Australia Explained

Moving to a different country long-term often comes with multiple emotional trials. As migrants endure the rollercoaster of culture shock and adapting to a foreign environment, many often feel a complex sense of displacement and identity loss. So, what can migrants do to cope and feel ‘whole’ again?

Being involved in a motor vehicle collision can be overwhelming, even when no one is injured and the damage to vehicles or property is minor. Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to do if you are caught in a major or minor car crash in Australia, how you can seek help, and what your rights are if you are at fault or not.

Divorce is one of the most stressful transitions people can experience in life. Given the high financial and emotional costs of going to court, the Australian legal system incentivises mediation and family dispute resolution alternatives prior to litigation.

Home fire safety goes beyond having smoke alarms installed. In Australia, fatal residential fires are sadly common, despite being preventable. Here’s what you need to know to stop one from breaking out in your home.

Driving a car offers independence and increases job opportunities, but it also comes with the great responsibility of keeping roads safe. In Australia, drivers need to pass several assessments before they become fully licensed. Migrants may be eligible to convert their overseas licences to Australian ones through an abridged process, but this depends on their personal circumstances.

Accidents and sudden illness can strike anywhere. First aid training can make all the difference, from treating an injury at a critical time to saving a life. In Australia, there are various options for first aid training according to your needs and budget.

Superannuation is complex. Did you know that your savings are not forever lost even if you have an inactive super account? But what is the recovery process? And what happens to super if moving overseas or when the account holder dies? Here's your complete guide to super.

Medicare subsidises a wide range of essential medical services, including visits to the doctor, blood and pathology tests, scans, x-rays, and some surgeries or procedures. It also covers annual eye tests by an optometrist, as well as child immunisations.

Abortion is an essential healthcare service in Australia. Women have access to termination options early in the pregnancy, but navigating choices to suit personal circumstances isn’t always straightforward.

When we think of Australian beaches, sharks often come to mind. On average one fatal attack is reported each year, but in the same period we averaged 122 coastal drowning deaths, with 25 per cent due to dangerous rip currents. Knowing where and when to swim is the best defence against these beach hazards.

Australians place great value in green spaces. The personal, community and environmental benefits of plant life are profound. This is why regulations are in place to guide what we can and can’t do in our gardens and streets.

In Australia, the quickest way to get an ambulance in a medical emergency, is by dialling Triple Zero (000). Here is a guide on how and when to call an ambulance in all Australian states and territories.

Bushwalkers are rescued every day in Australia. Careful preparation will reduce your chances of getting lost. But if you do lose your way, some smart choices will increase the likelihood that you are found.

Moving out or doing a home clean-up? Unwanted, bulky household items for disposal are considered hard waste. Here’s what you need to know to get rid of them responsibly and safely.

In Australia, there are 14 rights that protect anyone receiving government-funded aged care, whether at home or at a residential facility. But what happens if you or a loved one are unsatisfied with the service?

Australia has many venomous animal and insect species. Knowing what to do and what to avoid when bitten by a snake or spider can help save a life. Here’s the expert advice on how to respond whether you suffer a venomous or non-venomous bite.

In the last decade, Australia has experienced some of its worst flooding in recorded history. Knowing how to prepare for severe weather could save your property. Deciding whether or not to evacuate and how, could save your life.

Regular physical activity is essential for good physical and mental health and wellbeing. Community sport is informal and inclusive, and the benefits for newly arrived migrants can be profound.

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse race. While it has historically attracted huge crowds, it also raises questions over the ethics and practices of the racing industry, its treatment of animals and influence on problem gambling.

Online shopping offers consumers a range of benefits such as convenience and savings, but it also carries a set of risks. While many legitimate online retailers collect personal data, scammers are also taking advantage of the surge of e-commerce to target and defraud vulnerable Australians.

Sex education is still one of the most challenging topics for parents to discuss with their children. Fortunately, sexual health is widely taught in Australian schools, and parents can access many resources to help them overcome feelings of shame or awkwardness. Here are some experts’ top tips to help parents have these chats.

Alcohol is an intrinsic part of Australian culture and plays a central role in many people’s social lives. People with alcohol use disorders drink to excess, endangering both themselves and possibly others. Here's how to tell if a loved one has an alcohol dependence and how to help them.

Australia, a country prone to extreme weather-related hazards, has a new nationally standardised Australian Fire Danger Rating System, and the Australian Warning System to help communities and first respondents understand risks, prepare, and react to different emergencies. Here's what the severity levels mean and what you should do for each one.

By law, Australians are considered adults at 18. But how does transitioning to adulthood affect the life of a young person and their parents on practical terms?

Australia maintains a formal and sentimental connection to the British Monarchy as a legacy of British colonisation. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, on 8 September 2022 raises the question of: What is the role of the British monarchy in contemporary Australia?

As one of the most multicultural nations on Earth, Australia presents a unique blend of unspoken rules of etiquette. Learning the local protocols of 'good manners' is vital for migrants looking to strengthen their communication skills.

How often have we heard phrases such as “boys will be boys” or “it’s OK, he just did it because he likes you”, about disrespectful or aggressive behaviour towards girls or women? Experts say, although these phrases seem harmless on the surface, we are in fact unknowingly normalising aggression as something that is inherent in boys or something that is provoked by girls.

The latest statistics show that in Australia, just over 50 per cent of women attended antenatal care within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Health practitioners say that starting antenatal check-ups early in the pregnancy can make a significant difference. So, why is it important?

Australia is a nation of animal lovers, with one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. The country is home to unique native wildlife. Protecting the welfare of animals is not only the right thing to do but in Australia it is a legal requirement

There is no cure when it comes to gambling addiction. But when family and friends of problem gamblers get the right support for themselves, they are more likely to help their loved ones recover. In Australia, help is available in your language.

Australia has one of the highest food allergy rates in the world. Sending children with allergies and anaphylaxis to school can be worrying for parents who may not be aware of the systems and guidelines in place.

Choosing the right heating system for your home becomes easier when you understand what options are available. And if you can't change what is already installed, there are ways to improve energy and cost efficiency.

When it comes to tipping, Australia is divided. Knowing who and when to tip is confusing even for those born in Australia, but there are some common habits that can guide our decisions.

Australians produce 74 million tonnes of waste each year, yet only 60 per cent is recycled. Confusion and lack of knowledge around recycling is compromising our efforts.

Increasingly at public events we observe a ceremony performed by Aboriginal Traditional Custodians. This ceremony is called ‘Welcome to Country’. So what is the significance of this welcoming ritual?

Dealing with the death of a family member or friend is overwhelming. For new migrants, funeral arrangements can add another level of uncertainty. It is essential to know how funerals are conducted in Australia.

Refugee Week is a time to inform ourselves about refugees and celebrate the positive contributions they make to Australian society. This year’s Refugee Week theme is Healing.

Around 46,000 children are in 'out of home care' in Australia. There is a shortage of foster parents in the country and in some cases there is a need for people from a specific cultural background.

Selecting a high school can be unexpectedly stressful for both parents and children. By keeping a few key things in mind, families can make their way through the maze of information to find what best suits their child and their circumstances.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines the specific rights children and young people can claim. This week we examine the key rights of children and how they are protected in Australia.

Bushwalking is one of Australia's most popular recreational activities. Although bushwalking is very low-risk, many common mistakes can be avoided with some simple preparation. This week’s episode explains how to keep out of trouble while enjoying the many benefits bushwalking has to offer.

Mould is common in Australian homes as it thrives in warm, moist environments, especially in areas of above average humidity. The recent severe rainfalls and floods that ravaged various parts of Australia’s eastern coast could be followed by an unprecedented spread of mould, which will cause dangerous health problems. Most flood-affected areas in Queensland and Northern NSW are highly vulnerable to mould growth and removing it could be risky, costly, and better left to the professionals, experts suggest.

When living in a multicultural country such as Australia, you will most likely meet or make friends with people who practice a different faith or culture. It's important to be able to understand and appreciate the religious and cultural attributes of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, which leads to a more cohesive society. One of these practices is religious fasting observed by many different faiths. In the episode we take a look at how religious fasting affects the physical health, and could there be any benefits?

In Australia, adults who commit criminal offences are managed by the Australian criminal justice system. The term ‘correctional facility’ describes a place where someone serves their sentence when they are found guilty of a criminal offence. Prisons are the harshest type of correctional facility, not only for those in custody but also for the families left behind.

With the federal election due to take place before the end of May, there are steps you must take before casting your vote for the first time. Many resources are available to help you enrol to vote, and to have your say in shaping our nation.

When there’s an emergency related to floods, storms and other natural events, volunteers play a key role in responding across Australia. But how can people join their state or territory’s State Emergency Service? What are volunteers expected to do and what skills do they need to have before they join?

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with approximately 61% of households owning a pet. Yet, thousands of pets go into shelter or are rescued every year.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. On average, one Australian dies every 12 minutes as a result of a cardiovascular disease. When it comes to heart attacks, one Australian die almost every hour. Do you know how to recognise the signs of a heart attack and what to do if it happens?

Scammers are taking advantage of people’s fears during the COVID-19 pandemic. Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams. Here is how to spot a scam and how to protect yourself.

Every year people born outside of Australia are overrepresented in our drowning statistics. Learning to swim at any age can prevent you from drowning, protect your family and help you confidently participate in Australian life.