do you think it is fair?

[oswest8]

Hello,
I am currently in the process of applying for my visa and really would like to live in western austrailia. I have however got one major concern in that i have 6 young children between 10 and 1. Me and my wife are approaching our mid thirties so it is a case of now or never. I would like peoples honest opinions is it feasible/realistic to move my family and is it really as so many people have posted a great place to bring up children.
thank you

[Gollywobbler]

Hi oswest08

Welcome to Poms in Oz.

People with 4 or 5 children have done it so I don't see why not with 6.

However, wages are lower in Oz and less is available for free.

School fees would be around £300 per child per year because although the actual tuition is free, Parents are required to help with the cost of stationery etc.

There are doctors who will "builk bill" with children. That is, the doctor does not charge for the consultation at his surgery. I'm not sure whether children's medicines are free though. Unless someone is able to confirm for sure that they are free, do a search for "Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme."

I'd say that the lifestyle is better for children because the climate is better, so they do not have to spend as much time cooped up indoors.

Best wishes

Gill

[adey]

we haven't got children (hence the adventure in Oz and hopefully the sun, sand etc will encourage our hormones to do the right thing - fingers crossed) but from we can see this is a fantastic place to bring up kids. They aren't cooped up for 9/10 months of the year because its cold/wet outside and from what we can see Oz is a very family orientated place to live. People tend to go to each others houses for drinks and the children go with them everywhere. Our boss even brings his kids into work if needed and nobody bats an eyelid, they were here a couple of hours a day during the school holidays (8 whole weeks at chrissy) as their mum has a part time job and they just set up a free office with tv, games etc and the kids were as happy as larry!!!! You can go to the beach everyday after work dependng how far you'll live from the beach and the kids will have a happy, healthy lifestyle. We are on less wages but find that we spend less as bills are cheaper than back in the UK and we tend to socialise around people's houses rather than go to the pubs/clubs like we did back in the UK and its actually nice as you get to properly know people and make good friends.

[Les & Woz]

Originally Posted by oswest8

Hello,
I am currently in the process of applying for my visa and really would like to live in western austrailia. I have however got one major concern in that i have 6 young children between 10 and 1. Me and my wife are approaching our mid thirties so it is a case of now or never. I would like peoples honest opinions is it feasible/realistic to move my family and is it really as so many people have posted a great place to bring up children.
thank you

Hi
One of my great mates went to Adelaide in Oct 2006. They have 5 kids ranging from (now) 19yrs - 9yrs. None of them had been to Oz before and they have all settled in, even the teenage kids who didn't want to go. They all did have homesickness periods but got through it and now say they would never come back. There are pros and cons but the pros far outweigh the cons. We met up with them in the Gold Coast in Oct 07 which was great and they are loving it. The only downside they have is that the husband's salary is slightly less than here but cost of living is roughly the same although some things cheaper (petrol for one). Anyhow, they highly recommend it especially for the lifestyle for the kids - mainly outside.
Hope this helps.
Les

[EM&M]

As Gill mentioned lots of things arnt free here. You have to pay for childrens medication and for dentist visits.

But im my opinion everyone always manages in the end, if its what you really both want then I reconn the kids have a great life here, my 3 year old in so much happier here than in the UK and so much more care free, Id take that any day.

Good Luck

Em x