Vicky87

She has adapted fine, made a few friends from daycare and when playgroups were running.. she does occasionally say she would rather live near her grandparents but I dont think she really understands what that means! Is been pretty chilly through the winter and she has hated it, so I've told her it's cold all the time in Wales Sounds like you have a few months before the visa is approved- hopefully the economy would have started picking up by then

Thanks Rossmoyne My daughter is due to start kindy in Feb so I'm sure I'll start getting to know more mums.. I've made a few friends, its more my husband! He finds it harder, I'm sure we'll get there eventually

Hi magicians We've settled in Aubin Grove so not too far. We have a 3 years old daughter- how old were your kids? It is quite tough to find friends and make bonds, we haven't done too badly but you can never have too many!!

also, as far as work it seems to be a who you know rather than what you know kinda place. My salary is lower than the UK but my husband is on an equivalent rate. You should hopefully be ok as you will have your trade recognised to an Aussie standard, it is quite a tough market atm though as a lot are unemployed. Just check where you can settle on a 190 visa as I think there are restrictions, but there should be shutdown work you can pick up to get experience

Hi Jack Where in South Wales are you from? We're from Newport and moved to Perth last year. We have a 3 year old daughter, its a great place to raise children as there are so many family events and free activities. Good luck with the whole process, we came over on my visa but my husband is a pipefitter, he works for Austal now.. he said the work is a similar set-up but he starts at 6am

Thanks for the speeding tip, we didn't drive much in perth when we were there.. I do remember they are strict with jay walking so we kept to that as didn't want to chance it! I've also taken on board the 4x4 comment, my husband would love a 4x4 anyway so I've given him permission We are generally up early (22 month old wakes 5.30-6) so it will be nice to be part of the norm rather than only person awake! X

Lovely to hear you have settled over in Oz, I enjoy reading positive stories as really nervous about heading over later this year. I hope you continue to settle, good luck with everything x

OK thanks Ali, I might get that checked soon as we were looking to buy a few things, keep them boxed up ready to go.. Maybe have to look like we've used them first!

We're looking at moving in June, how big are they? If you're happy to wait we're happy to help

I never thought of that reason, in fairness I don't blame employers thinking that way now that you mention it! I guess there are a lot of people that head back for various reasons (could even be us) , and it's almost like we need to prove we're prepared to stay. I suppose as long as we put in some effort hopefully we'll be rewarded.. And yes I guess the WHV could have been an issue when we were there before, I know traveling came first when we were there and work just provided the money we needed to see some of the sights. He managed to find some work eventually, but he was being very fussy then

Thanks Rossmoyne, I've read a few conversations on here and it seems to be a common theme - you must have Australian experience and it seems to be more who you know rather than what you know.. having visited before I hope we are coming over with our eyes open this time, we're definitely not as naïve! We are both prepared to do work experience and take whatever job comes our way, also planning to join clubs etc to try meet people in hope to make friends and also aid with finding employment. We can but try when we get there I guess :-)

Thanks warnbro, I will have a word with the other half and tell him not to be so fussy this time. I think he realises he needs to take whatever comes his way.. Our first trip caused a lot of upset and cost a fortune but we learnt valuable lessons and we're ready to try again.. We're just hoping I get a good job to support us so he can do any courses or tickets so he's compliant ?

This makes me a little sad as we visited in 2012 and my husband struggled for work then, and if that was when it was meant to be booming ?? Oh well, we may as well at least attempt Perth as we loved it there.. Hopefully by the time we come over a few more of these projects would have commenced ?if it fails we're open to Melbourne or Newcastle, just hoping to get it right first time! Really appreciate the detail you went into, we would ideally not like to consider FIFO however we're willing to do whatever it fakes over the first couple of years to make it work long term

Thanks Jen. Funny enough I saw this earlier and sent it to my husband - exciting news for those in WA and hoping to emigrate shortly.. I'm ready to come over now, hurry up visa!! Lol

they do seem to be mentioned a lot! When we were there we stayed in Clarkson which was lovely but too far away, and South Perth on the main road! Hoping yo spent a good couple weeks exploring before settling into a job, but i know I'm a worrier and will probably take the first job I'm offered just so we have money coming in! X