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...
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 physi...
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.
