0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Wanted Down Under,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08the show that catapults a British family
0:00:08 > 0:00:11to the other side of the world
0:00:11 > 0:00:17to help them decide whether to stay in the UK or to move to Australia.
0:00:17 > 0:00:23'The Mercer family from the Wirral want a fresh start down under.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27'Tony Mercer lost his business and dreams of a new life in Australia.'
0:00:27 > 0:00:32The UK's got fundamental problems that won't be fixed overnight.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35'His wife Jane's had a tough time recently.'
0:00:35 > 0:00:37It's been hard in a lot of ways.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42Tony being really down regarding losing the business.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I've got upset thinking about me brother and sister. Sorry.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52'A fresh start might be possible for the Mercers in Australia.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:55This is what we need to be aiming for.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00Sam, this is table three - Nick, Marley, Tom...
0:01:00 > 0:01:02'But will it be that simple?'
0:01:02 > 0:01:05I'm shocked what you get for your money.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Why are we doing this? We've got a beautiful home.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11'And will Sam be happy?'
0:01:11 > 0:01:15You're going to miss your friends, mate?
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Don't get sad. It's OK. It's a sore point for him.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24People think it's an easy decision. It's not an easy decision at all.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52'Around 150 people a day migrate to Australia for a better life.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56'Anyone who's under the age of 45 and on the skills shortage list
0:01:56 > 0:02:00'could head down under at the head of the queue.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04'But for all these families, how hard is the decision,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07'and do they find what they're looking for?'
0:02:09 > 0:02:1320 British families have been pushed to breaking point,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16as they find out about real life down under.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20After just one week they'll vote one way or the other.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Whether to stay in the UK or to move to Australia.
0:02:24 > 0:02:30'Jane and Tony Mercer and their two children, Sam and Jess,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34'are about to leave their life in the UK.
0:02:34 > 0:02:41'Tony ran his property development company until the credit crunch hit and was declared bankrupt.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45'Now, they're going to sample life in Australia.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:48It probably made me a bit stronger.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52But it made me a lot weaker before it made me stronger.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55'He has struggled to find work in the UK
0:02:55 > 0:03:00'and believes that a fresh start in Australia might be the answer.'
0:03:00 > 0:03:05I'm not naive thinking it's all roses and rainbows over there.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10The UK's got fundamental problems that won't be fixed overnight.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I don't want to be here while they're changing.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16I'd rather go somewhere else.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19'Tony's wife Jane disagrees.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Initially,
0:03:21 > 0:03:27I did feel that he was wanting to pick us up and run away.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30It's part of the reason why I said,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34"No, I'm not going. We will work through this.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37"We'll build it back up again." We will.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39It's not running away.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44It is just trying to find a better life for the family. Absolutely.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48'Tony is a property developer turned house-husband,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52'something he struggled to adapt to.'
0:03:52 > 0:03:55As soon as you do one room, the next room's a mess.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Then they want feeding. Then you've got the washing.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Oh, well. Can't complain. My wife's at work.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08'Jane, now the sole wage earner, works as a senior hair stylist
0:04:08 > 0:04:10'in a salon in the Wirral.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15'In Australia she would have to support the whole family,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17'a daunting prospect.'
0:04:17 > 0:04:22I feel a lot of pressure about being the main visa applicant.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26It's down to me to make sure when we get there that I get a job
0:04:26 > 0:04:30and get the income coming in straight away.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36'She has very high expectations of what Australia could offer.'
0:04:36 > 0:04:41It's really in demand to have British hairdressers over there.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46I think the salary's much better than here in the UK.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I'm hoping so, anyway!
0:04:51 > 0:04:58'All seven-year-old Sam is worried about is whether he can fit his toys in his suitcase.'
0:04:58 > 0:05:03I'm kind of excited because I've never been to Australia before.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07And I'll kind of miss my friends.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Sam will take to it like a duck to water.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13'Then there's four-year-old Jess.'
0:05:13 > 0:05:18Jessica might... She might take a little bit of time, I think.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Do you think you'll be all right in Australia? Would you like to go?
0:05:23 > 0:05:28Jessica keeps herself back and doesn't make friends so quickly.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31But she's four years old and she'll adapt.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35'After the loss of Tony's business life has been difficult
0:05:35 > 0:05:40'but they have a close family who'll be hard to leave behind.'
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Some people don't think it's the right decision -
0:05:43 > 0:05:45friends and family.
0:05:45 > 0:05:52I don't think they're prepared to tell us that but I can see the way they feel is slightly different.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57As much as I really want to go and see what it's like,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I know I'm going to get homesick. I never thought I would.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06Now we're getting nearer, I know it's going to be a problem.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11We're very strong as a family, I'm hoping it's going to be enough.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13There's going to be no-one else.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23'We're sending them to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26'and Australia's most remote city.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31'Despite being surrounded by the outback, it has a cosmopolitan feel.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36'Rebuilt in 1974 after a cyclone, it offers a very warm climate.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39'Australia's fastest growing city,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43'it has plenty of job and housing options.'
0:06:43 > 0:06:47We found three different lifestyles for our family,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51each offering a new way of life for them to try on their budget.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Which one will be the most suitable?
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Let's see what the city has to offer the Mercers.
0:06:58 > 0:07:04On their budget of £225,000, they might find property expensive.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Four-bedroom houses would be just out of their reach.
0:07:08 > 0:07:14On the edge of the city, plots are more generous and there are plenty of hair salons.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18So potential work for Jane could be close by.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Very different from their life in the UK.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25What about the second option?
