Questions on Australia

[ivank]

Hey I was wondering if anyone here from/in Australia can help me. I am about to enter college(August 2009), I plan to stay for one year, then transfer to UNSW, and stay for my masters there.

I was wondering if anyone from there could;
-Give me tips on life there
-Idea of cost of living
-Idea of the food
-Any other useful stuff

Thank you,
Ivan "ivank" Klein-Vidal

[A Very Super Market]

Australia is a land where kangaroos outnumber man, and everybody live in the outback. I would recommend that you be physically fit, in order to beat off any crocs that attempt to visit your various outposts, or for recreational crocodile wrestling. Whenever you eat something in Australia, the New Zealandese will fight over why they did not get a piece of it, so your best bet is to wrestle their sheep and destroy their mental well-being. When in public, it is common courtesy to wildly shout any odd phrase that comes to mind at random intervals, which is commonly understood to be a custom learned from many generations of being able to shout at the top of your lungs and not have anyone hear.

[TarJak]

Oh and we never listen to Canucks. They tell whopping lies.:D

[Pioneer]

Suggestions: sunscreen, wide brim hat, leave your Yankees tshirts at home.

Traditionally, USAmericans not thought of favorably in Australia. The last thing we want to hear is how much better things are, when you're in our country.

The Eastern suburbs of Sydney have many students residing there, particularly in Randwick, or you could live on campus.

I did not study at UNSW but had a NYU girl in my dorm when I was in college. Things I recall she said - get a great telephone calling plan, bicycle, and bus pass.

August is the start of the cold time of year, I think Sept is the wettest down there. Similar to Feb on Long Island Sound. However, the ozone layer over the country is thinner. My wife (USAmerican) after only a few days in Queensland was sufferring from it. Stay covered and sunscreen.

Sydney is a major hub to anywhere in the country for exploring. Trains and planes are more expensive then the USA, most students will buy a car and then resell it before they leave.

[Madox58]

Stay away from TarJak!
:yep:
He'll have you drinking fantastic Brews that you crave but can't find!
:har:

[bookworm_020]

There is a pretty good bus route from the center of the city to the Uni, but it can be crowded during peak hour. You can get accommodation around the university, but it all depends on how much you want to spend! It can be expensive if you want a place to yourself as there is a very tight rental market in Sydney.

As for food, a great range of types for all different tastes and budgets, just remember that it may not taste the same as a dish from home due to different tastes and influences.

Contact the uni, as they will have some tips and give a hand to get you pointed in the right direction!:yep:

Best of luck!:up:

[Platapus]

.

Traditionally, USAmericans not thought of favorably in Australia.

I was not aware of that. That's too bad. :nope:

[Jimbuna]

Never order lamb at a restaurant :nope:

The cons are pretty fond of their sheep :DL

[nikimcbee]

Just buy a pair of khaki shorts/shirt and eat at the outback a lot. You'll learn everything you need to know.:03:

[nikimcbee]

Just buy a pair of khaki shorts/shirt and eat at the outback a lot. You'll learn everything you need to know.:03:

and like the others said, you are obligated to jump on all reptiles you come across. Then you probably go out and invest in a "Men at Wordk" CD, plus put up a life-size poster of Russell Crowe on your wall.:woot:Did I miss anything?

oh, practice saying in the mirror "Now this is a knife!"

[Frame57]

I hear the women to dude ratio is outstanding, so getting Rootang should not be a problemo...:woot:

[nikimcbee]

I hear the women to dude ratio is outstanding, so getting Rootang should not be a problemo...:woot:

"Roo-Tang", are you talking about kanga-roos? If that is the case, I don't want to know!:06:

[Jimbuna]

and like the others said, you are obligated to jump on all reptiles you come across. Then you probably go out and invest in a "Men at Wordk" CD, plus put up a life-size poster of Russell Crowe on your wall.:woot:Did I miss anything?

oh, practice saying in the mirror "Now this is a knife!"

