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The 2016 Census has delivered its first insight, revealing what characteristics make up the 'typical Australian'. According to the ABS, the typical Australian is: 38 years old female born in Australia of English ancestry married living in a couple family with two children in a house with three bedrooms and has two motor vehicles The description of the 'typical Australian' is based on the most common responses to last year’s Census. The 2011 Census data showed the 'average Australian' was a 37-year-old woman, living with her husband and two children in a three bedroom house in a suburb of one of Australia's capital cities. This interactive explores the diversity of Australian suburbia via ancestry, age, food, religion and birthplace data. Find out how your suburb ranks against the rest of Australia and which suburbs are the most diverse. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/interactive/how-diverse-is-my-suburb?cid=inbody:census-2016-the-new-typical-australian-revealed In the 2016 Census the 'typical person' varies from state to state - the average Tasmanian is the oldest at 42 years, while the average person from the Northern Territory is the youngest at 34. The ‘typical’ home in Tasmania and New South Wales is owned outright, while the ‘typical’ Northern Territory home is rented. In 2006, the ‘typical’ Australian home was owned outright. The 'typical' migrant was from England, but the 'typical' migrants in each state come from a range of countries -the average in Queensland was born in New Zealand, in Victoria it's India-born, and in New South Wales it's China Dr Amanda Elliot, form the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Sydney, said she understood why the ABS produced this information, but she argued the 'typical Australian' doesn’t reveal very much about the ordinary Australian experience in everyday life. "It’s fairly meaningless to ordinary people, and it’s fairly meaningless statistically as well,” she said. "The idea of what’s typical really masks our rich diversity, it masks the quite extraordinary multiculturalism, it renders all of that invisible." CENSUS FALLOUT Michael Turkic and William Uy Vu Le are a couple from Lidcombe, in NSW, and say they share the same pressures and stresses of a 'typical' couple. “When people ask me what makes us a typical Australian family or couple, we say the same things that make you a typical family - we have got children to look after,” Mr Turkic said. “We are putting a child through university, we have to worry about the rent, the mortgage the phone bills, the pick-ups and drop offs. “Regardless of the coupling or sexuality you’re in, they're the things that affect us every day." Mr Uy Vu Le also has total hearing loss, one of a group that represents just 0.1 per cent of the population. “For me, to be a typical Australian is to be exposed to a multicultural society from an early age and to be exposed to a diverse range of Australians from a diverse range of backgrounds,” he said. "It’s not just one type of Australian anymore.” Blue Mountains resident Julie Brett, one of 1048 followers of Druidism or Druidry at the 2011 Census, said her religion is not mainstream "but it is a spirituality I feel a lot of people would be drawn to because of the beauty of nature”. "I think a typical Australian's beliefs are diverse and really difficult to explain in a one question answer,” she said. The next ABS Census release, due on June 27, will include datasets for small population groups and small geographic areas, such as suburbs.

Back in the UK I swore by Oven Pride to get my oven, and especially the racks, spotless. Funnily enough when I went to look closely at the oven in our new rental, the racks were bogging, covered in burnt grease. I've looked around for a good heavy duty cleaner, any recommendations? I loved OP because of the bags, they really made the job easy ) I do miss Home Bargains a bit heehee! Loads of great shops here but HB was my one-stop shop for cleaning stuff and various house-y bits.

Many weeks ago I put up a thread about the choices we now have in 'Coffee' bars in the UK. I ranted and raved that all I wanted was a 'Flat White'. I was sick to the back teeth of people asking for a 'Long, skinny, double whipped, non peanut, shaken not stirred, Frapachino, with extra non fat cream, and a brolly to finish. I'm all for choice, BUT, come on, pleeeaaassseee, I just wanted a coffee. Well, bugger me, went to London yesterday and went into a 'Coffee' bar and would you believe there on the menu was a Flat White. I nearly fainted in disbelief. A FLAT WHITE, :jiggy:, my day was a dream after this. Anyway went to Covent Garden after this and would you believe one of the buskers was a Didgeridoo player. Young fella, white, but by God could he play the Didge. Stood there like a lemon for around an hour and even tried to imagine myself back in the outback for a while. He was surrounded at one time by onlookers and he got a massive round of applause when he finished, put my own Didge playing to shame. After this and went onto Oxford Street. Always an experience. And there just behind Oxford Circus tube station was a band of Aboriginal dancers. Once again I stood gobsmacked as they went through their routine and once again they had a huge gathering of people. Bearing in mind the sun was OUT yesterday it made for a great day and bought many happy memories back. Now all we need is Vegemite to replace Marmite:shocked:, a V8 ute roaring around every road, the sun to stay a little longer throughout the year. Tuna, Marlin, Spanish Macks, etc to inhabit the UK waters, the outback/rainforest on my doorstep, people who actually have a smile on their face, and my life would be complete. I would have no need to travel backwards and forwards to Australia. I know this is a little tongue in cheek, but I think the Aussie invasion has started.:cool: Cheers Tony

