1. Being called "an old bastard" is a complement. Being called "a bit of a bastard" is not.
2. Vegemite
3. Native trees don't shed their leaves, but the do shed their bark.
4. Most people in this country have little or no contact with wild animals (80% of the population is urban)
5. "Tin" (aka corrugated iron) is a common roofing material, especially outside major cities.