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Darwin's coastal suburbs would offer a more idyllic life.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Though not as well serviced,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36local malls would make everything convenient for Tony.
0:07:36 > 0:07:43Jane would be able to find work in a local salon and avoid the 50-minute commute into the city.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Property is sought-after and expensive.
0:07:46 > 0:07:52Four-bedroom family houses such as this one cost around £240,000,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56which would stretch the Mercers' budget of £225,000.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01That all looks very inviting, but what about the third option?
0:08:01 > 0:08:06The outer suburbs will give the Mercers more space for their money.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11Four-bedroom houses like this should be manageable on their budget.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16The outback's on the doorstep
0:08:16 > 0:08:19for Tony and the children to explore.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Jane would have to commute 30 minutes to work.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Three very different options. All of them life-changing.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30So where did we send our family?
0:08:30 > 0:08:33We decided on the city for the Mercers.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37With its many hair salons for Jane close-by
0:08:37 > 0:08:40and cheaper property in one of the suburbs,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43it's the best option.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46'We set Jane up with a trial job...'
0:08:46 > 0:08:52- What is the salary for a senior stylist?- I've got the pay scale...
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- '..and properties to view.' - It's like a static caravan.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59'And an Australian family to meet.'
0:08:59 > 0:09:01I've got a job for you!
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- I've got a job! See ya. - I've got the visa, baby!
0:09:05 > 0:09:11'So, the Mercers are jetting off for a week to sample life down under.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14'Will it live up to their expectations,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18'or will the UK prove to be too much to leave behind?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22'After a gruelling 10,000 miles
0:09:22 > 0:09:26'they emerge on the other side of the world at four in the morning.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28'So how are they feeling?'
0:09:28 > 0:09:30It was OK. Tired.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Sweaty.- It was very boring.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37He's been asking every five minutes, "Are we nearly there yet?"
0:09:39 > 0:09:44'It's a gruelling journey, especially when you've got children,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46'but they're almost there.
0:09:46 > 0:09:53'The family are staying in a large apartment in Larrakeyah, ten minutes from the city centre.'
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Wow. What a huge room.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Living room, kitchen and dining room all in one room. Perfect for us.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- JANE: I think this is mine. - It's got an en suite as well.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Oh, wow! Look at this! Three beds in here!
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Don't bounce on the beds!
0:10:15 > 0:10:21'It looks like the kids are waking up, which is just as well as the day is beginning.'
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I had this vision of new bungalows or two storeys,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28I guess, like you see in the States.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32First impressions, the sunlight's coming up,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34it's not what I thought.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38The palm trees, that's as you'd expect,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42but the style of houses, the flats, wasn't what I was expecting.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47I think the house is great as a base.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- As a holiday home? - As a holiday home, yeah.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55I think, as a home to live in for the family,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- I would expect newer, modern. - This might be the norm.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- We just don't know.- No.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08'This apartment may not be what they're looking for but it's a great base to explore Darwin.
0:11:08 > 0:11:15'Finding the right property is crucial. Let's hope they find something suitable tomorrow.'
0:11:19 > 0:11:24'In the UK, Tony and Jane live in a three-bedroom house in the Wirral,
0:11:24 > 0:11:29'which they bought in 2005 for £148,000.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34'It's a great location and they spent time and money on renovations,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38'so any house in Darwin will have a lot to live up to.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41'We found three homes for sale.
0:11:41 > 0:11:47'The first is in the suburb of Karama, a 20-minute commute from the city.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52'This three-bedroom, one bathroom house in on the market for:
0:11:52 > 0:11:55'Depending on what they sell their house for,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58'they should be able to afford it.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05'The only trouble is, it's on a main road.'
0:12:09 > 0:12:12JANE UNSURE: OK...
0:12:12 > 0:12:14From the '60s!
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Quite small, isn't it?
0:12:20 > 0:12:24It's just decor, nothing that couldn't be...
0:12:24 > 0:12:26couldn't be changed.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30It reminds me of a caravan.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- It's like a static caravan. - It is, isn't it?
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Is it me, or is it really dark?
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- Is it the light?- The whole building seems really dark.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- HOLLOW KNOCKS - Is that timber-framed construction?
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- The wall's about that thick.- Ah...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52'Their first impressions aren't great.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57'Tony's experience in property development would be needed
0:12:57 > 0:12:59'to make this house suitable.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01'But is it enough?'
0:13:01 > 0:13:06There's nothing stopping this wall coming out and door going here.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11One room with a bath and a shower, more conventional as we know it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15I can't get over how caravan-y it feels.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20Everything's four-inch stud walls. There's no insulation.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Again, it's so dark. - It is dark, isn't it?
0:13:23 > 0:13:29If this was all we could afford, you could make it nice, couldn't you?
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- Absolutely.- I'm looking at the outside, where we want to be.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Yeah, it's only decor but it's only three bedrooms.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Which, I know is all we need,
0:13:42 > 0:13:47but for the size of that lounge, if people were going to stay,
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- where would they stay? - Is this all you get for your money?
0:13:52 > 0:13:57'The inside hasn't impressed and this is one of the best-value areas.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00'The outside might make up for it.'
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- TRAFFIC HUMS - It's much better, isn't it?
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Let's have a look at the pool.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- It's a really nice size pool. - For us, that would be perfect.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- What spoils this...- It's that road. TRAFFIC HUMS
0:14:17 > 0:14:22Do you learn to live with that and not hear it?
0:14:22 > 0:14:26It's intrusive but it's not offensive. You could live with it.