is it just me or is the great aussie snag a horrible tasting sausage, does anyone know where we can get a decent tasting sausage?.

Does anyone know of a good tax accountant in Brisbane who knows both UK and Aussie tax? Thanks so much!

Thanks for the idea Connie Here's a few to get things started Hog's Breath (Cafe)-not something likely to stimulate your appetite Athletes Foot-yes that's a disease, why not change it to 'Club Foot', or go the whole hog and call it 'Gangrene' Clymax (natural product to help a woman's libido-I've got a better idea, leave australia) Footy (short for football) meaning any game predominantly played with the hands Soccer (football! cor, dear) The socceroos. that must have taken a nano second to think up, here's a better one: 'the Joeys' The Matilda's -Aussie female soccer team (to me conjures up images of old dears in dungarees holding pitchforks) the Wallabies (I would have even thought that 'the echidnas' would be more threatening, at least they've got spikes) I'm getting tired..more later

Hi all Wondering if anyone can help.... We have a 3mth old daughter, born here in Oz to two British Citizens here on a permanent residency visa. Now, as far as we understand it she should get automatic rights to getting a British Passport being that we are both British. Can anyone confirm this & also advise on how we would go about getting her a passport. I've been searching on the internet, but it's a total mine-field & I'm getting thoroughly confused by all the rules & regulations! I'm hoping there is someone out there who has had the same issue & got their Aussie born child a British passport.....help! Thanks

