0:44:50 > 0:44:57.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07Making the move down under is one of the hardest decisions imaginable.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09But when you're torn between families who live on
0:45:09 > 0:45:14opposite sides of the world, it's a choice that could end in heartbreak.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18Especially when it means leaving one of your children behind.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21The Wood family have an impossible decision to make.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24We are really cut down the middle.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27It's going to be upsetting either way.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29After a week of big surprises.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31It's cool, this, isn't it?
0:45:31 > 0:45:33- Those are expensive bungalows.- Wow.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36It makes me not want to go now.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39I am beginning to wonder whether we can afford to move here.
0:45:41 > 0:45:46They will have to make a choice that will be someone broken-hearted.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13Australia's sunny climate and miles of beautiful coastline
0:46:13 > 0:46:17has long been a draw for Brits looking for a new life abroad.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21On average, almost 100 British people emigrate to Australia
0:46:21 > 0:46:25every day but it doesn't always match up to their hopes
0:46:25 > 0:46:27and roughly a third return home.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30But that doesn't stop people trying.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35The Woods will spend one week experiencing everything
0:46:35 > 0:46:39Australia has to offer, before they decide whether to swap
0:46:39 > 0:46:43their lives in Lancashire for a new start in Oz.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47It's a tough decision, probably the biggest they'll ever have to make.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51Flying from Manchester via Hong Kong,
0:46:51 > 0:46:56spending 21 hours in the air and spanning almost 10,000 miles,
0:46:56 > 0:46:58they've finally touched down in Australia.
0:46:58 > 0:47:03And travel a further 70 miles north to their final destination.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07After such a gruelling journey, Joanne and Anthony are pleased
0:47:07 > 0:47:11to see her parents and Anthony's brother, who all live in Australia.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18We're really ready for all this. I just thought my mum and dad might be here
0:47:18 > 0:47:22- and maybe my brother Stephen. I didn't think everybody would come. - It's surprising.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26It feels like we left Manchester about two months ago.
0:47:27 > 0:47:28I'm speechless.
0:47:28 > 0:47:33Because when you've got family in England and here, it's,
0:47:33 > 0:47:34you know, it's just so hard.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41It's just brill... It's just brilliant to see him again.
0:47:41 > 0:47:46With the whole family together again, Joanne's thoughts turn to her daughter back in the UK.
0:47:46 > 0:47:52It were upset leaving Katie behind. So I'm going to probably give her a ring and tell her we've landed.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55Joanne's barely set foot on Australian soil
0:47:55 > 0:47:58and she's already missing family back home.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Australia is a far cry from their lives
0:48:02 > 0:48:04back in the town of Colne, Lancashire.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06Electrician, Anthony,
0:48:06 > 0:48:10and wife Joanne, share a happy home with their 13-year-old son Charlie,
0:48:10 > 0:48:16daughters Millie, ten, and Maisie, five, and baby Barney, nine months.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Most of Joanne's family live on the other side of the world
0:48:21 > 0:48:24and the Woods feel that they may be missing out on a life that could
0:48:24 > 0:48:27benefit the whole family.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30My two brothers went to Australia about 13 years ago and also
0:48:30 > 0:48:34my mum and dad have just left the UK to go and live in Australia.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36They went about 10 months ago and absolutely love it.
0:48:36 > 0:48:42But there's one big reason Joanne's holding back from emigrating.
0:48:45 > 0:48:47She would have to make the heart-wrenching decision
0:48:47 > 0:48:50to leave behind her 21-year-old daughter Katie
0:48:50 > 0:48:52and her first grandson, Oscar.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56I just don't know how she will cope if we end up going to Australia.
0:48:56 > 0:49:00I'm hoping she's going to be fine but...
0:49:00 > 0:49:04- She won't have a lot of people around, will she, really?- No. No.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Look at you, big boy.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09This is just the big thing is leaving Katie behind.
0:49:09 > 0:49:14With a grandson that I'm going to miss out on years of him growing up.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21But Joanne has the rest of her children's future to consider.
0:49:21 > 0:49:26And a life Down Under could offer the lifestyle they crave.
0:49:26 > 0:49:31We want to do more outdoor living rather than being stuck in the house because of the weather.
0:49:31 > 0:49:36Seems a better way of life for both me and Anthony and the children.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38It's ready. Boo.
0:49:38 > 0:49:42I'm hoping our kids will have a better start than what I believe they'd have here.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46In a few years I wouldn't like to be Charlie having to get
0:49:46 > 0:49:48a job around this area.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50- Yeah.- He's going to struggle.
0:49:50 > 0:49:55Even though there's so much to keep them here, Anthony has already made
0:49:55 > 0:50:00up his mind but he has to convince the rest of the family to go.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03I really want to emigrate to Australia. I hope the kids like it.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07It's going to be very difficult if one child doesn't like it.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11I think if we don't give it a go, I'll probably regret it for the rest of my life.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14I just hope Joanne likes it. She's going to be the main one really.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19She'll be the deciding factor. If Joanne doesn't settle,
0:50:19 > 0:50:21none of us will.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25It's an emotional decision for the whole family.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28And one that seems destined to leave someone broken-hearted.
0:50:28 > 0:50:34We are really cut down the middle, if we do go, if we don't go,
0:50:34 > 0:50:37it's going to be, it's going to be upsetting either way.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43Home for the Woods is Newcastle in New South Wales.
0:50:43 > 0:50:48It's Australia's sixth biggest city and boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine a year.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51But more importantly for the Woods, both Anthony
0:50:51 > 0:50:55and Joanne already have close family living there.
0:50:56 > 0:50:58They'll be staying in this modern terraced house
0:50:58 > 0:51:02close to the shops and restaurants and minutes from the beach.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06It should be an ideal location for the week ahead.
