Cold weather does not mean a pest-free home. Some pests, like termites, remain active all-year round and winter is peak season for mice and rats preferring your house instead of outdoors. Bed bugs and cockroaches are also on the list of invaders to look out for. Infestations have wide-ranging consequences, including hygiene risks and even home devaluation. Learn how to prevent, identify, and deal with them.

Australia's warm climate offers an abundant supply of solar energy year-round, making solar power an increasingly significant contributor to the nation's electricity supply. Learn what the requirements are for installing solar power systems in your home.

Thinking of installing solar panels? Here's what you need to know

Shared housing is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, as more people look to reduce rental costs. So, what key factors should you consider when searching for shared accommodation, and how can you avoid potential scams?

Understanding shared housing in Australia

Astronomical knowledge of celestial objects influences and informs the life and law of First Nations people.

Indigenous astronomy: How the sky informs cultural practices

Understanding how dental care works in Australia can be crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. Learn how to access dental services, the costs involved, and some essential dental health tips to keep you and your family smile bright.

Why is dental health care expensive in Australia?

In Australia, workplace codes of conduct differ from company to company, but some standard unwritten rules are generally followed in most businesses and industries. There are also a few unspoken rules in the Australian workplace that can evolve into a set of social norms. Here is how to navigate and familiarise yourself with these unwritten rules when starting a new job.

What are the unwritten rules in the Australian workplace?

How to protect your home from Australia’s common pests

Understanding and respecting Indigenous knowledge of medicine may be the key to providing more holistic and culturally sensitive care in today's healthcare setting.

Embracing the wisdom of traditional Indigenous medicine

Experts say that dealing with bullying behaviours is never easy but always necessary, as the harm caused can impact children for years. To provide up-to-date advice on supporting a child experiencing bullying at school or online, we consult specialists in education, psychology, and cyberbullying response.

Is your child being bullied at school or online? Key steps you need to take

Every day, pedestrians across Australia break the law without knowing it. This can result penalties and occasionally accidents. Stay safe and avoid an unexpected fine by familiarising yourself with some of Australia’s common pedestrian laws.

Good reasons to observe the pedestrian road rules

Are you familiar with Australia’s legal system? As a federation of six states and two territories, Australia has laws that apply nationally, as well as laws specific to each jurisdiction. Additionally, there are parallel structures of federal and state courts. Learn the basics of how the legal system works, from understanding Australian laws to accessing legal assistance.

Understanding Australia’s legal system: laws, courts and accessing legal assistance

Major regulatory changes in 2024 have brought about restricted access to vaping products in Australia. The crackdown on what is dubbed a “major public health issue” could lead to an increased number of teens seeking support to overcome the nicotine addiction, experts think. Learn about the health risks and ways to help young people in their quitting journey.

Vaping: prevalence, risks, and helping your teenager quit

Aggressive driving is a continuum of bad driving behaviours which increase crash risk and can escalate to road rage. People who engage in road rage may be liable for traffic offences in Australia, have their car insurance impacted and most importantly put their lives and those of others at risk. Learn about the expectations around safe, responsible driving and what to do when you or a loved one are involved in a road rage incident.

What is road rage and how to deal with it?

Observing the cultural protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an important step towards understanding and respecting the First Australians and the land we all live on.

Why are Indigenous protocols important for all Australians?

In Australia, 30 June marks the end of the financial year and the start of tax time. Knowing your obligations and rebates you qualify for, helps avoid financial penalties and mistakes. Learn what to do if you received family support payments, worked from home, are lodging a tax return for the first time, or need free independent advice.

How to lodge your tax return in Australia

Many common household items such as mobile phones, TVs, computers, chargers, and other electronic devices, including their batteries, contain valuable materials that can be repurposed for new products. Electronic items we no longer use, or need are considered e-waste. Across Australia, there are government-backed programs available that facilitate the safe disposal and recycling of e-waste at no cost.

How to recycle electronic items and batteries in Australia

Teaching in Australia offers stable career and professional growth opportunities, making it an attractive field for aspiring educators and career changers.

Exploring the rewards and opportunities of teaching in Australia 

Embracing their oral traditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used art as a medium to pass down their cultural stories, spiritual beliefs, and essential knowledge of the land.

Indigenous art: Connection to Country and a window to the past

Australia is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provides extensive protections to religious freedom. However, specific legislated protections vary across jurisdictions. If you have experienced religious discrimination at work, it is important to know your options, whether you are considering submitting a complaint or pursuing the matter in court.

Facing religious discrimination at work? These are your options

Australians are coffee-obsessed, so much so that Melbourne is often referred to as the coffee capital of the world. Getting your coffee order right is serious business, so let’s get you ordering coffee like a connoisseur.

Australia’s coffee culture explained

Are you an expectant or new parent? You or your partner may experience the so-called ‘baby blues’ when your baby is born. But unpleasant symptoms are mild and temporary. Postnatal depression is different and can affect both parents. Knowing the difference and how to access support for yourself or your partner is crucial for your family’s wellbeing.

Baby blues or postnatal depression? How to help yourself and your partner

The Frontier Wars is a term often used to describe the more than 100 years of violent conflicts between colonial settlers and the Indigenous peoples that occurred during the British settlement of Australia. Even though Australia honours its involvement in wars fought overseas, it is yet to acknowledge the struggle that made it the country it is today.

What were the Australian Wars and why is history not acknowledged?

In Australia, authorities strongly advise against eating mushrooms that have not been expertly identified or purchased from a supermarket or grocer, as some fungi can be toxic or deadly if consumed. In each State and Territory, rules and regulations vary, and mushroom foraging is not allowed in some areas.

Mushroom foraging in Australia: Is it safe?

Australians have access to a quality and affordable public healthcare system. There's also the option to pay for private health insurance, allowing shorter waiting times and more choices when visiting hospitals and specialists.

Should you consider private health insurance?

The land holds a profound spiritual significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, intricately intertwined with their identity, belonging, and way of life.

Understanding the profound connections First Nations have with the land

All parents and carers want to ensure their children travel safely when in a car. In this episode, we explore some of the legal requirements and best practices for child car restraints to ensure that children have the maximum chance of survival in case of a crash.

How to maximise safety when using child car seats

Every week, impassioned Australians take to the streets, raising their voices in protest on important issues. Protesting is not an offence, but protesters sometimes test the limits of the law with extreme and antisocial behaviour. The chance of running into trouble depends on where you’re protesting and how you behave.

Navigating the implicit right to protest in Australia

Australia is the driest of all inhabited continents with considerable variation in rainfall, temperature and weather patterns across its different climate zones. Here's why this vast land boasts one of the planet's most unique climates.

Understanding Australia’s precious water resources and unique climate

Easter holds great significance for Christians. Yet, for those of different faiths or non-religious backgrounds, it presents a chance to relish a four-day weekend, partake in family and social gatherings, engage in outdoor activities, and attend events where children take centre stage. Here's your essential guide to celebrating Easter in Australia.

Australian Easter: Exploring social and cultural traditions beyond religion

Bankruptcy can be complicated for many people, as it can bring about feelings of financial shame and stigma. However, it may be the only way to alleviate financial distress in some cases. If you struggle to manage your debts, filing for bankruptcy could be an option.

Understanding bankruptcy and its consequences in Australia

Understanding the diversity within the First Nations of Australia is crucial when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and building meaningful relationships.

The importance of understanding cultural diversity among Indigenous peoples

As Muslims in Australia and around the world observe Ramadan, a month-long period of devotion and fasting, in this episode, we explore the religious significance of this holy month. 

What are Ramadan and Eid and how are they celebrated in Australia?

When coming across an advertisement for a job that interests you, understanding the subsequent steps is crucial. Preparing the requisite documentation and comprehending the recruiter's expectations will enhance your likelihood of securing that position.

