Mr. P. Leighton Socio-Cultural Studies St. Mary’s 6th Form Australia… Mr. P. Leighton Socio-Cultural Studies St. Mary’s 6th Form

Today’s Session… Understand the key aspects of Australia: Quiz to start… Sport as a pre-occupation in Australia- why are they so much better than us? Why is sport so high status in Australia?

Quiz… Q1. When was Australia discovered? Q2. How many states are there? Q3. How many people live in Australia? Q4. What is recognised as the capital of Australia? Q5. How much did it cost to emigrate after the 1945 war?

Answers… Q1. 1770 (200 Years of history) Q2. 6 States- 2 territories. Q3. 300 Million. Q4. Canberra. Q5. Ten pounds (“The ten pound poms”)

Some facts about Australia then… Originally populated solely by Indigenous Aboriginal People. Takes 6 hours to fly from Perth to Sydney- Across 3 time zones! Vast majority of country is uninhabitable. 85% of the population live in 3% of the land!

Colonialism… The Union Jack is still part of the flag as a symbol of initial British Colonialism. When Colonists (Not prisoners!) arrived 200yrs back they brought customs with them such as… Government Education Judicial Systems Sports and Games

Continued… Most schools have Sports Afternoons in which they participate in inter and intra school competitions. Australia adopted many British sports as opposed to America which Adapted many sports. Australia became independent from the empire in 1901. The passionate rivalry began from the country originally being an outpost.

Stages of Australian Immigration… 1700: Cooks first landing… 1778-1868: Australia as a penal colony… 1901: Nationhood proclaimed… 1945-1965: Immigration and “White Australian Policy” “Populate or Perish” policy 1970: High Indo-Chinese immigration 2001: 23% of Australian population born overseas- UK, NZ, Italy, Vietnam, China and Serbian States. 2006: Further influx of immigrants- Asia and Oceania.

Australia and its Society… Since the Abolition of the “White Australia” policy in the 70’s Multiculturalism was promoted. For the last 40 years this was encouraged and supported. Now Australia is directed towards a policy of reconciliation- ending discrimination against Aboriginal people.

Sport as a National Preoccupation… It has helped shape the identity of this young nation. Passion bordering on obsession. 90% of Australians participate in sport- 15% of TV time is dedicated towards it. When England beat Australia in the Ashes 12.5% of our population saw it… When the winner of the Melbourne Cup crossed the line 90% of ALL Australians watched!

Continued… Sport is FRONT PAGE news in Australia- it makes only the back pages of our papers unless it is scandal! The Olympics in 2000 were an international triumph- bringing prestige and acclaim. Australia is successful in so many sports- they are… Cricket Hockey Rugby League Rugby Union Cycling Swimming Rowing

Why is it that sport carries such high status? The Manliness, strength and “Bush Culture”- suited rugged, physically demanding sports. Favorable Climate- No matter what level you are at- weather helps! The Outdoor Life- Health conscious society with adequate facilities available i.e. the beach. Political Support- Governments invest heavily in sport, It is seen as a Vote Catcher… everyone benefits from sporting success.

Continued… Tradition of Success- Provides positive role models, raises the profile of the country. Australia is a progressive 21st Century Nation united by the “feel good factor” of success. Sport is Fashionable- However there is a growing obesity problem- Why? Egalitarian Society- Promoting equality where sport is for all… Inequalities in Opportunity, Provision and Esteem are rife in our society. Sport and PE- High status and the media laps this up!

Recent Controversies… Greg Bird (RL Player) “Glassed” his girlfriend- acquitted and is now back in NRL. “Aboriginal Relocation Programme” put into place before the Sydney Olympics. Ian Thorpe (Olympic and World champion swimmer) accused of Steroid abuse at Sydney Olympics and a “cover up” by the Australian Olympic Association- charges dropped.

Key Words from Today…