cruWsible Summer Supplement issue 13 2016

Name this paper

cruWsible

ISSUE 13 | summer supplement 2016

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image: MACEY RADBURN

WRITE FOR US Send us your stories, artwork, blurbs, photos, articles, reportage, rants, poems, fiction, recipes, good news, not good news and pet photos. cruWsible@westernsydney.edu.au

EDITORS Ian Escandor, Beau Dunne, Melissa Swann, Hikmat Al-Malliki, Jodie Sale, Nicole Gismondo

cover art Macey Radburn

cruWsible.com.au facebook.com/cruWsible @cruWsible

maceyradburn.wix.com/macey-radburn-photo “I have been doing some form of photography since I was in primary school. It was only a couple of years ago that I saw fine and conceptual art on Facebook and from there I really knew that I wanted to do that sort of photography. I almost always sketch out an idea as step number one in making my photos. I really like fantasy and adventure as a genre in

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES cruWsible.com.au

my work but it’s always changing. I think I do it because it is the primary way I share my ideas, thoughts and emotions.

Sometimes even the process of taking and editing the photos is very therapeutic.”

crUWSible acknowledges the country and People of the Darug, Gandangarra and Tharawal Nations and acknowledges their ancestors who have been Traditional Owners of their country for thousands of years. crUWSible pays respect to their Elders past and present

cruWsible n. A melting pot of cultures, backgrounds and interests that make up the Western Sydney U student body, the fusion that is WSU - a molten mix of dynamic and interesting content.

CONTENTS 4

Campus Guide STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

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Name This Paper CAMPUS

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REFLECTIONS TRAVEL

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CSIRO Cuts Appin Massacre Remembrance

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Uni Parking Ridiculous NEWS

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Linguistics, yeah !

Make your internship work

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LOVE GURU

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Campus Health Checks brought to you by your Student Councils

By Nicole Gismondo

HAWKESBURY Campus Council Office: Stable Square K4.G.82

CAMPBELLTOWN Campus Council Office: 4.G.10A Student Kitchenette: 4.G.10 (access through 4.G.09) Women’s Room: 2.2.05 (possibly affected by the refurbishment work in this building) Queer Room: 4.G.07 Parents Room: 21.G.39, 4.G.02, 30.G.204 Muslim Prayer Rooms: 2.2.02 Prayer & Meditation Facilities: 2.2.07 Parking: No issues, it’s Campbelltown Current Construction: A lot of refurbishment Best Coffee: Bobbies Cafe Best Lunch: Jamaica Blue (expensive) or just trek it to Mac Square

Student Kitchenette: G1.G.46A in the Learning Commons, M3.G.02, H7.G.02, K4.1.14 Women’s Room: K4.G.79 Queer Room: K4.G.74 Parents Room: K4.G.20 Muslim Prayer Rooms: P22.G.02 Prayer & Meditation Facilities: P23.G.01 Parking: Next to G block for lectures, not on the grass (snakes).

Let’s be real, there’s no major issues; it’s Hawkesbury Current Construction: None!

Best Coffee: Shae at Jamaica Blue Best Lunch: Jamaica Blue Gym: K27

BANKSTOWN Campus Council Office: 1.1.210 Student Kitchenette: 1.G.18, 23.1.17 Women’s Room: 1.1.211 Queer Room: 1.1.212 Parents Room: 1.G.07 Muslim Prayer Rooms: 10.G.19 (Female), 10.G.20 (Male) Prayer & Meditation Facilities: 10.G.13 Parking: No issues, it’s Bankstown Current Construction: None Best Coffee: Café in Building 1 Best Lunch: Also café in Building 1 or trek it to Ashford Ave Gym: Building 18

PARRAMATTA Campus Council Office: EA.G.35 Student Kitchenette: EG.G.07 (access through the Hub or back of Hub) Women’s Room: EB.G.16

PENRITH

Queer Room: EA.G.37

Campus Council Office: N.G.30

Parents Room: EN.LG.23 (on the silent bottom floor of the library)

Student Kitchenette: K.1.64, K.2.01, P.G.01, WS-BN.G.01

Muslim Prayer Rooms: EA.LG.14A (female) EA.LG.14B (male)

Women’s Room: H.G.03A (inside multi-faith spaces)

Prayer & Meditation Facilities: EF.G.07

Queer Room: N.G.03

Parking: Before 8.30am, after 4-5pm Mon-Thurs South Campus, North generally before 11am, after 3-5pm Mon-Thurs, otherwise expect to be fluking spots first half of semester. No issues expected Fridays.

Parents Room: I.05.D Muslim Prayer Rooms: H.G.04 (male), H.G.04A (female) Prayer & Meditation Facilities: H.G.10 Parking: No issues, it’s Penrith

Current Construction: New Science Facility EHa on South Campus, blocking access past the Auditorium and School of Business, 1 PSQ in Parramatta CBD

Current Construction: Plans for new food court in old library

Best Coffee: Bernie at the Bakehouse, Oliver Brown (expensive)

Gym: Building L

Best Lunch: Upmarket Boilerhouse, also Bakehouse, or trek it back to Parramatta CBD

Cruwsible Editor, Women’s Officer, Clubs Representative, Parramatta SCC

Gym: Outside *ugh* near shuttle bus stop on the oval

Best Coffee: Piccolo Me Best Lunch: Piccolo Me

Compiled by Nicole Gismondo

student representatives

Bankstown Student Council Update

By Daniel Griffin and Grant Murray What is Student Campus Council ?

The normal explanation goes that the council “represents” and “advocates for” the students.

Additionally, each campus council gets a budget of $15,000 to spend on events for students, or campaigns.

The council holds meetings once a month, which are posted on Orgsync; council members, non-voting office bearers and interested students not officially involved on the council attend.

The student council members have to vote on what to do with their budget. A majority of the student members need to be in favour of something for it to happen.

The council can take your complaints, comments, feedback and suggestions to the Uni on your behalf, more or less.

Student council members are paid sitting fees for their representation.

The idea is to get a mix of points of view. Normally they nominate themselves and are voted in by all students.

What have the Bankstown SCC done so far ?

