Australia Explained
368 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago -Everything you need to know when settling into life in Australia. Hear helpful information about health, housing, jobs, visas and citizenship, Australian laws and more.
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Episodes
Becoming a volunteer firefighter
December 21, 2020 08:32 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MBFirefighters face many dangers every day and they suffer unpredictable disruption to their personal life. Australia heavily relies on volunteer firefighters for the protection of homes and communities. So, how do you become one of these real-life national heroes?
If a crisis strikes in summer, these alerts will help keep you safe and informed
December 21, 2020 08:03 - 8 minutes - 15.1 MBAustralia relaxes in summer, but it's important to stay safe. These emergency warning systems and alerts will help keep you safe and informed.
Fishing, floods and swimming: Here's how to stay safe in and around water
December 17, 2020 03:55 - 6 minutes - 12.7 MBSummer is the perfect time to enjoy Australia’s beaches, rivers and waterways, but many new arrivals who are not familiar with water safety rules can put their life at risk. These safety guidelines for swimming, boating and fishing can help prevent drowning incidents and save money on fines.
Evaluate your risk: How to prepare for and survive floods in a wet summer
December 17, 2020 02:38 - 7 minutes - 12.9 MBAustralia is gearing up for a wetter summer season with above average rainfall across the eastern parts of the country. Experts are warning people to exercise caution near flood-prone areas.
Silent killers: Heatwaves and skin damage in the Australian summer
December 11, 2020 06:22 - 6 minutes - 12.7 MBAustralia has just experienced its hottest November on record. While La Niña is expected to bring a wetter summer season, the Bureau of Meteorology, also predicts that heatwaves will last over a prolonged period. Experts warn to take extra precaution indoors and outdoors to prevent sun and heat-related health problems.
Celebration in isolation
November 30, 2020 06:08 - 8 minutes - 15.9 MBCelebrations of important family, cultural and religious occasions have had to adjust to the social distancing rules and travel bans in 2020. While some are eagerly awaiting the easing of restrictions to reunite with loved ones, others are busy strategising new ways to celebrate the survival of an especially tough year.
Flexible work arrangements
November 30, 2020 04:47 - 7 minutes - 14.5 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to reassess, reconfigure and reinvent the way we work. With flexible work arrangements expected to become the norm, employers will be playing a more active role in managing employees’ engagement and wellbeing.
COVID-19 etiquette
November 18, 2020 01:57 - 8 minutes - 15.1 MBSocial etiquette is no longer the same in the highly infectious coronavirus environment we find ourselves in. Keeping a physical distance, sneezing into your elbow, and regular hand washing are just some of the new norm.
Travel in isolation
November 05, 2020 08:31 - 8 minutes - 16.4 MBWith 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 been disrupted, technological advancements may now enable the world to come direct to you.
The impact of COVID-19 on gambling behaviour
November 05, 2020 08:17 - 13 minutes - 24.1 MBWhile the pandemic lockdowns limited access to physical gambling venues, the impact of lockdown hasn’t shrunk the actual offering of gambling products in Australia. Increases in online gambling and wagering app downloads reflect a shift in behaviour, with a worrying spike in gambling issues among younger Australians.
How to run your micro-business online
November 05, 2020 07:45 - 10 minutes - 18.8 MBDuring the COVID-19 pandemic many Australian micro-businesses were forced to implement new digital strategies in order to survive. Digital business experts believe creating competitive advantages are about the ability to evolve, innovate and understand that digital and business strategies are two sides of the same coin.
Healthy habits of people who don't get sick
November 05, 2020 02:27 - 8 minutes - 15.9 MBHow have some people remained healthy and energetic amid the pandemic, while others have become ill or demotivated? The secret, according to those who rarely get sick, lies in the mindset and habits that contribute to your overall wellbeing.
How COVID-19 has changed the way we grieve
October 08, 2020 03:59 - 9 minutes - 16.8 MBBereavement 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 making sense of their grief within the COVID-19 restrictions.
Property market during COVID-19
October 08, 2020 03:44 - 7 minutes - 13.7 MBRetiree plans for housing and accommodation have shifted with the pandemic’s social restrictions and resulting changes in the property market. How will the property market look for retirees and others throughout – and after – the pandemic?
Will payday loans and the pandemic bring on a 'debt tsunami'?
October 08, 2020 02:59 - 13 minutes - 24 MBAustralia’s first recession in 29 years has financial counsellors busy taking calls from people who have never faced debt problems, and there are concerns debt amid the pandemic may provoke serious mental health concerns.
