Lucharmily

This is why I don't have a facebook account. Call me old-fashioned but I prefer to pick up a phone or write to friends.

I was really surprised when I read this post. From the title, I assumed you needed to break the news to family members that you would be leaving behind. When I discovered it was your partner, I couldn't believe you'd got this far without being on the same page regarding migration. Definately time for a frank and honest discussion before you proceed any further. Good luck to you both.

We were in a fortunate position a few years ago to take time out form our Oz life and travel round the country in a campervan. Homeschooled 2 children while third was under school age. Children learn far more outside of a classroom. Had a fantastic experience which we will cherish for many years to come.

If it's an option, then I definately would. Brisbane can get quite humid in the summer. We have a pool but we're in Darwin so it's a no-brainer for us!!

Just to clarify that's the NT, not necesarily the case elsewhere.

Are you renting? Unless things have changed in the last year, landlord pays water rates.

Congratulations...exciting times ahead!

It's always a compromise once you start living in different countries. And because of that, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing the "bad of the here with the good of the there". As you say, that's a lot of moves in 2 years even without 3 children! I think you have to ask yourself what is it you actually want and then embrace that decision be it here or Oz. I'd say maybe you haven't given it long enough in one place to really settle properly. Good luck with it and hope you find peace with whatever you decide.

What a lovely son you are...your parents have done a great job in raising you. Which is why I'm sure they wouldn't want you to forego such a great opportunity. Sadly, it's a fact of life that our parents will age and pass away some day. But we can't sit around waiting for it to happen. You have to live your life and take the opportunities that come your way. I also moved to Australia shortly after getting married. At the time, my parents were in good health and able to visit. We spent a lot of time together when they came out to visit (more in one go then than back in the UK). I have great memories of those visits and often our time together was quality rather than quantity. Now sadly, my Mum is gone but I look to my own children. They're still little now but I know I'd hate them to turn down any future opportunities because they were worried about leaving me. Talk to your parents about how you feel. Show them this post. See what they have to say about it. And as others have mentioned, it's a temporary visa at this stage. Nothing is set in stone. Take it one step at a time and see how it goes. Good luck...it sounds like a fantastic opportunity.

The V8 supercars come to Darwin every year - a very popular event with a lot of the locals.

Agree with all the posts about the WH visa. You're both young, it's a great way to see the country - you'll have a ball. That's how I started too many years ago to mention now but still have fond memories of that carefree time. Best thing I ever did in my 20's. Just do it!

Are they sponsoring from the UK?...if so, that's great. It's just your original post spoke of the frustration that companies wouldn't consider you unless you were in Australia?

Hubby is a paramedic and from our experience, this job market is a lot tighter than say 10 years ago. Yes, there are lots of vacancies advertised but the reality seems to be lots of applicants here for positions available.

Just remembered, there are cycle tracks all the way into the city...just of question of getting used to the humidity first!

Hi Winnellie isn't far from the CBD, on the Stuart highway main road in/out of CBD...an easy commute. Lots of people get the bus into the CBD from Palmerston which is further away. Darwin is actually quite small in terms of capital cities and easy to get around. From the $ point of view and seeing as it's just your husband for now, I'd save the cash and go with the caravan. If it doesn't suit him, can always re think once he gets there.

Thanks Karen for sharing this info. I'm sure it will be very helpful for others with young families moving over too. Good luck with the rest of the move.

We dealt direct with airline who were very helpful. Under 2's are required to use a lap belt with you for any time seatbelts are required. There are certain approved car seats which can be used on the aircraft seats for little ones although I have never used this and have never seen anyone else doing so. I would have found it a pain lugging around yet another item what with all the nappies, milk, bottles, spare outfits, toys ........etc etc. Oh yes, and that tiny little bag you might have space left for to squeeze in your stuff!!

Congratulations to the Pacific British female rowers who arrived in Cairns this week. What an amazing achievement for 2 very worthy causes.

Just to add, it's ok to have an extra MMR although not necessarily desirable

My parents followed us to Oz after we'd been there 8 years. When they came, my sister had also just migrated which meant both their children were now here. I also had a 1 year old who was their only grandchild. Both my sister and I were not keen for them to move over. We begged them to rent out their house rather than sell and come for a few extended visits so they could try and experience living rather than holidaying in Australia. But they were stubborn!! Came over and only lasted 15 months. We had a lovely time and really fond memories together (which are even more poignant now that my Mum is no longer with us) But they couldn't settle. Missed their UK life too much. While it was lovely being near the family, that cannot be the only reason for coming to Oz as they found out. You have to make your own life too otherwise it's going to be very tough.

My understanding is that the original post asked whether it would be possible for her mother to join her in Oz. Many replies followed addressing this but other posts evolved into a discussion about parents in Oz in general. Nothing particularly wrong with this...this often ensues when a lively discussion gets going. However, the latter didn't really address the original post so, as I see it, the moderator has simply separated the 2 differerent directions which the post has taken.

Hi, we brought our bedframe with us, then bought a mattress and slept on floor till our goods arrived. When it did, the mattress was too big for the frame so we ended up buying a new frame after 6 weeks on the floor!! The sizes were different although this was back in 1997 but would be worth checking the link suggested. Not sure about feathers but duvets are called doonas here in case you come across that term!

My little girls call it Bunnys!