Last year (late 2015) only two people (Grant and Daniel) successfully nominated themselves for Bankstown SCC 2016. So mostly what we’ve been doing so far is getting those positions filled, which involves raising awareness of these empty positions, taking Expressions of Interest for the positions, and choosing the right candidates for those positions.

We also have been handing out free cans of soft drink in O Week and other stationary around orientation time.

What will the Bankstown SCC do for the rest of the year ?

Good question. That’s partly up to you. We need ideas and stuff. It’s no good being on a “student” council if I’m going to dictate what the council should do for students. We need your input.

Send your complaints, comments, feedback and suggestions to bankstown_scc@lists.westernsydney. edu.au

Who’s on the council ?

Every campus has a council made up of students, consisting of: 6x General members 2x Club and Society members 1x International member 1x Post-graduate member 1x Residential member

If you’re at Bankstown campus, you can visit the reps in 1.1.210 Monday-Friday. There’s normally someone in there at some point of the day.

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student representatives

Bankstown Student Council on Transparency and Student Experience

By Grant Peter Murray The students of Western Sydney University have been appointed a Chief Student Experience Officer under their noses. What, might you ask, does this newly appointed role entitle? In fact, the position holds a connective link between departments and student representatives and students. How many more cogs in the machine do we need to make things happen ?

What I ask of you, the student, is to get involved. In order for the university to take a generally apathetic student community seriously, we need to reclaim the vision we have lost to make this community great. The vision is equity, harmony and justice for all, right? But also this vision includes a university community that helps those in need, creates awareness of our nation’s political blunders, steps out on the forefront of ground-breaking scientific and sociological research and, most importantly, fosters our region and home, Western Sydney. Help make change happen by demanding your Student Campus Councils act upon issues you are passionate about; chances are, we are too!

I have been elected to the Bankstown Campus Council for 2016 and I aim to fight for our voices to be heard in the discussion of matters that affect our everyday lives. We need to be included in the conversation in decision-making processes, because we are very much the vitality of the university. We are the blood that pumps through the veins at 7.30am, to make that commute, to get a good car park, to not miss the train or bus. We make the heart of the campuses beat unswervingly, day in, day out, running off copious amounts of caffeine and adrenaline, usually with lack of sleep. Without the student body, the University would be a husk.

Help make the University listen to our input.

Join the conversation.

Bankstown_scc@lists.westernsydney.edu.au https://www.facebook.com/BankstownSCC/ https://www.facebook.com/uwssrc/ Your voice.

Your council.

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Grant Peter Murray Chair (Acting) Bankstown Student Campus Council Western Sydney University SRC Member

student representatives

Meet Hawkesbury Student Council

By Stephanie Oliphant The Hawkesbury Student Campus Council (HSCC) is on its way to being a much more active council this year than last. We currently have seven positions filled already: Chair – Stephanie Oliphant (SRC) Vice Chair – Sandra Ozegovic (SRC) Secretary – Nick Howson General – Micaela Hogan (SRC) General – Emily Baker General – Soraya Outim Clubs Rep – Sweta Mudaliar If you want to find out more about us, email us at hawkesbury_scc@lists.uws.edu.au or visit our office at K4.G.82.

If you have any issues you want to bring up to the council, feel free to share with us.

The council this year is wanting to focus on having more events on campus, petitioning for the possibility of having a bar on campus again and fixing the speed bump on Vines Dr as some students cannot drive over it (which becomes an issue when the gates close at 7pm).

Stephanie Oliphant – Chair

PHOTOS: Yasmine Lewis

contact your student campus council uws_src@lists.westernsydney.edu.au hawkesbury_scc@lists.westernsydney.edu.au bankstown_scc@lists.westernsydney.edu.au campbelltown_scc@lists.westernsydney.edu.au penrith_scc@lists.westernsydney.edu.au parramatta_scc@lists.westernsydney.edu.au 8

student representatives

Dear Professor Glover, we need to talk: SRC Dear Professor Glover, We need to talk. Or rather, you need to listen. Because students need to be treated as equal stakeholders, not as customers.

As students, we deserve the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue, knowing that the university is actually listening to our issues. We need to know what's going on, before the press releases, before you spring it on us at the last moment.

Communication between the university and its students needs to be both upfront and honest – we need to know early enough that we have a chance to engage in the discussion, not at the last second. In the past there has been no discussion about changes, no opportunity for these students to have their voices heard. It's time to change that.

There are two main ways in which communications can be improved: Tell us early One of the biggest issues students have is the lack of notice they receive between communication and change. Whether it's bringing new food vendors to campus, closing car parks to build new facilities, deciding which route a shuttle bus will run, or a (upwards of) $30 million rebrand, don't spring it on us at the last minute.

Listen to us When students speak up, it's because we have something to say. Having the university’s response to feedback as “we’ll take that under advisement” means that students become disillusioned. We know that that's PR speak for ‘who cares what you think’. We want to see you listen, and act on our advice. Who knows how to make our day-to-day experience better than we do?

We're calling the administration out to the stock standard response that you don't know where to find out student opinions. Come down from level 2, walk into any tutorial, and students would be more than willing to offer their 2 cents worth. Stand at the shuttle bus stop on any campus, and you'll get bombarded with ideas from students who want to make our university experience world class.

The SRC exists for a reason – to advocate for a better student experience, and stand up for students. Come and work with us, and we can do this together. Let's actually be ‘distinctly student centered’.

Kind regards, Michael Wright, President, Western Sydney University Student Representative Council Chair, Parramatta Student Campus Council michael.wright@westernsydney.edu.au 9

PODIATRY

UniClinic at Campbelltown campus offers podiatry services to the general public at a reduced rate, including nail surgery, foot pressure analysis, diabetes assessment, orthoses, vascular/neurological/ biomechanical/gait assessments, and muscle rehabilitation. For students most of the services cost just $10. Phone 4620 3700 and visit uws.edu.au/uniclinic

STUDY & LIFE SKILLS Free workshops include academic writing workshops, library roving, maths, dealing with exam stress, mastering your memory, time management, planning, getting motivated, strategies for stress-free presentations. Email mesh@uws.edu. au for maths workshops, hall@uws.edu. au for academic literacy workshops and counselling@uws.edu.au for life skills workshopsv

FAMILY PLANNING Reproductive and sexual health experts on contraception, pregnancy options, STIs, sexuality and sexual function, menstruation, menopause, common gynaecological and vaginal problems, cervical screening, breast awareness and men’s health. Clinics in Ashfield, Fairfield, Penrith targeted to marginalised communities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, refugees, people with disability, young people and same sex attracted people.