How to prepare a job application: Tips for success

In an era where information travels at the speed of light, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between true and false. Whether deemed false news, misinformation, or disinformation, the consequences are the same - a distortion of reality that can affect people's opinions, beliefs, and even important decisions.

Tackling misinformation: How to identify and combat false news

Around three million Australians have a government loan through HELP, the Higher Education Loan Program. You too may be eligible to defer your tertiary tuition fees until you secure a job.

Are you eligible for the Higher Education Loan Program?

Weaving is one of the most complex and sophisticated examples of First Nations technology and culture. It produces objects of beauty, and the process itself has deep cultural significance. Weaving is a way to share knowledge, connect to people and country, invite mindfulness, and much more.

What is the cultural significance of First Nations weaving?

Under the Australian Family Law Act, couples in a de facto relationship are treated similarly to married couples. But what are their legal rights and obligations in case of separation, and what are the benefits and criteria for establishing a de facto status in the first place?

Not married but in a de facto relationship? Here’s what this means in Australia

"Lunar New Year", also known as the "Spring Festival", has become a significant part of Australian culture. The celebration is so popular that Sydney's version is considered the largest outside Asia.

What is Lunar New Year, and how is it celebrated in Australia?

Starting a business in Australia has several advantages. These include support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business growth through infrastructure, a skilled workforce, government initiatives, grants, funding, and tax incentives.

How to start your small business in Australia

In Australia, most job opportunities aren't openly advertised, so to find work, we must understand the Australian labour market and create our own opportunities. Tapping into the hidden job market and learning about migrant employment services can help break down the barriers to employment.

How to find a job in Australia?

First Nations advocates help amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in Australia. Here are some aspects to consider related to advocacy and “allyship” with First Nations communities.

How to become a First Nations advocate

Australian Boxing Day is a unique blend of cultural and commercial significance. While it doesn't have a solid religious connotation here, it's a day when Australians extend their Christmas festivities. It's often a time for family barbecues, cricket matches, and watching the iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race. On the other hand, many Australians look forward to this day to sweep the stores for the best bargains. 

All you need to know about Boxing Day in Australia 

Australia celebrates summer Christmas with beach visits, barbecues, and outdoor activities, creating a unique blend of traditional festivities and summer cheer.

What's Christmas like in Australia?

Make your festive season celebrations unique by incorporating native Australian ingredients into dishes and drinks.

Five ways to bring bush tucker to your festive plate

Listening to what your body needs is important throughout the year, but it becomes even more crucial during extreme weather. Here are some essential tips to beat the Australian summer.

Five tips to keep safe and cool during an Australian summer

Australia has thousands of kilometres of spectacular coastline, and a trip to the beach for a swim is a much-celebrated part of the lifestyle – whether to cool off, keep fit, or to socialise. Being aware of beach safety is vital to minimise the risk of getting into trouble in the water. This includes understanding the threat that sharks pose to minimise the chance of encountering a shark and being aware of shark behaviour, so you know how to react to stay safe.

Facing a shark while swimming? Here's what to do

Whether a child has experienced trauma overseas or in Australia, whether it occured recently or in the distant past, with the appropriate assistance, a child can recover. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children regain a sense of safety and well-being. Here are some steps and strategies for parents to support their child's recovery from trauma.

How can parents help a child recover from trauma?

Australians are known for their laid-back culture and seize every opportunity to celebrate special occasions. But it's not only business events that come with etiquette rules to follow; every party, no matter how casual, has its unspoken cultural expectations.

Attending or hosting an Australian party? Here’s what you need to know

Many men are taught to remain strong in the face of adversity. However, when pursuing their dreams of resettlement in Australia, things can take an emotional toll, leading to strained family relationships and shattered aspirations. 

Why do men's mental health and wellbeing matter?

