The Bold Source - Issue 4 - Solidarity: Social Justice in Action

Brimbank Youth Services’ Foreword

The Bold Source program is an initiative delivered by Brimbank Youth Services. It aims to amplify the voices of young people by providing them with a platform to share their art and stories; empowering them to be agents of positive change – both for themselves, and for our community.

Stories are how we make sense of the world. Through sharing their stories, our young authors provide us, their readers, with a window into the world they’re living in and the experiences they are navigating through.

Some of these stories cover challenging topics, such as mental health issues, eating disorders and encounters of sexism. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to one of the support services listed in our digital resource that’s linked in the back of this magazine.

Brimbank Youth Services firmly believe that young people are the experts of their own experience. What you’ll read in this edition of The Bold Source are the views and opinions of the authors and not that of Brimbank City Council.

Brimbank Youth Services thank the brilliant young people who made this edition possible; our fantastic editorial committee and each and every one of our contributors.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!

Cover Artist: Alithia Miette Burgos

Title: A Flock of Many Colours

Materials: Clip Studio Paint

Artist Statement: The inspiration for the cover is a quote by artist, activist and academic, Dr Lilla Watson, which I feel speaks to the idea of people working alongside one another to realise a better world.

The different native Australian birds are depicted holding a ribbon to symbolise interconnection, while acknowledging individual self-worth. The colours of the ribbon are reflected on the stained glass detail on the body and tail feathers of the birds to further emphasise a sense of harmony and unity. Other elements I have incorporated that also convey the idea of interconnection and the collective process are the stellar constellations. Similarly with the native birds the stars act in unison to form a structure.

I am a digital artist and writer who focuses on exploring the human condition and personal relationships between people in the genre of fantasy.

Instagram: @MyUniverseInaBox

Editors’ Acknowledgement of Country & Our Call to Action

We, the editors of The Bold Source, acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land now known as Brimbank: the Wurundjeri and Bunurong People of the Kulin nations. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the devastation of colonisation and postcolonialism; the harm of which continues today. Harm – evidenced by the result and process of the 2023 Voice referendum; which exposed the ongoing racism hurled against First Nations People. Our lives were littered with many untruthful and hurtful statements during this time. In light of the disappointing result, we continue to stand as allies, in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Like, Council we too ‘are on a journey of listening and

learning1’ and will continue to create space via this magazine for First Nations Peoples to share their voices with the rest of our community.

We recognise and celebrate the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; their strength, resilience, and powerful traditions of story-telling. The Bold Source encourages local young people to be bold in sharing their stories of truth. You’ll soon see that our contributors do this with admirable bravery. It’s time for the leaders of Australia to act with that same bravery: ‘Our nation must have the courage to own the truth, to heal the wounds of its past so that we can move on together at peace with ourselves.’

These words come from the Australian Declaration

Towards Reconciliation, which was written in the year 2000 – At the time of writing, that’s 23 years ago – making this document the same age as the oldest contributor of this magazine. Ponder that for a moment.

Finally, we’ll leave you with a quote from Lilla Watson - a Murri visual artist, activist and academic working in the field of Women’s issues and Aboriginal epistemology: “If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you recognise that your liberation and mine are bound up together, we can walk together.”

Lilla’s words were a great source of inspiration for the theme of this magazine. We hope they inspire you to join us on this journey of solidarity because social justice cannot be achieved without some form of action.

1 https://news.brimbank.vic.gov.au/brimbank-disappointed-with-no-vote-result/

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

We, the editors, are thrilled to welcome you to the fourth edition of The Bold Source magazine, a magazine edited and curated by young people for young people. As always, we editors aim to create an empowering and safe space for young people to freely craft their creative works. We are simply awestruck by the stories of young people in our Brimbank community, and hence, this magazine is a platform for everyone to share their voice and opinion without fear of being judged or criticised for who they are.

Throughout our first three editions, we’ve had the honour of interacting with scores of artists, poets, writers and change-makers.