Visit fpnsw.org.au or call 1300 658 886

INDIGENOUS

Badanami Centre provides support and encouragement for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolled at the University. Students can drop in to Badanami anytime to study or relax Badanami can put you in touch with a range of services across campuses, from study skills courses, careers advice, counselling and medical assistance all the way through to opportunities to study abroad 1800 032 923 or email badanami@uws.edu.au

STUDENT WELFARE For assistance from other services, such as a counsellor or a government agency, UWS welfare officers can help you with info and advice about the right services to talk to in relation to accommodation, financial assistance including food vouchers Centrelink support, tax help, textbook vouchers, sexual health, bullying, advocacy on misconduct, review of grades and special consideration and budget meals.

Email welfareservice@uws.edu.au or visit uws.edu.au/askwelfare

CAREERS With CareerHub you may search for jobs, internships, work experience, overseas positions, book in to career expos and access career information and resume advice all in one place. This free service is available to all UWS students and recent graduates. Register with your current MyUWS Account. Email careerhub.uws. edu.au

PASS: PEER-ASSISTED STUDY SESSIONS

Work with other students to understand the content of your units and develop study strategies to improve your academic performance. Each PASS group is run by a student facilitator who has studied the unit previously. PASS is free and voluntary.

Regular attendance of PASS will help improve your grades and make study more rewarding. Visit uws.edu.au/pass

CHAPLAINCY The chaplaincy team offers a caring presence to all staff and students at UWS; encouraging spirituality, offering hospitality and creating community. We do this by embracing our diversity, encouraging conversation and respecting our similarities and differences. Chaplains come from a variety of spiritual traditions.

Email chaplaincy@uws.edu.au

MATES@UWS MATES@UWS is looking for volunteer mentors to help new students settle in and make their first session at UWS a positive one. Being a ‘Mate’ not only gives you the opportunity to help new students with their transition but allows you to meet other students, connect with UWS staff, receive free goodies and most importantly, have lots of fun along the way. Visit uws. edu.au/mates

SEXUAL HEALTH Ever have unprotected sex? Get tested, it’s easy. Many Sexually Transmitted Infections have no obvious symptoms. Sexual Health Clinics at Nepean Hospital in Kingswood and Blue Mountains Hospital in Katoomba offer FREE confidential testing and treatment. The Nepean Hospital Clinic also offers the ‘Men Out West’ Clinic with HIV testing in 10minutes. No Medicare card needed. Visit nbmlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Sexual-Health or phone Nepean Sexual Health Clinic 4734 2507 or the Katoomba Sexual Health Clinic 4784 6550.

DISABILITY A team of professionals to assist students with all types of disabilities including chronic illness, mental health conditions and learning disabilities by providing reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments, such as exam provisions, are steps taken to ensure all students have equal access to university. Visit uws. edu.au/disability, call 9852 5199 or email disability@uws.edu.au

COUNSELLING A team of qualified social workers and psychologists to help you with any issues affecting your study. If you’re not sure that university is for you, a counsellor may be able to offer advice and support or help you improve your study skills. Counselling is free, confidentail and can be carried out as e counselling if preferred. 9852 5199 or email counselling@uws.edu.au

Media Collective open call The Media Collective is a group open to all students who want to participate in creating 'media' content.

As a club we want to help engage each other, share ideas for creating 'media' which can help keep students informed on 'happenings' which affect them, and we want to utilise the media to improve the student experience.

OPEN INVITE: free creative writinG workshop Parramatta campus April 5

We are looking for artists, writers, musicians, journalists, comedians, cartoonists, sportspeople, club members, concerned students, and every other person who has something to contribute.

You are invited to a free creative writing workshop on Tuesday April 5, 6pm at Parramatta campus.

This club is here to help you share your ideas and engage with other students through the creation of diverse and unlimited forms of media content...

Writer Michael Mohammed Ahmad, from Sweatshop - Western Sydney Literacy Movement - will inspire you to find your creative voice in a fun and free twohour creative writing workshop.

Join the Media Collective on Orgsync

Yummy free food will be provided.

Room EA.G.32.

COME ALONG !

Bring a pen and a friend !

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Suggestions so far...

Jarrod Bradley: Luppiter

Sweta Mudaliar: The Western Sydney Connect Bec Foley: WS YOU

Michael Wright: News UNLIMITED ? Or just The Limited.

Kristal Power: Western Waffle sounds good Daniel Flory: Why not The W. or W.?

Rachel Ewings: How about The NeWS?

Michael J Flack :

The “cruwsible” sounds like a Christian magazine. Here are my new name suggestions.

Names which use “WESTERN”: Western News, Western Paper, Western Weekly (I know its a quarterly paper, but it has a nice ring to it.) Western Quarterly, Western Waffle, Western Wailer, Western Waiver (as in a document that showing that someone has given up a right, lol), Western Wallboard, Western Ward (as in a district into which a city or town is divided for the purpose of administration and elections), Western Wastebasket, Western Watcher, Western Watchtower, Western Wayfarer, Western Weasel, Western Welcomer, Western Whammy, Western Whinger, Western Whiner, Western Whisper, Western Whispers, Western Whistleblower, Western Whistler, Western Wit, Western Wits, Western W.I.F.I. (standing for “What I Find Interesting”), Western WhyPhy (named after a fictional drug from “22 Jump Street” which stands for “Work Hard Yes Play Hard Yes”), Western Wildfire (as news spreads like fire), Western Wildlife, Western Window (as the newspaper is a window into student life), Western Wisdom, Western Witness, Western Wordmonger, Western Word, Western Words, Western Writer

I would like to offer up the the following suggestion.

The new and awesome-packed name for the periodical is... >DRUM ROLL< The Tributarian The logic behind this is threefold.

Tribune: An official Roman Social Position, An official elected by the plebeians to protect their interests.

