Andrews Family Wanted Down Under

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Any move for a family can throw up big challenges,

but imagine if that move was to the other side of the world.

Finding the right house, juggling finances

and getting a job is all daunting enough,

but if your partner can't face leaving friends and family behind

it becomes a huge decision to make.

Melanie Andrews is desperate to convince husband Rob

that a life Down Under is better for their future

and worth giving up family ties in the UK.

My auntie and uncle, they mean everything to me.

Leaving them behind is just going to be very hard.

After a week of shocks...

I'm not liking this at the moment.

..surprises...

-Wow.

-Oh, my God!

I'm crying.

..and tumbles, they'll have to face a choice that could leave someone broken-hearted.

I just don't know how...

how much I'd resent him later on for not going.

Australia's warm climate and golden beaches have long been a magnet

for Brits seeking a new life abroad.

On average, nearly a hundred of us emigrate to Australia every day,

but the dream doesn't always match up to reality,

and as many as a third of new arrivals end up heading back home.

The Andrews have one week to experience the reality

of life in Australia

before they decide whether to make the move a permanent one.

But to make that choice means leaving Folkestone far behind

and travelling to the other side of the world.

In fact, it's 9,000 miles, two flights and 22 hours in the air.

And the long journey has given them time to think about the adventure ahead.

-I think we're excited about this week, aren't we?

-Yeah.

You know, I'm nervous as well but I'm really looking forward to it.

You know, I just want to get in there and convince Rob

that it's going to be good.

-It's going to be more of a reality check.

-Yeah.

It is going to be a big test, this week.

This is sort of like the make or break.

They've set off for a week that could change their lives forever.

It's a world away from their home in Folkestone, Kent.

35-year-old Mel and husband Rob, who's 40,

along with their children -

Kobi, seven, and little Lexi, three -

share a happy home. But for Mel, Australia offers the life

she's dreamt of since she was a teenager.

I'd originally planned to go travelling for six weeks

and it fell through, so I couldn't go.

There was a second time I was going, and it fell through

and I was so upset and so gutted that I couldn't go.

And I wanted to take her, to be honest.

No, so it's third time lucky. And after being there on holiday

for three weeks, I absolutely loved it,

and Kobi and Lexi did as well, and they were always outside,

always playing in the park.

-I suppose it is a lot like England...

-It's mainly the weather.

..apart from the weather and the lifestyle,

-just it's so far away.

-Yeah.

For Mel, the holiday confirmed that Oz offered the family lifestyle

she wanted. But Rob isn't so sure.

I think deep down he knows it's the best place,

but it's just hard for him to leave people behind.

But we've either got to go or that's it, we're not going.

And, you know, I just don't want to get to that point.

We've two years left before our visa expires, and once that expires,

if we haven't gone to Australia permanently,

then we just wouldn't be able to get that visa again.

I just want to get out there now.

I've just got to try and convince Rob.

For the Andrews to make the move,

Rob will have to walk away from the family cleaning business

he runs with his brother and start again in Australia.

Work does worry me as well.

Even though I would do anything to do work, moving to Australia

and starting fresh, not having the network of support you've got here,

it will be hard, so, yeah, that does worry me as well.

But there's something even more important than work

that Rob would have to leave behind -

his close family and friends.

My auntie and uncle I'm very close to.

And they mean everything to me.

Leaving them behind is just going to be very hard

cos I'm just going to miss them so much.

HE CRIES

I wouldn't want Rob to do anything that he didn't want to do.

And I certainly don't want him to think that I'm trying

to emotionally blackmail him into going, and forcing him,

because I wouldn't, I love him to bits.

So, you know, at the end of the day, he's my husband

and if he doesn't want to go then we won't go,

but I just don't know how...

how much I'd resent him later on for not going.

I've always said, "I never say goodbye,"

I say "I'll see you soon," because I think goodbye means maybe for ever

and, you know, I don't want it to be like that.

With so much at stake, everyone's emotions are running high.

Ahead of them is a huge decision,

perhaps the toughest they will ever have to make.

One thing that could help Rob make the move is having familiar faces close by.

With relatives in the area, the family are keen to visit Perth

in Western Australia.

