Tag

study in australia

Things you probably got wrong about Melbourne

The article is written by Paola Bianchi Cover pic by Kieren Andrews

Is general knowledge that Eureka Tower is the tallest building, that the tram network is one of the largest one in the world, and that the city is full of alleys with ever-changing graffiti. We have seen these images all over the web. All these are real facts. But there is some information about this city that you might get wrong.

It is not the most liveable city in the world

Melbourne has been chosen several years in a row as the most liveable city in the world. But not anymore! According to the Economist Intelligence Unit rankings, Vienna is now the top number one in 2018. Melbourne got the second spot and Sydney got the fifth. Not because something is not going forward for Melburnians, but It seems that the Austrian city is doing even better.

Pic by Johan Mouchet

It is not ideal for night owls

Big cities are known for having stores open 24hs per seven days. So even if you get hungry at 3am, there is somewhere to go for a quick bite. However, in Melbourne is rare to find shops open that late. Shops shut down relatively early. As a general rule, cafes close by 4pm or 5pm, restaurants by 10pm or 11pm, retail stores at 6pm except on certain days like Friday.

Pic by Kevin laminto

Not many people live in the city

It’s said that Melbourne is home for around 4.5 million people. But as stats show, the residential population is over 148,000 (as of 2016) in the City of Melbourne. This area counts the CBD and some inner suburbs like Parkville and Southbank. That means that the grand majority lives in The Greater Melbourne. Another interesting fact is that almost 1 million walk in the city on an average weekday.

Pic by Akshay Chauhan

Hot wheatear doesn’t last long

When thinking about Australia, we usually imagine ourselves on a hot day sunbathing in white sandy beaches, spotting kangaroos in the wild and, let’s be honest, looking after our back while swimming because of sharks. That’s not the case at all about Melbourne. You might find wild fauna but the sunny hot days just last for the summer season which is December, January and February. The rest of the year tends to be cold, rainy and windy. Take a look at these averages temperatures:

Season	Average maximum	Average minimum
Summer (December to February): warm to hot	25°C (77°F)	14°C (57°F)
Autumn (March to May): mild	20°C (68°F)	11°C (52°F)
Winter (June to August): cool to brisk	14°C (57°F)	7°C (45°F)
Spring (September to November): cool to mild	20°C (68°F)	10°C (50°F)

Closest best surf spot is not Torquay

The west coast of Port Philip Bay is famous for its surfing. Mainly, Torquay beach is a favourite for all levels, and Bells beach is popular for the Rip Curl Competitions, both close to the Great Ocean Road. But if you head to the East coast of the bay and to the open sea you will find lots of fantastic surf spots like Flinders beach, The Pines, Honey Suckles, Serial and Gunnamatta Beach. The Gunnamatta Beach it’s known for having good waves and stable surf conditions throughout the year.

Pic by Alex Wigan

WHAT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WISH THEY KNEW BEFORE COMING TO AUSTRALIA

The article is written by Jane Churchill

LANGUAGE BARRIERS

Darren (Hong Kong): One thing I wish I knew before coming to Australia was that the English I knew was not the English many Australians speak (particularly young people)! I really struggled to understand people when I first arrived because almost every sentence has a slang word or strange expression in it. I wish I knew more Aussie-slang before I came so I wouldn’t have felt so confused!

Ingrid (Sweden): One thing I wish I knew before moving to Perth was how sarcastic the humour is here; I never know when people are joking or being serious! Australians will insult you- but they mean it in a nice way (this is a way they express their friendship). I have learnt that it is best to assume if an Australian says something rude, they are probably just joking!

INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS

Isabel (Sweden): Before coming to Australia I really did not know anything about the Indigenous Community here. Indigenous Australians are a big part of Australian culture and I think if I had done some research before moving I would have understood some of the issues like Australia Day a bit more. Also, Aboriginal traditions and culture are just really interesting and very different to Sweden obviously! I would encourage everyone to learn about Indigenous Australians before studying here.

helena-lopes-592971-unsplash

GETTING A JOB

Ligia (Colombia): I wish I knew how hard it was to find a job. As international students are limited to hours we can work, it was hard in the beginning to find a place that would hire me. As most Australian students also work part-time, there is much competition, especially in areas close to universities. I found that applying for jobs online was really a waste of time and that the best way is actually to just walk around and hand in your resume in person.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Darren (Hong Kong): Coming from a place where public transport is so good, I really struggled to adapt to how (bad) the public transport system is here (Perth). In particular, the buses. They are never on time! Sometimes they just don’t even show up. I have learnt to always have a backup plan and to allow extra time when using public transport…

CONVENIENCE

Emma (United States): I wish I knew that America is the land of convenience and that the rest of the world doesn’t operate in the same way. 24-hour food is just not a thing in Australia! There are only a very small amount of McDonald’s which are open 24 hours. I was also shocked to find out that many grocery stores close at 7pm, with the latest being 9pm (even in big cities). Before you move to Australia, learn to plan ahead! Even restaurants and cafes that are open for lunch and dinner will close in the early afternoon between 3pm-5pm.

kevin-grieve-714800-unsplash

Where in Melbourne should I live?

The article is written by Paola Bianchi Cover pic by @rhindaxu

You decided to stay in Melbourne for a while. Diversity, culture, music, food, opportunities. Great decision. Now, you have to decide where to live.

A quick explanation before choosing the location. In Australia, neighbourhoods are called suburbs and they represent urban areas close to the main city centre. This differs from other countries where suburbs mean the opposite. Victorian suburbs are under the management of a Municipality (Council). They are called ‘City of x’. To give an example; t the City of Melbourne municipality has 15 suburbs. There are at least 30 Councils and more than 300 suburbs. Check the full list.

How to choose where to live in? Which suburb would suit you better? Actually, the correct question is; in which neighbourhood would you fit better? Each of Melbourne’s suburbs has its own personality, mood and charisma.

I do not intend to make an exhaustive list here. Let’s just talk about some of the most popular ones near the CBD.

RICHMOND

Close to CBD, with difficult parking but excellent public connections to… everywhere. Residents are varied, from cool tattoo appearance to professional looking. Everyone is welcome. Plenty of cool bars and cafes, and the Vietnamese food rule. This friendly and hip suburb is hard to beat.

2 Richmond Pic by Josh Calabrese

CARLTON

Pasta and gelato. This suburb holds the Italian precinct, the Melbourne Museum, the University of Melbourne, beautifully restored Victorian buildings, green gardens, and one of the best tram networks.

3 Carlton Pic by @thethinblackframe

FITZROY

Bohemian, hipster and funky. A suburb that offers what is Melbourne known of. Bookshops, art galleries and boutique stores. Beards, barber shops, and where greatest baristas want to work. Pubs, remarkable cafés and trendy restaurants. Vintage biking is the way to move.
4 Fitzroy Pic by @louissamal

Note that Collingwood and Abbotsford are adjacent neighbourhoods with similar vibes. They have cheaper accommodation but not many good public transport connections.

BRUNSWICK & NORTHCOTE

Even though they are much far away from the business district centre, these suburbs are becoming the next cool place to live in. Alike Fitzroy, but less crowded and with a peaceful residential looking. Think of houses with garden, trees in the streets and organic stores. Unpretentious. Relax vibes and far cheaper accommodation options.

5 Northcote

Pic by Tom Rumble

DOCKLANDS

A suburb that has high expectations for its future. On the west side of the city, right on Victoria harbour, features an enormous development with shops, restaurants, a mall and the famous wheel of fortune. One of the newest suburbs in Melbourne. Its name comes from being a swamp that served as a dock in the previous century. Think of tall modern buildings and clean spaces. Certainly not cheap as it pretends to attract high-income professionals.

