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British families explore the idea of moving to Australia. Andrew Downey put his dream of moving to Australia on hold, but now he wants it back on the family agenda.

When Andrew Downey met Dara, he put a lifelong dream of moving to Australia on hold. Now he wants it back on the Downey family agenda. A trial week in Brisbane sees them check out properties, work prospects and the sort of lifestyle they could enjoy down under. But any move to Australia would mean leaving their eldest daughter Sarah behind.

44 minutes

Downey family update

Downey family update

The family loved it very much and had their hearts set on making the move out there.<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

However they were not in a position no move to Australia and decided to look at other options in the meantime.

The island of Jersey was looking for both their job specialties and would offer them a relocation package to move there and give them an automatic 10 years residency. Plus there was the bonus of no visa requirements. They applied for jobs and got exactly what they wanted. They moved at the start of November and although it is certainly not Oz, they are happy they made the move. 聽

The Downey's are still in contact with an emigration agent who they have told that they are having to put things on hold for the next 1-2 years to try and save , but they still hope to make the move to the other side of the world before they are too old.

Ciara is in ICU nursing , Andrew is project manager for an air-con company and the kids are settled in school. Sarah is still at university at home in Derry but can fly to Jersey regularly as they are a one hour flight away. 聽Sarah was with the family for Christmas too. 聽

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Nicki Chapman
Series Producer Jacqui Berkeley
Executive Producer Paul Connolly
Executive Producer Lindsay Bradbury

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