Australia

Introduction
 Good morning mate’s! Today I’m going to tell you about Australia. Come with
me and let’s go from its fantastic lands to the vibrant culture that bewitches
folks from all over the world! We will unravel the secrets of this wonderful
country!

Geographical Features
 Australia - officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia - is a country
that lies on the continent of Oceania, occupying almost 80% of its landmass.
 Its capital is Canberra and its most populous city is Melbourne and Australia
it’s the world’s sixth largest country.
 The official language is English.
 Its anthem is called "Advance Australia Fair".
 The country's population is 25 million, with around 60% concentrated around
the mainland state capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and
Adelaide.
 Its area is:
1. total: 7,741,220 sq km
2. land: 7,682,300 sq km
3. water: 58,920 sq km

note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

 It has many famous places to visit such as: Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the
Outback
 And obviously, known for its kangaroos, wallabies and koalas

https://www.ceicdata.com/pt/indicator/australia/population
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austr%C3%A1lia
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/australia/#geography
https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia
In addition to the already familiar places in Australia, we decided to add some "must-
know" places to our list of places to visit.

AUSTRALIA PINK LAKE

 Australia has several pink lakes - but the best known lake is Lake Hillier,
located on Middle Island in Western Australia.
 The lake has a pinkish colour. Why is that? Scientists assume that this is so
because of the existing algae - called Dunaliella salina - and the extreme
amount of salt there. Other factors combined with the above, create this pinkish
colour in the lake.
 However, the water is safe for humans to swim in, but Australia keeps this
restricted - as a way of preserving its pink colour and ecological balance.
 Saddest part of this? The lake is in a remote area, and can only be visited by
boat, or by plane/helicopter.

https://www.australia.com/en/things-to-do/nature-and-national-parks/australias-pink-
lakes.html

Fraser Island

 Fraser Island, located in Queensland, is the largest sand island - and a

UNESCO heritage.
 It is 123 km long and covers an area of approximately 1840 square km. Its
population is almost 200 inhabitants.
 The island is known for its rare nature - dunes, crystalline waters and for its
biodiversity - which encompasses various plants, including a rare and endemic
flora. It is also home to various animals, such as dingoes (unique to Australia).
 There are many places to visit on Fraser Island, but one of the most beautiful
places (in our opinion) is Eli Creek. Visitors can swim or float down the creek
and enjoy the dense vegetation around it.
 Visitors can take a tour guide in a 4x4, camping, hiking. However, as it is a
sensitive place, visitors have to follow rules for the preservation of the place.
 https://quatrocantosdomundo.wordpress.com/2014/08/17/lugares-unicos-no-
mundo-fraser-island-australia/
https://www.queroviajarmais.com/fraser-island/

Bullet-points:
1. Australia is one of the largest producers of wine;
2. It contains the largest herd of wild camels;
3. Bush food - uses only ingredients native to Australia.

AFL Grand Final

 The AFL Grand Final is the culmination of the Australian Football League, and
is one of the most anticipated and anticipated moments for locals.
 This championship usually takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
(MCG), one of the largest stadiums in the world - holding over 100,000
spectators.
 This championship features 18 Australian teams, which compete against each
other to be the winners - and is always dated on the last Saturday of September
(this year, 30 September).
 Aside from the prestige of winning the premiership, the premiership-winning
club receives four prizes: the premiership cup, the premiership flag, the E. L.
Wilson Shield, and A$1.2 million in prize money.
 The championship goes beyond the games - it's a cultural moment and features
Australian and international performers.

Winners:

2022 Geelong Sydney 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52)

2021 Melbourne Western Bulldogs 21.14 (140) d 10.6 (66)

2020 Richmond Geelong 12.9 (81) d 7.8 (50)

2019 Richmond GWS Giants 17.12 (114) d 3.7 (25)

2018 West Coast Eagles Collingwood 11.13 (79) d. 11.8 (74)

2017 Richmond Adelaide 16.12 (108) d. 8.12 (60)

2016 Western Bulldogs Sydney 13.11 (89) d. 10.7 (67)

2015 Hawthorn West Coast Eagles 16.11 (107) d. 8.13 (61)

2014 Hawthorn Sydney 21.11 (137) d. 11.8 (74)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFL_Grand_Final
https://www.topendsports.com/sport/afl/grand-finalists.htm

Activity
- A fun AFL Grand Final related activity for kids can be to create cheer flags or
posters.

Materials needed:
 Coloured paper or cardboard
 Coloured pens, crayons, chalk or markers
 Glue sticks
 Scissors
 Ice-cream sticks or straws
Step by step:
1. Distribute the coloured paper or cardboard to each child and ask them to cut
into a rectangular or triangular shape, like a flag. (or give them a mold)

2. Explain to the children that they are going to create their own cheer flag for the
AFL Grand Final. Encourage them to choose colours and symbols that represent their
favourite team or create a unique design.

3. Provide the coloured pens, crayons, chalk or markers for the children to draw
and colour in their flags. They can add their team logo, football-related designs or
messages of encouragement.

4. Next, ask the children to glue the ice cream sticks or straws to the back of the
flags using glue sticks. This will turn them into little flagpoles.

5. Now, the children can wave their cheer flags and show their support for the
teams during the AFL Grand Final. They can have a small cheer competition, creating
their own choreography or slogans to liven up the match.

This activity allows children to express their creativity, show their support for
the teams and have fun cheering during the AFL Grand Final. Plus, they can
take their cheer flags home as a souvenir of the activity.

Maori Naming Customs

 Maori naming customs play a significant role in the indigenous culture of the
Māori people in New Zealand. These customs hold great importance as they
reflect deep meanings and connections to ancestry, nature, and spiritual beliefs.
Let's explore some essential aspects of Maori naming traditions:
1. Firstly, whakapapa, which refers to "genealogy" or "ancestry", holds
immense value in Māori culture. It serves as a foundation for personal identity
 and establishes a strong link to ancestors. Māori names often embody
whakapapa by incorporating family lineage or tribal affiliations.

2. Naming at birth is a common practice among Māori families. Babies are given
names that connect them to their whakapapa, paying homage to ancestors,
reflecting family values, or carrying cultural significance. Parents often seek
guidance from respected elders or kaumātua while selecting names.

3. Māori names predominantly derive from the Māori language, known as te reo
Māori. The language is an official language of New Zealand, and names
frequently encompass words representing natural elements like water, land, or
plants. These names may also bear symbolic meanings associated with virtues,
qualities, or aspirations.

4. Whānau, or extended family, actively participates in Māori naming customs.

They contribute by providing suggestions, sharing stories, and imparting
knowledge about specific names. This collective involvement serves to
strengthen family bonds and cultural connections.

5. In addition to official names, Māori individuals often have nicknames or pet

names. These names reflect personal characteristics, physical attributes, or
significant events in a person's life. Nicknames are commonly used in informal
settings, symbolizing familiarity and affection.

6. Māori naming customs emphasize the importance of adhering to cultural

protocols and demonstrating respect. For instance, when attending formal
gatherings or events, it is customary to introduce oneself using their full
name and tribal affiliation. This practice showcases reverence for one's
heritage and fosters meaningful connections with others.

 While these customs provide a general understanding of Māori naming

traditions, it's crucial to acknowledge that variations and individual
preferences may exist within different Māori communities and families.
Seeking guidance from elders and cultural advisors can provide valuable
insights into Māori customs and protocols.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81ori_naming_customs
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/new-zealand-culture/new-zealand-culture-naming
https://teara.govt.nz/en/te-reo-maori-the-maori-language/page-6
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/