0:51:09 > 0:51:14- Oh, wow.- Wow.- Sweet.- Awesome. - I like.- This is nice.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22This is the kids' room, isn't it? and then the adults through there.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24- You think?- Do you think so?
0:51:24 > 0:51:26Morning.
0:51:26 > 0:51:27The children look to have settled
0:51:27 > 0:51:31but Joanne is still thinking about family back in the UK.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35It makes me feel a bit like, "Oh, my gosh,"
0:51:35 > 0:51:37I can't just get home like that if I need to.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39It's such a long way.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41If you've got the children to think about
0:51:41 > 0:51:43and it's not just like you can get up and go.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47- Em, it is a long way.- I'm looking forward to the week ahead.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51- Looking at houses, at what we can afford.- What if we don't like it?
0:51:51 > 0:51:53Let's go to the beach.
0:51:53 > 0:51:57- Yeah.- That should make your mind up. - Do you think so?- We'll see.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Back in the UK, the Woods live in a six bedroom detached house
0:52:09 > 0:52:14which they've extended and improved to accommodate their growing family.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18They think their home is worth around £250,000
0:52:18 > 0:52:20and are looking to spend the same in Australia.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23But if Joanne is going to be persuaded to move,
0:52:23 > 0:52:26her new home will need a couple of important features.
0:52:26 > 0:52:32It would have to be somewhere quite a good size.
0:52:32 > 0:52:39But also a nice garden. Millie wants a pool. Maybe like a newer build like this is.
0:52:41 > 0:52:45- And not a dated one.- You can do work inside houses like that, can't you?
0:52:45 > 0:52:47- You can, yes.- Make them look good.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50But I think I'd like to go for a new one.
0:52:52 > 0:52:57To help them decide between homes in the UK and Australia,
0:52:57 > 0:53:01we're giving the Woods' a taste of the Newcastle property market.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05We're going to show them three possible options based upon
0:53:05 > 0:53:07what they want from their Aussie home,
0:53:07 > 0:53:12what they can actually afford and the cost of property Down Under.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14After seeing for themselves what's on offer,
0:53:14 > 0:53:18we'll reveal to the family how much each house actually costs.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24They start their search in the nearby suburb of Valentine,
0:53:24 > 0:53:26just south of the city.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30It's popular with families due to it's good schools
0:53:30 > 0:53:33and proximity to Lake McQuarrie.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36The house they've come to see should offer potential to become
0:53:36 > 0:53:42their family home but will it live up to Joanne's high expectations?
0:53:42 > 0:53:45Having dropped off the younger children with Joanne's parents,
0:53:45 > 0:53:49Anthony, Joanne and Charlie take a look around the house.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51- Wow. Different. - This is brilliant.- Very.
0:53:54 > 0:53:55Oh, it's cool this, isn't it?
0:53:57 > 0:54:01You go from this room into a toilet and into another room. SHE LAUGHS
0:54:01 > 0:54:04- A walk-through toilet. - LAUGHTER
0:54:05 > 0:54:07What can I say?
0:54:07 > 0:54:10Oh, hang on, I just spied something outside.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15With both Anthony and Joanne less than excited by the inside,
0:54:15 > 0:54:18the outside space may be more appealing.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24- Well, that's quite nice.- I like that.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26Yeah, it would be all right if you knocked down the house
0:54:26 > 0:54:29and kept the pool, rebuilt the house.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33Oh dear, it doesn't look like Joanne is giving this property a chance.
0:54:33 > 0:54:37- No. Not for me, I'm afraid. If I, if I knew.- Let's have a look.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41Yes, we'll look at it Anthony if you want to get me here.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44- Just have a look at what's round the corner.- OK.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48I'm not sure Anthony's optimism is convincing Joanne.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52Actually it's quite nice out here.
0:54:52 > 0:54:57You get a nice view of the lake, don't you? It's very close.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02Impressed with the views but with just the bedrooms left,
0:55:02 > 0:55:05things aren't looking particularly good.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11Oh. That's freaky.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14- I quite like that actually. - Is it a waterbed?
0:55:15 > 0:55:18Oh! It is! LAUGHTER
0:55:18 > 0:55:20It's a waterbed!
0:55:20 > 0:55:23But what's the verdict on the price?
0:55:23 > 0:55:27Will their £250,000 budget be enough to afford a house
0:55:27 > 0:55:29she doesn't even like?
0:55:29 > 0:55:31I would like to know what it's worth
0:55:31 > 0:55:36because it's the area that's going to sell this place to bulldoze it.
0:55:36 > 0:55:37Rebuild. Yeah, I agree.
0:55:37 > 0:55:38Go on, then.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45£321,000. Or half a million dollars.
0:55:45 > 0:55:46You're having a laugh.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53- That's an expensive bulldoze.- Wow. - That's well expensive, isn't it?
0:55:53 > 0:55:56- Yeah.- That just because
0:55:56 > 0:56:00- of the lake being so near.- Yeah. That view is fantastic, isn't it?
0:56:00 > 0:56:03Yeah, and it's a great position but the house is just terrible.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07It's, er, it's just too much money for...
0:56:07 > 0:56:11For what you'd have to do to it.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17This house needs a lot of work to make it into Joanne's dream.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21Let's hope the next one goes down better.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24The house is in the affluent suburb of Belmont North.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26On the outskirts of Newcastle it's a popular area
0:56:26 > 0:56:30with plenty of shops, schools and beaches close by.
0:56:30 > 0:56:34This three bedroom townhouse they've come to see is on a new
0:56:34 > 0:56:36development overlooking the reserve
0:56:36 > 0:56:41so should appeal to Joanne with her love of all things new.
0:56:41 > 0:56:43After a morning with the grandparents, Millie,
0:56:43 > 0:56:47Maisie and baby Barney are joining them for the tour.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55- No decorating to do.- I like it, I like it because it's got, em...