As more Australians than ever seek ways to manage their living costs, many are turning to personal loans. When shopping for options, it's important to research and carefully consider your circumstances before signing on the dotted line.

When should you consider applying for a personal loan?

Australia’s long-term emissions reduction plan sets out to address climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels, and together, everyone can make a difference to achieve it.

'Net Zero 2050' explained: Australia's long-term emissions reduction plan

Do you have a neglected musical instrument sitting at home? Perhaps you want your child to experience the countless benefits of music lessons. Or maybe you’ve always longed to play in a group. Whatever the reason, learning to play an instrument is enjoyable and a social experience, with opportunities all around you.

Is it your time to learn a musical instrument?

Australians throw more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing into landfill each year. That’s an average of 10 kilograms of clothing per person. We can help combat Australia’s textile waste crisis by choosing to recycle, donate, and swap our unwanted clothing.

Australia explained: Disposing of unwanted clothes

Australia is home to an enormous variety of animal and plant species. Getting involved in a BioBlitz allows one to investigate what species exist in a particular area and expand scientific knowledge.

What is a BioBlitz and how can you be involved in helping science

Depending on where you live in Australia, selling a second-hand car differs. Regardless of your state or territory, the following checklist can help you navigate your vehicle selling experience successfully and stress-free.

How to sell your second-hand car in Australia

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is an important tax liability added to your taxable income for the financial year. It is not a separate tax. Read more to understand what it is and how the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) enforces it.

What is Capital Gains Tax and who needs to pay it?

Becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting and rewarding experience for many migrants. But to achieve citizenship, you must first pass the Australian citizenship test. It measures your knowledge of Australia's history, culture, values, and political system. 

How do you prepare for the Australian citizenship test? 

Who doesn’t love a picnic outdoors when the weather is right? Park hangouts are a favourite for people in Australia. Here are some rules and etiquette tips for when using your local park to ensure everyone is enjoying their time.

City park rules and etiquette in Australia: what's allowed and what's not

If you’re out travelling or exploring in Australia and encounter injured or ill wildlife, knowing how best to help will ensure the animals get the required care.

How to help injured wildlife in Australia

The decision to begin childcare at an early stage might appear beneficial for both your child and your career. However, it has the potential to disrupt the lives of many families, particularly those who are new migrants or first-time parents. What steps can recently arrived migrants take to adequately prepare their families for effectively managing this challenge?

Managing daycare sickness: tips for new migrants and first-time parents

Unlike some other countries, Australians do not pay an inheritance tax on the assets they inherit. Even so, strict inheritance laws are in place, and with more than 50 per cent of Australians dying without a Will, the courts often intervene.

Decoding Australia's inheritance laws: your rights and obligations explained

Learning English can serve as both a requirement for your student visa and a pathway to future academic pursuits. It also has the potential to enhance your career prospects or become a personal goal. With so many study options and informal learning opportunities, there should be few obstacles to improving your English skills.

Mastering English proficiency: steps to boost your language skills

Australians will vote in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum on October 14. Here’s what you need to know about the process, including why it’s taking place, and the information that communities can expect to help guide their decisions at the polls.

Voice Referendum: What is it and why is Australia having one?

The award-winning, SBS Audio's multi-platform series "Settlement Guide" has rebranded to "Australia Explained". The series will remain as a weekly podcast and article offering, committed to support new migrants navigate life in Australia. Stay tuned for a wealth of expert advice and firsthand experiences shared by fellow migrants aimed at making your transition to Australia both enriching and fulfilling.

'Settlement Guide' is now 'Australia Explained'

Making friends is one of the biggest challenges people can face in a new country. We naturally form support networks with people from similar cultural backgrounds – but imagine taking a leap and expanding your friendship circle. Cross-cultural friendships will improve your outlook and heighten your sense of belonging.

Make friends in Australia: the importance of cross-cultural friendships

If you own a pet cat or are planning to, being a responsible cat owner will help keep your cat safe and protect Australia’s native wildlife as well.

