0:00:01 > 0:00:05Moving halfway around the world in search of a better family life
0:00:05 > 0:00:07is a huge gamble.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10But if the price of your job is rarely seeing the people you love,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13is it a risk worth taking?
0:00:13 > 0:00:14With their future on the line,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17it's a choice that will push one family to their limit.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21The Stitts are desperate for a new life.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23I just don't want, in ten years' time,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26for my children to say, "Daddy, who are you?"
0:00:26 > 0:00:27But it will come at a huge cost.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31That's what we have to give up, that, to make...
0:00:31 > 0:00:35It's a huge, huge stumbling block.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38And they will have to deal with some harsh realities.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43It's really not my idea of living the Australian dream. I'm sorry.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45With so much at stake,
0:00:45 > 0:00:48they face a week that could change their lives forever.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14With its British connections and sunny climate,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Australia is the number one destination
0:01:17 > 0:01:20for people leaving the UK in search of a new life.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24In fact, over 35,000 emigrate there every year.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27However, the grass isn't always greener
0:01:27 > 0:01:31and nearly a third return to the UK.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34The Stitts will have to decide whether they can face the reality
0:01:34 > 0:01:37of swapping their lives in Northern Ireland
0:01:37 > 0:01:39for a new start in Australia.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43It's one week that could change their entire future.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49It all starts with a gruelling 9,000 miles
0:01:49 > 0:01:52and 20 hours of flying to reach Perth.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54The time to think over what they're taking on
0:01:54 > 0:01:57has brought out plenty of worries.
0:01:57 > 0:01:58I'm just thinking,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00"What if we don't like it? What are we going to do?
0:02:00 > 0:02:04"Is our situation so bad that we have to leave Northern Ireland?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06"Do we have to come to the other side of the world?
0:02:06 > 0:02:10"Can't we do something else? Can't we just do what we're doing?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13"Can I put up with it? No, I can't put up with it."
0:02:13 > 0:02:14I've just been up and down.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19But there are some plus points to their week in Australia.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- Nice to get to spend a bit of time together.- Yes, yeah.- As a family.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Cos we don't get a lot of that, family time together.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29So, that's an opportunity for us to be together and...
0:02:29 > 0:02:31see how that works out!
0:02:31 > 0:02:35As they set off for their week down under,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38it's a far cry from their life in Northern Ireland.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47In the UK, Eric, Corinne and daughters, nine-year-old Jodie
0:02:47 > 0:02:49and Madison, aged five, live in Bangor.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53It's an area that gives them a lifestyle they all love.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Both Eric and I are born and bred Northern Ireland
0:02:56 > 0:02:58and we're proud to be Northern Irish.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- We have a lot going on here. - We do love where we live.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06We live in a very nice area, we're so close to the school the kids go to.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10We've been able to provide the girls lots of opportunities for things.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13So, with such an idyllic home life,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16why do the Stitts want to give it up for Australia?
0:03:16 > 0:03:21It seems there's a problem that's tearing the family apart.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26In a month, Eric would be away for two or three weeks at a time.
0:03:26 > 0:03:33He's home for the weekend and he would have one full day with us.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36And in that stage, everything is rushed into the full day
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and then, the next day, Eric's away off to the airport,
0:03:39 > 0:03:44away to work, and it could be for another two weeks.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48This day-to-day absence from Eric is taking its toll on all of them.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53He has missed out over the years on those things where, really,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56you know, he should be there. And he does feel it.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01It can be very hard trying to explain to a five-year-old
0:04:01 > 0:04:07that Daddy has to go to work, you have to keep a roof over your heads.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09OK, have you got a kiss for Daddy?
0:04:14 > 0:04:19Eric runs his own business designing pipe systems for oil and gas rigs.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Working all over Europe and offshore
0:04:21 > 0:04:24means he can't take his family with him.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26'I just don't want, in ten years' time,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29'for my children to turn round and say, "Daddy, who are you?
0:04:29 > 0:04:31'"Where have you been?"'
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- You behave yourself, now, for your mummy.- OK.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38'It's vitally important that we do get our lives sorted out
0:04:38 > 0:04:42'and get to spend the time together as a family that we need to.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:48- Try...- You're all right.- OK. See you. Take care.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51'Corinne does feel it hard sometimes.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54'She has to be here 24/7 for the girls.'
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Everything is on her shoulders.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01She says she feels like she's a single parent.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06It's not easy for her and I do appreciate that.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08The Stitts are looking to Australia
0:05:08 > 0:05:12to give them their dream of a normal family life.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15They hope its booming oil industry will mean Eric can find a job
0:05:15 > 0:05:18that allows him to be at home a lot more.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Just hoping for a lifestyle that's...
