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Dukes Down Under

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Australia
Townsville, QLD
Dukes Down Under

A dream of a life in warmer climates, still able to watch our children grow, travel & explore new places, with plenty of career & job opportunities.

The Dukes adventure: United Kingdom - Australia

15/04/2026

16 months ago we packed up our lives and took a leap into the unknown… today we officially became Australian citizens.

It hasn’t always been easy—new country, new schools, new routines—but it’s been worth every step.

Watching the kids settle, grow in confidence, and truly feel at home here has been the best part of it all.

We’re proud, grateful, and excited for what lays ahead… and wherever we land next, we’re looking forward to exploring even more of this amazing country.

Missing family and friends back home, and so grateful for all the support along the way.

Safe to say… Australia feels like home now ❤️🇬🇧🇦🇺

15/12/2025

12 months in Australia 🇦🇺

What a year — it’s absolutely flown by. So many similarities to the UK, but plenty of differences too.

New wording and sayings, kids living their best lives outdoors with sport, a very different education system, and houses that definitely aren’t built the same. Life is more laid back (mostly brilliant… occasionally frustrating when tradies are involved 🤣).

Regional deliveries take patience, sweets are now “lollies”, and chips can mean three completely different things 🤣

One year in and still learning — but loving the journey.

02/10/2025

Couldn’t let Nicky have all the glory of the 100% club. Citizenship test passed ✅ 🇦🇺🙌

08/06/2025

First run out in Football Queensland colours for Olly. Won 2, lost 2. A great weekend experience making friends & playing football (Soccer 😉)

17/05/2025

Reunited with our Olly. Had a boys night out to watch Bullsdogs vs Bombers at the Marvel stadium. 🏟️ saw a few characters along the way

14/05/2025

Izzy’s last day at Gippsland Grammar today before she moves to Queensland. What an incredible introduction to the Aussie school system — warm, welcoming, and a place where it’s celebrated to be bright and talented. From the moment she arrived, Izzy was embraced by the school community, and she’s finishing her time there feeling so special and loved. Yesterday, they held a beautiful farewell lunch for her, and today she was absolutely spoilt with thoughtful gifts from friends and a lovely leaving present from the Head, signed by the whole of Year 6. We’re so proud of how she’s thrown herself into Aussie life — and incredibly grateful to her lovely friends and their families who’ve welcomed us all so warmly, you will be missed 🥰

04/05/2025

Fab evening with our awesome neighbours, going to miss these guys!

03/05/2025

Went to work for couple hours this morning, took my girls shopping, coached the U13s to a great 6-2 win, now chilling out on paddle boards while the sun sets. This is why we moved 🥰😇🙌

22/04/2025

Today marks a strange but special milestone.

So far, we’ve done this journey together—so many happy adventures as a family. But today is the first step in our transition to life in Queensland, as Olly starts boarding school and we head back to Melbourne.

We first visited the school in February so the kids could get a feel for what was ahead—and Olly immediately felt at home. He fell in love with the opportunities, the community, and the strong family feel. He didn’t want to leave that day, and today confirmed why.

We’ve been lucky to attend the parent boarding event this evening and stay overnight with him. Seeing first-hand how excited he is and just how incredible this opportunity is has made saying goodbye a little easier.

Back in the UK, the idea of boarding 100 miles away felt unthinkable—yet here we are, sending our brave boy 2,500km to another state.

Nicky and Izzy will head up in the next few months, and Ian will follow in December. It’s one of the tough realities of military life, but the kids’ welfare always comes first.

Short-term pain for long-term gain.

We’re bursting with pride for you, Olly.

14/03/2025

Caught the ball 🏉🙌🏟️ 💣vs🦅

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