dalawton

Well, great that this thread is still going. It has been just over 2 years now that we touched down in Perth and haven't looked back. We have settled well and happier than ever. Visited family in Cape Town this year January which was lovely. We have made some wonderful friends and settled in the Perth Hills. Linking in with the local community and church has made life so much easier. Looking back at the hard time getting our visa and putting in the time and effort has certainly paid off. We are blessed. All the best to everyone out there and I hope your experience has been positive if not worthwhile.

Well I cannot believe our time in the UK is drawing to a close. Tickets booked and flying out to Perth on the 11th June........CANNOT WAIT!!!

So, been ages since I posted on here and therefore time to update our circumstances and where I am in the big scheme of things. What a rocky old road it's been for me and my family. Our time is drawing closer and closer and the anxiety is certainly setting in. We have to be on Australian soil by the 1st July 2013 which I'm sure will happen but everything is at a halt until this house gains completion and we can start getting the ball rolling. We will be staying with family in Bournemouth to box everything off and then probably head to South Africa to see family before making our final trip to Perth. We will be staying with my brother and his family in Kinross where I'll sort all the bits and bobs out that need to be done. Work, well, I guess this is my biggest anxiety and due to the line of work I'm qualified in all the places I've been in contact with have said to wait until we have arrived due to police checks etc. In case you wondering what my profession is: Residential childcare Manager/Officer. I have vast experience working with children aged 9-18 with emotional, behavioural and social needs which includes self-harm and abuse. I find my work very rewarding but at the same time extremely challenging at times. I'm hoping to find work in the Government sector or another Company I've kept in touch with. On the money front, well, will have to just wait and see what's on offer. Anyway, time is going to fly now and it's all beginning to dawn on us. Bring it on I say. A new life with a completely fresh start. A couple of bags in hand and my wife and 4 yr old daughter...that's it!! All I'll have as far as money goes is £10k to make it all happen so wish us luck. All the best to everyone else who are still going through the visa process and for those that have made the big move already. Take care Dave

Wow, been awhile since I checked the progress of everyone's applications. All looking fantastic for most and the ball is truly in motion. We are struggling to sell the house which is really frustrating. Just want to get everything sorted now man. I have looked at other options like "renting" etc but just want to have a clean slate and a frsh start in Oz. Would have thought about renting more if we didn't have a big debt to clear. By selling the house we can at least have some money to start our new lives. Any experience that others have had over this and ideas would be appreciated. Good luck to all those still waiting for good news.

SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!! RECEIVED OUR VISA GRANT TODAY!! Had to read the email several times just to make sure. I'm so emotional as it's been one hell of a journey. Wendy, please update my details on the spreadsheet. To all those waiting for CO's and grants, just hang in there. It's all worth it. We plan to make the big move by May 2013 as struggling to sell our home and loads to do but will get there. Perth...........here we come!!!

Hi, We paid £200 each for adults and £85 for our 4 year old daughter.

Fully appreciated and such a fantastic idea. Love the fact that I can see how everyone else is doing. TOP JOB!!!

Don't forget to add your details on the spreadsheet if you haven't already done so. Such a good idea to see where people are on one page. On the last leg of one hell of a journey. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtjmLt4bD4fJdGstYU9ZcHJJRUJHV05GSXRHUXdNY2c#gid=0

I'm a SAFFA. Originally from Witbank. Moved to the UK in 1998. Would be great to keep in touch.

Don't forget to add your details on the spreadsheet if you haven't already done so. Such a good idea to see where people are on one page. On the last leg of one hell of a journey. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtjmLt4bD4fJdGstYU9ZcHJJRUJHV05GSXRHUXdNY2c#gid=0

Wendy, firstly, chillax!! I personally decided to apply for police checks and medical examinations etc before CO assigned. Makes no difference really except for "TIME". If you are in no hurry just go with the flow and wait for your CO to be assigned. Form 80 has to be completed by everyone. Form 1221 may not be needed however it would be good to wait for your CO with this one. I didn't need it. All the best.

YES, YES, YES!!! CO finally assigned. Been assigned to team 2 which is great. Just a couple of docs required and then the final piece of the puzzle. Soooooo excited!! All the best to everyone. For those not assigned yet, hang in there.

Hi Sharon9873, My wife and I are both Residential Care Officers and pretty much making a fresh start with our little daughter of 4 years. No jobs set up and going with open arms and the hope that something will come our way. We have completed police checks and have our medicals booked for 6th July. Just a real waiting game now checking our status daily. No CO appointed yet. The plan for us is to sell our property ASAP, move in with the folks for a short while to box things off and for me to head to Perth solo and sort things out before the rest of my family join me. It's all exciting stuff.

Hi Ronkhu, Just log back in and upload the rest of your documents. Make sure you save after each document you upload. Should be fine however if the documents don't show as uploaded, do it again until list remains. Best of luck.

Hi, We have just posted off for our police checks. We have a daughter of 4 years old and so the answer to your question is no your daughter won't need it. Best of luck