0:00:02 > 0:00:04If starting a new life halfway around the world could
0:00:04 > 0:00:08give your family the time together they so desperately needed,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11might you be sorely tempted?
0:00:11 > 0:00:12But could you go ahead and make the move
0:00:12 > 0:00:16if it meant having to leave one member of your family behind?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Pulling pints and being a travelling teacher means
0:00:20 > 0:00:23James and Lisa Cornish hardly ever see their two little boys.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27I would absolutely love for us to feel like a family again
0:00:27 > 0:00:30and for me to feel like I'm a mum and a wife again.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33So they're considering moving lock, stock and barrel
0:00:33 > 0:00:35to the other side of the world.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I'll get more time to spend with the boys in the evenings.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I'll be less tired because I won't be working 100 hours a week.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43While Australia could give them the lifestyle they want...
0:00:43 > 0:00:45I can honestly say I've never really seen them
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- that happy as they have been this week.- ..it would mean James
0:00:48 > 0:00:51saying goodbye to his daughter for months at a time.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54This week, really, is going to be really important, because
0:00:54 > 0:00:59it's going to change our lives, really, whichever way we choose.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25With more than a quarter of its population born abroad, Australia's
0:01:25 > 0:01:29long been a dream destination for people in search of a better life.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32James and Lisa Cornish are desperate for more time together with sons
0:01:32 > 0:01:37Sammy and Louie and believe Australia could be the answer.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Moving, however, would come at a price.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43James' daughter would be left behind in the UK.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49The Cornishes' journey begins with a 10,000-mile flight from London
0:01:49 > 0:01:51to Melbourne, via Dubai.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53It's the family's first time in Australia
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and the reality of just how far they've come has hit home.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00I'm really looking forward to seeing what houses are like,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- what the areas are like to live in.- Yeah.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05We can actually now see everything in the flesh,
0:02:05 > 0:02:07so we're looking forward to it.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08When their time in Melbourne's up,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11the family will face a life-changing decision.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18In the UK, the Cornish family live above a pub near Sheffield.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22They're James, Lisa, five-year-old Sammy, two-year-old Louie
0:02:22 > 0:02:25and James' daughter Lauren, who's 13.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28The family started running the pub in 2013,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31after James took voluntary redundancy as an accountant.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34While everyone hoped it would mean more time together,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37the reality's been the exact opposite.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40James works seven days a week and Lisa's job as an accountancy
0:02:40 > 0:02:42lecturer at colleges across the country
0:02:42 > 0:02:46means she's also missing out on quality time with the children.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51The commuting, in general, is a real strain on family life.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54And there's no let-up when it comes to the weekend.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56As Lisa's drafted in to help James behind the bar,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Sammy and Louie have to stay with their grandparents.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04It's a horrible feeling to feel like somebody else is enjoying
0:03:04 > 0:03:07spending time with your kids all the time.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11It's a situation that can't go on any longer.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15It does upset me that I can't spend the time with the boys.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18And my relationship with them is suffering because of it.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26With the pub meaning the family have even less quality time,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30the couple are now considering a more drastic lifestyle change.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33One which could take them to the other side of the world.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37But while Australia could reunite James and Lisa with their boys,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40it would mean James leaving a daughter behind.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Lauren's my daughter from my first marriage
0:03:43 > 0:03:47and she spends half the time with us and half the time with her mum.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49If we do decide to move out to Australia,
0:03:49 > 0:03:53she will stay here until she's 18.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55I think my dad feels like he's abandoning me
0:03:55 > 0:03:57if he does move over there,
0:03:57 > 0:04:02but I want them to have a better life than over here.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05James and Lisa will face an agonising decision.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Lauren could spend holidays down under,
0:04:07 > 0:04:12but if she doesn't like Australia, Lisa and James' dream could be over.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15I don't think that I could, um...
0:04:17 > 0:04:19..spend my life without her.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27The family will be spending a week in Melbourne.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Their temporary new home is a three-bedroom house in Williamstown.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Ooo!- It's lovely. Open stairs.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Yeah. It's really modern, actually. I like that.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- I like how it's open-plan.- Yeah.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42First impressions are good, but then...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45I'm not so sure there would be enough space...
