hi Sarah,
My kids are 5 years and 2.5 years. My son will go grade 1 next year ( if your kid is born before 30 Apr, you can start school 1 year earlier)
For my kids, if my MIL can get TR, then she will go over to look after the kids. Both will work. If not, I will be the one working, as my industry pays much better. My hub will most likely work part time, give tutition (he has vic teaching license) until my daughter goes to grade 1. Of course, unless my hub gets a fantastic offfer, then my daughter will go to CC.
From one of my friend in Mel, who came back for hols this week. Among the singaporeans settled there, it seem that it is easier for the females to get a job. And it is sufficient for 1 parent to work fulltime. In order for a whole family to survive in mel,you need around 2K Aus a month (Rental+food+school fees+misc), and the govt does give subsidy for rental and kids if your salary falls below certain amount.
You have to be prepared to take Contract job first. Very unlikely, the companies will offer perm.
For me, I am quite fix with mel, as my cousin will be relocating there, I have some friends there. So in a way, have a support group there.