0:56:55 > 0:56:59a communal pool outside. Thumbs up so far.
0:57:00 > 0:57:04This would be nice, wouldn't it, for a dining room, dining table.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06It's huge, isn't it?
0:57:06 > 0:57:08- We'll have to put a fence up. - It's great.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12A decent sized garden. It's not too big so not that much grass to cut.
0:57:15 > 0:57:24It's probably just big enough, this kitchen. Ours is bigger at home.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27- But no, it seems good. - It's definitely a better start.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29So it's upstairs to explore the rest.
0:57:31 > 0:57:34- This is like, what do they call them? Rumpus rooms?- I don't know.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37Like a landing at the top of the stairs to me.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39A rumpus room is a children's play area
0:57:39 > 0:57:41and would be perfect for the Woods.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43- Ensuite.- That's nice.
0:57:44 > 0:57:48After a quick tour of the other two bedrooms, what's the verdict?
0:57:48 > 0:57:51- On the little side, do you think? - Smaller than at home definitely.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54- I could live in it. - My bedroom, my bed would fit here.
0:57:54 > 0:57:57Although it's a lovely house, it's just too small.
0:57:57 > 0:58:01- The kids would both have to share. - No. We don't want to downsize.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03We're going to have to downsize somewhat but...
0:58:03 > 0:58:06I don't mind downsizing. The girls could share.
0:58:06 > 0:58:09But they'd have to have a bigger bedroom than this.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11I don't want to share.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14You might have to.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17This new build may appeal to the Woods but for Joanne,
0:58:17 > 0:58:19the size of the upstairs has let it down.
0:58:21 > 0:58:25Will their £250,000 budget cover the cost?
0:58:28 > 0:58:30- What do you think then? - What do you think?
0:58:30 > 0:58:32Don't know, wouldn't like to say.
0:58:32 > 0:58:35Shall we reveal it?
0:58:36 > 0:58:37Ah.
0:58:38 > 0:58:42£267,000. I'm not surprised at that.
0:58:42 > 0:58:45It's just not big enough though, so I'm just thinking
0:58:45 > 0:58:49we probably are going to have to spend more money, aren't we?
0:58:49 > 0:58:52Especially if I want a new build and more bedrooms and a bigger kitchen.
0:58:52 > 0:58:55Yeah, we'll just have to win the lottery, won't we?
0:58:55 > 0:58:57LAUGHTER
0:59:00 > 0:59:03Why don't you just say yeah, we'll go bigger, I can afford it?
0:59:03 > 0:59:07Yeah. You're living in cloud cuckoo land, aren't you?
0:59:10 > 0:59:12This house hasn't won Joanne over
0:59:12 > 0:59:15and its price only confirmed Anthony's money worries.
0:59:15 > 0:59:19But for Joanne, to make the move away from Katie, we're going to
0:59:19 > 0:59:22have to find them something really special.
0:59:23 > 0:59:26The final house is just round the corner from the last.
0:59:26 > 0:59:31It's another new build home with four bedrooms, a decent sized garden
0:59:31 > 0:59:35and open plan design, so on paper it sounds like it's a perfect fit.
0:59:35 > 0:59:38Love the kitchen. Look at this.
0:59:38 > 0:59:40This is definitely big enough.
0:59:42 > 0:59:43I'm speechless.
0:59:45 > 0:59:47This is like a move up.
0:59:50 > 0:59:54It's ideal. I love the layout with the dining room onto the patio.
0:59:54 > 0:59:56A lounge at the side. It's lovely.
0:59:56 > 1:00:01- Really is.- Yeah. This is a nice sized garden.
1:00:01 > 1:00:02Big enough for a pool.
1:00:02 > 1:00:05I'd have to get a sit-down lawnmower for this!
1:00:05 > 1:00:07This house is getting the thumbs-up from everyone.
1:00:10 > 1:00:12- This is nice.- This is beautiful. Look at that en suite.
1:00:12 > 1:00:14Got a decent sized bedroom as well.
1:00:14 > 1:00:17You could have a family shower, it's huge!
1:00:18 > 1:00:23- Communal area. - Well, this could be the kiddies'...
1:00:23 > 1:00:26- kiddies' living room.- Yeah.
1:00:26 > 1:00:30- A little bedroom there... That could be Barney's room.- No, that's mine. - Kids' bathroom.
1:00:30 > 1:00:33And then two more bedrooms.
1:00:35 > 1:00:38It looks like this house has all the room they want.
1:00:38 > 1:00:42Joanne has fallen in love with this eye-catching Aussie home,
1:00:42 > 1:00:45and it's fulfilled her aspirations of living Down Under.
1:00:45 > 1:00:48But can they afford it with their budget?
1:00:48 > 1:00:51Everything rests on the turn of this card.
1:00:51 > 1:00:54- Fingers crossed... - I hope we can afford it.
1:00:54 > 1:00:56Yeah, and I'll be working, don't forget.
1:01:00 > 1:01:03£386,000.
1:01:03 > 1:01:05600,000.
1:01:06 > 1:01:08- That's a lot of money. - It is a lot of money, but...
1:01:08 > 1:01:12I think we could do it, if we sell our house for a good price.
1:01:12 > 1:01:15- I'm not sure.- Yeah - I'm working.
1:01:16 > 1:01:18I haven't got a job yet, let alone you!
1:01:18 > 1:01:22SHE LAUGHS
1:01:22 > 1:01:26- Need to dig deep. - Yeah. To keep me happy!
1:01:28 > 1:01:31Else I'm not coming. You can come on your own!
1:01:31 > 1:01:35They've found their dream home that would get Joanne to Australia,
1:01:35 > 1:01:38but it's wildly over budget.
1:01:38 > 1:01:42The first house offered them all the space they wanted,
1:01:42 > 1:01:43but with too much DIY.