Tribute: A reference to the Hunger Games, Payment by individuals as obligation to others Tributary: Tending to bring about benefits to selected recipients, Directing the flow on water towards a desired ends Tributarian: A periodical dedicated to bring enlightened information to the plebeian students I look forward to your reply with the usual deep and meaningful interest.

Names which use the capital letters“WS” together: NeWS cast, NeWS flash, NeWS break, NeW Student Newspaper, NeWSpaper, NeWS letter, BroWSer, NeWSbeat, NeWSroom, NeWSboy, NeWSgirl, NeWScast, NeWSdesk, NeWSreel, NeWSwire, LaWSuit, OutlaWS, WoWSers, ArroWS, DroWSe, ReneWS, ScreWS, ThroWS, WindoWS, ClaWS, CroWS, CreWS, GloWS, NeWSy, BoWS, CoWS, CaWS, JeWS, JaWS, LaWS, MeWS, NeWS, RoWS, WoWS Random Names: Voice, Slam, Monkey, Uni Speak, Uni Talk, The Herald, News.com.au, Relax, Grittle, Splendour, iNews 2.0, Benchmark, Citation, Reference, Logon, Bottler, Outback, Sundown, Screamer, Fruit bowl, Loading Dock, Light Bulb, Hulk Smash. I hope that helps.

Kind Regards, Daniel

Griffin

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By Danielle Abernathy So I know there is a bit of controversy surrounding the rebrand and believe me, I’m not particularly pleased with the issues that are ridiculously apparent in regards to the new logo and initialism (WSU Washington State University, Wichita State Uni, Winona State University and Weber State Uni all spring to mind).

However, despite this, and the plethora of objections and criticism raised, I feel that perhaps we are all missing the point and getting caught up in the ``small things’’ like – oh, I don’t know – the commitment to creating opportunities, and inclusion for otherwise disadvantaged and excluded demographics, irrespective of class, gender, sexuality, age, education, location and ethnicity.

It is my conviction that when all these details are stripped away and the bigger picture remans, we are all fighting on the same side, for the same outcomes.

The belief has inspired my suggestion for a new name for the cruWsible ( if indeed it needs to change).

Sticking with the idea of including the abbreviated form of the Uni’s name, I propose something to the effect of ``We Stand United”.

Because, ultimately, it’s our earth and humanity we’re fighting for, and our actions which create our legacy, not which side we stood on the debate of UWS or WSU. We Stand United

SEND your

SUGGESTIONS TO

cruWsible@westernsydney.edu.au 13

campus

Linguistics, yeah !

By Daniel Griffin I’ve had this conversation, like, 1,000 times: Person: “So what do you study?”

Me: “I’m doing a BA majoring in linguistics” Person: “Oh, right … So how many languages do you know?”

that sound like ‘eeeee’, where different kinds of ‘eeeee’ vowels have different meanings. But in other languages, all the ways of making ‘eeeee’ vowels are understood to be the same, and are not distinguished, if you know what I mean.

Every time I hear that, I instantly have the urge to punch them in the face. Look, as a general rule, don’t act as if you know something and try and make yourself sound smart.

Just be honest, and if you don’t know what a word means, ask. There’s plenty of words and fields of study I have no idea about, but I don’t go around assuming I know what they are on about and subsequently make myself look like an idiot. And to be fair, hardly anyone knows what linguistics is, and IMHO, it is greatly underrated. And I have my reasons for thinking that, but we’ll keep that for another time.

Next comes Morphology, which is about meaning of words and meaning in words. A morpheme is the smallest possible unit of meaning. For example, in the word “students”, student has a meaning and –s has a meaning, so both are morphemes. But stu- by itself doesn’t mean anything, so it’s not a morpheme.

Linguistics is the study of language, not as in learning and speaking different languages, but as in looking at language and breaking it down into its different parts and seeing how they work, pretty much. It’s everything you could possibly know *about* languages, while not necessarily being able to speak and use them. Now hear me out, because that’s not such a waste of time.

Above that is Semantics, which is basically about meaning in words, but only the literal meaning of words or the dictionary meaning of words.

We all use language like a boss, perfectly articulating what we mean in the way we want to say it and everyone seems to get everyone else no problem. You understand me and I understand you. All of this happens without us even thinking about it. Amazing, really.

So Linguistics is just like taking what you already know about language subconsciously and basically making all that stuff conscious, making you aware of what you are actually doing when you use language.

So linguistics can be broken down into some major fields. Starting from the bottom-up, Phonetics, which is about sounds, specifically the physical sounds, basically measuring their pitch, frequency etc.

Then comes Phonology, which is about sounds also, but more about which sounds mean what. For instance, some languages distinguish between different kinds of vowels

Next is Syntax, which deals with how words are organised into phrases and sentences. That can mean how the words are ordered, which word should come first, and so on.

Then there is Pragmatics, which also is about meaning, but meaning that depends on the context in which the language is found. For example, you can say “It’s cold” to a stranger as a way of just commenting on the weather, making small talk. However, you can also say “It’s cold” to someone you have authority over, which can mean, ‘get up and turn on the heater!’, for instance.

Overall, linguistics is the study of language. I’ve met people studying English literature who have never studied linguistics, and I’m like ‘what’s wrong with you?’. In what circumstance will an appreciation of 18th century literature come in handy, whereas we use language all the time. It seems silly not to dedicate some time to at least have an idea of something so important; it’s a major factor that separates human beings from animals.

If you haven’t already, start with Introduction to Linguistics (Unit No.101945). The Autumn census date is 31st of March, don’t tell me it’s too late. If you complete this unit and choose not to continue with linguistics, I’ll get off your back.

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campus

Democracy in mental health campaigns: Of the Youth, By the Youth, For the Youth

By Ashna Hussain In 1863, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln captured the essence of democracy in a single phrase: “Of the people, by the people, for the people.” The idea behind this famous catchphrase was to promote a government that would be directed by the citizens of the nation.

Now, let us extend this basic concept to other aspects of society, more specifically to the way mental health campaigns are designed and promoted. Mental illness is a serious problem in society as it creeps into a person’s life predominantly during adolescence and festers on to adulthood if not treated.