6 Docklands

Pic by Oskars Sylwan

SOUTH MELBOURNE

Historic buildings, Victorian houses, old-fashioned pubs and top-notch cafes scattered over the narrow streets. Hip and cool. This suburb has history and has an excellent public transport network. The South Melbourne market is one of the most well-known markets of the city, with gourmet options.

Note that closer suburbs like Port Melbourne and Southbank are also in high demand. Port Melbourne is a renovated suburb, a similar and smaller version of South Melbourne but with ocean views. Southbank, on the other hand, lacks the Victorian charm and character of others suburbs because of its tallest contemporary buildings. But this might be the urban style that you are looking for. Great location, though. Close to the Botanical Gardens, museums and the river.

7 South Melb Pic by Manki Kim

SOUTH YARRA & PRAHRAN

Posh and chic. High-end fashion labels, upscale restaurants, cocktail lounges and nightclubs. It can get crowded but never boring. The large Prahran Market is a popular option for local groceries.

ST KILDA

Beach vibes, spectacular sunsets and penguins in the pier. Busy in summer, chilled in winter. Gardens, festivals, the long Esplanade, markets and diverse eateries. Supposedly, named after a vessel with the insignia ‘Lady of St Kilda’, this bayside suburb embrace diversity to its fullest. Once known as the red district, now is slowly being gentrified. Great public transport options.

Close by, Elwood suburb enjoys same green spaces and beach views without the tourist and noise that St Kilda has during the high season. Bad tram network though. Peaceful and gorgeous neighbourhood.

8 St kilda Pic by HealthyMond

Which one do you like better? Do your research and pick the best.

One day eating like a foodie (Plant-based Melbourne version)

The article is written by Paola Bianchi Title pic by Smith & daughters

Did you ever wonder where a plant-based lover would eat if given a chance to eat in the best spots in Melbourne for just one day?

Choosing where to eat in Melbourne can be exciting and painful at the same time. This city has gained the irrevocable reputation of foodie-obsession for a reason. The more amazing eateries options you have, the more confused you get. It is overwhelming. Needless to say, who has so much time and budget to try them all?

To help in this delicious endeavour, here is where to eat if you have just one day in the city:

For BREAKFAST head south to Elwood: Combi

2 Combi

A superfood- focused café offering organic treats and coffee, raw food, colourful smoothies in a small venue. Food and drinks presentation is ready for an Instagram post. I would recommend avoiding peak times if possible because seats are extremely limited. That said, is a vibrant and cosy place.

Top pick: Mango shack with Sweet sprouted bread or ice coffee deluxe with Dragon fruit bowl.

For LUNCH, take a walk through the Esplanade and go to St Kilda: Sister of Soul

A vegetarian café and restaurant with a menu that will make you fall in love with food, without overpricing! Such a delicate combination of flavours. The menu has a strong mixed influence from Asia to India. Huge windows, chic decoration and friendly service. Overall, great location. No booking accepted but you won’t need to wait too long because the place has lots of seats.

Top pick: Massaman curry or the Jack Black burger.

3 Sister of Soul

For DINNER head to Fitzroy North: Moroccan Soup Bar

Small restaurant that just opens for dinner. Good luck trying to get a spot to seat as they are always full, but that’s because their food is absolutely like eating in heaven. There is no written menu, but a verbal menu. The waitress will explain about the two banquet options you can choose from. Then the food will start coming in steps. Each one will blow your mind. Non-complicated delicious food. Finish with some special tea.

Top pick: eat everything!

4 Morrocan

For DESSERT stay around and proceed to: Smith & daughters

A vegan eatery that ticks all the trendy’s boxes. Seasonal menu, attractive visual atmosphere and women directing the orchestra. You can book, and please do so. The cocktails are to die for and better if accompanied with a Milanese Schnitzel. Nop, it’s not chicken!

Top pick: The Tiramisu. How on earth can this be vegan?

