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Names and informality
First names are common, including at work. Informality usually signals approachability, not a lack of respect.
A practical cultural guide
Welcome to Australia.
An approachable introduction to everyday customs, work, safety and settling into life in Geelong—for newcomers and their families.
This is general orientation, not legal or migration advice. Eligibility and requirements depend on your circumstances and visa. Always confirm important decisions with the linked government agency or a qualified adviser.
Your new local landscape
Life in Geelong is lived by the water—and in community.
Public spaces, neighbourhood activities and community organisations are natural places to begin building connection.
Images: Geelong Waterfront by Dtfman, CC0; Eastern Beach by John Shadbolt, CC BY 2.5; Pako Festa photographs by Matt Hrkac, image one and image two, CC BY 2.0.
First Peoples and Country
Australia’s story begins long before 1788.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples of Australia, with living cultures and connections to Country extending across tens of thousands of years.
Geelong is on Wadawurrung Country. You may hear an Acknowledgement of Country at meetings and events. It recognises Traditional Owners and pays respect to Elders past and present; it is not a religious ceremony.
Listen to local Aboriginal voices, learn the correct name of the Country where you live, and understand that First Nations peoples and cultures are diverse.
Learn about Wadawurrung CountryEveryday Australian culture
Friendly, informal and built around mutual respect.
These are common tendencies rather than rules. Australia contains many cultures, communities and personalities.
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Time and commitments
Punctuality matters for appointments and work. RSVP promptly and tell the host if your plans change.
03
Queuing and shared space
Wait your turn, keep a comfortable distance and leave shared places clean.
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Direct communication
People may say what they need clearly. A polite “no” or respectful disagreement is generally acceptable.
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Please, thanks and sorry
These small expressions are used frequently—with service staff, colleagues, neighbours and strangers.
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Equality and boundaries
Personal choice, consent, privacy and equal treatment are strongly valued. Discrimination is not acceptable.
Finding common ground
Your culture remains part of your Australian story.
Belonging does not require leaving your heritage behind.
Food
Sharing meals is one of the easiest ways to exchange culture and make friends.
Family
Families take many forms, but care, opportunity and children’s wellbeing are common meeting points.
Sport
Cricket offers familiar ground; Australian Rules football is a useful doorway into Victorian life.
Community service
Volunteering turns local participation into relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
Australian workplaces
Ask questions. Know your rights.
Workplaces often value initiative, teamwork, clear communication and reasonable boundaries between work and personal time.
Fair Work guidance for migrants- Your entitlements matterVisa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees.
- Clarify expectationsAsk about duties, hours, pay, leave, safety and who to approach when you need help.
- Speaking upRespectfully raising a concern or asking for feedback is usually seen as responsible.
- SafetyFollow workplace safety procedures and report hazards, injuries, bullying or harassment.
Practical first steps
Build your foundations.
What applies to you depends on your visa and circumstances. Use these as prompts and confirm eligibility officially.
Check your visa conditions
Use Home Affairs and VEVO to understand work, study and residency conditions.
Set up myGov
A myGov account can connect eligible government services, including Medicare and the ATO.
Check Medicare eligibility
Eligible people can enrol online or by form. Others may need suitable private health insurance.
Apply for a tax file number
A TFN is important for work, tax and superannuation. Keep it private and secure.
Understand your driver licence
Victorian rules and conversion requirements depend on how long you stay and where your licence was issued.
Connect locally
Libraries, schools, Cultura, community groups and the Society can help you build local networks.
Staying safe
A few Australian essentials.
000
Emergency
Call Triple Zero for urgent police, fire or ambulance help. For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444.
UV
Sun and heat
UV can be high even when the weather feels cool. Use sunscreen, clothing, shade and water.
旗
Beach safety
Swim between the red-and-yellow flags at patrolled beaches and follow lifesaver instructions.
火
Fire season
Check VicEmergency and CFA fire danger ratings. Do not enter bushfire-risk areas on Catastrophic days.
🚗
Roads
Drive on the left, wear seatbelts, obey speed limits and never use a handheld phone while driving.
131
Language help
The Translating and Interpreting Service is available on 131 450 for many government services.
Trusted links
Go to the official source.
Requirements change. These organisations provide current information.
When and how to call 000.
Official websiteVisas, conditions, VEVO and citizenship.
Official websiteEligibility, documents and enrolment steps.
Services AustraliaATO forms and instructions for individuals.
Australian Taxation OfficePay, conditions and workplace protections.
Fair Work OmbudsmanVictorian rules for interstate and overseas licences.
VicRoadsTransport, family, housing and government services.
Official websiteFire danger, preparation and easy-English resources.
Country Fire AuthorityMulticultural and settlement support in the Barwon region.
Visit CulturaShare your culture too.
Our companion guide helps Australian neighbours understand Bengali customs, celebrations and the connections between Bengal and Australia.
Friendship often grows through shared activity.
It can take time to move from friendly conversation to close friendship. Regular contact makes a difference.