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- No. We're used to more space than this.- ..long-term.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50And the space inside isn't the only problem.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Not much of a view, though.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54There's no real wildlife
0:04:54 > 0:04:57or anything to look at.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01They may have just arrived, but already, James and Lauren's thoughts
0:05:01 > 0:05:04are turning towards possibly being separated.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07It's something that we've,kind of, put on the back burner, to say,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11"How do we all really feel about...
0:05:11 > 0:05:14"spending four, five months apart at a time?"
0:05:14 > 0:05:18This week in Australia's going to be really important,because
0:05:18 > 0:05:23it's going to change our lives, really, whichever way we choose.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32It's a case of Upstairs Downstairs back in the UK for the Cornishes,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34who live above the pub James manages.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38We've ended up with this big, long wish list of walk-in wardrobes,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41ensuites, theatre rooms.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43SHE LAUGHS
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Pool. On the list. - We do need an extra bedroom,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- because we've got a long list of people that want to come.- Yeah.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55James and Lisa have a budget
0:05:55 > 0:05:58of £250-£300,000 for a home in Australia,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02but could possibly stretch further, depending on sand market.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Today, we'll show them three houses.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Two based on their budget and a third based on everything they want.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Only after they've seen each one will they find out its value.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18The search begins is Werribee, a suburb 20-miles west of the city.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22It's a family-friendly area, which could be perfect for the Cornishes.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24The outside might not impress much...
0:06:24 > 0:06:28It hasn't got a huge amount of curb appeal for my tastes.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30I like things that are much more modern.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32..but appearances can be deceptive.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Wow!
0:06:34 > 0:06:38This isn't what I was expecting.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Wow!
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- Are we sure we're in the same house? - THEY LAUGH
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- I want to see the rest of it now. - Yeah, I do, too.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51The property's got the open-plan interiors Lisa's after,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53but will it have the space the family crave?
0:06:53 > 0:06:56I'm trying to imagine it without any of the furniture in
0:06:56 > 0:06:57and what we would do with it.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00I think once we get the kids' toys in here and everything,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I think we'd struggle for space and we'd feel cramped again.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05And the kitchen's not perfect, either.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- Certain parts of it...- Yeah.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09..feel modern and updated and other parts don't.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13To be honest, it'd need whipping out and starting again.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15That's always possible, though,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17and the house does have five bedrooms,
0:07:17 > 0:07:21meaning not only could Sammy and Louie have their own room,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23but Lauren, too, if she visits.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- I could see the boys in here. - It's a good size for them. Ooo!
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Oh, that's a nice little den.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Just put some cushions in and reading books on the walls
0:07:31 > 0:07:33and everything and they'd love that.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35That's the boys potentially sorted,
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- and another feature manages to catch Lisa's eye.- Wow!
0:07:40 > 0:07:43This is a walk-in wardrobe and a half.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Everything at home's so cramped.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50This wardrobe is the size of their bedroom.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52So, does this house have all the space needed?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Oh, gosh! Wow!
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Not in every sense. LISA LAUGHS
0:07:57 > 0:07:59I don't know who's going to fit in that bath.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Louie.- Louie.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04THEY LAUGH
0:08:07 > 0:08:10I can't imagine what you would do with a bath this small.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13No worries about you falling asleep and drowning.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17Well, that's something, I guess. And so, it turns out, is the garden.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- This is far more what we were looking for.- Outdoors-wise.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Outdoors-wise.- Yeah. - For the boys.- It's nice.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- You like this one, don't you?- Yeah.
0:08:27 > 0:08:28And from the windows upstairs,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32you'll have a view of the garden and the trees and things.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35This house could be somewhere Lauren could call a second home,
0:08:35 > 0:08:41but could the family afford it on their £250-£300,000 budget?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Oof!- Oof!- Oh, dear!- Wow!
