An American living in Sydney has won the hearts of Australians online after sharing her journey in which she embraced quintessential Australian politeness – and even taught her visiting mother the tricks of the trade.
The simple act of thanking a bus driver as they get off has become a viral sensation, highlighting a small but significant cultural difference.
Brooke, a 32-year-old from Minnesota who has called Sydney home for three years, recently took her mother, Missy, on a bus ride.
Before they disembarked, Brooke gave a clear instruction: “Are you ready to become Australian?” she asked, preparing her mother for the usual cheerful ‘thank you’ to the driver.
Missy’s initial hesitation, wondering if she could be “too loud,” was met with Brooke’s emphatic “Yes, you can!”
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American woman Brooke, who has lived in Sydney, shared a video of herself telling her visiting mother about the common practice on Australian public transport of shouting ‘thank you’ to the bus driver as you get off. Source @brooke.alison.laven via Instagram
This exchange, captured in a beautiful video shared on Brooke’s Instagram account, @brooke.alison.lavenhas since been viewed more than 455,000 times.
Brooke revealed to the Daily Mail that she discovered this unspoken public transport ritual just months after arriving in Sydney.
“I was a little embarrassed the first time I did it – and so was my mother, because it draws attention to you in public,” she admitted, a sentiment her mother echoed.
“But after you do it a few times, it feels more normal and you feel good when you thank the driver.”
The video ends with Missy, after tapping her Opal card, saying a somewhat loud and not entirely confident, but ultimately sincere, word: “Thank you!”
The light-hearted caption: ‘Making sure my mum does things the Australian way’ resonated deeply with local viewers.
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Brooke’s Instagram video showed her educating her mom Missy on how to properly execute the “thank you” shout to the bus driver. Source @brooke.alison.laven via Instagram
The comments section quickly filled with praise and amusement.
“She did a good job,” one Australian declared, while another agreed:
“Perfect. Perfect.”
Many praised Brooke for introducing her mother to this cherished cultural moment, with one person commenting, “You’re a good egg.”
The simple act of gratitude goes beyond the sentiment of the passengers.
Transport for NSW co-ordinator general Howard Collins expressed his admiration for the practice.
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Brooke has lived in Australia for the past three years. Source: @brooke.alison.laven via Instagram
“It may seem small, but it says a lot. It shows respect for the people who keep our city moving every day,” he told the Daily Mail.
The viral video also sparked a wider discussion among Australians, with many expressing surprise that the practice is not universal.
“I wonder why we’re doing this, other than common courtesy,” one Australian mused.
“I think it’s great that we’re doing that.” Others shared anecdotes about experiences abroad that highlighted the uniqueness of Australian tradition, including an American friend’s observation that “Australians were strange: ‘You sit in the front of taxis and say thank you to the bus driver’.”
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