0:00:02 > 0:00:06Moving your family halfway around the world is a costly decision
0:00:06 > 0:00:10and not just for your wallet. Leaving behind your home,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14friends and family are high prices to pay for a new life.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17But what if your partner also faced giving up the career
0:00:17 > 0:00:20they loved to make your dream come true?
0:00:20 > 0:00:24If you knew emigrating meant never seeing closest family again...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27I have to be realistic that it's quite
0:00:27 > 0:00:30possible my parents wouldn't be able to come out here.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34..and returning home to the life you love wasn't an option...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38We won't be able to just come back to the UK and pick up where we left off.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45..would you risk it all to start again in a country you'd never even visited?
0:01:08 > 0:01:11There is a long tradition of Brits emigrating to Australia,
0:01:11 > 0:01:13searching for a new life.
0:01:13 > 0:01:1737,000 miles of pristine beaches, blue skies
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and vast open spaces are just part of the attraction.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23But with a third giving up and returning home,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25the grass isn't always greener.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27The Stephen family want to find out
0:01:27 > 0:01:31if emigrating to Australia could give them a better future.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35They have one week to experience life down under before they face
0:01:35 > 0:01:39a huge decision - whether to stay in the UK or to make the move for good.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Their journey to Melbourne in the state of Victoria takes them
0:01:47 > 0:01:5011,000 miles from home.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53After a tiring 23 hours, the consequences of moving
0:01:53 > 0:01:55so far are very apparent.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00The length of the journey does hit home...
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Um... How difficult it would be to keep in contact with family.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Now we've actually stepped into Melbourne Airport,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12the reality has hit home now.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16It just highlights how this week is such an important decision
0:02:16 > 0:02:19because ultimately it determines the family's future.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23And that is a scary but very exciting prospect.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31From the airport, it's a short journey to their rental home.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36It might be across a dark Melbourne, but it's got the children excited.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- Oh, wow!- What can you see, Kerry?
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Oh, wow! Look at all those bright lights.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47It's weird how the world works.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51If it's England now, it's ten o'clock in the morning.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- In Australia, it's night time. - 11 o'clock at night, yeah.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Back in the UK, the Stephens, Murray and Kay, live with their
0:03:03 > 0:03:08two children Shaun and Kerry in Bacup, near Rochdale, in Lancashire.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12With Kay working as a solicitor and Murray a fireman,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15they have jobs and a family life they love.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19However, Kay has always dreamt of moving out of the UK, to Australia.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22It's something that's always been there in my mind
0:03:22 > 0:03:25and a desire that's never gone away.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29So it is sheer determination that it's something we want to go out
0:03:29 > 0:03:35there and make an informed decision and sample the lifestyle out there.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39As an active family, the Stephens are convinced Australia would
0:03:39 > 0:03:44give the lifestyle they can only dream of pursuing in the UK.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47It just restricts what we like to do as a family.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52You get ready to go out and then the heavens open up an hour later.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56This isn't a case of the grass being greener on the other side, we can
0:03:56 > 0:04:00see that possibly there's something better than what we have here.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05And that's what all this is about, essentially.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10However, there is one big hurdle to overcome.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13As there isn't a demand for firemen in Australia,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17they're afraid Murray would have to sacrifice the job he loves.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23I know that Murray's a proud man and he will want to be able to work
0:04:23 > 0:04:25and support his family.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29My son loves the fact that I'm a firefighter.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34He loves to tell everyone that his dad drives a fire engine.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40And it's how I replace that that I might find difficult to adapt.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45What bothers me and concerns me and sometimes keeps me
0:04:45 > 0:04:52awake at night is...making that move and it not working out.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55And him being distinctly unhappy.