1:01:45 > 1:01:47The more affordable second house certainly delivered
1:01:47 > 1:01:51with its open plan design and communal pool,
1:01:51 > 1:01:53but was far too small.
1:01:53 > 1:01:58Finally, house number three offered them the space they wanted,
1:01:58 > 1:02:00but at too high a price.
1:02:04 > 1:02:07So, after a day of house-hunting, how will they vote?
1:02:07 > 1:02:11We've seen three properties today around Newcastle,
1:02:11 > 1:02:15all different in their own way, and now it's time to vote.
1:02:22 > 1:02:25- UK!- Australia!- Australia.
1:02:28 > 1:02:35I voted UK because our house in the UK, for me, is better than...
1:02:35 > 1:02:40We've got it to a good standard now and it's better than what we've seen for the money.
1:02:40 > 1:02:46- So you like the houses in Australia? - On the strength of house number three, that is.
1:02:46 > 1:02:48Do you realise what you've voted for there?
1:02:48 > 1:02:52- Australia.- So you like that house better than our house?
1:02:52 > 1:02:56- Well, yeah, I do actually. I like it cos it's spacious.- All right.
1:02:56 > 1:02:59It seemed to be more open plan.
1:02:59 > 1:03:05Our house at home is nice, but I mean, even you say it's too small.
1:03:09 > 1:03:14So, an early vote for Australia and great news for Anthony.
1:03:14 > 1:03:18But if Joanne won't consider the move without a dream home attached,
1:03:18 > 1:03:21it may come with a hefty price tag.
1:03:21 > 1:03:25To afford the life they want, Joanne and Anthony need to know
1:03:25 > 1:03:30Newcastle can provide good job prospects and decent salaries.
1:03:30 > 1:03:35Back in the UK, Anthony has built up a successful electrical business,
1:03:35 > 1:03:39working on domestic, commercial and industrial projects.
1:03:39 > 1:03:41His job means a lot to him.
1:03:41 > 1:03:44It's really important that I find a good job in Australia,
1:03:44 > 1:03:45for financial reasons,
1:03:45 > 1:03:50and so that I can settle. If I'm not happy at work,
1:03:50 > 1:03:54I'm only going to come home and be cranky at home, so...
1:03:54 > 1:03:56Yeah, it's imperative really.
1:03:56 > 1:03:59To get a feel for work Down Under,
1:03:59 > 1:04:04Anthony is spending the morning with a local fire safety specialist company.
1:04:04 > 1:04:09It's important that Anthony can find good job prospects.
1:04:13 > 1:04:16Very apprehensive about where we're going today.
1:04:16 > 1:04:19And it will be difficult to go back and work for somebody but
1:04:19 > 1:04:23I realised coming to Australia, I am going to have to start at the bottom
1:04:23 > 1:04:24and try and work my way up in a firm.
1:04:24 > 1:04:29It's vital Anthony can transfer his skills as an electrician Down Under.
1:04:29 > 1:04:31To find out, he's joining his brother
1:04:31 > 1:04:37who's worked for the company for the last two years, who's going to show him the ropes.
1:04:37 > 1:04:41Going to wire up all the zone cards in here. Just test them on here.
1:04:41 > 1:04:43So you've got a test rig there?
1:04:43 > 1:04:47Yeah, so we're just switching, and just, you know...
1:04:47 > 1:04:49Sometimes we can get a laptop, and it'll tell you
1:04:49 > 1:04:53everything what's going on with this panel...
1:04:53 > 1:04:57As Anthony gets up to speed, Joanne is out and about as well.
1:04:57 > 1:05:00To help support the family income in Australia, she would have to
1:05:00 > 1:05:05use her skills as a trained beautician and nail technician.
1:05:05 > 1:05:07To find out if that's possible,
1:05:07 > 1:05:11she's leaving the children with the grandparents so she can visit a salon.
1:05:11 > 1:05:14I'm quite worried, cos it's like, a new beginning for me.
1:05:14 > 1:05:21Going into a different environment, different people, so... Yeah, it's quite nerve-wracking really.
1:05:22 > 1:05:27Joanne's arranged to visit a modern salon in Newcastle's redeveloped harbour.
1:05:27 > 1:05:31The salon offers hairdressing, make-up and manicures,
1:05:31 > 1:05:34and owner Kate is on hand to show Joanne around.
1:05:36 > 1:05:38OK, and then at the back of the salon here,
1:05:38 > 1:05:41if we have a group booking or a wedding party,
1:05:41 > 1:05:46we'll bring all the girls up together cos generally they'll be having pedicures, manicures...
1:05:46 > 1:05:51And we have separate little pedicure that we just get their feet soaking, get the champagne out...
1:05:51 > 1:05:56and nibbles and fruit and nuts, and get the girls all in party mood.
1:05:56 > 1:06:00With the tour over, Joanne cuts to the chase.
1:06:00 > 1:06:01What are the salaries like?
1:06:01 > 1:06:05There's lots of different options, so you can get an hourly rate,
1:06:05 > 1:06:07which you're looking at about 36,000 a year.
1:06:07 > 1:06:09We earn 17-19 an hour.
1:06:09 > 1:06:12Another option we have is also we can
1:06:12 > 1:06:15rent out a chair, so instead of getting a weekly wage,
1:06:15 > 1:06:17you can rent out a chair and you'd just pay a percentage
1:06:17 > 1:06:20rent for that chair and you'd just take the risk.
1:06:20 > 1:06:25Working part time could offer upwards of £15,000.
1:06:25 > 1:06:27- Lovely to meet you.- Bye.
1:06:27 > 1:06:33But the move to Australia hinges on Anthony finding a job that's well paid.
1:06:33 > 1:06:38He's keen to get some answers from general manager John Lynch.
1:06:38 > 1:06:41So what kind of salary could I expect to earn?
