Little Wanted Down Under

Could you take your teenage children to the other side of the world,

away from their friends and family,

even though you knew they didn't want to go?

I don't want to move to Australia.

But what if you've found YOUR dream?

I could live here. There's enough to do to keep me occupied.

There's a challenge here.

And what would you do if the pull of home was too much to bear?

You're confused, aren't you?

If you and your family were being pulled apart,

and having to make a life-changing decision,

would you go where you were wanted down under?

Australia is one of the top destinations in the world

for emigrating Brits looking for a better way of life.

With a land mass over 30 times larger than the UK,

and one third of the population, there's plenty of space for everyone.

But its pristine beaches and relaxed way of life

don't always provide everything that new arrivals expect.

Simon and Heather Little moved to the idyllic setting of Devon from Manchester 11 years ago,

with their sons Kai, aged 13, and ten-year-old Tyler.

But they're now hankering for a change.

The decision to come to Australia was probably about 15 years ago,

not long after we'd got married. I said, "Why don't we move there?"

Simon said, "Oh, yeah, we could," in a jokey manner,

but I think I've been the one that's held that dream

and really tried to make this happen.

The Littles are an active family, and although they moved to Devon

for the outdoor life, the sun doesn't always shine.

A lot of our activities are restricted

by the weather we have in this country,

and I'm hoping Australia would make it more accessible

with the better weather.

Simon has two very good reasons to make this move work.

My driving force behind this

is improving the prospects and life for Kai and Tyler.

But has he asked them what they really want?

At first I didn't want to move,

but I've changed my mind and I think I want to now.

I don't really want to move yet,

because I've got a lot of friends here,

so I'm not sure about having to start all over again.

Kai's adamant that there's no way he's going.

He's at that teenage age where relationships are quite important,

and he's just starting to realise who he is. He's turning into a man,

and it's a very difficult time.

The whole family are active members of their local rugby club,

and they rely on it for their social life.

We've built up quite a network of friends,

and that would be something I really would miss.

'We'll have to start again. It won't be easy.'

And, with the boys entering a critical stage in their education,

time is of the essence.

We have to do it quickly, or not at all.

THEY CHATTER AND LAUGH

This family is torn about what to do.

Kai and Tyler are the reason that they want to go to Australia,

but they could also be the ones who put an end to the dream.

Simon's skills as an industrial engineer are highly sought after,

but their new life could be very different, depending on where they settle.

Australia has a lot to offer families like the Littles.

But where would give them the balance of outdoors life,

job prospects and affordability?

Melbourne is the buzzing capital of Victoria,

and is fiercely competitive with Sydney

for being the unofficial "first city" of Australia.

A population of four million people and a relatively buoyant economy

mean Simon's job prospects are good.

Perth is the capital of Western Australia,

with a population of 1.5 million people.

It's a quiet alternative to the larger cities on the eastern coast.

It's not a huge industrial metropolis,

but the mining boom means good work opportunities,

and the boys would enjoy the pristine surfing beaches.

Byron Bay is a small town located between Sydney and Brisbane

on the east coast of Australia.

The surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes,

and, with plenty of picturesque beaches,

it's considered to be many people's idea of the Australian idyll.

But jobs for Simon could be hard to come by,

and the family could feel a little isolated,

away from a large city.

So three very strong possibilities there. Where shall we send them?

We decided that the Littles should try out life in Melbourne

for their week down under.

Simon would have plenty of opportunities to find work,

and Kai and Tyler would never get bored of the bustling social scene.

And Heather could find a teaching job,

which would help fund her dream. Over the course of a week,

the Littles will sample all aspects of Aussie life,

and finally they'll have to decide whether to stay in the UK

or move to Australia.

The Littles will be seeing what kind of home they could afford.

Very dark. Needs a complete revamp,

if not flattening and starting again.

Simon will be put to work in an Aussie factory.

Doesn't seem to want to come off as easy as the last one.

Mum and Dad will do all they can to convince the boys

that they can make a new life in Australia.

Here's a jersey. Hopefully they're not going to be too nasty on you.

But it's going to take a lot more than a game of rugby.

The Littles' journey from Exeter to Melbourne takes 32 hours,

and covers over 10,000 miles.

It's the first time the boys have ever flown,

so how did they get on?

Boring. It was really boring. Really, really, really boring.

My ears are hurting because of the noise of landing.