For the next week, home will be in the popular beachside suburb

of Waterman's Bay, just a short drive from the airport.

This three-bedroom property is only a couple of minutes' walk

to the beach and has plenty of space for all the family.

Oh...

Look.

I think the kids are over their jetlag now.

I know. They won't sleep tonight.

No, it'll be a nightmare tonight.

The kids look to have settled in nicely,

but for Mel and Rob, thoughts are already on the week ahead.

What I'd really like to get out of this week

would be really for Rob to really like it, and to think,

"I could see myself living here."

You know, it could either go one way or the other.

I think it's going to open our eyes a lot more

to what we thought it was going to be like.

Just as soon as you get here, you've just got that vibe about the place

that you could just see yourself living here.

So, yeah, first impression's very good.

Back in the UK, the Andrews live in a three-bedroom ex-council house

in Folkstone.

Over the years they've upgraded their home

and believe it's worth around £160,000.

In all, they could have a budget of £180,000

to spend on an Australian house.

But, if Rob is going to be persuaded to move,

his new home will need to have a couple of important features.

It would be at least a four-bedroom detached.

Whether it's got a pool or not, it's got to have a home cinema.

That's always been something I've always wanted.

Mel does want a nice house, but as long as it's big enough to hopefully

accommodate loads of visits from friends and family,

then that'd do me fine.

Today, we'll give the Andrews a taste of Perth's housing market.

We'll show them three options

based upon what they want from their ideal home,

what they can actually afford,

and the real cost of property Down Under.

After seeing for themselves what's on offer,

we'll reveal to the Andrews just how much each house costs.

We're starting the search in the suburb of Butler,

on the outskirts of the city.

This three-bedroom property is a typical, modern, Aussie-style home,

which should appeal to Mel.

But what will they make of it?

Nice size front room.

Not a bad size.

You could have a dining room table here, couldn't you?

I don't know. I'm not liking this at the moment.

I don't mind it.

No.

Not a bad size kitchen, though.

But when you look from the kitchen down there, it's not open-plan.

Rob's not impressed, and with only three bedrooms,

his wish list is looking tricky.

Walk-in wardrobe. And an en-suite.

-No, this isn't bad.

-Yeah.

-But then you don't live in your bedrooms.

-No, I know.

-Not appealing to me much, I'm afraid.

-No.

There's only the outside space left to try and tempt Rob.

-This is quite nice cos it's...

-Yeah.

-It's like a blank canvass.

-But we'd have to spend a lot to get it how we would want it.

-Yeah.

And I don't think it'd be worth it.

This house has left Rob cold.

But they have no idea of its price,

so can they afford it with their £180,000 budget?

Go on, then.

Oh!

230,000?

230,000?

347,000.

Don't you think the properties are more expensive?

-Than what we thought?

-Yeah.

-Mm.

-If I had a choice to buy this, I wouldn't.

-No.

I just don't like it.

Yeah.

That's all.

At £50,000 over budget, it's a big setback for Mel.

It's a no-no, this one.

Yeah.

For me anyway.

Well, let's just hope you like the next one, then.

HE LAUGHS

At home the Andrews live very close to their work and social life,

but Perth is expanding rapidly

and the affordable housing is out in the suburbs,

meaning anything up to a two-hour daily commute.

But, by moving further from the city,

they should get more for their money.

The average house prices in Yanchep are still high,

so a realistic option could be a cheaper new build.

As the development is still being built,

they'll view a three-bedroom show home to give them an idea

of what a typical finished house will look like.

This is nice.

Nice big walk-in wardrobe.

Look at the size of that.

God, look at the size of this.

God, this is lovely.

As soon as you walk in it's got that wow factor.

It's a much better start.

And Rob's in for a pleasant surprise.

Cinema room. Ticks all the boxes so far.

Oh, definitely. Without a doubt.

Bedroom. Nice double bedroom.

Ideal for Kobi. I like the big windows as well.

This is nice. Oh, Lexi would love this room.

It's lovely, isn't it?

-They're all nice sized rooms.

-Yeah.

We'd best both get working so I can have this house.

It's lovely, isn't it?

Yeah.

With its stylish interiors and open spaces,

this house feels ideal.

