I am looking to online references or to instigate a discussion
regarding life in Australia.

Stereotypical views seems to be that life there as compared to the UK
is more relaxed, a better quality of life due to lower living costs
and better weather. Additionally I have been told that people can be
quite racist and perhaps more sheltered than in the UK - as well as a
large difference in culture and sense of humour.

Is any one able to enter in to a discussion on this - give advice as
what to expect if moving from the UK (probably specifically to
Melbourne or Sydney rather than small towns) - or point me to reports
and
opinions of people who have made the move - or from Australians
themselves

Thanks

Haram

I am a Kiwi, but have spent equally as much of my adult life in the UK
and Australia. I would be difficult to think of a single aspect of the
UK being a nicer place to live than Australia. The only plus for me
was that, deep down, I felt I belonged in the UK, my ancestral home.

There is some racism in Australia, but not as much as in the UK. I've
noticed racist attitudes to Aborigines in QLD and WA. There aren't
many Aborigines in Sydney & Melbourne, but there is some conflict
between different immigrant groups.

The weather is better, although some folk don't like the humidity of
Sydney, or the "four seasons in one day" of Melbourne.

Melbourne is far more relaxed than Sydney, less up itself, and more
cultural. I've been here 7 years and feel that it is safer than any UK
or US city, or Auckland.

As a "pom" you might suffer from some negative stereotyping down here,
but that would depend on who you hung out with. Many Brits come here
with plans on returning home to visit rellies every couple of years,
but then don't.

The humour is pretty much the same, although coarser in the country areas.

Hi Haram. I`m in OZ on the west coast. Much as I respect my fellow
Australians, please give the big cities in the east a miss. The riots
in  Redfern recently are more to do with social misbehaviour than
racism. Most Aussies accept any colour, providing they meet social
norms, like law abiding and good social behaviour. ALL religions are
accepted and we do not like to see anyone IMPORTING their ancient
grievances from their home countries. We want everybody to become
AUSSIES, not Arabs or any other race who just lives in Australia. If
you are prepared to live and work in the country, there are many farms
screaming out for good intelligent workers and it very likely you
could get a rent free farmhouse. Too many young people have gravitated
to the cities for the "Good Times". If you can give these up and enjoy
simple country entertainment, you simply MUST FORGE AHEAD. See you
when you arrive.-