When I was in the UK I often wondered why people that spent so many hours on PIO waiting for their visa would just disappear after a short time of living in Australia. In all honesty I thought they were bloody rude. They, like everyone else loved reading recci reports and needed to know if what they were doing was right and was Australia as good as people said etc, etc, etc and here was their chance to give back to the next generation of PIO users...... And there was nothing........ Just the same few that loved their new life banging the drum trying to help others. Well I can tell you I wasn’t going to be one of those people........ Seems I’ve ended up doing the same thing......:embarrassed: How rude, so a big SORRY to those like me, that still come on but don’t post!!! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> I guess the main reason is, I love my new life, all those things I wanted to change about myself, I can. I don’t need other people telling me I wear rose tinted glasses because I love Australia warts and all. In all honesty rose tinted glasses are great; if you don’t have a pair get them. To see the glass half full rather than half empty is a great way to live your life, no matter where you call home! I’ve met loads of POM’s in Australia..... Seems they are everywhere...... spooky..... It seems most know about PIO, most have been on PIO and most leave PIO for the same reason! They don’t need the grief off others, they love their new life and don’t feel the need to justify themselves, it’s easier to leave PIO and get on with their new life. Now don’t get me wrong, in no way am I saying anything bad about PIO, PIO is a great place for support, to find friends and has as much info as anyone could need about life in Oz etc. Rob and Kate do a great job in running the site and deserve a big thank you.:notworthy::wubclub: I’m trying to explain (badly I’m guessing) why not as many positive people stay on PIO. I’m sure there are many other reasons why, but from what I’ve heard that seems to be the biggest reason. <o:p></o:p> For now, this will be one of my last posts on PIO, life is really good and trying to find time to post on PIO is bloody hard..... Not enough hours in the day! So I’ll try and fit all my thoughts on 1 post.... Hence Ramblings from an Aussie..... :wacko: <o:p></o:p> People ask loads of advice on where to live in Australia, and most seem to only think of the new things they want. If you want life to work in Australia, you need to look at all of the things you love about the place you live, the life you live, what is it that makes you tick? Write them down, no matter how small, write down your life for a week even a month, then highlight the bits you enjoy and the bits you don’t! If you go to the pub every night on the way home for a pint and to wind down before going home, chances are you’ll need that in Australia. How many times did you go to the art gallery? Will you need to live near that type of entertainment, do you catch public transport or do you drive to work, and how long does it take? Do you enjoy that part of your life? Moving to Australia gives you a chance to re start your life but don’t wipe away those things you enjoy otherwise you will miss it, and that could affect whether you stay or go! Look at states that have the things you love as well as the things you would like. Put the things you already do above those you would like to do... To ship or not to ship? Bring everything, and I mean everything, bring clothes hangers, clothes pegs, that old sofa that only has 6 months left before it falls apart. EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! WHY you may ask? Not because things are more expensive, but it saves you the stress of trying to find and buy things. When you arrive you have your whole life to sort out, a house, a car, schools, jobs, Medicare etc, etc, etc..... Do you really want the stress of trying to find your dream sofa? Most people rent first so why buy your dream sofa to fit a house that you don’t own? It takes time to find where to shop to get those bargains, give you that time. When you are ready to buy, haggle, don’t be afraid to ask is that the best price! Even then, walk away and look somewhere else, and if that’s the one you want after that, go back and tell them you want it cheaper..... They expect it, and the worst they can say is, sorry that’s our best price! You can even haggle at the op shop! (Charity shops) <o:p></o:p> Try and keep a few thousand in the bank for a trip back to the UK if needed. Sometimes the thought of being able to go back is enough to make you want to stay.... Work that one out? Where if you don’t have the money you can feel trapped.... And that could make you want to leave! <o:p></o:p> When looking at an area to rent take a check list with you, sounds silly I know. Have 2 lists, things that you need out of the area and things that you need out of a house. It amazes me how many people whinge that they aren’t close to public transport, parks, shops, schools, pubs etc. Go into a real estate agent and tell them the things you need and let them help you find the right house that suits ALL of your needs. When you find the house that suits your needs, haggle about the price, if there are plenty of rentals you should get a reduction, or if it doesn’t have a dish washer, air conditioner tell them you want one (if that’s what you’d like) The worst they can say is sorry the answer is no! Once you get a house, go through it with a fine tooth comb, write down every mark, every cob web and every weed, then sign it and get the real estate agent to sign it and copy it for their file and yours. That way when you’re ready to leave you have come back! It’s amazing how many people get stung because a pre existing mark wasn’t written on the check list! <o:p></o:p> Making friends! <o:p></o:p> It can be bloody hard, if you need friends you’ll have to make the effort. Think back to your old life, how often did you make new friends and include them in your group? PIO is a great way to meet like minded people, but then you get stuck with just ex pats.... Make the effort and join in groups that you have an interest in. It will happen in time. <o:p></o:p> Getting out and about, if you live in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane buy a Melways, Sydways, Brisways. (Unsure about the other states) For those that don’t know they are a map book. Take a look at the back part of the book; they have loads of info on sports clubs, picnic grounds etc and then the map to get you there LOL..... <o:p></o:p> I guess everything I’ve written is simple advice, but it seems that some get caught up in living the dream rather than living their life. Don’t worry about the price of a lemon, that will work itself out. Work out what you need and what you’d like and if things don’t work out don’t go home upset because life didn’t work out the way you wanted, don’t go home with bad thoughts about Australia, go home with the knowledge that you have figured out what is important to you and your family. People can go their whole life not knowing that, people can go their whole life wondering what if? At least you gave it a go, yes it may have cost thousands, yes you may have to start again, but that gives you a chance to do things differently, enjoy that fact! <o:p></o:p> Good luck to everyone in Australia loving their new life, good luck to those returning back home, good luck to everyone who is starting their journey. Never give up on your dreams. To those stuck in Australia treading water, I hope that something goes your way and you get to return home. <o:p></o:p> All the best and take care. <o:p></o:p> Geoffrey

