Moving with children

Deb3 · 30-09-2007, 04:05 PM

Hi all,

Just joined today. I have already found out some very interesting details and love this site.

Me and my hubby are thinking about moving out to OZ, well to be honest he has been considering it for some years now but i have always dismissed it until now. But now i'm really keen he seems to be panicing about the cost of the possible move.

From what we have seen on the internet we quite like the look of Sunshie Coast, Brisbane. Does anyone know any details about this area?

One of my concerns is my children's education. My daughters are 13, 10 and 7 years old. I am worried about when would be the best time to go if we are cleared for a visa, my daughter will be taking her options at school next summer.

We are attending a exhibition about emigrating to Australia in Manchester (late October) as anyone else been to something like this and did it help?

CAN ANYONE HELP ME !!!!

By the way I am really excited about the possibly move.

Debbie

Big Cheese · 30-09-2007, 04:26 PM

Hi Deb,

I am an Australian living in the UK and would be happy to help with as many questions as possible. I am not from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast but have been to both places, and am considering moving to that part of Oz in the future.

I am sure you have many many questions.........but there's no reason why you can't get a start on the immigration session late October by using the search feature here - or just browsing.

For some reason I am addicted to this forum even though I was born and raised in Australia and have 32 years there and 1 year here in UK. Perhaps it's because I am so proud of my country and genuinely astounded by how many Brits want to go there.

kdal · 30-09-2007, 05:33 PM

Hi Debbie
Welcome to PIO !!

Sorry I cant rabbit on for too long (of which you will be pleased) as dinner is on and cant burn another saucepan LOL

My boys are 13 and 15, the 15 year old would have finished his GCSE's here before we go but our youngest will be in the same position as your youngest. It's not a bad time to go really as when is a good time? I will probably be putting both the boys back a school year when we get to Oz so that they have a better chance and have time to make new friends too.

Been to Brisbane and funny enough thats where we are heading next year, I have cousins there.

Good luck

ali · 01-10-2007, 12:08 AM

Hi My children were 11 and 7 when we moved and my eldest had just started High School in the UK. We timed our move so that she could have a full school year here (year 7 is last year of primary), so came in January), before re starting High school.

Ali

jazza · 03-10-2007, 02:47 PM

Hi, we are thinking about moving to Oz to but don't know where to start. How did you find out about exhibitions and how can you trust them? That might sound a bit over the top but I am really frightened about all these companies that seem to offer help but it costs so much money Jazza x

Liz and Paul · 03-10-2007, 04:06 PM

We went to an Expo in Manchester last year and although there are lots of stands it seemed very overwhelming - best to go in prepared with lots of specific questions and pick up as many leaflets as possible to read at home afterwards - we came away after just wondering about and not asking many questions!! anyway we have found out so much from this website!!

School year starts end of January each year, we're heading out there so our son starts on the first day of term with the rest of them, but I'm sure the kids will settle in well whatever time you go. My OH went to look at primary schools on the Gold Coast in August, and they were all fantastic compared to some of them here, so I'm really looking forward to my son starting there.

Good luck at the Expo

Liz

The Smiths · 03-10-2007, 06:14 PM

Hi Jazza.
Were going to Manchester Expo at end of month. Were going with an open mind and any info we bring from there will be a bonus. We are going to try and do the skilled visa ourselves. Expo I think has recruitment companies, removals, etc not just agents. If you go on to home page and type Australia Expo you should find it. There is also one in London Nov. Cost £15 per adult and you have to register. Good luck

Debs

UK2Perth · 03-10-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazza

Hi, we are thinking about moving to Oz to but don't know where to start. How did you find out about exhibitions and how can you trust them? That might sound a bit over the top but I am really frightened about all these companies that seem to offer help but it costs so much money Jazza x

I worried about that too but your gut instincts tend to guide you and of course not forgetting all my gorgeous pen pals on Poms in Oz....

tony&dee · 03-10-2007, 07:22 PM

Hi Deb, we also have three girls aged 13,11 and 8 , and hope to move to perth asap. We have just had my husbands TRA approved and the next step is that he has to take an english test.We live in Manchester and are also going to the expo at the end of October, we have never been to one before but hope it might help in some way.We are concerned about when is the best time to go but i thing the earlier the better as far as the childrens education is concerned, my eldest daughter is taking her options this year and so we need to get her settled in straight away.

maxxangel · 03-10-2007, 08:12 PM

Hi Debbie,

I had to say a big welcome, as you are not far from me! I'm in Heanor.

My children are a fair bit younger than yours, so I don't really have that concern, but I know where you are coming from with your husband. Mine has changed between worrying and eagerness throughout this process. I have had to keep my concerns to myself and stay positive otherwise I would put him off completely I think. We have been cautious and taken things one step at a time though. In the end when I get too worked up I just have to say "if it's meant to be it will be".

I wish you the best of luck

Cara