Dementia care in COVID-19
September 23, 2020 08:01 - 9 minutes - 16.9 MBCaring 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 for their loved ones amid the pandemic.
Money advice and survival tips for turbulent times
September 09, 2020 10:02 - 8 minutes - 15.9 MBMany 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 respondents reporting that they had difficulty paying their weekly expenses and 43 per cent skipping meals on a regular basis, we explore some survival tips you may find useful during these turbulent times.
Early access to superannuation during COVID-19
September 09, 2020 09:52 - 11 minutes - 20.3 MBThe economic damage inflicted by COVID-19 restrictions has seen over three million Australians dip into their superannuation savings. Whether you need that extra boost in cash or not, financial experts say it is nonetheless a good time to review the state of your superannuation account.
Aged care in the time of coronavirus - what should you consider?
August 26, 2020 02:43 - 10 minutes - 19.2 MBVictoria’s embattled aged care sector is grappling with widespread infections resulting in over 100 deaths amid the coronavirus pandemic. There are lessons for desperate families when considering residential aged care for your loved ones during these trying times.
Temporary migrants face extra barriers job-seeking during COVID-19
August 21, 2020 10:17 - 9 minutes - 16.8 MBThe 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 the year, affecting not just local workers, but many temporary migrants whose job hunting efforts have become more challenging than ever.
Buying a business during COVID-19
August 21, 2020 10:09 - 8 minutes - 14.8 MBThe pandemic has sent shockwaves through businesses that usually thrive in normal times. But the disruptive nature of viral outbreaks has left some distressed owners eager to offload their burden. Is now a good time to buy a business? According to some, with the right strategies and plans in place, you may be in for a bargain.
Men’s mental health and wellbeing
August 14, 2020 06:01 - 10 minutes - 18.6 MBMen are often taught to stay strong no matter what adversity they face in life. But dreams of resettlement in Australia can sometimes crumble when emotions get out of control and family relationships fall apart. Experts say sharing your feelings isn’t a weakness but a sign of strength.
How to garden and grow your own food indoors
July 31, 2020 09:08 - 7 minutes - 14.5 MBThe calming qualities of greenery may improve and nourish our general physical and mental wellbeing. Many are turning to indoor plants, even growing their own food, to find stability amid social restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s how migration agents work in Australia
July 24, 2020 07:12 - 10 minutes - 19.4 MBDesperate visa applicants are turning to migration agents as their hope for a new life in Australia. But according to some registered migration agents, not all agents can be trusted.
How to use telehealth?
July 15, 2020 08:14 - 10 minutes - 19.8 MBAustralians are becoming increasingly reliant on telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic. Statistics from Services Australia show that the total number of telehealth consultations rose from 1.3 million in March to 5.8 million in April. You can make the most of your telehealth session with some simple preparation.
Love and partner visas in the time of COVID-19
July 09, 2020 04:38 - 9 minutes - 18.3 MBTravel restrictions and social distancing measures of COVID-19 are further delaying processing times for partner visa applicants within and outside Australia. According to the Migration Institute of Australia, just under half of partner visas lodged in the last financial year were granted.
Consumer rights and internet scams
July 02, 2020 06:21 - 10 minutes - 18.6 MBCOVID-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 you don’t know how to recognise the warning signs of a scam.
What to do when your visa is cancelled
June 25, 2020 05:23 - 7 minutes - 14.2 MBIf your visa is set to be cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic, not seeking prompt legal advice could jeopardise your chances of lawfully staying in Australia.
Retraining yourself during COVID-19
June 18, 2020 03:17 - 7 minutes - 13.3 MBAustralia’s coronavirus curve has flattened but with some restrictions still in place, many are still homebound. Without the freedom to engage in activities we once enjoyed, why not make the most of the current situation by learning a new professional skill or revisiting a lost passion?
Life on the bridging visa
June 11, 2020 09:28 - 9 minutes - 17.2 MBCOVID-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’s COVID-19 support schemes.
Online Grandparenting
May 28, 2020 09:07 - 10 minutes - 19.8 MBGrandparents traditionally play a significant role in the Australian family life, but with the government advising older people to stay home, social isolation is changing the way many now approach grandparenting.
Women on temporary visas experiencing family violence
May 28, 2020 09:00 - 10 minutes - 18.9 MBAdvocates for action on family violence are concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a desperate time for women experiencing family violence who are dependents of temporary visa holders, with their ordeal compounded by barriers in accessing social services due to their visa status.
Staying active and healthy during social isolation
May 27, 2020 08:47 - 9 minutes - 17.9 MBAustralia’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 maintaining your immunity and finding a sense of calm amid uncertainty.
Helping with your child’s home-based learning
May 15, 2020 11:37 - 9 minutes - 18.3 MBWhile 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 for those parents, resources and help for home-based learning are available if needed.
Living with an underlying condition
May 15, 2020 11:20 - 11 minutes - 21.4 MBIf 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 infection rates controlled better than in many parts of the world, experts say you shouldn’t worry about receiving physical treatment at healthcare facilities.
Sugar – white poison or allowed passion?
April 24, 2020 11:07 - 7 minutes - 14.6 MBSugar 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
April 24, 2020 10:57 - 6 minutes - 12.4 MBNothing 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 some relief.
Binge eating: the dark side of comfort food
April 24, 2020 10:50 - 7 minutes - 13.5 MBWe all like to indulge in different kinds of food. Sometimes, however, a pleasure becomes a problem. Binge eating and other eating disorders affect people across cultures, but there is a way out of this cycle.
Comfort food: why do we crave it and how to make it a part of a healthy diet?
April 24, 2020 10:40 - 4 minutes - 8.06 MBWhen 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 healthy lifestyle and enjoy some of your favourite comfort food.
Coping with the coronavirus outbreak
April 24, 2020 04:48 - 9 minutes - 17.5 MBYou 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 for 14 days with additional restrictions to an already upended lifestyle. What can you do to keep yourself and others safe as you enter a fortnight of further self-isolation?
Tax Return 2020: how to best prepare and lodge your tax return?
April 22, 2020 12:31 - 7 minutes - 13.9 MBIf 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 refunds and lessen your tax bill for the financial year.
Your rights and obligations when working from home
April 15, 2020 11:30 - 8 minutes - 15.5 MBMany Australians, along with workers from 88% of organisations around the globe, have had to adjust to the sudden change of working from home. Experts say it is in both the employer and employee’s vested interest to maintain a safe work environment.
Preparing for the flu season amid COVID-19
April 02, 2020 04:22 - 8 minutes - 16.1 MBWinter is coming. Medical professionals are bracing for the worst-case scenario of a potentially overloaded public health system by patients infected by both influenza and coronavirus.
Building a safety net for small businesses amid coronavirus outbreak
April 02, 2020 03:33 - 8 minutes - 16.3 MBAs the devastating impact of COVID-19 is felt across the Australian economy, the banking sector, federal, state and territory governments are taking urgent measures to keep small businesses afloat. Here's how you can build a safety net and weather the storm.
Living close to my community
March 11, 2020 22:25 - 6 minutes - 12.3 MBAfter 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 still encounter situations you don't totally understand. It’s no surprise then that many new migrants decide to live close to their community to make things a bit easier. But is living close to your community always the best option for you?
LGBTIQ Rights in Australia
February 26, 2020 06:58 - 10 minutes - 19.7 MBAustralia is one of the world’s most tolerant countries according to a 2013 Pew Research poll which found that nearly eight in ten Australians thought homosexuality should be accepted by society. However, LGBTI activists continue to advocate for wider rights despite the legalisation of same-sex marriage in December 2017.
How to prepare for job interview?
February 19, 2020 22:38 - 7 minutes - 13.5 MBFinding 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's exciting at first, but it can also become quite stressful. The only way to do well during a job interview is to be prepared and have an idea of what to expect.
How to become a volunteer firefighter?
January 30, 2020 01:24 - 6 minutes - 11.1 MBAustralia cannot fight through its worst bushfire season without the selfless sacrifice of its 260,000-strong volunteer firefighters. The National Council for Fire & Emergency Service is calling for volunteers of diverse backgrounds to sign up, to better serve our multicultural population.
What is the Australian Christmas tradition?
December 18, 2019 22:28 - 5 minutes - 10.4 MBIf 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. Australians have embraced some European Christmas traditions, but have also created their own. The good news is, there are many ways of doing Christmas in Australia.
How to get boating and fishing licences in Australia
December 10, 2019 06:18 - 7 minutes - 13 MBLiving in a beautiful country with picturesque rivers, lakes and coastlines, it is little wonder that boating and fishing are among Australia’s favourite pastimes. However, with the fun comes responsibility and some essential rules and regulations for boating and fishing that have to be observed to keep everybody safe.