Russell 'Ira' Crowe was born in Wellington, New Zealand http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/badwerewolf.gif

[nikimcbee]

Russell 'Ira' Crowe was born in Wellington, New Zealand http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/badwerewolf.gif

okay, substitute for crocodile dundee guy then.:woot:

[Jimbuna]

okay, substitute for crocodile dundee guy then.:woot:

Paul Hogan :DL:up:

[Max2147]

Traditionally, USAmericans not thought of favorably in Australia. The last thing we want to hear is how much better things are, when you're in our country.
I've been to Australia a couple times and I've never experienced that. As long as you stay away from the "ugly tourist American" stereotype, you should be fine.

I stayed at UNSW over the (southern) winter a couple years ago. You can get pretty much anywhere with a bus pass. The local area is mostly Asian. The beaches are a short bus ride away - if you've got time you can walk, but it's a bit of a hike. I was able to walk downtown once, but it's over an hour's walk.

Lots of pubs in Sydney have steaks for $6. It's probably the best deal on food that I've ever come across.

[OneToughHerring]

I hear the women to dude ratio is outstanding, so getting Rootang should not be a problemo...:woot:

Is that true btw? Cause I remember hearing pretty much the opposite, at least in some areas. I rembember reading about a town in Oz where they had a pretty large amount of bachelors and pretty much no women. They put an add on the paper to make women move there.

Or was it New Zealand...:hmmm:

But anyway, if you're right then Oz has definitely jumped up the list for me as a possible place of destination for the future. :D

[darius359au]

I've been to Australia a couple times and I've never experienced that. As long as you stay away from the "ugly tourist American" stereotype, you should be fine.

I stayed at UNSW over the (southern) winter a couple years ago. You can get pretty much anywhere with a bus pass. The local area is mostly Asian. The beaches are a short bus ride away - if you've got time you can walk, but it's a bit of a hike. I was able to walk downtown once, but it's over an hour's walk.

Lots of pubs in Sydney have steaks for $6. It's probably the best deal on food that I've ever come across.

Yeah , it's the "Ugly American" tourist type that aren't liked here , but then again where are they liked? :03: , you might get some anti U.S type stuff from some students , but that's the usual thing with Uni student and causes - eventually they grow up and become normal humans again:D

I haven't been to Sydney for a few years but you can find places that have special nights for backpackers ,(you can usually find a different one every night:03: ) , might be an idea to join one of the backpacker organizations like YHA or the equivalent in the U.S - most of them are connected and you can get discounts in stores and stuff with your membership card.

[bookworm_020]

Is that true btw? Cause I remember hearing pretty much the opposite, at least in some areas. I rembember reading about a town in Oz where they had a pretty large amount of bachelors and pretty much no women. They put an add on the paper to make women move there.

Or was it New Zealand...:hmmm:

But anyway, if you're right then Oz has definitely jumped up the list for me as a possible place of destination for the future. :D

The shortage of women is in country towns, but on average there are more women than men in Australia, and more so in the citys and urban areas

[TarJak]

The shortage of women is in country towns, but on average there are more women than men in Australia, and more so in the citys and urban areasSSSHHHHH!!!! Don't tell em that they'll all be coming over to pick up.

UNSW should be able to provide you with a lot of info on life over here. As has already been said it is pretty close to the city and Eastern subrubs beaches like Bondi, Coogee and Maroubra and the bus is your best bet for getting around if you are not into getting a car or bike.

Renting can be a bit of a nightmare as the market is pretty tight and there are some less than scrupulous people about ready to take advantage so keep your wits about you and ask lots of questions before getting into that side of things.

You can pick up pretty much any type of food you have over there, out here and the range and freshness is very good for most foods. We do import a bit but most is grown here. The one thing that might be a bit different is seafood as we don't have many Atlantic species, but once you've tasted Baramundi, Tasmanian scallops or WA caryfish you won't want to go back.:D

Sydney is very cosmopolitan and whilst much much smaller in population than NY, just about every nationality is represented here and then some.

Make sure that you get out of town a bit as well as there are some great places within a 3-4 hour drive from Sydney that are well worth a visit.

Hope you enjoy your stay. O'h and if you do want a beer, let me know and I'll make sure that privateer's warning is fulfilled.:D

[Frame57]

"Roo-Tang", are you talking about kanga-roos? If that is the case, I don't want to know!:06:Once you have had "Roo", you will sing "Yabba Dabba Doo":woot:

[rubenandthejets]

Prices for food are comparable, some things will be more expensive, others cheaper.

