Australia Explained

Australia is known as the allergy capital of the world. Our diverse population also means that we express our religious beliefs, ethics, health and personal choices through the food we eat. We called on some experts to help us navigate all the labelling, certifications and resources that can inform our food choices.

Going camping is an incredible way to experience Australia’s great outdoors whilst also taking a break from technology and daily routines. We unpack the benefits of camping, the preparation required, the equipment you should consider taking, and how to be a considerate camper.

Australia’s inland waterways are magical—peaceful rivers, natural hot springs, and still, shimmering lakes. But while they offer amazing places to relax and cool off, they can also be unfamiliar and dangerous for people new to Australia. Learn how to stay safe, respect Indigenous land, and enjoy these freshwater spots.

Summer in Australia can be very hot, and as our climate continues to warm, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and more intense. In this episode of Australia Explained, we cover what a heatwave is, why they pose such a significant risk to human health, who is at most risk, and how to best prepare to cope with a heatwave.

Australia’s beaches are breathtaking, but they can also be dangerous—especially if you’re new to the country and unfamiliar with local water conditions. One activity that attracts many migrants is rock fishing. While it’s a popular pastime, it’s also considered one of Australia’s most dangerous sports.

New to Australia and want to enjoy boating safely? Discover essential boating safety tips, life jacket rules, and how to get started as a newcomer. Whether it’s a relaxing kayak ride, a fishing trip, or an afternoon cruise on a tinny, boating is not only fun—it can also be incredibly good for your mental health. But before you hop aboard, it’s important to understand how to stay safe.

Connecting with Indigenous Australia can be daunting for a newcomer to the country. So, where do you start? We asked Yawuru woman Shannan Dodson, CEO of the Healing Foundation, about simple ways to engage with First Nations issues and people within your local community.

How do you dip into the Aussie swim culture of backyard pool parties, laps at the local council aquatic centre, and family hotel holidays floating on a pool noodle? Can you join in if you’re not a strong swimmer? And is it ever too late to learn? Learning to swim is more than just about safety, it can be good for your mental health and even improve your family connections.

Australia is restricting access to social media accounts for under-16s, and many families are wondering what it means in practice. While the rules place responsibility on tech platforms rather than young people or their parents, the changes may still create stress for teens who rely on social media to stay connected. Find out how the ban will work, why connection still matters, and how experts sug...

Australia’s beaches are stunning—but they can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared. For many new migrants, the beach is both exciting and unfamiliar territory. Whether you’re heading to the coast for the first time or taking your kids for a swim, understanding basic beach safety could save your life.

You’ve received an invitation that reads “Dress code: Cocktail attire”. What is this ‘code’? And more importantly, what will you wear? In this episode, we demystify the most common dress codes so that you can feel comfortable at any event.

Australia is known around the world for its rich and diverse First Nations cultures. But when it comes to native title and land rights, you might still wonder what they actually mean. Discover what native title means in Australia, how it began with the Mabo Case, what the Native Title Act does, and why it matters for all Australians.

Discover how migrants can start and grow a career in Australia’s construction sector. Learn about job demand, essential training, safety requirements, and the opportunities available across Australia.

Financial planning can feel stressful for any parent. When it comes to saving for your child’s future, knowing your options helps make informed decisions. And teaching your kid healthy money habits can be part of the process.

Explore migrant pathways into Australia’s aged care sector. Learn about training, support, and inspiring stories of building meaningful aged care careers.

Many newly arrived migrants in Australia seek relationships not only for romance but to regain a sense of belonging. Separation from loved ones often drives this need for connection. This episode explores how dating in Australia differs from more collectivist cultures and how newcomers can find partners. From social events and dating apps to professional matchmaking, it highlights how migrants can...

Discover how skilled migrants navigate challenges in Australia’s ICT sector, from job hunting and local experience to networking and thriving in tech careers.

Thinking of going fishing in Australia? Make sure you are familiar with local regulations, including licensing systems, closed seasons, size limits, permitted gear, and protected species.

Discover how overseas nurses can register to work in Australia. Learn about NMBA requirements, exams like the OSCE, costs, timelines, and job opportunities for international nurses.

Australia is home to the world’s oldest living cultures, yet remains one of the few countries without a national treaty recognising its First Peoples. This means there has never been a broad agreement about sharing the land, resources, or decision-making power - a gap many see as unfinished business. Find out what treaty really means — how it differs from land rights and native title, and why it m...

Australia faces an engineering shortage, yet many migrant engineers are underemployed. Learn about qualification recognition, job search tips, CV advice, and networking strategies.

Each time you donate blood, you can save up to three lives. In Australia, we rely on strangers to donate blood voluntarily, so it’s a truly generous and selfless act. This ensures that it’s free when you need it—but it also means we need people from all backgrounds to donate whenever they can. Here’s how you can help boost Australia’s precious blood supply.

Discover how migrants can start a career in early childhood education in Australia. Learn about qualifications, costs, and visa requirements.

There’s no better way to experience Australia than hitting the road. Between the wide-open landscapes, country bakery pies, and unexpected wildlife, a road trip lets you take in the country at your own pace. But even if you’ve driven overseas, Australia comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you venture off the beaten path.

Work in Progress is an Australia Explained series exploring how skilled migrants are starting new careers in some of Australia’s most in-demand sectors—including early childhood education, engineering, nursing, information and communication technology, aged care and construction.