1:06:41 > 1:06:46Depending on where you were located, the regional area in northwest WA
1:06:46 > 1:06:50could be 100,000, or somewhere in the area around Newcastle,
1:06:50 > 1:06:52around 65,000.
1:06:52 > 1:06:56Are there any vacancies for somebody with my experience and qualifications?
1:06:56 > 1:07:00Certainly opportunities within Australia to utilise your experience.
1:07:00 > 1:07:02That's good to know.
1:07:02 > 1:07:04That's exactly what Anthony wanted to hear,
1:07:04 > 1:07:09and with Chris already at the company, he might not need much persuading.
1:07:09 > 1:07:12I expected to be starting on a lower wage,
1:07:12 > 1:07:14and 60,000 is a great starting wage.
1:07:14 > 1:07:19And obviously the opportunity to earn 100,000 plus is... Wow.
1:07:19 > 1:07:23But is he prepared to give up his own business in the UK?
1:07:23 > 1:07:29It's a tough choice to make. Time to decide.
1:07:29 > 1:07:32We did our work experience today. It's been very interesting,
1:07:32 > 1:07:36found out lots of different things about working in Australia, and now it's time to vote.
1:07:45 > 1:07:48- Australia!- Australia!
1:07:50 > 1:07:53It's no surprise to me that you voted for Australia,
1:07:53 > 1:07:55cos I know you want to get back to work.
1:07:55 > 1:07:57Yeah. It's exciting for me.
1:07:57 > 1:08:01I'm looking forward to getting back into work and meeting other people.
1:08:01 > 1:08:04I've got everything I want back in the UK, work wise.
1:08:04 > 1:08:09You know, I've had it tough, and now work's so good I'm surprised that
1:08:09 > 1:08:13- I've chosen this job. - I think it's a bit frightening.
1:08:23 > 1:08:27Anthony and Joanne believe Australia can offer them
1:08:27 > 1:08:30better work prospects for their future.
1:08:30 > 1:08:32But that future won't count for much
1:08:32 > 1:08:36if they can't raise the money they need to start over.
1:08:36 > 1:08:40So it's crucial they get the right price for the sale of their UK home.
1:08:43 > 1:08:46We've sent two local estate agents to the Woods' house in Colne,
1:08:46 > 1:08:50to get their opinion of what it could achieve.
1:08:50 > 1:08:55They'll need to raise £250,000 to get their dream home Down Under.
1:08:58 > 1:09:01It's a nice-sized family dining kitchen, and it's well equipped,
1:09:01 > 1:09:06spacious, and the oven and hob... Just ideal for a growing family.
1:09:06 > 1:09:08Yeah, it's a good lounge, good size,
1:09:08 > 1:09:11and good double doors out on to the patio.
1:09:11 > 1:09:15- Triple doors! - JOANNE: There's three there.
1:09:15 > 1:09:19Second sitting room is ideal for people with children or teenagers,
1:09:19 > 1:09:21and it's a very comfortable, cosy room.
1:09:21 > 1:09:23That's promising...
1:09:25 > 1:09:29This is the master bedroom - it's got modern, fitted furniture,
1:09:29 > 1:09:34but unfortunately the three-piece shower room hasn't been fitted yet.
1:09:34 > 1:09:36And it's a junk room!
1:09:36 > 1:09:37Give me a chance.
1:09:38 > 1:09:41A particularly nice feature of this property
1:09:41 > 1:09:43is the overall size of the bedrooms.
1:09:45 > 1:09:48Another good-sized children's room.
1:09:48 > 1:09:52This family clearly have a lot of children, they seem to be overrun.
1:09:53 > 1:09:54Cheeky!
1:09:54 > 1:09:57He's right, though.
1:09:57 > 1:09:59A good-sized property. Having six bedrooms,
1:09:59 > 1:10:02it's ideal for growing families.
1:10:02 > 1:10:07In terms of valuation, I would put a value on of £220,000
1:10:07 > 1:10:10for quick sale, 195 to £200,000.
1:10:12 > 1:10:14No, I'm not having it.
1:10:14 > 1:10:17I'd suggest an asking price of £220,000,
1:10:17 > 1:10:21for a quick sale, £180,000.
1:10:21 > 1:10:23- No chance, I'm not selling it. Forget it.- I told you.
1:10:23 > 1:10:27- 220, I'm not selling it for that, no way!- That's what it's worth.
1:10:27 > 1:10:31I'm not selling it for a quick sale at 180 or 195.
1:10:33 > 1:10:36I'm beginning to wonder whether we can afford to move to this country.
1:10:36 > 1:10:40It makes me feel like I don't want to go now.
1:10:40 > 1:10:45I know we're not going to be able to afford the house that I want.
1:10:45 > 1:10:50It is a shame that that could be the major deciding factor
1:10:50 > 1:10:52- that we don't come to Australia. - It's a shame.
1:10:52 > 1:10:54Because we can't afford it.
1:10:54 > 1:10:58The valuation is a lot lower than the Woods expected,
1:10:58 > 1:11:01so everything now hangs on the cost of living.
1:11:01 > 1:11:04We provided a breakdown of the everyday costs and,
1:11:04 > 1:11:10based on their own calculations, they'll find out if they can afford to live down under.
1:11:10 > 1:11:15Shopping list... Quite a few things a lot more expensive and quite a few things, cheaper.
1:11:15 > 1:11:21Toilet rolls, well cheaper. We go through a lot of them with six bums.
1:11:21 > 1:11:23SHE LAUGHS
1:11:23 > 1:11:27..91, 3.18, 1.59...
1:11:30 > 1:11:32£104.50.
1:11:32 > 1:11:36Right. Salad, 1.90. £2.87.
1:11:36 > 1:11:40That expensive. Apples, £1.34.