And a large garden complete with barbecue seems tailor-made

for Mel's dream of an outdoor lifestyle...

assuming the sun comes out!

All that remains is to find out the price.

But, after discovering the first house was way over budget,

could this house offer so much more for less?

-Wow!

-Oh, my God!

£200,000?

300,000.

Nice. That's all I can say.

When can we move in?

You wouldn't get something like this back in England for 200,000.

No, you wouldn't.

If there's a chance that we could afford one of these properties,

you know, it does sort of put you up the ladder a bit more.

It's an ideal result for Mel,

and even Rob looks as if he's ready to grab a tinnie and the remote.

But before they can make a final decision,

there's one more to see.

Could it seal the deal for the Andrews?

The final house is in the coastal suburb of Banksia Grove.

A 30-minute drive to Perth makes it the closest of all three properties

to the city.

Like so much of what's on offer in Perth,

it's another new-build house.

Again, this house is under construction,

so Mel and Rob will view a show home.

With four bedrooms, a cinema room and open-plan design,

on paper this house sounds a perfect fit.

Nice.

-Nice, isn't it?

-Yeah.

It's a big hallway.

Wow.

Walk-in wardrobe, nice.

En-suite.

Nice shower.

It's another good start,

but will Rob enjoy the cinema room?

Oh, this is nice.

The cinema room.

Yeah.

I could see myself sitting in here.

-Kobi would love it.

-Yeah.

That kitchen.

It's lovely.

It's an ideal size for us four.

Oh, yeah, definitely. I love it so far.

Yeah, I do. Move in tomorrow.

HE LAUGHS

It looks as if property three has all the room they could want.

So that's four bedrooms.

Weren't expecting...

No, I thought it'd only be a three-bedroom.

-I'm quite surprised.

-Yeah.

Rob is won over by this house

and there's just the outside space to see.

With it's stunning garden, complete with beer pumps,

it seems to have everything they're looking for.

It's lovely.

-Yeah, very nice.

-Perfect.

But now they've seen the dream home can they afford it?

I would say, looking at this...

I'd say between 250 and 270.

Do you reckon?

Do you want to do the honours?

Mm...

I wasn't far off, then.

£270,000. So we wouldn't really be able to afford it.

No. I was expecting maybe a little bit cheaper than 405,000.

If we were both working full-time in Australia

then I don't see why we wouldn't be able to afford...

-Something like this.

-Something like this.

-Now I've seen it, I want it.

-SHE LAUGHS I know that, I know that.

If we had a house like this

it'd definitely encourage you to move out here, wouldn't it?

Without a shadow of a doubt.

Yeah.

They've found a dream house that would get Rob to Australia

but it's way over budget.

It's been an eye-opening day for the Andrews.

The first house offered Mel the space and location she wanted,

but Rob's reaction and a big price tag left the Andrews feeling cold.

The second house spiced things up

with its stunning interiors and cinema room.

And, costing less than they expected,

it showed Rob an upside to property Down Under.

Finally, the third house's open-plan living and decor to die for

offered both Rob and Mel a genuine dream house...

..even if the cost was a big ask.

But, while Mel could be happy in any of them,

have these properties done enough to convince Rob

that the pain of leaving home could be worth it?

Based on the properties that we've seen today,

the houses in Australia versus England,

we have decided to vote for...

BOTH: Australia.

-For the money you spend, you get a lot more for your money.

-Yeah.

And, like, the three properties we saw, two of them

were just...really nice and just what we were looking for.

-Round One, Australia.

-Get ready for Round Two.

-Yep.

What do you think?

Nice, nice.

Rob's positive response is music to Mel's ears.

But with both the properties they liked over budget,

the move will be impossible

unless Australia can't offer good work opportunities

for both Mel AND Rob, with salaries to match.

Back in the UK, Rob works at the cleaning firm started by his parents.

It's been in the family for more than 25 years,

so not only would he be leaving a business

but also his brother, who runs the company with him.

Because I work with my brother every day

and we go out on our bikes once a week,

yeah, it has... I feel that we've got a really good relationship now

and we're a lot closer than what we used to be.

So that will be very hard to not have any more.

Moving the company Down Under would be impossible,

so he's considering a return to a trade he learned years ago.

I did use to do painting and decorating many years ago.

It's something I enjoy so whether there was a way

of getting into that field of work...

Yeah, I would like to definitely find out more about that as well.

But while Rob's work is vital to the family finances

it's Mel who holds the key to making the move,

thanks to the hairdressing qualifications which earned their visa.

However, having stopped work to have a family,

she has a huge confidence issue about returning to work full-time.

My main reservations about going back into hairdressing, I suppose,

is am I still as good as I think I am, or that I was?

Because I haven't worked in the salon for so long

and obviously techniques have changed.

I suppose that's my main reservation,

am I still going to be as good as I need to be?

So we've arranged for her to see if she can still cut it

at a modern salon in Subiaco, a trendy inner-city suburb.

There's a huge amount resting on her ability to impress.

I think the pressure is on me to try and find work first, rather than Rob.

Just mainly because obviously I've got that skill and hopefully

that hairdressers are still in demand,

that I could maybe get a job straight away

at least to get the money rolling in when we first arrive.

-Hiya.

-Hiya, how are you?

-Manager Sharlene is on hand for advice.

-Come on through.

With introductions out the way, it's straight to work.

So if you can shampoo, blow-dry and style it

so I can just have a look at your blow-drying skill.

-Yeah, OK.

-So let's get started with that.

-Lovely.

-OK, Laura?

How's that water for you, Laura?

Although it's vital Mel finds work, she knows if Rob's to be convinced about living in Australia

he needs to feel happy in a new career.

Even though I've done the work before, it's still... You know,

finding out if they do things different

to what we do back in the UK.

A lot rests on today. If Rob can find work that pays a decent wage

Mel will be another step closer to her dream.

The work is the most important thing in this move.

If we can both get a job that we both enjoy and, you know,

the money's there, then we can start to set our target

in achieving the house that we want and the area that we want to live in.

He's spending the day painting and decorating on a house in Scarborough,

a suburb six miles from the city with lots of ongoing development.

But first there's a chance to meet ex-pat Bernie, who runs his own

painting and decorating business.

-All right, mate.

-How are you?

-Rob.

-Rob, Bernie.

-How you doing?

-Yeah, good, mate.

Keen to see what he can do, Bernie sets Rob to work.

But is he really prepared to trade working in the sunshine

for everything he has in the UK?

-All right, Robbie, how are we looking?

-Yeah, good, mate.

-Beautiful.

-You can't beat doing this in this weather.

-Yeah.

I've still got concerns about leaving my family behind

but I think if they saw what I could actually achieve here,

hopefully they can come round to the way that we're thinking

and they'll be pleased with the decision that we may make.

Back at the salon, Mel is still hard at work

but her inexperience may be showing.

-Lovely.

-Just yell out if you get stuck, all right?

-OK, thank you.

-OK, you're going well.

-It's just getting used to doing it all again.

Yeah. If you're thinking about coming out here

in another six months, you could do a few courses in London or go

to a few salons and maybe get some part-time work just so you're not

so rusty when you come to Australia,

because our expectations are quite high.

-Yeah, sure.

-Yeah.

It's bad news. If Mel wants to make the grade in Oz,

she may have to retrain. And at about 500 a course

she could be looking at a couple of thousand dollars

just to get back up to speed.

Could her salary compensate for this?

If I was employed as a junior stylist, what are the wages, sort of?

It would be around about between 19 to 21.

-OK.

-Salary may be negotiable, but one thing isn't.

There's no negotiation with Saturdays,

so if you wanted Saturdays off I wouldn't be interested.

Hairdressing could offer Mel upwards of £28,000,

£10,000 more than she could earn in the UK.

But it would come at a cost of retraining and having less time with the family.

The fact that I'd have to retrain,

it hasn't put me off hairdressing because I think, in a way,

it's something I would like to do to refresh my memory as well for, like, colouring and cutting

and to be able to do more up-to-date techniques and things like that.

It's a mixed result for Mel, so everything could now hinge on Rob.

That's it.

But before he can decide he needs to get some answers from Bernie.

What's the wage that, you know, a decent painter could earn here?

-Average, 30 an hour.

-That's good.

-Yeah.

So if you were to work a Saturday, you're on about 75,000 a year.