0:04:56 > 0:05:02By that time, we won't be able to change the past.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07We won't be able to just come back to the UK and pick up where we left off.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12Having left his family and friends behind when he moved from Scotland,
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Murray is painfully aware what emigrating to Australia could mean.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20You can't just drop everything and go at the drop of a hat.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25There is that distance between you. It's not the same.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28As the Stephens have never visited Australia before,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Kay knows she's risking everything they've worked so hard to build.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36We've got so much to give up as a family -
0:05:36 > 0:05:42great careers, beautiful family home, great family that offer
0:05:42 > 0:05:49so much support, and to give all of that up,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53it's got to be something really, really special.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56They now have just one week to see
0:05:56 > 0:06:00if they really could start a new life in Australia.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07The Stephens have worked hard to build a happy home
0:06:07 > 0:06:11and successful careers, but Kay's belief that Australia could offer
0:06:11 > 0:06:16more is driving her dream, even though it may cost Murray dearly.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Ahead of them could be the biggest gamble of their lives.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25The Stephens are spending their trial week in Melbourne.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29It's a busy cosmopolitan city, but also well situated for those
0:06:29 > 0:06:33who want to enjoy the beaches and Aussie outdoor lifestyle.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Perfect for sporty professionals like the Stephens.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40But before that, they've got to settle into their rental home
0:06:40 > 0:06:43for the week and get their first taste of Aussie living.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46OK, then. Let's go and have a look.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50That's a good girl.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Go in. See what you see.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Wow!
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Oh, look in here!
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Despite the late arrival, it's sounding like a good start
0:07:01 > 0:07:03and Shaun's already spotted the advantages of being
0:07:03 > 0:07:05in a warmer country.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10We get to have sausages outside!
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- Come on, I'm coming in to give you a big hug.- Dad!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Everyone seems to have settled quickly into this spacious
0:07:21 > 0:07:25apartment, but Kay and Murray have their reservations.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28The factors are, what we're looking at for money,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31what sort of lifestyle we can have.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I do believe it's more expensive to live here.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38These are all concerns of mine, really, that obviously
0:07:38 > 0:07:42because of the uncertainty of what I'm going to do
0:07:42 > 0:07:45and whether the money I take in allows us
0:07:45 > 0:07:48to do the same as what we have back home,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51if it is more expensive to live here, that could be a problem.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57We have to be united.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02But if one of us does feel differently,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05then somebody's going to be disappointed.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09And that I do feel nervous about. That does bother me.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25In the UK, the Stephens own a modern four-bedroom house which
0:08:25 > 0:08:28they think is worth £250,000.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Situated on a private road in Bacup and overlooking the Pennines,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34it's not a home they want to give up.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38If we could pick this house up and fly it over to Australia
0:08:38 > 0:08:43and drop it down, by the seaside, then I think we would be...
0:08:43 > 0:08:45We've really cracked it.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51That's how strongly we feel about doing this because we're prepared to
0:08:51 > 0:08:57leave this property, but what we have said is we'd be prepared to downsize.
0:08:57 > 0:09:04The location of the house might be more important than
0:09:04 > 0:09:08the size of house we have now, to allow us to have that outdoor life.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11We've arranged to give the Stephens
0:09:11 > 0:09:14a taste of Melbourne's housing market.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17We'll show them three typical options based on what
0:09:17 > 0:09:21they want from their ideal home, what they can afford
0:09:21 > 0:09:23and the real price of property down under.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26After seeing for themselves what's on offer,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29they'll find out the price of each of the houses.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Their search begins in the suburb of Hopper's Crossing, close to
0:09:36 > 0:09:39the countryside and just a 30 minute commute from Central Melbourne.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43This is an area popular with young families.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48This detached four-bedroom house has the size
0:09:48 > 0:09:50and modern style the Stephens are after.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Will it get their search off on the right foot?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- It's a lot smaller than ours back home.- Yeah.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- It's not got the wow factor at all. - No.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It doesn't sound like a promising start.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11Only seeing the problems in a house is never a good sign.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- We'd need to modernise it.- Yeah. - New shower units...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18And the unusual layout doesn't seem to be helping.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21It's a bit like a rabbit warren.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Watch your fingers. That would be a problem, sliding back and forwards.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I think it's a security issue as well.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33However, the children are taking a more positive approach.
0:10:33 > 0:10:39- Do you think this would be the kind of bedroom that you'd like?- Yeah. - Do you?- It's bigger than mine.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- You could have a girly stopover. - Kerry would like this room.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Would this be your room?
0:10:46 > 0:10:51And Shaun has spotted something that could change Mum and Dad's tune.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- There's a swimming pool in the back garden.- Now we're talking!
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I didn't notice that. - Oh, this is deceiving.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01This is the nice part of the property
0:11:01 > 0:11:03and it's not overlooked at the back.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07It ticks more boxes than I thought it would do.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10The pool and spacious garden have certainly won Kay
0:11:10 > 0:11:12and Murray over, but what about the price?