1:11:41 > 1:11:43£106.05.
1:11:43 > 1:11:49'So the food shop in Australia is slightly more expensive than in the UK.
1:11:49 > 1:11:51'The mortgage repayments are key.'
1:11:51 > 1:11:57That's taking into account that we've got £150,000 worth of equity.
1:11:57 > 1:12:00We would need a 365,000 mortgage.
1:12:00 > 1:12:03£1,604.
1:12:03 > 1:12:08At the moment I'm thinking that's too big a figure, too big a mortgage to have.
1:12:08 > 1:12:11- Yes.- Right, let's have a look at the next sheet.- Okey-dokey.
1:12:11 > 1:12:15'Will there be any more surprises in store for them?'
1:12:16 > 1:12:19OK, this is more like it. The council tax is less.
1:12:21 > 1:12:24Gas is less but electricity is a lot more.
1:12:24 > 1:12:26- Transport costs?- Cheaper.
1:12:26 > 1:12:30- I spend a lot on fuel in the UK. It's extortionate.- Mmm.
1:12:30 > 1:12:32'So, what's the bottom line,
1:12:32 > 1:12:35'will the Woods be in or out of pocket in Australia?'
1:12:35 > 1:12:41The difference between being here, on those salaries,
1:12:41 > 1:12:43and just living off my salary at home...
1:12:43 > 1:12:47..is £17,000.
1:12:47 > 1:12:52That is left over after expenses. That could go a long way.
1:12:52 > 1:12:57Yes, I'm quite surprised about the figures, yes. I think that's good.
1:12:59 > 1:13:04'On paper it looks like the Woods could be £17,000 a year better off.
1:13:04 > 1:13:09'But Joanne would have to work full-time. Is she prepared to make that sacrifice?
1:13:10 > 1:13:13We've had the reality check.
1:13:13 > 1:13:17We've totted up the sums and now it's time to vote.
1:13:27 > 1:13:30BOTH: Australia!
1:13:30 > 1:13:32- Are you all right?- Yeah.
1:13:32 > 1:13:34Good stuff.
1:13:37 > 1:13:42You're the one who always used to say, "No, we might not be able to afford it.
1:13:42 > 1:13:46And now, you're saying, "We might be able to..."
1:13:46 > 1:13:50- Now we can, it's very positive. - There's just one setback for me.
1:13:50 > 1:13:54You know what that is, Katie and Oscar, but...
1:13:55 > 1:14:00- As regards money, we can afford it, so that's a big weight off our shoulders.- Yeah. Definitely.
1:14:00 > 1:14:02We've got a lot to think about.
1:14:12 > 1:14:19Seeing things in black-and-white has convinced the Woods that a future in Australia is affordable.
1:14:19 > 1:14:23And Anthony's hopes of moving there are closer than ever.
1:14:23 > 1:14:26Everything now depends on whether Australia can deliver
1:14:26 > 1:14:30the kind of outdoor lifestyle that the family crave.
1:14:32 > 1:14:37'So, it's a day for the Woods to sample what Newcastle has to offer the whole family.
1:14:37 > 1:14:40'They're heading down to Port Stephens on the outskirts of the city
1:14:40 > 1:14:43'for a spot of dolphin watching.'
1:14:51 > 1:14:55We wouldn't be able to do this in the UK in winter, would we?
1:14:55 > 1:14:58We'd be around the fire now with jamas on, hot chocolate.
1:14:59 > 1:15:04Remember we're looking for dark fins. Should you see any, make sure you let us know,
1:15:04 > 1:15:06None of us know where the dolphins are yet.
1:15:06 > 1:15:11Should you see a dolphin before I do, make sure you point it out.
1:15:14 > 1:15:17- Look, there.- Look, look.
1:15:19 > 1:15:21Look, there's one there.
1:15:21 > 1:15:23There's loads of them.
1:15:23 > 1:15:28- There were... Were there about five?- Yeah.- Five dolphins.
1:15:28 > 1:15:31And if that wasn't enough, the Woods get to meet the captain
1:15:31 > 1:15:34and he has a treat in store.
1:15:34 > 1:15:35Who wants a go?
1:15:35 > 1:15:38Me, let me hang on first. Let me hold on.
1:15:38 > 1:15:40SHE LAUGHS
1:15:40 > 1:15:42Where are we going?
1:15:44 > 1:15:47That way. Not too much, just a little bit at a time.
1:15:47 > 1:15:49Don't hit Australia, that's the first rule.
1:15:51 > 1:15:55The whole family seem to have had fun.
1:15:55 > 1:15:59The sun shone and the dolphins turned up on cue.
1:15:59 > 1:16:02Not bad for a winter's day in Australia.
1:16:02 > 1:16:04Whoo!
1:16:04 > 1:16:08- So what do you think of Australia so far?- Well good. Whoo-hoo!
1:16:08 > 1:16:11I think you're a little bit excited.
1:16:11 > 1:16:14- I've driven a bigger boat than you. - You have.
1:16:20 > 1:16:24Joanne's completely surprised me. I thought she'd find negative points to everything,
1:16:24 > 1:16:27to try and dissuade us from actually making the move.
1:16:27 > 1:16:30It's going to be a big thing with Katie, obviously.
1:16:30 > 1:16:33She's really positive about everything.
1:16:33 > 1:16:38I think she's probably as up as I am for it. So, yes, really good.
1:16:40 > 1:16:46Anthony is shocked by Joanne's positivity for Australia, but it's not a done deal yet.
1:16:46 > 1:16:48Time to bring in the reinforcements.
1:16:48 > 1:16:50Whoo! Yeah!
1:16:54 > 1:16:59Meeting Joanne's parents and Anthony's brother may help her decide.
1:16:59 > 1:17:00I can't remember the last time we all got together
1:17:00 > 1:17:04and had maybe a barbecue party together.