-Wow, that's good.

-Yeah, it's a good life.

-Yeah.

So work-wise in Perth, is there quite a bit of work here?

Yeah, there's plenty of work in Australia.

-I've never been out of work myself.

-And how long have you been here for?

-13 years.

-13 years?

-Yep, you can't go wrong.

-Just look me up when you get here.

-Oh, yeah, definitely.

-Maybe sooner rather than later, then.

-Yeah. I'll give you a try.

It's an ideal result for Rob, who could earn

more than £50,000 a year, doubling his current UK salary.

And there's more good news.

The best thing I've found out about today was the hours.

Half-seven in the morning, finishing at three, half-three in the afternoon,

so at least you've got time in the evenings

to actually see the kids from school,

pop down the beach, it's just amazing.

So overall, really, really pleased.

But is all this promise really worth giving up the family business for?

It's a huge decision and the future of the move lies in Rob's hands.

-How'd you get on?

-Yeah, all right. You?

-Yeah. Had a good day?

-Yeah. You?

-Yeah.

-How'd you get on, all right?

-Yeah, all right.

-Cool.

Based on our work experience today

and the working hours and the wages we can earn, we are voting for...

Australia.

Australia.

-Ooh!

-Shocked?

-I am, actually. Oh, I'm crying.

Hey.

I think I was just so worried that you wouldn't...

they'd say you need to be qualified or you wouldn't be able to earn the money.

I thought, "Oh, God, he'll choose England."

That'd be it, that'd be our dream over. So I'm pleased.

With good opportunities for both Mel and Rob to find work,

Mel's dream seems to be inching closer to reality.

But it comes at a big cost.

Long commutes and more hours away from Kobi and Lexi.

A lot hinges on how much they can raise

from the sale of their home in the UK.

It's time for a reality check.

We've sent two local estate agents round to the Andrews house

in Kent to get an estimate of what it may fetch on the current market.

They'll need to raise between £130,000 and £160,000 to get their dream home Down Under.

So this is a very nicely attractive, stylish room, and obviously

the main attribute is its view over the town to the front

as far as the Channel.

Very nicely refitted galley-style kitchen.

It just needs a bit of final finishing, possibly the kickboards, because you can see

-the edge of the tiling.

-Oh, look. No!

Here we are in the back garden, all low-maintenance.

Paved at the bottom and then steps up to

a rear pedestrian access, nicely done.

The bedroom here, the main bedroom which is double size.

Perhaps could do with a bit more space towards the end of the bed.

Good size second bedroom.

You've got plenty of built-in storage, which certainly helps.

You've got storage so it's a good-sized room.

Looks like a newly fitted bathroom suite,

nice and neutrally decorated, nice tiles

so it's a good size especially for a family bathroom so it's a good room.

Despite all the plus points, it is a slightly limited-value location.

It is more of an up-and-coming area

but it does still have a little bit of a stigma of being a council area.

-Thanks for that(!)

-Yeah!

For that reason I value it at 135,000.

It appeals to first-time buyers and young families.

The valuation that I would put on the property would be somewhere

between £135,000 and £140,000.

-I was a bit worried because, with the downturn of the UK market, that could've been so much worse.

-Yeah.

-At least we know we still have equity in it, even though we wouldn't sell it at that.

-No.

-But we could rent it out.

-So overall...

-Not a bad result.

-No.

-I'm really pleased with that.

-Yeah, it's good.

So the figures are slightly lower than they'd hoped for.

But renting could be an option.

Everything now hangs on the cost of living.

We've prepared a breakdown of the family's everyday expenses,

and based on their calculations they'll find out

if they can afford to live Down Under.

Now, shopping list. £9.81. Oh, my God. Is that right?

The weekly shop in Australia is much more expensive than in the UK.

Can their salaries make up the difference?

So in the UK our total income per year is 28,120.

So you, full-time in Australia, me full-time,

we would be £3,950 a month better off.

But that's as a junior stylist so that would go up.

So obviously we've got to take into consideration the mortgage

so, even with that taken off,

you're still looking roughly at about £2,000 better off.

-A month.

-You know, it's there for the taking.

On paper it looks like the Andrews could be as much as £2,000 a month better off in Australia.

But Mel will have to work full-time and Saturdays.

Is she prepared to make that sacrifice?

Based on the figures that we've seen today for the reality check

and the wages we could potentially earn in Australia

and how they compare to the UK, we have decided to vote for...

BOTH: Australia.

With what you can earn and the rewards you get,

-outweighs the UK.

-Definitely.

-By far.

So it was a no-brainer, Australia.

-Definitely.

-So we could actually have a really nice lifestyle

-as a family.

-Good.

-Pleased?

With Australia offering a chance of a big boost to their finances,

the Andrews seem closer than ever to Oz.

And if Perth can give them the lifestyle they're after,

it may be the final step in convincing Rob

that the pain of leaving home and family behind is worth it.

To give a Rob a taste of what Perth has to offer

the Andrews set off for a typically Aussie family day out.

Western Australia's climate offers an all-year round outdoor lifestyle,

ideal for a young family like the Andrews.

And if the beach isn't your thing

then there are some stunning national parks to explore.

Today the Andrews are heading to John Forrest Park,

about 16 miles from Perth.

With plenty of walking trails and lots of wildlife

it should be the ideal location for a family day.

-This area's lovely.

-The park we've come to is... The views are just stunning.

You can't believe that a day like today is winter.

A winter's day like this, it's just...just beautiful.

This is just how I imagined life in Australia to be.

Being able to be outdoors,

taking the kids to places all together as a family.

You know, the kids are going to benefit from it, big time.

I still have my concerns.

The only reason being is the simple fact of leaving friends and family.

That's the biggest sacrifice we've got to make

and if that wasn't the case

I honestly would just go and pack my bags and come here tomorrow.

What might ease his worries is a chance to indulge

a hobby from back home.

Before he sets off, Kobi has some words of advice for his dad.

-Don't fall off.

-I won't!

-G'day, Rob.

-Hello, mate, how you doing?

Joining Rob is Greg from the Perth Mountain Bike Club.

Oops, Rob didn't listen to Kobi!

I took a bit of a tumble but that's part and parcel of mountain biking.

Now I'm fine, just my pride hurts more than anything!

If I'm here, it's just a shame my brother won't be here to do it,

which is just the sad bit, cos it's me and him

who always go out and do stuff like that,

but no, something like this, it's just brilliant.

The reality of what he'd be leaving is becoming clear to Rob

but for Mel it's just as clear Australia offers all she's ever wanted.

I don't know why but I've never felt really settled anywhere.

I don't know, it's ready hard to explain, but here...

I could honestly say I could call this my home.

If Rob didn't vote Australia, obviously I'd be upset

because I think this week, you know, it has had a positive effect.

But if he chooses the UK,

I guess I'll just have to try to work on him a bit more.

And I will!

It's been a day to remember but can a taste of the Australian lifestyle

offer enough to win everyone's vote?

On today's outing

and based on the day we had,

we are going to vote for...

Australia.

Australia.

-Undecided.

-Really?

When I did the mountain biking, which I really enjoyed,

erm, it just brought home with, like, you know, my brother.

-I knew it would. I knew it would.

-That is the only thing.

Like, it was my brother that got me into it and I just felt a bit lonely,

-that was all.

-Yeah.

So I've still got a bit of convincing then, to get you out here?

What should have been the most enjoyable day of the trip

left Rob back where he started,

and with time running out Mel knows just what's at stake.

This is my last chance, this is my third time to try

and get out to Australia so it's... You know, it's...

This is it, I haven't got any other chances

so I'm just hoping that I can convince Rob

that this would be the best place

to bring up the kids and for all of us as a family.

To be able to settle down and just enjoy our lifestyle.

Leaving loved ones is always the toughest challenge

when emigrating to the other side of the world.

Rob's reminder of how much he would miss family is a huge setback.

Seeing messages from back home may put the big decision in jeopardy.

The Andrews are very close to their family in the UK

so watching messages will be hard for them all.

But Rob and Mel feel it's important for the children to join them.

-Hello.

-Hi, Mel.

-Rob, Kobi, Lexi.

ALL: Hope you're having a perfect time.

-Hello.

-Hope you're having a good time. Hope the sun's shining.