0:08:44 > 0:08:46262. That's a lot more than I was expecting
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- and a lot more than...- Anybody was expecting.- Anybody was expecting.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52It's within budget, but it looks like James and Lisa
0:08:52 > 0:08:56want a house that delivers much more for their money.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Will property number two fit the bill?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03It's situated in Tarneit,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06just 15 miles from Melbourne's central business district.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- That's way bigger! Huh! - This looks nice.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- It's lovely.- Straight away, this property's looking more promising.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Oh, gosh, James, it goes back quite a way, as well.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23There's a lot of colour.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- Yeah.- There's loads of space.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27It's got three living rooms.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29It's much bigger than the last house,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31but is there now too much room to roam?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34It's finding the balance between what space we need
0:09:34 > 0:09:38and would like to have and then having this massive house
0:09:38 > 0:09:40that A - doesn't get used very often
0:09:40 > 0:09:42and B - needs a massive amount of cleaning.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Mm.- Can we afford a cleaner? - THEY LAUGH
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- There's one space James seems more than happy with.- Oh, wow!
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- This is my room. - Yeah, you can live here.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54THEY LAUGH
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Yes, I can see sort of, like, a little bar area in the corner.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59But the garden one.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04It's possibly the one area that I don't like about the house.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Yeah, there's loads of space, it's just not two-year-old friendly.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10The house inside, overall, is fantastic.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13I'm a little bit disappointed with the outside.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Downstairs has provoked mixed reactions,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17but upstairs has its own appeal.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25EXCITED CHATTER
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- You've got your walk-in wardrobe. - I know, I know!
0:10:29 > 0:10:31THEY LAUGH
0:10:31 > 0:10:34It was definitely on my wish list.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37The master bedroom also has a balcony with views to the front.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39It's not like it's got an amazing view,
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- but it's green and it's pleasant. - It's a lovely en-suite.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- It's a really nice size, isn't it? - His and hers sinks.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- His and hers sinks. I miss having an en-suite.- Yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Having one bathroom and one toilet to share between five of us is...
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Yeah.- ..hell.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58And it's only going to get worse, the older they get.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00That's a fair point.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03This house would also give Lauren her own bedroom.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07And that could seal the deal when it comes to persuading her to visit.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11But with a budget of £250-£300,000, is it affordable?
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Let's have a look.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Whoo! - HE CHUCKLES
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Spot-on. 295.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20You get a lot for your money.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24I think if we had the dream, it would be a new build with...
0:11:24 > 0:11:28this space and a bigger garden.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I'm really excited to see the dream house now.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Next up, the dream home.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36We've found a property which could offer everything the Cornishes want.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39But luxury living can come at a cost.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42This four-bedroom bungalow is in Sanctuary Lakes.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46One of 20 modern estates which make up the semirural,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49but family-friendly suburb of Point Cook.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51And first impressions are good.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Hm.- Oh, wow! - THEY LAUGH
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- This place is stunning!- Oh, James!
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I'm so excited about this place!
0:12:05 > 0:12:07THEY LAUGH
0:12:07 > 0:12:08Wow!
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Oh, my God!- Crikey!
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- And this is just the en-suite.- Yeah.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20Further down the corridor, something everyone can enjoy.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- LISA LAUGHS - Oh, wow!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Oh, it's a proper cinema room!
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Just imagine when that's got projected, what that's like.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Looks like everyone could settle in nicely here.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33I'd definitely come out and visit.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Well, I'd come out and visit, anyway, wherever you were living,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40but more frequently if you were living here.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41Lauren may be sold,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44but James is already thinking about how he could afford it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48I think I'd get two jobs to get this house.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49The kitchen is fantastic.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52It's absolutely stunning.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56Everything that we've looked at is to such a high specification.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- It is a dream house.- It's perfect.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04And outside, something else to keep them happy.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09A pool wasn't top of the list or anything, that's just a kind of...
0:13:09 > 0:13:10It's the icing on the cake.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13At last, a chance for the boys to dip their toes
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- into what life in Australia could be like.- Too cold!
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- How would you like to live here and have this in your garden?- Yeah!
0:13:21 > 0:13:22All the time?
