Australia Explained

As Muslims in Australia and around the world observe Ramadan, a month-long period of devotion and fasting, in this episode, we explore the religious significance of this holy month.

When coming across an advertisement for a job that interests you, understanding the subsequent steps is crucial. Preparing the requisite documentation and comprehending the recruiter's expectations will enhance your likelihood of securing that position.

In an era where information travels at the speed of light, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between true and false. Whether deemed false news, misinformation, or disinformation, the consequences are the same - a distortion of reality that can affect people's opinions, beliefs, and even important decisions.

Around three million Australians have a government loan through HELP, the Higher Education Loan Program. You too may be eligible to defer your tertiary tuition fees until you secure a job.

Weaving is one of the most complex and sophisticated examples of First Nations technology and culture. It produces objects of beauty, and the process itself has deep cultural significance. Weaving is a way to share knowledge, connect to people and country, invite mindfulness, and much more.

Under the Australian Family Law Act, couples in a de facto relationship are treated similarly to married couples. But what are their legal rights and obligations in case of separation, and what are the benefits and criteria for establishing a de facto status in the first place?

"Lunar New Year", also known as the "Spring Festival", has become a significant part of Australian culture. The celebration is so popular that Sydney's version is considered the largest outside Asia.

Starting a business in Australia has several advantages. These include support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business growth through infrastructure, a skilled workforce, government initiatives, grants, funding, and tax incentives.

In Australia, most job opportunities aren't openly advertised, so to find work, we must understand the Australian labour market and create our own opportunities. Tapping into the hidden job market and learning about migrant employment services can help break down the barriers to employment.

First Nations advocates help amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in Australia. Here are some aspects to consider related to advocacy and “allyship” with First Nations communities.

Australian Boxing Day is a unique blend of cultural and commercial significance. While it doesn't have a solid religious connotation here, it's a day when Australians extend their Christmas festivities. It's often a time for family barbecues, cricket matches, and watching the iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race. On the other hand, many Australians look forward to this day to sweep the stores for the best bargains.

Australia celebrates summer Christmas with beach visits, barbecues, and outdoor activities, creating a unique blend of traditional festivities and summer cheer.

Make your festive season celebrations unique by incorporating native Australian ingredients into dishes and drinks.

Listening to what your body needs is important throughout the year, but it becomes even more crucial during extreme weather. Here are some essential tips to beat the Australian summer.

Australia has thousands of kilometres of spectacular coastline, and a trip to the beach for a swim is a much-celebrated part of the lifestyle – whether to cool off, keep fit, or to socialise. Being aware of beach safety is vital to minimise the risk of getting into trouble in the water. This includes understanding the threat that sharks pose to minimise the chance of encountering a shark and being aware of shark behaviour, so you know how to react to stay safe.

Whether a child has experienced trauma overseas or in Australia, whether it occured recently or in the distant past, with the appropriate assistance, a child can recover. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children regain a sense of safety and well-being. Here are some steps and strategies for parents to support their child's recovery from trauma.

Australians are known for their laid-back culture and seize every opportunity to celebrate special occasions. But it's not only business events that come with etiquette rules to follow; every party, no matter how casual, has its unspoken cultural expectations.

Many men are taught to remain strong in the face of adversity. However, when pursuing their dreams of resettlement in Australia, things can take an emotional toll, leading to strained family relationships and shattered aspirations.

As more Australians than ever seek ways to manage their living costs, many are turning to personal loans. When shopping for options, it's important to research and carefully consider your circumstances before signing on the dotted line.

Australia’s long-term emissions reduction plan sets out to address climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels, and together, everyone can make a difference to achieve it.

Do you have a neglected musical instrument sitting at home? Perhaps you want your child to experience the countless benefits of music lessons. Or maybe you’ve always longed to play in a group. Whatever the reason, learning to play an instrument is enjoyable and a social experience, with opportunities all around you.

Australians throw more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing into landfill each year. That’s an average of 10 kilograms of clothing per person. We can help combat Australia’s textile waste crisis by choosing to recycle, donate, and swap our unwanted clothing.

Australia is home to an enormous variety of animal and plant species. Getting involved in a BioBlitz allows one to investigate what species exist in a particular area and expand scientific knowledge.

Depending on where you live in Australia, selling a second-hand car differs. Regardless of your state or territory, the following checklist can help you navigate your vehicle selling experience successfully and stress-free.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is an important tax liability added to your taxable income for the financial year. It is not a separate tax. Read more to understand what it is and how the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) enforces it.

Becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting and rewarding experience for many migrants. But to achieve citizenship, you must first pass the Australian citizenship test. It measures your knowledge of Australia's history, culture, values, and political system.

Who doesn’t love a picnic outdoors when the weather is right? Park hangouts are a favourite for people in Australia. Here are some rules and etiquette tips for when using your local park to ensure everyone is enjoying their time.

If you’re out travelling or exploring in Australia and encounter injured or ill wildlife, knowing how best to help will ensure the animals get the required care.

The decision to begin childcare at an early stage might appear beneficial for both your child and your career. However, it has the potential to disrupt the lives of many families, particularly those who are new migrants or first-time parents. What steps can recently arrived migrants take to adequately prepare their families for effectively managing this challenge?

Unlike some other countries, Australians do not pay an inheritance tax on the assets they inherit. Even so, strict inheritance laws are in place, and with more than 50 per cent of Australians dying without a Will, the courts often intervene.

Learning English can serve as both a requirement for your student visa and a pathway to future academic pursuits. It also has the potential to enhance your career prospects or become a personal goal. With so many study options and informal learning opportunities, there should be few obstacles to improving your English skills.

Australians will vote in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum on October 14. Here’s what you need to know about the process, including why it’s taking place, and the information that communities can expect to help guide their decisions at the polls.

The award-winning, SBS Audio's multi-platform series "Settlement Guide" has rebranded to "Australia Explained". The series will remain as a weekly podcast and article offering, committed to support new migrants navigate life in Australia. Stay tuned for a wealth of expert advice and firsthand experiences shared by fellow migrants aimed at making your transition to Australia both enriching and fulfilling.

Making friends is one of the biggest challenges people can face in a new country. We naturally form support networks with people from similar cultural backgrounds – but imagine taking a leap and expanding your friendship circle. Cross-cultural friendships will improve your outlook and heighten your sense of belonging.

If you own a pet cat or are planning to, being a responsible cat owner will help keep your cat safe and protect Australia’s native wildlife as well.

Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations. It’s also currently one of the hardest places to find rental accommodation. More than ever, it’s important to understand the housing options that cater exclusively to the needs of students.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians relocate interstate for work, education, lifestyle, family, or better community support. As laws, regulations and service providers may differ around the country; a checklist can help your move go smoother.

Negative gearing is a common term associated with investment properties in Australia. It refers to a situation where the expenses incurred in owning and operating an investment property exceed the returns generated from it. So what is the concept of negative gearing and its implications?

Regardless of your job, requesting for pay increase when you believe you deserve one is an expected part of Australian workplace culture. In some cases, an increase in your salary may even be a legal requirement. Here's the advice from experts that you should consider before initiating a pay conversation with your boss.

When travelling overseas, Australians may require vaccinations to protect themselves against infectious diseases that are either absent in Australia or more prevalent in other parts of the world. Here's how you can best prepare for your trip.

Under the Family Law Act the welfare rights of the child guide all parenting negotiations following separation or divorce. A child under 18 cannot legally decide where to live, therefore there are resources available to help parents agree on care arrangements that are safe, practical and child-focused.

Australians are fortunate to have choice when it comes to finding a schooling system that suits our children and our circumstances. This is particularly true of metropolitan areas. With excellent educational opportunities across three sectors, choosing the right school can be a difficult decision for parents to make.

Right now, fewer than 50,000 rental properties are available across the country. Two years ago, that number was almost double. With the vacancy rate at a historic low, finding a rental property is tougher than ever. Understanding the process will give you a head start.

About one in nine people in Australia are carers — people who look after an ageing or frail relative or friend, or for someone living with a health condition or disability. But many carers do not recognise themselves as such, or know there is a range of free support services available to them.

Family, domestic and sexual violence are major health and welfare issues in Australia, as two in five people have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. Family violence can affect anybody, but migrant women face additional barriers when they need to get help.

Home is supposed to be the place where we feel most comfortable. But our comfort zone can be shattered when we don’t get along with our neighbours. Here's how you can resolve a neighbourhood dispute without going to court.

In Australia, sexual violence is a criminal offence. If you have been forced, threatened, coerced, or tricked into a sex act against your will, you may wish to report it to the police for the perpetrator to face charges. However, this process may be legally and emotionally taxing. Here’s what to expect.

In Australia, non-consensual sexual activity is a criminal offence, whether it takes place in real life or online. In some jurisdictions, alleged perpetrators accused of sexual assault or rape must prove in court that they obtained consent before engaging in sexual activity. So, how can you ensure you’re having consensual sex?

Identity crime is a significant threat in Australia, with a growing number of people falling victim every year. Those impersonated often face severe consequences, including financial losses, damage to their credit score, and legal ramifications. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of having your personal information stolen or misused.

Fines are monetary penalties for breaking the law. Ignoring a fine comes with significant ramifications, no matter where you live in Australia.