Aboriginal AustraliaPrint Page Find out how you can connect with the world’s oldest living culture.
Discover it the same way Aboriginal Australians have passed it down for at least 50,000 years - through art, dance, myths, music and the land itself. See Aboriginal art and contemporary dance in the cities. Or head to the outback and listen to Dreamtime myths of creation by the campfire. Bushwalk and snorkel, share bush-tucker or learn to craft spears and catch fish in the traditional way. Let Aboriginal Australians help you understand this ancient land and its spirituality and wonder.
Six special places you can connect to Aboriginal Australia
Uluru1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Visit Uluru and you’ll see why the rock and surrounding land have such huge spiritual significance for the Anangu Aboriginal people. According to their creation myths, ancestral spirits formed Uluru, which lies in Australia's red centre like an enormous, moody heart. Aboriginal guides will share these ancient tales as you walk around the rock’s base. Just 32 kilometres away is another sacred site - Kata Tjuta. You’ll be awestruck by these steep, rounded, russet domes over 3,500 hectares.
Kimberley2. Kimberley, Western Australia
Featuring vast horizons and ancient gorges, the Kimberley region is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. See Wandjina figures painted in caves and the mysterious Gwion Gwion paintings. Ride a camel on Broome’s breathtaking Cable Beach and 4WD the red-dirt road along the Dampier Peninsula. Learn the legend of the orange and black beehive domes of the Bungle Bungles and fly over vast Lake Argyle in Kununurra.
The Daintree3. The Daintree, Queensland
More than 135 million years old, our stunning Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world. Traverse this canopy of green with traditional owners the Wujal Wujal people. Learn about bush tucker and fish for barramundi. See fresh-water crocodiles sunning themselves on the mangrove-lined river banks and rare tropical birds and animals, many of which are not found anywhere else on earth.
Coorong4. Coorong, South Australia
Become one with nature as you kayak along the lagoons and waterways of the Coorong. Your Ngarrindjeri guide will tell you about bush tucker, traditional medicines and the incredible local birdlife. As night falls, you can listen to stories unfold and smell the mouth-watering aroma of fresh damper (outback bread) as it is pulled from the embers of a campfire.
Gippsland 5. Gippsland, Victoria
Discover a rich Aboriginal history along Gippsland’s rugged coastline. Wander the fern gullies, sandy beaches and eucalypt forests of the sacred land now known as Wilsons Promontory National Park. Trace Aboriginal trading routes up to 18,000 years old. Watch local Aboriginal people make baskets, spears, shields and canoes in the traditional way at Bairnsdale. Or learn where the Dreamtime touched the rugged gorges, rainforest and gullies of Woolshed Creek.
Sydney harbour cruise6. Sydney cultural tours, New South Wales
Get a glimpse into the lives of Sydney’s original inhabitants on a harbour cruise or walking tour. You can learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks as you cruise the harbour with Aboriginal guides. Visit rock-carvings and old Aboriginal settlements and stop off for a traditional Aboriginal welcome on Clark Island. Off the boat, you can taste bush food and learn about Aboriginal use of plants on a walking tour through Sydney’s lush harbourside Botanical Gardens.
Showing posts with label Briefing on Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Briefing on Australia. Show all posts
6/15/09
6/10/09
Life in Australia
If you want to find out about life in Australia, pls watch these series on students' life in Australia from Australia Network (ABC Channel).
Lot of fun.
Enjoy!
Lot of fun.
Enjoy!
4/28/09
Reading on Australia
Wanna know more about Australia? Pls visit the site by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Happy reading!
Australia in Brief
* Australia—an overview
The land and its people
* A diverse people
* The island continent
* A unique environment
* Ancient heritage, modern society
* A parliamentary democracy
Australia and the world
* Foreign and trade policy
* Climate change
* International aid
* Defence and security
* A stable & competitive economy
* Trading with the world
* Tourism and international students
Society and culture
* Culture and the arts
* Innovative Australia
* Excellence in education
* Health care
* Media and communications
* A sporting life
Visiting Australia
* A popular destination
* Food and wine
* Coming to Australia
Happy reading!
Australia in Brief
* Australia—an overview
The land and its people
* A diverse people
* The island continent
* A unique environment
* Ancient heritage, modern society
* A parliamentary democracy
Australia and the world
* Foreign and trade policy
* Climate change
* International aid
* Defence and security
* A stable & competitive economy
* Trading with the world
* Tourism and international students
Society and culture
* Culture and the arts
* Innovative Australia
* Excellence in education
* Health care
* Media and communications
* A sporting life
Visiting Australia
* A popular destination
* Food and wine
* Coming to Australia
11/30/08
Australia in brief
Australia—an overview
Australia is a stable, culturally diverse and democratic society with a skilled workforce and a strong, competitive economy. With a population of more than 21 million, Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent. It is the earth’s biggest island and the sixth-largest country in the world in land area.
