1 year in Australia

A year in - it has gone so quickly! I will try and make this a useful update.

We moved to Brisbane after deciding on a whim after a summer (Brisbane winter) holiday here. We were very happy in the UK with good jobs - basically a 'now or never' thing for no reason.

Bought a second hand Subaru shortly after we arrived. Second hand cars are a bit more expensive over here but seem to last longer. No intention of upgrading as works great and we use the train for the commute.

Public transport is fantastic. Cheap, clean, safe and reliable. My oh spends an hour on the train everyday and the total cost of the return trip is £5.

Housing - sorted a rental before we arrived. Signed to a year contract on a property we hadn't seen! However, had researched the area extremely thoroughly and given that the location was fantastic for the children's school and the station was happy to take the risk on the inside of the property. In fact was lovely and worked out very well.

10 months in we broke our lease and bought a house close by.

Working conditions - work flexible working hours on good pay. Work colleagues are lovely and supportive. Good career opportunities. Both oh and I have had promotions since we have arrived. We put in a HUGE amount of work back in the UK to secure the jobs before our arrival.

Children/ Schooling: kids both settled immediately. Neither of them has been homesick. They have both embraced the opportunities here and do so much more outdoors. They love their school and I am really happy with their progress. Have got their high schools sorted already!

Friends and community: we have made some close friends. People have been very welcoming. Our social life seems to be busier than in the UK.

Missing the UK: We skype our family and friends regularly so no issues with home sickness.

Weather : yes the summer was hot, but now we are down to 18 degrees some evenings, I am longing for the hot weather again!!

Pets: Brought our 3 cats. Ridiculously expensive but worth every penny. They love the warm weather and are very happy and relaxed here. No issues with the travel/ adjusting.

Shipping: We shipped with Doree Bonner who were fab. Brought all of our stuff. Meant that our rental felt like home as soon as everything arrived. However, you can get cheap stuff over here at Kmart and Target.

Cost of food: a touchy subject with some. We have found shopping sensibly and looking for bargains is about the same in Coles and Woolies as in Sainsburys or Tesco.

Random comments: Shops shut really early - no late night shopping where we are. If you need something at 5.30pm on a Saturday night it is too late!! Takeaways seem to operate on a similar principle and have very random opening hours!

You aren't allowed to cross roads unless the green man is flashing! Don't even think about jaywalking.

Overall it has been an amazing year. Not once have I doubted our decision to move.

Talking about 'back home' isn't relevant any more. Home is Brisbane. We won't be going back.

Really Positive, thanks for sharing

Hi Peachy,

can i ask how you secured a rental before you landed? and who with

With Rental Guardians. I had to complete an online form and at the end I certified to say that I would be renting unseen. I also submitted a detailed statement with pictures of my house in the UK and photos of my cats! Did the trick. Every other estate agent would not consider it. I know that people say that it is very risky, but you can minimise the risk with the right research and tbh we aren't precious about the quality of fixtures as long as it is in the correct location.

So glad things are working out so well for you! Our experience is similar, though we've been here 4.5 years and only just looking to buy a house.

Thank you for bringing your cats, I'm sure they are happier staying with you than being rehomed. We only have one (for now) but I would sell all my possessions to keep him with me!

With Rental Guardians. I had to complete an online form and at the end I certified to say that I would be renting unseen. I also submitted a detailed statement with pictures of my house in the UK and photos of my cats! Did the trick. Every other estate agent would not consider it. I know that people say that it is very risky, but you can minimise the risk with the right research and tbh we aren't precious about the quality of fixtures as long as it is in the correct location.

Thanks Peachy, i'll look into it!

Thank you for the lovely update and congratulations in settling in so well, here's to even more happiness ahead!!!!

KnK

Thanks for sharing this. We reach our first anniversary here in about 6 weeks. Our experience is similar to yours in many ways. In fact if I do a one year review it may end up a bit of a cut and paste job on your post lol.

Thanks for the great update!! may I ask what you guys did in the UK to secure work, as you said you worked hard at it, just preparation or did you guys actually have a job before you landed?

Lovely to read such a positive post. So happy that your first year has gone well. Cheers to many more of the same.

Thanks for the great update!! may I ask what you guys did in the UK to secure work, as you said you worked hard at it, just preparation or did you guys actually have a job before you landed?

We both bought specialist text books in our particular areas of expertise and had them shipped over from Australia and read them cover to cover. Then narrowed down areas of work and spent a lot of time researching the issues arising in those sectors and tayloring our CVs accordingly. We also made personal contact with the people that advertised the jobs. Before our interviews we each spent 2 full days researching the statutory background to ensure that we could slot in relevant provisions. Probably worked out to be weeks of work but worth it in the end :-)

Yes - we both had permanent jobs offered and accepted before we landed.

We both bought specialist text books in our particular areas of expertise and had them shipped over from Australia and read them cover to cover. Then narrowed down areas of work and spent a lot of time researching the issues arising in those sectors and tayloring our CVs accordingly. We also made personal contact with the people that advertised the jobs. Before our interviews we each spent 2 full days researching the statutory background to ensure that we could slot in relevant provisions. Probably worked out to be weeks of work but worth it in the end :-)

 

Yes - we both had permanent jobs offered and accepted before we landed.

