The Founding of Australia. In January 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip established an English settlement at Sydney Cove on the southeast coast of Australia. In this illustration based on a 1937 painting by Algernon Talmadge, Phillip and his crew hoist a flag on the site, an event that is considered the beginning of European settlement in Australia.
"The Founding of Australia. In January 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip established an English settlement..." Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism since 1450, edited by Thomas Benjamin, vol. 1, Macmillan Reference USA, 2007. World History in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/PC2587387039/WHIC?u=vol_h58hs&sid=WHIC&xid=db3be7dd. Accessed 15 Oct. 2018.
Australians tend to be proud of their heritage—that a nation of convicts and laborers established a wealthy, educated, and egalitarian society in a harsh and inhospitable land. Many Australians value tolerance and fairness (called a fair go) and dislike aggressive, ostentatious, or proud behavior. At times, this dislike is manifest in the desire to bring down people of power and influence to the common level. While Australians are generally perceived as laid-back, they also value hard work and have a strong sense of politeness; being prompt is important.
Australians are known for being outgoing and friendly and place a high value on enjoyment. Some particularly appreciate material things that allow them to enjoy life (spacious homes, vacations, cars). Many Australians have a prevailing optimism that things will "be right." Their sense of humor is often laced with irony, sarcasm, and satire and is frequently self-deprecating.
In recent years, extended drought and fears over climate change have made many Australians increasingly conscious of environmental issues. Water resources management and energy conservation often rank high among people's concerns.
"Australia: General Attitudes." CultureGrams Online Edition, ProQuest, 2018, online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country_sections.php?cid=13&cn=Australia&sname=General_Attitudes&snid=6. Accessed 12 October 2018.
"Political Map." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2018, worldhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/311345. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
"Infographic of Australia." CultureGrams Online Edition, ProQuest, 2018, online.culturegrams.com/world/world_popup_infographic.php?scountryname=Australia&id=&refername=&type=World. Accessed 12 October 2018.