Not many affordable single sized apartments around, so get used to sharing with someone.

Never. ever, ever say "Gday mate" with an American accent.
If people ask you are from Canada say yes.
A lot of people will take you to task for every US foriegn policy blunder since Roosevelt....sorry, something you'll just have to live with as the nearest representative of Australia's overlord ;)

or sew that maple leaf to your bag, fellow Commonwealth member!

[Frame57]

Will wearing my AC/DC hat get me any points?:DL

[Platapus]

So do they give "Australian Kisses" in Australia?

(The Cougar TV program reference :har:)

[Falkirion]

Sydney might have alot of great stuff but its missing ONE very important thing.

The chicken Parma.

[bookworm_020]

Sydney might have alot of great stuff but its missing ONE very important thing.

The chicken Parma.

News to me!:hmmm:

[d@rk51d3]

So do they give "Australian Kisses" in Australia?

(The Cougar TV program reference :har:)


Is that like a French Kiss, but down under?

[TarJak]

Sydney might have alot of great stuff but its missing ONE very important thing.

The chicken Parma.
Huh? Its on just about every pub grub menu up here mate. When was the last time you were here?

[Jimbuna]

A talking Australian clock :hmmm:


Proudly showing off his newly-leased downtown apartment to a couple of friends late one night, a drunk man led the way to his bedroom where there was a big gong hanging on the wall.
'What's that big brass gong for?' one of the friend's asked.
'Issss nod a gong. Issss a talking Australian clock' he drunkenly replied.
'A talking Australian clock - seriously?'
'Yup.'
'How's it work?' the second friend asked, squinting at it.
'Just watch' he said.
He picked up a hammer, gave the gong an ear-shattering bash and stepped back.
His three mates stood looking at one another for a moment in astounded silence.
Suddenly, an Australian voice from the other side of the wall screamed, 'For f**k's sake, you stupid bas*ard. It's ten past three in the fuc***g morning!'

[nikimcbee]

Will wearing my AC/DC hat get me any points?:DL

Yes, Wear it on Christmas, or as it is known "down under" Bon Scott Day. This national holiday is mainly focused around heavy drinking.:yeah: In the Mideval days (before 1980), Aussies used to sacrifice a pommey to Bon Scott (similar to an Aztec sacrifice), but in modern times, they usually just sacrifice a kiwi cricketer.

[bookworm_020]

A talking Australian clock :hmmm:


Proudly showing off his newly-leased downtown apartment to a couple of friends late one night, a drunk man led the way to his bedroom where there was a big gong hanging on the wall.
'What's that big brass gong for?' one of the friend's asked.
'Issss nod a gong. Issss a talking Australian clock' he drunkenly replied.
'A talking Australian clock - seriously?'
'Yup.'
'How's it work?' the second friend asked, squinting at it.
'Just watch' he said.
He picked up a hammer, gave the gong an ear-shattering bash and stepped back.
His three mates stood looking at one another for a moment in astounded silence.
Suddenly, an Australian voice from the other side of the wall screamed, 'For f**k's sake, you stupid bas*ard. It's ten past three in the fuc***g morning!'

:har::har::har::har:

Surprised that he was still alive after doing it that often!

Yes, Wear it on Christmas, or as it is known "down under" Bon Scott Day. This national holiday is mainly focused around heavy drinking.:yeah: In the Mideval days (before 1980), Aussies used to sacrifice a pommey to Bon Scott (similar to an Aztec sacrifice), but in modern times, they usually just sacrifice a kiwi cricketer.

:up:

[Platapus]

Yes, Wear it on Christmas, or as it is known "down under" Bon Scott Day. This national holiday is mainly focused around heavy drinking.:yeah:

And this is different from the other 364 days in Australia in what way?
:D

[TarJak]

And this is different from the other 364 days in Australia in what way?
:DMainly just the name.:D

[Jimbuna]

An Australian ventriloquist visiting New Zealand walks into a small town and sees a local sitting on his porch patting his dog. He figures he'll have a little fun.

