Australia Explained

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.

Seventeen million Australians are enrolled to vote at the upcoming federal election. In Australia, we have an independent body manage the electoral system. The Australian Electoral Commission ensures that all eligible citizens have the chance to help shape our federal government. This week, Settlement Guide explains how to vote.

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 t...

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 observe...

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.

The benefits of bilingual education are well documented. But experience shows that adapting it to your child’s needs is the only way to make it work for fostering cultural identity.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank or ATAR plays a significant role for secondary school students who plan to pursue higher education. It is a standard measure of a student's overall academic achievement that indicates their position relative to all the students in their age group, determining who gets offered a university course.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is an entrenched part of Australian culture. Sydney’s version, for example, is said to be the largest celebration of its type outside Asia.

Australia's weather is influenced by many climate drivers. The most important climate drivers in Australia include El Niño and La Niña which have the strongest influence on year-to-year climate variability for most of the country.

Beyond the light pollution of the big cities is a growing tourism niche. This week Settlement Guide explores the stars, the dark spaces in between and Australia’s growing fascination with ‘dark sky tourism’.

Cryptocurrency is a digital form of money that can be sent to anyone through the blockchain technology. You can hold this digital token in your wallet with no intermediaries, allowing you to use your coins as you wish. Australian are becoming increasingly vested in cryptocurrency but without being conscious of the risks involved in this electronic money and scammers often try to trick people into...