The "big hole" in Aboriginal context likely refers to Gnamma holes, natural rock cavities that served as vital water sources in arid areas, or it could be a misunderstanding of Aboriginal English (AbE) slang like "big ole," meaning a large hole, or potentially a cultural reference to significant places like Uluru. It's important to understand whether the query is about a physical feature, language, or something symbolic, as Aboriginal cultures have diverse meanings for "holes" and "big holes".
The Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme provided ex-gratia payments to Stolen Generations survivors. The reparations aimed to acknowledge historical injustices faced by Stolen Generations survivors. The amount provided to each recipient was $75,000.
One of the main sources of water for the Aboriginal people were 'gnamma' holes. These natural cavities are commonly found in hard rock, particularly granite outcrops, and as such act as natural water tanks, which are replenished from underground stores and rainwater run-off.
The standard three-part test for Aboriginality in Australia requires a person to meet three criteria: descent (biological ancestry), self-identification (identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), and community acceptance (being recognized as such by their Indigenous community). This definition, adopted by the Commonwealth government, is used for many government programs and services, although the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses a simpler two-part test (descent and self-identification) for general data collection.
"Migaloo" is an Indigenous Australian word, meaning "white person" or "white fella," famously used as the name for a famous white humpback whale, but it's not general Aussie slang like "G'day" or "barbie" (barbecue); it's a term from specific Aboriginal languages (like Biri from Queensland) that entered broader usage due to the whale's fame and the connection to Australia's history with Indigenous people.
"Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy, Oi Oi Oi" (often written as "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi") is a patriotic Australian sports chant, a rallying cry of national pride, originating from older British cheers like "Oggy Oggy Oggy," with "Aussie" being slang for Australian, and "Oi" functioning as an emphatic interjection, similar to "Hey!" or "Go!". It's used at sporting events, sometimes considered a bit cheesy or "cringey" by some Australians, but generally seen as an inclusive way to support national teams.
For many First Nations people (and plenty of non-Indigenous Australians) Dorrie is a word for someone who's extra curious or nosey. The term is thought to have come from Dorrie Evans, a character in the 1970s Australian TV soap opera Number 96.
No, standard Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker, Age Pension, etc.) are the same for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians with identical circumstances, but Indigenous Australians have access to specific, targeted programs and extra support, like enhanced child care subsidies and dedicated services, that can provide additional financial or service benefits.
'Aborigine' is generally perceived as insensitive, because it has racist connotations from Australia's colonial past, and lumps people with diverse backgrounds into a single group. You're more likely to make friends by saying 'Aboriginal person', 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander'.
Who can self-identify? Anyone with Indigenous ancestry may self-identify. No documentation is necessary. What is the process to self-identify?
Uniquely Australian culture
One of the words added is kumanjayi, a substitute name for a person who has died. "There's often a taboo when's someone's passed away on using their name for an extended period of time, so their name is substituted, which is not something we have in other cultures in Australia,"
Yes, in most Australian states, you can generally keep gold you find, especially as a hobbyist on {!nav}Crown land, but you typically need a Miner's Right or prospecting permit, and rules vary by state, with Tasmania having stricter laws where gold may remain Crown property. The key is proper licensing, respecting land ownership, using hand tools (no explosives/heavy machinery), and distinguishing between hobby finds (often tax-free) and commercial mining.
WONGABURRA: our home. WOONAN: home. WYUNA: clear water. YALLAMBEE: to dwell at ease.
The $20 million paid for the Aboriginal flag's copyright went to Luritja artist Harold Thomas, the flag's designer, and the license holders, with the Australian Federal Government acquiring the rights in 2022 to make the flag freely available for public use, ending long-standing disputes and licensing issues. The deal also included funding for an Indigenous student scholarship and directing royalties to NAIDOC.
Aboriginal people buying their own home can access government incentives for home buyers that reduce the time it takes to save enough to enter the housing market or that remove some of the costs that can be a barrier to becoming home owners.
Yes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are eligible for significant free or subsidised healthcare, primarily through the Medicare system, including free annual health checks (715 checks), support for chronic conditions, mental health services, and cheaper medicines under the Closing the Gap (CTG) program, helping address health disparities. These programs provide access to tailored care, early detection, preventative services, and essential medications.
To be respectful of the cultural significance and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, terms such as 'mob', 'Aunty/Uncle', 'tidda', etc should only be used by First Nations peoples or by those who have been given explicit permission from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
Aboriginal-language terms for people, such as "Koori", "Murri" or "Nyoongah", are appropriate for the areas where they apply. About 80% of the Torres Strait Island population now resides outside the Torres Strait; thus, local terminology such as "Murray Island Peoples" and "Mer Island Peoples" is also used.
An Australian with an Aboriginal bloodline. Today, there is a growing pool of such people in the general Australian population, thousands of individuals with Aboriginal ancestry who have grown up culturally white.
The $4,000 Centrelink payment isn't a direct cash payment but a one-time boost to the Work Bonus income bank for eligible pensioners (Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment) over Age Pension age, starting January 1, 2024, with an increased maximum balance of $11,800, allowing them to earn more without reducing their pension. You get this $4,000 starting credit automatically if you're a new claimant or haven't received a previous $4,000 boost, effectively giving you a $4,000 buffer to earn income before Centrelink reduces your pension.
Through the Indigenous Home Ownership Program (IHOP), IBA offers concessional home loans to First Nations people who cannot access mainstream lending. IHOP loans have: low introductory interest rates. low deposit requirements.
From 5 January 2026, families can now get 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in their care, regardless of their level of recognised participation. The government pays child care services, who pass the subsidy on to you as cheaper fees.
For example, both lesbian and heterosexual Aboriginal women may refer to themselves as 'sistergirls', 'sisters' or 'tiddas', which is an Aboriginal English term for the word 'sisters'. Gay Aboriginal men may also refer to themselves as sisters.
Meeka Meaning: The Aboriginal word for moon.
colloquial (Australian and New Zealand). A foolish or silly person; an idiot; a simpleton. Also: a victim of deception; a dupe (see quot. 1941).