0:11:12 > 0:11:15They may have changed their opinion about this house,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19but can they actually afford it within their £300,000 budget?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Time to find out.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23What have we got?
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Yeah.- I didn't expect it to be quite as much as that.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- I was thinking more... - 200.- 220.- Yeah.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38But on something you can just walk in, that would be fine.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Yeah, if we could walk in, that would be fine.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Cos the area's really nice.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It's not a perfect start.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51If Kay and Murray want a house that meets their needs
0:11:51 > 0:11:55and doesn't need work, it could mean stretching their budget.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Perhaps the second house can come closer to their ideal.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Just a mile away, also in the Hopper's Crossing area,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04is this detached property.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07With four bedrooms and plenty of living space,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10will it be up to spec for the Stephens?
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Wow!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Unfortunately, this Aussie-style layout isn't to Kay
0:12:17 > 0:12:19and Murray's taste.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23You're coming in the front door and you're straight into the bedrooms.
0:12:23 > 0:12:29- Yeah?- Is this a bedroom? It could be anything you want it to be.- No.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31En suite.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Some redecoration may be needed,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37but fortunately for Kay, Murray can see beyond the paintwork.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41It's all the same. It's the same colour throughout.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- I think that's superficial. - Yeah. We can change that.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48We'd have this done in no time to our own style.
0:12:48 > 0:12:54Can the open-plan living area sway Kay a little further?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- That's better.- Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Yeah, I like this.- I like that.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- What's behind the door?- That would be a hiding place for Kerry.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09And there's a room that would go down well with the children.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10- It's really spacious.- Yeah.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I think this would be an ideal playroom for the children.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Yeah, that'll be a massive playroom.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20In fact, Shaun seems to have got everything already worked out.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- We could have no toys in the bedroom and keep it all in here.- Yeah.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29And what about the outside playroom? Can the garden seal the deal?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Come on then. Everyone out.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- Ooh.- This is nicely done. - Look at this!
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I like the fact that I wouldn't have to cut the grass.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Well, I'm glad you've pointed out the positive to start with,
0:13:43 > 0:13:48because I'm suddenly coming crashing down.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53It was ticking the boxes, but you can't change this.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- This is just not a good space...- No.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59..outdoor space for the children to play. It's too small.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Nice try, Murray.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04But I think that's a little too much positive spin on a garden
0:14:04 > 0:14:08with no grass. Perhaps the price can make things more appealing.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11They did all like the inside space.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Here we go then. Let's see how much it is.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19285.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23That's just below their 300,000 budget.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25It's another 45,000 on top.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30I think for that amount, I'd want a few more boxes to be ticked.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35Again, Kay hasn't been impressed, but as the one driving this move,
0:14:35 > 0:14:39shouldn't she be convincing Murray, not the other way round?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Can the last house make any difference?
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Situated in the growing suburb of Point Cook, it's closer to
0:14:46 > 0:14:49the beach and the city centre, with plenty of schools and parks.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52This is a popular area.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55On paper, this newly built four-bedroom house has
0:14:55 > 0:14:58everything the Stephens want, but will it be to their liking?
0:15:00 > 0:15:06- Oh! Ha-ha! Oh, wow!- Oh! Right! - Look at all those shoes in here!
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- A walk-in wardrobe. - Look at the smile on Kay!- Yeah.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13You've got all your shoes on there as well.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Oh, I don't know about that.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19This is ticking quite a few boxes so far.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- The rooms are lovely and spacious. - You've no net curtains on these.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25We've got rid of the net curtains!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- Yeah, this is it. This ticks the boxes for me.- Yeah. Definitely.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It's our decor, it's what we like.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38At last, the modern living they wanted.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Even little Kerry's tastes are catered for here.
0:15:41 > 0:15:47- Oh! My bed! - Could this be a princess room, Kerry?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49That will be my bed.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Oh, yes!
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- Oh, definitely!- This is the area we would love to have.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Spot on, the colour scheme, everything. It's just walk-in.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08And you've got so much of your living space outside.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Yup. This house seems to be exactly what the Stephens want.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Or did I speak too soon?