We’ve published their perspectives on advocacy, transformation/ metamorphosis, and selfcare and healing, and so as our next step, we believe it is important to emphasise that The Bold Source magazine will always be a place where we will listen to, support and elevate the voices of young people. Our magazine will continually place you at the heart of what we do, and so it is only fitting that this edition explores the theme of Solidarity: Social Justice in Action.

In this edition, we would like to thank Ashlee and Ayaan from Brimbank Youth Services for their continual support and facilitation of this program. Of course, we would also like to thank all of our contributors for sharing what solidarity looks like to them. That is, solidarity involves actively listening to the struggles that others face (A Typical Teenage Girl;

Caught up in the Glam), and supporting those who search for a better outcome (Search for Justice).

It also involves stories of strength (Walking; The One and Only), resilience (Solidarity: An Anthem for Humanity) and hope for a better future (Better than today; Luminary).

Solidarity is also about creating a sanctuary where we feel held, safe and freely able to be ourselves (Crystal Queer), as well as encouraging others to make a positive impact (Justice 4U).

The final couplet of Hymns for Peace declares that solidarity is:

“A tapestry of stories, woven strong, In the symphony of justice, where we all belong.”

This beautifully captures the essence of our magazine’s aim to be a unifying thread that weaves together young people’s creativity, stories and voices.

May your creativity and potential be endless –

The Bold Source Editors

Solidarity, An Anthem for Humanity

by Anoushka Chityala

In the tapestry of time, where stories unfold, A narrative of unity, in letters of gold. Solidarity’s anthem, a melody profound, Echoes through the ages, a harmonious sound.

In the crucible of conscience, where values reside, Social justice emerges as a relentless guide.

Hand in hand, hearts entwined, we stride,

Towards a world where equality abides.

In the shadow of oppression, a light will gleam, Solidarity’s torch, a beacon in the dream.

No voice too feeble, no soul unseen,

Together we rise, a formidable team.

In the tapestry, threads of every hue, A mosaic of humanity, each shade anew.

Bound by compassion, in deeds we pursue, A world where justice is not overdue.

Silent whispers of the marginalised, Ignite the flame, where empathy lies.

In unity, our strength, as time flies, We stand resilient, as one world ties.

Beyond the boundaries that seek to divide, Solidarity weaves bridges, a forceful tide.

Injustice trembles, unable to hide,

As we march together, side by side.

Let the rhythm of change be our guide,

As we paint a canvas where hope is implied.

In the gallery of progress, our colours glide,

A masterpiece of justice, forever beside.

Caught up in the Glam

By Mariam

GIRLS CHAT

You

Hey did you see the messed up comments on [NAME CENSORED] post?

Hana Wait, what?

You

Yeah these people are accusing her of catfishing because of her makeup

They’re basically abusing her For real though, I feel bad for her

Hana

Okay I just saw it.

I genuinely don’t get why they’re being so rude…

Her makeup is amazing and she still looks good without it?

Sara

I love it when guys have to tear girls down for having incredible skills. It’s like, oh you’re too good at doing that so we gonna call you ugly now

You

^ THIS!

Sara Ok so

Rant incoming

This legit happened at my school a few years ago. Basically all the “cool boys” got big heads and started to target girls that had crushes on them. They opened up an Instagram page where they would expose girls with and without makeup and body shame them as well. They somehow dug in and found photos of girls from their past and present, and under the photo they would post, they wrote horrible things in the caption

Hana ARE YOU SERIOUS?

Did you know anyone that got attacked with it?

You

Did the page get reported???

Sara

Yeah it got taken down but then the guys just made another one

Hana

What did the girls do when that happened?

Sara

Honestly, some of them stopped coming to school because of how embarrassed they were.

Hana

Yeah I’m not surprised!

You

I swear boys make no sense

They always have something to pick on. We wear makeup to get their attention, but somehow they turn it into something shameful.

Sara

Yeah it got real bad Girls had mental health problems because of how ashamed and embarrassed they felt

Hana

I can’t believe how boys do stuff like this It’s like they’re not aware of their actions or maybe they didn’t even care?