5 Smith

6 Australian Holiday Destinations You May Not Have Considered

The article is written by Jane Churchill

Cradle Mountain, TAS

Cradle Mountain is a World Heritage Area in the Tasmanian Wilderness which showcases some of the most stunning landscapes and views you can find throughout the country. With hikes, bushwalks, boat tours and kayaking, it is easy to keep yourself entertained. Although it is a little off the beaten track, it is well worth it! Cradle Mountain can be reached by car and is roughly 2 hours drive south from Launceston.

Perisher/Thredbo, NSW

Much to the surprise of many international visitors, Australia actually has decent snow fields! The most famous resorts are Perisher and Thredbo, located in Kosciuszko National Park (Australia’s tallest mountain) which is about 2.5 hours drive south of Canberra. Fun fact: Perisher is actually the largest snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere! Skiing in Australia is a unique experience with both advanced and beginner slopes that weave through snowy gum trees and native flora.

Fresh-turns-in-Thredbo-1-1000x520

Hervey Bay, QLD

Hervey Bay, situated at the bottom end of the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places in the country to have the ultimate whale watching experience (whale migration season is July to November). Hervey Bay is also the main hub for transport over to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island. It is located 3.5 hours drive north of Brisbane but can also be accessed by Train or Plane.

Senegal Pink River

Esperance – Pink Lake, WA

Esperance is a town in the Goldfields region of Western Australia (south east of Perth) and one of its most notable attractions is the Pink Lake. Pink Lake is a unique natural body of water that gets is ‘rosy hue’ from red algae living in water. The untouched coastline of this area is beautiful and definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Western Australia. There truly isn’t anywhere else on Earth quite like it!

Jervis Bay Territory, NSW

Jervis Bay is a quaint little seaside bay located three hours south of Sydney. It is known for having some of the whitest sand on earth and has all the characteristics of a dream beach getaway without swarms of tourists or developments. One spot in particular, Honeymoon Bay, is a local favourite. For the best experience, switch off your phone and pitch a tent!

ELQ wildernesspark

El Questro Wilderness Park, Kimberley WA

Among the vast, ancient landscapes of the Kimberley region sits a township and National Park called El Questro. The area is a must stop visit for those wanting to explore the untouched, natural beauty of Australia that is encompassed within the deep mountain gorges, waterfalls, thermal springs and rainforests.

Australian Weather: Myth busted

The article is written by Bernadette Sanfilippo

Most have this general conception that Australia endures hot weather all…the…time. The truth of the matter is, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s trek around to several Australian capitals and explore their accompanying weather conditions…

SYDNEY

Sydney is prone to experiencing four seasons in a single day. The summer days tend to endure periods of high temperatures, coupled with relatively high peaks in humidity however, in the late afternoon, the sky can quickly become overcast and, if so, a downpour is likely to ensue. The maximum temperatures can also differ greatly from one day to the next. A day of 38^oC can easily be followed by a day of 26^oC. Winters in Sydney do tend to be milder, with temperatures typically hovering between the high-teens and low-twenties.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a rather interesting one for weather. Winters are icy cold, with most days never reaching a temperature higher than 15^oC. While that may seem warm compared to many other winters around the world, the humidity is usually extremely low, making the weather feel much icier than it may actually be. In more recent years, very little rainfall has been experienced throughout the season, and the absence of such has greatly contributed to the lower levels of humidity. Summers, on the other hand, tend to experience lower average temperatures, primarily due to the city’s close proximity to Antarctica, but periods of extremely high, uncomfortably dense humidity.

victor-garcia-532261-unsplash

BRISBANE

Brisbane experiences a humidity so high in the summer time, it is virtually impossible to be active outside. While the peak temperature may not necessarily be high, there is often little to no relief from the humidity, which remains consistently high all throughout the day and deep into the night. The capital experiences intense tropical weather conditions and, in the last few years, has endured a number of relatively serious cyclones and tropical storms. Brisbane does not tend to experience a formal winter, but rather a period of lowered humidity and heat between June and September.