Ventriloquist: "G'day bloke! Good looking dog, mate. Mind if I speak to him?"

Kiwi: "The dog doesn't talk, you stupid Aussie."

Ventriloquist: "Hey dog, how's it going old mate?"

Dog: "Doin' alright."

The Kiwi gets a look of extreme shock on his face.

Ventriloquist: "Is this Kiwi your owner?", pointing at the Kiwi.

Dog: "Yep."

Ventriloquist: "How does he treat you?"

Dog: "Real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds me great food, and takes me to the lake once a week to play."

The Kiwis expression of disbelief doesn't change.

Ventriloquist: "Mind if I talk to your horse?"

Kiwi: "Uh, the horse doesn't talk either...I think."

Ventriloquist: "Hey horse, how's it going?"

Horse: "Cool."

The Kiwi gets even more shocked.

Ventriloquist: "Is this your owner?"

Horse: "Yep."

Ventriloquist: "How's he treat you?"

Horse: "Pretty good, thanks for asking. He rides me regularly, brushes me down often, and keeps me in the barn to protect me from the elements."

Now the Kiwi has a look of total amazement on his face.

Ventriloquist: "Mind if I talk to your sheep?"

To which the Kiwi replied, "The sheep's a liar."

[Max2147]

Why wasn't Jesus born in Australia? Because even God couldn't find three wise men and a virgin!

[bookworm_020]

Why wasn't Jesus born in Australia? Because even God couldn't find three wise men and a virgin!

They are fighting words!:stare: Watch it or we will let loose the drop bears on you!!!:stare:

[TarJak]

I think that one deserves the Yowie!

[Jimbuna]

I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record.

Bit f*cking ironic is it not? :hmmm:

[Max2147]

Be sure to watch out for sharks on sidewalks: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8015205.stm

[Jimbuna]

Not to mention the Drop Bears :o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEQpUY_crc

[Platapus]

I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record.



What? Because you did not have a criminal record???:06:
:D

[darius359au]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8907/dpmotivationjn9.jpg

[nikimcbee]

I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record.

Bit f*cking ironic is it not? :hmmm:

British criminals unable to go to Australia? Boy, you were born in a wrong age.:hmmm: I'm afraid to ask what the crime was?:hmmm:


I put a crack Rocky McBee research team on it, and 30 seconds later,this is what I found on Scottland Yard's criminal records, regarding a Mr. Buna.

...Lewd dancing!?! Well, you decided, here's the po-lice video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4moPhSeDWFI

...and out in public!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffo49kwXE0Q&feature=related

[nikimcbee]

British criminals unable to go to Australia? Boy, you were born in a wrong age.:hmmm: I'm afraid to ask what the crime was?:hmmm:


I put a crack Rocky McBee research team on it, and 30 seconds later,this is what I found on Scottland Yard's criminal records, regarding a Mr. Buna.

...Lewd dancing!?! Well, you decided, here's the po-lice video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4moPhSeDWFI

...and out in public!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffo49kwXE0Q&feature=related

...and of course, there was that little incident with the Queen!:oops:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NxikaY8TjQ


All of this was long ago, when Jim had...more hair!:D

[nikimcbee]

Speaking of Australia, there was the Tarjak/Buna hotel movies while at the Subsim meeting.:hmmm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ajUewCO6zQ&feature=related

[Jimbuna]

LMAO :rotfl:

That last one had to be TJ considering it involved sheep....that old Aussie favourite :DL

This is more akin to my last dance as far as I recall :o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAiMuoASiHw&feature=PlayList&p=15281571A5C0CB52&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35


If they won't co-operate and give you their hand, simply cuff the ankles.....but warn your partner prior to using the pepper substance :oops:

[FIREWALL]

I heard you have to be very carefull going Down Under as it's very dangerous.

The rumor I heard is you have to hang on to something or have special shoes.

If you don't you will fall off the bottom of the Earth. :haha:

[Frame57]

I have always wanted to have a Veg a mite sandwich. :woot:

[TarJak]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dsQPVBkvBqg/SHNhMPt6_aI/AAAAAAAACNQ/BQcTn2PHGMM/s320/250px-Vegemiteontoast_large.jpg
Here you go. But Vegemite is American now so it doesn't count as Australian food anymore:D.

