In June 2024, Madelon (39) and Nick (41) migrated to Brisbane, Australia, together with their children Olivier (6) and Evelien (4). A major step, especially with young children, but by now they feel fully settled. During our Emigrating to Australia webinar, they shared their experiences, challenges and practical tips with people who are also considering migration.
A long-standing idea
“It was quite a journey,” Madelon says with a laugh. “Especially because we have young children.” The decision to seriously consider emigrating was partly driven by how they felt about life in the Netherlands at that time. They were ready for something new.
For Madelon, Australia was not unfamiliar. More than fifteen years ago, she travelled through the country on a Working Holiday visa. With that experience in mind, she cautiously raised the idea with Nick. “I honestly didn’t expect Nick to take it so seriously,” Madelon explains. “He never wanted to leave Soest.” Still, together they began exploring whether Australia could be a realistic option for their family.
The visa process with Visa4you
Their first step was attending a Visa4you webinar, followed by an in-depth consultation with Hester. “From that moment on, everything started to make sense,” they say. “We gained clarity, guidance and, most importantly, a realistic picture of what emigrating actually involves.”
Visa4you supported them throughout the entire visa process, from start to finish. It was an intense and sometimes stressful journey: gathering documents, notarised statements, diploma recognition, an English language test, medical examinations, and then, a lot of waiting.
At the same time, all the practical arrangements had to be taken care of: selling their home, booking flights, cancelling subscriptions, planning the move and finding a place to live in Australia.
Moving with children: making conscious choices
Nick and Madelon consciously chose to bring only their most important and personal belongings, which were shipped to Australia by sea. When it came to housing, they wanted certainty, especially with young children. “We didn’t want to arrive with the idea that we might be without a home six weeks later,” Madelon explains.
That’s why they hired a relocation agent while still in the Netherlands. The agent handled inspections and the entire rental process. It worked perfectly: two weeks before departure, they already had a house secured.
New rules, a new life
Once in Australia, everything started fresh. Finding work, navigating taxes and regulations, building friendships, housing, the school system — everything works differently than in the Netherlands.
“In a way, you start a completely new game, with new rules,” Nick says. “And you don’t even know what you don’t know yet. That makes it exciting, but also fun to figure out.”
Madelon began applying for jobs while still in the Netherlands but quickly realised it didn’t lead very far. “It’s only once you’re local that people really start taking you seriously,” she explains. Once in Australia, she found a supportive administrative role within education and childcare that fits well with family life.
It took Nick a bit longer to find the right position, but he now works as a project manager with the Queensland Police.
Settling in with children
The children adapted to their new life surprisingly quickly. Olivier is now in his first year of school, and Evelien attends “prep,” which is comparable to the first year of primary school in the Netherlands. To make the adjustment a bit easier, the children received some pocket money from grandparents and family. “We went straight to the toy store,” Madelon laughs. “That helped a lot.”
About a year and a half before emigrating, Nick and Madelon had already travelled along Australia’s east coast to explore where they might want to live. That’s how they knew Brisbane, especially the northern suburbs, felt right. “You very quickly sense whether a suburb suits you,” Madelon says. “You only get that feeling when you’re actually there.”
Work, language and friendships
Before moving, Madelon had some concerns about the language, especially for the children. In hindsight, those worries turned out to be unnecessary. “Children pick up a new language incredibly fast,” she says.
They also consciously invested time and energy into building a social life, connecting with neighbours, parents from school and the local community. Madelon has even become the team manager of Olivier’s football team. “We really put effort into getting to know people,” she says. “And now we have a lovely, close-knit group around us.”
Tips for future migrants
Nick and Madelon say the guidance from Visa4You made an enormous difference. “It reduces so much stress when someone takes care of the entire visa process.”
They also highly recommend using a relocation agent. “It truly feels like arriving with everything already taken care of.”
Preparation is key: applying for a TFN, understanding tax regulations, buying a car, transferring money and managing all other practical matters. They read forums, watched YouTube videos from other migrants and used official Australian government websites as reliable sources.
Their golden tip for building a social life: talk to people. “Approach others, chat with neighbours, get involved in the community.”
What do they miss from the Netherlands?
For Madelon, it’s typically Dutch treats like herring and fried cod. Their daughter especially misses chocolate sprinkles.
They sometimes miss celebrating Sinterklaas as well, although in Australia the focus is very much on Santa Claus instead.
Future plans
For now, Nick and Madelon feel completely at home in Brisbane. With children settled at school, friendships built and a comfortable home with a pool, life feels good.
“We’re open to whatever the future may bring,” Madelon says. “Maybe one day closer to the coast. But one thing we’re sure of: we’re not leaving anytime soon.”
