Tell us a little about yourself and family.

I was born in England in 1954 and lived mainly in Essex. I am a retired U.K. police officer. I was separated from my wife in 2002 in England. I am now married to Rebecca who is an Australian born citizen. Her daughter, Georgia, left home recently so now it’s just the two of us. Oh, and a mad dog.

What were your reasons for moving to Australia?

Funnily enough, I still remember doing Australia in Geography at school when I was 9 years old and being fascinated by it all. More Geography when I was about 12. My Dad came here on business a few times during the sixties and seventies. (I wonder what Coober Pedy was like then?) So I heard stories from him as well.

Even stranger maybe, when I was about 18, a clairvoyant told me that she saw me going to Australia one day.

So maybe the place has been ticking away in the back of my mind for many years.

So there I was separated and thinking perhaps I’d take a holiday. It was only £500 return to Melbourne so finally, I came to have a look see. I certainly sensed that it was time to get out of the U.K.

I worked my way by bus to the little town in which I now live. I was rather enchanted by it all and went into the Shire Office to find out a few things and this was where I first met Rebecca. We chatted for about an hour and then I was going back in two days so that was it.

I returned a year later and met Rebecca again. We chatted for about three hours this time but nerve failed me and off I went again.

I was back once more and as fate would have it, I met Rebecca in the street. She was selling badges for ANZAC day, which was two days later. I finally asked her out for dinner and she accepted. The next day I helped her with some baking for the ANZAC day bun fight and we went out again a few times in the week or so that I had left.

The rest is history, but part of the emigration process.

How long did the emigration process take?

Well, a long time it seemed but I had to work until June 2006 to complete my full time in the police force to get my pension. The tricky bit was timing it all. (I had at least already sold my house due to my divorce and was renting until my final departure.) I decided to use a migration agent. I am very glad that I did.

I began the process of applying for a 300 prospective marriage visa in December 2005, my agent, knowing my time limits, submitted it when she thought best, bearing in mind the nine month rule. The visa was finally issued on 12th April 2006. In the meantime, as things seemed to take so long, my agent (who knew how long to leave these things) called the HC in London to see what was happening. They were waiting for my medical report and x-rays. I had posted these weeks before and had the proof. So providing that proof, the file was found at the HC. Once found, however, I was told that I needed to have my x-rays done again. There was no explanation given – so of course I thought I was going to die or something! Because these new x-rays had to be vetted in Sydney, this took even longer to sort out. It transpired that the person who took the first x-rays simply hadn’t done them properly. That was a rough few weeks, not knowing what was going on and if I would fail on medical grounds. I think that without an agent to help I would have exploded at that stage.

I was back and forth here quite often before I retired and Rebecca came to England in 2005 for a holiday.

However, June 2nd 2006 I arrived in Melbourne and came to live with Rebecca in Casterton. We were married on 10th October 2006 and the 820 provisional spouse visa was issued on 28th December 2006. We were asked for a fair amount of proof of our ongoing relationship but didn’t have to attend an interview.

My permanent residence was granted on 12th March 2009 and was effectively rubber -stamped. We just submitted stat decs and references and that was it. I have felt several kilos lighter ever since that day! However, people need to know that they may well have to attend an interview and show good proof of their ongoing relationship. Spouse visas are under close scrutiny.

I am due to take my citizenship test on 21st June 2010. I applied on 2nd June 2010, four years to the day that I arrived.

In which state do you live?

I live in Victoria. Mainly of course because that is where Rebecca lives but as cold as it is, it has fewer venomous spiders!! (Well actually only one less than Sydney.)

What have you found to be the main differences between Australia and the UK? (Maybe some cultural/societal differences that you weren't expecting, etc.)

The cultural and societal differences are all positive. No snobbery for a start. People are friendly, helpful and open. Far, far, nicer than in the U.K. But most of all, they are helpful. There are many intangibles but somehow, it’s just nicer here when it comes to dealing with people.

How easy was it to find employment?

Rebecca was already here of course and she works part time at the Shire and for an agronomist in town. Having worked for 36 years for someone else, I decided that I’d never do that again. So I became self-employed. I do some manual therapy, akin to osteopathy and some printing.

How does the work environment differ from what you experienced in the UK?

Well, the last 25 years were as a police constable and now I’m self-employed so I can’t really offer a comparison between say, office life here and office life there.

How does the cost of living compare to the UK?

A tricky one this. Some things are cheaper, some more expensive. We have no debts at all being in our mid fifties. I have a pension which is about a 3rd of what I earned in the U.K., and we both work part time. We aren’t rich but we do more than okay, bearing in mind it is our choice not to work more hours. However, the cost of living here has shot up in the short time that I have been here. People should do their homework and not just assume that it will be cheaper here. Costs for some things vary from state to state.

Has your quality of life improved, if so how?

Well, being happily married helps. Fresh air also helps. It just seems more relaxed in general. I found the U.K. a constant mire and even hated going shopping; it was all so busy and full of people. I hadn’t realised how claustrophobic 2 storey, dense housing was. There is a BIG sky here.

What are some of the things you enjoy most about Australia?

Low population, open, empty roads, pleasant people, a strong sense of community and community involvement. The wildlife (non-human). Medicare: I think it is right that you should have to pay $20.00 to see the doctor. If you are on a low income, you don’t have to pay. Being able to park the car!! We can collect and use and drink the rainwater.

What, if any, are the things you dislike about living in Australia?

How does Australia fit into your long-term plans?

I shall be here forever more. I doubt I’ll even go back to the U.K. for a holiday. There is too much to see here before I die.

In retrospect is there anything you would change?

Hardly anything. I would have started insulating, secondary glazing and central heating earlier had I realised just how cold it can get here. But we’ve done it all now.

Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?

Bear this in mind: Where you are born makes you who you are. Brits are different to Australians. However, you’ll find Australians far more welcoming than Brits in Britain. Don’t assume that a common language means a common culture. It took me four years to regain equilibrium. So prospective immigrants should allow plenty of time to settle. You will get homesick. Even if you hate the UK and are glad you left it, there are things that you will miss.

It has taken time, but I know that this was the best thing for me.

Finally, Australia has, correctly in my opinion, a robust immigration policy. That is coming from someone who has been through it. If you qualify and meet requirements then you can enter. The bureaucracy and form filling and evidencing and waiting, waiting, waiting will probably drive you bonkers but you will get here in the end.

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