Australia is one of the world’s oldest landmasses and has been populated by human beings for an estimated 60 000 years. Before the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the continent. Australia’s contemporary history is relatively short, with the first European settlement established by Great Britain on 26 January 1788.
Australia has 10 per cent of the world’s biodiversity and a great number of its native plants, animals and birds exist nowhere else in the world. Australia is committed to conserving its unique environment and natural heritage and has a range of protection procedures in place, including World Heritage listings and many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Australia has the 14th biggest overall economy in the world and the 9th biggest industrialised economy (2007). Australia is the 15th richest nation in per capita terms, and is the 6th oldest continuously functioning democracy in the world.
Australia’s population includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrants from some 200 countries. In over 60 years of planned post-war migration, Australia has welcomed more than 6.5 million migrants, including more than 660 000 refugees. During this time, the population has tripled from about 7 million.
Migrants have brought with them language skills and other capabilities that are valuable in today’s global economy and workforce. Although English is the official language in Australia, more than 3 million Australians speak a language other than English at home (2007). As a result, Australia offers the familiarity of a Western business culture with a workforce capable of operating in many different business environments.
Did you know?
Australia’s Human Development Index (HDI) is the third best in the world, behind only Norway and Ireland (UNDP Human Development Report 2006).
Australia’s economy is open and innovative, with a commitment from the Australian Government to maintain the strong economic growth that has taken place since the early 1990s. Over the past decade, solid productivity gains have been accompanied by low inflation and interest rates.
Australia is one of the few countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) where general government net debt has been eliminated. According to the OECD’s 2006 economic summary of Australia, living standards have steadily improved since the start of the 1990s and now surpass those of all the industrialised nations that form the Group of Eight except the United States.
Australian exports, which in 2007 totalled $218 billion, are a mix of minerals and energy, manufacturing, rural products and services.
Australia has a well-developed education system with participation rates among the highest in the world. Each year, Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students, with current figures rating Australia 3rd among English-speaking countries as a student destination (2007).
Australia’s aid program aims to help people in developing countries to lift themselves out of poverty and responds quickly when disaster strikes. The primary focus is the Asia–Pacific region, which has the world’s highest concentration of people living in poverty. Australia also provides aid to developing countries in Africa and the Middle East.
The key objective of Australia’s foreign and trade policy is to promote our security and long-term prosperity. The challenge is to protect and advance Australia’s national interests in a rapidly changing environment, while supporting a stable global order. The three pillars of Australia’s international engagement are: active participation in the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations and the WTO; enhancing Australia’s alliance with the United States; and engaging with the states and institutions of the Asia-Pacific region.
The quality of life enjoyed by people in Australia is one of the highest in the world. Australia’s clean physical environment, health services, education and lifestyle combine to make it an attractive place to live. Australia’s ancient Indigenous traditions and multiculturalism are reflected in the diverse cultures and forms of artistic talent present in the country.
Did you know?
In 2007, Sydney was voted the world’s best city for the second year in a row. Melbourne was sixth (Anholt City Brands Index 2007). Five Australian cities have been ranked in the top eleven most liveable cities in the world (Economist Intelligence Unit 2005).
Australia’s spectacular natural environment, rich Indigenous history and culture, multicultural communities, and high-quality food and wine make it a popular international tourist destination. Approximately 5.6 million people visited Australia in 2007, making the tourism industry the largest contributor to Australian services export earnings.
Australia is a robust democracy that pioneered the secret ballot and the vote for women. Australia’s system of government reflects the British and North American models of liberal democracy, but has uniquely Australian features.
The flag
The Australian flag was raised for the first time in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, following a design competition that drew 32 823 entries. The stars of the Southern Cross represent Australia’s geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere, the large Commonwealth star symbolises the federation of the states and territories and the Union Jack embodies Australia’s early ties to Great Britain.
National colours
Green and gold have been Australia’s national colours since 19 April 1984.
National day
Australia Day is celebrated every year on 26 January. This date commemorates the anniversary of the unfurling of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788.
National anthem
Advance Australia Fair has been Australia’s official national anthem since 19 April 1984.
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Coat of arms
The Australian coat of arms was granted by King George V in 1912. It consists of a shield containing the badges of the six Australian states, symbolising federation, and the national symbols of the golden wattle, the kangaroo and the emu. By popular tradition, the kangaroo is accepted as the national animal emblem. The golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha Benth, was proclaimed the national floral emblem in August 1988.
Online
Australian Government information and services
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Parliament of Australia
Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It’s an honour: Australia celebrating Australians
For further reading pls visit this site. Happy reading!
