Wanted Down Under 2014

[MrsReiver]

I know all you addicts are out there! I am not the only one.

MrsBright, as a point of interest, in which state were you residing? I'm Australian, originally from regional Victoria, & lived in Melbourne for 10 years (I've lived in England for the past 7). I haven't noticed racism/sexism being any worse here than it is there. That said, my English husband & I were shocked at the racism when we visited far north QLD...

As for friendship groups being a bit cliquey...yes I must admit you might be right there (it's not just people from other countries who have a problem with this, believe me!).

I'd never want to live in Australia; I went on holiday there and was not totally enamoured.

Perhaps I've missed it but does the cost of living sheet also include things like general cost of house insurance, car insurance, dental visits, opticians, childminder fees to name but a few?.

We lived in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Wangaratta, Melbourne.

Melbourne was bearable but the whole suburban bollocks just drive me nuts. Its all so superficial - lovely kitchens but nothing to do.

I have since been back on a 3 month contract (Uni lecturing) and believe me Australia isnt the wonderland it once was - unemployment is rising and there is a seriously right-wing g'ment in power who condone the worst anti-women and anti-immigrant believes of the red-necks. It was fine for that contract (and I'll prob do it again) but I don't want to grown old there thanks.

Just channel hoping and found the 'Australian Secret Millionaire' on C4. I only watched the first few minutes, but it showed a slightly different view of the country to WDU...

Oh I agree with you there, the whole McMansion, reliance on cars, boats etc....ugh!

We were back last Feb, & hope to visit again next year. I have family scattered all over Western Victoria (my family have several farms between them). I'm under no illusions as to the current state of employment, etc. but it's mainly family reasons for the move. The right-wing crap of the current government is indeed scary - such a lot of appalling backwards-thinking

Knapp I thought they were better off by £3K a month not a year. That's why they were so happy!

When we moved 75miles across the uk to a new county, Wes spent several weekends visiting the area, deciding where we would like to live, investigating schools etc. Why do people think they can live the other side after never having visited, or appears to know anyone there.

I think if they really wanted to go, they would have moved by now. An Auusie friend of mine is returning to oz soon after living with her English boyfriend. It's costing £1000s to apply for a visa for him. Maybe that's delaying the process. That's never mention this in the programme.

I had a similar, though much more short lived, experience of Australia to Mrs Bright. I lived in Sydney and was really shocked at the racism/sexism that passed as everyday 'banter' in the business district. I've worked in London for many years and never encountered similar.

I've been over to Brisbane recently and the cost if living is eye watering. We were there for a wedding and had a fabulous time but the expense took the edge of it for those of us who travelled from the UK.

Should add for balance that I have many wonderful Australian friends, and there are many fantastic things about Oz but the naïvety of some of the participants on WDU is actually very sad to watch.

oh the teen who doesn't want to leave. I always feel choked by these ones!

How old is he?

I missed the first few minutes

I'm going to shout at this morning's family. I don't know how you can expect a 19 year old do anything, he's got his own life now. There has been a lot of families on this series with older teenagers.

At the end of each program they always say if you want to know if the family made the move then check the bbc website. I have looked but cannot find it on the website. Anyone managed to find this please?

They need to show them that house from yesterday -they are in the wrong place!

Now they want him to contribute financially! Poor lad!

This mother is a spoilt brat who expects the world to revolve around her. She will be on the MIL threads in a few years. Poor kids.

The penny dropped slowly for her there when her husband said the only house we could afford we didnt like.

Morning. Thus looks like a dis-arst-er with the teen not wanting to go/having a girlfriend And more obsession with wardrobes.

No pressure on sonny then

We want you to leave your life and friends at home and pay us for the privilege of following your mum's dream!

I am starting to remember why I had to stop watching last series.

What is the obsession with wardrobes? 'It's every girl's dream isn't it?'

Erm, no!

Do you think Australian people think ' he were go another load of clueless Brits expecting to get a job and live in a Neighbours-esque house?'

Yay Sonny is saved.

Am I allowed to laugh?

I'm not warming to them. It's just a house, it's bricks. I'm feeling very sorry for the older boy, he's going to get brow beaten into going and then resent it. The younger boy hasn't spoken yet! And they have only just realised 19 year old isn't eligible to join their visa!)
(And am I some sort of disgrace to womankind, I can't get excited about wardrobes)

They could have found that out in the UK.

he has to be a student to go? . Noooooo.