Australia Explained

Women on temporary visas experiencing family violence

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Advocates for action on family violence are concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a desperate time for women experiencing family violence wh...

Staying active and healthy during social isolation

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s seniors are staying home more than ever due to COVID-19. You may not be able to move about as much, but keeping active is essential to m...

Helping with your child’s home-based learning

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While the prime minister wants all schools to resume by June, many parents are keeping their children at home out of concern for their safety. Luckily...

Living with an underlying condition

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you are over 60 and living with a chronic condition, you may be worried about your regular medical visits during COVID-19 but with Australia’s in...

Sugar – white poison or allowed passion?

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sugar has a bittersweet reputation. It occurs naturally in some foods and our body needs it. Yet excess amounts can cause a lot of damage.

The healing powers of chicken soup

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing can fight cold or flu so well as home-made chicken soup. Research shows that this humble dish may really help with recovery or at least bring ...

Binge eating: the dark side of comfort food

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all like to indulge in different kinds of food. Sometimes, however, a pleasure becomes a problem. Binge eating and other eating disorders affect pe...

Comfort food: why do we crave it and how to make it a part of a healthy diet?

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we are stressed, tired or sad we may use food as a comfort. Usually it is the unhealthy dishes we crave. Good news is you can still have a health...

Coping with the coronavirus outbreak

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You may have just touched down from an overseas trip or come into contact with someone infected with coronavirus. Now you need to go into quarantine f...

Tax Return 2020: how to best prepare and lodge your tax return?

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you earned an Australian income between July 1 and June 30, you will need to lodge a tax return by October 31. Here are some ways you can claim tax...

Your rights and obligations when working from home

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many Australians, along with workers from 88% of organisations around the globe, have had to adjust to the sudden change of working from home. Experts...

Preparing for the flu season amid COVID-19

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Winter is coming. Medical professionals are bracing for the worst-case scenario of a potentially overloaded public health system by patients infected ...

Building a safety net for small businesses amid coronavirus outbreak

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the devastating impact of COVID-19 is felt across the Australian economy, the banking sector, federal, state and territory governments are taking u...

Living close to my community

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After moving to a new country, there's a lot to organise and a lot of new things to learn. Even if you've been in Australia for years, you probably st...

LGBTIQ Rights in Australia

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is one of the world’s most tolerant countries according to a 2013 Pew Research poll which found that nearly eight in ten Australians thoug...

How to prepare for job interview?

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Finding work for the first time or looking for a new job can take a long time in Australia. So when you finally get called up for a job interview, it'...

How to become a volunteer firefighter?

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Australia cannot fight through its worst bushfire season without the selfless sacrifice of its 260,000-strong volunteer firefighters. The National Cou...

How to become an Australian citizen?

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many people choose to become an Australian citizen. More than five million people have been granted citizenship since 1949. The key step is a ceremony...

What is the Australian Christmas tradition?

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you don't celebrate Christmas, you might be wondering what's going on when you notice somebody dressed as Santa on a surfboard in December. Austral...

How to get boating and fishing licences in Australia

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Living in a beautiful country with picturesque rivers, lakes and coastlines, it is little wonder that boating and fishing are among Australia’s favo...

Overcoming loneliness in a new country

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In Australia, refugee organisations offer a range of programs and initiatives to help new arrivals regain a sense of community and belonging in their ...

What is Schoolies?

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

School graduation is a big deal for adolescents worldwide. In Australia, school leavers tend to celebrate high school graduation with a weeklong event...

How to get help if you’re a victim of sexual harassment at work?

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

According to the latest survey from the Australian Human Rights Commission, one in three workers say they've been sexually harassed at work over the l...

How to prevent drowning?

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With another scorching summer approaching, authorities are pleading with swimmers to use caution as the number of people drowning has jumped by ten pe...

Living in regional Australia

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly all newly arrived migrants settled in Melbourne and Sydney last year while regional Australia is struggling to survive with a shrinking populat...

How to get a divorce in Australia?

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that people in their mid to late 20s are the most likely to divorce followed by couples i...

What is bankruptcy and its implications?

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The number of Australians in financial distress is on the rise prompting warnings of more personal bankruptcies as the national economy slows down.

Children’s Rights in Australia

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children are meant to enjoy equal rights to growing up with access to education, h...

What can parents do about bullying?

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Around one in four Australian children are affected by bullying at school. As a parent, it’s important to know what to do if your child is a victim ...

How to keep your child safe online?

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With children being more tech-savvy than ever, it's important for the adults around them to help them have a positive experience online.

How to apply for a First Home Owner Grant?

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Escalated property prices across Australia make it more difficult for first home buyers to enter the market.

What are the minor offences in Australia?