What does responsible cat ownership involve?

Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations. It’s also currently one of the hardest places to find rental accommodation. More than ever, it’s important to understand the housing options that cater exclusively to the needs of students.

What accommodation is available to students?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians relocate interstate for work, education, lifestyle, family, or better community support. As laws, regulations and service providers may differ around the country; a checklist can help your move go smoother.

What are the requirements when moving interstate?

Negative gearing is a common term associated with investment properties in Australia. It refers to a situation where the expenses incurred in owning and operating an investment property exceed the returns generated from it. So what is the concept of negative gearing and its implications?

What is negative gearing and how can it benefit property investors?

Regardless of your job, requesting for pay increase when you believe you deserve one is an expected part of Australian workplace culture. In some cases, an increase in your salary may even be a legal requirement. Here's the advice from experts that you should consider before initiating a pay conversation with your boss.

How to ask for a pay rise in Australia

When travelling overseas, Australians may require vaccinations to protect themselves against infectious diseases that are either absent in Australia or more prevalent in other parts of the world. Here's how you can best prepare for your trip.

Essential vaccinations Australians may need when travelling overseas

Under the Family Law Act the welfare rights of the child guide all parenting negotiations following separation or divorce. A child under 18 cannot legally decide where to live, therefore there are resources available to help parents agree on care arrangements that are safe, practical and child-focused.

How do you make parenting arrangements after separation?

Australians are fortunate to have choice when it comes to finding a schooling system that suits our children and our circumstances. This is particularly true of metropolitan areas. With excellent educational opportunities across three sectors, choosing the right school can be a difficult decision for parents to make.

Understanding the Australian school sectors

Right now, fewer than 50,000 rental properties are available across the country. Two years ago, that number was almost double. With the vacancy rate at a historic low, finding a rental property is tougher than ever. Understanding the process will give you a head start.

How to find a rental property in Australia

About one in nine people in Australia are carers — people who look after an ageing or frail relative or friend, or for someone living with a health condition or disability. But many carers do not recognise themselves as such, or know there is a range of free support services available to them.

Caring for carers: How to access carer support services in Australia

Family, domestic and sexual violence are major health and welfare issues in Australia, as two in five people have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. Family violence can affect anybody, but migrant women face additional barriers when they need to get help.

How to prevent family violence in migrant communities in Australia

Home is supposed to be the place where we feel most comfortable. But our comfort zone can be shattered when we don’t get along with our neighbours. Here's how you can resolve a neighbourhood dispute without going to court.

How to resolve disputes with your neighbours in Australia

In Australia, sexual violence is a criminal offence. If you have been forced, threatened, coerced, or tricked into a sex act against your will, you may wish to report it to the police for the perpetrator to face charges. However, this process may be legally and emotionally taxing. Here’s what to expect.

What happens when you report non-consensual sex or rape in Australia?

In Australia, non-consensual sexual activity is a criminal offence, whether it takes place in real life or online. In some jurisdictions, alleged perpetrators accused of sexual assault or rape must prove in court that they obtained consent before engaging in sexual activity. So, how can you ensure you’re having consensual sex?

How can you ensure sexual consent?

Identity crime is a significant threat in Australia, with a growing number of people falling victim every year. Those impersonated often face severe consequences, including financial losses, damage to their credit score, and legal ramifications. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of having your personal information stolen or misused.

How to protect yourself from identity theft in Australia

Fines are monetary penalties for breaking the law. Ignoring a fine comes with significant ramifications, no matter where you live in Australia.

Copped a fine? Here's what you need to do to pay it and avoid the hefty consequences of non-compliance

Moving to a different country long-term often comes with multiple emotional trials. As migrants endure the rollercoaster of culture shock and adapting to a foreign environment, many often feel a complex sense of displacement and identity loss. So, what can migrants do to cope and feel ‘whole’ again?

What is migratory grief? Can migrants ever overcome their sense of loss and displacement?