[d@rk51d3]

C'mon Tarjak, there's nowhere nearly enough vegemite on that toast. :nope:

[baggygreen]

Nowhere near enough. Have it by the spoonful

[ivank]

I have a US passport but I am Portuguese, will this still get me into trouble?

I have an amazing Aussie acent(watched like 2-3 aussie movies) I conviced my Physic teacher and a bunch of freshman, and even some fellow seniors here at my school that I am an Aussie.

funny story; I was really bored in double Physic today, and my freind and I

wanted to play cards, so I went to my teacher, who btw reads chicken

soup to us everyday for 7mins out of 40mins in our class, she will sometime such tell us that she does not feel like teaching today so we should do

SOMETHING. But back to the story, I told her my 'roo died and I needed to go to the caf. to relax and asked if my friend could come. SHE SAID IM SO SORRY IS HE IN PAIN?! I WAS LIKE HE IS DEAD, SHE WAS LIKE OH THEN

YES GO. :haha::har::rotfl:. While I lost some of my acent, when I 1st tried it she asked me some questions on Australia; Are there Jews there? What

about Churchs? Are there really such things as 'roos? I was stunned and said, there are Jews there, I know NZ has a Church, and no 'roos are just a myth. So she was like why did you leave, I turned to my friends trying not

to laugh and told her that my dad hit a roo with a car in the outback and we were exiled! :rotfl::haha::har:. She said I am sry to hear that.

I mean no disrespect to any aussies it was just too perfect to pass up.

EDIT: I can also do a German, British, Russian acent with ease,

[TarJak]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FNT-_PKRcfs/R-uigRW64pI/AAAAAAAAA7M/iLGM-vOzlRM/s400/vegemite.jpg
Sorry fellas' it was early in the morning and I didn't have time to go looking properly. This is one is much more like it.:D

If that's still not enough I'll have to distract you with some gratutious female flesh:
http://jaynir.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/vegemite.jpg (http://jaynir.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/vegemite.jpg)

[d@rk51d3]

Now that's more like it. :yeah:

[Jimbuna]

Your missus will go mad if she finds out your posting her picture on a public forum :o

[ivank]

Thank you for the answers you guys,
Let me just see if I got all I need to know;

-No ugly American tourist sterotype(never had that)
-get a great calling plan
-get a bike or car
-get a bus pass
-get sunscreen
-bring extra cash(should I exchange it here, or there?)
-Dont tell people im a yank
-practice saying "Now thats a knife"
-buy a Men at Work CD
-get a Russel Crowe poster
-get a AC/DC hat
-go to an Outback, in shorts
-NEVER ask for a roo burger
-anything else?

Does any one know where I can get some veggimite here in the US?
Do they have good burgers down under?

Funny story in class right? lol

OH P.S. What is the drinking age their?

[darius359au]

Thank you for the answers you guys,
Let me just see if I got all I need to know;


OH P.S. What is the drinking age their?

18 :D

[TarJak]

The burgers are good:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/484635049_1a86400772_o.jpg

[ivank]

18!?! Yea!!!:D

That burger looks amazing!!!!!!:yeah: no fast food in Australia right?! I can not stand fast food!

[darius359au]

There's Muckdonalds and Hungry Jacks (Burger King) if you want that crap , but there's so many choices of different types of takeaway (Chinese ,Thia ,Indian whatever) ,that you never have to eat "fast" food ever:up:

[TarJak]

Yeah the true Aussie burger consists of:

Bun (toasted)
Meat pattie
Bacon
Egg
Fried onion
Cheese
Lettuce
Tomato
Pineapple
Beetroot (optional, personally I can't stand it but other swear by it).
All topped with a good helping of barbecue sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Bun (toasted)


Once you've had one of these babies you'll never eat (Up)ChuckDonalds or Bugger King again.:arrgh!:

[ivank]

Great! i cant stand fastfood crap

[ivank]

Yeah the true Aussie burger consists of:

Bun (toasted)
Meat pattie
Bacon
Egg
Fried onion
Cheese
Lettuce
Tomato
Pineapple
Beetroot (optional, personally I can't stand it but other swear by it).
All topped with a good helping of barbecue sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Bun (toasted)


Once you've had one of these babies you'll never eat (Up)ChuckDonalds or Bugger King again.:arrgh!:

i believe you lol

[Jimbuna]

no fast food in Australia right?!

