Moving From The UK To Australia

In recent years, many people from the United Kingdom have gotten themselves an Australian visa and have moved into the country. This is not really that surprising, since it was the British who began the modern exploration of Australia more than a hundred fifty years ago. However, those moving in today might be quite surprised as how different Australia is from what you might expect. 

One of the most common notion that many British have is that Australians are very much laid back. This is true, but to an extent. Though the country is often presented outside as the idyllic vacation place, with plenty of sunshine and palm trees, it is actually more varied than that. And with regards to being laid back, the Australians are, but only on holidays, as they are also hard working.

The Australian's penchant (or, as some British see it, obsession) with the barbecue is also another point that many people coming from the UK are often confused with. Australians do love the barbecue (or the “barbie”) and will usually organize one with friends during the weekends. However, contrary to the notion of “barbecued burnt bacon for breakfast, barbecued burnt sausage for lunch”, Australians do, in fact, have a large menu apart from this.

Apart from these two, another common image of the Australian seen by many people for the UK (or the West for that matter) is the rugged outdoor enthusiast. This was popularized by such media personalities as the late Steve Irwin and Paul Hogan (known for his role as Crocodile Dundee). However, though this usually has a positive connotation to many, it also has evoked a negative picture of Australians as being backwards and not adept with city life. But, as many British who have been living in the country for several years have come to know, many Australians are, in fact, very comfortable with life in the city as is with the outback.

Some British also see Australians as being quite a loud mouth. However, once they get to talk to them, this notion can actually fade quite fast. Also, though Brits might struggle a bit with Australian English, this will usually not last for long. 

However, even with all the above perceived differences between Australia and the United Kingdom, many British still prefer moving into the country. This is mainly due to the fact that British and Australian culture are not really that much different. In fact, most of the Australian culture actually has its roots from the British that came to the country some two hundred years ago. Thus, for those who are going to the country, adjusting will actually be easy.

Sources:
Values Australia (Humor Site)
http://valuesaustralia.com/
Convict Creations
http://www.convictcreations.com/research/australianstereotypes.html
Up from Australia
http://www.upfromaustralia.com/sterausmal.html  

Image Sources 

http://1stmove.net/images/House_Moving.jpg

The Australian Holiday Calendar

When planning to visit Australia, holiday visa holders would surely want to know when the holidays really are supposed to be. After all, they are supposed to be in a holiday vacation. Here are some of the days that you need to watch out for when in the country. 

Aside from the regular holidays that the country celebrates along with other countries around the world, such as Christmas, Australia also celebrates many holidays unique to the country. In fact, the week between Christmas and the New Year is still very much packed with holiday activities.

After Christmas on the 25^th, Boxing Day follows immediately on the 26^th. Though the name might remind tourists of two guys duking it out on the ring, it is actually different from that. Boxing day refers to the tradition of giving gifts to people, hence the “box”. And since it's all about gifts, many Australians also consider Boxing Day as Shopping Day, as many commercial establishments in the country go on sale during this day, with very large discounts on most stores.

The first month of 2010 also has several holidays in line. Aside from the New Year, Australians will also look forward to the 26^th of January, as this is is celebrated as the country's Foundation day. There will be many celebrations held in the various parts of the country. And since this is a public holiday in Australia, many people will likely be just relaxing and enjoying all the activities out there, so this will also definitely be a good time for tourists as well.

Aside from nationwide holidays, each state also has its own set of holidays. For those going to Tasmania, it would be a good idea to visit Hobart on the second Monday of February since this is the end of the Royal Hobart Regatta. This is actually a public holiday in the state and is often marked by celebrations held throughout the island, with many events being held at Hobart itself.

On the other hand, the country's capital, Canberra, celebrates the official date of the city's naming on the 2^nd Monday of March. As with any of the public holidays that are held in the country, there is a lot of events taking place during this day. This is also the same date when the famed Adelaide Cup is held in Adelaide, so horse racing enthusiasts would definitely want to book a trip to the city during this date.

An interesting thing about holidays in Australia is that, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the succeeding Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) is often given as a day off. Thus, worker will definitely have a longer time to celebrate. This has also earned the country the popular nickname “the land of long weekends”. 

Sources:
Public Holidays in Australia, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Australia
IOL Travel
http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/3551845   

A Look Into Human Rights In Australia

For those planning to move into Australia, migration issues are definitely important things to think about. And one of the major issues that visa applicants need to look into is that of human rights in the country. This one is very important in order to be sure that you will be able to settle in easily in the country. 

For the most part, Australia currently has a good track record with regards to human rights. Even if it is the only western democratic country which has no written bill of rights, plenty of laws were enacted in order to protect people's rights. And the idea of human rights and equality has also been deeply ingrained in the population as a whole, which is why they are rather very reactive with regards to such issues.

However, contrary to what many people might think, this has not always been the case in the country. In fact, Australia's history chronicles many instances of intense struggle to attain individual rights. The country was initially started as a penal colony for convicts from Britain in the 1700's. Here, they were often treated as second class citizens in contrast to the freemen that arrived with them. This often led to conflict between the two groups. Interestingly, about 22 percent of Australia's current population claims descent from the prisoner settlers.

The arrival of white settlers to the country during those periods also triggered another major human rights issue that is still relevant to Australian society up to this point, that of the discrimination against indigenous Australians or the Aborigines. One major point of contention was the displacement of the indigenous people from their native lands. These were often conducted through military campaigns which had resulted in the death of many Aborigines. Though the Aborigine population has already made a comeback in the twentieth century and has in fact now become fully integrated into Australian society, this one is still a very much studied topic on the issue of human rights. 

Another thing of particular interest in the matter of human rights in Australia is that of the so called Stolen Generations. The Stolen Generations were an estimated 100,000 Aboriginal children forcibly taken away from their families by the Australian government during the period from 1880 to 1969, supposedly for the purpose of rescuing and giving them a more decent life. This policy has been heatedly questioned by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups. These groups have vigorously campaigned in years to return the children to their families, to which the government has positively responded. In 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made history when he issued a public apology on behalf of the government to the affected families. This was overwhelmingly received by many people in the country.

Today, Australia still faces many human rights issues as it deals with modern matters such as terrorism and globalization. However, the country is handling this pretty well, not only for those living 8in the country, but also for those wanting to move in. 

Sources:
Human Rights in Australia, Wikipeda article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_australia
Stolen Generations, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Generations
Culture Wars
http://www.culturewars.org.uk/2002-12/stolengeneration.htm 
Image Sources:
hrea.org
newsroom.uts.edu.au 

What To Expect in Australia

Once they get into Australia, visa holders will definitely be thinking, what's next? Luckily there are plenty of opportunities waiting for would be migrants to the country. And these opportunities will definitely guarantee that you will be able to get a good life going in the country.

For those looking for work, Australia is a bustling market. The country has a huge demand for workers and is currently hiring a large number yearly, and this worker demand covers a wide variety of industry, which means that you will be able to find the job of your choosing. By far, the most in demand in the country are medical practitioners, most specifically nurses. Skilled workers are also another section which draws a large amount of workers yearly.

Incoming workers will also be surely be delighted to know that Australia is one of the highest paying countries in terms of wages. Thus you are sure to earn a good deal during the period of your work. Also, there are plenty of benefits that Australian (both foreign and local) workers are entitled to, which is further secured by a strong presence of workers' unions in the country.

And if you are planning to permanently establish yourself during your work, the country also has many things to offer. Residence is perhaps the most crucial one that you would think about at this point. For those just starting, the country is known as one of those having the most affordable rental rates today. And with the current boom in the number of houses for rent being build (tied with more demand for it), you are sure to find one easily. On the other hand, if you are planning to get your own house, the country's mortgage rates are also well within reach of many workers, and you have many options to choose from.

Becoming a permanent resident, and eventually a citizen of Australia, will definitely be an opportunity that you will surely want. Applying for permanent residency is actually quite fast and you will be able to get one in no more than two years. Becoming a citizen will be a bit longer. However, once you get it, you will entitled to more benefits, such as a pension.

And once you have settled yourself in the country, you will probably be thinking how to get your love ones to join you. Since you are already a citizen, the petition process for your your relatives is going to be fast and you will see them in no time at all.