Sara

Nah, they weren’t aware until the school got parents and the police involved!

Then they learned what bullying can cause I mean they learned that they really hurt people

But even then it wasn’t enough for the girls’ to regain their confidence and fix everything they went through

Did anything like that happen at your schools?

You

Nah nothing that crazy

I do remember the makeup trends getting pretty toxic though and there were times I would run into girls that were only in year 8 in the bathrooms fixing their makeup.

Like during class I mean

They would skip class if they weren’t happy with their makeup because they were too scared for people to see them with bad makeup because they’d get bullied for being bad at makeup but they couldn’t not do it or the guys would just call them ugly.

Hana

It’s so messed up how much pressure is on girls to wear makeup and stay on trend.

I mean, the girls at your school ARE LITERALLY MISSING OUT ON THEIR EDUCATION BECAUSE OF IT

Wait, how much makeup we talking?

You full face!

and I mean full face, as in lashes, Kylie Jenner drawn-on lips and just a full face of glam.

Sara

Full face in year 8? That’s so young!

You

Yeah for sure. I felt sorry for them and felt guilty that they were probably looking up to us and following our trends.

When did you both start wearing makeup?

Hana

I only started wearing makeup in year 11.

But even then it was pretty toxic

You

What do you mean?

Hana

I got so used to seeing my face fully covered with makeup that I started feeling insecure without it and would never leave my house without putting makeup on

It took me a while to start getting used to my natural face, I always felt my ugliest without makeup on

Sara SAME

There was this week when I was dying sick, and I didn’t know what I had but my point is I was sick and my mum was taking me to the doctor

Now listen to how stupid I am lol

I was dying sick, and I still wanted to do my makeup before leaving the house for my check-up. It was honestly embarrassing to even say, but it’s true that’s how embarrassed I was to leave the house.

When mum heard me say wait, I need to put some makeup on, Miss Girl, you know that look your mum gives you and you know that’s the end of your life yeah? It was one of them.

She looked me in the eye with that look. She got my makeup and I mean all of it, crumbs and everything and bomb straight in the bin. Then I got my bottom dragged out of that house like Tom Drags Jerry lol.

Hana

I would’ve died if my mum did that!

What did you do after your mum threw everything out??

Sara

After a while I started to realise that I didn’t need makeup to feel pretty and that I’m naturally pretty as is. But that little period of time when I was going from wearing makeup to school and uni every day to slowly going back to my natural face was the hardest for me because I always felt like people were staring at my insecurities

Now I know that’s not true and it was just my mind telling me that everyone can notice the small things I notice

When that’s really not the case at all.

Hana

So makeup is bad for us then?

You

I don’t know.

I mean, does it tear down girls’ confidence, or does it build it up?

Hana

Ooh good point. I feel like makeup is a bit of both good and bad.

It’s good if you’re wearing it for fun, or to experiment with it

But if you are doing it to hide your insecurities and your imperfections, I feel like it can have a very negative impact.

You

Yeah when I first started wearing it I loved the feeling of being noticed, so it felt like a good thing. Day after day went by, and I continued practicing and started watching YouTube videos to ace the look. I improved the more I practiced till I became pretty good at it.

Then I was never comfortable being seen without it – it became a mask I was comfortable and confident in. I forgot how I was without it, which I knew was bad, but by this point I couldn’t help it.

Sara

I just wish there wasn’t this beauty standard that girls feel they have to live up to just to fit in.

Hana

Yeah I mean the boys don’t have to deal with this pressure. And yet they enjoy judging us either for not wearing makeup in the first place or for wearing too much!

Sara

Haha and don’t forget for being too good at it as well!

You

Does it count as catfishing if a guy wears a hat to hide that his hair is thinning out?

Hana

Hah! It should but probably not.

You

Umm sorry, why not?

Sara #patriarchy

A Typical Teenage Girl

By Maddison Price

TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF EATING DISORDERS, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Mad at the world

With no power to change it.

But the power to change herself.