-They still haven't popped.

-I'm a bit brain-numb at the moment.

It's a long journey. Only when you do it yourself

do you realise just how far from family and friends it really is,

and questions start to arise.

Will we make a go of it here? Is this the right place?

Is it what all four of us want and need at this stage in life?

Can we persuade Kai?

But Kai is adamant. He's not even seen anything of Australia yet,

and his mind is already made up.

I don't want to move to Australia.

Unless something stands out here, I probably won't change my mind.

If they can't persuade him, their lifelong dream

will be in tatters.

Perhaps the warm climate will help change his mind.

When the Littles left Exeter,

temperatures were a record minus-18 degrees!

They have arrived in Melbourne in the middle of a record heat wave,

with temperatures of 45 degrees.

For their week down under, they'll stay in a rented house

not far from the centre of town.

But will their first impressions of Australian property

live up to their expectations?

They may have hoped for something a little more stylish,

but affordable high-class accommodation in Melbourne

is hard to come by in the peak of the Australian summer.

Unfortunately for Kai, this house has only two bedrooms.

-Oh, trouble.

-Trouble there!

And Heather isn't impressed with the decor.

It needs a bit of life putting into it.

It's larger than I thought it would be, but we need three bedrooms

because these guys won't sleep together. They need their own space.

Not the best of starts, but it'll give them a place to get some rest

before exploring the area. But sleep might be easier said than done.

It's approaching midnight,

and the temperature is still over 35 degrees.

I'm struggling with the heat. I'm melting.

Temperature... There you go.

As Simon gets to grips with the air conditioning,

the boys try to settle in. Let's hope some of the other properties

are a little more inspiring.

If not, Kai's idea of staying in the UK could become a reality.

Back in the UK, the Littles live in a modest three-bedroom terrace

on the outskirts of Exeter.

It has a small back garden, and although the rural surroundings

suit their outdoor lifestyle, they have always wanted something bigger.

They expect to get £175,000 for their house in the UK

in the current climate, which will give them a total budget

of £250,000 in Australia.

So, for that money, what's on Heather's wish list?

Somewhere they can play the drums, cos at the moment

they're cramped into their bedrooms. The drum kit does take up space.

I'd love a swimming pool in the garden,

a nice large garden for the dog to run around in.

Maybe even a basketball court, if possible.

And, you know, a short drive or even a walk to the beach.

-A double garage for me.

-Oh, yeah. Sorry!

Not too much to ask for, then! But we'll see what we can do.

It's going to be tough getting a property they all like

on their budget, but finding the right home is essential

if Australia is going to offer them a lifestyle

worth uprooting the whole family for.

House prices in Melbourne's inner-city suburbs

have soared in recent years,

thanks to their close proximity to classy eateries, shops and bars.

And there's no sign of a let-up.

This two-bedroom house in the inner suburb of Collingwood

is well presented and close to the action,

but is small, and over budget at £370,000.

Although work options would be plentiful for Simon,

the spacious home they dream of could be just out of reach.

There are many more affordable suburbs just 30 minutes' drive

from the city centre. Dandenong isn't a posh area,

but the transport links to the city are good,

and the houses, although older, are more affordable.

This four-bedroom, two-bathroom house is just over budget

at £320,000, although you could buy your own plot of land

and build one just like it for around 250,000.

There are a few firms out here that cater to Simon's work needs,

and the attractive beaches of Port Phillip Bay

are just a 30-minute drive south.

Options near the beach are split between the surf coast

over an hour's drive south of Melbourne, or the quieter beaches

of Port Phillip Bay, which stretch southeast out of the city centre.

But, as always, the nearer the sea, the higher the price.

This four-bedroom home in Mordialloc is on the market for £320,000,

and is still fairly compact.

Move down the coast, and things get cheaper.

Frankston is at the end of the train line

and an hour from the city, which could make Simon's commute difficult,

but you could buy this four-bedroom new build for £250,000.

We chose to find three properties in the country

for our family to look at. The suburb of Dandenong

has many affordable properties,

and, if Simon couldn't get work nearby,

it's only half an hour's commute into the city.

Property one has three bedrooms and a reasonably sized garden.

The kitchen is small, and it doesn't have the double garage

on Simon's wish list. However, it is within their budget

at 440,000 Australian dollars.

That's about £250,000.

So, what will they make of it?