0:13:22 > 0:13:25You can just imagine yourself living here.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- I think we need to find out how much it is.- I think we do, too.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29See if we can afford it.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33The house has won everyone over, but there's just one problem.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35It may be out of financial reach.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- 404.- Oh, that's unbelievable.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47That's £100,000 over budget. But...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Oh, I could so have that. - That almost makes me cry.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54I'm completely and utterly speechless that we could get
0:13:54 > 0:13:59this house in this location for that amount of money.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03And it could be within reach, if the couple can get the right salaries.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06I'm even more speechless now than I was when I walked through the door.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10It's just...completely within reach.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16It's been a day of real ups and downs for the Cornishes.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Property one was bang on budget, but short on space.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Property two had plenty of room,
0:14:22 > 0:14:26but it just wasn't the house James and Lisa had based their dreams on.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29And property three had everything the family wanted
0:14:29 > 0:14:32and was somewhere Lauren could call a second home.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35So, based on the houses that we've seen in Australia,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37we're voting for...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Australia. - BOYS: Australia!- Undecided.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It's no surprise that we've voted for the same,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- given how pleased we were with the last house.- None at all.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49We could never afford that at home.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55Seeing their dream house got Lisa
0:14:55 > 0:14:59and James excited about a potential future in Australia.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Even if they still have to persuade Lauren it could be her second home.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05But to afford that property,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08the couple would have to pull in a good income.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13At home, Lisa spent 11 years as an accountant before becoming
0:15:13 > 0:15:15an accountancy lecturer.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18It's a job she enjoys and is hoping to continue down under.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22If they do move, James plans to call time on being a landlord
0:15:22 > 0:15:23and return to accounting.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Melbourne's a leading financial centre in Australia,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35which should be good news for James and Lisa.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39I'm feeling quite excited about finding out what
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Australia can offer for me work-wise.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44And see whether our expectations that we've got
0:15:44 > 0:15:46meet up to the reality.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48And Lisa knows just how much is at stake.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Unless we can find a job at the right salary level,
0:15:50 > 0:15:55there's no way on earth we could be able to financially make the move.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59We've arranged for visa-applicant Lisa to visit Box Hill Institute,
0:15:59 > 0:16:00a college east of Melbourne.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02She meets the head of the business department
0:16:02 > 0:16:06and a senior lecturer and it's straight down to business.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09To get a teaching job here, the minimum qualification
0:16:09 > 0:16:12is a certificate four in training and assessment.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13That will take you about a month.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16You have got certainly more than the minimum
0:16:16 > 0:16:18to get employed as a teacher.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20However, in the current environment,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I would highly recommend more qualifications,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25higher-level qualifications in breadth and depth,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28and that will maximise your chance of employment
0:16:28 > 0:16:30and also maximise your salary.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33OK. So, what sort of demand would there be in Australia
0:16:33 > 0:16:36for someone with my experience?
0:16:36 > 0:16:39When we advertise for any lecturer role, you get
0:16:39 > 0:16:45maybe 80% of applications that come through are people from overseas.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48It sound like Lisa might be back at school herself
0:16:48 > 0:16:51if she's to stand out from candidates chasing lecturing jobs.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56And that would mean more pressure on James to find the perfect job.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59To get to the bottom of accounting opportunities, he's meeting
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Susan Drew from one of the city's prominent recruitment companies.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05So, James, having a look at your resume,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07you're a certified practising accountant.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Looking at your experience, your skills in government,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13I believe would be very transferrable into
0:17:13 > 0:17:16the state government here, or a public sector environment.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18We've got a number of specialist consultants who work
0:17:18 > 0:17:21specifically with the government and we recruit these roles
0:17:21 > 0:17:23on a daily basis within the business.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25James could be in demand.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Back at Box Hill, Lisa's keen to hear
0:17:27 > 0:17:30her potential salary, if she found a job.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Some of the jobs I've been looking at were in the region
0:17:33 > 0:17:36of £80-£100,000.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40That sort of money as a lecturer, not as a manager,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44is maybe at the top end of the university scale.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48I estimate that you'd come in about the middle of the lecturer range,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52which would be a salary of about 60-70,000 dollars a year.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56That's a massive £50,000 less than Lisa was hoping for.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59And that could mean the end of her and James' dream.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03We'd want the standard of living that would offer the boys
0:18:03 > 0:18:07and ourselves a much better lifestyle.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11If we can't get the salary to enable us to do that,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15then I'm not so sure that we'd move to Australia.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18So, what sort of salary do you think I'd be able to command in Australia?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Look, I think, realistically,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24you'd be looking at anything at about that sort of 80-100k mark.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Now, I appreciate that's quite a wide range.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29It's very much depending on the nature of the role.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32We were looking at 90-100,000 dollars,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- which converts to around about £50-£60,000.- Yeah.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Which, to be honest with you, is more than I was on in the UK.- Yep.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42But from what we've seen, we would need that extra
0:18:42 > 0:18:45to be able to afford the lifestyle that we're hoping to achieve.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- Yeah.- So that's perfect.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- Yeah.- The day's definitely been more positive for James.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54From speaking to Susan, I could see myself working in Melbourne.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Although it's a big city, it seems very relaxed
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and very laidback and it's just what we're looking for.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Lisa and James have had completely different experiences today,
0:19:04 > 0:19:05so, how will that affect their vote?