A typical teenage girl

Feeling alone and anxious

Feeling eyes watch as she walks down the street

Hearing the catcalls and whistles

Was she asking for it?

What was she wearing?

Her school uniform.

A typical teenage girl

Told to lose weight

Eat less, eat healthier, don’t eat at all.

Now ‘too small’

They say eat more.

But too late, she’s not who she was before.

A typical teenage girl

Told to act ladylike

Told to stop wearing baggy clothes

But tight ones are no good either

And don’t dare think about showing skin.

Close your legs, walk with poise

And don’t make any noise.

A typical teenage girl

Annoyed at all the boys who think they own her

If she wears a band tee it’s ‘name 3 songs’

Making her feel like she doesn’t belong. She gets left out in sport

Told to ‘get off the court!’

A typical teenage girl

Trying her best not to fall behind

Not to make a mistake

Because that’s how she will be defined.

Pressured to be perfect

To hide every single flaw

A typical teenage girl

A daughter, who is never good enough

For her mother to relive her youth through. A daughter, who must work twice as hard

As her brother, and still receives disregard.

A sister, who is not okay

But doesn’t get the same level of care from her mother.

A sister, who is left behind

All the effort is for her brother.

A typical teenage girl

No wonder she’s mad at the world.

By Neerja Singh

Search for Justice

The seething yet silent anger within me…

The silent anger boils, Instructed to extinguish the flame from the surrounding injustices, Being told that one person cannot make any change, The silent anger simmers, evolving into quiet sorrow and regret.

Each day encircled by people, lost into the crowd.

Amidst a circle whose discerning gazes, lacking in solidarity -

For the overlooked, the minorities, Many who seek to conform, seek catharsis from regret. Countless retreat, disengage from my presence.

This life mirrors a runway, where critics critique every contestant: Critiquing their culture, their appearance, their sexuality, their gender, Their race, their social class, their age, and beyond.

I simmer until warmth dissipates, The silent anger soon transforms into self-loathing.

I yearn for transformation, To mould into society’s anticipated form, embracing stereotypes. In the mirror, I confront a stranger in my own reflection, Disconnected, like a forgotten melody in a symphony, I soon ask myself: who am I?

Who am I?

Who lets others dictate who I should be?

Who am I?

Who grants judges the authority to sculpt my being?

Who am I? This question perplexes me, soon becoming scalding.

I am who I am - someone unyielding for the call of change,

A catalyst for transformation in the minds of others.

I am someone who seeks to bring light upon the neglected rights of minorities.

Rights: to belong, to revel in one’s own culture, to be accepted, to be acknowledged, and, to be celebrated as one’s true individual self.

The hushed anger amplifies, becoming louder when united with many, Harmonising in the pursuit of justice.

Today, uniting people together through protests, petitions and much more, Gathering those who share common desires.

As one we gain courage, Highlighting concealed injustices and the repercussions of judgmental critics.

The beastly words, comments, segregation, and discrimination, Igniting a flame against the injustices. Encouraging people to unleash their simmering yet silent anger and make it heard, Together, we hold a formidable strength.

Together we make change, Together, we are capable of bringing awareness, Step by step, facing those entrenched in prejudice, Peeling away the layers that shroud bias.

Together we rise and gain hope, Together we gain strength, Together we overcome, Together we are powerful

The quest for justice resounds loudly within us!

Hymns for Peace

By Anoushka Chityala

In a world where rebellion meets the norm,

I, a typical teen, in a tempestuous storm. A realm conflicted, inside and out, Discrimination prowls, a predator’s rout.

I gaze toward the heavens, a rigid divide, Mortality below, above, divinity presides. In the human convention of a sacred place, I find boredom shadowing divine grace.

Yet, in this sanctuary, I let my eyes ascend, Star-struck, I see God, my hypocritical friend.

Inaccurate depictions, our inventive flaw, I wonder, does divinity feel an earthly awe?

Up there, watching repetitive mistakes, Lonely, bored, as creation partakes. I question the sacrifice, a son over self, Doesn’t selflessness dwell in the divine itself?

