{image by Lisa}
Today we are going down under. Oh how I would love to visit Australia, it’s on my bucket list. It is such an adventurous place, it seems. To tell us about Australia, I have Catherine and Lisa. Catherine lives in Darwin, been there for about 9 years. She is married and a stay-at-home mom with two boys (and a husband). Then Lisa is living in Brisbane, which is the capital city of the state of Queensland. She has lived there since 1984. She and her husband Rob have two kids, Ella, 6, and Finn, 4. And she works part-time as a nurse.
What are some traditions or customs of Australia?
Catherine: Aboriginal Australian traditions vary from place to place but are based on their belief in the Dreamtime and their connection to the land. These stories are told through their art, craft and through traditional dances. Another tradition common to Australia and New Zealand is Anzac Day. This is a national day commemorating the first major military action (at Gallipoli in Turkey) fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Lisa: January 26 is Australia Day and is a national public holiday. On that day, Sydney has a reenacting of the first fleet arriving, lots of local gatherings for BBQ’s, cockroach races in pubs, two-up games, thong tossing games, prawn peeling contests, concerts and fireworks. It’s a day not only celebrating the birth of our nation, but what it has become.
Sport has a HUGE following here. People are very commited to their chosen team, whether it’s a type of football, cricket, basketball- whatever. There is also lots of rivalry, but not usually violence. Lots of people play sport, too, which is another advantage of great weather.
What do you love about Australia?
Catherine: I love that Australia is so big that you can’t know all the landscapes and so, there is always something new to discover. I love that the people are mostly friendly and generous. I love that we have beautiful weather and are able to spend lots of time outdoors.
Lisa: I love the relaxed lifestyle, the diversity of places to visit (city, beach, snow, outback). The food, the outdoors- lots of open spaces, outdoor dining. The weather, for the most part, although I don’t like the humidity in Brisbane.
What is your favorite food that is only served in Australia?
Catherine: Vegemite (a food paste made from yeast extract).
Lisa: We are known for BBQ’s, meat pies and sausage sizzles. We have some deserts that are unique to us- Pavlova (meringue covered in cream then fresh fruit), lamingtons (sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut) and ANZAC biscuits (you call them cookies). Most of our fresh foods we grow ourselves, which is great, although we do find some imported things sometimes (oranges and grapes from USA).
{image by Catherine}
What are the living conditions like in your town/city?
Catherine: People mostly live in suburban houses. There are a few apartment complexes in the inner city. Where I live, in Darwin, homes are single-storey and open plan with lots of windows and doors to let the air flow around the house. Most houses have large verandahs to shade the house and provide an outdoor living space.
Lisa: Traditionally, homes in Brisbane were made from wood. They were known as Queenslanders or Workers Cottages. Dating from early last century, many still exist and are renovated and often extended. They were raised off the ground, had high ceilings and wide verandahs. They were meant to be cool in summer and warm in winter but the opposite is usually the case. The other trend now is towards modern rendered houses built on small blocks (400 sq. meters). In my neighbourhood, it is popular to buy a block, knock down the existing house and build two new houses, or maybe one big one. Open-plan living is popular, with a wall of doors that open right up onto a large deck.
Living in Brisbane is great. Population about 1.85million so not too crowded. There’s lots to do. The beach is only an hour’s drive away, so popular for a day trip, or longer holiday. Brisbane has lots of bike paths which are safe for taking the kids for a ride.
{image by Lisa}
What are some trends in fashion, interior design and arts and craft?
Catherine: I think the dominant trend in interior design is for more eco-concious living and connecting the outdoor and indoor spaces of the house. There is also a growing awareness and appreciation for Aboriginal art in Australia.
Lisa: Craft has made a big comeback here. There are markets on every weekend in lots of places with handmade goods.
What is the biggest thing happening in the news there?
Catherine: One big ongoing national story at the moment is on stopping Japanese whaling in Antarctic waters and the actions of activist groups against whalers.
Lisa: The news over here is mostly about the Queensland Government at the moment. The leader of the government is called the Premier and ours is currently selling off lots of the state’s assets to raise money. We are not happy and her approval rate has just been reported as being 28 percent. And lots of angst about our health system and schools.
What is it like to be a mom there compared to other parts of the world?
Catherine: I think Australia is lucky because there is the opportunity to let your child play outside and go exploring without the worry (or censure from other people) this would create in many other parts of the world. One disadvantage for mums in Australia is that many families do not live near extended family and this can make motherhood very isolating.
{image by Catherine}
How are children raised differently there? What do they eat, play with, popular games or toys?
Catherine: Australia has lots of opportunities for children to be outside and to play sports (although we do still have a problem with obesity). Popular sports for Aussie kids are cricket, rugby, Australian Rules Football and swimming. We play outside all year round swimming, in the sandpit, bike riding and gardening. My children both love to eat vegemite sandwiches, barramundi and chips or anzac biscuits, but pavlova is yuck!
Lisa: They start school here in Prep. They wear a uniform and must have their hat- “No Hat No Play.” As we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, we are very big on sun protection. They take their own food to school, but also have Tuckshops- like your canteens, I guess.
What is something all moms can learn from Australian moms?
Catherine: It is hard to be so general about Australian mum. But I think something that people could learn from Australian mums is to let your children get dirty, let them go exploring and let them find a bit of trouble. My children are potentially at risk from all sorts of dangerous critters living right in my backyard, but I teach them how to be careful and let them play. That will make them stronger, more interesting and more confident people than if I made them stay inside because they might find trouble.
» Tell me… Did you find Australia fascinating? What did you learn from Catherine and Lisa? To read other articles in the Education Week segment, click on the logo below.
My husband has some cousins over in Australia, and they’re very happy over there. I think this is such a lovely idea of yours, to let people know how “the other half” live. It draws us all closer together. knowing that most of us have the same interests (especially as mothers) around the world.
So glad Australia made the cut. I have to agree with everything that Catherine and Lisa said about Australia. I live in Victoria in a tiny country town called Goornong. The thing I love about it here is the way the community supports each other so much. People are really laid back and friendly and if anyone needs anything, there is always some one to step in. I also love that we can see wildlife so close to home. We have that because we live in the country. It is a great place to raise our kids.
Glenyce, I didn’t realize you’re in Australia! How fun! Thanks for sharing.
What an amazing adventure!