Australia Explained

How allergies are managed in Australian schools

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Australia has one of the highest food allergy rates in the world. Sending children with allergies and anaphylaxis to school can be worrying for parent...

What is the best way to heat your home in Australia?

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Do we tip in Australia?

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

Are you recycling correctly? How you can play your part for the planet

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

What is Welcome to Country?

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Increasingly at public events we observe a ceremony performed by Aboriginal Traditional Custodians. This ceremony is called ‘Welcome to Country’. ...

What you need to know when organising a funeral in Australia

26 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dealing with the death of a family member or friend is overwhelming. For new migrants, funeral arrangements can add another level of uncertainty. It i...

Refugee Week: Experiencing and celebrating the diversity of refugee communities

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

Becoming a foster carer in Australia

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Choosing a high school

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Children’s rights in Australia and how they are protected

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ke...

The power of walking in nature: Bushwalking in Australia

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bushwalking is one of Australia's most popular recreational activities. Although bushwalking is very low-risk, many common mistakes can be avoided wit...

Mould’s Hidden Health Hazard

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mould is common in Australian homes as it thrives in warm, moist environments, especially in areas of above average humidity. The recent severe rainfa...

Health benefits of cultural and religious fasting

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 cult...

How adult correctional system works in Australia?

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Australia, adults who commit criminal offences are managed by the Australian criminal justice system. The term ‘correctional facility’ describe...

How to enrol to vote

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 res...

How to join the SES in Australia

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Adopting and fostering pets in Australia

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

What are the signs of a heart attack and what to do if it happens?

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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. Wh...

How can you protect yourself from COVID-19 scams?

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scammers are taking advantage of people’s fears during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Common scams include phishing for personal information, online sh...

Why are swimming skills so important for all Australians?

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every year people born outside of Australia are overrepresented in our drowning statistics. Learning to swim at any age can prevent you from drowning,...

Helping your child maintain heritage language and culture while growing up in Australia

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What is The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank and why is it important?

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank or ATAR plays a significant role for secondary school students who plan to pursue higher education. It is a sta...

How is Lunar New Year celebrated in Australia?

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 larges...

The climate drivers that shape Australia’s weather

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Australia's weather is influenced by many climate drivers. The most important climate drivers in Australia include El Niño and La Niña which have th...

Exploring Australian skies: dark sky tourism

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Cryptocurrency: what are the risks of investing in it?

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Travelling to Australia? Here's what you need to know

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With international travel resuming, it’s important to prepare friends and family members visiting from overseas for Australia’s strict border chec...

What is workplace discrimination and what to do if you think you are a victim?

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every two years, the Diversity Council of Australia publishes the Inclusion@Work Index, a study that maps inclusion and harassment and discriminatio...

What you need to know before you start a small business in Australia

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but it’s a one that comes with numerous challenges. Let’s take a look at how you can make this p...

How to join a sports club in Australia

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is a sporting nation, and one of the most exciting ways to integrate into Australian society is through sports - bringing enormous health an...

Here’s what you need to know about buying a private health cover

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Private health insurance helps people avoid long wait times for non-urgent procedures and lets them access services that Medicare does not cover. But ...

Fixed or variable: Choosing the right home loan

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A variable loan offers more flexibility and comes with redraw and offset facilities, whereas a fixed-term loan keeps the interest repayments stable du...

New residents face longer wait for Centrelink payments

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With changes in the social security laws set to take effect from 1 January 2022, new permanent residents will have a four-year wait period before they...

Staying healthy during COVID-19 restrictions

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney extended, gyms and other training facilities remain out of bounds for people. And a loss of social connection a...

Identifying warning signs of mental illness

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

People with mental illnesses are more likely to develop physical illnesses. If ignored, mental health issues can worsen and lead to other disorders. B...

Including self-care in your daily routine

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taking care of one's physical and mental health paves the way for better holistic well-being down the track. But it's not always easy to do so, especi...

Understanding Indigenous disadvantage in Australia

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stemming from historical injustices, Indigenous disadvantage continues to affect First Nations people resulting in shorter life expectancy, poor healt...

Childcare in Australia explained

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are studying or working and have young children at home, you can access subsidised childcare in Australia. There are different care options ava...

Sponsoring a loved one to migrate to Australia

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Family migration makes up almost half of Australia’s annual permanent migration intake this year. With different visas allowing Australian citizens ...

Finding the right job for your skills and qualifications

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A recent report has found that one in four permanent skilled migrants in Australia are working in jobs below their skill level, costing them and the e...

The hidden risks of buy now pay later services

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The buy now, pay later services may have made buying products easier for consumers, but with their increasing popularity and almost ubiquitous presenc...

Census 2021: Why and how to participate

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every five years, a count is taken of every person and home in Australia in the national Census of Population and Housing. The data collected from ove...

Migrating to Australia through business and investment visas

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program doubled in size in 2020-21, with over 13,500 visa places in the annual migration program. Ove...

Australian visa and immigration changes from 1 July 2021

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From 1 July 2021, Australia's business and investment visa requirements are changing, applications for Australian citizenship will cost more, a new ag...

NAIDOC Week: Indigenous places of significance near you

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

NAIDOC Week is celebrated each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s...

What is superannuation, and why is it important for you?

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Superannuation is a mandatory savings scheme designed to help Australians save money that they can use in retirement. However, experts warn that migra...

Adopting a child from overseas

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many Australians want to adopt children from other countries, who otherwise don’t have an opportunity to be part of a family. Australia has adoption...

Here's how Australia's selective entry school admissions work

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are looking for an academically challenging environment for your high-achieving child, you might consider one of the selective entry high schoo...

The importance of having a will, particularly if you are a migrant

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many Australians underestimate the importance of having a will, believing they are not wealthy or old enough to need it. But experts say you should st...

How to engage with National Reconcilation Week

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to acknowledge the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a...

Things to know when buying your first home

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The demand for residential properties has swelled amid the government incentives for homebuyers and record-low interest rates, which have driven up pr...

Skills for future jobs

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An international study predicts that three in five jobs will require advanced digital skills by the year 2030. But a recent RMIT report shows that one...

Lesser-known Australian road rules you may be breaking

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Observing road rules is critical to the safety of all road users. As traffic laws can vary across different states and territories, they can sometimes...

What is Australia's Global Talent visa?

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Global Talent Independent Visa Program is designed to attract the 'best and brightest' minds to help grow Australia's innovation and tech economies. W...

Calls grow to criminalise coercive control in Australia

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anti-domestic violence campaigners are calling for criminalising controlling behaviours that often prove key precursors to physical violence in a rela...

Revisiting your childhood dream can bring a new spark in life

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever think of what you once dreamt of becoming as a child? Revisiting our childhood dream can sometimes bring a new spark in life. For some, it...

Australia's migration program and permanent skilled visas

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Australia's permanent migration program currently offers 160,000 visas every year, with the biggest share reserved for skilled applicants. The points-...

Why borrowing responsibly is 'more important than ever' now

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal Government is aiming to ease Australia's responsible lending laws, hoping it will help stimulate the economy. But with the onus of assessi...

Things you should look for when buying a used car

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever purchased a used car and later found that it required expensive repairs? This is not uncommon, especially if you are not a skilled techn...

Helping autistic children thrive with early diagnosis and support

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual in multiple ways. It is internationally recognised every year on April 2 and has th...

What happens when someone decides to stay in Australia without a visa?

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

All foreign citizens must have a valid visa to stay in Australia. If someone doesn't leave the country when their visa ceases, they become an unlawful...

Making your return to work COVID-safe

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

New research reveals that two in five Australians are concerned about hygiene in their workplace, while more than a quarter have become anxious about ...

How to stay safe while rock fishing

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rock fishing is a popular activity in Australia, with over a million keen anglers climbing the rocks for their catch each year. But being unfamiliar w...

The latest changes in 485 visa

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal Government has relaxed application requirements and visa criteria for international students to ensure Australia remains a priority destin...

Sea or tree change: Tips for moving to a regional area

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A sea or tree change is an Australian dream for many retirees who seek a slower and more relaxed lifestyle in a smaller seaside or inland community. I...

How to handle pandemic debt

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians are trapped in a vicious cycle of increasing debt while relying on multiple personal loans to cove...

Changing your career during COVID-19

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Prior to COVID-19, Australia’s mature workforce was already battling ageism with 68 per cent of employers indicating that they were unwilling to emp...

Helping your kids cope with the pandemic

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Going back to normal school life can be an exciting or anxious time for children after the summer holidays. Here are some tips for parents to help you...

What does Indigenous Recognition mean?

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

‘Voice’, ‘recognition’, ‘sovereignty’ and ‘treaty’ have become a significant part of the language used to discuss the development of A...

Be prepared: Simple tips to get yourself and your property ready for bushfire season

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Managing bushfire risk to your home and family means being prepared. Experts advise that people who live in bushfire-prone areas need a plan for an em...

Becoming a volunteer firefighter

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Firefighters face many dangers every day and they suffer unpredictable disruption to their personal life. Australia heavily relies on volunteer firefi...

Fishing, floods and swimming: Here's how to stay safe in and around water

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Australia’s beaches, rivers and waterways, but many new arrivals who are not familiar with water safety rules ca...

Evaluate your risk: How to prepare for and survive floods in a wet summer

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is gearing up for a wetter summer season with above average rainfall across the eastern parts of the country. Experts are warning people to ...

Silent killers: Heatwaves and skin damage in the Australian summer

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia has just experienced its hottest November on record. While La Niña is expected to bring a wetter summer season, the Bureau of Meteorology, ...

Celebration in isolation

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrations of important family, cultural and religious occasions have had to adjust to the social distancing rules and travel bans in 2020. While so...

Flexible work arrangements

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to reassess, reconfigure and reinvent the way we work. With flexible work arrangements expected to become ...

COVID-19 etiquette

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social etiquette is no longer the same in the highly infectious coronavirus environment we find ourselves in. Keeping a physical distance, sneezing in...

Travel in isolation

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Australian domestic tourism down $21.7 billion compared to last year, 2020 is like no other in the tourism world. But if your travel plans have b...

The impact of COVID-19 on gambling behaviour

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While the pandemic lockdowns limited access to physical gambling venues, the impact of lockdown hasn’t shrunk the actual offering of gambling produc...

How to run your micro-business online

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During the COVID-19 pandemic many Australian micro-businesses were forced to implement new digital strategies in order to survive. Digital business ex...

Healthy habits of people who don't get sick

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How have some people remained healthy and energetic amid the pandemic, while others have become ill or demotivated? The secret, according to those who...

How COVID-19 has changed the way we grieve

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bereavement amid a global health crisis worsens the sense of loss when we are unable to give our loved one a proper send-off. Here’s how people are ...

Property market during COVID-19

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Retiree plans for housing and accommodation have shifted with the pandemic’s social restrictions and resulting changes in the property market. How w...

Will payday loans and the pandemic bring on a 'debt tsunami'?

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s first recession in 29 years has financial counsellors busy taking calls from people who have never faced debt problems, and there are co...

Dementia care in COVID-19

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging at the best of times, but experts say families are struggling more than ever to provide support fo...

Money advice and survival tips for turbulent times

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many temporary migrants have endured hardship during COVID-19, as found in a recent survey conducted by Unions New South Wales. With 87 per cent of re...

Early access to superannuation during COVID-19

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The economic damage inflicted by COVID-19 restrictions has seen over three million Australians dip into their superannuation savings. Whether you need...

Aged care in the time of coronavirus - what should you consider?

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Victoria’s embattled aged care sector is grappling with widespread infections resulting in over 100 deaths amid the coronavirus pandemic. There are ...

Temporary migrants face extra barriers job-seeking during COVID-19

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic’s economic fallout has the Reserve Bank of Australia predicting the unemployment rate is likely to rise to 10 per cent by the end of th...

Buying a business during COVID-19

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic has sent shockwaves through businesses that usually thrive in normal times. But the disruptive nature of viral outbreaks has left some di...

Men’s mental health and wellbeing

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Men are often taught to stay strong no matter what adversity they face in life. But dreams of resettlement in Australia can sometimes crumble when emo...

How to garden and grow your own food indoors

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The calming qualities of greenery may improve and nourish our general physical and mental wellbeing. Many are turning to indoor plants, even growing t...

Here’s how migration agents work in Australia

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Desperate visa applicants are turning to migration agents as their hope for a new life in Australia. But according to some registered migration agents...

How to use telehealth?

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australians are becoming increasingly reliant on telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic. Statistics from Services Australia show that the total nu...

Love and partner visas in the time of COVID-19

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Travel restrictions and social distancing measures of COVID-19 are further delaying processing times for partner visa applicants within and outside Au...

Consumer rights and internet scams

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 has made us more digitally connected than ever. Whether you are a new user or a seasoned netizen, the internet can be a dangerous place if yo...

What to do when your visa is cancelled

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If your visa is set to be cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic, not seeking prompt legal advice could jeopardise your chances of lawfully staying...

Retraining yourself during COVID-19

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s coronavirus curve has flattened but with some restrictions still in place, many are still homebound. Without the freedom to engage in ac...

Life on the bridging visa

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 is dramatically disrupting on the lives of close to 97,000 bridging visa holders in Australia who are unable to access the federal government...

Online Grandparenting

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Grandparents traditionally play a significant role in the Australian family life, but with the government advising older people to stay home, social i...