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- It's like a goldfish bowl.- Yeah.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Comparing from back home,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24we can sit out the back and there's nobody looking into our garden.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29Well, there's certainly nobody looking in the windows like that.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Every window, you look out, you'd be waving to them.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34You need the net curtains in here!
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Now, this house with the privacy of the first house, possibly,
0:16:45 > 0:16:50at the back would have ticked all the boxes.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56This house seemed the perfect family home,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59but this aspect has put Kay and Murray off.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03But what if this is the best they could afford on their budget?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Everything rests on the turn of this card.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Hmm. Give us a carrot and then pull it away.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22That's a blow. It's at least £60,000 over budget.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27This has put a...reality check on it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Mmm.- What you can get for what we've got back home.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32We simply couldn't afford
0:17:32 > 0:17:35that on the salaries that we are on at the moment.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- Come on, then, kids.- Come on, guys.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Has the harsh reality of house
0:17:41 > 0:17:44prices in Melbourne burst Kay's bubble?
0:17:44 > 0:17:48The first house made a splash with its large garden
0:17:48 > 0:17:51and swimming pool, but was let down by the interior.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54In contrast, the second appealed to everyone
0:17:54 > 0:17:57but the small garden made it a no-no.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00And although the third house was close to being perfect,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03it was far above their expected budget.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06So, after a day of house-hunting,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09had the Stephens been convinced their future lies down under?
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Our vote is...
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- Undecided!- Undecided!
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Value for money is disappointing. - Yeah.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28If we could plonk our house down here, I would be voting Australia.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31But we've got to get the house right for ourselves.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So that's why I'm undecided.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39After years of dreaming,
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Melbourne's high property prices were a real wake-up call for Kay.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46But could the benefits of living down under be worth going
0:18:46 > 0:18:51the extra dollar for, especially the famous outdoor Aussie lifestyle?
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Back in Lancashire, the Stephens love to spend time outdoors
0:18:55 > 0:18:59together, but struggle with the unpredictable weather.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- We love the great outdoors.- Yeah. - I love horse riding.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Murray would live on the golf course.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08And Shaun can't stay away from the rugby.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12What we enjoy, both together as a family and individually,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15is the great outdoors.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19So we're sending them to Werribee Open Zoo for a grand day out and
0:19:19 > 0:19:23if there's one thing you can rely on in Australia, it's sunny days.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Animals!- Look how close they're getting!
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- Oh!- Oh, look at that. Oh, wow!
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Zebras!- Zebras.
0:19:35 > 0:19:41How cool would it be, Shaun, to come out here through the school holidays?
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Cool.- And be able to experience this?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47I wish I could do it every day.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Cos it's peaceful.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57It looks like Shaun's already been won over.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00And his sister's not far behind.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- Kerry, look at this big rhino. - Oh, look at this.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Don't wake it up because it's sleeping.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12This is a far cry from what they're used to in Lancashire.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14And the Stephens are making the most of it.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18In fact, it's inspired Murray to rethink his career.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I'm going to work in a zoo. An open-range zoo.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Cos we've got plenty of practice cos we've got a couple of monkeys.
0:20:27 > 0:20:33Nice try, Murray! But I don't think zoo keepers are on the wanted list.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Look, Kerry. They're all waiting to meet you.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Moving to Australia has always been about being able to enjoy
0:20:41 > 0:20:45an outdoor lifestyle and today has shown exactly that.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51I'm an animal lover and I grew up on a farm.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57And I think Shaun and Kerry are having an amazing experience
0:20:57 > 0:21:00and absolutely loving it as a family. We're all enjoying this.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05This is something we'd never get the opportunity to do back home.
0:21:05 > 0:21:11This is what I would truly love Shaun and Kerry to be able to grow up
0:21:11 > 0:21:13and experience.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19This is the outdoors. This is what we love as a family.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23However, remembering her childhood has reminded Kay what she'd
0:21:23 > 0:21:25be leaving behind.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I do go through periods where I'm thinking about my parents
0:21:28 > 0:21:31and my family and Murray's family.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35I secretly hope that if my parents were able to make the journey,
0:21:35 > 0:21:39they might fall in love with Australia.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41But I have to be realistic that it's quite
0:21:41 > 0:21:45possible my parents wouldn't be able to come out here.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Moving so far from loved ones is always going to involve heartache.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57The Stephens have to decide
0:21:57 > 0:22:00if that pain is worth the life they'd be gaining.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Based on the Australian lifestyle, we are voting for...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12ALL: Australia!