Consider this scenario: Every morning, a young person wakes up and feels like they are a waste of space. They can feel a big grey cloud looming over them; they stopped seeing the colour in life a long time ago. For them, suicide has become a fantasy. Seeking help is the obvious way to go, but they can’t seem to find the right help.

Of course, you may be thinking, “But there’s plenty of mental health services out there!” The problem here is not the availability of mental health services, it is the quality of those services. Perhaps the two most important questions to be asked are: “Do these services connect with young people on a personal level?” and “Is the information relevant, realistic and understandable?”

This summer I was fortunate enough to be part of the Safe and Well Online project through the Undergraduate Summer Research Program. I worked in collaboration with Dr Phillipa Collins and Dr Teresa Swist who were exploring the experience of young people involved in the development of four mental health campaigns; Keep it Tame, Something Haunting You, Appreciate a Mate and Goalzie. These campaigns were democratic – they were codesigned by young people, for young people.

As part of my research, I was required to evaluate whether participation of young people resulted in the much needed quality of mental health campaigns. I analysed 12 interview transcripts of young people who had been part of the design and development of the four campaigns, exploring their perspectives on the value and impact of their involvement. What was it that young people looked for in mental health campaigns?

I found exactly what I expected to find: Young people made all the difference in the world in the development of the campaigns. These campaigns were engaging, interactive and most importantly, positive. They made young people feel like someone out there cared for them.

They empowered young people in their approach to seeking help – they were in control of their actions and decisions. They promoted positivity and focused on the benefits of using technology to seek help.

This research was a great experience for me since I plan to pursue a postgraduate research career. I learnt new skills, such as sifting through piles of academic literature (a pain in the backside!) and writing up a research report.

I discovered the value of constructive criticism –there is always room for improvement. Most importantly, I gained a whole truckload of confidence. I did the unimaginable (well, for me it was); I presented my research in front more than 50 people. Being an extreme introvert, I despise any sort of attention thrown on me, so I consider this presentation a very important milestone in my short life of achievements.

Research aside, it was an enlightening journey for me.

I realised that mental illness is a highly complex issue; my basic and essentialist perceptions were dangerous since I could easily misinterpret mental health situations and contexts. My increased mental health awareness has allowed me to appreciate and acknowledge the importance of effective mental health services.

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campus

How to leverage your internship for YOU

By Bec Foley

During the course of Uni life you’ll probably be expected to complete an internship. Internships are usually unpaid and, more often than not, are compulsory. They can be completely exploitative, often extremely awkward and sometimes feel like a goddam waste of time. However, they CAN be extremely beneficial to you; they’ll give you bigname credentials to bulk up your portfolio. So make sure you walk away from the experience with a richer understanding of your prospective industry and something ripe and juicy on your CV. This article is about turning an internship into something that benefits YOU. I recently undertook my first internship and while it was utterly daunting, it gave me three amazing skills: industry experience, professional work for my portfolio and a glimpse of the business behind the razzle dazzle of my industry.

My internship was at The Sydney Morning Herald and for a journalism student, this is potentially the best internship there is. It was hard to get – I had to do a general knowledge quiz – which I crammed like crazy for because I knew there’d by scary questions on there like who is the Minister for Transport, who won the Bathurst 1000 and how many times did Oprah sneeze on air (Andrew Constance; Craig Lowndes; 0). After successfully passing the general knowledge quiz, there’s an incredibly intimidating panel interview with senior editors. It’s terrifying.

That’s how it is for communication students JUST TO GET THE INTERNSHIP. The way my particular internship worked is that we were assigned to a department based on our knowledge and experience strengths, and there we’d report to the section editor. Generally for an intern, you’re given a lot of press releases that you then need to turn into a story. Media releases are a dime a dozen, and the ones they flick on to interns are ones where it’s not really of any major significance whether they get published or not.

Really, it’s a litmus test of the intern: if you can

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create something punchy out of it on time, you’ll get published, and you’ll get a steady stream of more projects.

Getting published is the end goal because it means your name in forever digitally assigned as a journalist for that media outlet – it means when you go for a paying job, you have a published body of professional work. Not just student work – PROFESSIONAL WORK. And to be able to present a portfolio that shows you’re a published author for the SMH, or whoever, gives you a MASSIVE advantage over the next dude going for your job. So you WANT to get ANYTHING published. That’s the bottom line.

For journo students reading this, the way to get published is to read the style guide of your media institution and stick to it like glue – it’ll say things like “write barbecue instead of bbq”. It’s THAT picky. Go over your story finely – if there are lazy spelling errors or it reads clunky, you won’t get it passed your editor to the subs – the subs publish the stories. Editors just won’t spend any time on fixing up your mistakes.

You have to make it as easy for them to publish as possible. In saying that, work on things promptly – try to give yourself a four-hour turn around if they haven’t given you a deadline. The reason for this is if you’re working from a media release and you’re at SMH, it means that that same media release has gone to The Guardian, Broadsheet, Pedestrian, The Telegraph etc. If you sit on a story for two days, it’ll already have been published by all those other outlets, and then even if you turn in a brilliantly crafted piece of work – you won’t get it published as it’s old news. So: write well, and write quick.

For an intern in any industry, doing something well and doing something promptly – even if you haven’t been given a deadline – is the key to your success.

Being an intern can feel like you’re the bottom of the barrel in a professional workplace – I felt like a bit of a waste of space and that I was annoying if I took up someone’s time, so be as pleasant and easy to manage as possible. Don’t be invisible – but

campus

don’t be-in-your-face annoying either. You have to engage with your workplace, but you can’t be needy or demanding. Internships can make you feel like it doesn’t matter whether you’re there or not – so MAKE it matter.

At SMH, it felt as though each story I was given was a test – if I wrote well and punched the story out in good time, I’d get another story. Which means I got another published story to add to my portfolio. See, how you make it all about you and your interests?

That’s how you need to think about it.

Although it can feel that no one is interested in your presence, it WILL be noted if you’re goofing off on Facebook today. And although you might be a seditious anarchist who doesn’t care about authority, it does mean no one will flick you work, so that means you can’t provide a result, which means your portfolio doesn’t get anything. And that’s a big loss for you.