bryan-minear-319945-unsplash

PERTH

Perth is situated between the sea and the land, literally. Situated on the coast of Western Australia, the Indian Ocean sits on one side of the city, while both the Gibson and Great Victoria Deserts sit on the other. With all this in such close proximity, Perth experiences very high temperatures in the summertime, typically enduring consecutive days of 40^oC+ weather. Unlike other Australian cities however, the overall humidity tends to remain quite low. Perth’s winters tends to resemble Sydney’s, with temperatures typically floating between the high-teens and low-twenties, with strong, short bursts of rainfall occurring periodically.

CANBERRA

Canberra, our nation’s capital, experiences the lowest winter temperatures in the country. While the average daytime temperature tends to sit between 10^oC – 15^oC, much like Melbourne, the nightly average can frequently fall several degrees below zero. While the city can experience rainfall throughout the winter, it is not nearly as prone to strong downpour as other Australian capitals. While the summers in Canberra will often endure much higher peaking temperatures than those in neighbouring states, these, once again, tend to be followed by much cooler nightly conditions.

East Coast vs. West Coast

The article is written by Bernadette Sanfilippo

Though it goes without saying, almost all international travellers are familiar with, or have at least heard of, Australia’s east coast capitals, a list typically reduced to Sydney, Melbourne and (to some extent) Brisbane. Mention anywhere else in the country and, more often than not, at least in my experience, you’ll receive a relatively blank expression! Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have done an excellent job at securing themselves prime positioning on the world stage, particularly over the last two decades and, while this is wonderful, it has unfortunately made the rest of the country appear almost redundant in the process. As a result, many are completely unacquainted with the west coast of Australia and have little to nothing to compare our major capitals against.

I was born in Sydney, raised in Perth and moved to Melbourne more than a year ago, so I can certainly draw a number of comparisons between the two coasts. Here are amongst my most significant findings thus far:

weyne-yew-492363-unsplash

1. THE POPULATION

Obviously the bigger and better cities become, the more people want to live in them. As a result, they become overpopulated and Sydney and Melbourne are certainly busier and more bustling than they have ever been before. The wonderful offset to this is that the people who reside there are more exposed and far more desensitised to contrasting cultures, influences and experiences. Perth, by comparison, has a relatively low population count and a much lower rate of immigration, so the level of exposure there is much lower. However, the less people you place in a city, the less pace and congestion you receive and, generally speaking, Perth is a much slower, far more relaxed city to reside in. Perth is typically recommended as a great place to either retire or raise a young family in.

sam-wermut-553309-unsplash

2. THE JOBS

There are stacks upon stacks of job opportunities in Sydney and Melbourne, particularly now that dozens upon dozens of companies are based there. In fact, it was my primary reason for relocating. There’s only one factor I didn’t take into consideration…there’s a lot of people living in Melbourne and, unfortunately, this means there’s a lot more people to compete against each time you hand in an application. Prior to moving, I had worked for several national retail brands, so I truly (truly!) believed that getting a job would be a cinch! In reality, I spent my first 4 months in Melbourne unemployed. In Western Australia it’s far less competitive and far easier to score work, particularly with a little experience on the resume. The biggest downside is that applications move very slowly in Perth and it can take several weeks just to score an interview. Unfortunately (major generalisation alert!), it’s a city with no real sense of urgency!

leio-mclaren-leiomclaren-491111-unsplash

3. THE WEATHER

Weather has been a bit of a battle for me since I moved to Victoria, simply because it differs so greatly to the climate in Western Australia. In order to understand Australia’s varying weather conditions, it is important to understand how Australia sits geographically. Capitals like Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart are closest to Antarctica, so they experience incredibly cold, icy cool winters and relatively mild summers. Brisbane sits much higher on the east coast, closer to Asia, and thus tends to endure very tropical weather patterns year-round. The middle region of Australia is comprised primarily of desert and dry arid land, so seasons in the neighbouring capitals, these primarily being Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, are riddled with much higher annual temperatures.

4. THE SIZE

Ready for a mind-boggler? Here it is: States like Victoria and New South Wales are comparably amongst the smallest Australian states geographically, yet they are the biggest in relation to sprawl. Essentially what this means is that, while they don’t occupy as much landmass as neighbouring states, they utilise the land they do occupy to the greatest possible extent. This often results in more regular, lengthier commutes. Geographically speaking, Western Australia is the nation’s largest state, occupying approximately one-third of Australia’s total landmass however, the current population of Western Australia is a mere 2.5 million, against a national population count of nearly 25 million. This effectively means that most of the state’s land is uninhabited, making what is inhabited relatively small geographically and thus quicker and easier to get around. Weird huh?

4 Top spots for Climbing

The article and the photos by Paola Bianchi

Climbers and belayers, beginners or advanced. These are four top places to climb in Melbourne and Victoria. Choose one place, grab your gear and go climbing!

Hardrock, central climbing spot

Located in the CBD, close to Melbourne Central, this climbing gym has become the most popular place for locals and students (make sure you show your credentials for a discount). They offer beginners classes and Lead training and the staff is super friendly. It is a relatively small space and can get crowded during peak times, but music is great and the location is super convenient. Situated in a strategic corner on a second floor, has lovely views of the city and the natural light that is coming through the enormous glass windows is an advantage. Here is where I usually bring my friends for the first climbing experience. A great place to start the journey.

You can check this gym here

3 Hardrock A 2 hardrock A

North Walls, appealing climbing gym

As soon as you walk into this indoor climbing gym, you can’t avoid appreciating the clean aesthetic atmosphere. They thought about the visual aspect of this building, and we can thank that. It’s a pleasure to climb in white walls with colourful routes and a roof that displays natural light. Inside there is a cafe that provides that often needed caffeine fix, a -in development- training section with bars, and offer several kinds of courses like movement and strength. Lots of seats to relax, great for that friend you invited to shoot the cool pics.

Climbing and coffee, you got me. Located in Brunswick, you can check this beautiful place here:

5 North W 4 North W

Gravity Worx, comprehensive climbing gym

This indoor climbing gym has all you ever needed. Over 200 routes that are changed regularly, 16 auto-belay routes (in case you go alone!), a speed wall (what!?) like the one used on international competitions, a training section and experienced instructors. Courses are also available and schools are welcome. Competitions are often held with prices. This place is huge. Impossible to get bored.

Located in Pasco Vale, check this gym here.

7 Gravity 6 Gravity

Mount Arapiles, magic outdoor climbing

Arguably, one of the best climbing spots in the world, this PARADISE for climbers has it all. As it was stated by Chockstone, an online website for climbers in Victoria, Mount Arapiles may be ‘the very the heart and soul of traditional climbing in Australia’.
Located in a protected park in the Wimmera region in western Victoria, this big rock formation can easily compete with the famous Grampians region because of its thousands of quality climbing routes, hiking tracks, bouldering walls, killing sunrises and a gorgeous natural setting full of wildlife. Kangaroos included!

8 Arapiles

I know what you might be thinking, ‘that rock does not seem big at all’. Let me tell you that, with its just 370mts of high, you will feel challenged when unrolling your rope on the base.

10 Arapiles 9 Arapiles

Everyone stays at least a long weekend. Some may stay for a whole month. The only option available is a rustic campsite that you should book in advance for a super cheap price. It’s an unpowered site with toilets.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this place is the great vibes of the climber’s community. You can go looking for good climbs, but you will return after making such good friends. The best months are from February to April, as it is not too hot nor cold, and little rain! The least you want is a wet rock that makes impossible for grabbing. Take into account that due the dry weather, there is a wood fire ban from the 1st of November until the 30th of April.

There are different levels of climbing routes to choose from. You can check them on the Arapiles book guide (shown in next pic), or check the classic routes here, or get help to start with these guys.

11 Arapiles 12 Arapiles

4 tips to get a job in Australia

The article and cover photo by Paola Bianchi

There are no magic formulas to excel in looking, applying and getting a job in Australia, nor in any place in the world. Is not just about having lucky neither. There is a famous phrase that says: ‘success is where preparation and opportunity meet’. To be successful in getting a job offer we need to get prepared, so when the opportunity arises we are ready to jump right in.

giphy

How are your fine-tuning skills doing? Here are 4 tips to tune-up:

POLISH YOUR RESUME

The resume is your first presentation. It showcases who you are, your work and studies history and your skills. Try to make it different from other boring resumes. Avoid dull designs and focus on a clean structure and refine your grammar. Do not add a photo nor personal details like age or marital status. This does not matter at all. Adding a summery at the beginning is a brilliant way the employer can make a clear idea of who you are and what to expect to read. Also, list two to three referees that can be contacted (one can be personal). Don’t forget to specify keywords on your skill checklist. It Is also a good idea to display a ‘interests’ section that shows a little bit more about you on a personal level. After all, you are a human, not just a resume. Two to three pages are the standard as is expected to be included detailed info about each work or study experience, highlighting responsibilities and achievements.

giphy-1
REVIEW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

Nowadays, everyone has at least one social media account to share content…and to check out others! Potential hiring managers can (and will) check your Instagram or Facebook to analyse your behaviour and lifestyle. Do you just have photos showing you as a party animal? Not that you cannot have fun but be careful with your content and comments.

LinkedIn is also a social platform and very popular in Australia. Networking can get you far. Update your profile with your resume info and stay open for potential opportunities. Make sure your profile photo looks professional. If keen, share content and write your own articles. There are free workshops available in the Learning section that can be really helpful.

giphy-2

ALWAYS CUSTOMISE

Quite often the job Ad will ask for a Cover Letter. The hiring manager wants to know why you are the perfect fit for the role. Identify what the role needs and how you can contribute to that. This is an enormous opportunity to add info that your resume does not have and link transferable skills that can attract the hiring manager. Even though you may have a base, is important to customise the application letter for each job. If you are sending the same letter every time, you are probably not separating yourself from others, and, what is worse, wasting your chance to express more about your personality and what makes you unique. ONE page is enough.

giphy-3

POPULAR WEBSITES

When all the above is on point, is time to do the work ‘of looking for work’. It can be time-consuming, I know. To make things easier for you, here is a list of the most popular websites to start your search for opportunities in Australia:

https://www.seek.com.au/
https://au.indeed.com/
http://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/
https://www.pedestrian.tv/jobs/
https://www.careerone.com.au/
https://scoutjobs.com.au/
https://www.coffeejobs.com/
https://au.jora.com/

giphy-4

Australian Movies and Chill?

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

It’s winter and nothing sounds better than snuggling in with a bunch of pals with some popcorn and a movie. We’re a long way from Hollywood but we do make our fair share of quality films Down Under.
There’s a long list of Australian movies and if we were to sit here and go through them all we would be here for longer than we want. So instead I’ve got a list of my favourites (don’t worry: no spoilers are included).

Gallipoli (1981):

IMDB: 7.5
Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Gallipoli is a war drama that follows two young sprinters after they enlist during World War I.

Although not entirely historically accurate, the film does provide some insight into the events surrounding the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.

Some may argue that the film has a slow start, but I urge you to stick with it: you won’t regret it.

The Babadook (2014):

IMDB rating: 6.8
Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
This psychological thriller follows the story of an exhausted widow as she tries to raise her six-year-old son alone.

While she’s busy convincing her son there are no monsters in the house she becomes aware of a sinister presence, seemingly stemming from a mysterious book her son finds.

The Babadook has just enough suspense and jump scares to keep you wide awake and glued to your screen (and have you checking under your bed before you go to sleep).

Muriel’s Wedding (1994):

IMDB rating: 7.2
Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Most little girls dream of getting married and what their wedding day will be like but few will go as far as the daggy and slightly desperate Muriel Heslop to make it happen.

Muriel will stop at nothing to get what she wants and, accompanied by a cracking soundtrack, she’ll learn a bit about friendship and herself along the way.

Get together with a few of your girls and have a good laugh at Muriel’s antics throughout this feel-good comedy. You’ll be saying “you’re terrible, Muriel” in no time!

The Castle (1997):
IMDB rating: 7.7
Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

When an Aussie family, the Kerrigans, are told they need to sell their house and leave, they decide to take on city hall to keep their home.

They team up with a loveable bunch of neighbours and a shoddy lawyer in court in the battle of a century to protect their castle.

The Castle is a wholesome family movie and well worth the watch.

Australia (2008):

IMDB rating: 6.6

Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

What could be more Australian than Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman together in the Australian desert?

The main thing I took away from this movie was the beautiful shots of the Australian scenery: it’s enough to convince anyone to tour the country.

Australia is set before World War II and sees a British aristocrat move to Australia when she inherits a ranch. There’s plenty happening in the movie to keep you entertained, including an agreement with a stockman and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese forces.

Take a deep breath, grab some food and make sure you hit the toilet before starting this movie: it’s a long one.

Crocodile Dundee (1986):
IMDB rating: 6.5
Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

An American reporter travels to the Australian outback to meet a famous crocodile hunter and comes face to face with the most stereotypical, over the top Aussie bloke that ever existed.

When she invites him back to New York with her you’re in for plenty of entertainment.

If nothing else, this film beautifully showcases some of Australia’s spectacular scenery.

In all of my travels, this was the movie most people spoke to me about when they found out I was Australian.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975):
IMDB rating: 7.6
Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

A school trip to Hanging Rock by an elite girls school goes horribly wrong when three students and a teacher vanish without a trace.

The remaining classmates are haunted by the events surrounding their missing peers, especially as time goes by and new information comes to light.

The school and the town begin to unravel in the subsequent weeks as searches for the missing girls continue.

Although the events depicted in the film are false, the author of the original book was deliberately cryptic about whether the events actually took place.

If you’re left wanting more, there is a television series which aired in May 2018 on Foxtel’s Showcase based on the book and film. Or if you’re in Victoria, you can make the journey to Hanging Rock yourself. Just make sure you don’t stray too far from your group.

Strictly Ballroom (1992):

IMDB rating: 7.2
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Strictly Ballroom follows Scott, a ballroom dancer, as he fights to dance his own personal way in competition.
Just when it looks like Scott is out of luck an unlikely hero swoops in to help Scott two-step his way to his dream.

With enough fake tan, glitter and flashy dance routines to make everyone happy, Strictly Ballroom will have you hurrying to the nearest phonebook to look up ballroom dancing lessons.

Wolf Creek (1995):

IMDB rating: 6.3
Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

What do you get when you cross three backpackers stranded in the outback with a deranged and sadistic local? A whole lot of terror!

The film is not for the faint hearted and includes a healthy dose of torture, screams and scares.

I wouldn’t recommend watching this before embarking on any hitchhiking or backpacking tours of the country because there’s a good chance you’ll be permanently scared off the idea.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994):

IMDB rating: 7.5

Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes

A Sydney-based drag queen is set to perform at a casino in a rural town in Central Australia. He manages to rope his friends – a fellow drag performer and a transgender woman – into accompanying him and the three set out on a road trip.

Their journey is not without its complications but the film itself is chock-full of fantastic music and brilliant costumes.

And who exactly is Priscilla? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out that one.

Newer Posts

Older Posts