What Makes A True Blue Australian?

So, what make an Aussie an Aussie? Is it the ability to beat the Poms 9 out of 10 times in sports? Yes it is, but, according to a Commonwealth Bank survey, there are other important features that Australians take pride in too. The ‘People of Australia’ survey show Australians believe it is their down to earth attitude (91 per cent), straight talking manner (82 per cent), welcoming and accepting nature (76 per cent), honesty (69 per cent) and community mindedness (65 per cent), that attracts the rest of the world.

When it comes what makes Australians most proud, the majority (90 per cent) say it is seeing other Aussies succeed on the world stage. Examples include Steve Irwin’s high profile conservation campaign, Professor Peter Doherty’s Nobel Prize for Medicine, and coming together as a nation during tough times, such as after the Bali bombings or Cyclone Larry. Australians are also proud to live in a multi-cultural, diverse society (74 per cent).

Professor Ian Frazer, who emigrated from Scotland to Australia in 1980 was the winner of the 2006 Australian of the Year award. Professor Frazer believes Australians are the envy of the rest of the world: “I’m proud to be Australian because of the opportunities and values people have here. I feel very privileged to have become an Australian citizen and to join such a vibrant society where anything seems possible.”

Aussies also believe that it is the mateship culture (88 per cent) and the international success of home-grown acting and singing talents such as Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue (60 per cent) that helps put Australia on the world map.

On the back of the recent Ashes victory, more than nine out of ten Australians (94 per cent) believe the country is best known around the world for its sporting prowess.