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G’Day and welcome to The DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast.
Listen to Migrant stories that cover the emotional roller-coaster journey - from how the person decided to move Down Under, the visa process, the relocation journey, settling, and what they do now.
Also, meet DUC Team members, hear about how the departments help you, get tips, and learn how to save time and money.
All episodes are recorded virtually - expect some imperfections, however, we think the content is what is important! Make sure you follow to get notified of new episodes!
Enjoy Australia!
Listen to Migrant stories that cover the emotional roller-coaster journey - from how the person decided to move Down Under, the visa process, the relocation journey, settling, and what they do now.
Also, meet DUC Team members, hear about how the departments help you, get tips, and learn how to save time and money.
All episodes are recorded virtually - expect some imperfections, however, we think the content is what is important! Make sure you follow to get notified of new episodes!
Enjoy Australia!
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In this episode, Wes Zandt speaks with Anna Forth about her family's journey to migrate from the UK to Australia. They discuss Anna's background as an Occupational Therapist, the preparations for their move, the emotional aspects of leaving family and friends, and the excitement of starting a new life in Australia. Anna shares insights on securing jobs, childcare arrangements, and tips for traveling with young children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of flexibility and enjoying the process of migration.Anna and her family used the DUC Home Search Service to secure a home on the Gold Coast. More details here: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/need-assistance-finding-a-rental/
In this episode, Hope Griffiths shares her journey of migrating to Australia as a Marketing Specialist with Wes Zandt. She discusses her initial feelings of home in Melbourne, the challenges of the visa process, and her experiences finding work on a working holiday visa. Hope reflects on her current life in St Kilda, the cost of living, and how she built a community in a new city. She offers valuable advice for new migrants, emphasizing the importance of patience and open-mindedness.Moving to Australia? Check out the DUC Relocation Hub: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/
In this episode, Wes Zandt speaks with Sean Bolger, a UK painter and Trades worker, about his journey of migrating to Australia. They discuss the challenges and processes involved in obtaining a skilled visa, including skills assessment, English tests, and the waiting game for visa invites. Sean shares his thoughts on the lifestyle he hopes to achieve in Australia, the importance of community, and the financial considerations of moving. The conversation also touches on the outdoor lifestyle in Australia and the potential for job opportunities in the painting trade.More about Skills Assessments here: https://www.downundercentre.com/australian-skills-assessmentFREE Visa Points calculator: https://www.downundercentre.com/free-visa-points-calculator
G'Day and thanks for listening!In this episode, Wes Zandt and John Moynes (Director of PSS) discuss the intricacies of migrating to Australia, focusing on the role of PSS Removals in facilitating international shipping.They share personal stories about family migration experiences, the emotional aspects of moving, and the importance of planning and communication in the shipping process. John highlights how PSS has leveraged technology to enhance customer service and optimise operations, while also addressing common challenges faced by migrants.such as customs regulations and shipping timelines. The conversation concludes with practical tips for those considering a move to Australia.Get help from PSS with your move: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/relocations-partners-pss-shipping/ If you would like to come on an episode, please contact Lisa Chambers: lisa.chambers@downundercentre.com
BIG Thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this week’s episode, Wes is joined by Kyle Nichols, who made the move all the way from Texas, USA to Echuca, Victoria with his family. Kyle, a Secondary School Drama Teacher, shares his journey of securing a 190 Visa through the DUC before making the big move in April 2025. Record date: 05/08/2025More on life in Victoria here: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/victoria/More on Skilled Visas here: https://www.downundercentre.com/skilled-visas-australia
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this week’s episode, Wes is joined by Jim Irwin, an Assessor for Chefs and Cooks.They discuss Practical Assessments and Technical Interviews, how the new DUC Skills Portal has improved the skills assessment process for applicants, and the current job landscape for Chefs and Cooks in Australia.More about Skills Assessments here: Australian Skills Assessment - Emigrate to Australia - Down Under Centre More about Visas here: Australian Visas - Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Partner, Parent
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!On this episode, Wes is joined by Jack, an Arts Administrator from the UK who is currently going through the EOI process. Jack has multiple EOIs lodged for several states. In December 2024, Jack and his family went on a recce trip, fell in love with several locations, and are now deciding where they’d like to settle — with their sights set along the East Coast.Jack is making the move with his husband, James (who works in childcare), and their two children, Aryan (12) and Noah (9).More about Australian Visas: Australian Visas - Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Partner, ParentGet Relocation Support here: DUC Relocation Hub – This is a unique, one-of-a-kind site. Built by Migrants, for Migrants!
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!On this episode, Wes is joined by Mars — one of the original members of the DUC team. Mars has been with the DUC for over nine years and plays a key role in running the Skills Assessment Team in the UK. In this episode, Wes and Mars chat about how the migration process has evolved over the years, what makes a successful skills assessment, and how the DUC’s new portal is making life easier for those going through the Skills Assessment process. More about Skills Assessments here: Australian Skills Assessment - Emigrate to Australia - Down Under Centre More about Visas here: Australian Visas - Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Partner, Parent
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!On this episode, Wes is joined by Garrett and Sarah O’Connell, a young Irish couple preparing to make the big move to Newcastle, Australia, with their two daughters.Garrett previously spent two years in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa and is now returning as a skilled migrant electrician. Sarah, a HR professional, is making the move for the first time after living abroad in Dubai.In this episode, they chat with Wes about the ups and downs of the visa journey, the challenges of moving with a young family, and their hopes for a better work-life balance in Australia.Record date: 28/07/2025More about Skilled Visas here: https://www.downundercentre.com/skilled-visas-australiaMore about life in NSW here: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/new-south-wales/
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!On this episode, Wes is joined by Lisa Chambers. Lisa is a previous Migrant who lives in Adelaide with her family. She also works for the DUC and runs the Relocation Department.Lisa and family moved to Adelaide in 2019 and recently made their first visit back to the UK after almost 6 years away.Record date: 21/07/2025Explore the Relocation Hub here: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/Explore our Visa services here: https://www.downundercentre.com/
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this episode, Lisa is joined by Roxanne Mann, founder of Nesting Down Under. Roxanne lives in North Perth with her family, having moved to Australia on an Employer Sponsored Visa through her husband's trade as an Electrician.They used the DUC for the entire journey — from the skills assessment and visa process, to securing a rental through the DUC Home Search Service with the help of Gemma Teale last year.Lisa and Roxanne chat about her migration journey, the home search experience, and her business Nesting Down Under — a personalised service where Roxanne prepares your home before you arrive. This service is exclusively available to clients relocating to Perth.Record date: 17/06/2025Explore sponsored job opportunities here: DUC Employment Hub DUC Employment HubLearn more about Nesting Down Under here: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/relocations-partners-nesting-down-under/Follow their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesting.down.under/
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this episode, Lisa is joined by Katie Hodgetts, who is in the early stages of her migration journey and currently living in the UK. Katie is a Secondary School Teacher and has completed her skills assessment. She’s now working with Jenny to gather the documents needed for her EOI and visa application.Katie’s family includes her husband Conor, their daughters Lillie (7) and Primrose (2), their son Elias (5), and stepdaughter Miley (11). They've never visited Australia and they’re still deciding where they’d like to settle.Recording date: 12/06/2025 Learn more about Australian states and suburbs here: DUC Relocation Hub – This is a unique, one-of-a-kind site. Built by Migrants, for Migrants!More about Skills Assessments here: Australian Skills Assessment - Emigrate to Australia - Down Under Centre
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!On this episode, Wes is joined by Joshua and Natalie Ellis. They are based in the UK, and are currently at the EOI stage, awaiting an invite for a 190 or 189. They will be applying under Joshua's skill as a qualified Carpenter, and moved through the Skills Assessment and English Test stage within 3 months! They've never visited Australia before but are planning on moving to Perth with their 3 children aged 6, 4 and 1.Record date: 3/6/25More about the Carpentry Skills Assessment here: Carpenter Skills Assessment Australia - Down Under CentreMore about life in Western Australia: Western Australia – DUC Relocation Hub
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this episode, Wes is joined by Roger Smith, a Plumber now living in Perth with his wife Sarah and their two children, aged 11 and 8.Roger and his family made the move to Australia on 491 visas, and in this chat, he shares their migration journey — from visa process to settling into life on the West Coast.They discuss what it’s like arriving on a 491 visa, the transition from UK to Australian plumbing, and Roger’s experience with GAP training.Recorded on: 02/06/2025More about the Plumbing Skills Assessment here: Plumber Skills Assessment Australia - Down Under Centre More about life in Western Australia here: Western Australia – DUC Relocation Hub
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this episode, Wes is joined by Darren Jonathon, a teacher living in Ryde, Sydney.Darren’s visa journey is a unique one — from arriving on a Working Holiday Visa in 2010, to studying in Australia, securing a 186 Permanent Residency visa, and finally becoming a citizen in 2015.They chat about life in Sydney, what it’s like teaching in Australia, the cost of living, and the key differences between life in the UK and Autralia. Recorded on: 26/05/2025.Check out Darrens blog: Average Joe Down Under: www.darrenjonathon.comMore about Skilled Visas: Skilled Visas for Australia - Down Under Centre - Emigrate to Australia
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this episode, Wes is joined by Dave Wilson.Dave lives in Adelaide and migrated from the UK five years ago on a 190-visa with his wife and two sons. He now works as an Assessor for Electricians.They chat about Dave’s life in Australia, including building his own home, the licences required to work as an electrician, and what to expect from the practical assessments and technical interviews.If you're an electrician planning to make the move, this is a must-listen!Recorded on: 030/6/2025More about the Electrical Skills Assessment here: Electrical Skills Assessment Australia - Down Under Centre More about life in South Australia: South Australia – DUC Relocation Hub
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast! **Please note that the sound quality in this episode is poor in parts, however, the content is too valuable not to share. Thank you for your understanding.**In this episode, Wes is joined by Carol Matthews and her 8-year-old son, Zac.Carol is a social worker based in the UK and has recently been granted a 190-visa under her occupation and will be making the move to the Sunshine Coast later this year with her husband and two children. Jett, Wes’s Son also joins to answer some of Zacs questions - so this is a great listen if you are making the move with kids! Record date: 26/05/2025More about skilled visas: Skilled Visas for Australia - Down Under Centre - Emigrate to AustraliaMore about life in Queensland: Queensland – DUC Relocation Hub
BIG thanks for listening to the DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast! In this week's episode, Wes is joined by Jen Robertson.Jen recently moved to Adelaide from Scotland with her husband James, a carpenter, and their two younger children. The family relocated on 189 visas in February, and now live in Seaford Heights, South Australia.Jen shares their journey, including how they started the process back in 2022, and how they are settling into life in Australia. Their eldest son, Ben (19), remained in Scotland to complete his apprenticeship, while Zach (6) and Elliot (4) made the move with them.Record date: 26/05/2025More about the Carpentry Skills Assessment: https://www.downundercentre.com/carpenter-skills-assessment-australia_s8More about life in South Australia: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/south-australia/
BIG thanks for listening to The DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!In this episode, Lisa is joined by, Gemma Teale and Neely Price -two incredible Relocation Agents who help people moving to Perth with the Home Search Service and Relocation Calls.They discuss in detail the services, the packages and how we help people looking to secure a rental property in Australia as well as exploring what life is like in Perth.This is a fantastic listen if you want to learn more about our Relocation Services, or about life in Perth. Read our latest blog post giving insight to How Our Home Search Service Can Help You Find a Rental in Australia here: https://www.downundercentre.com/blog/how-our-home-search-service-can-help-you-find-a-rental-in-australiaFind out more about the Home Search Service, and complete our request form here: https://relocation.downundercentre.com/need-assistance-finding-a-rental/
BIG thanks for listening to The DUC Migrating to Australia Podcast!From concrete jungle to a mountain forest ..a Carpenter's journey...In this episode, Wes is joined by Mark Henniker. Mark is an Assessor for the Carpenter and Carpenter & Joiner Skills Assessments. They discuss the Practical Assessments and Technical Interviews for these trades, and they also discuss Marks unique story and how he lives off grid.If you're a Carpenter or Carpenter & Joiner preparing for your skills assessment, this is a must listen! Record date:1/5/25More about the Carpenter Skills Assessment: https://www.downundercentre.com/carpenter-skills-assessment-australia_s8More about the Carpenter & Joiner Skills Assessment: https://www.downundercentre.com/carpenter-and-joiner-skills-assessment-australia-s23
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