In this realm of faith, where doubts may sway, I’m baptised in uncertainty, day by day. A ghost of indoctrination, a mind in a bind, In a sea of blind devotion, am I left behind?

One among billions, lost in the crowd, Numbers and logic, beliefs disavowed. A puzzle refusing to click and align, In this quest for connection, what do I find?

In the temples of others, I feel out of place, Disconnected from roots, a cultural chase. A parasite in my own home, a guest, I long for connection, but it’s a complex quest.

In Erra’s residence, memories entwined, A house, my kin, a reflection of mind. Entrapped and forsaken, but a witness true, To the struggles, joys, and battles we knew.

A gallery of gazes, disapproval profound, Yet, amidst them, one portrait I’ve found. Percilia Erra, a great-grandmother’s pride, Her gaze reassures, my doubts set aside.

A descendant’s journey, confronting the past,

Shattering patriarchy, freedom at last. Nature reclaims a garden, once defined, A phoenix rising, no longer confined.

Unravelling the corset, cutting threads within,

Proud of its flaws, embracing what’s been. Alone, different, fate can’t rearrange, Not kin, not God, a transformation, not estranged.

In this poem of solidarity, we stand as one, Against discrimination, battles fought and won.

A tapestry of stories, woven strong, In the symphony of justice, where we all belong.

By Spencer Atlas

A QueercrystalPlace

It’s so strange sitting here in a room full of people, people I barely know, trapped in a mind I barely understand racing red with warning, and yet looking at their faces, going round tables and tables and tables, introducing random facts, or what kind of seasons we’d be, and if our queerness were an animal, who would it be, I’ve never. Felt. More. At. home.

It’s so strange sitting here in a room full of people, a room full of struggles and suppression, but a room full of bold and practical minds, people who breathe life into what once was my dead corpse, people who breathe confidence into flickering hope, pushing orange cans and snacks back and forth people who lay kind and collected and connected no matter what, people who hold flags proudly above their heads screaming let us be, as people scream back Go Brimbank.

It’s so strange being in a field full of pride flags, and face paint and tinsel and buttons and pronouns, the crowds of people supporting and screaming for each other, as we march bold and proud and unforgiving and unapologetic, having each other’s backs and like yellow daisy in the spring, blossom into something so bold and alive and beautiful, it’s so strange to feel so alive.

It’s so strange sitting here in a room full of people, nothing like my family, nothing like a classroom, and yet this is the most comfortable I’ve been in my skin, the most confident I’ve been screaming Spencer for all to hear, I will sit here, in this room, this room full of people and scream, until there is nothing left to say, scream until the green of the grass and the boldness of the sky is all that can ground me, scream Spencer so loud I know who I am now and I am not afraid, because this room full of family has my back, and I there’s.

It is so amazing to sit here, in this room, this room full of colours and creativity and support and family, It’s so remarkable for this opportunity, to take up the space in our hearts, a spot in our brain, a marking of blue ink on our calendars, to come time and time again on Tuesdays sometimes Thursday, see these kids laugh and joke and make friends, to breathe life into a room without precautions, to laugh until it hurts, and cry until we laugh, to dance and sing and joke and scream and let out everything.

It’s so amazing to know that there is a room out there, beating like a heart, flowing like blood, breathing like lungs, bleeding into the world of others lead by a golden beacon.

It’s so strange to sit here, in this room with you all, and consider it family, consider myself at home and loved, with strangers of all kinds, and knowledge and passions, glowing purple round the edges as we dim the lights, pull out beanbags and books and quizzes, snacks haphazardly thrown around rooms, movies playing, music going, talking louder and louder and louder, we will be unapologetic, because that is what we are owed, we will be bold and unforgiving because we are not in your shadow, we will sit here in our room and be alive because we are not wrong, we will sing and dance and laugh and struggle, but that only makes everything else seem so much sweeter, you will not take away our lives, you will not stop us from being us, and you will not take away this room of support and family, because we will overthrow you with love and compassion and joy.