0:22:13 > 0:22:18We've looked at what we did back home and it's always...
0:22:18 > 0:22:2290% of the time, the weather's not there.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26As a family, we're an outdoor family.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29And being out in Australia will allow us to do that.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33And spend more quality time together in the outdoors.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35It's been a truly amazing experience today.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41After an ideal day under the Aussie sun,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44that's a much happier set of Stephens.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47And the family lifestyle seems tailor-made for them,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50if Mum and Dad can find the work to afford it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55But for Murray, that could mean facing a heartbreaking challenge.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59In the UK, both the Stephens have careers they love.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03Kay works as a criminal lawyer and Murray is a fireman.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07However, as his job is currently not in demand in Australia,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Murray believes he might struggle to continue his career.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14The chances are I'm not going to be able to be a firefighter,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17so that's going to be a very difficult hole to fill.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22It's something that I love doing. I'm giving up so much.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27It is a good feeling and it would be very hard to fill that gap.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31And it's not just Murray's career that's at risk.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Kay would not be able to work
0:23:32 > 0:23:36as a lawyer in Australia without retraining.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39To help her explore her job prospects, we've arranged
0:23:39 > 0:23:43for Kay to meet with Helen Fatouros, who is also a public prosecutor.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46On any given day, advocates from my team are in this court,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48the Magistrates Court,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51across at the County Court or even in the Supreme Court.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54And if you were working with us,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56you'd be doing work in all of those three courts.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59They're a hop, skip and a jump away from each other.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Meanwhile, with Shaun and Kerry being looked after by a childminder,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Murray is off to find out about his chances of getting work
0:24:06 > 0:24:08as an Aussie firefighter.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11The service's recruitment manager, Martin Penrose,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13knows exactly what is required.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17In terms of our criteria, it's fairly straightforward.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22The first is that you need to be a permanent resident in Australia
0:24:22 > 0:24:26and the second being that you need to be capable of getting a heavy
0:24:26 > 0:24:29vehicle licence, have a driver's licence, here in our state.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34If we were to move over here, my wife obviously is the permanent
0:24:34 > 0:24:37visa holder to come out here, I would have the same rights as her.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40So if I move out here, I'd be able to apply immediately
0:24:40 > 0:24:42when we came here.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Pretty much, if your wife's been granted permanent residency,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49and if that flows through to you as well,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53and you're over here and able to get through our process, you can apply.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58What about my age? How will that affect me for getting into the Australian fire service?
0:24:58 > 0:25:04Basically, on our next course, we've got seven people over the age of 40.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The key is, as long as you keep yourself fit and competent
0:25:07 > 0:25:11and you're able to do the job, we look at all-comers.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15That's good news, if Murray can pass the fitness test.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18But it also depends on Kay getting work as a lawyer.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Back at the office, she's giving Helen the third degree.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25If we were going to use you in the capacity of an advocate,
0:25:25 > 0:25:31you'd have to qualify appropriately through the Legal Services Board.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34And look, I don't know the exact details of all of that,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36but with your experience,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I'd expect that there'd be an exemption process of some sort.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42It might not be across the board, like you might have to do
0:25:42 > 0:25:45some additional training, it's probably likely you would.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49So salary-wise, what kind of salary would I expect to be on,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51given my qualifications and experience?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Our pay scale's in Australian dollars.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57They start for advocates, from around 66,000 a year,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00through to 125,000 a year.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04But it's likely that you'd be earning more than what you're
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- earning at the moment. - OK. When do I start?
0:26:07 > 0:26:10That all sounds promising, but Kay's sensed a problem.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14I'm up here with enthusiasm and now I'm going to come crashing down.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17I want you to be enthusiastic, but one of the realities
0:26:17 > 0:26:23- is at the moment, it's a slightly cold employment market.- Right.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25But I say persist.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28And as long as it takes for you to do what you want to do,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31doesn't matter really, it just means it might take a little bit longer.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Based on my CV, would you consider me for a position here?- Yes, I would.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39It's been a day of ups and downs for Kay.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Although she could earn more with only a little retraining,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45finding work might be a struggle.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Meanwhile, Murray is meeting with expat Malcolm Bruce,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53who's going to put his fitness and firefighting skills to the test.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Murray's certainly been put through his paces,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10so has he got what it takes?
0:27:10 > 0:27:14You can see you've got a bit of experience
0:27:14 > 0:27:17and you've done some of that stuff before, so, yeah.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Looked pretty good there. - Thanks for that.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23The thing that is in the back of my mind because of the cost
0:27:23 > 0:27:27of living in Australia is what sort of salary would I be on?
0:27:27 > 0:27:33As a fully qualified firefighter, you can earn up to...just over 66,000.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Leading firefighter, it goes up to 76,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38so there's a fairly decent jump there.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42And then station officer, goes up to 86,000.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47That could mean earning almost £20,000 more than his current salary.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50It seems Murray's career hasn't gone up in flames.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Knowing now that I can come over to Australia
0:27:53 > 0:27:59and I can continue my career, it's overwhelming.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01The carrot is now within reach.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04And when Murray meets up with Kay,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07she's eager to know what he's found out.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10If you get your visa to work down here,
0:28:10 > 0:28:15I could start a recruitment process on your visa.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17So it's not a problem.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19And the good thing is once I'm qualified,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- it's a lot more money as well. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25The sticking point here though might be
0:28:25 > 0:28:29because here in Victoria State,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32we've got a recruitment freeze.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36But it's still good.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40It's positive to know that if we were to get the finger out,
0:28:40 > 0:28:42then it would be possible.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44You can see with the expression on your face,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48I think that's amazing that we've got some inroads now.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51I'm so pleased.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56It's a positive end to a crucial day.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59However, as Kay and Murray would both need extra training, with
0:28:59 > 0:29:04no guarantee of work at the end, could they really risk emigrating?
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Based on our job experiences today, we are voting for...
0:29:12 > 0:29:14BOTH: Australia!
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Murray's good news is a huge boost to Kay's hopes for emigrating,
0:29:25 > 0:29:29but her work prospects look far from certain.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32With so many question marks hanging over their move,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36it's vital the Stephens find out if they can afford it or not.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42Key to the family being able to make the move is getting the best
0:29:42 > 0:29:43price for their UK home.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Here we go, then.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49So we sent round two estate agents to give us their valuations.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Is it worth anywhere near the £260,000 the Stephens
0:29:53 > 0:29:54would like to achieve?
0:29:54 > 0:29:57My first impression of the property is as you come in,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00it's very spacious, open...
0:30:00 > 0:30:03KERRY: Why did she just go in without us?
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Beautiful landing. Nice light fitting. Very elegant.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22That took a bit of fitting.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27Princess room! The fact this is a double room is an advantage.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Is that my double bedroom?
0:30:31 > 0:30:34I would expect a property of this type,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38size and condition to achieve in the region of £235-250,000.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40For a quick sale,
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I think you're looking at offers around the 220 region.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45220?
0:30:45 > 0:30:49I would value this property at £250,000.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54For a quick sale, it would be lower than that, maybe 240, 230,000.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- That is a huge drop. - And this is the problem.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03The Australian prices have gone up and the UK's gone down,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07so the difference between has separated it,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11so therefore the house that we're going for would probably have
0:31:11 > 0:31:14to be a lot smaller, so we'll have to be prepared to downsize.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18That's the sacrifice I think we're going to have to be ready for.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20And I think you're right about that.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Murray and Kay might be prepared to live in a smaller
0:31:24 > 0:31:28house in Australia, but there's also the question of living costs.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31We've prepared a comparison of day-to-day prices to see
0:31:31 > 0:31:34if the Stephens could afford the move.
0:31:37 > 0:31:43- So we start with the weekly shopping list.- Yeah.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47There just seems to be a real disparity in the figures here,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50where these items are concerned.
0:31:50 > 0:31:56- Yoghurts, fruit... - But yet the vegetables are cheaper.
0:31:56 > 0:32:02So that's an extra 50... £55 per week.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06That's a sizeable increase in the weekly food bills.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Not an ideal start.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Our joint income is...
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- £5,577.75.- Yeah.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Our potential earning is considerably more here in Australia
0:32:17 > 0:32:19than it is at present.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- Just over 21,000, joint income. - Well, that's...
