have lots to talk about.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- Definitely.- Group hug. Come on, buddy.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51Finding their forever home was top of this ever-moving RAF
0:42:51 > 0:42:53family's agenda.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Australia or Scotland?
0:42:55 > 0:42:58The trial week was meant to give them the answer,
0:42:58 > 0:43:03but it seems it has simply divided or confused this family more.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07As Kevin says, there's still a lot of talking to do,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10but one thing's for sure - whatever the Thoms decide,
0:43:10 > 0:43:14they'll do it together, and we wish them the very best of luck.