Suddenly realised that we’d got to the heady heights of 3 months in Australia. Can’t believe the time has gone so quickly.

To update for those who don’t know our history – we are a family of four, two young boys aged 5 and 3 when we landed. Our visa application started in July as was granted six weeks later at the end of August. We duly packed up house and home, sold cars, re-homed pets and put what was left on a ship! We landed Oct 5th 2006. My husband has been sponsored in on RSMS and we live 3 hrs out of Adelaide in drought stricken South Australia.

We were (and still are) very close to our families in UK and leaving them and our friends behind has been extremely hard. We were very prepared for it but perhaps we miss being able to speak to friends when ever we fancy it more than we thought we would – as in time difference problems! They’ve set themselves up on Skype and Messenger and I know I “speak” to my brother more now than I did when we were only up the road!

We’d got the job sorted, obviously as sponsored in, and due to the nature of our work that also meant our house was sorted too – there’s only one school to chose from and I’d organised the places for the children via email whilst still in UK. I’m not working yet but plan to in the next couple of months.

School has been brilliant, our eldest has started with peers in a large rural school, our youngest has started one day a week at the kindy. Facilities are better than we had in Cambridgeshire and there’s more focus on confidence building, inter-social skills, family involvement and whilst I thought my eldest may be a little bored to start with (as he’d done so much more school than fellow Australian’s) but he’s found it challenging and really doing well – particularly enjoys learning Indonesian! I’d got major panic attacks about putting my two small boys on the bus too – I’d walked them to school in UK but guess what they love that too! I have to bribe them if I’m in town and offer to bring them home!

We’ve two towns close to us (I mean 30 min drive), one’s slightly larger than the other. The larger town has been fine, more choice in shops etc, but the smaller has welcomed us so amazingly it’s wonderful. Friendships are beginning, massive community feel already. I got involved with the kindy committee and I think my husband may join Apex next year (it’s like a round circle type group). We’ve gone along to all the offers of bbqs etc and it’s a great way to meet people, especially as we’re so spaced out in this bit of Australia!

All the mundane stuff like Tax File Numbers, Bank Accounts, Medicare, buying car etc have been very easy – either online or in person. All been processed quickly and efficiently. Car buying was certainly easier than I anticipated (we didn’t even pay for it until 3 days after receiving delivery!)

The weathers been fine, nothing more or less than we expected. I was concerned the children would complain about the heat, they never have and play outside all the time. Eldest son has very fair skin and whilst I mean to put cream on every day it doesn’t always happen and so far he’s never burnt. They will never wear trousers ever again given the chance! They’re great at wearing their hats and now can play football, climb trees, ride bikes – all with their thongs on! We have been surprised with how much temperatures can vary – few days of nearly 40 c and then back down to low 20’s and then up, down etc! It’s good though as I can afford to do nothing on hot days as I can catch up on cooler days!

The first few days it was a little hard learning about all the deadly creatures that we now share our home with, white tips, red backs and brown snakes – all spotted in our house or close vicinity within couple of days of arriving! It made me feel sick to my stomach, the thought of what risks my two young, investigative boys might face – now I don’t give it a second thought, we know where they’re likely to be and leave well alone!

We had to cope without any of our household stuff for some 7 weeks in the end, plus the four weeks we’d already done in UK, but when it finally landed (UK end mislead us on delivery into dock) it was dealt with very quickly and although there were a couple of breakages it was nothing major and not worth claiming on insurance that’s for sure! Note to anyone going through the pack up at the moment – the only boxes that customs opened were those marked “ornaments” – which often had books in and one vase! Had cleaned as well as possible but no checks made to kids bikes, golf clubs, football goal, plant pots – even though all marked up! We’d bought a few bits before packing too and these were in original packaging so I worried we might be taxed on it, but I mentioned on our customs declaration that they were gifts etc and they didn’t check them or ask for any money!

Anyway I think I’ve waffled on enough – 3 months is still so soon into our new lives but to sum up … so far everyone we’ve met has been lovely and friendly (much grief about the cricket but we deserve it!), the children have adapted very very easily, schooling seems very good, cost of living is about the same but of higher standard generally and it’s living up to our expectations. One of our main reasons for coming was to spend more time as a family unit as my husband’s job wouldn’t be as many hours – this is improved but could be better but that too will come with time I hope! Any negatives? Have to check use by dates – not unusual to get home and realise we need to eat 12 yoghurts in 2 days! Have to keep curtains shut on very hot days to keep the house cool and it makes the house a bit dark! Can you get the impression I haven’t got many negatives!!! Oh – one thing … TV is rubbish! We can’t get normal telly so are on Austar which is just American repeats! Lucky we don’t watch much! There are a few goodies like Lost, 24, The Comedy Channel but that’s about it! Kids seem happy with Nick Jnr so an hour a day of that’s enough viewing in our house!

Here’s to all those still waiting on that wonderful call from your agent or case officer etc! Don’t expect it to be perfect from day one – you’d had a fair few years getting settled in UK before leaving it! Get friends and family on Skype before you leave – it helps for them to able to call you for nearly nothing whenever they can!

Thats a great post really glad life here is working out for you. All the best in the future

Fantastic post - thanks!! Your children sound like they are thriving and you all sound settled in your new adventure. Congratulations on the great start you have made :D

Makes those of us waiting in the UK know it will be worthwhile in the end :rolleyes:

Lisa

A very interesting post, and so glad things are going well at the moment. It doesn't seem like that long ago that you were still in the UK, talking about the farm job.

I have followed your posts with interest, as I was brought up on a farm in north-western Victoria, and we drive through Keith every time we visit my rellies. (Which is not all that often, really.)

I take it that the larger town is Keith, but what is the small town that has welcomed you so readily? Small communities can be great. Years ago, when we moved to NW Victoria, my mother had to go into hospital with asthma. I vaguely remember lots of the neighbouring farmers delivering cooked meals to us. (We were a family of about six children at that stage.) Also, more recently, when my father died, the entire community came out for the funeral, and I couldn't help realising that it would be a lot different in the city. The farming community really seems to get behind its members and help out when needed.

Glad the bus thing worked out ok. In the country, it's what you have to do, and it's usually no problem. Many, many years ago, when I would travel about an hour each way to and from the local high school, I can remember little 5 year olds travelling on the bus, and usually sleeping on the way home, but someone would always make sure they got off at the right stop, etc.

Anyway, hope things continue to go well for you!

Cheers,
Jen

Great post!

Glad to hear you have settled in well and the boys are liking school and kindy!

Hope you continue to enjoy your new life.

Lea :)

Hi Farming Family

Great to hear from you again, what a fantastic post made exellent reading, thanks for taking the time
3 months, It doesn't seem that long since you left the UK. :unsure:
Happy New Year to you all
Keith Sharon & Jade... :rolleyes: :D ;)

PS, 10 days to go........... :loopy: :loopy:

Thank you so much! A great post. Let us know more as the months go by!

Glad to hear you are settling well esp. the children, that must make it all worth it! All the best to you :)

:D What a lovely post to read. Thanks for putting your thoughts down. I'm sure your postitive attitude will help a lot in the future. :love29:

THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU!

We are nearly ready to send off our application and like you have two young boys. Recently although Australia is in my every waking thought all I have been thinking about is 'what are we doing to the children' in terms of rellies and such like. After reading you post I thought yes that is what I want for my children! You have made me smile and I amsure that the up and down days are all part and parcel of the process. Please, please keep us updated and heres hoping that the next, three months, three years or thirty years are as good or even better than the first three months :D

Lindsey

Hi Happy NewYear from paul +kim in wet miserable cambridge.
what a fantastic time your having can not believe youve been in aus for over 3 months its gone so quickly. How are you coping with all the travelling around? do you have a car with air-con? must have in that heat. One more question, where are you in s.a? and i guess your hubby is a farmer? please fill us in.
Any way good luck and we can not wait for our turn. House is on the market and visa should be ready as soon as feb or march, so in our case we should have the visa before we sell the house.
all the best paul + kim :dance: :dance:

Hi Farming family

Wow what a lot you have managed to do in 3 months!!!

What a fantastic post, we all look forward to reading those posts back here in the UK waiting for our turn. :P

It really sounds like you are settling really well especially the children, which must help you to settle well, if the children are happy you are happy.

Thank you for taking the time and good luck with your future lives.

Carol

Very interesting & informative post, thank you. :rolleyes:

It sounds like the first 3 mths have gone smoothly, I have 2 boys a little older so I am very encouraged to hear that the weather & schooling is ok for them both.

Can't read to read the next 3 mths.

Angela

Brilliant post, make me want to be there as soon as posible.
Thank you for sharing your experiance.

sarah

Hi Farming Family

I will be living about 3 hours out of Adelaide myself, although i think i a different direction to you, ill be up in Yunta, which is closer to NSW really..lol

A very informative post as well, thanks for the info in spiders, im sure I will be more aware of those pesky little blighters when i move out of the city.

Here's to the next three months. Hope everything goes well

regards

Lolly

Thanks everyone for all your well wishes!

I'm totally with those who panic about their children - we forever responsible aren't we but I feel lucky that mine have settled so well but then they're younger so less attached to UK which is a help!

For those that asked about locations - Keith is the town with the big welcome, Bordertown is fine but seems a little more "clicky"! Naracoorte is fine but 1 and 1/2 hrs away and for extra 1/2 hour I can be in Horsham, across the border which is good! Haven't yet got to Grampians but heading off to the Blue Lake and Mount Gambier tomorrow ... got mum over visiting so doing the tours, and the miles! Clocked up 420 k yesterday just to visit Dundee Wildlife!

Farming community is lovely, welcomed and encouraged ... and this sounds snobby ... but a lot have university education and seem very like minded people - and same generation often too so all the kids are at school together!

I'm not saying though that we haven't had bad days but certainly none that have ever made us question coming or returning to the UK!

xx Jo

Hi Jo

Glad to hear things are going so well for you and the family.

It must have been a bit of a worry with the drought for the farmers.

Look forward to hearing your next updates.

Happy New Year

Graham & Sara

Jo

What a fantastic post! I love living out in the country in the Far North Qld as opposed to town or city life. Reading about the buses made me laugh as the difference being in such a small community our local bus drivers are also the local firemen and are all lovely lovely people who make the kids welcome and make sure they get off at the right stop.

It reminds me of my childhood and the small community feel we used to have and our kids thrive in it.

Most people I know here are farmers of some sort, mostly cane, banana or cattle farmers or a mixture of everything. They are all very friendly and welcome anyone into their house where the food is always delicious.

Good luck for the future and I hope you will always love it as much as you do now.

I've just been chatting to my sister on Skype which I agree is a great way to stay in touch.

Sasha :)