Source: http://www.dfat.gov.au/aib/index.html
Australia is a stable, culturally diverse and democratic society with a skilled workforce and a strong, competitive economy. With a population of more than 21 million, Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent. It is the earth’s biggest island and the sixth-largest country in the world in land area.
Australia is one of the world’s oldest landmasses and has been populated by human beings for an estimated 60 000 years. Before the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the continent. Australia’s contemporary history is relatively short, with the first European settlement established by Great Britain on 26 January 1788.
Australia has 10 per cent of the world’s biodiversity and a great number of its native plants, animals and birds exist nowhere else in the world. Australia is committed to conserving its unique environment and natural heritage and has a range of protection procedures in place, including World Heritage listings and many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Australia has the 14th biggest overall economy in the world and the 9th biggest industrialised economy (2007). Australia is the 15th richest nation in per capita terms, and is the 6th oldest continuously functioning democracy in the world.
Australia’s population includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrants from some 200 countries. In over 60 years of planned post-war migration, Australia has welcomed more than 6.5 million migrants, including more than 660 000 refugees. During this time, the population has tripled from about 7 million.
Migrants have brought with them language skills and other capabilities that are valuable in today’s global economy and workforce. Although English is the official language in Australia, more than 3 million Australians speak a language other than English at home (2007). As a result, Australia offers the familiarity of a Western business culture with a workforce capable of operating in many different business environments.
Did you know?
Australia’s Human Development Index (HDI) is the third best in the world, behind only Norway and Ireland (UNDP Human Development Report 2006).
Australia’s economy is open and innovative, with a commitment from the Australian Government to maintain the strong economic growth that has taken place since the early 1990s. Over the past decade, solid productivity gains have been accompanied by low inflation and interest rates.
Australia is one of the few countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) where general government net debt has been eliminated. According to the OECD’s 2006 economic summary of Australia, living standards have steadily improved since the start of the 1990s and now surpass those of all the industrialised nations that form the Group of Eight except the United States.
Australian exports, which in 2007 totalled $218 billion, are a mix of minerals and energy, manufacturing, rural products and services.
Australia has a well-developed education system with participation rates among the highest in the world. Each year, Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students, with current figures rating Australia 3rd among English-speaking countries as a student destination (2007).
Australia’s aid program aims to help people in developing countries to lift themselves out of poverty and responds quickly when disaster strikes. The primary focus is the Asia–Pacific region, which has the world’s highest concentration of people living in poverty. Australia also provides aid to developing countries in Africa and the Middle East.
The key objective of Australia’s foreign and trade policy is to promote our security and long-term prosperity. The challenge is to protect and advance Australia’s national interests in a rapidly changing environment, while supporting a stable global order. The three pillars of Australia’s international engagement are: active participation in the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations and the WTO; enhancing Australia’s alliance with the United States; and engaging with the states and institutions of the Asia-Pacific region.
The quality of life enjoyed by people in Australia is one of the highest in the world. Australia’s clean physical environment, health services, education and lifestyle combine to make it an attractive place to live. Australia’s ancient Indigenous traditions and multiculturalism are reflected in the diverse cultures and forms of artistic talent present in the country.
Did you know?
In 2007, Sydney was voted the world’s best city for the second year in a row. Melbourne was sixth (Anholt City Brands Index 2007). Five Australian cities have been ranked in the top eleven most liveable cities in the world (Economist Intelligence Unit 2005).
Australia’s spectacular natural environment, rich Indigenous history and culture, multicultural communities, and high-quality food and wine make it a popular international tourist destination. Approximately 5.6 million people visited Australia in 2007, making the tourism industry the largest contributor to Australian services export earnings.
Australia is a robust democracy that pioneered the secret ballot and the vote for women. Australia’s system of government reflects the British and North American models of liberal democracy, but has uniquely Australian features.
The flag
The Australian flag was raised for the first time in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, following a design competition that drew 32 823 entries. The stars of the Southern Cross represent Australia’s geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere, the large Commonwealth star symbolises the federation of the states and territories and the Union Jack embodies Australia’s early ties to Great Britain.
National colours
Green and gold have been Australia’s national colours since 19 April 1984.
National day
Australia Day is celebrated every year on 26 January. This date commemorates the anniversary of the unfurling of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788.
National anthem
Advance Australia Fair has been Australia’s official national anthem since 19 April 1984.
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Coat of arms
The Australian coat of arms was granted by King George V in 1912. It consists of a shield containing the badges of the six Australian states, symbolising federation, and the national symbols of the golden wattle, the kangaroo and the emu. By popular tradition, the kangaroo is accepted as the national animal emblem. The golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha Benth, was proclaimed the national floral emblem in August 1988.
Online
Australian Government information and services
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Parliament of Australia
Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It’s an honour: Australia celebrating Australians
For further reading pls visit this site. Happy reading!
Source: http://www.dfat.gov.au/aib/index.html
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