Like any culture, Australia offers subtle differences in lifestyle, attitudes and social etiquette. This is a progressive and multi-cultural country that embraces a wide range of people; however, it’s always a good idea to understand the little differences to avoid any possible misunderstandings, for example:

• Australians tend to be informal, an adjustment is sometimes needed for those use to rituals or levels of status and authority.
• Australians recognise people on an equal basis regardless of status, race or gender.

• Australians usually have a first or given name and a family name or surname.
• Address people around your own age with their first name.
• For people much older than you, call them Mr, Mrs or Ms, followed by their surname, only until you know them well or they have asked you to address them by their first name.

• Good evening, good afternoon, good night and good morning are used but are quite formal
• Hello, hey, hi, how are you? are more common and informal.
• Say ‘please’ when wanting something, and ‘thank-you’ or ‘thanks’ when receiving something.
• Use cutlery for meals at home or in restaurants. At informal events like a barbecue or picnic, people often eat with their hands.

• Australians tend to dress casually unless semi-casual or formal dress has been requested.

• It is a recognised and proud part of the Australians culture that we believe all individuals have equal social, legal and political rights, as protected by the Australian Constitution.