Enjoying a BBQ and understanding fire danger | Meet the Changs | Ep 10

The two families come together for a BBQ to celebrate a new partnership. But will the fire danger rating prevent them from having a BBQ? Follow the Chang family through common situations and improve your English language skills.

Note: In September 2022 Australia updated and simplified its Warning System and Fire Danger Rating System, which is now nationally consistent.

Learning notes

For students:  (pdf - 160kb)

For teachers: (pdf - 102kb)



Transcript

Melanie:
Melanie here, from the Department of Oz-Speak. This is ‘Enjoying a BBQ and understanding fire danger’.

Lily:
This is everything?

Michael:
Everything.

Nicholas:
Oh my… it's a buffet!

Connie:
It's a bit overkill, don't you think Baba?

Michael:
Well, this is the list Rami gave me.

Connie:
Who do you think we are feeding? A whole village?

Michael:
Rami says he is the king of BBQ's. And he is going to bring more.

Lily:
More?

Michael:
Something about how it's common to BYO in Australia. I don't know what that means.

Connie:
Bring your own.

Melanie:
BYO. Bring your own.

Connie:
I think I’m going to pass out just from looking at it.

Grandma:
What is that they say? The more the merrier! Celebrations need a lot of food.

Nicholas:
What are we celebrating?

Connie:
We're celebrating mum and Mariam’s partnership.

Nicholas:
Yeah, but why didn't we write “partnership” on the banner?

Connie:
Good point.

Rami:
Hello everyone.

Connie:
More food. I’m too young to have a food baby.

Lily:
Did you bring the garlic sauce?

Mariam:
I did, I did.

Rami:
Great weather for a BBQ, huh?

Michael:
Even when it’s chilly?

Rami:
Yeah, of course! Rain. Snow. Sun. Never a bad time for a BBQ in Australia. Do we have plates?

Lily:
Yes.

Rami:
Anyone vegetarian? Vegan?

Grandma:
Who is vegan?

Rami:
Moving on. Any food allergies that we should know?

Michael:
Nicholas doesn't like peanuts.

Lily:
But he is not allergic.

Rami:
Then let the BBQ begin!

Mariam:
Rami, wait...

Rami:
What, what, what?

Michael:
What’s wrong?

Mariam:
Look. Did you see that sign?

Rami:
Nah. That can't be right.

Melanie:
This is the fire danger rating. It is an indicator of how dangerous a bushfire would be, if it started - based on the conditions, like humidity, temperature and wind. Always remember to check the rules. Each state has different rules around fire bans. Make sure to check yours before any outdoor activities. Sometimes, if the fire danger rating is very high or extreme, there might be a fire ban.

Rami:
How can it be high when the weather is so cool? You know, cool like me!

Mariam:
That’s not funny.

Lily:
Wait! The rules say an electric or gas grill is okay. We have a gas grill.

Mariam:
Finally. A responsible adult in charge.

Rami:
Thank you.

Mariam:
Not you.

Rami:
Well let’s eat! I’m hungry. I could eat a horse. It’s OK, it’s not horse. It’s donkey. I couldn’t afford the horse. Relax! It’s beef. You like that, Mariam? Finally I knew I would make you laugh.

Everyone:
Gan bei!

Mariam:
In Arabic we say ‘Kesek’.

Michael:
Remember that time about the fridge? It was broken. Shhh…

Nicholas:
I didn’t break it! It was Connie. It’s not me. I’m the good boy. What are you talking about? She did.

Rami:
This is the end of the line for your daddy. Victory to Rami!

Mariam:
Show me the fabric.

Lily:
I’ll show you the order last week.

Mariam:
Ooh.. that’s nice.

Lily:
This is my favourite.

Mariam:
Look at that, it’s so pretty.

Lily:
Yeah.

Connie:
Wait! We should take a group photo.

Lily:
To celebrate our new partnership. Let’s go!

Connie:
Everyone, smile! Nai Nai, look here! 1, 2 -

Grandma:
I think I want to stay in Australia.

Everyone:
What?!

Melanie:
Enjoying a BBQ with friends in Australia is the best. But make sure to check the fire danger rating to see if there is a total fire ban. That way you will know what is and isn’t allowed outdoors. I’m sure grandma is going to be very happy here.

Thank you for joining the Changs and Dacknaches on their journeys. This was Melanie. See you next time!



END





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Credits
Produced by SBS with assistance by

Video production company: Studio Gilay

Director: James Hackett

Educational consultant: Natalie Oostergo - International Education Services

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4 min read
Published 7 June 2022 11:28am
Updated 7 November 2023 10:41am


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