Melbourne: Day 3

Together we stand: In front of Queen Victoria's Market

Tentatively, we were supposed to visit MOE Oil & Gas but our visiting application was denied. To replace the acvitity, we decided to have another social visit for to Queen Victoria Market to buy souvenirs for our family and friends.


Malaysia's memorial

At evening, we had dinner with Malaysian Students Association Victoria at Crowne Hotel Plaza, opposite Yarra River. This society, led Zia Mohzaini is formed to gather Malaysian students studying in Victoria, conduct activities for the students and at the same, fight for the welfare of Malaysian students. The purpose of the dinner was to strengthen the relationship among Malaysians, which in our case was Malaysian students studying abroad and students from UMP.






Zia Mohzaini and his assistant



We managed to improve our communication skills as understanding the Australian English accent has become easier after three days staying in Australia. We interacted with sellers at Queen Victoria Market to bargain good price for items and through this, we polished our persuasive and convincing people skills. Apart from that, we also managed to improve our negotiating skill as we implemented ‘win-win situation’ method in bargaining for the best price.

From our interaction with Malaysian students, we learnt how they adapt with Australia environment and culture throughout their stay in Australia. We inquired them on the allowance they get monthly from their sponsors which in the range of AUD 1000 to AUD 1500 monthly and how they spent the money for their survival in Australia. We found that they have to pay weekly rental amounting AUD 100 to AUD 300 depending on the type of house they reside. Normally, these students will stay in apartments accommodated by 6 to 8 students to decrease the individual rental payment. According to them, half of their allowance was spent on food and transportation and the remaining balance is usually saved for future needing.

While travelling within the city, we observed how the unfortunate citizens survived on the street with their creativity such as playing musical instruments, painting images, street drawing, graffiti and sand sculpting, and they sell their creativity to the audience that watches the performance. The good thing is that they did not beg for money but they work hard to earn money using the talents. We also found that Australians are very appreciative towards other people’s talents by donating money after the show ends.

From our interaction the unfortunate citizens after watching their performances, we learnt that most Australians did not go out at night and they rather spent the nights at home with their families. Melbourne is quite and calm at night compared to its busy and hectic atmosphere during the day. It is quite unattractive to travel the city at night but for people that enjoy peace and calamity, Melbourne is a good place for a retreat.