Skip to content
Our community · 1 min read

Compassion for those in need

AUSTRALIAN VALUES In the real test, every values question must be correct.

Australians value ‘mateship’. We help each other in times of need. For example, this might mean taking a meal to an elderly neighbour, driving a friend to a medical appointment, or visiting someone who is sick, frail or lonely.

In this spirit of mateship, Australia has a strong tradition of community service and volunteering – to look out for each other and strengthen the community. Volunteering is a great opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills, and increase your integration into and sense of belonging to the Australian community. There are many opportunities for you to volunteer in Australia.

Test yourself on this topic

5 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A storm damages homes in Rosa's street and the neighbours all pitch in to help each other clear up. Which Australian value does this show?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Formality – keeping a polite distance from others
    • Independence – never accepting help from others
    • Mateship – helping each other in times of need
    • Competition – each household looking after itself

    Explanation: Australians call this 'mateship': people stand by each other and give help when it is needed.

  2. 2. Amara is new to Australia and feels she does not belong yet. How can volunteering help her?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • It guarantees her a permanent full-time job
    • It builds her skills and sense of belonging here
    • It allows her to skip the citizenship pledge
    • It gives her a discount on government fees

    Explanation: Volunteering lets people share what they know, learn new skills and feel part of the Australian community.

  3. 3. Ben wants to help the people around him in the spirit of mateship. Which TWO of these are examples of Australians helping each other in times of need?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Taking a meal to an elderly neighbour
    • Charging a neighbour a fee for small favours
    • Leaving a lonely person alone to avoid intruding
    • Driving a friend to a medical appointment

    Explanation: Small practical acts, like cooking for a neighbour or giving someone a lift when they are unwell, are everyday examples of mateship.

  4. 4. Nadia has spare time and would like to volunteer, but believes there is almost nowhere to do so in Australia. Is she correct?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • No, but volunteering requires a government permit
    • Yes, volunteering is limited to citizens by birth
    • Yes, only registered charities may accept helpers
    • No, there are many opportunities to volunteer here

    Explanation: Australia offers many ways to volunteer, so anyone who wants to help can find a place to do it.

  5. 5. Tomas joins a local volunteer group in his suburb. What is the purpose of Australia's strong tradition of community service and volunteering?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • To give people an advantage when applying for jobs
    • To replace the work done by paid government staff
    • To raise money for overseas charities only
    • To look out for each other and strengthen the community

    Explanation: Volunteering grows out of mateship: people watch out for one another and make the community stronger.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet