The answer, it seems, is love.
Last Week In Denmark, talks to Her Excellency Kerin Ayyalaraju, Australian Ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
The Australian Embassy in Denmark overlooks Øresund, the strait that separates Denmark from Sweden. On this grey summer’s day, swimmers rest on the wooden slats of a long pier that extends into the silvery water. While the view is a world away from the sparkling blue of Circular Quay in Sydney, where the Danish Consulate General resides, there’s a calmness in the scene that’s captivating. We sit down for coffee, accompanied by a selection of Danish pastries, a glass of Australian Chardonnay, and a Cheesy Vegemite Scroll—a savoury treat that combines cheese with the iconic, salty spread beloved by Australians. The enduring popularity of Vegemite might be one of the few mysteries greater than why so many Australians find themselves drawn to these northern, blustery shores.
Why do Australians move to Denmark?
Much like “Our Mary”—the Australian-born Queen of Denmark—many Australians come for love and soon embrace Denmark as home. “There are great opportunities for talented Australians,” says Kerin. “We see them thriving in the fields of innovation and creativity, especially here in Copenhagen. And then there’s the work-life balance. Whatever family means to you, Danes have a unique way of respecting time for what you love outside of work and the longer you stay, the more important that balance becomes.”
Australians can be found making their way in hospitality, life sciences, renewable energy, shipping, academia, finance and pharmaceuticals. But how do they get along with their Danish counterparts?
What are some of the cultural similarities?
“The communication style between Australians and Danes is remarkably similar, something we don’t always see with other countries. Interestingly, it has more in common than that of their neighbouring countries, despite shared history. The Australian sense of humour, combined with a direct way of communicating, helps Aussies thrive here in Denmark. I’ve seen partnerships in business and academia between the two countries flourish because of this shared approach. For example, The University of Queensland recently signed a new MoU with the DTU – Technical University of Denmark.
Academics here report that when they reach out to Australian universities, they’re met with a positive and open reception, which allows these collaborations to grow quickly. The same is true for Danish business delegations; they appreciate the directness and openness in communication, finding it refreshingly similar to their own style.”
What are some of the cultural differences?
Friendship is one area where Danes and Australians naturally diverge, but Kerin articulates this difference with a grace that sidesteps the usual frustrations—where Australians perceive Danes as reserved, and Danes see Australians as overly eager.
“Australians tend to view friendship more casually; people can drift in and out of each other’s lives with affection, warmth, and mutual respect, but without the expectation of longevity or deep commitment. In Denmark, however, friendship often requires a greater level of commitment and time. This difference can make it challenging for Australians to form close friendships with Danes. While there’s something special about the way Danes embrace friendship, the process can feel frustrating and sometimes lead Australians to feel isolated or unsure about how to connect. Australians are used to socializing more easily, in a relaxed and less committal manner, which contrasts with the deeper, more deliberate approach to relationships in Denmark.”
Do Australians tend to cluster together in Denmark?
Interestingly, Australians living in Denmark tend to form their own networks rather than clustering together in defined, tight-knit groups. “This suggests they are comfortable integrating into Danish society and finding their own connections,” explains Kering
“I have been working to foster a community of Australian professionals, encouraging them to come out of the woodwork and connect, share industry insights, and discuss various issues – essentially creating an Australian business chamber. This effort has proven valuable for the work of the embassy as well, to understand the breadth of engagement and people-to-people connections which strengthen the relationship between both countries.”
And it turns out there is an Australian Rules football club here, surprisingly led by a Danish president, Dansk Austalsk Fodbold Liga (DAFL). “It’s remarkable to see how such a niche sport has found its place in Denmark, reflecting the broader integration and adaptation of Australians—and those who love us—this far north.”
Tell us about your own journey from Australia to Denmark
Kerin brings with her 30 years of experience with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Her career has taken her to postings in Beirut, Buenos Aires, Hanoi, Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and London, along with short missions in Turkey, Cambodia, China, and the Philippines. She feels lucky to be posted to Denmark “It’s a small embassy here, and with only eight people covering three countries, it helps to have someone with broad experience,” she explains.
“We work closely with the Nordics to protect our shared values, whether it’s advancing women in leadership, nuclear non-proliferation, multilateral issues, or bilateral cooperation, especially in renewable energy,” Kerin notes.
Australia values Danish investment and green tech to achieve its ambitious renewable energy objectives. Danish defence companies have a unique presence in Australia, as does Danish architecture, which extends well beyond the iconic Sydney Opera House. For example, the Quay Quarter Tower, opened by Queen Mary last year, is the world’s first upcycled skyscraper, designed by Denmark’s 3XN/GXN in collaboration with Sydney firm BVN. The Danish influence is set to continue with the redevelopment of Sydney’s historic fish markets, a key tourist attraction, also being designed by 3XN, a Rainforest Tower in Brisbane, Canberra’s new theatre precinct by Henning Larsen and the 200-hectare Port Kembla redesign by BIG.
“Architectural delegations from Denmark to Australia are not just exporting ideas; they’re also bringing back insights, particularly in the way Australian Aboriginal design is having an influence on aspects such as cultural safety in built environments, and spiritual significance and orientation of land — it’s inspiring to see the design influence goes both ways,” says Kerin.
And finally, three short questions
What is your favourite thing about Denmark?
“The smell of Juno when I walk by the bakery every morning, being able to ride bikes everywhere with great biking infrastructure and driver awareness, the pretty city of Copenhagen itself—especially when the sun is shining.”
What do you miss most about home?
“The crazy raucous sounds of Australian birds, the smell of dry eucalyptus, long sandy warm white beaches, and of course sunshine.”
If you could spend an evening socializing with Queen Mary, what would you do?
“Maybe a movie night watching old favourite Australian films, like Strictly Ballroom, Muriel’s Wedding, The Sapphires….”
As our conversation winds down, it’s clear that, despite the contrasts between Australia and Denmark, there’s a deep appreciation for what each country offers. Whether it’s the charm of Copenhagen’s waters or the dryness of Australia’s humour, these two worlds intersect in unexpected but meaningful ways, much like the lives of those who bridge the distance between them.
