Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Jan 4th 2006, 3:03 am
#31
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 200
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
JEEPERS - just read all that with my hand over my mouth and then got to the nice bit at the end. Well done for sticking it out - they always say the good times are best when you've had some horrors. Praying now that all our stuff doesn't arrived waterlogged..oh please no...
Thanks for the posting...
Thanks for the posting...
Jan 4th 2006, 3:47 am
#32
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,693
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by haggis supper
I've seen a number of posts recently about concerns, problems and general apprehensions about moving to Australia. I thought a brief summary of my move may help some.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
Perseverance is the order of the day...
Jan 4th 2006, 3:58 am
#33
Sunshine Coast -Yeepee!!
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: Sunshine Coast - Oh yea!!
Posts: 464
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Thank you for sharig you amusing yet frightening experience. That is what I needed to hear. I want to know it is worth it. We are trying to make the decision whether to go for it or not and I think we should just give it a whirl - what is the worst that can happen?!!!!!!!!!
Michelle
Michelle
Jan 4th 2006, 4:12 am
#34
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 987
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Wow just read your thread.How determined you are.
Thought it was only us that had the "Black Cloud" that looms over us most of the time.
You have had some bad luck,that's for sure,but despite it all you made it and it's all worth it.Gives hope to all us still waiting to get over there.
May I wish you all the very best and have a happy life.Dreamaway.
Thought it was only us that had the "Black Cloud" that looms over us most of the time.
You have had some bad luck,that's for sure,but despite it all you made it and it's all worth it.Gives hope to all us still waiting to get over there.
May I wish you all the very best and have a happy life.Dreamaway.
Jan 4th 2006, 4:50 am
#35
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 715
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
You deserve a medal for what you have gone though and survived 
Jan 4th 2006, 5:11 am
#36
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Lal Lal a rural community outside Ballarat VIC, previously Kent England
Posts: 915
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Congrats on making it through a rocky journey. Hopefully you will now continue on your current path.
Best of luck
Lisa.x
Best of luck
Lisa.x
Jan 4th 2006, 6:36 am
#37
Des
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: London? or Melbourne?
Posts: 118
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by haggis supper
I've seen a number of posts recently about concerns, problems and general apprehensions about moving to Australia. I thought a brief summary of my move may help some.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
it seemed rough at the start for you but you managed to ride the wave. its just a fantastic story we are coming to melbourne at the end of the year for good ( wife is from melbourne). i have been there twice i agree 100% with your description of the city i cant wait to be there.
des
Jan 4th 2006, 8:02 am
#38
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Eldorado (near Wangaratta) 'country Victoria'
Posts: 1,451
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by John Mc
Sounds like a nightmare indeed. I've just been in contact with the Australian part of my company and a couple of interesting e-mails have ensued, hopefully the start of something more 
They are located in Victoria too so I may hopefully get there this year with my family
Cheers
John
They are located in Victoria too so I may hopefully get there this year with my family
Cheers
John
Good luck with it all.
Nicky
Jan 4th 2006, 8:24 am
#39
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: Cheshire, England
Posts: 743
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by haggis supper
I've seen a number of posts recently about concerns, problems and general apprehensions about moving to Australia. I thought a brief summary of my move may help some.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
What a nightmare, I would have been a total wreck. Glad to read on that it was all worth it in the end.
Best wishes for the future.
Jan 4th 2006, 9:14 am
#40
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Ayr then Hampshire; Now Beaumaris, Melbourne
Posts: 1,034
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by FluffyTheCampfireSlayer
Well done for staring adversity so hard in the face Haggis!
Sounds like you had a nightmare - I bet you appreciate what you have all the more after working sooo bloody hard for it!?
Good luck for the future and how is your boss shaping up out there? Still having his doubts?
Sounds like you had a nightmare - I bet you appreciate what you have all the more after working sooo bloody hard for it!?
Good luck for the future and how is your boss shaping up out there? Still having his doubts?
All the best to you too !
Jan 4th 2006, 9:16 am
#41
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Ayr then Hampshire; Now Beaumaris, Melbourne
Posts: 1,034
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by John Mc
Sounds like a nightmare indeed. I've just been in contact with the Australian part of my company and a couple of interesting e-mails have ensued, hopefully the start of something more
They are located in Victoria too so I may hopefully get there this year with my family
Cheers
John
They are located in Victoria too so I may hopefully get there this year with my family
Cheers
John
Cheers,
Colin
Jan 4th 2006, 9:17 am
#42
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Ayr then Hampshire; Now Beaumaris, Melbourne
Posts: 1,034
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by nik
Hello,
I couldn't believe so many things could go wrong with your move! I am glad that you are enjoying Melbourne now. We are moving there at some point in the next few months as my hubby has been offered a job. How are you finding Beaumaris and the schools? We are looking in that area and our kids are 5 and 3 too. hubby's job is near Moorabbin ariport so thought bayside looked good. Any tips greatly appreciated as I am finding the whole process a bit scary!
Nik
I couldn't believe so many things could go wrong with your move! I am glad that you are enjoying Melbourne now. We are moving there at some point in the next few months as my hubby has been offered a job. How are you finding Beaumaris and the schools? We are looking in that area and our kids are 5 and 3 too. hubby's job is near Moorabbin ariport so thought bayside looked good. Any tips greatly appreciated as I am finding the whole process a bit scary!
Nik
I'll send you a PM - and feel free to ask for help and advice.
Cheers,
Colin
Jan 4th 2006, 9:25 am
#43
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Ayr then Hampshire; Now Beaumaris, Melbourne
Posts: 1,034
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Thanks to all for your comments ! As I said in my post, it is a very difficult process, it is stressful and should not be underestimated. However, if you handle the problems one at a time, remain rational and positive (not always easy !) and keep your mind on the bigger picture it is very achievable. Once we arrived here we were surprised at how easy it was to settle down and enjoy life. We kept saying to ourselves that the problems would soon pass and whilst we might have a few months of grief it would lead to a lifetime of happiness. A bit cheesy but that's how we felt ! And still do.
Good luck to you all and if I can offer any help or advice feel free to drop me a PM.
Cheers,
Colin
Good luck to you all and if I can offer any help or advice feel free to drop me a PM.
Cheers,
Colin
Jan 4th 2006, 9:57 am
#44
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 354
Re: Our move to Australia - problems, but worth it.
Originally Posted by haggis supper
I've seen a number of posts recently about concerns, problems and general apprehensions about moving to Australia. I thought a brief summary of my move may help some.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
I was offered a job in early July (457 visa) and flew on August 19th. We had an incredibly hectic 6 weeks preparing and had all manner of problems, see below. I moved with my wife, my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
· Had 3 weeks to decorate house and completely redo front garden - to make presentable for rent. Akin to mission impossible.
· Told by Gas Engineer that we have a gas leak, pipes not fitted properly and he cannot issue Landlord Safety Cert. Takes 2 days knocking holes in walls to find and fix. Not cheap.
· My move to Oz came about as a result of my boss in the UK taking a job in Melbourne and offering me a job. I go through 3 weeks of interviews and on-line psychological profiling. 1 week before I'm due to fly he gets cold feet and pulls out at last minute. He later changes his mind but for 3 days we are in panic mode and consider pulling out.
· We rented our house the day it went on the market, above asking price. 5 days before we fly the tenants pull out - it takes us a further 3 months to let house at a price GBP 650 less than previous offer.
· Company offers only 20 foot container. Not enough. 40 foot then provided but we are to pay extra. We then sell, give away and move to inlaws a ton of furniture only for company to say there was misunderstanding and they would have paid for the lot. Too late !
· One week to go I put petrol into 6 month old BMW - it's a diesel car so does GBP 4,500 worth of damage !!
· Have to travel to London for medicals - twice in 3 days and then GP loses daughters medical records - twice. We only receive visas 2 days before we are due to fly.
· Have to leave the UK not having sold either car. Eventually sell both but lose a fortune on one of them.
· Removal process is a shocker. Allied Pickfords are awful. They call in sick on second day. They run out of wrapping materials. No special cartons provided. They wrap items they shouldn't. They fail to pick up air freight. I have to wait in empty house for 2 days waiting for air freight to be collected and miss Mother In Laws 60th party - not best pleased !
· Pickfords and Relocation Agent fail to provide relevant documentation so I'm up until 4am on the morning of the move completing transit, DIMIA and Insurance documents. Only panicking slightly.
· Air Freight goes missing in transit - told that it has been lost at KL and cannot be found. It turns up 8 days later.
· $15,000 worth of damages as a result of removals - all beds and mattresses arrive water damaged and therefore ruined. Damage to cabinets, chests of drawers, laptops, PC monitors, plates, pictures, glasses etc etc etc ! 4 months after move I am still waiting final settlement.
· 3 boxes of clothes are "lost". Dresses, kids clothing and some of our favourite items. They never turn up.
· We looked at 36 houses before settling on a place in Beaumaris - found it only 1 week before company was due to stop paying for apartment. We were in panic mode again.
The process was a shocker and at times we felt that fate was certainly against us. We considered pulling out twice and from mid June to mid September we hardly stopped. So many times we heard the phrase "This has never happened before..." - from Estate Agents, Visa Agent, Relocation Agent, Removal firm etc as something else went wrong.
However, despite all of this we adore it here in Melbourne and it was certainly worth the hassle. The people, the place, the lifestyle and the opportunities are fabulous. There is so much to do and see and it is incredibly child friendly. The process was very quick and we hardly had time to think once things started moving, and perhaps this helped. My advice to those considering the move is to go for it. It is incredibly difficult, it is stressful and there are so many unknowns but it is worth it. The children are incredibly settled (my daughter loves her school), they are already body boarding and swimming most days, we have a family day out almost every weekend and are spending so much more time together. My wife is also very happy and has already made some very good friends - both Aussie and ex-pat. Sure it has some downsides and we miss things from home but it is a fabulous place and an amazing opportunity. We may decide to return one day, though that appears to be unlikely, but if we do it will have been a great and positive experience for us all.
Good luck to those considering or actually in the process.
