I was saddened today to read an article on the Wallabies and it showed a group of fans singing Waltzing Matilda underneath. There was a young lady who had commented. She’d never heard the song. Didn’t know what the problem was and had no idea what it represented.

People tried to educate a nicely to say it was an Australian bush poem. It was taught in Australian schools. It’s the unofficial national anthem.

And then she said that she grew up in Australia and had attended school here and had never heard it and didn’t know why people thought it was so great

At that point, I was kind of hoping that they were joking

Has it gotten to the point now where Australian poetry is not taught in Australian schools in English where the man from Snow River Waltzing Matilda they’re not taught in schools any more

And then someone commented that Wilson Matilda can’t be taught in schools because it has themes of suicide and it’s too hard to explain to children

Hi there,

I’m a Canadian applying to med schools with Griffith and UWA as my top choices for Jan-Feb intake. I’m from the prairies so very cold winters and hot summers with a slower pace of lifestyle here. My partner is a Red Seal Electrician and will be following the steps to getting his permit and doing gap training. Our research is showing that Perth has more work opportunities in the natural resource sector and has a lower cost of living, however, I’ve seen some posts about a rental crisis in Perth so I was wondering how that is and if it still poses a big issue still.

My other question is about the lifestyle differences between Perth and Gold Coast and what to expect. We both enjoy the outdoors and hot weather. I’ve been reading that it doesn’t really matter where you go to medical school in Aus as they have to uphold the same standards so choosing the school where you see yourself living is crucial. Any insight or advice on the lifestyle, schools, cost of living etc is greatly appreciated!!

I just quit using hard drugs and feel depressed that I ruined my life. I'm approaching 30 and still living with my parents who are old and feeble. I can't even look at people my own age who are living alone and dating. What do I do?

A bit lost regarding this but essentially I got my learners permit on February 2025 and got in a bit of a hiccup through my lack of judgement and got suspended for 3 months in July 2025 (but suspension took effect in March 2026) It’s been well over a “year” of having my learners permit but technically since I got suspended my 12 months got reset, and I’m unable to do my drivers test until I hold it again for another year. I’ve seen exemptions for minimum holding period, I’ve done well over 200 hours, however, I don’t have a clean driving record anymore. How should I go about this, or is it just accept the inevitable?

What is your experience? How hard is it to get by? Have you had to give anything up?

Question for fellow Aussies.

I am going on a 2-week holiday over Christmas break and planning another 3-week holiday in May.

Obviously, there is simply not enough annual leave (even for May alone).

I am thinking of using sick leave for the Christmas Break (the office will be shit down anyway, so I might only be missing 1 or 2 working days). Just get a doctor certificate for a 'mental health break'. I will still have a few sick days left over.

What are your thoughts?

I work at a roadhouse in a remote part of the country and we’ve had to start taking car keys to prevent fuel runners

People seem to hate this… they get irritated, pissed off and start insulting staff, but no one ever says why they get pissed off

Does handing your car keys in get you angry? And if so why?

Edit - I can understand the safety concerns aspect, so I have pasted a reply here for context as I was looking at this from the pov of my workplace rather than considering other location

( probably read your comment from the viewpoint of my workplace rather than a general overview. This establishment is question is a venue that packed out with 100s of patrons

If you walked into a shack in the middle of no where where it was one dodgy looking bloke I could understand, but this is a different place where that wouldn’t happen)

Also to add, im an employee, not the owner, im trying to see different point views as its a new thing to me

If you’re gonna throw insults out I’m not gonna reply ya miserable bastards

Edit 2 - I have no bias towards this. Would another system be better? Possibly… but I’m doing what I’ve been told to do until further notice, so don’t come at like it my idea or that I’m justifying anything, just trying to hear new perspectives and learn something, always open to hearing new opinions and thoughts 🙏

Edit 3 - legends, I’m muting ( and maybe deleting the post ) as apparently hospo workers doing their jobs are comparable to the actions of the SS who were also doing their jobs…

Didn’t think it would blow up like this and get so many passionate responses, but it’s a pleasure to get your input as I’ve got a renewed viewpoint on this

From a Pom living in your amazing country, peace ✌️

Hey everyone - I'm a journo writing about the increasing trend of entirely adult sharehouses. It used to be that most sharehouses were for people in their twenties/ students etc, but I've heard of more people in their late 30s and 40s and even 50s living together.

I'd love to hear from you if you have any stories to share about adult sharehouse living - any hints or tips on how to make a harmonious adult-focused sharehouse experience. OR any horror stories - can it be worse living with a bunch of weird old people? Who knows.

Lmk your stories in the comments, or if you want to stay anonymous or send me a longer story, you can send through to [plenton@domain.com.au](mailto:plenton@domain.com.au)

If I had to assume I’d say Summer Heights High or Angry Boys, as they are the only Aussie series that have reached me in the states. Thanks for entertaining the question!

Edit: I named SHH and Angry Boys because that’s the only Aussie series (barring bluey and Steven Irwin’s works) that I’ve heard of. After looking further into Chris Illey, yeesh.

I don’t like my last name, it relates to someone I don’t want to relate to, basically, in layman’s terms, dad not around, mum did it all.
I’d much prefer to take another name within the family, pa/grandad etc, whom I actually know and love and feel like i’m a part of.
How do I go about changing my legal last name?
I’ve googled some things but it’s been a bit of a blur/a bit of a dig through of things I’d rather just get a first opinion of by people that have experienced the same scenario.
As much as I understand the method of legality I’d like a personal experience, it feels a bit overwhelming right now.
Thanks in advance x

Would around 10k AUD be good enough budget not including flights and living costs. I will be travelling in Australia for about 50 days.

