2. WHERE DOES AUSTRALIA LIE?

3. NATIONAL FLAG

4.  Australia has NO OFFICIAL LANGUAGE!  Main Language – Australian English (80%)  Australian English has a distinctive accent and vocabulary.  Australia has a sign language known as Auslan, which is the main language of about 6,500 deaf people.  Other Languages: Mandarin 1.6% Italian 1.4% Arabic 1.3% Cantonese 1.2% Greek 1.2% LANGUAGES OF AUSTRALIA

5.  DIALECT is distinguished by its vocabulary, grammar & pronounciation.  When a distinction can be made only in terms of pronounciation, the word ACCENT is appropriate. AUSTRALIAN DIALECTS & ACCENT

6.  Australian Accents into broad, general, and cultivated varieties.  General accents represent the most common type of English spoken in Australia.  Broad accents are usually described as more extreme (and associated with more working-class speech)  Cultivated Australian accents are a prestige variety somewhat closer to the British Received Pronunciation (although actual speakers of the latter are in the minority). Australian Accents

7. How Aussies Speak?

9.  Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else.  They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness.  Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humour.  They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to distrust people who do.  They often downplay their own success, which may make them appear not to be achievement-oriented. AUSSIE MODESTY

10.  Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule.  They should be made with as much lead time as possible.  Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few minutes early than to keep someone waiting.  Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events.  If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell you so.  If you make a presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells and whistles.  Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the Australian business climate. BUSINESS MEETING ETTIQUETE

11.  Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed.  A handshake and smile suffices.  While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner.  Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?'  Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting MEETING ETTIQUETE

12.  English is the spoken language  Shake hands when meeting and when leaving.  Although uncommon, some women may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.  Exchanging business cards is common among professional workers.  Australians are friendly and open, but directness and brevity are valued.  Opinions are respected, and opinionated discussions are entertaining. COMMUNICATION

13.  Australians get down to business quickly with a minimum amount of small talk.  They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by too much detail.  Negotiations proceed quickly. Bargaining is not customary. They will expect your initial proposal to have only a small margin for negotiation.  They do not like high-pressure techniques.  Decision-making is concentrated at the top of the company, although decisions are made after consultation with subordinates, which can make decision making slow and protracted. NEGOTIATING & DECISION MAKING

14.  Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney.  Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit.  Women should wear a smart dress or a business suit.  In Brisbane or other tropical areas, depending on the job function and company culture, men may wear shirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.  Informal clothing is appropriate when not attending business functions. Casual pants are fine for both men and women.  Men should not become physically demonstrative with another man, or wink at a woman. WHAT TO WEAR?

15. ECONOMY

16. TOURISM

17. SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

18. SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

19. MELBOURNE

20. QUEENSLAND PARADISE RESORT SURFERS PARADISE

21. GREAT BARRIER REEF

23. ULURU

24. TASMANIAN WILDERNESS

25. BEACHES