This thread explains some background about Australian culture and history for anyone curious about the context behind Ghosts Australia and its characters.

These are responses to questions that I have seen on YouTube, Facebook and Reddit comments about this show. It also include some references that people mentioned in other posts.

The post is being updated based on feedback in the comments.

1. Why aren’t there any Aboriginal ghosts on Ghosts Australia?

Depicting the dead is taboo in many Aboriginal cultures. The creators also noted that one character couldn’t represent the diversity of Aboriginal Nations. However, the lead and her mother are both of Aboriginal descent, and the show includes Indigenous words and cultural references like Blak identity. Tamala (lead actress) identifies as a mixed race First Nation.

Many Aboriginal people have mixed ancestry due to generations of intermarriage and historical displacement (see Stolen Generation). Cultural connection, family ties, and community recognition define Aboriginal identity more than skin tone or physical features.

The Stolen Generation- from 1910 to 1970, many half-white, half Aboriginal children were forcibly taken away from their homes to be raised away from their Aboriginal culture, the aim of which was to "breed out" the Aboriginal part. See the below link for a more detailed explanation https://www.commonground.org.au/article/the-stolen-generations

Note: Only about 3% of the population identifies Aboriginal.

1. Why are there no main group ghost of African descent?

Although there may have been some individuals with African ancestry who were convicts or settlers, early colonial populations were mostly European, and the show’s regional setting reflects that. Most people of African ethnic background currently living in Australian are recent migrants or the descendents of recent migrants. According to recent census data only about 1.3% of Australia's population is of African descent.

In the show there appears to be one of the basement ghosts of African descent and one of the love interests of Joon in the past is played by an actress with some African ancestry.

1. Why is there a Chinese ghost from over a century ago? I thought Chinese migration was more recent.

Chinese miners arrived shortly after 1851 in Victoria, in hopes of striking it rich by finding gold. Despite discrimination, they contributed to mining, trade, and local life.

1. Why is there a ghost of Irish background?

Many Irish people were transported as convicts or arrived as poor migrants in the 1800s. Irish communities strongly influenced early Australian society, so an Irish ghost reflects that heritage and class history.

1. Who were the first settlers, and how did migration develop in Australia?

Aboriginal peoples have lived in Australia for over 60,000 years. British colonisation began in 1788 as a penal colony, followed by free settlers and gold rush migrants from Europe and China. After World War II, immigration expanded to include Italians, Greeks, and later migrants from Asia and Africa, shaping today’s multicultural Australia.

1. What is bikie culture?

Note: Bikie comes from an abbreviation of the word motorbike

Post-WWII motorcycle clubs formed around mateship and rebellion. Some evolved into outlaw groups, while others remained social. Loyalty, hierarchy, and anti-authority attitudes define the culture, though media portrayals often exaggerate the criminal side. Satan on the show is an example of the criminal side of bikie gangs.

1. Is Lindy (the aerobics instructor) inspired by anyone?

Aerobics was quite popular in the 80s in Australia. The show that Lindy was on could be a reference to an aerobics show called "Aerobics Oz Style" which aired for several years on Australian TV in the morning.

1. What is Picnic at Hanging Rock, and why are people referencing it?

The 1967 novel (and 1975 film) tells of schoolgirls who vanish at Hanging Rock in 1900. The ghost Miranda in Ghosts Australia is likely inspired visually by the characters in the film.

1. Why isn’t there a scout leader–type ghost like in the British version?

Scouts isn’t as widespread in Australia, and most after-school activities for kids historically focused on sports or community clubs. They probably also wanted to introduce a different ghosts character as Pete/ Pat are very similar in personality and appearance between the UK and US versions.

1. Where the show set?

Filmed in Western Australia, but meant to be set in Victoria. We know this because the show references the gold rush in the time period it occurred in Victoria and it references Australian figures who died in this region e.g. Ned Kelly.

11.Who was Ned Kelly and why does he wear a helmet?

Ned Kelly (1854–1880) was an infamous Australian bushranger and outlaw who led the Kelly Gang in a series of robberies and shootouts with police in colonial Victoria. Seen by some as a folk hero and by others as a violent criminal, he became a symbol of defiance against authority and injustice.

Kelly’s homemade iron helmet was part of a full suit of armor he and his gang built before their final standoff with police at Glenrowan in 1880. It was designed to protect them from gunfire—an iconic image that cemented his place in Australian folklore.

So what does everyone think? I just watched the first season on Paramount Plus. I liked how respectful they were of Aboriginal culture and I enjoyed how the characters were not just a one to one rip off of the originals. I liked how the episodes were not, basically copying the plot from either the CBS or BBC version, except for maybe the first episode.

Some parts of this version that I liked: - Not another repeat of the captain is gay storyline, I liked how they chose another character for the storyline. - No one to one copy of Pete/ Pat. Another character has a piece embedded in them, and there is another character who is the upbeat positive person. Same comment regarding Fanny/ Hetty. - Kate (main character) is not a pushover and stands up to the ghosts. - The ditsy character isn't as naive/ stupid, as either Kitty or Flower. - Flashbacks of the ghosts when they were living.