0:14:26 > 0:14:34'The traffic may be noisy, but the nearby road may make this property more affordable.'
0:14:34 > 0:14:39I'm a bit disappointed in the house, the inside.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It looks a little bit run-down, the area.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Right next to a main road. - The road doesn't bother me now.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52The outside space makes it a five-and-a-half instead of a four.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57You could live here but it would just be transitional accommodation
0:14:57 > 0:15:00for 12, 18 months then move on.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05'If this isn't up to scratch, maybe the next house is better suited.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09'Property two is a bit further out in the suburb of Gunn.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14'This three-bedroom, two-bathroom house costs around:
0:15:14 > 0:15:18'So it would be a stretch, especially with just Jane working.
0:15:18 > 0:15:24'But the area is great for families and there's a play park next door.'
0:15:30 > 0:15:33This looks a lot better, doesn't it?
0:15:33 > 0:15:37JANE: Wow!
0:15:37 > 0:15:40This is better! Oh, yes!
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It isn't that much bigger, just laid out different.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50- It's one level so it feels bigger, doesn't it?- I like the tiled floor.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56The rooms are probably the same size but it's light.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I think it's smaller,
0:15:58 > 0:16:03but it's got the built-in wardrobes, which is a bonus.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Jessica, stop touching.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13This is nice. It's got an en suite as well.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- It's much nicer. - I like the sliding doors.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- Jane?- Nice, yeah. It is nice. And the double shower.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Two sinks. Two showers. - One toilet.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29That's bedroom two. Where's the third bedroom?
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- So this is the third bedroom. - It's being a study.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39It feels like it's been squeezed in as a third bedroom.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43It should be listed as a two-bedroom with study.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50'It was looking so good but, with a family, space might be an issue.'
0:16:50 > 0:16:54When you come in you think, "Fantastic! It's new!"
0:16:54 > 0:16:58When you walk round it a few times, it's actually very small
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- for what you're paying.- Yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06The kitchen is probably half the size of what I've got at home.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11So far, I'm shocked at what you get for your money in Australia.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- The value for money is not what people make out.- No.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18It's a lot more expensive than you think.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- Shall we see what you get outside? - Yeah.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- Big push!- Well done.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28You feel the heat, can't you, coming out?
0:17:28 > 0:17:29This is lovely.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Wow! Look at the waterfall!
0:17:39 > 0:17:46- Much smaller garden and back area than the last.- Yeah, much smaller.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50I'm not bothered about having big spaces to maintain.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55'This house seems more suitable but what do they make of it all?'
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- This is a great starting point. - But it's not starting money.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- No, I suppose not.- You're talking about an acceptable standard.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09I totally agree with you, but you're not talking starting money.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13It's not as cheap as everyone's making it out to be.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17To come to Australia, go through the moving,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21leaving the family and friends and work, leaving everything,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I don't want to take a backwards step.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27'So far, things aren't looking good.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31'It seems as if Tony might be changing his mind.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34'But what about the final property?
0:18:36 > 0:18:40'It's close by in the outer suburb of Durack.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44'This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has stunning views.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50'But at around £425,000, it's way out of their price range.
0:18:50 > 0:18:56'If Tony went back to work and they got a good price for their UK house,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58'they might manage it.'
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- This is a nice entrance, isn't it? - It's a bit more like it.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Look at this, guys!
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Very stylish. Very modern.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Good size room.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14Just from the front room I'll have it! We'll take it!
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I think it's your bedroom.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- I think you're right. Wow. - Beautiful bed and flowers.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28It is beautiful, there's no denying it. It's perfect!
0:19:28 > 0:19:31'So far, so good, although Jane has reservations.'
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- What do you reckon to that view? - I could get used to it.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- Do you think there are any crocs in the lake?- No crocodiles in there.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- Sure? Do you want to test the water? - No.- I don't think so!
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- It's lot of work keeping the floor that shiny.- That's your job!
0:19:51 > 0:19:54'I don't know about that, Tony!
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'This may be out of their price range but Jane has a solution.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- You could build us something like this.- One day, yeah.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- Of course I could.- You could build those?- Not the lake but this house.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10This would be your room, Sam.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Everything comes with built-in wardrobes.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19The space is space you've got rather than having to put wardrobes in.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- It all blends in nicely. - It's really subtle.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26'Outside, there's a toy for Tony.'
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Built-in barbecue. - A barbie and a half.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Yeah, not like our little one in our garden.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Imagine cleaning the glass.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Sticky fingerprints everywhere. - Yeah.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46You couldn't put a washing line up anywhere!
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- You just wouldn't want to spoil the view.- Lower the tone.
0:20:50 > 0:20:57'It's an impressive house and Tony's getting a little bit swept away.'
0:20:57 > 0:21:01I see myself living here, playing golf over there,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Jane going off to work, me looking after the kids.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Only joking. No, I can see myself living here.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12It's what we need to be aiming for, not only for quality of life,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17but something that motivates you, a target you want to achieve.
0:21:17 > 0:21:23- Something like this will motivate me. I'm sure it'll motivate Jane as well.- Absolutely.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Move this house over to the UK.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32So we can live here and we can see our friends again.
0:21:32 > 0:21:40'Oh, dear. The house may have impressed Tony and Jane, but Sam's starting to miss his friends.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42'That's three properties.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46'The first house in Karama cost £225,000.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- 'But it didn't go down well.' - Like a static caravan.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53'Tony didn't think much of the neighbourhood.'
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- What spoils this...- It's that road.
0:21:56 > 0:22:03'The second was more expensive at £260,000 and seemed to be suitable, but space would be a problem.'
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- It's actually very small. - 'And too pricey.'
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Value for money, it's not what people make out.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15'The third property was better. Tony and Jane wanted to move in.'
0:22:15 > 0:22:16I'll have it!
0:22:16 > 0:22:21'However, at £425,000 it's beyond their budget for now,
0:22:21 > 0:22:26'and they'd both have to work to afford it, unless Tony built one.'
0:22:26 > 0:22:28I could build this house.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33'So do they prefer property in the UK or here in Australia?'
0:22:33 > 0:22:38Based on the properties that we've seen today, our vote goes to...
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Australia.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Australia.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47UK.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50My decision is based purely on value for money.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55'Despite that, they were all swept away by the last property.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59'The first two were unsuitable and brought Tony back down to Earth.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'Later, the Mercers find out how much their UK house is worth.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:08We really have put our heart and soul into the house.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- It's quite sad, cos you just want it to be so much more.- Yeah.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15'And the atmosphere gets tense.'
0:23:15 > 0:23:19This is why, at home, I do all this. Because Jane's useless.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25'But for a potential move to become reality, Jane needs a good salary.'
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Property in Darwin can be expensive.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37To afford a mortgage, it's down to Jane to find work.
0:23:37 > 0:23:44Hi, Jane. I'm Colette, one of the owners of Stone Island hairdressers.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46We're looking forward to meeting you.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50We've been here for 11 years. We're quite a large salon.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55We're really busy so when you come to Darwin, please come and see us.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58'In the Wirral, Jane works as a hairdresser.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03'Since Tony's bankruptcy, she's been the sole wage earner.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08'It's vital that any potential salary can support the family.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11'Will it live up to her expectations?'
0:24:11 > 0:24:14I've heard, regarding the salary,
0:24:14 > 0:24:19that it's pretty much double, compared to the UK.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23And I believe that the hours aren't as long.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27The salon I work in is open seven days a week.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32Some days are ten-hour shifts, especially the days that I teach.
0:24:32 > 0:24:39It can get quite tiring. I've heard that the hours are very different.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42'Jane's meeting owners Colette and Fiona.'
0:24:42 > 0:24:46You must be Jane. I'm Colette. Nice to meet you.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- This is my business partner, Fiona. - Hi, how are you?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Come through this way.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55We have four basins.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00They're lovely massage basins - Shiatsu massage and normal massage.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03The basins move up and down.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07This is Kelly. Kelly, can I introduce you to Jane?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Jane, this is Kelly.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14'After a quick look around, it's time for a test of Jane's skills.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19'Will she be able to wow them with her cutting?
0:25:19 > 0:25:23'The family's future hangs on how Jane wields the scissors.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28'This could be the most important styling she's ever done!
0:25:31 > 0:25:34'Since Jane has worked full time,
0:25:34 > 0:25:38'Tony's had to get used to being a house husband.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42'Today, he's taking the kids to a play park.
0:25:42 > 0:25:48'Darwin has a lot of these, which the children should enjoy, but Tony has a lot on his mind.'
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I'm worried about how they'll settle in.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55It plays on my mind constantly.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00I've had the guilt trip of losing the business and taking bankruptcy.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02You almost feel a failure.
0:26:02 > 0:26:08When we come here, we'll be taking a backwards step in material things.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12I've even had the emotional side. Have I been a bad dad?
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Have I been a bad husband? We shouldn't be in this position.
0:26:16 > 0:26:23People think it's an easy decision when they see the beautiful surroundings, but it's not easy.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28'And it's not just him. He's noticed a change in Sam.'
0:26:28 > 0:26:30I'm a bit concerned about Sam.
0:26:30 > 0:26:36I think Sam's going to be the one that makes it hard for us to move.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41He's seven and he'll do as he's told, but it's affecting him a lot.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46That in turn's affected me when I didn't think it would do.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49That's a bad feeling for us, really.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52He's really missing his friends.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01My cousins,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04aunties, nans, uncles,
0:27:04 > 0:27:09granddads and all the other friends and families.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Ben said he can only visit me five years at a time.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Because of the money. He'd have to save up the money.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22I won't see them for a long time and I'll forget about them.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26'Ah, Sam. A huge decision like this is never easy.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30'How has Jane got on with her crucial haircut?
0:27:30 > 0:27:32'It's judgment time.'
0:27:32 > 0:27:34OK, so we're all finished?
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- Yeah.- Beautiful.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41- You've got a little bit of styling product already in there?- Not yet.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56- Technically, it's a beautiful haircut.- Thank you.- So that's great.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Is that OK for you? Yeah. Lovely.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02No doubt we'll see you again...
0:28:02 > 0:28:07'Jane seems to have impressed them, but what about the details?
0:28:07 > 0:28:11'At home, she can earn £20 an hour. How much can she get here?'
0:28:11 > 0:28:17- What is the salary for a senior stylist?- I've got the pay scale.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19You can take it home with you.
0:28:19 > 0:28:25Every one of our senior stylists are on 22 up to 26.10 an hour,
0:28:25 > 0:28:31with penalty rates when they work late, so they get time and a half.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36I think we're relatively on a par with other states in Australia.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41'Oh, dear. That works out at £11 an hour at the current rate.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45'Jane was expecting double pay, not half. What does she make of it?'
0:28:45 > 0:28:50I really do think I've sort of been led up the garden path,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52regarding the salary.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56I was quite shocked when she showed me the figures.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01I didn't want to gasp, but I was thinking, "Oh, my goodness!
0:29:01 > 0:29:04"That is just so not what I thought."
0:29:04 > 0:29:06If I was the main breadwinner,
0:29:06 > 0:29:11then I would be at work 24/7 with that salary expectation.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13It's very low.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18'There's a job waiting, but the pay's not what she'd hoped for.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20'So how will she vote?'
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Based on what I've seen, working in Darwin, my vote goes to...
0:29:26 > 0:29:28..the UK.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33'For the salary to fall so low below expectations,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36'it's a blow to the family's plans.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41'And they've had some big set-backs recently.'
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Tony being really down, regarding losing the business.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Me having to leave the kids and go to work.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52'And how will they react when they see messages from family?'
0:29:52 > 0:29:58It's quite emotional for me. I'm trying to be very strong, but...
0:30:02 > 0:30:10'Since losing his business, Tony has struggled to find work and hopes that a move will be a fresh start.'
0:30:10 > 0:30:14The UK's got fundamental problems that won't be fixed overnight.
0:30:14 > 0:30:21'Jane was not keen to go and it's taken persuading from Tony to get her this far.'
0:30:21 > 0:30:28No, I'm not going. We'll work through this, we'll build it all back up again.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32'Although Tony felt that Australian properties were too expensive,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34'Jane liked them.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38'Her notion that hairdressers get paid twice as much proved false
0:30:38 > 0:30:44'and, despite impressing her potential employer, she was shaken.'
0:30:44 > 0:30:46I was shocked when she showed me the figures.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51'To make things harder, Sam, who was initially keen on a move,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53'has started to miss his friends.'
0:30:53 > 0:30:57I won't see them for a long time and I'll forget about them.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05As the main breadwinner, Jane's low salary in Australia
0:31:05 > 0:31:11means that it's important to get a good price for the house in the UK.
0:31:11 > 0:31:17'Tony and Jane bought their three-bedroom house in the Wirral in 2005 for £148,000.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21'They've spent around £40,000 on renovations.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26'They think it's now worth £200,000 and every penny will count,
0:31:26 > 0:31:31'as houses in Australia are proving more expensive than they thought.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35'We sent two estate agents to give it a proper valuation.
0:31:35 > 0:31:40'It's time for Tony and Jane to see what they had to say.'
0:31:50 > 0:31:54Good size family lounge. Nice big bay window.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Lets plenty of light in.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Finished nicely. Nice room, this one.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Strange seeing someone in your house when you're not there.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Good size kitchen-breakfast room.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14'Fitted really well with integrated oven.'
0:32:26 > 0:32:30The French doors onto the garden are a nice feature.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35The trees in the park are lovely. It gets the sun at this time of day.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41This is a very family-friendly, family-orientated garden,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43which is a great selling point.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52A lovely contemporary bathroom suite.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56White's always more popular than any other colour.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Fitted recently. An excellent selling point.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02'There's our room!'
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Good size master bedroom with fitted mirrored wardrobes.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14And bay window. And a huge king size bed.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- Super-king. - Super-king! Get it right!
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Sam's toys everywhere, eh?
0:33:23 > 0:33:27'It's a really well presented, three-bedroom semi'
0:33:27 > 0:33:29in a popular residential location.
0:33:29 > 0:33:35The large sunny garden's a big positive. A good selling point.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38To achieve a quick sale, we'd price the property
0:33:38 > 0:33:40at around £180,000.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- Ooh.- Eugh.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48A lovely three-bedroom semi, just the kind people are looking for.
0:33:48 > 0:33:54As long as the price is just under £200,000 I would expect a lot of interest.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58In the current market they may have to take an offer
0:33:58 > 0:34:01more around:
0:34:01 > 0:34:05'That's less than they thought, by about £10,000.'
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- It's dropped a lot, hasn't it? - Yeah. Quite a shame.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13They're saying you can buy a house with that amount of space,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17finished to that standard for £180,000 for a quick sale.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Over here, to buy something that needs loads of work, um...
0:34:21 > 0:34:26and not particularly to your taste, or what your dream is,
0:34:26 > 0:34:31- and it's still maybe another 50, 60 grand above that price.- Yeah.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35When we looked at property my vote was UK
0:34:35 > 0:34:39because I think you do get more for your money in the UK.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41It's clear, by watching that.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45We really have put our heart and soul into the house.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50- It's quite sad, really. You just want it to be so much more.- Yeah.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53You do think, why are we doing this?
0:34:53 > 0:34:58We've got a beautiful home and our family around us.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Coming out here,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04we might not be able to have as nice a home, and no family around us.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09We'll be living in a tin hut dirt box, some of the things we've seen!
0:35:09 > 0:35:11It doesn't sit right.
0:35:11 > 0:35:18- I've got a lovely house there and we're looking at dirt boxes made out of tin here.- Corrugated iron.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20It's a bit of a head scratcher.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25- I can't quite get my head around what I'm doing here.- It IS a dream.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30Yeah, is it a dream? I'm not quite sure at the moment.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35The value of their house has come as a shock to Tony and Jane.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39They have to work out how much it costs to live in Darwin
0:35:39 > 0:35:43to see if they can afford to make the move.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47'We've provided the Mercers with details of everyday costs,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50'but will the numbers add up?'
0:35:51 > 0:35:55Right... Australian costs of living.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59The tax is quite high, isn't it? 30%.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- Stamp duty's 5%. - That's big, isn't it?