That's dependant on what area your visiting :DL

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2048/mcburnt.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mcburnt.jpg)

[OneToughHerring]

SSSHHHHH!!!! Don't tell em that they'll all be coming over to pick up.

Whenever I watch "McLeod's Daughters" on the telly I get this urge to visit that wonderful continent in the southern hemisphere. *whispers*Bridie (http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_images/tv2/programmes/mcleods_daughters/bridie_carter_d.jpg) used to be my fav one...*/whisper* :rotfl:

[ivank]

Hey, I love to cook, and my mom just gave me the green light to make my family some Aussie burgers on May6th (AP Calc Exam)
I need to know;
What seasoning is on the meat?
and
Is it candian bacon or standard bacon?

Thanks

I can not wait to transfer!!!!

[TarJak]

When I cook em at home I usually use lean beef mince, a egg to bind it all together, some salt and pepper, coriander or basil, paprika and some dried chilli flakes which a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Get the kids to smoosh it all together with their hands and the roll them into patties and pan fry or flame grill depending on if you are using the BBQ or not. Enjoy!

Dunno what Canadian Bacon is we usually use what we call middle bacon. Usually with the rind on for that crispy crackling goodness.

[mog]

The Canadians have invented their own bacon?

[d@rk51d3]

When I cook em at home I usually use lean beef mince, a egg to bind it all together, some salt and pepper, coriander or basil, paprika and some dried chilli flakes which a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Get the kids to smoosh it all together with their hands and the roll them into patties and pan fry or flame grill depending on if you are using the BBQ or not. Enjoy!

Dunno what Canadian Bacon is we usually use what we call middle bacon. Usually with the rind on for that crispy crackling goodness.


Or, pork mince, finely chopped onion and or garlic, Add some breadcrumbs and / or rolled oats, egg, salt, pepper, sage, and sweet chilli sauce.

Press into patties, roll in breadcrumbs again, then fry.

[TarJak]

Sounds good!:yeah:

[Kratos]

Or as some good ol Texan's say...pull its horns off and wipe it's @ss,add seasoning and throw it in the embers http://www.simhq.com/forum/images/moods/default/cowboy.gif

[nikimcbee]

So I can find all of this at the "Outback" restaruants?:hmmm::haha:

[Jimbuna]

So I can find all of this at the "Outback" restaruants?:hmmm::haha:

I'm sure they'll have some real nice delicacies waiting for you :DL


http://www.rosedalemeats.com.au/meatplate.jpg http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/10/04/kangaroo_ZPypk_19111.jpg

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8136/skippydm700x774.jpg (http://img117.imageshack.us/my.php?image=skippydm700x774.jpg)

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/1908/cartoon1.jpg (http://img117.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cartoon1.jpg)

[darius359au]

Mmmmmhhhhhmm Skippy and Chips :up::rotfl:

Ps - for the non Australians http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skippy_the_Bush_Kangaroo

[TarJak]

What's that Skip? Sonny has fallen off a cliff and is lying bleeding in the bush? Bugger him I'm goting to the pub.

[Falkirion]

Shame that Sonny never heard of a satellite phone. You'll need one down here if you want constant coverage. 2/3rds of Aus is a desert after all.

[bookworm_020]

Shame that Sonny never heard of a satellite phone. You'll need one down here if you want constant coverage. 2/3rds of Aus is a desert after all.

Even if your in normal phone range here in Australia it doesn't always help. There is an inquest into the the death of a kid backpacking in the bush, who got lost and died, despite calls to the emergency services.

[d@rk51d3]

Sonny didn't need a Sat-phone............... he had a gumleaf.

[Jimbuna]

Sonny didn't need a Sat-phone............... he had a gumleaf.