What are they like as a family?

-They're loving, very loving.

-Very close family.

Very close, very caring.

They're really, really good fun. Their children are lovely.

Really, really nice family.

Nine times out of 10, Rob is always the funniest person in the room.

Without a shadow of a doubt. He is definitely one of a kind.

Lexi's kind of just happy-go-lucky, bouncy. She's getting to the age

-where she's...

-She's a minx.

THEY LAUGH

Kobi, he's quite a bright lad.

You only have to show him something once and he picks it up.

He's quite good like that. Very caring.

When I first heard they were moving to Australia

and applying to go to Australia, I thought it would be a good thing.

I know they've both wanted to do something like that anyway.

He's like a brother.

I don't really know how we're going to sort of fill the gap

they're going to leave until they've actually done it, really.

But the decision's up to you and I'm sure you'll make the right one.

Good luck.

We love you dearly, very, very much. We all do.

-And we hope you make the right decision.

-Yeah, good luck.

Good luck, I love you.

And I hope that you've done all that you wanted to do.

And whatever the decision you make, make sure it's for you.

Make sure it's the one that you're happy with and the one that'll make you happy.

As your mum, I just want you to be happy.

-Yeah, and we'll see you when you get back. Take care, bye.

-Bye.

-Bye.

How do you feel?

-Sad.

-You feel sad?

You know, there's been some real big positives but then you watch that.

-It makes you feel...ppfff.

-It can just take everything away.

Mummy, Mummy...

It just throws everything up in the air, doesn't it?

Whatever decision we make,

we've got to make for the best for our family, don't we?

I just want my kids to get the best out of everything, really.

-I just want them to...enjoy life.

-Mummy...

I know we're taking them away from friends and family

but they will make new friends here.

You know, my auntie and uncle, I know it's hard for them.

It's hard for me as well.

The thing is, we don't know if it's the right decision or not

but I guess we'll never know unless we try it.

Seeing the people they care about has brought home just how painful

a move would be for the whole family.

If it's too high a price to pay, the move to Australia will be over.

It's been an emotional week.

Time for their Andrews family to make their final decision.

I've really enjoyed this week.

Obviously on the downside, there's...

You watch your family and friends at home

and, you know, it doesn't make it any easier

and you know it's going to be really hard having to leave them behind.

If I think about it too much, I'd properly crack and say, "No,

"I can't do it." But I have got to try and focus

and think what's best for our family and our future so...

I just think if I don't try it, I'll never know

and I just know I'll end up kicking myself

thinking I should've done it when I had the chance.

My emotions have been up and down all week.

Especially with the flight over here, cos there's so much on my mind.

If I decided against the move to Australia, Mel...

Yeah, I think she would be upset, so, yeah, that does play on my mind a little bit,

because she's my wife at the end of the day and I want to try to make her happy.

Obviously I'd be devastated, gutted if he said that he didn't want to go

but if he really doesn't want to do something, he won't,

so I wouldn't be able to make him do it, so we shall see.

It's the end of an emotional week and time for the Andrews' final vote.

The whole family have spent one week in Australia.

We've had our ups, we've had our downs.

And it's now time for the family to vote whether it's UK or Australia.

Based on our week here in Australia,

as a family we have decided that we want to live in...

Australia.

Australia.

Really?

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

we'll regret it for the rest of our lives.

It's going to be the hardest...

the hardest thing we'll ever do, but...life's too short to have regrets and I don't want that.

-Cool. What about you, Kobes?

-What did you say to Daddy?

-You want to live in Australia and you want to live in the UK, don't you?

-Yeah.

And Lexi chose Australia!

It is a big step

and we don't know if the grass is greener on the other side

but unless we try it we'll never know

and I'd rather find out for myself

and I still think in my heart that,

if we could make it after a couple of years,

I honestly don't think we'd want to go back.

But, um... Yeah.

I think for the family's point of view...

Yeah, you've got to do it.

-Definitely. Go for it?

-Hmm?

-You want to go for it?

Yep.

-Love you.

-Love you, Mummy.

After facing the financial and emotional cost of leaving,

the Andrews have chosen a future in Australia.

With a tough decision behind them, it's time now for the next part of their journey to begin.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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