0:36:03 > 0:36:06That's a hell of a lot.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Electricity bills. Gee whiz.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14To have a pool costs money. It's not just water in a hole.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18- So, £500 a month...- On electricity. - On electricity alone.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23You're basically 40% more for your food.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Are we working it out weekly? It's 2,000 there.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- Say, £200.- Read it properly, love.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Right, you're not reading this properly.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42- These are our energy bills in Australia.- "Home electricity".
0:36:42 > 0:36:45So our energy bill a month is £254.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Our energy bill here is £250.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- You do it. - LAUGHING: No.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55This is why, at home, I do all this.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Because Jane's useless at it. I do it.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06'After some serious number crunching and a little loss of temper,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'can they afford the move to Australia?
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Based on the cost of living and what we've just gone through,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15our vote goes to...
0:37:19 > 0:37:21BOTH: Australia.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26We have skills. I know what I'm capable of when the opportunities are there.
0:37:26 > 0:37:32I know that if we're making it work in the UK when things are tough,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35here, where there's far more opportunities for us,
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- I definitely vote Australia cos I know we can do it.- So do I.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Darwin can be expensive and Tony would need to get a job,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51but what would life be like?
0:37:51 > 0:37:57'On the other side of the world, there's no getting away from school.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02'Tony and Jane have been concerned about how the children would settle,
0:38:02 > 0:38:07'so they've arranged for Sam to spend the day at Jingili school.'
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Welcome to Jingili primary school. I'm Jodie, the principle.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- I'm Tony.- I'm Jane.- Good morning.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- This is Sam.- Good morning, Sam. - And Jessica.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Good morning, Jessica.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21This is Mr Dixon, your teacher.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26Sam, would you like to come in? I'll introduce you to everyone.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Have a nice time! Bye!
0:38:28 > 0:38:33'In a survey, Australian schools were in the top ten in the world,
0:38:33 > 0:38:35'higher than the UK.
0:38:35 > 0:38:41'They're managed according to the state, and so can vary greatly.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44'Sam seems to be settling in, though.'
0:38:44 > 0:38:47It'll probably float. It will float.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54'While Sam finds out what school is like,
0:38:54 > 0:38:59'Tony and Jane are keen to see what the nursery would be like for Jess.'
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Come and have a look what we're doing.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Natalia's drawing a picture.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18JANE: 'The move, we are worried about Jess.'
0:39:18 > 0:39:24But now it's switching and I don't know whether I should start worrying about Sam.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30'Usually, he's so laid back and he'll go with the flow.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33'He seems to be constantly saying'
0:39:33 > 0:39:36he wants to see his cousin, his friends.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38So it's a big decision.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42'He's feeling quite anxious about the whole thing.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44'If I'm not happy for the children'
0:39:44 > 0:39:48to be moved out to Australia, it won't happen.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53'It seems a lot rests on how the children take to life in Australia.'
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- Did you enjoy it?- Yeah.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Good boy. Say thank you, please.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Sam, it was lovely to meet you.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Thank you very much indeed.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- Thank you.- Bye bye, now. Bye.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14'After a morning at school, the Mercers head off for a swim.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16'Darwin's beaches may look inviting
0:40:16 > 0:40:21'but the family goes to a man-made lagoon, closed off from the sea.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25'It's where locals swim, protected from unpleasant surprises
0:40:25 > 0:40:31'that lurk just off the beach, where you could get a nasty sting.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35'Darwin has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39'bordered by the warm turquoise waters of the Timor Sea.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44'With a stunning coastline minutes from the city, beaches are empty.
0:40:44 > 0:40:49'Saltwater crocodiles are prevalent in coastal waters,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53'but with crocodile monitoring and numerous croc traps,
0:40:53 > 0:40:59'bathers can be relatively sure the dangerous creatures aren't around.
0:41:01 > 0:41:08'Tony Snelling, CEO of the Northern Territories Surf Lifesaving Team is here to tell us more.'
0:41:08 > 0:41:13We advise people not to swim on the beach eight months of the year.
0:41:13 > 0:41:19From the beginning of October to the end of May, don't go in the water.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24Here in the tropical north we have a particularly dangerous jellyfish,
0:41:24 > 0:41:29a Chironex fleckeri, or locally known as the box jellyfish.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31'The box jellyfish is feared.'
0:41:31 > 0:41:36If you are stung by a box jellyfish, you immediately have extreme pain
0:41:36 > 0:41:42and the toxins can have an effect on your cardiovascular system.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46The box jellyfish has a transparent bell to it,
0:41:46 > 0:41:51and the tentacles are similarly transparent.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53They come out from tidal creeks
0:41:53 > 0:41:57and feed in shallow beach areas and reef areas.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59'Even in the dry season,
0:41:59 > 0:42:05'it's recommended that people only use beaches that have been checked.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08'It's not just swimmers who are in danger.'
0:42:08 > 0:42:13Paddling is dangerous during the wet season, when many stings occur.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16People aren't prepared for that.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20They associate box jellyfish stings with swimming,
0:42:20 > 0:42:23but many occur by people paddling.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27'Luckily, there are times when the water is safer.'
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Nothing's ever completely safe
0:42:29 > 0:42:31and 100% risk-free,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35but box jellyfish are not prevalent during the dry season.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38It's rare for somebody to be stung,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41particularly in June, July, August and September.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44So it's relatively safe.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49It is a real shock, something I hadn't researched about Darwin.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54You automatically think beautiful beaches, you can swim and surf.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57'There's a safe lagoon for the family.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02'Jane reflects on how hard life's been since the bankruptcy.'
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Tony's been at home trying to become the house husband,
0:43:06 > 0:43:08struggled.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10LAUGHING: But he's getting there.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14It's been difficult for me, breaking away from the children,
0:43:14 > 0:43:17especially Jessica, she's so clingy.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21Doesn't really want to do much without me.