....and a camera crew in close proximity :dead:

[d@rk51d3]

You mean it wasn't real?:wah:

[bookworm_020]

You mean it wasn't real?:wah:

The roo was! IT made a great meal after the show wrapped!:yeah:

[JALU3]

For all you policy wonks out there Australian MoD has released a white paper as to the evolution of its defense capabilities, and planned purchases. And since we all know that we came here because we like submarines, the white paper talks about a submarine centric navy. I know this sounds hard to believe with it having difficulty maning its present vessels now, but ... well everyone take a gander.

defenseindustrydaily (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Australias-2009-Defense-White-Paper-05405/#more-5405)

Most significant announcement: Proposed 12 Air-Independent Propulsion diesel-electric submarines, with the ability to launch land attack cruise missiles, as the future Navy’s key platform.

12 non-nuclear Air-Independent Propulsion submarines, capable of launching land attack cruise missiles, to be assembled in South Australia. Design to be determined. ASC is not guaranteed the contract, however, something Fitzgibbon had pledged during the election. The subs could be upgraded versions of the existing Collins Class, or a foreign partnership around a sub like Spain’s S-80, which will already be designed to launch Tomahawk missiles.

A program is underway to fix Collins Class submarine staffing levels, which currently hover around 37%. The class will receive sonar and other upgrades during their lifetime.
Also, so much for pushing for a export variant of the F-22.

[Jimbuna]

I think the only way they'll address their staffing levels is if they go for this design :DL

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9866/sh32009031515300373.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sh32009031515300373.jpg)

[bookworm_020]

You think you would get more for a couple of billion!:shifty:

[baggygreen]

F22s - we have been soundly knocked back on them by the US, and basically told 'don't bother asking again'.

Interesting to note, a draft of the white paper was given to the Chinese before it was given to our own opposition party.

As for numbers, well, there will always be problems there unless this economic problem continues for another few years or more.

[TarJak]

Even in the depths of recession with unemployment running at all time highs, and we had 8 Oberon class boats we still struggled to get enough crew to keep more than a few operational. I'm buggered if I can see how they'll crew 12 of these things without massive incentives. Thinking about timing by the time we get delivery of these we'll probably be well out of the woods of this recession and into the next or maybe the one after that :D

[JALU3]

just out of curiosity what is the opinion of the australian people and military service? Is it held, overall, in a negative or a positive light? Is it seen as a positive employment choice, or seen as for only those who cannot get anything else? Is lip service played to the servicemembers, as is done in some circles here in the US, then snicked or talked down upon when not in front of the bright lights, more common or less common?

[bookworm_020]

just out of curiosity what is the opinion of the australian people and military service? Is it held, overall, in a negative or a positive light? Is it seen as a positive employment choice, or seen as for only those who cannot get anything else? Is lip service played to the servicemembers, as is done in some circles here in the US, then snicked or talked down upon when not in front of the bright lights, more common or less common?

It's held in a reasonably positive light, but the defense fores are a little behind the times coming to recruiting and keeping people. They still see it as people staying in for 20 years plus, not short to medium term.

There is a particular shortfall in the reserves, worse than the full time service. I guess it isn't seen as an attractive option compared to other offers out there.

[rubenandthejets]

The Ready Reserve scheme was a great idea, it just wasn't sold very well.

Unfortuntely most of the people who seem to go in for reserves are country lads down in the big smoke going to uni, so it's not a very diverse group of people, and that recruitment base is shrinking every year. No yeoman class anymore, same fate as Ancient Rome.....

After a couple of my mates were shortlisted for East Timor the reality of it all sank in and they got out ASAP. On the other end of the scale there are the SAS and DAMN they are hardcore, born to fight and winning Victoria Crosses in Afganistan....

We appreciate the services and the armed forces in general,(record turnout for ANZAC Day for example) but many Australains disagree with the deployment of troops where ever and whenever a certain major power snaps its fingers.

"HOW HIGH SIR?" is the usual response.

[bookworm_020]

We appreciate the services and the armed forces in general,(record turnout for ANZAC Day for example) but many Australains disagree with the deployment of troops where ever and whenever a certain major power snaps its fingers.

"HOW HIGH SIR?" is the usual response.

It's more seen as getting into fights that we don't need to be involved in. The Australian military is heavily involved in the Asia-Pacific area, and it's already stretched doing that.