Australia has long been favorite destination among OFWs and Filipino
migrants. Well, who won’t? Aside from good opportunities the country has a
very pleasant environment. Australia is famous for different landmarks
like the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef and world famous Bondi
beach.
For those who are planning to work or live or both in the Land Down Under,
this article is for you. This issue of Country Profile will talk on
Australia and how to deal with Australia’s society and knowing the
Australian work place etiquette. We compiled several tips in getting along
and adjusting to the culture of the Aussies.
Australian Bios:
Capital City: Canberra People: 92% Caucasian, 7% Asian, 1% Aboriginal Language: English Religion: 75% Christian, 1% Muslim, 1%
Buddhist, 0.5% Jewish Government: independent member of the
Commonwealth of Nations Currency: Australian Dollars (AUD)
Geography
Most of Australia is vast, flat terrain, although the major part of the
eastern seaboard is bordered by the Great Dividing Range. Inside
Australia, you will find tropical rain forests in Queensland, dry red
deserts in the center, and rolling pasture lands in Victoria, South
Australia and sections of Western Australia. Adding to this diversity is
the Great Barrier Reef running north of Cape York, parallel to the
coastline for 1,250 miles.
Climate
October and April are great months, though September-May is all right in
most parts of the country. December and January are the hottest months,
July and August the coldest (Melbourne and Sydney, in particular). It is
best advised to bring a sweater, no matter when or where you're going.
States
Choose from these territories that suite your taste and lifestyle.
Although, they share the apirit of Australia, they are still different in
their own ways.
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Tasmania
South Australia
Western Australia
Territories
Australian Capital Territory
Located in south east Australia between the cities of Sydney and
Melbourne, the Australian Capital Territory is dominated by the dynamic,
progressive city of Canberra, the political hub of the nation.
Northern Territory
From the arid desert of the “Red Centre” to the rainforest of Kakadu, the
Northern Territory is a region of great natural beauty, with a relaxed and
friendly atmosphere…
National holidays
Jan. 01 New Year's
Day
Jan. 26 Australia
Day
Apr. 10 Good Friday
Apr. 11 Easter
Saturday
Apr. 13 Easter
Monday
Apr. 25 Anzac Day
Jun. 08 Queen's
Birthday
Oct. 05 Labour Day
Dec. 25 Christmas
Day
Dec. 26 Boxing Day
Society
The large majority of the population (93%) has a European heritage,
primarily English. Aborigines make up 1% of the population. Their current
population is now about 19.6 million, almost 25% of the Philippine’s
population.
Greetings
Generally Australians are easy to get to know. Use your full name when
introducing yourself. They are happy for you to introduce yourself. Just
say “hello”, or “pleased to meet you”. Many Australians say “G’Day” or “Gidday”,
but you must remember that this is a fairly familiar greeting, not used
much in formal situations. Tourists/Foreigners are well known to overuse
G’day.
The thumbs up sign may be a positive note to some Westerners and even to
us Filipinos, but interpreted in Australia as rude. A circle made with the
thumb and forefinger with the other fingers extended indicates approval or
agreement or optimism, or as a “good luck” wish. An Aussie salute is done
moving the hand around to flick off or drive away flies, particularly from
the face.
Entertainment
Sports can be an interesting topic in conversing with Australians. Rugby,
Australian Football, Tennis and Cricket are among the favorites in
Australia.
Gambling is legal and controlled in all states. Horse betting is popular
and poker machines fondly called as “pokies” are on every hotel and bars.
The gambling industry is constrained by many laws and regulations to keep
organized crime at bay. One game of chance, “Two Up” may only be played
outside a casino on ANZAC Day. This game, originally played by tossing two
pennies into the air, is a traditional Australian game played frequently
by Australian troops when overseas.
Dining
A Filipino may get a bit surprised of the meal schedules in Australia.
Breakfast or Morning Tea is served between 10 a.m. – 11a.m. Afternoon tea
or lunch for westerners, is eaten between 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. Dinner is called
Tea and is served between 6:00 - 8:00pm and is an evening meal. Supper is
a late night snack.
Australian cuisine is some of the most diverse available anywhere, due to
the many cultural influences. It has the evident influence South East
Asian neighbors, and by the many waves of immigrants from there, and all
parts of the world. Fresh produce is readily available and thus used
extensively, and the trend (urged by long-term government health
initiatives) is towards low-salt, low-fat healthy cookery incorporating
lean meat and lightly cooked, colourful, steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
Some famous Australian dishes:
Damper
Pepper steak
*Barramundi Fillet
** special fish which can weigh up to 8 kilograms. Barramundi are among
the largest and most important commercial fishes, as well as being one of
Queensland’s most sought-after sport fish.
Miscellaneous
"Mate" is probably
the most popular term of reference in Australia. Men and women will often
use this greeting "Alright Mate" when referring to someone of the same
sex.
Australians find
arguments and opinionated conversation entertaining.
Ethnic relations, is
a sensitive subject in Australia.
Australians respect
the underdog, and treat with caution people who are seen to be overly
powerful or wealthy.
Australian
Workplace Tips To Remember
Women in Australia
are still seeking equality with men in the workplace. Women in the
workplace may not always be treated as equals.
Australian culture
demands that your are loyal to your friends, and you should never betray
them.
Academic
qualifications references in business is not recommended
Modesty is
important in Australian culture. Australians will avoid talking about
their achievements or success, and will frown upon those "showing off"
about such things.
Always remember to
use first names in both personal and business greetings. However, always
wait for an Australian to initiate this first name terms basis.
If you are unsure
on how to address a person wait for someone else to! Often there is no
convention as to a persons "title" in Australia. This is purely down to
the individuals character and personality.
Shake hands when
meeting and when leaving.
Exchanging
business cards is common among professional workers.
Australians are
friendly and open, but directness and brevity are valued.
Gift giving is not
a common practice in business.
Informal clothing
is appropriate when not attending business functions. Casual pants are
fine for both men and women.
Men should not
become physically demonstrative with another man, or wink at a woman.
For more information on living, migrating
and working in Australia visit
Australia.com.ph