0:43:21 > 0:43:28It's been hard for Tony because he was always at work and now she cries continuously for me.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33So it's been hard in a lot of ways.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38Tony being really down, regarding losing the business,
0:43:38 > 0:43:41me having to leave the kids and go to work,
0:43:41 > 0:43:45then come home and pick Tony up for being down.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47And then, still being a mum.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51It's been a really hard 12 months for us all.
0:43:54 > 0:43:59Based on the lifestyle that we've seen here today, our vote goes to...
0:43:59 > 0:44:04'It's been a long day, but what do they make of the lifestyle?'
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- JANE AND TONY: Australia. - UK.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09UK?
0:44:09 > 0:44:11OK.
0:44:11 > 0:44:12Really?
0:44:12 > 0:44:15How come you voted for UK, Sam?
0:44:15 > 0:44:20- Because I'm missing my friends. - You're gonna miss your friends?
0:44:20 > 0:44:24Don't get sad. It's OK. It's obviously a sore point for him.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28You'll make friends here, but OK, we'll see.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32We'll make the decision as a family, so you'll be fine.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43It seems Sam is really missing his mates back home.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47If they emigrate, they'll all need to make friends.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54The Mercers are up early to meet a local family
0:44:54 > 0:44:57at one of Darwin's many street markets.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- Hello, good morning.- Eddie.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Hello. How are you?
0:45:06 > 0:45:08Here's my wife, Julie.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11My daughters, Courtney and Adrienne.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13- This is Sam.- G'day, Sam.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16This is Jessie. Hello, Jess. >
0:45:16 > 0:45:19Princess, come on. Say hello.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22Look at the size of these watermelons, Jess!
0:45:24 > 0:45:26- What's that?- I don't know.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28Eugh!
0:45:28 > 0:45:32'After a quick tour round the market they head to a park,
0:45:32 > 0:45:36'and Tony is eager to find out more about Darwin.'
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- It's absolutely beautiful. - Yes, it is.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43- There's plenty of work? - EDDIE: For anyone with a trade.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48There's plenty of work up here. Down south might be different.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52If you want to work, there's always work.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55Cos in the UK it's...
0:45:55 > 0:45:59But as much as people are getting laid off in the UK,
0:45:59 > 0:46:03you could still get a job, if you're prepared to work. >
0:46:03 > 0:46:08Y-yeah. That's fair comment, but you're probably flipping burgers.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12If you need to feed your family, there's work out there.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16< Employers have a bit more scope of people to employ.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20But there's work for trade people who've got skills?
0:46:20 > 0:46:23There's a gas plant starting soon.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25We want to do some work on our house
0:46:25 > 0:46:31and everyone you speak to says the builders have a huge backlog,
0:46:31 > 0:46:33till you can get someone in.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37- You can't ring up and say... - I want a bathroom fitted next week?
0:46:37 > 0:46:41- Even three months' time. - Really?- Yeah.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44That's what I was doing in the UK, remodelling,
0:46:44 > 0:46:47new-builds, cosmetic internal work.
0:46:47 > 0:46:51If you're out here by next dry season I've got a job for you!
0:46:51 > 0:46:53ALL LAUGH
0:46:53 > 0:46:57I'm not going home, I'm just going to stay here.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- I've got a job. See ya! - I've got the visa, baby!
0:47:04 > 0:47:09- We'll try and catch up with you. - Nice to have met you. Thank you.
0:47:09 > 0:47:14When you move back, let us know and I'll sort that job out.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16Thanks again. Bye.
0:47:16 > 0:47:22'Tony may have landed a potential job but Jane knows him too well.'
0:47:22 > 0:47:27Tony can get carried away, really. Say, "This job!" and "That job!"
0:47:27 > 0:47:30I am the feet-on-the-ground person
0:47:30 > 0:47:33saying, "Have you thought this through?"
0:47:33 > 0:47:38Most of the time he has and everything works out really well.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41Sometimes I do have to rein him in a bit.
0:47:46 > 0:47:51Tony may be excited about the prospect of returning to work
0:47:51 > 0:47:57but how will they feel about the move when they've seen messages from friends and family back home?
0:48:01 > 0:48:02Hi!
0:48:02 > 0:48:04Hello.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07- Hi, Jane. Hi, Tony. - Hello, Sam. Hello, Jess.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- Hi, everybody. - Hello, sprog!
0:48:10 > 0:48:12Hi, Tony, Sam and Jessie.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16I couldn't ask for a better brother. He listens.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19I can go to him with anything.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23And he'd fix it. He'd fix it. He's a fixer.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25Super-intelligent.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29If you knew what he'd achieved in his life you'd think, "Wow!"
0:48:29 > 0:48:32- She's a good daughter.- A nice girl.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35Loyal. And...
0:48:35 > 0:48:39Supportive. They're very good kids.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44- Lovely kids.- Nice natured.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48I love them. I love those kids so much.
0:48:48 > 0:48:52She's a Daddy's girl. I think she's absolutely beautiful.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55Sam is a very good friend.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58Sometimes very clever.
0:48:58 > 0:49:04- Sam's very funny. We might forget about Sam.- Yeah.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06NEW SPEAKER: I'll miss her.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10I'll miss Tony because he's loads of fun to be around.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15I'll miss the kids. My children play with them all the time.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18I'll miss her just being there, if I needed her.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22I think the contact, giving them a hug and...