It's just little things. Yesterday my boyfriend and I fitted a tow bar to our Suzuki Jimny. We bought 'Australian made' out of the need to feel like we're supporting Australian workers and keeping the dollars in the country. This tow bar was sold to us as the bees-knees, Australian made, can't get better, $500 thank you very much. Well when we tried to bolt the thing on we realised the holes had no threads in them (1/2 inch thick steel)! So we bought a tap and die set and proceeded to make our own thread. The tap blunted after the first hole (only set available on a Sunday afternoon in Kalgoorlie) so the next one was an absolute pig of a thing. Took us an hour and a half. My hands are bruised and so are his. He had to do a cowboy bodge to get it to bite. Now he used to be a mechanic for 10 years and said he’d never had this much trouble trying to cut a thread. And then when we did get it on the car the ½ inch thick washers bent when we did the bolts up real tight (probably too tight knowing Andy). And then we discovered the wiring harness was the wrong one. Suffice to say he is now vowing not to buy Australian-made for anything else. He’s going to buy made-in-china stuff as at least they have better quality control! So goes to show that even if you do buy into all the Aussie-made propaganda it doesn’t mean you’re actually going to get a quality item. Australian companies need to learn that in order to make people buy Aussie-made, it actually needs to be better than the competition, and it also doesn't mean it needs to have a ridiculous price tag.

Report in the paper this morning that they are finding red backs in England and some of our crazy ants. Evidently they are emigrating with our luggage and I suppose in containers. Redbacks love dark places so easy peasy to get into the lounge suite.:laugh:

Live the Aussie dream close to Bne & Surf beaches- House for sale Beautiful house for sale, can be bought fully furnished as in attached pictures. Stunning views. Just over 1 hour to Gold Coast and 1 hour to Brisbane. Perfect location in resort village overlooking lagoon. Wallabies and parrots around - one acre block with paddock for horse. We will be heading back to the UK for family reasons after 20 years here, beautiful Queensland. :yes:See photos attached http://www.realestate.com.au/propert...lbyn-107581094

We recently moved from Australia to Surrey, UK and brought our Aussie flat screen TV with us thinking it would work here. But, sadly, we aren't able to change the country code and get it to work. So I am looking for someone here in the Surrey area that is planning to move to Australia and would like a free TV to put in their container. It's 2 years old and around 32" (if I remember correctly). We used it in our guest room. All you need to do is come by and pick it up. TVs are very expensive in Australia (we paid around $800 for it). I'm just hoping to save it from going to the dump. Please email me if you could use it jpowledge at gmail dot com Please feel free to move this message if I've put it in the wrong section of the forum. Thanks! Jenny

Beautiful house for sale, can be fully furnished as in attached pictures. Stunning views . Just over 1 hour to Gold Coast and 1 hour to Brisbane. Perfect location in resort village overlooking lagoon. Wallabies and parrots around - one acre block with paddock for horse. See photos attached http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kooralbyn-107581094

Hi, My family and I are looking at heading over to Perth (transfer to the RAN) Jan 13 all being well. An opportunity has come up here for me to get a property cheap, with guarenteed tenants. If I took out a mortgage here in the UK what effect would that have on obtaining a second mortgage in Australia. Do the two financial systems work together? Do banks even check international debt? I have no idea where to even start looking! Thanks, Chris

Hi Has anyone returned to UK with an outstanding balance on an Oz credit card? How did you pay it off? Thanks Emma

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone has taken their TV back to the UK and did it work ok. We have a Sony LCD TV , we read somewhere the frequency for digital free view is different to Oz. Thanks for any help.

hi guys we're heading out to perth the end of jan(just changed flights), we have permanent resident visa's...just wondering how long after being in perth would we be able to get a mortgage..obviously dependant on how soon hubby gets a job...but do you have to be in the country 6 months etc before u can buy?thanx

Hi there, My name is Shawn and I'm 14 and I live in London, but I was born in Sydney. However, I moved back when I was 6, and we never returned. And now, I'm obsessed with everything Australia. Books, flags, pictures, the whole thing. My one lifetime want is to return and live there full time. My parents don't care - been there, done that as they always say. I have photographs of me as a child at all the Sydney sights, its just reignited my desire to go. And now, my life has a small hole in it. I'm happy in London, but whenever I see something on TV about Sydney, it makes me feel sad and kinda homesick. And I dont know why I get homesick, I literally don't remember Sydney at all, apart from one or two memories, but I feel I should be there. But thats me babbling on. I suppose I don't have the same circumstances as most users here, so I'll be more of an observer rather than a poster! Shawn