Shiny floor!

Great for dogs and dirty children.

First impressions seem OK, and Heather is already thinking practically.

So what will they make of the rest of the house?

-Big enough.

-Yeah, it's nice, isn't it?

There's lots of natural light.

The bright living area seems to tick a few boxes,

but how will they like the kitchen?

We'd have to change cupboards eventually. It feels a bit shut off.

On to the sleeping arrangements, and bedroom one with its en suite.

-Ooh, look. En suite.

-It's not the biggest in the world.

-No, but as we haven't got one at all...

-It's a step up.

So Mum and Dad are sorted.

But what about the bedrooms for Kai and Tyler?

Once you've got your bed in here... This is a double. Yours is single.

Heather's practical thinking isn't getting through to the boys.

-I don't want this room. Tylie can have it.

-OK.

Perhaps his mind will be changed by bedroom number three.

-So, Kai...

-I think this room's smaller than the other.

-So I might take the other one.

-SIMON LAUGHS

Maybe this property just isn't big enough for them.

Will the garden give them the outdoor space they want?

-It's very nice, isn't it?

-Nice covered area.

-It's lovely.

They all seem to like this large outdoor area,

-but Simon has spotted a problem.

-No garage.

-But...

-Oh. Carport,

-as opposed to a garage.

-Carport and two lockups.

And Heather's not been bowled over.

The property hasn't given me the "wow" factor,

but I can see huge potential.

Kai and Tyler aren't convinced, either.

It's quite a nice house, but I need a bigger bedroom than that, really.

The garden's nice, but then the bedrooms look quite small.

I think we need bigger ones.

So, both boys think it's too small and want bigger bedrooms,

which won't help persuade Kai to make the move.

Simon, though, is undeterred, and determined to make their new life a reality.

I could see us being happy in this property.

So, not a bad start.

On to property number two.

Let's hope there's something there to help persuade Kai about a move to Australia.

This house is also in the Dandenong area.

It offers four bedrooms, a good size garden

and that all-important double garage that's top of Simon's wish list.

It's over budget at 500,000 Australian dollars,

which is around £300,000,

but a favourable exchange rate could make this a viable option for them.

-This is very nice. I like this.

-It's not what I expected.

No, it isn't what I expected.

This property and its modern decor seems to be working for them.

But what's in store as they head into the kitchen?

-Oh, that's much better.

-Wow, that's big!

-I like the kitchen.

Mum, Dad and Tyler like it, but Kai seems uninterested.

It's just such a, like, open, family entertainment room, isn't it?

Heather is impressed,

but she might have forgotten that this house is over budget.

Oh, Simon! Walk-in wardrobe! Massive!

It's a bigger en suite than the other house. It's nice.

This is a lovely size room.

They loved the outdoor space in the last property,

so will this garden offer anything better?

There. You can grow your vegetables.

Simon immediately spots an extra he didn't expect.

Double garage from the front, single from the rear. That's me happy!

But is it really worth moving 10,000 miles for?

I prefer the outside area in the other house.

It's a nice big back garden, though.

So, what do they think of property number two?

This has got a bit more of the "wow" factor than the other house.

As soon as you walk in, you get the feeling of openness and space.

It is above our budget at the moment.

We would have to rely on me securing a well paid job over here.

So, fingers crossed.

They all like property number two, but realise that it's over budget,

so it's on to property number three.

Perhaps a different approach will help them make a unanimous decision.

The further from the city they go, the more space they'll have.

But will it be too remote for the boys?

This property is deep in the heart of the countryside,

beyond Dandenong, and it's an hour's drive from the city.

It has three bedrooms, an open-plan living area,

and, to top it all off, comes with ten acres of woodland.

It's ideal for the outside lifestyle that the Littles are looking for,

and it comes in under budget at 390,000 Australian dollars -

that's about £225,000.

It's quite different to the other two properties,

so how will they react to this rural hideaway?

First off, the open-plan living area.

Uh-huh.

OK.

Oh, dear. They've gone a bit quiet.

Perhaps the kitchen will give them something to talk about.

-It's not quite my dream kitchen.

-No.

-We've now gone one step forward and two back.

-Yeah.

It's not looking good so far.

With work, it could be nice, but it just feels so dark and depressing.

This house clearly hasn't made much of an impression,

but this property is all about the land.

Maybe it will help change their minds.

It's a massive space, though, isn't it?

-Come on!

-There's a woodshed.

It could be a good garage space, workspace.

I could... I could live here.

There's enough to do to keep me occupied. There's a challenge here.

Ten acres is the equivalent of five football pitches.

It's a good walk to even find the boundary fence.

See you in a bit!

The last thing Kai expected was to have an adventure

in what could be his own back garden.

Maybe he will be tempted to try life out here after all!

Found the edge!

This would certainly give them the outdoor life like nothing else.

So, do the Littles think this rural hideaway could give them

the dream they want?

It's very dark. It needs a complete revamp,

if not flattening and starting again. But the land outside is amazing.

It's a long way from anywhere, and this property's isolation

is making Kai feel even further away from home.

I have a lot to lose if I move.

At the moment, my heart's telling me to stay in England.

For Heather, it's about a house which would suit them all,

and this might just be too isolated.

I'm not sure about this area, really,

whether we're just too far away.

And there's one small disadvantage to living in the wilderness -

the bugs live there, too.

The insects are scary!

That's huge!

The Littles have seen three very different properties.

Property one was cramped, but offered three bedrooms

and a good sized garden at a reasonable price.

Property two was over budget, but offered more of the "wow" factor.

Property three was disappointing inside,

but outdoors sparked all their imaginations.

It's time to make a decision. Will the Littles go for properties

in the UK or in Australia?

Well, we've seen three properties today in Australia,

and now we're going to vote.

Australia!

-You said Australia!

-Yeah, just based on the houses.

-OK.

-That's what we're doing.

-That's why I chose Australia.

Against all the odds, Kai has voted for Australia.

Maybe he's changing his mind about the move,

and things are going to be OK.

This trial week in Australia is crucial to the Little family.

Mum and Dad want to make the move,

but they have to convince eldest son Kai it's right for him, too.

At the moment my heart's telling me to stay in England.

Later we'll see if a rugby training session down under

could change his mind about staying in the UK.

Kai says he's enjoying himself and he likes it here,

but I've not heard him yet say, "I want to move here."

"I want to live here."

And we'll find out how the financial situation affects the Littles

when they discover what their UK property is worth,

-and if they will be better off in Oz.

-It's dearer.

-But how much?

Simon is the main visa applicant,

and the whole move depends on whether or not

he can find a good job with a decent salary.

If he can't, none of the family are going anywhere,

regardless of Kai's intentions.

Back in the UK, Simon works at an engineering firm in Exeter,

who make the internal fins for jet engines.

His mechanical knowledge and skills are very transferable,

so he hopes to earn a salary equivalent to the £31,000 he gets in the UK.

Simon is on his way to a firm in Dandenong

who supply and maintain factory machinery.

The only concerns I have would be...

finding out the salaries for qualified engineers

aren't as high as I'm hoping for.

That might end up meaning a complete rethink

on what we do and where we go.

Morning!

Mark Jones is the boss at a successful engineering company

started by his father. He wastes no time

checking out Simon's credentials.

So, what's your main experiences in?

Mechanical, electrical, welding.

-Yes?

-Varied.

So, will Simon be up to the Aussie engineering standards?

Foreman Ken has a little job for him.

-Going to replace the brake units...

-Uh-huh?

-..on this machine here.

I'll leave you with it and come back and see you later on.

-Fine. No problem.

-Thank you.

Simon is keen to impress,

and jumps to it. But would this type of work pay well enough

to ensure that Simon can fulfil his dream of moving down under?

As Simon's in the thick of it, trying to impress his new boss,

Heather and the boys head for the beach.

Heather is meeting with local headmistress Carey Graham

to find out about job opportunities in the area.

Back home, Heather hasn't found it easy to find a permanent job

as a primary-school teacher. She wants to know how to go about finding work in Australia.

What you need to do first of all is apply

to the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Once you've got your registration for teaching,

you can contact schools and say, "Here I am. I'm available for work."

New teachers often look for supply work to begin with,

and that can pay well.

Our supply teachers now earn 260 a day, Australian,

so it's really good pay.

That's around £150 a day,

but Heather would ultimately be looking for a permanent position.

So, what sort of salary would a full-time teacher be on in Victoria?

Our first-year teachers earn about 58,000 Australian,

and it goes through to nearly 80,000

-for teachers who have been teaching 12 years.

-Right.

That's a starting salary of over £30,000.

Heather could have made a good contact here.

So, what does she think of the work opportunities?

Interesting to find that, by just finding supply work in the schools,

that I would secure full-time work.

In the UK, particularly in Devon,

that wouldn't happen.

As the boys enjoy the cool blue waters of the bay,

Simon is deep in concentration at work.

And he's come across a problem.

Doesn't seem to want to come off as easy as the last one.

With a bit of engineering know-how and a helping hand from Ken,

Simon manages to pull it off.

-Right.

-That's the one.

-OK?

-Well, we're off now.

-How have you got on?

-No problems there.

-Everything seems to have gone back like it should.

-Looks good. You know what you're doing.

He seems to have done just fine,

but needs to find out if he can earn enough to support the family.

What is the average salary that I could earn here?

You're looking at around about 60,000 Australian a year

as a base, and what governs it is how much you want to put in

and get out of it. If you want to earn it, want to work the hours, they are there to be worked.

He could earn anything from 35,000 to 55,000 including overtime,

so more than he's on in the UK. Boss Mark moved out himself

as a child, and has only good things to say about emigrating.

I think, honestly, you can't go wrong.

If family permits, move over here.

There is so much opportunity over here.

You won't look back.

So would Simon prefer to work in the UK or Australia?

Based on my experiences today, working with Mark and his company,

and the questions he was able to answer in a positive manner,

I am going to vote...

..Australia.

Work prospects for the Littles have lived up to their expectations,

but Kai still hasn't seen anything to change his mind,

and could throw a spanner into the works.

The Littles' job prospects are looking positive.

But, if they're going to be able to afford their dream property,

they have to get a good price for their UK home.

They think their three-bedroom end-of-terrace house

is worth around £175,000.

But will the experts agree?

We sent two estate agents in to give a current valuation.

OK! Well, it's a nice open-plan lounge-diner.

Nice modern colour schemes. Nice modern fireplace.

-HER HEELS CLICK ON FLOOR

-She's got her heels on.

Lovely garden. Not overlooked at all, nice mature trees at the back.

Nice kitchen. The units are a little bit dated,

but they've tried to modernise with funky wallpaper, which looks good.

-She's going upstairs.

-THEY LAUGH

This bedroom's been decorated recently. Nice modern colour scheme,

-and nice outlook.

-Hey, there's my trophies.

-Oh, what a cute cat!

-THEY LAUGH

This bedroom's a little more dated than the others, but still a good size and nice outlook.

-Oh!

-Oh, no!

Well, she seemed to like it, but what about the second opinion?

Nice bright modern feel.

Good outlook to the woods.

-Didn't like it.

-I don't like him.

Hmm... It's a rat!

Hmm!

He said my guinea pig was a rat!

So will their house achieve a good price in the current climate?

OK. Perhaps, two years ago, this house would have been £210,000...

-Really?

-..something like that.

Today I think it's £195,000.

-Ooh!

-I think, for a quick sale,

we'd probably have to ask for offers in the region of £185,000.

As a well presented three-bedroom end-terrace house

in a cul-de-sac in a family-friendly, popular area,

valuation-wise, I would expect it to sell for about 190,000.

If they wanted a very quick sale, I'd probably price it at 175,

or maybe 179,950.

Not a bad price after all!

The prices are... They're what we were hoping for.

Any less than that, we would've been disappointed.

It's reassuring to know we're not going to lose on the house.

Getting a good price for their UK home is a start.

But, after the cost of moving,

can they afford the life they want in Australia?

If they're not going to be better off,

is there any point in making the move?

We prepared a comparison of their UK expenses

with potential Australian costs,

to find out if they'd be better or worse off.

So your UK salary would be 31,000, as opposed to a salary in Australia

of 43,000.

Mine would be a vast increase anyway,

because I would be going full time and can get full time,

so that's from 6,500 to 34,000.

6,416.

More than double.

-OK!

-All right.

-So, expenses, then.

Mortgage repayment for the UK property is...

475.

-Let's use the house we really would like...

-Let's go mid.

-Let's go mid.

-OK.

-Which was 620.

-620.

OK.

-Transport costs, fuel costs...

-Fuel.

-So it was 285...

-285 we're spending over at home.

Over here, call it 200.

Your food is a lot more expensive here.

I happened to spot in there, bananas are twice the price they are in England.