Some might say, "lucky buggers!" but I believe that you make your own luck. Good on yer!

That's a reassuring post Peachy as we are waiting for my husband's 457 visa to come through,then booking our flights to Brisbane. we intend to rent for a month in CBD serviced apartment,then look at properties for long term rent in Ferny Hills/Ferny Cove and Arana a Hills thanks to tip off from this wonderful forum.

Renting our house out over here in case we don't get residency visa in 2 years time or want to come home.

Hoping that we love and get the chance to stay! Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Great post, thanks for sharing. Glad that things are going so well for you and your family

How refreshing! What a great post. Glad you have settled in nicely

We both bought specialist text books in our particular areas of expertise and had them shipped over from Australia and read them cover to cover. Then narrowed down areas of work and spent a lot of time researching the issues arising in those sectors and tayloring our CVs accordingly. We also made personal contact with the people that advertised the jobs. Before our interviews we each spent 2 full days researching the statutory background to ensure that we could slot in relevant provisions. Probably worked out to be weeks of work but worth it in the end :-)

 

Yes - we both had permanent jobs offered and accepted before we landed.

What a fantastic update (gives us all great hope!) Could I ask what profession are you both? It makes sense to put the effort in before you go, so thanks for that.

Which area did you end up? We are looking at Bracken Ridge and around that area.

So so happy for you, it seems like you have made the right decision for you and your family x x x

That's a reassuring post Peachy as we are waiting for my husband's 457 visa to come through,then booking our flights to Brisbane. we intend to rent for a month in CBD serviced apartment,then look at properties for long term rent in Ferny Hills/Ferny Cove and Arana a Hills thanks to tip off from this wonderful forum.

Renting our house out over here in case we don't get residency visa in 2 years time or want to come home.

 

Hoping that we love and get the chance to stay! Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Hi Judan

That is the area that we are in. It is such a family friendly location with a great community feel. You should love it there. Good luck with the move.

P

What a fantastic update (gives us all great hope!) Could I ask what profession are you both? It makes sense to put the effort in before you go, so thanks for that.

 

Which area did you end up? We are looking at Bracken Ridge and around that area.

 

So so happy for you, it seems like you have made the right decision for you and your family x x x

My oh is a social worker and I am a lawyer.

We rented in Ferny Grove and we have bought in Ferny Hills.

I hope your relocation goes well.

P

What a fantastic update (gives us all great hope!) We are looking at Bracken Ridge and around that area.

 

 

Good choice.

Great update. We have just completed one week in Perth! And how quick has that gone!! Rental agreed, move in Wednesday! Early feeling is that everyone we have met seems friendly and welcoming, but then again, we have met mainly sales people who are always friendly when your spending I guess :wink:

Looking forward to posting our first annual update

What a great update! This is what migration should be - thorough research, taking every step possible to safeguard the family and ensure a smooth transition. I'm not at all surprised you've settled so well given your great preparation.

Hi Peachy

So glad to hear that! Praying that the 457 goes through without any hitches, as after your reassuring comments and my research I am so excited about Ferny Hills/Grove area.

Had a very helpful and friendly few emails from the Principal at Ferny Hills state school, but will also look at Patrick's Road primary once we get our rental sorted.

My only worry is money and cost of living as my husband quit a very well paid senior position in a large IT outsourcing company last year,and for lifestyle change and to get a 457 visa has accepted a job in Oz that pays a third less of his income. I am an ex SEN mainstream primary teacher that quit 9 years ago to be a stay at home mum to our then baby son,as I lost my mum suddenly and became responsible for my late dad who had a rarer form of dementia. Since my son started school in 2011 I have worked as a part time SEN teaching assistant within the mainstream and hope to get similar work over in Oz once settled.

However,from what I have read,it appears having to tighten our purse strings will be well worth it....there are some things money can't buy and looks like Brisbane has many such things to offer.

Judan:smile:

Hi Peachy

So glad to hear that! Praying that the 457 goes through without any hitches, as after your reassuring comments and my research I am so excited about Ferny Hills/Grove area.

Had a very helpful and friendly few emails from the Principal at Ferny Hills state school, but will also look at Patrick's Road primary once we get our rental sorted.

My only worry is money and cost of living as my husband quit a very well paid senior position in a large IT outsourcing company last year,and for lifestyle change and to get a 457 visa has accepted a job in Oz that pays a third less of his income. I am an ex SEN mainstream primary teacher that quit 9 years ago to be a stay at home mum to our then baby son,as I lost my mum suddenly and became responsible for my late dad who had a rarer form of dementia. Since my son started school in 2011 I have worked as a part time SEN teaching assistant within the mainstream and hope to get similar work over in Oz once settled.

However,from what I have read,it appears having to tighten our purse strings will be well worth it....there are some things money can't buy and looks like Brisbane has many such things to offer.

Judan:smile:

Thank you for sharing your story! Our process has just started and this is so reassuring. I love reading success stories like this?

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Thanks for sharing. We are visiting Oz in August for 3 weeks, Im worried I will want to stay! We land in Brisbane and hope to do plenty of travelling