1:17:04 > 1:17:08It's great, just having us all together in one room.
1:17:08 > 1:17:12Everyone in the family has an opinion about what they should do.
1:17:12 > 1:17:16It's a better way for the children, a better way of life for them.
1:17:16 > 1:17:19It won't be easy for them, obviously.
1:17:19 > 1:17:21Katie back home with her baby.
1:17:21 > 1:17:24She's like torn between two heels, you know.
1:17:24 > 1:17:27If I was a kid, this is where I would want to be brought up.
1:17:27 > 1:17:33The sport, outdoor lifestyle and things. But, it's not an easy move.
1:17:35 > 1:17:41So far I've loved Australia and I just think it's a great opportunity for me children,
1:17:41 > 1:17:43a great start in their lives. We'll just have to see.
1:17:43 > 1:17:49- It's a better life for the children. - You don't have to convince me, Mum.
1:17:49 > 1:17:50SHE LAUGHS
1:17:50 > 1:17:55- You don't have to convince me. - It's just going to be hard for you, leaving Katie.
1:17:55 > 1:17:59At the end of day me and Anthony will have to sit down with the children,
1:17:59 > 1:18:03and decide whether we want to come as a family, you know.
1:18:03 > 1:18:04That's what we will do.
1:18:06 > 1:18:09After an exhausting and emotional day,
1:18:09 > 1:18:12the Woods have some much needed time to mull over their decision.
1:18:15 > 1:18:17We went dolphin watching.
1:18:17 > 1:18:22We saw a load of dolphins, we had a great time. Now it's time to vote.
1:18:30 > 1:18:32ALL: Australia!
1:18:34 > 1:18:37I prefer Australia because of the weather
1:18:37 > 1:18:40and the chance to do more things with the family.
1:18:40 > 1:18:44I really enjoyed today's activities, with the families, spending time altogether.
1:18:47 > 1:18:49That's why I chose Australia.
1:18:49 > 1:18:55I chose Australia because, due to the weather and the place, we spend more time together as a family
1:18:55 > 1:18:57and do a lot more activities.
1:18:57 > 1:19:02I think there's a lot more around this area that we could ever do,
1:19:02 > 1:19:04than there is at home.
1:19:04 > 1:19:07The possibilities are endless.
1:19:11 > 1:19:16Well, that's a resounding success for the great Aussie outdoors.
1:19:16 > 1:19:20But, there's one final obstacle barring Anthony's dream.
1:19:20 > 1:19:26If Joanne can't cope with the pain of leaving her daughter, Katie, and grandson, Oscar behind
1:19:26 > 1:19:29all their hopes would be for nothing.
1:19:29 > 1:19:33We've prepared to messages from family back in the UK.
1:19:33 > 1:19:36This will be especially hard for all of them
1:19:36 > 1:19:41but Anthony and Joanne have decided they want their children to watch.
1:19:41 > 1:19:43Are you ready?
1:19:43 > 1:19:45Hi, Joanne. Hi, Anthony. Hiya, kids.
1:19:45 > 1:19:47Hello, I hope you've had a really good time.
1:19:49 > 1:19:52We've missed you lots and lots and lots. Haven't we?
1:19:52 > 1:19:57Anthony's my son and I'm very proud of him.
1:19:57 > 1:20:01He's achieved a lot in his life.
1:20:01 > 1:20:07He's met a lovely girl, Joanne, who is not only his wife but his friend.
1:20:07 > 1:20:12She's also my friend. They're a lovely family.
1:20:12 > 1:20:17My sister is very outspoken, she likes to say how it is.
1:20:20 > 1:20:23She loves to enjoy herself and loves family around her.
1:20:23 > 1:20:28My mum's just amazing, she's my best friend.
1:20:28 > 1:20:33We're just so alike. She's just like me, I'm like her.
1:20:35 > 1:20:40The first time they were going to Australia, which is years ago,
1:20:40 > 1:20:42I was absolutely devastated.
1:20:42 > 1:20:48I just couldn't imagine my life without them, at all.
1:20:49 > 1:20:52You're the only part of me family, I've got left over here
1:20:52 > 1:20:57with me mum and dad being there and me two brothers.
1:20:57 > 1:21:01And, it will be a big hole in my life.
1:21:03 > 1:21:05I just can't imagine my life without them
1:21:05 > 1:21:12although I would be happy for the children to live in Australia
1:21:12 > 1:21:16if it's what they want and a better life.
1:21:16 > 1:21:18I want the best for you.
1:21:18 > 1:21:23If the best is staying over there, then I'd love you to stay over there.
1:21:23 > 1:21:29If you're not happy there then, then I'd love you to stay at home with me.
1:21:29 > 1:21:32It's going to be so hard, not having you around.
1:21:37 > 1:21:40- That makes it real, don't it?- Yeah.
1:21:40 > 1:21:47It IS emotional and it doesn't make me any less focussed, I don't think.
1:21:47 > 1:21:50I would family but it wouldn't...
1:21:50 > 1:21:54I wouldn't want it to stop me from coming out
1:21:54 > 1:21:56and doing what I want to do.
1:21:59 > 1:22:03Um, not sure I can leave Katie and Oscar.
1:22:03 > 1:22:09But I can't jeopardise, um, a good lifestyle for the children
1:22:09 > 1:22:14and, you know, the rest of their lives and what they want and things.
1:22:14 > 1:22:16So I don't know.
1:22:21 > 1:22:26The reality of leaving loved ones has hit the Woods hard
1:22:26 > 1:22:29and let Joanne more torn than ever.
1:22:29 > 1:22:31But, their week in Australia is over.
1:22:31 > 1:22:35And, with the family's future hanging in the balance,
1:22:35 > 1:22:38it's time to make the big decision.
1:22:39 > 1:22:43To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. I'd just...
