Damien Cave, our Australia bureau chief, shares insights on global news, local recommendations and feedback from readers in this weekly newsletter. To receive it in your inbox, sign up here.

______

One of the first things I noticed about Australia was the intensity of its competitive spirit. From sports to politics to multiplication tables, Australians jump into contests with gusto and smiles.

So how about a “commitment to journalism” contest, versus Canada?

Let me explain.

When The New York Times accelerated its global expansion about a year ago, our bosses decided to focus on English-speaking countries where we already had growing audiences — chief among them, Canada and Australia.

They are, of course, very different places. Surfing and ice hockey are not compatible pastimes.

But both countries do share a Commonwealth history, and something new from The Times in the form of expanded coverage — and weekly newsletters.