0:49:22 > 0:49:26Knowing that I don't have a brother round the corner.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30Just him turning up and ringing the bell.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33I don't think a day goes by that I don't speak to her.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36I'll just miss her company, really.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40They used to live in London.
0:49:40 > 0:49:44She moved back up here to be near her family.
0:49:44 > 0:49:49Australia's a lot further away than London so I think it'll be tough.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52I think I'm still in a bit of denial.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Cos I think, "They won't go."
0:49:54 > 0:49:59They're going to start a new life and they will move on.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02I worry about that...
0:50:03 > 0:50:06We won't have that closeness.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09It's our only grandchildren.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12The only grandchildren we know about!
0:50:12 > 0:50:15I'm going to miss them.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23Miss not having him around, really.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29Don't forget your auntie Jenny.
0:50:29 > 0:50:34I don't care how big you are, Jess, I'll always give you the aeroplane.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37Sam, I'll twiddle you round even when you're grown.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39Good luck. Love you.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42We'll miss you very much, especially Sam and Jess.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47I love you very much, too. Bye.
0:50:47 > 0:50:52Thinking about you. I'll be here for you, wherever you are in the world.
0:50:52 > 0:50:57Whatever decision you make, we're with you all the way.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01All I can say is I love you loads and I'll see you soon.
0:51:01 > 0:51:07If it didn't work, I think it would be hard to come back,
0:51:07 > 0:51:13to admit that it didn't work, but obviously, I hope that it would.
0:51:37 > 0:51:42It's quite emotional. I'm trying to be very strong but...
0:51:43 > 0:51:45Brings it home a bit, that.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49It's very powerful when you see your family upset.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52We've only been away a week. It puts it in perspective.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56They're so supportive when I've been down and really low.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59I shall miss their support.
0:52:02 > 0:52:07If you went anything on that, you wouldn't go. You just wouldn't.
0:52:07 > 0:52:12Nothing's clear cut any more, is it?
0:52:12 > 0:52:16It's been mixed in with a bit of grey. I don't know what to say.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20Other than I'm not sure. I'm just not sure.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35The thought of leaving loved ones hasn't been easy for the family.
0:52:35 > 0:52:39The Mercers have a big decision ahead of them.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43'It's the end of a long week in Darwin for the family.
0:52:43 > 0:52:47- 'They haven't found it easy.' - It's like a static caravan.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51Wow!
0:52:51 > 0:52:54- This is better!- I want this!
0:52:57 > 0:53:03It's from one extreme to the other within five minutes of each other,
0:53:03 > 0:53:05ten times a day.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09So it's.... It's really hard to cope with.
0:53:09 > 0:53:13'Despite getting carried away with the third property,
0:53:13 > 0:53:16'Tony was stunned by the prices.'
0:53:16 > 0:53:18This is living the dream.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22I'm shocked on what you get for your money in Australia.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24A lot of texture through...
0:53:24 > 0:53:27'The Mercers' dream was dealt a big blow
0:53:27 > 0:53:31'when Jane's idea of an increased salary proved to be wrong.'
0:53:31 > 0:53:35I was quite shocked when she showed me the figures.
0:53:35 > 0:53:40I didn't want to gasp, but I was thinking, "Oh, my goodness!"
0:53:40 > 0:53:45'They enjoyed the lifestyle and made the most of meeting the locals.'
0:53:45 > 0:53:50If you're out here by next dry season, I've got a job for you.
0:53:51 > 0:53:58'But Sam got more homesick as the week went on, a constant worry for Tony and Jane.'
0:53:58 > 0:54:00He's really missing his friends.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03Usually, he's so laid back.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07'It was Tony's idea to move to Australia after losing his business.
0:54:07 > 0:54:13'Having worked so hard to persuade Jane, is he having second thoughts?'
0:54:13 > 0:54:16It's going to be tough.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20When you're here and feel the scale of it, there's no denying it.
0:54:20 > 0:54:25Knowing that I'd not see my brother and sister is... It's sad.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27It upsets me a bit, you know?
0:54:29 > 0:54:32I've got a bit upset. Sorry, I've got...
0:54:32 > 0:54:36Got a bit upset thinking about me brother and sister, sorry.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50SIGHS
0:54:50 > 0:54:54It's not like me, that. Dear me.
0:54:55 > 0:55:00I'll miss my family a lot, you know? I love them all.
0:55:00 > 0:55:05I'll miss them dearly but I've got to do what's best for my family.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09'It's crunch time.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13'Will they choose to stay in the UK, or start a new life down under?
0:55:13 > 0:55:16Based on everything that Darwin has to offer,
0:55:16 > 0:55:18our final vote goes to...
0:55:21 > 0:55:23UK
0:55:23 > 0:55:25TONY AND JANE: Australia.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32We won't see our friends for a long while, or family.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36So that's why I'm choosing the UK.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38I understand.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41I think Australia's definitely the place for us.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43I think so.
0:55:46 > 0:55:51How about this, right? I get you a laptop with a webcam?
0:55:51 > 0:55:55You can speak to all your friends on the internet
0:55:55 > 0:55:58and you can talk to them on a video.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00- Would you like that?- Yeah.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05Come here.
0:56:07 > 0:56:13'Sam will really miss his friends in the UK but time is a great healer.
0:56:13 > 0:56:19'Tony and Jane think that Australia holds a better future for the whole family.
0:56:19 > 0:56:23'It's still going to take a lot to make it work.'
0:56:23 > 0:56:27Join us next time when we find out what happens
0:56:27 > 0:56:31when another British family decide whether they're wanted down under.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd