The allure of Australia's sun-kissed shores and laid-back lifestyle has once again proven irresistible to a Scottish family who, after a tumultuous stint abroad, have decided to return to the land Down Under. Ruthie Ellis and her family, originally from Dunbar, Scotland, are giving life in Australia another go, despite having previously vowed never to return after a series of unfortunate events.

Ruthie, a self-described 'Ping Pong Pom,' and her family are among the many UK expats who find themselves oscillating between their birth country and Australia, drawn by the promise of adventure and a better quality of life. The term 'Ping Pong Pom' humorously captures the back-and-forth nature of their migration, a phenomenon that sees British citizens repeatedly moving between the two nations.

Australia's picturesque beaches, high-paying jobs, and the overall quality of life are significant drawcards for expats. For the Ellis family, the contrast between their small Scottish town and Australia's vast and varied landscapes was stark. 'Australia is wonderful because it’s just so beautiful and there’s lots to see and definitely way more to do than in our little town in Scotland,' Ruthie shared with Yahoo News Australia, just days after their arrival.

Expat families spend their time between Australia and their home country, but many of them have decided to settle in The Land Down Under for various reasons. Image Credit: Pexels

However, the distance from other countries and the separation from family back in Scotland are notable downsides. 'When in Scotland we can nip to France or Spain, it’s a lot more accessible and we have our family there,' Ruthie added. Despite these challenges, the Ellis family is eager to explore more of Australia and provide their children with the opportunity to experience its unique environment.

The UK-born population represents a significant portion of Australia's migrant community, with over 1.2 million UK expats living in Australia, according to the Department of Home Affairs. This accounts for 14.9 per cent of Australia's overseas-born population and 4.4 per cent of the total population.

Ruthie and John's love affair with Australia began in 2005 during a backpacking trip. The fond memories of that adventure lingered, and when Ruthie was offered a skilled visa to work as a midwife, granting her family permanent residency, they jumped at the chance to return. However, their initial move in 2020 was marred by the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires and the onset of the Covid pandemic, which led to a 'pretty horrendous' experience.

The family's first attempt to settle in Australia was fraught with challenges. They arrived amidst environmental disaster and global health crisis, which took a toll on their mental health and sense of stability. 'It was awful,' Ruthie recalled. 'We couldn’t leave the house. My mental health took a real toll very quickly and I thought ‘I think we’re going to have to move back’ ... but we couldn’t.'

After spending 20 months in Australia, they managed to return to Scotland, only to face a housing crisis and health issues within the family. Their eldest daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, adding to the strain of their situation. Despite these hardships, the desire for a fresh start and the unfinished business of exploring Australia prompted them to reconsider their decision to stay in Scotland.

With better planning and the help of a relocation agent, the Ellis family has now settled on the Gold Coast, a change from their previous residence in Coffs Harbour. This time, they've traveled light, bringing only five suitcases instead of shipping their entire household.

Ruthie's advice to anyone considering a similar move is to embrace the opportunity. 'Life's for living, and you've got to take these opportunities while you can,' she encourages. 'Absolutely go for it, because I always say, if it's an itch, then you need to scratch it because it's better an 'oops' than a 'what if'. If it doesn't work, you can always go back.'

The Ellis family's story is a testament to the resilience and adventurous spirit that characterizes many expats' experiences. It also highlights the complexities of international relocation, where the dream of a new life in a foreign land is often accompanied by unforeseen challenges and the pull of home.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club who have contemplated a move abroad or have family members considering such a leap, the Ellis family's journey serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring narrative. It's a reminder that while the grass may seem greener on the other side, the value of home and the comfort of familiar surroundings can never be underestimated.

Key Takeaways

• Ruthie Ellis and her family from Scotland have decided to move back to Australia for a second time after an initial stint that was cut short by the Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Having experienced a tough return to Scotland, where the family faced challenges including a housing crisis and health issues, they are now seeking a fresh start on the Gold Coast.
• The Ellis family embodies the term 'Ping Pong Pom', representing British expats who move back and forth between the UK and Australia, attracted by Australia's lifestyle and opportunities.
• Ruthie advocates for seizing life's opportunities, suggesting that it is better to regret something you did ('oops') than something you didn't do ('what if'), encouraging others to take the chance to move if they are considering it.

Have you or someone you know faced similar dilemmas when moving to or from Australia? We'd love to hear your stories and experiences. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the joys and trials of life as an expat.

 

[Luckyus]

Yes you can go to Europe and even when you were still in the bloc were treated like shite and robbed blind because you couldn't speak the lingo. At least here you can go to another and still be accepted, plus you have a fantastic of South East Asian nations to visit where I have found hat if you make an effort to speak their tongue are on the whole friendly plus the added advantage of the fun of the haggle or a quick flight across the Strait to NZ. I came here in 1958 and did go back because of my job all my family made their homes here My youngest sister was born here further cementing our commitment. One thing I will say that the country I knew and grew up in during and after the war has gone forever as differing political patties with seemingly the same agenda have succeeded where Hitler failed and effectively phucked the country I once regarded as Great Britain. All I can say to all the people that had legitimate vote to get their sovereignty and dignity and did all they could wreck, cause havoc fear monger in everyway they could to block it from being a success is phuck you all bar six use them as pall bearers and then they can phuck themselves.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

They didn't like it in Scotland so they came here, didn't like it here so went back to Scotland but didn't like it there so back here. Maybe they need to stop whinging and make the best of it or choose another country. So over expats having to carry on about this country and our ways so might be a good idea if they don't come here in the first place.

 

[Mr Chips]

September 16, 1972, I arrived at Sydney airport, alone as a migrant. I was treated very well and looked after for a couple of weeks by the Department of Immigration. I was committed to at least 2 years here and was excited to be here. I quickly found employment (I am an Engineer) and pretty well drowned myself in my work. Even so, I was feeling a bit homesick and wanted to see my old friends and of course my family. As my employers closed down for 5 weeks, I decided to venture back for Christmas in the UK. Got there on Christmas Eve and drove to The North to the family home where most of the family had gathered as usual. It was snowing and it was cold. That was what I expected. My Aussie clothing did not like it and I had to quickly buy some new warm clothing. Had a great time for a couple of days over Christmas. About 5 days on and I was bored out of my mind and found myself desperately wanting to come "home" to Australia. Fortunately, I had an open return ticket so much to the confusion of my family and friends came back to Australia. My Aussie friends welcomed me back and I suddenly felt wanted and loved. Been here ever since with a couple of trips back to the UK for important stuff but no intention of staying back there anymore. God Bless Australia.