0:05:21 > 0:05:24you work to live, you don't live to work.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26And the girls can see the benefits.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30We would like to go to Australia.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- Wouldn't we?- Yeah.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37It would be fun to spend some time with Dad and everything.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41And he'll help us with our homework.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46But if the Stitts do move down under they're all too aware
0:05:46 > 0:05:48how much they stand to lose.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51We are quite a close family.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54It's very daunting, I suppose, sometimes, just to think that
0:05:54 > 0:05:57you're going to be the other side of the world.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01That you're not going to be there when they need you.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04It's not that easy to get back to see them.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09It's a difficult decision that's leaving them torn.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11There's so much at stake
0:06:11 > 0:06:13but Corinne can't bear things as they are.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17I just sort of have to think outside the box, now, sort of think,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21I love Northern Ireland but it just doesn't provide for us,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24as a family, what we need.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30And I think if we didn't take this opportunity to go and see
0:06:30 > 0:06:33what Australia's about and didn't do it for the children,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35we would regret it.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40It's a heart-wrenching dilemma.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Eric and Corinne are happy in their home
0:06:42 > 0:06:46but are simply unable to spend time together.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48And, if Australia can't give them an answer,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52it will mean giving up hope of the life they want.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54This week down under really will
0:06:54 > 0:06:57make them face their toughest choice ever.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02The Stitts want to find out if Perth in Western Australia
0:07:02 > 0:07:05could be the right location for a new start.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08With its booming oil and gas industries, it should offer
0:07:08 > 0:07:10good work opportunities for Eric.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12And its year-round warm climate
0:07:12 > 0:07:17should also give the family a chance to spend some quality time together.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Their base for the week is just south of the city.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- This is lovely.- Yeah.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28This is really, really, lovely.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- Do you want to go and pick bedrooms? - Mmm... Yeah.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36This three-bedroom cottage is only five minutes from the beach
0:07:36 > 0:07:38and has plenty of space.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42It should give them a good taste of what Australian life can offer.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Everything's here that we need. It's really nice and it's clean
0:07:46 > 0:07:49and it's modern with that sort of shabby chic-y twist to it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53And it's all really different from what we have at home,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55which is nice as well.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59To stay in something that's just not what you're used to.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00I think it's nice.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Corinne and Eric are well aware of how big a deal
0:08:03 > 0:08:06the next seven days will be.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07I really want it to go well,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11for this to be a really positive experience for us.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Otherwise, we're going to be down the road in another ten years' time
0:08:15 > 0:08:17and wonder what we've done with ourselves.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20A lot really does ride on it.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Although they're looking for a future in Australia,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26falling for life here could have huge repercussions.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30I worry that if I really, really do like it,
0:08:30 > 0:08:35that people at home are going to be a bit...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37There's a sense of guilt.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38There's a wee sense of that,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41that there's going to be a lot of sad faces.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43I don't know whether they really have realised
0:08:43 > 0:08:47that this is a serious decision for us.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51This is... If we like this, we're coming out here.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53We're not hanging about.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Actually being here now brings home to you just how big a decision
0:08:56 > 0:08:59it would be to make the move.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Key to the Stitts making the move
0:09:08 > 0:09:13is finding a house that offers them all they want in Aussie living.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16With recent years bringing big changes in house prices
0:09:16 > 0:09:21and exchange rates, finding that dream home could be a tall order.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Back in the UK,
0:09:23 > 0:09:28the Stitts live in a three-bedroom house in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30They've got plenty of ideas about what
0:09:30 > 0:09:32an Australian house needs to deliver.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35The right sort of property would be very important.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40My dream property in Australia would be a pretty big house.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42In the middle of nowhere.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44We'd be looking for five bedrooms
0:09:44 > 0:09:47to give us the possibility to have friends and family.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- Probably room for stables.- It has to have a swimming pool for the girls.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54And just somewhere where we can spread out
0:09:54 > 0:09:59and just enjoy being outdoors and just having room around us.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03That sounds great but it won't come cheap.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06The Stitts have a budget of around £300,000,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09if they can get the right price for their house.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18Today we're going to give them a taste of the Perth property market.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19We'll show them three options
0:10:19 > 0:10:23based upon what they want from their ideal home, what they can afford
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and the real price of houses down under.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29After seeing first hand what's on offer,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34we'll reveal to the family just how much each house costs.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37However, prices in Perth are the most expensive
0:10:37 > 0:10:39in Western Australia.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Can their wallets keep up with their dreams?
