About Us Carolyn moved from the fields of Human Resources and teaching before setting up her own small retail business in the UK and has loved the move with the children to the relaxed friendliness and beauty of Melbourne. After years of putting the idea of moving here on a back burner, Carolyn and her husband, whose background is in Health Service Management, suddenly realised that time was an issue.  The immigration points system had a cut off age of 45 and the children would be less biddable as they grew older, so having discussed the idea with much loved family and ensuring everyone was in good health, they started the ball rolling. Fortunately he was offered an apparently excellent position in Melbourne so the visa application was taken care of and he was brought over at just 6 weeks notice.  Carolyn managed the move from the UK, packing up the house and family, organising leaving festivities and selling house and cars while he travelled alone to stay with his brother and start his new career with the Department of Human Services. While he was was at work, Carolyn picked the brains of relatives and friends she collected while doing ordinary things like shopping in the markets or taking the children to school and formed the basis of their lives downunder.  She suffered the hurdles of dodgy internet connections, burst water mains and power outages by the dozen along with being totally unprepared for the heat of an Australian summer. She realised how hard it must be to settle without the type of mentors she’d found and planned how she could offer such a service to others even from her first few weeks here. Carolyn wrote a series of letters home which gave an insight into their new lives one of which is published for your information and entertainment here. They meanwhile found that the job wasn’t all it had promised and sadly he resigned.  After months of searching for that dream job he decided to get busy and do a job which brought in some cash.   He delivered catalogues and sorted the mail through the nights and made a considerable contribution to the relocation business and now has successfully discovered a way back into his previous field. They found their own piece of real estate heaven in Donvale where the country is just near enough to the City for them, and they’ve developed the block to include a pool and self-contained apartment which is available to customers for their first few days in Australia or perhaps while doing a reccie of the area. They have built links with property buyers, builders, financial advisors, accommodation agencies and visa companies and are happy to make personal recommendations.  Other suppliers have been sourced specially for you and references sought to ensure the quality of services provided. They are supported by a team of individuals chosen to help you because of their familiarity with Melbourne and the transition process and because their practicality, willingness to help and friendliness guarantee you the warmest of welcomes – they know what you’re going through and wish only to help your move be as smooth and easy as possible. Carolyn regularly refreshes her skills, working as a casual relief Maths teacher; producing resumes and advising on interview techniques; running the bed and breakfast accommodation, Cal's Place, and, of course, working with clients of New Life in Melbourne. These flexible roles and skills mean she is always available to assist where help is needed and still find time to enjoy her family and home. Read more about Cal's Place at www.calsplace.com.au and find out more about living in Melbourne with Cal's Blog at www.calsplace.com.au/blog.