Kirsty Jones

I haven't read everyone's comments, but I just wanted to say... Since 2006 we have moved from UK to Australia & back again 3 times. We are now preparing to move back to Australia again. We have had a lot of critisism at times from friends and from family and that has been the hardest part about each move. But what we have learnt from it is we are doing what we feel is right for us at the time, and that is always the right thing to do. Sometimes its not worked out the way we hoped, but we have learnt that our own way and taken the positives from it. Other times it has been the perfect choice -and either way we have grown from our choices and have great memories. You need to do what you feel is right otherwise you will be the one who will suffer the regret.. not someone else. We have family in both countries and haven't been blessed financially to be able to visit when in the other country, so we have chosen to sell our belongings each time (which basically cover the flights) and start again. The last time we did it because my dad in UK had a qudruple heart by pass and a stroke. Now he's got the support he needs we are free to go back. Its the right choice for us, and for those that love us, they respect that. Hope this has helped x

We have used 'overseas packers and shippers' 4 times (YES 4 times!) for our boxes and have found them to have the best price each time. They were always reliable and our stuff has always turned up in the same condition we packed it in. Very happy with them. They are based in Brisbane and somewhere here in the UK. You contact them for a quote here.... overseaspackers.com.au

Its the 'aged dependant relative catagory'

Hi Wanderer returns... I am so glad I found your post. I haven't read other peoples replies if Im honest. I thought you may appreciate me sharing my personal expereince briefly. I returned from Oz with my family (who were happy in OZ) to help my mother in March 2013. We are now planning our return to Oz. We have found it so hard and depresing- it wasnt just her who now felt isolated it was us. There is a visa you can apply for where you sponsor a lone family member to move to Oz... specifically designed for this reason. In hindsight this would have been a far better option for us. Maybe it could be an option for you too? Good luck. (Ps the govt carers allowance is only about £60 so not very hepful considering how many hours you have to put in.)