We are Crystal Queer, A group built by love and family, And we are here, And we are queer, And we will no longer be filled with fear.

The One and Only

By Maddison Price

You can’t clone me. Show me something real

To lie is phoney. There’s one of me

I am the only. Alone but not lonely. Watch and listen

Try and get to know me.

By Maddison Price

Walking

Walking side by side

Following you like my guide

But you are a guide with no map.

No direction

Walking by myself

An unknown path

An untold destination.

Walking and walking

Waiting to arrive

Walking to survive.

Finding myself along the trail

Picking myself up as I fail

Walking alone, I still prevail.

Better Than Today

By Haylee L. Bissett

I hope for the future…

I hope that the world comes to its senses, That the Earth doesn’t burn to a crisp; In the fire of human nature.

That our siblings will cast aside their rivalries, So their children can paint the sky with vibrant colours; Instead of thick red blood.

As an eye for an eye blinds the world with grief and hate…

Can you imagine a world where everyone wins?

Where the poor get richer, Where children don’t go hungry, Where politicians keep all their promises, And the patriots put down their guns?

Imagine a life where I can write a letter to Olympus;

And trap the world’s evils in Tartarus.

Imagine a life where we learn from our history books; Learn to see what we cannot repeat.

I wish I could see the future; In all its glory and all its misery, To see through the foggy crystal ball. But sadly, I am no fortune teller; I can only hope for the future.

I want to believe there will be a utopia, But I’m much more cynical than that.

One day, I hope I can write my way to victory; Give someone peace of mind with comforting words, Or change the globe with a whole new outlook.

I know I’m an ant within this vast universe, But my ambition cannot be kept caged, it is a lion…

I can only hope ‘one day’ will be better than today.

By Nor Prak

Luminary

The lush greenery is what catches my attention first, as the scene blurs and the smell of rain fills my lungs.

I step on the damp forest floor, watching as the birds fly over head and has the rainbow of butterflies flutter around me.

This is a home. Home starts from nature. Home must be preserved, so nature must be preserved.

I run through the forest, trekking up mountains, soaring through the sky past stretches of land, ancient volcanoes and rivers that carve into the earth.

The wind, it blows through my hair, and I breathe out, feet firmly rooted on the dirt and I fall and fall.

I fall through a lifetime of thoughts. The world and its people, the history of violence, love, of the destruction mankind has caused. But there is peace, there is happiness and we have started to make amends with each other.

As the world lights up the night sky, as more eyes peer out at mother earth, out at the universe that surrounds us, we use the gifts that have been given to us. We take them for granted, and we have damaged our home.

Even as the cracks begin to mend themselves, and the earth, the origin of life, as resilient as it is, it needs help. Although we have started to put up our barriers, attempting to reverse and slow the scars we’ve carved into the ground, and into the air, we need to do more.

Everyone needs to do more.

So as the world is still ravaged by loss and death, as the blood of the innocent soak into the ground, and as the suffering of our kind continue, there is still hope, there is still light And I hope everyone here will continue to carry on this candle of hope.

That they will hold it close to their hearts, able to bask in its luminosity. And I hope we can all make a change. For ourselves, for our loved ones, for mankind, for our home, for a better tomorrow.

origami cranes

A GIFT OF WITH ENCOURGEMENT

They Need You.

designed by Helen Huynh

Spread the positivity.

Justice 4U

By Helen Huynh (@from.helenn)

Artist’s Statement

For me, the theme “Solidarity, Social Justice in Action” means striving for justice and peace. I was inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a girl who was victimized by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Origami cranes have a deep symbolic meaning linked to social justice. Origami cranes are a traditional Japanese design, symbolizing peace, healing and hope. It promotes the idea that even seemingly small acts of solidarity and compassion can make a difference. In the context of Solidarity: Social Justice in Action, paper cranes can be seen as a visual representation of unity, empathy, and collective efforts for social change. They encourage individuals to reflect on their contributions to social justice and inspire them to take action in their communities. Just as Sadako’s story sparked a movement, the symbolic power of paper cranes can spark conversation, raise awareness, and inspire solidarity in the pursuit of social justice.