Hi there I am a nurse living in Scotland. I have my interview for a nursing post in oz tomorrow. I have no idea what there are going to ask me does anyone have any advice ? At the moment I am working in a respiratory ward in the Uk ( general medicine) has anyone been for the interview tomorrow or if anyone is living in oz at the moment has any hints or tips it would be fantastic.. Any advice is greatly appriciated. Thanks :smile:

by that I mean, lead a slightly more Australian (less English) lifestyle. My eldest is starting school next year, it's for his sake really. I'm quite happy drinking foreign beer, not paying any attention to ACA or AFL/NRL or the progress of the Aussie cricket team etc. But already, at kindy, signs are appearing that he's not quite 'with the program' and it really is a wake up call for me as his dad. For example, when they kick a footy (egg) ball he's playing in the sandpit! When they go on about which footy team they 'barrack for' he has no idea. Honestly, these kids are indoctrinated from a ridiculous age with all things footy.....choosing your team being the foremost. Luckily in Geelong, it's a no brainer: the Cats have won the premiership 3 times in 5 years. My son's reason for barrackking for them? "I like cats and kittens" Bless...... I want my lads to be fully conversant in both ways of life, so they fit in seamlessly in either country. So over the next few months before he starts school in feb 2012, we as a family are gonna attempt to Aussie up (a bit, not too much hopefully). So.....kicking a footy ball in the park (bit difficult with my dodgy ankle), I've been getting him into playing cricket in backyard, maybe even get him to Milo cricket, maaaaaaybe into Auskick next year. We're going camping next month which should be a laugh, the boys cannot wait. Blimey, at this rate we'll be getting a tinny next..... Is this a familar experience with anyone? I think there's more pressure on boys with this sort of stuff. Another thing which I find baffling is kids' (as young as 3 or 4) familiarity with xbox, playstation, wii and all that crap

Our aussie police checks have just arrived and our names are spelt wrong on them!!!! Spent $86 on them to get them back wrong!!!:arghh: Dont understand how they are wrong coz we had to send copies of passports/marriage certificate for our identification???????? Not sure what to do........:arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh:

There's been some concern over the past few months about house prices and the existence of a bubble here in Oz. The jury's still out, it seems, but for new arrivals wondering whether to take the plunge or not I came across this blog which admittedly has a SE Queensland flavour, but may have broader relevance: http://thewesternburbsblogger.blogspot.com It's a little opinionated in places but there's some useful info in the posts which could give you a flavour for what's going on out there and save you some legwork. Good luck either way!

Reet THis old guy over east i think (just been on the news) ,was burgled ,they took his life savings $70k . The scum bag was caught , he had bought cars with the money. These cars were auctioned off or sold , the money given to the old dude WRONG the government pocketed the money , so heads up you uk bashers the law is ****e here unless you arer aboriginal that is Mally ban me truth is the truth

Hi all, I wonder if you guys can help?? I am a 29 yr old English lady and my fiance is Aussie. We have been together for 7 years and lived together for 5 years and have two cats I am due to qualify as a registered Mental Health nurse in Feb 2013 so want to start getting a checklist together ready to move to Aus as soon as i qualify. I dont think I would qualify for the sponsored visa as will have no work experience as a registered nurse as want to go asap. I think the de- facto visa is the one for us...although we dont want to get married for a few years yet! Has anyone any experience as a newly qualified nurse and obtaining a job?? How long roughly would it take to apply and be granted a de-facto visa as will probs need to start after xmas.How and where do you have your medicals and is the police checks the same as a CRB?? Any information or experience will be fantastic. My fiances visa runs out in April 2013 so we have 2 months after i qualify as extra time! Thanks so much Gem xx

I'm an Aussie expat who has been living in the UK for the past 6 or 7 years. I was traveling around the world when I met my British hubby and because I had no ties in Oz at the time it was easier for us to settle here at the time. We have always intended to move back to Oz at some stage and now the time has come to start planning. At the time, after organising a visa, I just packed a suitcase and got on the plane. DH already had a house, car and job so moving was easy. Now we are a family of 3 (with another on the way!) so it's going to be a much bigger operation. We have a lot to learn about the best way to go about this: jobs for both of us, which location, cars, house (we're planning to rent for a while because house prices in Oz are still outrageous), nursery and of course transport of all our 'stuff'. It seems such a logistical nightmare compared to when I moved away! We're not planning to move for 2-3 years so luckily have some time to plan and are looking forward to learning much from everyone here. :cool: