WELCOME TO ANZVAC INC.
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rainforests. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometre. Australia has 16 world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Much of Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the lifestyle is one second to none.
The culture and customs consist of a rich tapestry of nationalities including traditions, legends, myths and folklore. The indigenous 'Dream time' forms the base of tens of thousands of years of spiritual aboriginal art and culture.
In Australia over 200 different languages and dialects are spoken, including 45 indigenous languages. The most commonly spoken languages (other than English) are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders made up all the people of Australia before the arrival of European settlers in 1788. They formed many groups with their lifestyle, religious and cultural traditions reflecting a deep connection with the land. They spoke one or more of hundreds of languages. Now, they make up only a small part of the total number of Australians. They continue to live in all places including cities, towns, the coast, rural areas and the outback. There is no single culture but a mixture of current day and traditional thoughts, ways and practices.
On 26 January 1788, the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson now called Sydney. We commemorate the date of that first landing as Australia Day, which is our national day. Migrants arriving with and after the First Fleet were mainly English convicts and free settlers. They included Italians, Greeks, Malays and people from other parts of Europe. The gold rushes attracted a large number of people from Britain, Ireland, Germany and China. Afghans also came at this time, bringing camels with them for inland exploration.
Early Japanese settlers started the pearling industry in Australia. Many people are attracted to employment opportunities in regional Australia. Regional Australia offers open spaces, less expensive life styles and the wonderful Australian environment. Many regional centres also have a strong cultural diversity with well established migrant communities. There are a range of initiatives to attract migrants, with particular skills and abilities, to many regions of Australia. The Life in Regional Australia pages show the increasing opportunities for migrants to successfully settle outside of the major Australian cities.