0:32:24 > 0:32:27That's amazing, to what we thought we'd earn.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32An extra £21,000 per year is great news, but taking the higher
0:32:32 > 0:32:36cost of living into consideration, how do the numbers add up?
0:32:36 > 0:32:40It appears that we will be roughly
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- £14,500 better off.- That is amazing!
0:32:44 > 0:32:49That is fantastic! That figure, I did not expect that at all.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52That would maybe mean we could buy...
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- spend more on a property than... - Considerably more.- Yeah.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01That all sounds very promising and I think I can guess which way
0:33:01 > 0:33:03they might vote.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Based on the cost of living, we are voting for...
0:33:10 > 0:33:13BOTH: Australia!
0:33:14 > 0:33:20Those figures are really exciting and encouraging and positive.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25So the financial side of moving to Oz shouldn't be the barrier now.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30I think it's all pointing towards the families, really.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Murray's convinced the numbers do add up for the Stephens.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41And Kay's dream looks like it could be affordable after all,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44if she can find work.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48But they both know there's one thing they can't put a price on -
0:33:48 > 0:33:51the pain of leaving their family behind.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Kay knows that giving up her family,
0:33:55 > 0:34:00who have always lived close by, would be difficult for everyone.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03So to help the Stephens see how they might cope with emigrating
0:34:03 > 0:34:06and to get a different view of Melbourne,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10we've arranged for them to spend the day with Amelia and Jed Martin.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Amelia moved from the UK 14 years ago
0:34:13 > 0:34:15and should be able to address Kay
0:34:15 > 0:34:19and Murray's concerns after a spot of sailing in Melbourne harbour.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21This is the life!
0:34:22 > 0:34:26We don't do this very often in Bacup.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30It's a great way to relax and watch the world float by.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40But concerns soon bob to the surface.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44It's a whole mixed bag of emotions, at this moment in time.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48I'm close to my parents, as is Murray with his side of the family.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Yeah, it does sort of...
0:34:51 > 0:34:55My family have been really good at making plans to come here
0:34:55 > 0:34:58and visit now and again, opened up their little world of,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02"Oh, we could get on a plane. We could spend 20 hours on a plane."
0:35:02 > 0:35:06My dad's been really good at doing that. They enjoyed coming out here.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09I'm feeling apprehensive for a number of reasons
0:35:09 > 0:35:13because of the impact it will have on family here,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17the children because they are so close to grandparents.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20The impact it will have on my parents, Murray's side of the family.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24The first seven years were quite topsy-turvy,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26whether we want to stay here or not getting homesick,
0:35:26 > 0:35:30getting over it and being OK, then getting homesick again.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31You get used to it
0:35:31 > 0:35:34and people accept that you're not going to be there for everything.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37You actually get bored of the emotion of being homesick all the time.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40You end up going, "I can't keep being homesick all the time",
0:35:40 > 0:35:43and you get more involved will this side of life.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45I'm still trying to keep an open mind
0:35:45 > 0:35:50and not let my heart rule my head and that's particularly important.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52There's so many factors to consider.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55With so much riding on this move,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58it seems Kay and Murray have a tough decision ahead of them.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07A day out with new friends gave a glimpse of a bright future in Australia,
0:36:07 > 0:36:12but it also reminded Kay of how much she would miss her loved ones back home.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16So will seeing messages from them put an end to her dream?
0:36:18 > 0:36:23We've prepared a DVD of thoughts from family and friends back home.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27It could be an emotional experience but Kay and Murray have decided
0:36:27 > 0:36:30to watch it with the children to see how they feel about moving.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Hello, everybody, I hope you're all enjoying yourselves.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Hi, Kay, hi, Murray, hi, kids, I hope you're having a wonderful time.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Murray is the best brother you could ever wish for.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49He's fun, he's loving, caring.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54He's a smashing bloke, a true professional.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58He's a great colleague, a great friend.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Probably the most competitive person I've ever met in my life.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06He's never beaten and he's never wrong, for some reason!
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Well, the grandchildren mean everything.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Both Shaun and Kerry are just so active round our place here
0:37:14 > 0:37:15that it's wonderful.
0:37:18 > 0:37:19Funny and cute!
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Well good, well good is one of the expressions.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26They can go, but...
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I know I jokingly said that both Murray and Kay can go
0:37:30 > 0:37:33but leave the grandchildren, but I don't really mean that!
0:37:35 > 0:37:39I think it is an amazing opportunity
0:37:39 > 0:37:44and I'm obviously thinking about the friendship I've got with her.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Oh, I'd miss them hugely.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Because it is the other side of the world.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57We will miss you, but we certainly wouldn't try to stop you going,
0:37:57 > 0:37:58that's for sure.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02I hope you've given it a lot of thought
0:38:02 > 0:38:06and you've got to think about what you're giving up here.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10However, I know whatever decision you make,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13it will definitely be in the best interests of your family,
0:38:13 > 0:38:18so good look, guys, and I hope it all works out, either way.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25If it's right for you, both of you, and the grandchildren,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29then, as we've said, you must seriously think about it.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35Just keep safe, be happy, look after each other,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38and take care all the time.
0:38:38 > 0:38:39Love you to bits.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- And we're only a phone call away. - Absolutely!
0:38:51 > 0:38:54You feel, in a surreal way, that you're away having a break...
0:38:55 > 0:38:59..but when it shows you that...
0:38:59 > 0:39:02your mum and dad,
0:39:02 > 0:39:09my dad, Audrey, it's mixed emotions, isn't it?
0:39:09 > 0:39:13Because you feel that the people we care about and love
0:39:13 > 0:39:17are all 100% behind us and they want
0:39:17 > 0:39:20us to get the best out of life.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Yeah, of course they do, they want what is best for us
0:39:24 > 0:39:29and it just reminds us of everybody that we know and love back home.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37The reality of leaving family and friends is always painful,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39especially for children,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43but it's just one of the pressures weighing on Kay and Murray's minds.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45After an eventful week in Melbourne,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48it's time for the Stephens to make their final vote.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52As their trip draws to a close, there's still a lot to think about.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56The last seven days have certainly opened Murray's eyes
0:39:56 > 0:39:59to the kind of life they could all lead.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02It's been an amazing journey from the start.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04We've done so many things.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07When I was a child, I remember being by the seaside.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08It was on my doorstep
0:40:08 > 0:40:13and we often used to run down after school for an hour before tea.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16It's something I would like the children to experience.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19I know in the nine years Kay and I have been together,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23I could count on one hand how many times we've gone to the seaside
0:40:23 > 0:40:27and this could be something that we could do every day.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32The eyes have been opened to what sort of life we could have as a family.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36But the idea of leaving everyone behind is creating massive doubts
0:40:36 > 0:40:38for both Kay and Murray.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40I'm so, so close to my parents.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44It's funny how the tables turn
0:40:44 > 0:40:46because my parents have always been there for me.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50They've said, look, you're free to make whatever decision you please
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and we will support you, no matter what.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57But I still do feel that I want to be there for them
0:40:57 > 0:41:00and you can't at the other side of the world.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07It hits home how far we're going to be away from them.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09When I saw Shaun getting upset...
0:41:11 > 0:41:15..you keep wondering if you're doing the right thing.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17It is still a battle in my mind.
0:41:21 > 0:41:27The heartache of that against wanting to do what's right for my family
0:41:27 > 0:41:32in terms of my immediate family now, Murray, Shaun and Kerry.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Now, as they come to make the final crucial vote,
0:41:35 > 0:41:40have they been convinced their future lies in Australia,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44or is the other side of the world just too far from those they love?
0:41:44 > 0:41:50Based on our week in Australia, we are going to choose to live in...
0:41:54 > 0:41:57ALL: ..Australia!
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- What did you vote, Shaun?- Australia.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- Did you?- I love Australia!
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Why have you voted Australia? What do you really think?
0:42:10 > 0:42:16Because every night we could go out and play football
0:42:16 > 0:42:21and run along the streets and play games and everything.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Well, I couldn't have put it better myself.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35- Were you 100% sure on your decision there?- I am.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40I feel the same in my heart as I do in my mind now.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I'm just glad that we're united as a family
0:42:43 > 0:42:47and I think that's what's so important above everything.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55After facing the emotional and financial costs,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59it's a unanimous vote from the Stephens for a new life down under.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01With the difficult decision behind them,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05it's time for the next part of their journey to begin.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12Subtitles by Red bee Media Ltd