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Property one is in the Byford area, 20 miles due south of Perth.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53Although a long way inland, it's popular with young families
0:10:53 > 0:10:56and is probably the best value for money area in Perth.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00So, what will they make of this three-bedroom house and its price?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Looks like a box with windows.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05THEY LAUGH
0:11:05 > 0:11:07It's going to be quite close to the neighbours.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Yeah, you're close to the neighbours,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13it looks like it's been squeezed onto a small site from the front.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Not a winning start. Perhaps it's best to move inside.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Straight into the living room. A bit smaller than I thought.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- No, I don't like this at all.- You're not keen on coming straight in...
0:11:26 > 0:11:32No, I don't like walking straight in from the front into a living area.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36I think it wouldn't be used, it would be a glorified hall for me.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40I guess a house without a hallway was never on their wish list.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42What about the main living space?
0:11:42 > 0:11:47If this is the main area and that's your living room, it's small.
0:11:47 > 0:11:48Mmm.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52I would feel that I would be sitting in my kitchen all the time.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56It's really not what I would come out here for.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58If the house is too small,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01can the garden change their opinion?
0:12:01 > 0:12:03I know we don't have a big back garden at home,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05but this is even smaller.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09It's just not practical at all, not for having kids.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- Where are you going to play? - What are they going to do out here?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Go round in a circle on their bikes? - No, that's not working for me at all.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17No.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22That's a real big letdown.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26This house has failed on all fronts but they still don't know the price.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29If it costs anywhere near their budget,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32would it really be worth giving up life in the UK for?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35So, what's the price?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40ERIC SNIGGERS
0:12:40 > 0:12:43£250,000 sterling.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44That's a blow.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Their budget is between £250 and £300,000.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51That is a lot of money for what you're getting.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56Definitely think you get a lot more for your money back home.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00There needs to be a wee bit of reality on that
0:13:00 > 0:13:05cos this house is not worth £250,000 of anybody's money.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- That's a big letdown for me. - Yeah.- Serious letdown.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10That bodes badly for the Stitts.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12If this property isn't worth considering,
0:13:12 > 0:13:16will the right house be beyond their means?
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Hopefully, property two can restore their faith in Australian houses.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25Set in the Baldivis area, it's only a couple of miles
0:13:25 > 0:13:28from some of the best beaches in the region.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32And being a small town, it means shops and restaurants are close by.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35With four bedrooms and two lounges,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38hopefully this house will be more up their street.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Ahh, you see, this is a hall.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47It's a better start but what will they make of the Australian-style living area?
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- This is better.- This has a nice feel about it.- Yeah, this is better.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54It's open plan but it works a lot better than that other property.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Yeah, it's a bigger area.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Definitely do not feel as hemmed in in this house
0:13:59 > 0:14:00as we did in the other.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04This is only the second house
0:14:04 > 0:14:06and the Stitts seem to have found something they like.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Will the garden keep them happy?
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Oh, it's like...
0:14:13 > 0:14:14Pfft.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- That's like the...- Peace wall. - That's like a peace wall.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20A DOG BARKS
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Er... It's a wee bit...
0:14:22 > 0:14:27No, the house is nice, this here is a big no-no. I couldn't, no way.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31No way, I have to be honest with you, no way. That...
0:14:31 > 0:14:36That is like a prison boundary. I can't cope with that.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- I couldn't look out at that. - It's a wee bit industrial, isn't it?
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- It's an industrial site with houses on it.- You see the extent of it.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47It goes for... I don't know how far.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51It reminds me of a particular place at home
0:14:51 > 0:14:55and I just couldn't cope with it, looking at that, sorry.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59It's not... No way.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00Pfft.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15It's not my dream,
0:15:15 > 0:15:20it's really not my idea of living the Australian dream.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23It doesn't do it for me, I'm sorry.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Can we go?
0:15:30 > 0:15:33It may seem like an extreme reaction but it's a painful reminder
0:15:33 > 0:15:36of something they're trying to leave behind.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40It reminds us both of a boundary wall in Belfast
0:15:40 > 0:15:42called the peace wall,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46which separates two communities in Belfast.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48It's there to keep people apart.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52It doesn't affect Eric and I where we live, but it is a symbol
0:15:52 > 0:15:56of something that we have been affected by over the years.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59I'm not coming to Western Australia to look at that
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- or be reminded of it, thanks very much.- No.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05I'm sure Corinne won't be too concerned
0:16:05 > 0:16:09about the price of this property, but could they afford it anyway?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Leaving the garden aside, it is a house they all liked.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17315,000.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24It's probably over-valued at 315,000.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Well, basing it and comparing it to...
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Comparing it to what I would get at home, yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34But I certainly would not pay it for here. No.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40As if the reminder wasn't enough, it's at the top of their budget.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43If this kind of house is the best they can buy,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45will Eric and Corinne have to rethink their future?
