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Sydney is a multicultural city made up of people who`ve come from all parts of the world. Since World War II, New South Wales, and much of Australia, have had a steady flow of immigrants, mainly from Europe, but also from Asia and the Middle East. These cultures, mixing with a society of mainly British and aboriginal decent, have produced a cosmopolitan and egalitarian cultural climate, making Sydney one of the world`s largest cultural mixing-pots. Special Broadcasting Services (SBS), Australia`s publicly funded ethnic radio and television station, broadcasts in 57 languages. It is a testimony to the government`s support of a multicultural Australia. Overview In general, Australians are not pretentious by nature. They have a casual, drop-in approach when socializing and working. It is perfectly normal for Australians to refer to each other on first-name basis. And if you can`t remember someone`s first name, `mate` is usually appropriate, even if talking to a woman. A typical Australian speaks his mind, and is known to tell you straight if there is something he/she dislikes. When taking cabs in Australia, don`t be surprised -- it is usual for the passenger to sit in the front seat and have a chat with the cabbie. There are two common stereotypes of the Australian male. The first is the naive and Neanderthal male -- great for a beer and a laugh. The other is the tough adventurer -- a businessbloke who conceals the dorsal fin of a shark under a grey suit. This entrepreneur-type figure is a firm sports enthusiast and takes well to putting Australia on the global map. Examples include media giant Rupert Murdoch, and Alan Bond, who brought the America Cup to Australia. As in most cultures, men tend to get together to relax. This means drinking in pubs, going to the footy (Australian rugby), and hanging loose away from the prying eyes of their wives and children. While it is not the rule, one who spends enough time in Australia will get a peek of these characteristics. The typical Australian party is said to segregate blokes to one side of the room around the beer keg, and Sheilas (Australian slang for girls) to the other. Like the blokes, the women tend to be hugely self-reliant and tough. The modern Australian woman may lag behind her male counterparts in terms of average pay and status, but she has managed to enter traditionally male-dominated fields, like law, business, and politics. Business Etiquette It is usual business etiquette for men to shake hands with men and women upon meeting and departing, but women usually do not shake hands with other women. A firm handshake and eye contact is important especially during the first meeting. With very good friends, males pat each other on the shoulder, women kiss one another, and sometimes good male and female friends kiss in greeting. A kiss or a hug is highly inappropriate during the first meeting. From a distance, greet a friend or acquaintance with a wave. Listen for “Good day,” (pronounced g`day, or g`die), which is the usual greeting. The informal, rural good-bye is “Hoo-roo." Expect first names to be used frequently, but wait till you are invited to use them. If you are invited to a party, expect the host or hostess to introduce you to each person. When invited to have a business meal, it is customary for the person who issued the invitation to pick up the tab for the meal. It is common to exchange business cards, and it is normally presented with the right hand. Unlike in Asia, it is perfectly normal to present it with one hand. It is uncommon to bring gifts during a first meeting, but an invitation for a cup of coffee or a drink is popular. Expect to do business over drinks, and be sure to “shout” (buy) your round
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