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There are several minor offences in Australia that could get you in trouble that you might not know about.

What is TAFE?

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you're looking to start your career in Australia or are already working and want to upskill or change path, TAFE might be a good option for you. It...

How to participate in Australian life?

16 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every day, millions of Australians volunteer their time to improve the lives of less fortunate members of our community.

Having a say in Australia is part of the democratic process

03 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

All Australians have the right to participate as active citizens in shaping the society we live in. However, due to past traumatic experiences some ne...

How to vote in Australia?

17 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Australians go to the polls to vote in the federal election on 18th May 2019. Voting is compulsory for all eligible citizens over 18. Voters must be e...

Australia's Political System

12 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The 2019 Australian federal election is just around the corner when we will elect members of the 46th Parliament of Australia. So how do elections det...

Should you build or buy a house?

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Both options have different advantages so we've asked property experts to talk us through them.

Settlement Guide: How does the youth justice system work in Australia?

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If your child enters the youth justice system, it’s important to know what are their rights and where to get help.

How to get involved in your children's school?

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Getting involved in your children’s school will have a positive effect on their grades and wellbeing. We look at where to start.

How to have a fun and safe time outdoors this summer

13 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Summer has officially started in Australia. Many of us will take advantage of weekends and school holidays to spend time outdoors so here are a few ti...

What is holiday care and how to find free activities for children?

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

School holidays can be challenging for many parents. However, there are holiday care programs and free activities to keep your little ones occupied.

What is drug and alcohol addiction and how to get help?

14 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In Australia, one in twenty deaths are caused by alcohol or illicit drugs. Nearly one in five adults drink at risky levels and 16 per cent of the popu...

How to obtain an Australian driver's license?

04 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The process and time required to obtain a driver’s license varies in each state and territory. Young novice drivers tend to need a longer period to ...

How to enrol in the Victoria State election?

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Victorian state election is coming up on 24 November. Here’s how to enrol and vote correctly.

How to access mental health support?

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Almost half of Australians will experience mental health issues in their lifetime. While we hear more and more about the importance of mental health, ...

Moving to regional Australia

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Moving to the country can offer more affordable housing and better job opportunities while fostering community. And all across Australia, programs are...

How to send money overseas?

27 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Around the globe, more than 250 million people live outside their country of birth and many migrants choose to send money to families back home. Austr...

Homelessness crisis linked to housing affordability

14 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

At the last census, there were more than 116 000 people with no permanent home in the country. And with no clear national plan to fight homelessness a...

Understanding the NDIS

24 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support to Australians who have a permanent and significant disability. Despite having helped almost...

Changes to parent visas

10 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Here's what you need to know about the recent changes to the parent visas, from where it should be sent to the price increase.

How does superannuation work?

29 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

If you're hoping for a comfortable life when you retire, it’s important to learn more about your superannuation now.

Refugee Week 2018

14 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The world is experiencing the largest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II with 65 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Sunday th...

How to apply for a Tax File Number

31 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Before you start working in Australia, you need to get a Tax File Number.

Understanding your electricity bill

17 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding your electricity bill is key to ensuring you're charged the correct amount. If you find mistakes on your bill or you're not able to pay ...

What you need to know about the NBN

04 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The National Broadband Network, or NBN, is a new way to bring internet and phone services to Australians. By 2020, most homes and businesses will be c...

How you can participate in Anzac Day

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Anzac Day honours all Australians and New Zealanders veterans, including many from culturally diverse backgrounds. Here’s how you can participate.

What’s the new Child Care Package?

09 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Australian government is introducing a new Child Care Package from 2 July. Here’s what parents need to know to make the transition easier.

How to apply for a loan

26 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How to get a loan when you’re new to Australia.

How to get an apprenticeship in Australia

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For a young migrant, an apprenticeship is a great way to get a head start in a chosen career in Australia. An apprenticeship combines time at paid wor...

What you need to know about the minimum wage

01 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In Australia, the national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission. Employees cannot be paid anything less, even if they agree to it. But desp...

Why playgroups are good for children and parents

27 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Playgroups are amazing for children. They can have fun, make friends and develop social and language skills. But parents can get a lot from them too, ...

How to find the right GP in Australia

19 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A good general practitioner, or GP, is worth its weight in gold. But how do you find the right doctor who is qualified, attentive and understands your...

How to enrol for Medicare in Australia

19 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Medicare is the Australian publicly funded universal health care system. When eligible, you can access a range of medical services for free including ...

How to open a bank account in Australia

18 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In Australia, from shopping to organising accommodation and getting paid - not much gets done in cash any more. A bank account is an important tool fo...

How to become an Australian citizen?

18 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

More than five million people have been granted citizenship since 1949. The key step is a ceremony where people pledge their loyalty, and accept the r...

Water safety in Australia

15 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia has over ten thousand beaches and summer is the best time to enjoy them. But many new Australians aren't aware of the dangers. So, how do yo...

Water safety in Australia

13 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia has over ten thousand beaches and summer is the best time to enjoy them. But many new Australians aren't aware of the dangers. So, how do yo...

Bushfire safety in Australia

11 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is one of the most bushfire-prone lands in the world. With the temperature getting warmer as we're settling into summer, the risk of bushfir...

Fire safety can save your life

06 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A fire breaks out in your house - do you know what to do? Many new arrivals to Australia aren't aware of the dangers of home fires.

The benefits of volunteering

01 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is a giving nation with almost six million people involved in volunteer work. Research shows that 96 per cent of those who donate their time...

The benefits of volunteering

29 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is a giving nation with almost six million people involved in volunteer work. But for jobseekers struggling to find work, volunteering can o...

What to do if someone you know is the victim of domestic violence

22 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Many Australian women and men are affected by domestic violence. And it's often multicultural communities who face the biggest challenges in getting h...

Preventing family violence in migrant communities

22 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Family violence can affect anybody, but migrant women fac...

Immunisation rates continue to rise

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Since the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policie...

Immunisation rates continue to rise

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Since the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policie...

Vaccination rules in Australia

15 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Health authorities aim to reach herd (or community) immunity, when enough people are immunised from a disease that an infection cannot spread. However...

The benefits of an online health record

08 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the Australian health system, understanding what the doctors say and remembering all the information they give you can be confusing, even i...

Paying for university in Australia

01 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible stu...

Paying for university in Australia

01 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible stu...

Freedom of religion and secularism in Australia

25 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australia has been a secular country since federation. The Constitution of 1901 prohibits the Commonwealth government from interfering with the free e...

Migrant workers have the same rights as Australians

18 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

As an employee, you have clear rights when it comes to pay, conditions and safety. And theres easy ways to report it, if those rights are not respecte...

Migrant workers' workplace rights in Australia

18 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Migrant workers in Australia have the same rights as Australians when it comes to wages, conditions and safety. And there are easy ways to report if t...

Strategies you can employ to get a job interview in Australia

11 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Newly arrived migrants are more likely to be jobless than Australian-born workers. Career coaches say the biggest hurdle many newcomers face is their ...

Migrant communities are less likely to access mental health services

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Almost four million Australians are being diagnosed with mental illness each year. But, there are still multiple barriers stopping people from multicu...

Avoid falling victim to online fraudsters

04 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We work, shop, play and interact with family and friends online. But more Australians are falling victim to online scams than ever before. The Austral...

How to access mental health services in Australia

27 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Mental illness is the third highest cause of burden of disease in Australia after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Yet, some migrant communities onl...

Having a say in Australia is part of the democratic process

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

All Australians have the right to participate as active citizens in shaping the society we live in. However, due to past traumatic experiences some ne...

Did you know you can access interpreter services for free?

13 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Qualified translators and interpreters can be a big help when youre new to Australia. They can do a range of things from translating official document...

Everything you need to know about doing your taxes in Australia

06 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tax time is when Australians complete their tax returns after the end of the financial year on 1 July. Its the time to check if the correct amount of ...

Why you should take precautions with prescription medication

23 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

You might be surprised that the majority of overdoses in Australia are from prescription medications, not illegal drugs. The misuse of prescribed drug...

Your right to work safety

16 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The law requires all employers to create a safe working environment to minimise injury and illness in the workplace. However Australian Bureau of Stat...

Rising homelessness in Australia

09 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Housing, financial difficulties and domestic violence are the top three causes of homelessness, according to the Australian Institute of Health and We...

Why you shouldn't avoid conversation about death

02 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable. But by avoiding the subject, it might just make things worse when the time comes. Talking with you...

Becoming an organ donor in Australia

26 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that by donating your organs and tissues when you die, you could save or improve the life of at least ten people? With thousands of Austr...

Fostering a child in Australia

19 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Theres a growing need for families to give foster children loving and safe homes. Welcoming a child from your cultural or linguistic community into yo...

Starting your own business in Australia

11 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Many Australians would love to be their own boss. But running a small business takes hard work. So, how do you to start and what does it take to be su...

Do you know what to do at an auction?

05 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Hearing an auctioneers call of Going one, going twice, sold! is common to many property buyers in Australia. Buying at auction is one of the most popu...

How to access family tax benefits in Australia

21 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Cost of living pressures are a concern for many Australian families. The federal government offers different types of payments to help families, inclu...

Access to mental health services is vital for refugees

14 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, thousands of refugees and asylum seekers arrive in Australia. They are often fleeing war, persecution and torture. Making sure they can ac...