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Everything rests on the last house.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57The third property is set in the mysterious sounding
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Secret Harbour area.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01It's only a few minutes walk from the beach
0:17:01 > 0:17:02and close to the countryside.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06The downside is that it's nearly 40 miles south of Perth.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09It should mean the Stitts get more for their money
0:17:09 > 0:17:12but at the price of a long commute for Eric.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15But after two disappointments, there's a lot at stake.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17This is nice.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- That's nice. Lots of kiddies about, as well.- Yeah.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- You'd have friends to play with. - Nice mixture of houses as well.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28A lot more green to the front. Phew!
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's a promising start.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Can the inside also deliver?
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- Oh, this is really swanky, isn't it? This is lovely.- Yeah, this is nice.
0:17:37 > 0:17:43- Which way will we go?- Erm... follow Dad.- This way?- Go this way.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Master bedroom, I think.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- That's lovely.- That's beautiful. - That's really nice,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53the decor, as well, is really nice.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57That looks like an en suite.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Oh, wow!- Woo!
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- That's bigger than our bathroom at home!- Probably is.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06This house certainly seems to have picked up
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Corinne and Eric's spirits.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Wow! I like this.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Wow factor, there.- Yeah, this is what I'm talking about.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18And there's even a bonus room that should appeal to Eric.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Ooh.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- Ooh. Big screen!- This is the cinema room you're talking about.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- Yes.- Does this make you happy?- Yes.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- HE LAUGHS - It makes him happy.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33This is like being at the movies, isn't it?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Imagine having this in your own house.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Mummy, are you going to get this house?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Wow, she is going to get it.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- Well, it ticks a lot of my boxes. - It's ticking all the boxes so far.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Madison seems to have made up her mind about this house,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53but Corinne has spotted something in the garden.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58You're here, you're looking at your TV, your living area
0:18:58 > 0:19:01and what else are you looking at?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Oh, aye. What can you see out there, girls?
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- What is it?- A pool.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09A pool.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12This house seems to be the one.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17In fact, Corinne can already see themselves at home here.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Can you see yourself coming home on a Friday,
0:19:19 > 0:19:25coming down that freeway and coming home and getting the shorts on
0:19:25 > 0:19:28and getting a beer out and throwing yourself...?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Or not? No? Does that work for you? - That works for me.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Works for me, too. I'll probably be in it before you get home.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Take you for a dip.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39MADISON SQUEALS
0:19:41 > 0:19:42No tears this time.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44ERIC LAUGHS
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Quite happy.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Everyone might be happy, but they've yet to find out the price.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Property three has got the Australian dream back on track
0:19:57 > 0:20:00but could the cost bring it all to a juddering halt?
0:20:05 > 0:20:07400.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Approximately 400,000.- Yep.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14I think, the finish, the detail,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17the swimming pool, that all adds up.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22They've found the ideal house but it's well over budget.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Surely the Stitts will have to settle for a lot less in Australia.
0:20:26 > 0:20:32- We'll have to see what I can expect, obviously, to earn.- Yep.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It would have to take
0:20:34 > 0:20:38a house like this or similar standard
0:20:38 > 0:20:42for us to make the move.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47It's been an emotional day.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49The first house was not one
0:20:49 > 0:20:51they would ever dream of giving up the UK for.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53The second left Corinne
0:20:53 > 0:20:56distraught and dismayed with Australian houses.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59However, the third home lived up to their dreams
0:20:59 > 0:21:03but would mean Eric having to earn a lot more than his current salary.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07So which way will they vote on houses in Australia?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Based on the houses we've looked at today
0:21:09 > 0:21:13and what we think we can get,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15our decision is...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18ALL: Australia!
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Depending on the wages and job opportunities and that,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25but if it's achievable...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- The potential...- Yeah, the potential is there
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- that yeah, I would vote for Australia.- Yep.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33It's a great result for Eric and Corinne's dream,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36but there are still plenty of unanswered questions.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43A vote for property in Perth is a great start
0:21:43 > 0:21:46even if it comes at a high price.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48But it's spending time as a family
0:21:48 > 0:21:51that's driving Eric and Corinne's decision.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55And if Perth can't give them the lifestyle they all want,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57then the dream could be for nothing.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01So we've arranged for them
0:22:01 > 0:22:04to spend the day with Aaron, Lara and their two children.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Aaron is taking them for a spin on the water.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11As a marine engineer, Eric has a real passion for boats
0:22:11 > 0:22:13and although it doesn't come cheap,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17he hopes joining a boat club will be a good way to meet other families.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- This is Jodie and this is Madison. - Hello.- Hi.- Nice to meet you.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Beautiful. Let's fire up and let's get going.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25I'm like a kid in a toy shop.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45It's proving a great way to see what Australian life can offer,
0:22:45 > 0:22:46and when they drop anchor
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Eric and Corinne have lots of questions.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53So what about the social aspect
0:22:53 > 0:22:56of being in the boating community and the sailing club?