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Will they choose work in Australia or the UK?
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Based on our work experience today, we are voting for...
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- Australia.- Australia.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24A return to practising accounting for Lisa
0:19:24 > 0:19:27means the couple's dream isn't over yet,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29but James still needs to establish
0:19:29 > 0:19:32if the benefits Australia can offer his family
0:19:32 > 0:19:36will outweigh the time he'll spend apart from daughter, Lauren.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39And convince her to split her time between the two countries.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44A day sampling Australia's lifestyle could make all the difference.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48The Cornishes are spending the day at Latrobe Golf Park in Bundoora.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53Before coming consumed with running the pub, James was a keen golfer.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55And he's hoping that if he and Lisa could get more time
0:19:55 > 0:19:59with Sammy and Louie, it's a sport they could practise together.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03The afternoon also gives James and Lauren
0:20:03 > 0:20:05some important father-daughter time
0:20:05 > 0:20:08and the chance to discuss what moving would mean for
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- their relationship.- So, how would you feel, then, if we came out here?
0:20:12 > 0:20:17Well, I'd be upset, but...I'd be happy for you, as well.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21You'd be happy to see us for two or three months a year,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23rather than every week?
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Ooo! I'd get used to it.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Just like I got used to not seeing you and Mum together.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I want you to move out here. I've told you that.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- And you're not abandoning me. - I know. But I don't want you to feel
0:20:37 > 0:20:40like you've got to say that, because that's what...
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- I don't feel like I've got to say that.- ..you think I want to hear.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- Are you sure?- I'm saying that because that's how I feel.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It's been a fun and thought-provoking day
0:20:50 > 0:20:51for the family.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55So when it comes to choosing between lifestyle in Australia or the UK,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57what will they opt for?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00ALL: Australia!
0:21:05 > 0:21:08An unanimous vote for Australia's all well and good,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12but with Lisa's projected salary much lower than expected,
0:21:12 > 0:21:13the family now need to find out
0:21:13 > 0:21:17whether they can actually afford to make the move.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19We've provided a breakdown of their living expenses,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23starting with their fortnightly grocery shop.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Quite a lot of the vegetables and things double.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Beef's a lot cheaper.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Chicken's a lot cheaper.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33The yoghurts are loads more expensive.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34Crikey!
0:21:34 > 0:21:39Looks like Sammy and Louie may have to forgo their fromage frais.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Most things are more expensive, though, aren't they? Let's face it.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45As we go down the list, most of the things on there...
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Shopping's £67.18...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50More in the UK. 73% more expensive.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53There's no hiding these two are accountants.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57£135 a month more on food isn't a deal-breaker,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00but how will the bigger figure stack up?
0:22:00 > 0:22:02James and Lisa based their calculations
0:22:02 > 0:22:04on the second property they viewed.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Gas is half the price.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09The childcare would be more expensive,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12because we wouldn't have grandparents looking after the kids.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15£470.15.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Added to the extra grocery bill,
0:22:18 > 0:22:23Lisa and James would spend £600 more per month in Australia.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26The dream could live or die on their potential salaries.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30My salary would be £543 more.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Your salary would be £2 less.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Huh! £2 less.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- And this is based on...? - Teaching. So, overall...
0:22:38 > 0:22:45- Yeah?- ..we would £70.85 better off a month in Australia.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47If Lisa lectured down under,
0:22:47 > 0:22:51the family would be around £70 better off each month.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Not bad, but not enough to pay for regular flights for Lauren.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58If I went back into accounting,
0:22:58 > 0:23:04we'd be £10,606.20 a year better off.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11And even if we had the dream house,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15if I was in accounting and you were, too,
0:23:15 > 0:23:20then we'd still be £5,326 better off a year.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- It's a huge difference. - I can't believe that.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- It's a huge difference. - It's a massive difference.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28A return to accounting for Lisa changes everything.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30LISA LAUGHS
0:23:32 > 0:23:35I can't put into words how that makes me feel.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Lisa and James could afford the life they're desperate for
0:23:38 > 0:23:41with their sons and flights for Lauren.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43So, how will they vote?
0:23:48 > 0:23:49BOTH: Australia!
0:23:53 > 0:23:57The financial cost of Lisa and James' dream seems achievable,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59but what about the emotional cost?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02While Sammy and Louie are looked after by a childminder,
0:24:02 > 0:24:03the rest of the family sit down
0:24:03 > 0:24:06to watch messages from their loved ones in the UK.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- Hiya.- Hi, Lisa, James.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13We don't want you to come back with a tan,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16because we don't want to look pasty next to you.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20As a family, Lisa and James are a really hard-working,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22dedicated family to their kids.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27Lisa doesn't just do something, she overdoes it,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29if you know what I mean? She really looks into things.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32If they do move to Australia, I think it's going to absolutely
0:24:32 > 0:24:35crush them all, in the sense of leaving Lauren behind.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I can honestly say that,
0:24:38 > 0:24:39since I knew...
0:24:42 > 0:24:45..I've been the saddest that I've ever been in my life.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I'd miss the physical contact
0:24:52 > 0:24:56and, although we'll be able to see them on Skype
0:24:56 > 0:24:59and talk to her and everything like that, um...
0:25:01 > 0:25:04..I would look forward to the cuddles when I do see them.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It's a fantastic opportunity and if you think you can make it work,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- then do it.- Yeah, definitely.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Because it might be one of the best decisions you've ever made.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14We've told you we'll miss you,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17but we've also said that we wouldn't stand in your way, if you went,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19if you made the decision to go.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Just make sure, James and Lisa,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26that you look at everything
0:25:26 > 0:25:28before you make any decisions whatsoever.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32And come back safe.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36They do seem to...
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- Be accepting.- ..be accepting and have our best interests at heart.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46I can see now how much it is going to affect me
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and everyone else, but I could see that before.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55It's just... how well we'll cope with it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Lauren may have given her blessing
0:26:02 > 0:26:04for the family's move to Australia,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08but it's now time for James to decide if the lifestyle
0:26:08 > 0:26:10he and Lisa are yearning for with their sons
0:26:10 > 0:26:13is worth the time he'll lose with his daughter.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Has Australia lived up to the dream?
0:26:19 > 0:26:23The thing for me, with the decision, is Lauren.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Um...she's my daughter,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28she's my first-born and she means everything to me.
0:26:28 > 0:26:35And...it would be a huge change in the dynamic of our family
0:26:35 > 0:26:37to not have her around every week.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Obviously, I'd be sad if they did choose Australia,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43but I'd know what it would be doing for their lives.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think James has probably been more positive
0:26:46 > 0:26:48than what I've been across the week.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51I think his main concern always has been,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54and always will be, how it affects Lauren.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02It's now time for the whole family to decide where their future lies.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04So, after spending the week in Australia,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07we've had some ups and some downs,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09but our final vote is for...
0:27:25 > 0:27:27ALL: Australia!
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- Did everyone vote Australia? - Yeah.- Yeah?
0:27:31 > 0:27:32- JAMES CHUCKLES - Cool!
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Wow! Well done!
0:27:34 > 0:27:37It's been a fantastic week and I think it's, er...
0:27:39 > 0:27:41The writing's on the wall for us to come out here.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43It'd be silly for us to not try.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48I voted Australia for you and for coming out here twice a year.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Maybe when I turn 18, I could come out and have a year out.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- Did you vote UK, or did you vote Australia?- Australia.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57Australia? Shout it out!
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Australia!
0:28:06 > 0:28:10With Lauren happy to spend months at a time in Australia,
0:28:10 > 0:28:15James has decided a move down under will give the rest of his family
0:28:15 > 0:28:18the time together they've been missing in the UK.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20We wish everyone well.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25And, who knows? On turning 18, Lauren might join them full-time.