In 2024, former Metropolitan Police officer Stuart Grace made the life-changing decision to relocate his family from London to Perth, Western Australia. After nearly two decades on the London beat, Stuart chose to give his children a brighter future in Australia—and he entrusted John Mason International to make the transition seamless.
“We’d been looking into moving to Australia for years,” Stuart explains. “But previously, we didn’t have enough points to make it possible. When we heard that police officers were in demand, we decided to apply. From there, it took about ten months before we were settled in Perth.”
Stuart and his family were one of the many UK families we supported in 2024 as they made the leap to Australia. With Stuart’s focus on securing better opportunities for his children, our team worked closely with him to ensure every aspect of his move went smoothly.
A Big Move for a Brighter Future
For Stuart, the decision to move was driven by his desire to improve his children’s quality of life. “In Australia, there aren’t days where you’re stuck inside because of the weather. The kids can go to the beach, the pool—everything is here for them. The move was really for them. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but they’re already exceptionally happy. We pre-registered the kids into schools before we arrived, and once we got here, we toured the school with the headmistress. The buildings are better, the kids are more engaged, and they’re just up to more.”
Life in Perth: Adjusting to a New Way of Living
Since arriving in Perth in August 2024, Stuart has embraced his new surroundings. He describes life in Australia as more laid back, with a greater sense of support for the police. “At the end of the day, criminals are the same wherever you go, but here, I really do get a sense of a more supportive attitude towards policing.”
Even with the many benefits of his new life, there are a few things Stuart misses about the UK.
“Christmas here just didn’t feel very Christmas-y—there’s something to be said about having a cold Christmas. And a curry will never be the same down here. Eating out is generally good, but it’s not quite the same as back home.”
But overall, Stuart is confident he made the right choice. “I’ve been keeping up with the weather reports back home, and it looks pretty grim, so safe to say we haven’t been missing it too much.”
Why Stuart Chose John Mason International
When asked why he chose John Mason International, Stuart highlighted the comprehensive support we offered throughout the process. “The team made it all so straightforward. Moving your family halfway across the world is daunting, but knowing we had John Mason International managing everything from packing to logistics gave us so much peace of mind. It meant we could focus on starting our new chapter.”
Special Offer for UK Police Officers
Stuart’s story is part of a growing trend. With Australia easing visa restrictions for skilled professionals, opportunities for roles like policing have expanded. If you’re a UK police officer considering a move to Australia, John Mason International is here to help.
As part of our commitment to supporting those in public service, we’re offering a special discount on our relocation services for UK police officers. Simply mention “Australian Police” when you get in touch to claim your exclusive offer.
Start Your New Chapter
Whether you’re relocating for better opportunities or a fresh start, we’re here to make the process stress-free and tailored to your needs. With over 140 years of experience, John Mason International is the trusted choice for international relocations.
Get in touch today and let us help you start your journey. Click here to learn more.
