One Year on in Melbourne
Aug 16th 2005 | 11:55 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 19
From: Williamstown,Melbourne
One Year on in Melbourne
Yep arrived exactly one year ago to the Day.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
Aug 17th 2005 | 12:02 am
#2
Life is good
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,019
From: Perth, WA
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
This gives us all hope, thanks for that. I am getting a little nervous about our move in the New Year. We did live in Oz for a year and loved every minute.
I'm very glad the positive out weigh the negatives.
Good Luck to You!
Claire
I'm very glad the positive out weigh the negatives.
Good Luck to You!
Claire
Aug 17th 2005 | 12:06 am
#3
Mount Eliza
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 382
From: Mount Eliza
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Glad to see you've really settled in and are enjoying life. We got our visa last month and are now frantically decorating the house to get it on the market.
Mount Eliza sometime soon hopefully!!
Jo
Mount Eliza sometime soon hopefully!!
Jo
Aug 17th 2005 | 12:18 am
#4
Is anyone listening
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 278
From: Lincoln UK
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Great to read your update, glad to see you are all doing so well. Was feeling down a bit today, but you have fired up my enthusiasm again thank you.
Good luck for the next year and hope it goes as well
Nicky
Good luck for the next year and hope it goes as well
Nicky
Aug 17th 2005 | 12:43 am
#5
Visa Granted-MT Eliza 06
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 141
From: Thatcham, Berks
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Excellent letter and so happy for your son. We have our visas and will probably make the move (Mornington area or Mount Eliza) next year between september and december after our youngest finishes Year6. I am a Fitter by trade as well so any pointers would be really appreciated. Until then take care.
Jim and family
Jim and family
Aug 17th 2005 | 1:20 am
#6
Hants to Mel Aug 05
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 490
From: S/E Melbourne
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. We leave the UK next weekend for Melbourne and can't wait and your comments make us feel even more excited about going.
Lorraine
Lorraine
Aug 17th 2005 | 1:55 am
#7
Sydney- North Shore
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 387
From: Sydney
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Originally Posted by spondyatwood
Yep arrived exactly one year ago to the Day.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
Aug 17th 2005 | 1:56 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 326
From: Melbourne!!!
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Great to hear how things go on the other side!!!
Glad you are loving Melbourne and that there are much more +ves than -ves!!
Can't wait to be there!!!!!
Glad you are loving Melbourne and that there are much more +ves than -ves!!
Can't wait to be there!!!!!
Aug 17th 2005 | 2:10 am
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 29,154
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Glad you are enjoying life
We live in Williamstown too - been here for 7 months, and loving it!
Cas
We live in Williamstown too - been here for 7 months, and loving it!
Cas
Aug 17th 2005 | 2:30 am
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 198
From: Singapore
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Originally Posted by gladiatorjw
Excellent letter and so happy for your son. We have our visas and will probably make the move (Mornington area or Mount Eliza) next year between september and december after our youngest finishes Year6. I am a Fitter by trade as well so any pointers would be really appreciated. Until then take care.
Jim and family
Jim and family
We're living in Mt Eliza and think it is a lovely place. A bit of a drive to the CBD .. but the area is .. really nice! Drop us a note when you arrive ..
/Jørgen
Aug 17th 2005 | 3:15 am
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 596
From: Melbourne, since 19th Jan 2006
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Originally Posted by spondyatwood
Yep arrived exactly one year ago to the Day.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
Some K for you
Sarah
Aug 17th 2005 | 5:45 am
#12
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 355
From: Melbourne
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Hello
Glad to hear you are enjoying Melbourne, it is where we are off to.
I am just a little concerned when you say the "drug problem". Do you mean there are drugs as there are everywhere and you expected none, or do you mean it is a really bad issue?
Thanks
Glad to hear you are enjoying Melbourne, it is where we are off to.
I am just a little concerned when you say the "drug problem". Do you mean there are drugs as there are everywhere and you expected none, or do you mean it is a really bad issue?
Thanks
Aug 17th 2005 | 6:47 am
#13
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,337
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Good stuff glad it going well 
Aug 17th 2005 | 9:30 am
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,389
From: New Zealand
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Good post. glad to read of all the good things that have happened, especially to hear your son is happy.
May you have many more happy years.
Helinuk
May you have many more happy years.
Helinuk
Aug 17th 2005 | 9:45 am
#15
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,824
From: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Re: One Year on in Melbourne
Originally Posted by spondyatwood
Yep arrived exactly one year ago to the Day.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
A lot has happened since leaving our family behind in Sheffield a year ago.
After living with my Uncle at first in the Western suburbs of Melbourne we quickly found a Lovely little three bedroomed single storey house to rent in Williamstown.A beautiful part of Melbourne that we really enjoyed.
I found work with P&O at first working as a maintainance fitter.My wife found work almost straight away as a Nurse with the Western Healt Service and is loving it.Our son is currently in year 11 at School and is also enjoying it very much.I am now working for a company that has it's head office in the UK and once again am very content with work.
We have achieved an awful lot in the last twelve Months and the only way I can really explain them or put it all into some sort of order is to give a Negative and Positive list so here goes.
Negatives
1.Friends appear harder to make than in England
2.Drugs are a problem over here just as in England
3.Laid back attitude can be infuriating
4.Drivers extremely ignorant
5.Not many pubs without pokies
6.Distance from the UK
Positives
1.Better standard of living(I had to work 6 days a week to earn less money than what I am earning here for 5 days)
2.Our son has just had an incredibly good report and now gets invited to parties (he is 16).In England he was bullied at school ,had no friends at all and had his nose broken,ankle broken and was constantly tormented because in their opinion he didnt fit in.
3.Our son has many friends who accept him for who he is.
4.Melbourne is a Fabulous City to live in.
5.More time for each other
6.Better off Financially
7.I no longer suffer from stress related illnesses.
8.Australians have a more positive outlook on life.
9.There are many more than this but I just want to keep it brief.
In 12 Months we have lived with an Uncle, rented a House Just bought a brand new Home and moved in.Bought a new Puppy,Seen countless shows,
Had tonnes of BBQ's, soaked up loads of Sunshine, Drank loads of Bundy and coke,Seen our Son become a very happy and confident young man,And spent more time as a Family than we ever could have dreamed of back in the UK.
I have tried to get a Monday to Friday job in the UK for the last 15 years that would give us a reasonable living.Australia gave me just that.
Would we move back to the UK an emphatic NO is our Chorus.
Sometimes it is hard but what we have now and seeing our Son smile was worth the journey and the stress of the immigration process.
We are both 41 years old my wife is a Nurse and we left a 22Year old Daughter back in England.So If you are unsure about the move I hope this little insight may help.
Ginny