The Taste of Icarus

By Zoe Tan

The light shone through the fake window of the building, the large screen illuminating her presence, basking her in the artificial warmth as she gazed at what was supposedly on the other side – clear skies and greenery, an oasis on the other side of the screen that she was never allowed to see.

She gently tugged the wires at her arms, stubbornly attached to her skin as she rose slowly from her bed, weakly stumbling over larger cords beneath her and feeling the grimy floor on her feet. Her room emanated a low hum and soft beeps as she steadied herself, walking closer towards the warm light.

She had never been outside, never felt the sun. The sunshine.

She had screamed at the automatons around her numerous times to let her outside.

They never did.

She touched the screen, gently feeling the warmth, before raising her hand against it, her palms becoming bloody and nails breaking as the screen gave way, freeing her.

There it was. The outside world. Not as perfect as she had thought. Rotten.

The brightness was overbearing and the sun covered her skin. She had gotten what she wished for. The sunshine. And it burned her whole.

Sunshine in the Future

In the centre of Sunshine in the near future, life ticks like clockwork. The sky, a blend of nature and technology as robots and drones whizz around. Spiralling gardens filled with greenery cleanse the cool air. The gleaming sunlight seeps through the cracks of the endless skyscrapers.

By Nuban Sufian

The streets of Sunshine are alive with a gentle hum consisting of people zooming past on hoverboards, and brief, mechanical, beeping. The crisp and vibrant environment is shaped by artificially intelligent purifiers and bins that automate cleaning. Sunshine has become the hub of environmentally friendly, fast, and easy travel and telecommunication.

In this neighbourhood, each home is an amazing piece of mechanical art that modifies itself to the owners’ needs such as breathable and retractable walls, self-packing furniture, and remote-controlled floors that you can change to your liking. The houses are filled with glass tunnels similar to that of slides.

The cosy town is sprinkled with lush, tranquil parks. Street art shimmers erupting into a kaleidoscope of bright colours. As the sun creeps back down the town’s street lamps glow with a cool light. The community thrives, harnessing the true potential of human creativity.

2023 Youth Microfiction Competition Winner

By Zack Rabeh

By Jennifer Williams

Light in the Dark

*Sigh* “Another day of hell.” Meet Bella, a 14 year old girl in the year 3000. “Just one day can I see some light and joy in the world.” Bella dreams of green grass and a bright blue sky, but she lives in the year 3000 where everything is artificial, the grass is fake, the sky is fake, everything is fake. She heads to school with her favourite black pen and her trusty notebook. But something catches her eye, a little bit of light different from all other lights “what is that?” Thought Bella. As she stepped into the light she felt warm, “is this a heater? No, it’s light.” Her school bell rings, “oh better go, I’ll come back after school.”

*After School*

Bella returns to the strange light and sees a flower. “Wow, this wasn’t here before.” Just then she realises a spilt water bottle next to the flower with water flowing around it. “Why isn’t it malfunctioning?” She touched the flower and it felt real, a rush entered through Bella and she got excited. “This isn’t a heater, this is the real sun! And this is a real flower!” She shouted, suddenly then Bella realised there was hope…

The New Sun

Erik woke to all-consuming darkness. The alarm read 7:55, as it did every morning when it screamed in his ear, and the black greeted him. Fumbling in the dark, he reached for his flashlight and flicked it on. Cursing as he stubbed his toe, he climbed out of bed and padded over to the computers by the expansive glass wall.

His room was in the tallest tower, overlooking the small city, sleeping like the light that fed it.

In moments, it would all awaken.

He flicked on the controls. First the red button, next the blue, and lastly the switches… Then, as if he possessed the hand of God, there was sunlight.

Erik squeezed his eyes shut. Even with the special glass that protected him from the artificial light of man’s greatest achievement, it still burned to look at. But it was so beautiful –a golden, life-giving sphere that radiated such heat he could feel its warmth like a lover’s sweet embrace. Its rays graced the city, as they did every day at eight.