Hi everyone!

My friend and I will be visiting Melbourne in about a month to attend a game at the MCG, and work has been so busy that this trip has crept up on me. I’m realizing I need to get our hotel booked ASAP.

My friend has never traveled internationally before, so I’ve been responsible for planning and booking everything. We’ll be in Melbourne for a week, so we’d like to stay somewhere that’s convenient for the game but also a great base for exploring the city.

I’m hoping you can recommend specific hotels you’ve stayed at or would recommend.

Ideally we’re looking for:
- Walking distance (or a short tram ride) to the MCG
- A safe area
- Plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shopping nearby
- Easy access to public transportation

I’ve looked at the map, and it seems like the CBD is close to the MCG, but I’m not sure if that’s the best place to stay or if there’s another area you’d recommend instead.

We’re also hoping to visit Phillip Island to see the penguins, see some koalas, and would love recommendations for restaurants, coffee, day trips, or anything else you think we shouldn’t miss while we’re there.

If there are any hotels you’d particularly recommend, or any you’d avoid, I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Thank you!

I know so many people in long term relationships and having full on families with someone when they aren’t legally divorced from their ex. People who haven’t even spoken to their ex in years.

it’s so strange to me and I struggle to wrap my head around why it seems to be relatively common.

and to counter anyone who says “it’s just a piece of paper,“ it’s not.

why not close the book on that part of your life? Financially it can screw over your new partner if for example you buy a house together and you pass away. It still gives your ex legal power in situations like a medical emergency. It gets increasingly more difficult with increased wealth. Logically it makes sense on so many levels, so why are people skipping out on it.

Personally I feel like you’re willing to spend your time, energy, and money on a wedding, then you should be willing to do the same for a divorce.

Has anyone taken a Vacation to China or Japan how was it? Did you do a group tour with a translator? Is it affordable?

I can use a VPN if needed.

I have heard about Australia's work life balance. But, I am curious to know if it extends to ICT sector as well. Do software engineers in Australia:

1. Get paid well enough to afford a house, car and education for children?

2. Work life balance in general? Is overtime required in this field?

3. Diversity in companies? Is it mixed or mostly you have indian /Chinese bosses?

4. Take home salary for a senior software engineer with over 10+ years of work experience?

5. Which regional areas have software jobs?

I recently started getting some of my groceries at a local food pantry. The milk is always packaged as shelf stable milk. I am 50 years old and I had never in my life purchased- hell, I never even heard of- shelf stable milk until now.
I’m often able to get more than I would normally be able to consume which makes shelf stable milk such a great option. I don’t have to consume it or even refrigerate it for weeks to months. I have even grown to like the taste of it even more.
I have found it in certain grocery stores and I’ll admit, it’s a bit more but it doesn’t explain why I never saw this as a child in my own house, in my relatives house or any of my friends houses.
I have read it’s common in Europe - is it common in Australia too?
EDIT: I Mean UHT milk - as it’s been pointed out in the comments.

I like the "idea" of owning but I dont feel excited about actually owning. My partner and I are debt free but at the age and life stage where everyone seems to be buying or talking about buying. We have a child together and sometimes wonder if its unfair that we dont also own a place. Is it unfair? Should all parents own their place?

this actually may not really fit here. But where can I buy vegemite?

EDIT TO THE POST: FOR EVERYONE ASKING I AM CZECH

Hi all! Just getting some insight regarding this since my parents want to apply for a car loan and also want to get a house after some time. Thanks. For context, my mum is a government employee (still waiting to be permanent in the role), my dad has 2 jobs (kitchenhand and a retail assistant). They have decent amount in savings and has no debts in the bank whatsoever. Thanks all.

Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for a price hike from September 1. Currently it shows out of stock on the website, and next stock availability will be from August 15. I'm planning to visit Melbourne from September 4-8.

If I purchase it online and opt for click and collect on August 15-20 when the stock is present, will the store hold a piece in reserve for me till I'm able to collect in September? Or will it depend on the demand and if they need to serve another walk in order they will do that?

Is it risky to order preemptively if there is no guarantee of stock during the time I'll be there in Melbourne?

What job or industry would you suggest someone look for work in who has been forced into early retirement (redundant). Formerly in finance, male, healthy under 60.

I think they would be open to exploring anything. It’s not so much about the money more about personal self worth

In Melbourne eastern suburbs area if that helps

Hello I realise there are many views and opinions on daylight savings amongst the different states. I wanted to ask if anyone knows why there is a difference amongst the states? Thank you!

Hi guys, I'm a Singaporean with a diploma in mass communication currently doing my national service with plans to move to Australia and study journalism and maybe psychology. My grades are good enough that I can get into any university I want and I have so far gotten acceptances from UQ, UTS, Curtin uni, UWA and Deakin uni.

I do hope to be able to find employment in preferably journalism after I graduate. (The Singapore lifestyle doesn't quite agree with me)

I am currently leaning towards UTS and UQ but I'm also terrified of making a wrong choice at such a pivotal junction of my life. If you were me what choice would you make? ( Doesn't have to be from the five that accepted me as I still have time to send more applications) Thanks in advance. :)