1:22:43 > 1:22:47I've heard everything from family and friends and everyone saying,
1:22:47 > 1:22:49"You will love it, you will love it".
1:22:49 > 1:22:53And, er, I do. It's great.
1:22:53 > 1:22:56My mum didn't want to come at the start of the week
1:22:56 > 1:22:59and now he's just finished trying to persuade her
1:22:59 > 1:23:02and, since the video, she's gone back unsure.
1:23:02 > 1:23:04Back to square one.
1:23:04 > 1:23:06I'm thinking about...
1:23:06 > 1:23:10because it's time to go back home, and thinking about... I can't wait to see Katie
1:23:10 > 1:23:16and if we do decide to come to Australia, it's not just going to be for the experience,
1:23:16 > 1:23:20it's going to be for good. I'm not sure I can do that.
1:23:21 > 1:23:26The single biggest obstacle in our move to Australia would definitely be Katie and Oscar.
1:23:26 > 1:23:32It's going to be heart-wrenching for Joanne but, like I say,
1:23:32 > 1:23:36not to sound hard but I've got four other children to think about.
1:23:39 > 1:23:45I can't stop the rest of the family from coming to Australia just because of my feelings.
1:23:47 > 1:23:52I think that would be very selfish of myself. We'll just have to see.
1:23:52 > 1:23:58Will Joanne make the hardest decision of her life and help Anthony's dream come true?
1:23:58 > 1:24:00We've had a very exciting week this week.
1:24:00 > 1:24:05We done lots of exciting things. Now, it's the final vote.
1:24:16 > 1:24:18ALL: Australia!
1:24:21 > 1:24:24- Really, you don't know. - I don't know.- After all this week?
1:24:24 > 1:24:28It's been such a busy week.
1:24:28 > 1:24:31I've loved the experience and I love it here
1:24:31 > 1:24:35but when reality kicks in, how do I feel?
1:24:36 > 1:24:41I voted Australia purely because of the lifestyle, the beaches.
1:24:41 > 1:24:43I know it's not going to be a holiday when we live here
1:24:43 > 1:24:47but, it's a little bit like paradise.
1:24:54 > 1:24:59After coming so close to choosing a new life in Australia,
1:24:59 > 1:25:04Joanne's worries about leaving family left the Woods on the brink,
1:25:04 > 1:25:06unsure about their future.
1:25:06 > 1:25:12One month on, I've come to find out if being back home has made them change their minds,
1:25:12 > 1:25:14one way or the other.
1:25:14 > 1:25:19- The whole family voted Australia, apart from one.- Yes.
1:25:19 > 1:25:22- You were undecided, won't you?- Yes.
1:25:22 > 1:25:25What's happened since you've been back?
1:25:25 > 1:25:29You are extremely close to Katie and Oscar is your first grandchild.
1:25:29 > 1:25:33What's gone through your mind since you've come home?
1:25:33 > 1:25:38Well, I spoke and Anthony about it and the children all want to go,
1:25:38 > 1:25:40Anthony wants to go.
1:25:40 > 1:25:43I've decided that I've got to give it a go.
1:25:43 > 1:25:48When you go, Katie's not going to be losing you as a family,
1:25:48 > 1:25:52she's also I'm sure very aware, her grandparents are over there,
1:25:52 > 1:25:57her uncles are there, her cousins. I mean, a huge part of her family has moved to the other
1:25:57 > 1:26:00- side of the world.- Yes.
1:26:00 > 1:26:02It isn't easy, that's life, isn't it?
1:26:02 > 1:26:08Leaving people behind, however much you do want them to join you, it is so difficult.
1:26:08 > 1:26:10It is, very difficult.
1:26:11 > 1:26:15'I've decided I want to talk to Katie to hear what she thinks.'
1:26:16 > 1:26:22Since they've been back, there's been a lot of soul-searching,
1:26:22 > 1:26:24a lot of thinking to be done.
1:26:24 > 1:26:31All of you to consider, this family, all your brothers and sisters as well.
1:26:31 > 1:26:35We realise that you're the one person that didn't get to vote.
1:26:35 > 1:26:39So, I'm going to pass you the flag and I'm going to ask you,
1:26:39 > 1:26:46for the final time, because your mum couldn't make the decision. Perhaps you can make it for her.
1:26:46 > 1:26:49There's a little part of you that doesn't want to face it, isn't there?
1:26:54 > 1:26:57So which way are you going to vote?
1:26:59 > 1:27:01Australia.
1:27:01 > 1:27:04- That was definite.- Definitely.
1:27:04 > 1:27:07- I think little Oscar is agreeing, aren't you, Oscar?- Yeah.
1:27:07 > 1:27:12Katie, really difficult decision for you.
1:27:12 > 1:27:16- You think it's best for them, do you?- 100%.
1:27:16 > 1:27:21- So, what's happened? - We want to go to Australia too.
1:27:21 > 1:27:25Which must be, Joanne, the best news ever.
1:27:25 > 1:27:27It's good that they want to come to Australia.
1:27:27 > 1:27:32It makes life a little bit easier for me knowing that, when we do go to Australia,
1:27:32 > 1:27:35that Katie and Simon and Oscar do want to come.
1:27:35 > 1:27:39That really is the most fantastic news.
1:27:39 > 1:27:42The Wood family are going to be complete down under.
1:27:42 > 1:27:44- Definitely.- Yes.
1:27:47 > 1:27:49What a brilliant result.
1:27:49 > 1:27:56After being home for a month, Joanne's decided that Australia is the best place for her family.
1:27:56 > 1:28:00Even better news, is that Katie has changed her mind
1:28:00 > 1:28:03and, hopefully, she's going to be able to join them in the future.
1:28:03 > 1:28:05We wish them all the best.
1:28:25 > 1:28:27Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
1:28:27 > 1:28:29E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk