Page 8 - Australia Destination Guide - Aluring Asia

THE PEOPLE HEALTH & Given the diverse nature of today’s Australia, some people question whether VACCINATIONS there is a ‘typical’ Australian. There is, of course, no shortage of popular A yellow fever vaccination stereotypes, some of which contradict each other. certificate is required by travelers over one year of age For example, some people see Australians as egalitarian, irreverent people S O U T H P A C I F I C with a deep suspicion of authority while others regard them as mostly law- arriving within six days of having stayed overnight or abiding and even conformist. Some people, particularly those living overseas, longer in an infected country. No PAGE 3 believe Australians live mainly in country areas, the Australian outback or other special immunizations or Population | Time | Visas the bush. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians live a cosmopolitan History lifestyle in urban centres, mainly in the capital cities along the coast. Others medications are required for most trips to Australia, however PAGE 4-5 see Australians as people who live in a ‘lucky country’ who love their leisure, insect repellents are strongly History particularly sport, both as spectators and as participants. In fact, Australians advised for the Northern are among the hardest-working people in the world with some of the longest PAGE 6 Territory, north Queensland and working hours in the developed world. Language north Western Australia, as well as certain parts of New South PAGE 7 Another common perception of Australians is that they are informal, open The Land | Climate and direct and say what they mean. They are also seen as people who believe Wales and Victoria, because of the risk of Murray Valley in the principle of giving people a fair go and standing up for their mates, the PAGE 8 encephalitis, Ross River virus People | Health & Vaccinations disadvantaged and the underdog. infections, dengue fever and PAGE 9 other mosquito-borne illnesses. Many of these popular images have some truth to them and most Australians Currency | Credit Cards Beach-goers are warned to Safety & Crime | Tipping conform to at least some of them. But Australians, like people everywhere, beware of jellyfish in the coastal Etiquette cannot be so easily stereotyped. There are ‘typical’ Australians everywhere. waters; stings have proved fatal But they are not all the same. PAGE 10 on occasion. Another health risk Etiquette | Taxis is sunburn, and visitors are Safety & theft Shared Values The defining feature of today’s Australia is not only the cultural diversity of advised to take precautions. PAGE 11 its people, but the extent to which they are united by an overriding and Medical services are excellent, Shopping | Customs but can be expensive so travelers unifying commitment to Australia. should ensure that they have PAGE 12-13 adequate insurance. Australia Food & Drinks | Religion Within the framework of Australia’s laws, all Australians have the right to Insurance express their culture and beliefs and to participate freely in Australia’s has a reciprocal health agreement with the United PAGE 14 national life. Kingdom providing for free Culture & The Arts At the same time, everyone is expected to uphold the principles and shared hospital emergency medical treatment; proof of UK residence values that support Australia’s way of life. These include: is required. • respect for equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual • freedom of speech and association • freedom of religion and a secular government • support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law • equality under the law • equality of men and women • equality of opportunity • peacefulness • a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion for those in need. Australia also holds firmly to the belief that no one should be disadvantaged on the basis of their country of birth, cultural heritage, language, gender or religious belief.