Being involved in a motor vehicle collision can be overwhelming, even when no one is injured and the damage to vehicles or property is minor. Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to do if you are caught in a major or minor car crash in Australia, how you can seek help, and what your rights are if you are at fault or not.

Everything you need to do if you are in a car crash in Australia

Divorce is one of the most stressful transitions people can experience in life. Given the high financial and emotional costs of going to court, the Australian legal system incentivises mediation and family dispute resolution alternatives prior to litigation.

How to resolve divorce disputes without going to court

Home fire safety goes beyond having smoke alarms installed. In Australia, fatal residential fires are sadly common, despite being preventable. Here’s what you need to know to stop one from breaking out in your home.

Fire safety at home: How to prevent one of Australia's deadliest natural hazards

Driving a car offers independence and increases job opportunities, but it also comes with the great responsibility of keeping roads safe. In Australia, drivers need to pass several assessments before they become fully licensed. Migrants may be eligible to convert their overseas licences to Australian ones through an abridged process, but this depends on their personal circumstances.

How to get an Australian driver’s licence

Accidents and sudden illness can strike anywhere. First aid training can make all the difference, from treating an injury at a critical time to saving a life. In Australia, there are various options for first aid training according to your needs and budget.

Knowing first aid can save lives. Here's where and how to get trained in Australia

Superannuation is complex. Did you know that your savings are not forever lost even if you have an inactive super account? But what is the recovery process? And what happens to super if moving overseas or when the account holder dies? Here's your complete guide to super.

How to protect your retirement fund, find lost super and what to do if moving overseas

Medicare subsidises a wide range of essential medical services, including visits to the doctor, blood and pathology tests, scans, x-rays, and some surgeries or procedures. It also covers annual eye tests by an optometrist, as well as child immunisations.

How to access low-cost medical services in Australia

Abortion is an essential healthcare service in Australia. Women have access to termination options early in the pregnancy, but navigating choices to suit personal circumstances isn’t always straightforward.

How to access abortion services in Australia

When we think of Australian beaches, sharks often come to mind. On average one fatal attack is reported each year, but in the same period we averaged 122 coastal drowning deaths, with 25 per cent due to dangerous rip currents. Knowing where and when to swim is the best defence against these beach hazards.

How to keep safe from Australia’s beach hazards

Australians place great value in green spaces. The personal, community and environmental benefits of plant life are profound. This is why regulations are in place to guide what we can and can’t do in our gardens and streets.

The importance of greening where you live

In Australia, the quickest way to get an ambulance in a medical emergency, is by dialling Triple Zero (000).  Here is a guide on how and when to call an ambulance in all Australian states and territories.

How to call an ambulance anywhere in Australia

Bushwalkers are rescued every day in Australia. Careful preparation will reduce your chances of getting lost. But if you do lose your way, some smart choices will increase the likelihood that you are found.

What to do if you get lost while bushwalking

Moving out or doing a home clean-up? Unwanted, bulky household items for disposal are considered hard waste. Here’s what you need to know to get rid of them responsibly and safely.

How to dispose of hard rubbish without getting fined

In Australia, there are 14 rights that protect anyone receiving government-funded aged care, whether at home or at a residential facility. But what happens if you or a loved one are unsatisfied with the service?

Your aged care rights in Australia and how to make a complaint

Australia has many venomous animal and insect species. Knowing what to do and what to avoid when bitten by a snake or spider can help save a life. Here’s the expert advice on how to respond whether you suffer a venomous or non-venomous bite.

Australian snakes and spiders: What to do if bitten

In the last decade, Australia has experienced some of its worst flooding in recorded history. Knowing how to prepare for severe weather could save your property. Deciding whether or not to evacuate and how, could save your life.

How to best prepare before a severe storm or a flood in Australia

Regular physical activity is essential for good physical and mental health and wellbeing. Community sport is informal and inclusive, and the benefits for newly arrived migrants can be profound.

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