0:22:56 > 0:22:58It very much adds to the enjoyment of boating.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02The sailing club atmosphere's great. Awesome grounds for the kids,
0:23:02 > 0:23:06the restaurant is beautiful, it's a lovely place to be down there.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11It's so good just to see Jodie and Madison actually be content now
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and they're happy and playing. It's our big fear, obviously...
0:23:14 > 0:23:17bringing the kids over
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- to something new.- They'll be fine. Kids are so adaptable.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Also, for us, it's important that we can mix and meet people.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27You will. Everybody's very warm here.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30I moved over here from Africa, from Zimbabwe.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34You do miss your family at first but you build new relationships
0:23:34 > 0:23:38and obviously, you become very close to your friends
0:23:38 > 0:23:41when you don't have your family around you.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45That's it, it is important that you meet people and you can sort of...
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- Develop that support network, in a way.- You do need that, I think.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54That certainly seems to have taken some weight off Eric's shoulders.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- Put your feet up.- No!
0:23:56 > 0:23:57- Go on.- Eric.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Woo! I'm flying! I'm flying!
0:24:05 > 0:24:07And as they head back,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Corinne is noticing the effects on the children.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Today, Jodie's come out of her shell.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14She's really starting to enjoy it
0:24:14 > 0:24:18and see what sort of lifestyle she could probably be part of and enjoy.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23As they come to the end of the day,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26it's also dawning on Eric what he'd be leaving behind.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31We have had a really, really amazing positive day today,
0:24:31 > 0:24:36but in a way, it does reinforce too
0:24:36 > 0:24:39the sacrifice that we're going to have to make,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43the fact that we're going to have to leave loved ones behind.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46We're not going to be able just to go and see them whenever we want.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50And yeah, you can't get away from that.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The boat trip proved a success
0:24:52 > 0:24:55but has made the Stitts realise what they'd be giving up.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Will they vote for the lifestyle in Oz
0:24:57 > 0:25:00or will the tug of loved ones push them towards the UK?
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Aaron, Laura and their children have all made us feel really welcome.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08It's helped Eric and I realise
0:25:08 > 0:25:11that the kids would have no problems in Australia,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14meeting other kids and making friends
0:25:14 > 0:25:16and just enjoying the lifestyle.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20So our vote goes to...
0:25:20 > 0:25:23ALL: Australia!
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Another unanimous vote for Australia!
0:25:28 > 0:25:32The Stitts are one step closer to deciding their future.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39With the family sold on Perth's lifestyle,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42that's another great result for the Stitts' dream.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Everything now depends on Eric finding a job
0:25:45 > 0:25:49that offers both the salary and the work-life balance
0:25:49 > 0:25:51he came to Australia looking for.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Back home in Northern Ireland, Eric runs his own company
0:25:57 > 0:26:00designing pipework for the oil and gas industry
0:26:00 > 0:26:03and earns £75,000 a year.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07We do have a comfortable standard of living, but it's apart.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It's the cost that lifestyle comes at at the minute.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13The problem is that Eric is away from home
0:26:13 > 0:26:15for up to three weeks at a time.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21So we've arranged for Eric to meet a specialist recruitment consultant
0:26:21 > 0:26:23for the oil and gas industry.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Having built up his business over five years,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Eric knows he'd be taking a huge gamble giving it all up.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34I do have reservations about leaving the job I have in the UK at present.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Things have been going very well for me.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38I enjoy the work
0:26:38 > 0:26:44so yeah, I'm worried about possibly leaving that behind,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47taking the plunge for pastures new.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52There's a lot riding on Eric's interview, and while he prepares,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Corinne's giving the girls a taste of Aussie life.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- I'm Suzanne.- Hi, I'm Corinne.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- This is Jodie and Madison. - How you going, guys?- Good.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- Looking forward to having a ride? - Yes.- Yeah.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11As Jodie has begun horse riding lessons in the UK,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13being able to ride in Australia is a must.
0:27:13 > 0:27:19And the girls don't waste any time getting into the saddle.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- CLICKS HER TONGUE - Walk on.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22Aah!
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Back in the city, recruitment manager Andrei Sarpe
0:27:30 > 0:27:32has been poring over Eric's CV.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35The positive thing is, because of the industry where it is,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37it's at a massive growth stage
0:27:37 > 0:27:40so it's the right time for anyone to come into the industry
0:27:40 > 0:27:42if they'll ever have a chance of coming in.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Yeah.- Both onshore and offshore, there is a lot of work.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- It's reassuring to hear that. - Fantastic.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51That the opportunities do exist.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Definitely, the opportunities are boundless
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and I think the skills that you've already got
0:27:57 > 0:28:00and the packages that you've been working with,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03are very transferable to the market here.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06That's exactly what Eric wanted to hear.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09At the stables, Corinne's time alone with the girls
0:28:09 > 0:28:12is reminding her why their life needs to change.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17Eric misses out on a lot of the kids' day-to-day activities.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21And when he does come home from work he feels absolutely wrecked.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24But at the end of the day, it's not an option
0:28:24 > 0:28:27when you've two young kids, you have to get up and out there
0:28:27 > 0:28:30and that's when we feel the pressure.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32We pack everything into the short time he is home.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36And then the routine starts again,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40and that's when the upset starts, when Eric heads off again,
0:28:40 > 0:28:45and you just think, you're putting your kids through that all the time.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Find it hard.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56SHE SOBS
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Find it really difficult. I find it difficult.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03I find emotionally, sometimes I'm wrecked, just with...
0:29:03 > 0:29:06I feel so much for the kids.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08I just really do feel for them
0:29:08 > 0:29:11and it's just like I have to put them first.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15It sounds silly, but I have to be a big girl about things now
0:29:15 > 0:29:17and my kids have to come first.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19My family have to come first
0:29:19 > 0:29:23and I can't really cope much longer
0:29:23 > 0:29:26with the upset that it causes them.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30It's this upset that has pushed them
0:29:30 > 0:29:33to consider emigrating to the other side of the world.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37However, the move will be pointless if Eric has to work away from home.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Most of the work is office-based in Perth
0:29:40 > 0:29:43and most of the companies do have facilities in the CBD.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45So there's infrequent travel
0:29:45 > 0:29:49to offshore and maybe onshore sites as well,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52but definitely 95% of the work is done in the CBD
0:29:52 > 0:29:56so it is more family-friendly, compared to a lot of other places.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00The CBD is Perth's Central Business District.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Set in the heart of the city,
0:30:02 > 0:30:04a job here would mean Eric and his family
0:30:04 > 0:30:06could finally lead the normal life they dream of.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09To get an opportunity to work in the CBD,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12in the same city, the same country as my wife and children...
0:30:12 > 0:30:16- You get to go home every night. - To go home every night would be fantastic.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20That just leaves one big question.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Based on the contract rules, what would you...
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Ballpark figure, would you see salary potential?
0:30:26 > 0:30:30The salary ranges can start anywhere between 180
0:30:30 > 0:30:33up into the vicinity of the 300,000s
0:30:33 > 0:30:36for the senior roles and the lead roles.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Yeah, just trying to do the sums in my head there
0:30:38 > 0:30:41but I think that compares really favourably,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44certainly the news I wanted to hear.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45Fantastic.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49I think those figures will go down well with my wife as well!
0:30:49 > 0:30:50I'm sure they will!
0:30:50 > 0:30:55Even the lowest possible salary is £113,000.
0:30:55 > 0:30:5838,000 more than Eric currently earns.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03Suddenly, a future where he can be part of the family looks possible.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I wonder how he'll vote on work in the UK vs Australia.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Today's gone really positive.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10I heard all I needed to hear,
0:31:10 > 0:31:12probably a little bit more.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Based on all I've been able to find out today,
0:31:16 > 0:31:18my vote goes to...
0:31:20 > 0:31:23..Australia!
0:31:27 > 0:31:29- Hi, everybody.- Hi.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Back at the house, Corinne is keen to know what Eric has found out.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37So where would you be located? Would you have to do any offshore work?
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- It's all based in the CBD. - Office-based?
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Those big tall new buildings you're looking at in the centre of Perth,
0:31:43 > 0:31:47a lot of them are all the major oil companies
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- so all Perth-based, CBD. - That's what you want, isn't it?
0:31:50 > 0:31:55- So you're not having to worry about looking...- Isn't that good?
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Do you like that? Do you like that, Madison?
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- Mm-hmm.- Daddy working in a job that he'd be home every night?
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- Mm-hmm.- Yeah?
0:32:05 > 0:32:06- Yeah?- Oh, dear.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- I haven't told you what the salary was yet.- All right, tell me.
0:32:10 > 0:32:16He reckons he doesn't see why you couldn't be looking at
0:32:16 > 0:32:20250,000-300,000 Australian dollars.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22What?
0:32:22 > 0:32:27And that's before you start even moving into management.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30CORINNE LAUGHS
0:32:32 > 0:32:33Serious!
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- I don't believe you.- Seriously.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40What do you think about that, then?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Yeah, when can I start?
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Can you do overtime?
0:32:44 > 0:32:45Not yet!
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- Can you work weekends? It is 7-7? - I don't think they do weekends.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52OK, that's something you need to find out.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54THEY LAUGH
0:32:54 > 0:32:57We're OK, we'll amuse ourselves.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08The news about Eric's potential salary is very welcome.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10But even with strong prospects,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13affording the house and the lifestyle they want
0:33:13 > 0:33:17could all hinge on getting a good price for their UK home.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Corinne and Eric's house has been on the market
0:33:20 > 0:33:22for 12 months at £180,000.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26If they can't get a decent price, they're thinking of renting it out
0:33:26 > 0:33:29and getting a bigger mortgage in Australia.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32We sent round two estate agents to get their opinion.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35OK, let's see what they say.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42OK, living room's been nicely decorated,
0:33:42 > 0:33:47natural colours, which most people are looking for,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50an attractive fireplace with slate tiling
0:33:50 > 0:33:53and reclaimed brick with the mantle.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- I built that.- Nicely done.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58The kitchen's modern
0:33:58 > 0:34:02and most buyers are looking for natural wood kitchens.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Nicely done, and most people should be impressed.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- Very good.- That's good.- That's nice.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11This is a well-proportioned bedroom
0:34:11 > 0:34:13certainly capable of taking a double bed,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17and obviously a little girl's room, but that shouldn't affect the price.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I'm not little!
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Oh, here's your room, Madison.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- My room!- This is obviously used as a third bedroom.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26It is quite a small room.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29It might be best utilised as a study, or a nursery.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31But you can get a single bed
0:34:31 > 0:34:36and there's a huge storage cupboard there as well, so it's not...
0:34:36 > 0:34:37- No.- It's not small.
0:34:37 > 0:34:43In today's market, I would value this house at £160,000
0:34:43 > 0:34:45and for quick sale, £150,000
0:34:45 > 0:34:50- and for a rental, somewhere in the region of £650 per month.- Yep.- Yes?
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I would expect under current market conditions
0:34:53 > 0:34:57that the property should achieve a figure in the region of £165,000.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59In terms of rental value,
0:34:59 > 0:35:03I would expect it to achieve between £600 and £650 per calendar month.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05- Yeah.- Yeah, that's OK.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- That's exactly...- What we thought.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12Maybe actually a wee bit more on the sale of the house,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16although I still think the idea of renting it is good.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Oh, rental, definitely.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21See how nice the house can look, girls, when it's tidied?
0:35:21 > 0:35:26- My bedroom's tidy!- Do you promise to keep it that tidy when you go home?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Yeah, she does.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29I'm going to mess my teddies up
0:35:29 > 0:35:32and I'm going to put my teddies everywhere.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- Are you?- Yeah!
0:35:34 > 0:35:36No big surprises there, it seems,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39but what will the cost of living reveal?
0:35:39 > 0:35:43We've prepared a comparison of prices in Australia
0:35:43 > 0:35:44compared to those in the UK.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Can they actually afford to live the lifestyle they want
0:35:47 > 0:35:51or will the cost of living down under be too much to handle?
0:35:51 > 0:35:53This is weekly.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Eggs are a good bit more expensive.
0:35:55 > 0:36:00- So's bread.- That's £49. It's actually going up 20%.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04So at home, our mortgage payments are coming out at £673
0:36:04 > 0:36:07so that's obviously an increase.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08£12 a month...
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Just over slightly doubled.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14The cost of living is,
0:36:14 > 0:36:19basically, slightly more than double what it would be in the UK.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22That's a massive difference.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Can Eric's higher salary make up for this hole in their finances?
0:36:26 > 0:36:31Right, so looking at the figures, in the UK, we can get £80,000 a year.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- Yep.- In Australia, going in at the mid-range,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37you're looking at £110,000 a year
0:36:37 > 0:36:41with the potential to go up another 10-15,000
0:36:41 > 0:36:45if you're looking towards the higher end of the income range.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49So, right away, you are £30,000 a year better off here.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53We can achieve the dream of being together as a family
0:36:53 > 0:36:55and financially we're not going to suffer.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00We can have our cake and eat it, in a way.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Gosh. That's good.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06I'm just really, really excited now.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08That's making me so happy.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11It's better than what we possibly thought.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19Have the Stitts worked out a way to get their dream life?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21How will they vote on living costs?
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Taking into consideration the salary Eric would earn in Australia
0:37:25 > 0:37:27against the salary in the UK
0:37:27 > 0:37:29and also the cost of living...
0:37:31 > 0:37:32..our vote goes to...
0:37:34 > 0:37:37BOTH: ..Australia!
0:37:40 > 0:37:44With a big leap in their possible incomes,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47the figures look too good to be true for Eric and Corinne.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51But there's one final cost they have yet to face.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53The pain of leaving loved ones behind.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58Hearing messages from family and friends can be very emotional
0:37:58 > 0:38:02and Jodie has decided against watching them.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Eric and Corinne are happy for Madison to join them,
0:38:04 > 0:38:06to see how she feels.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Let's see what everyone has to say about us back home.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Hi, Eric and Corinne,
0:38:12 > 0:38:13Jodie and Madison!
0:38:13 > 0:38:16About a year and a half ago, they came to see us one night
0:38:16 > 0:38:19and they happened to say
0:38:19 > 0:38:22that they were thinking of going to Australia
0:38:22 > 0:38:24and how did we feel about it?
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Well,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- we were shocked.- Mm-hmm.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33But we understood the situation, we understood how they felt.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36We'll miss sometimes having to go to school to collect the kids,
0:38:36 > 0:38:38bring them home,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41just doing different things in general with them.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43It'll be different that
0:38:43 > 0:38:45a family member lives over there,
0:38:45 > 0:38:47so close to you, but...
0:38:49 > 0:38:52..if it helps their family life, and betters...
0:38:52 > 0:38:54It'll be good for them, you know.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57I will feel very emotional about it.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01It did affect me, yes. Sometimes I try not to show it.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07But it does.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10If they do go,
0:39:10 > 0:39:12and if they stay,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15I know we've always said we would never fly
0:39:15 > 0:39:18but we will try to go to see them.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21But God willing, they'll come back to see us.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24And we'll keep in touch as best we can.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28You know there'll always be a big place for you
0:39:28 > 0:39:30here in Northern Ireland
0:39:30 > 0:39:32but it's very much up to you
0:39:32 > 0:39:36to decide where suits your family situation best at the minute.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38You'll give it your very best.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43And I just think that...
0:39:47 > 0:39:50All the best, son. All the best.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Think about it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Take in, weigh the pros and cons
0:39:57 > 0:40:01of what you have in Australia and what you have here at home
0:40:01 > 0:40:04and weigh out the difference
0:40:04 > 0:40:07and make the right decision, both of yous.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09We love yous. God bless.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Brings it home to you a wee bit more, sitting here seeing that, I suppose.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Och aye, it does.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20But at the end of the day,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23they understand that my quality of life just isn't there.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Exactly.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28And that's the compromise.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31We're OK financially here,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34we're OK with the lifestyle,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36that's our compromise.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38That's what we have to give up
0:40:38 > 0:40:42and that, to me, is a huge,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44huge stumbling block.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48It's emotional. There's no doubt about it.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54Seeing their loved ones has brought home how painful the move would be.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57If it's a loss that's too much to bear,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00will they give up their dream of Australia?
0:41:00 > 0:41:05You can see the emotions, you can see how people feel,
0:41:05 > 0:41:09and it is, it's a significant sacrifice.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12You are walking away from your life, your established life,
0:41:12 > 0:41:17everything you know, everything that's familiar to you,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20and there is a risk involved in that.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22We have to weigh up the pros and cons.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Obviously on the minus side
0:41:27 > 0:41:31is the sacrifice of leaving people behind,
0:41:31 > 0:41:36but the plus side is the opportunities and lifestyle
0:41:36 > 0:41:38that it could offer Jodie and Madison.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42It's the end of an emotional week for the Stitts.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46They've had a taste of their ideal lifestyle,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49seen a downside to the dream home
0:41:49 > 0:41:52and found a path that could lead to a better future.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Now it's time for them to make their final, crucial vote.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Will the promise of a new life
0:41:58 > 0:42:02be enough to overcome the pull of home and loved ones?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04We started off, we weren't too sure
0:42:04 > 0:42:08how we would fit in with Australian life.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11But all in all,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15we as a family have enjoyed our experience here in Perth.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18It's been a positive experience.
0:42:18 > 0:42:24I think we all can see that the dream is more of a possibility now.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Our vote goes to...
0:42:26 > 0:42:29ALL: Australia!
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Are you happy enough with your decision?
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Yeah, I think so.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- I think it's just reinforced what we were thinking before we came.- Dada!
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I think they can make it work for us.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Yeah, I think we could work together.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51You want a kiss too? Mwah!
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- You get one?- Eugh!- No?
0:42:54 > 0:42:58After an experience to remember, the Stitt family have decided
0:42:58 > 0:43:03that Australia can offer them the life they've been searching for.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06And they're hoping it's just the beginning of their next journey.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:24 > 0:43:26E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk