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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCEPEOPLE AND FAMILY LIFEAustralian people, in general are very friendly, carefree, helpful and have a good sense of humour. In general they look up to the under dog and don't praise the star or entrepreneur as a national hero. They prefer to see the society as classless, although class distinctions do exist. The dress is very casual around the home, shopping and sightseeing. Work and evenings out usually require a higher standard of dress. The first impression you get the Australian city is one of endless suburbia. Few people live in the centre of the city, instead they travel some up to 1.5 hours to get to work. Most people live in a three bedroom house made of brick or fibro. Some are owned or rented, but the majority are being paid off in instalments to the bank. In general all families have a car and watch T.V. on a week night, go to sport on a Saturday, to the club on a Saturday night, church or visit relatives or friends on a Sunday and back to work on Monday. Clubs play a great roll in the Aussi lifestyle. Many people spend many hours in clubs playing poker machines, playing bingo, eating or just socialising with friends. Traditionally Saturday and Sunday are holidays, but many shops are now open also on these days. Most Australians live and work in major towns or cities travelling by public transport or car. In the main they work 8 hour a day, Monday to Friday and take 4 weeks paid holidays a year. The work force is primarily commercial workers and industrial workers. Women are about 2/5 of the work force. Most Australian families have daily contact with the mass media such as newspapers, magazines, radio and T.V. There are two national daily newspapers. THE AUSTRALIAN and THE FINANCIAL REVIEW. THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD is the oldest newspaper and there are a great variety of special interest magazines. Generally families will watch T.V. together of an evening. They may not sit and talk together. There are many radio and television services provided by private organisations. In addition, the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) is mainly government funded and SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) provides multicultural programs. Both of these are non-commercial. SCHOOL LIFEEach state has its own school systems. However, standards are high and reasonable uniform. There are both government (free tuition) and non government schools. Schooling is compulsory between 6 and 15 years. Primary school lasts 7 years, studying English maths, basic science, social studies, health, music and creative skills. Also Australians are not traditionally bilingual, however many are from migrant backgrounds and speak their mother language. You will find that the traditional Aussi family now may have a mother from Greece or Lebanon or father from Italy or Vietnam. This has produced one of the strongest cultures in the world and the most racially tolerant. TRADEAustralia is about 20th. in the world for the value of imports and exports. It is the world's foremost supplier of wool, beef, sheep, minerals and metals. It also exports dairy products cereals, cotton, fruits and vegetables, wines and forest products. However this is diversifying due to Australia's rapid growth to manufacturing and technology. Japan is one of Australia's largest export markets. Australia imports mainly capital equipment. Its largest suppliers are Japan and America. Australia has traditional relations with Britain, USA and Western Europe. However, its growing awareness of being geographically, politically and economically close to Asia and the South Pacific has led Australia to foster friendly relations with them. HEALTH SYSTEMHealth care is a combination of public and private. All Australians are covered up to 85% under the public 'Medicare' system. It is one of the best public health systems in the world. They can also choose to take on extra cover from private facilities to cover the difference. Please check to see that you have adequate health insurance for your visit. MONEY & BANKSThe Australian currency is decimal where 100 cents = $1. No other currency is legal tender. Exchange Facilities are available at international airports, banks, and major hotels. Travellers cheque are better in Australian Dollars and readily accepted by banks and major hotels. Some shops will accept them, it will depend on their individual policies. Banking hours are generally available from 9.30 am. to 4.00 pm. Monday to Thursday and 9.30 am. to 5.00 pm. Friday. The commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard. Not all cards are accepted in all outlets. Again, it depends on the policies of that trader. ELECTRICITYThe electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian three pin plug is unlike those of many other countries and is extremely safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. You will need a transformer if you bring an appliance from overseas usually or risk damage. |
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