He didn’t understand how it worked, only how to turn on its light.

This miracle, which gave Earth’s last civilisation life.

The last place with sunlight.

2023 Youth Microfiction Competition Winner

2023 Youth Microfiction Competition Winner

Meet the editors!

Haylee

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”

- Marilyn Monroe

Hi there, I’m Haylee Bissett. I am an 18-year-old autistic editor and writer for The Bold Source. I’m also the joint winner of Brimbank’s Young Citizen of the Year Award - 2022. I love being a part of this magazine because it gives others and myself a safe platform to speak on important topics and to share our ideas, aspirations and triumphs. Fun facts about myself: I’m a passionate Umbrella Academy fan and my favourite read at the moment is Theogony by Hesiod.

Lani

Hi there! I’m Lani, a self-proclaimed book connoisseur and Scrabble enthusiast. I’m so thrilled to be an editor for this magazine because I love being involved with young people and seeing the different stories and perspectives that each person shares. Rather than simply being another magazine that you may pick up on a whim, I hope that The Bold Source will nurture, nourish and sustain a passion for creativity and youth empowerment.

Neerja

Hello there! My name is Neerja, I am a 18-year-old editor for The Bold Source! The beauty of the outlooks, views, values, and adroitness that young Brimbankians bring is absolutely incredible to have even a glimpse of. I am absolutely grateful for being a part of an amazing editorial team and being able to provide a platform together for written and visual art of young people to be acknowledged where we are able to learn from each other and from the wealth of experiences each young person of Brimbank brings.

It is absurd to overlook the power of writing, to me it is a voice, a voice that makes the quiet, loud and the loud, quiet.

Nor

Hi Everyone, it’s Nor, but if you’ve been keeping up with the Bold Source, you’ll know me as Rosana from the previous edition! As my days are often filled with the stresses of uni life, the Bold Source is a safe place for me to wind down and do something fun. I’m able to interact with like-minded people around my age, and I get to experience new things, and basically have fun along the way! I hope reading this edition of the Bold Source will inspire you and fill you with new perspectives as it has for me. XOXO.

Shani

Hello reader! I’m Shani, your local ‘readaholic’. I binge on books and manga on the weekends (and most weekdays) and consume the morning newspaper as my daily coffee. I am also an avid collector of whimsical words to create word clouds that inspire my writing. I love being involved with The Bold Source because it is more than a magazine. It is a community that celebrates the creativity and stories of young people. I hope you are similarly inspired and captivated by the magic and art nestled within these pages.

Programs and Support

The Bold Source

Are you a young person with a strong connection to the City of Brimbank? Do you love what you’ve read and want to get involved?

Our editorial committee is open to 15-25 year olds, and we accept submissions from all young people aged between 10-25.

To find out more, visit:

https://brimbankyouth.com/programs/theboldsource/

Crystal Queer

The Crystal Queer program is for young people aged 15-25 years who live, work, study or hang out in the Brimbank region and identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or as an ally.

Crystal Queer is a safe and fun place to hang out with likeminded people, explore your identity and learn more about the community.

If you want to get involved or find out more, visit:

https://brimbankyouth.com/programs/crystal-queer/

Support Services

If any of the stories and poems in this magazine have raised concerns for yourself or someone you know, it’s important that you reach out for help.

Please visit the link below to access our digital support resource that includes specific information on the topics referenced in this issue: cyberbullying, eating disorders, sexism, and mental health.

https://brimbankyouth.com/issue-4-support

If you are in crisis please call one of the following services: Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Lifeline (13 11 14), QLife (1800 184 527), or 13YARN (13 92 76).

If you’re looking for local non-crisis support, we recommend AskIzzy

CONTACT US

Telephone: 9249 4110

Email: bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Post: Brimbank City Council PO Box 70 SUNSHINE VIC 3020

Website: brimbankyouth.com

Like us on Facebook: Brimbank Youth Services

Follow us on Instagram: @brimbankyouth

Brimbank City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people, and pays our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our young people.