-Carrots are nearly twice the price.

-Milk...

-was a little bit more expensive.

-Australia is dearer.

Which we expected, but how much dearer?

£156 a month.

So, £156 dearer.

I mean, your salary alone

would be enough... that I wouldn't have to work!

THEY LAUGH

Unless we wanted a bigger property.

The big surprise is the expensive groceries,

but they could both potentially earn more in Australia.

We would have, um, a better lifestyle.

We would be financially... better off.

If they've got their maths right, the Littles could afford a decent lifestyle in Australia.

But Simon still has concern about Kai's feelings towards the move.

Kai says he's enjoying himself and he likes it here,

but I've not heard him yet say, "I want to move here."

"I want to live here."

So, on the cost of living, how will they vote?

Taking all things into consideration,

we're going to vote...

Australia!

Heather and Simon are convinced the move is right for them.

Now all they have to do is make sure Kai feels the same way.

Well, things are looking up on the financial front.

But the Littles' main reason for wanting to move down under

is the outdoor lifestyle.

So they've come into Melbourne city centre

to hire some bikes for the afternoon.

If anything's going to persuade Kai and Tyler

that Aussie life is for them, it's going to be the outdoor activities

they can do.

There are some rules to cycling down under.

It's compulsory to wear cycle helmets in Australia,

and usually you're not allowed to ride in parks.

But, if you have children under the age of 11,

you can make use of footpaths through public places.

After some strenuous cycling around Melbourne,

the Littles stop at the city's landmark Federation Square

for some well earned refreshment.

Built in 2002, it's a great outdoor space

to meet people, have a drink, or just catch a few rays.

So, how are the family feeling after today's activities?

Between UK and Australian lifestyle, we're going to vote...

-Australia!

-England!

Australia!

When we do get the hot days in England, it's quite a lot like this,

and I just couldn't decide which one to go with.

I understand why they've voted the ways that they have.

Um, I think what he has missed, though,

is that there doesn't seem to be any tension around here,

which, I think, has gone above his head.

But Mum thinks it's a positive outcome.

I thought Kai would've gone straight for the UK,

so it's interesting to see that he was in the middle a little bit.

With an undecided vote from Kai and a UK vote from Tyler,

it doesn't look as though either of the boys even want to entertain the move to Australia.

Heather and Simon's dream appears to be slipping away.

Kai is still not convinced.

And if any of them are going to settle happily,

they'll have to find ways of making new friends.

Back in the UK, the family's social life revolves around sport,

and they're keen members of their local rugby club.

They're more used to playing in the dark and cold,

so if one thing is going to persuade Kai

there's more to life in Australia, this could be it.

Kai seems confident.

They look quite friendly and, er, fun.

But their hosts aren't about to give a couple of poms an easy ride.

-It's too hot here for you guys.

-Show 'em a few things or two.

I think we're going to play pretty hard today,

to let the poms know what the Aussies are all about.

They're going to melt.

As the boys head into the fray, Heather and Simon meet the parents.

They're hoping rugby offers them the kind of social scene it does in the UK.

Here's a jersey. Put it on and we'll go.

Hopefully they won't be too nasty on you.

Rugby isn't as popular as other sports in Victoria, like football,

but it does have a loyal following.

I reckon it's a growing sport here. There's growing popularity.

You've got half a dozen clubs within this area.

They tend to run, you know, about eight or ten teams

across the age groups.

The boys both seem to be fitting in fine,

and Heather hopes that getting involved in sporting clubs

would really help the whole family integrate quickly.

-That's it, guys. Good skills.

-Let's go! One more!

The pace quickens, and Kai and Tyler both show off some moves,

even though it's nearly 40 degrees.

Kai's always had reservations about the move,

so has his taste of Aussie rugby changed anything?

I don't know whether it's going to make any difference or not,

to be totally honest. I still have no idea what I'm choosing.

At ten years old, the move could be easier for Tyler.

If I moved here, I'd be leaving all my friends behind,

but, then, it might be fun here,

but I haven't, like, stayed for long enough, really, to see.

Maybe today, with the rugby,

he's, um... Maybe it's swayed him even further towards the coming,

you know, realising that he can make friends here,

he's got another team that he can be loyal to,

and, you know, have a good time with.

Simon and Heather hope that a morning of Kai's favourite game

will have helped sway his decision towards moving,

but it could take more than a game of rugby to convince him.

Based on what we've experienced this morning,

and the potential for the social side of activities in Australia,

we are going to vote...

Australia.

Australia.

Simon and Heather's vote is no great surprise.

Their fate really depends on the turn of the next two cards.

England.

England.

I changed my mind at the last moment before I did that.

-Why?

-Do you see the potential?

-You're confused, aren't you?

-You're confused now.

You're wavering.

For Kai, the pressure of having to choose between what he knows and loves back home

and an uncertain future in Australia is starting to show.

I think Kai is more confused after today,

and I think a lot of it comes down to loyalty.

He has a loyalty to his friends and his clubs that he plays for

back in the UK, and I think he's worried

that, if he was to turn his back, as he sees it,

turns his back on his friends and his clubs,

and chooses to move over here, that he'll feel disloyal

to the people who support him and he supports.

It looks like Simon's dream is becoming less and less of a reality.

Simon and Heather have their work cut out

if they're going to persuade Kai to make the move,

and they've all got to face up to the idea

of leaving loved ones behind.

Simon was like a son to his grandfather,

and he's worried about how he would cope on the other side of the world.

We've been very close. He's always been there for me

when I have problems, and I've always been there for him

when he's needed a helping hand. Being far away from him will be difficult to accept.

We've prepared some messages from friends and family back in the UK.

-Hi, everyone. Hi!

-Hope you're having a great week.

The first thing anybody notices about Heather is,

she's dedicated to her family and wants to do the right thing by them.

She's very non-judgemental, I think,

and she just takes people for who they are,

um, and is very easy to like.

Simon's a happy-go-lucky chap. He's the outdoor type.

He likes being out with the children down by the beach,

out in the camper van... Yes.

I think he makes the most of his time.

I was more like a father to him than a grandfather.

Yes, a very close relationship grew up between us

in those early years,

and that relationship has remained.

Tyler's really creative.

Um, he's a super character, super-natured lad.

Tyler's just someone who's hard not to like when you get to know him,

cos he's always there,

and because of Kai, you just always end up talking to him

because he's such a funny person.

Kai is growing up to be, um...

a really decent young lad.

I mean, he's always been a super guy,

very varied in his interests.

I know both the boys do have reservations

about going to Australia, and that will be quite difficult for them.

There will be hurdles he'll have to jump over,

and there's no doubt about it,

if you make a big change like that, you'll find those.

And you've got to work on those. He'll like that, anyway.

We would be very, very sorry to see you go.

But we want what's best for you,

and if you decide the move over to Australia

would suit you and your boys, obviously we would support you.

I hope Australia has turned out to be what you've wanted it to be,

and more.

I hope you're finding it all right, but I wish you the best of luck,

and I hope you'll make a go of this, and I hope you'll ensure

that the boys settle down well enough with their schooling,

and, most of all, make sure that they play rugby, as well.

Teach the Australians how to do it.

THEY LAUGH

Bye-bye, now.

-He's a sweetheart.

-He is.

No, I'll miss him.

He is the one person I will miss.

He's the one I'll miss most.

It's always difficult leaving loved ones.

The Littles have had a long week,

and it's given them plenty to think about.

By looking at the outer suburbs of Melbourne,

they found some unique and very affordable properties.

I could live here. There's enough to do to keep me occupied.

There's a challenge here.

Jobs for both Heather and Simon were promising.

Interesting to find that, once I come over here,

by just finding supply work in the schools,

that I would secure full-time work.

But the lifestyle just wasn't enough to persuade Kai

that Australia was worth such a big move.

I have a lot to lose if I move.

At the moment my heart's telling me to stay in England.

So, when it comes to the final decision,

how will they vote?

It's been an informative and interesting week,

and it's now time for our final vote, and we are going to vote...

-Australia.

-Australia.

And we are going to vote...

Australia!

England!

I voted UK because I have a nice life there,

and I don't really want to start again.

I can understand Kai's point of view.

He's at an age when it is very difficult

to think about starting all over again.

That leaves us with the opportunity to discuss and research more

between the family.

Maybe in a few years' time, after I've left school

and moved on a bit, then maybe move over here.

Simon and Heather had hoped their trial week in Australia

would have persuaded the boys that life would be better down under,

but making such a big move with older children is never easy,

so let's hope the Littles can come to some sort of agreement eventually.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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