I mentioned three mains benefits I got from my internship: industry experience, professional work for my portfolio and a glimpse of the business behind the razzle dazzle of my industry.

Industry experience was seeing how journalists have to be as autonomous as possible. In a writing context, this means even if you’re given a media release, it’s up to you to give the story your voice.

Then write it well – make sure you give as little work for the subs to do as possible. And try to think of a great title – the more you can do on your own, the more they’ll love you.

Professional work for you portfolio: Before my internship at the SMH, I had a blog with some Uni essays and videos, a few reviews and other various pieces of work. It wasn’t great or cohesive. Now, I have a myriad of pieces that link straight to SMH online where the byline reads my name. That’s the difference between a pokey student portfolio and a professional portfolio. Link to everything you do!

Engage in shameless self promotion! If it’s up to you and another dude to get a job you want, having a body of professional work will drag you over that line every single time!

Business v’s razzle dazzle: A reality. I thought working at the SMH there’d be journos screaming out across desks as national events unfolded in real time; that celebrities would be traipsing around the corridors; and my reporter idols would be at a desk near me with a cigarette in one hand and a whisky in the other as they made history once again writing words of importance. It couldn’t have been further from the truth. Big name journos didn’t work from the office, the workplace was nearly silent, and stories of national events were held on a different floor to me.

It was just a workplace, like any other. And the values were no different to any other, it wanted it’s employees to produce good work, on time.

A newspaper is just a business – it has financial concerns and budget restrictions. Clicks on stories mean more money because of its advertisers, which means articles have to entice readers. The more clicks per story, the happier your editor is. So keep in mind the business of your workplace – how your business is profitable – because even if you don’t care whether that workplace makes money or not, if you’re punching out work that generates money, you’ll get more work, which means more professional work for your portfolio. END GOAL = MET. So, when you’re feeling awkward and out of place at your next internship, know that every other intern has felt that way too. But while you’re there, try to stay focused amid the feelings of exploitation and blundering awkwardness. You’re there for plumage, for as much professional experience as you can goddam get, so get those juicy fillets on your portfolio. Good luck out there.

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rantS

Western sydney U should attract students with diverse, job-focused units

By Katerina Christofides Western Sydney University has recently undertaken a whirlwind of change with the rebranding and massive advertising campaigns to drive students to the university, amidst controversy. As a current student, one may be inclined to question whether the massive change in dynamics is truly for the benefit of students.

The recent sale of land at both Campbelltown and Hawkesbury campuses to developers and to Hurlstone Agricultural High School have generated millions of dollars for the University, and conveniently paid for the rebranding. But most current students are questioning what’s in it for them.

No massive undertaking to improve the university for current students has been seen yet.

The Parramatta student kitchenette and the campus life hub room are atrocious and desperately need renovation as they are plainly inadequate.

Hawkesbury’s new room for The Academy students is a tiny little dingy room with no real facilities in comparison to the Parramatta one. There is no gym or parking at Parramatta south, even with a $300-a-year parking permit. Science facilities at Parramatta North are a joke and look like they predate World War II. Yes, I realise they are building new labs at south campus, but for a current student, it’s useless if right now there is no proper study room, non-existent Wi-Fi, and the only printer and computer on north campus never work, are not hooked up, or are always out of paper.

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It’s concerning as a current student to see all the fresh first year enrolments get free ipads and computers worth thousands, when we missed out on those perks and are not given anything as a “reward” by the University in second and third year for not dropping out, and continually making them money.

What would genuinely make the University more appealing for students to join, rather than fancy ads and promos, is offering a more diverse selection of units that get students excited, and that directly correlate with career outcomes and skills required by the workforce.

It’s silly that a medical science student with a major in anatomy and physiology at the end of the degree are not taught to undertake a simple dissection, vital to a career as an anatomist. It’s silly that many science courses have research projects as an elective and not embedded, or any work experience for that matter.

It’s unappealing that diagnostic radiography isn’t offered as a course, even with the fantastic facilities available at Campbelltown. It’s disappointing that there is so little flexibility in the delivery options and scheduling for many science units, very few are online, many lectures are compulsory, and very little utilization of the p.a system intentionally by lecturers rendering echo centre useless. There are many things the university can improve to attract students that look beyond a name, and look for a value added education that leaves them work ready.

rantS

Step Up, Western Sydney U: Parking and Transport is Ridiculous

By Beth Parking at Parramatta Campus has been awful for the first two weeks of the semester.

So awful, that people have resorted to parking in the side streets where it is highly likely that you will get a parking ticket you cannot afford to pay, on top of fees and text books.

It’s Monday at 9am, the parking lot is full and the University has security guards standing at parking points directing traffic away from the already full carparks and the not-so-full red car zones. They have a giant sign saying “Parking Full Proceed to North Campus” but there is an entire grass area free with no one parked on it.

Usually at midday if there’s overflow, people are directed to park on the grass areas behind the new building site. But when there’s an influx of people at 9am on a Monday morning, they just stand around and say “Sorry, no parking”.

It’s ridiculous and something needs to be done about it. While catching public transport is an option, sometimes it’s not the most comfortable; buses run late, trains run late, they’re crowded and sometimes it takes an hour-and-a-half to get somewhere that should only take 15 minutes.

Western Sydney, step up. We’ve got the space, so let’s utilise it.

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NEWS

Consumers as Global Citizens

By Lauren Stanley Just take a moment to look down and have a think about what you’re wearing.

At this moment I am wearing a pair of Cotton On track pants and a Kmart tee-shirt. Yet after my research this week, I am wishing I had bought my tee-shirt elsewhere. Never before has the consumer been both so powerless and so powerful at the same time. Global conglomerates dictate to you what to wear, how, and when. The masses follow blindly, triggering the rise of the ‘fast fashion’ world. ‘Fast fashion’ is a description of how the fashion industry has fallen into step with the way that current society prefers everything: Fast and disposable. Gone are the days of two seasons of clothing lines per year; now there are new clothes on retailers’ racks every couple of weeks. For consumers to be convinced to buy into the constant stream of new apparel the clothing has to be affordable enough to be disposable. And, as is often the case, it’s never the retailer that absorbs the pricing cut; it’s the supplier.

This is, however, where the consumer can realise their power in this cycle and vote with their feet.

Cheap apparel and quick turnover of clothing is hurting people in developing countries. While you, the person buying the clothes and shoes, aren’t directly responsible for this, you don’t have to support it.

‘The True Cost’ documentary (you can find it on Netflix and online) shows how the Big Boys benefit from off-shore manufacturing in developing countries in two distinct ways: Apparel and textile manufacturing, and crop growth. The former is obvious; developing countries have a lower standard of living, and thus a lower standard of working conditions is enforced. Companies exploit this because it is much less expensive to pay your workers an average of $3-4/day, than $15-20/day.

Oxfam outlines a ‘sweatshop’ workplace as one with poor working conditions, low wages, long hours, potentially dangerous environment (structural soundness and lack of OH&S), often with exposure to toxic chemicals. Audits have shown that the majority of apparel manufacturers that supply the fast fashion industry fit within this category, with margins being squeezed at the only place that large companies deem acceptable – definitely not their own profits.

Clothing manufacturers have to cut corners, and push their workers even further or the western companies will take their money to a supplier that costs them even less money.

Several companies that sell within Australia such as Kmart, Target, Forever New, Bonds and City Chic have signed Oxfam Australia’s ‘Bangladeshi Accord’, binding them to responsibility for the garment workers in Bangladesh that contract for their company. However, governments are desperate to keep the business that these companies bring to their country. Although agreements such as these have been signed, when companies agree to upkeep the legal minimum wage of manufacturing countries, it doesn’t mean much when the home government there keeps wages very low to maintain business interest. This can be seen in a recent ABC ‘Four Corners’ interview with the CEO of Kmart.

Kmart has agreed to pay the minimum wage of the manufacturing country – which happens to be only $38/month, even though a rise in this wage would impact the retail price of the garment in Australia only minimally.

As seen in the documentary The True Cost, Monsanto holds the monopoly on genetically modified crop seeds (in this case, cotton), as well as on pesticides. Interestingly enough the farmers have been encouraged to use greater and 20

NEWS

“

WOMEN IN PARTICULAR ARE AFFECTED IN THIS EXPLOITATION OF CHEAP, HUMAN CAPITAL AS THEY MAKE UP ABOUT 85% OF GARMENT WORKERS

greater levels of pesticides by the seed suppliers.

This, while degrading the land and surrounding environment, has also caused a marked increase in children born in those areas with mental disabilities and other health issues. Monsanto is owned by an even larger conglomerate, Pharmacia, and this company supplies medications for those afflicted with pesticide induced maladies. There is no losing for these huge western based companies. They profit from the globalisation-induced manufacturing boom, they profit in an ongoing manner from supply of pesticides, and they even profit from the damage that they are causing to whole communities, and their physical environments. After all of this, when the land is degraded to the point that crop yield is down so far that the farmers cannot pay the debt that they owe for their seed bills, these companies come and foreclose on the farmers’ lands. The common-place reaction by the farmer is something that Australia struggles to prevent in our own farmers: Suicide. In India alone over the last 16 years there have been 250,000 suicides by farmers; this is the largest wave of suicides ever recorded.

Women in particular are affected in this exploitation of cheap, human capital as they make up about 85% of garment workers. Oxfam Australia have found that the people that work for brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Just Jeans, Bonds, Berli, and FILA just to name a few, have been found to be predominantly women between the ages of 17 and 24. When prominent speakers such as Christopher Hitchens and others consistently proclaim that the key to reducing world poverty is the empowerment of women, these statistics become particularly pertinent. Globalisation has given even more power to the wealthy and already powerful of the developed world. In societies that could so easily create a system of empowerment and fair trade with

developing countries, it is so wrong to instead create garments that are produced for only 10-12% of the retail price.

At the risk of sounding like a corny motivational speaker, you the consumer have the power to shift this situation. Consumerism is a choice and you can choose where to spend your hard-earned dollars.

Instead of dictating what I think you should do, I’m instead going to outline what I’m going to do. This year I am going to make a commitment to not shop where I know that people have been exploited so that I can wear cheap clothes over my privileged skin. I’m going to shop more at op shops and Cotton On, I’m going to visit sites such as ASOS ‘greenroom’ and ASOS ‘marketplace’, ‘Braintree Clothing’, ‘Ethical Superstore’, ‘Fashion Compassion’, ‘Komodo’, ‘Monkee Genes’, ‘Spartoo’, ‘The Natural Store’, and ‘TOM’s shoes’. I know it’s going to cost more, but I also know this: 1) They’re going to last a lot longer than anything bought cheaply, 2) I won’t need to constantly buy clothes, 3) These clothes and shoes aren’t going to be destroying the environment through their manufacturing process, 4) This apparel is actually going to help the people that made it to live, not just to survive.

This might sound really hard but the fabulous internet makes it so much easier. Maybe you think that it is too big a change for you, that it isn’t worth it. Maybe it’s time for you to realise that you are a global citizen and your actions, however small you believe them to be, can impact in a big way on a person that is nowhere near as privileged as you are.

To steal from Uncle Ben: ‘With great power, comes great responsibility’. Use your dollars responsibly.

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NEWS

Labor agrees to $2 billion cuts and changes to adversely affect students

Australian Government should stop funding private schools

By Christine Cardona

The USA and the United Kingdom do not fund private schools and yet Australia is one of the very few countries in the OECD whose government funds over $10 billion a year towards private (independent or religious) schools.

By Beau Dunne It has been reported by The Age that the Labor party caucus has agreed to $1.1 billion worth of cuts to student funding.

According to the Productivity Commission, the average government expenditure was about $15,000 per student in a public school and almost $9,000 per student in a private school. It has also been found that there is no difference in the quality of education between public and private schools except for infrastructure, rules and uniform standards.

The Federal Government introduced the changes to Parliament in a bill which essentially rehashed changes proposed by Labor in its 2012-13 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

The cuts include scrapping Student Start Up Scholarships, worth $2050 per year to each student, by converting to a “HECS-style” loan.

Suppose those 600,000 or so students who attend private school were actually educated in public schools; it could have still saved the government $2 billion each year ($7.42 billion compared to $9.47 billion). On the other hand, the government could have saved up to $10 billion a year if those students remained in private education.

The cuts would also include the scrapping of the 10% discount on fees if students pay upfront, as well as the scrapping of the 5% discount if students make a $500 one-off voluntary contribution.

Further cuts include an efficiency dividend which would ‘save’ approximately $970 million over four years.

Stuck onto the end of the bill which includes these cuts, is another measure which would allow the government to charge interest to anyone who claims Youth Allowance, Austudy, Fares Allowance, ABSTUDY, Living Allowance, and who is ‘not honouring’ a repayment arrangement.

10.1% interest could be charged to disadvantaged students who are unable to honour a debt repayment program under this schedule of the bill.

According to the bill “the rate of the interest charge will be based upon the 90-day Bank Accepted Bill rate, plus an additional seven per cent”, which, as stated in the bill, has averaged at 10.1% over the past four years.

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Where else could have the $10 billion be spent besides private schools? The public health system is a national priority facing cuts in funding, an increase in patients and a reduction in staff (the government currently spends about $53 billion a year on public health). It is estimated that patients are still waiting up to five hours in public emergency rooms, some facing critical conditions such as pregnancies, alcohol poisoning, drug overdoses, viruses, personal injuries and violent attacks. If the government were to reinvest that $10 billion into public health instead of handing it to the private school sector, it would make a positive difference (up to 20%) in the public health dilemma; more staff and more beds means less waiting time.

It would make more sense for the government to simply axe the $10 billion funding to private schools and consider investing that money towards public health and medical research.

NEWS

Why has science stalled in Australia?

By Elliot Scanes The retraction of scientific investment in Australia has been a slow processes, solidified in the minds of many young Australians during the Abbot Government’s now notorious federal budget of 2014.

This budget saw the withdrawal of millions of dollars of funding from the nation’s flagship scientific institution, the CSIRO. Although it was this moment that drew the attention of the wider public, it was just a part of an ongoing trend of declining investment in government scientific bodies at both the state and federal levels.

Recently, I had the opportunity to undertake part of my PhD research at a government funded research facility in Norway for 3 months. Working in a country that actually values scientific knowledge really drove home how dire the situation of scientific investment is in Australia. Norway, like Australia, is a country that has gained immense wealth recently from the extraction of its natural resources. Unlike Australia, however, Norway is willing to reinvest this money into understanding the impacts of resource extraction and its effect on their unique environment.

While I was away, I learnt of Malcom Turnbull’s now infamous “Innovation” speech, where he used the term “innovation” quite liberally. I must admit, after hearing this news I felt optimistic that we might see some tangible outcomes in scientific funding following these “innovation” declarations. Unfortunately, it’s been over 3 months since Turnbull’s speech and no tangible outcomes are to be seen. Furthermore, this week it was revealed that the CSIRO was restructuring its climate science department, resulting in the loss of approximately 100 jobs. This has drawn condemnation from scientific organisations around the globe. One cannot help but wonder if the government was serious about climate action it would provide sufficient resources to understand the problem. The argument that climate change has been proven and no longer requires investigation is beyond ludicrous. Imagine if we had stopped studying physics when Newton’s theory of gravity was confirmed. It would seem to this author, that the confirmation of climate change would warrant more, rather than less, investigation into its multifaceted causes.

As state and federal investment into public scientific organisations dwindles, the university sector is expected to pick up the slack in research and not only fill the knowledge gap, but become the primary sources of scientific research. If the universities are now to carry the flag for scientific research, it would be expected that they will be provided with the money to do so? Unfortunately not. The ill-fated deregulation of universities was expected to provide the extra funds (at the expense of students). The slipping standards of university admissions are a sideeffect of cash strapped universities needing to increase their revenue to make research and other operations possible.

But what about Turnbull’s “innovation” plan? This plan centres around market driven scientific research, funded predominantly by private organisations. That is, research with perceivable economic gains. In essence, the findings of the research can be used to make back the money originally invested and hopefully create a profit on top. This is an inherently flawed way to view research.

Corporations and likely investors are under pressure to deliver results to stakeholders on a quarterly basis.

This drives short-sightedness, and instant success at the expense of potential greater long term gains. Human induced climate change and the subsequent resistance against any action to nullify carbon emissions is an example of governments and corporations who are more concerned about the finances of the present than they are about the future.

So where does this leave scientific investment in Australia? Unfortunately it leaves us in a difficult position, stuck between institutions lacking the required funding, and a government not willing to commit the money. We need significant investment into government institutions to restore their flagship capabilities, and further funding to universities so their research can play a supporting role. Without this, Australia is destined to fall even further behind our global neighbours. Furthermore, young scientists like myself are increasingly looking abroad for opportunities for us to ply our trade, and will likely settle in those places where our hard work is rewarded with job security, rather than redundancies. I fear the coming years will result in a scientific void in Australia, as a result of the current imperceptive policies. Knowledge like any asset, will cost more to retrieve than to retain.

IMAGES: Sally Tsoutas

NEWS

Pride Unlimited at Mardi Gras

By Christine Cardona Western Sydney University staff and students have once again taken part in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

The Western Sydney University’s Ally Network and Queer Collective marched together in this year’s float themed ‘Pride Unlimited’, which comprised over 50 staff and students across WSU demonstrating the University’s support for inclusion and diversity in education.

Participants ranged from banner holders, marchers, flag bears and cheerleaders who united to embrace sexual and gender diversity. It is by participation in public events such as Mardi Gras that the University demonstrates its culture and values, to build an inclusive community in education.

The University was also not the only one that underwent a makeover with its new branding. The queer collective had its logo changed early this year just in time to be used at Mardi Gras!

Since studying at WSU from 2007, I was one of many others who agreed that the queer collective logo needed an update. I came across the new logo that included other sexuality and gender diverse colours to demonstrate equality and inclusion of all identities including asexual, bisexual and transgender. The best part was that everyone loved it and it was approved by the University.

Grant Murray, a current WSU student who is studying Master of Teaching (Primary) said “My time at Western Sydney University has been a better experience – it has provided for me true acceptance, the opportunity to be at ease with my sexuality and great pride.”

The institutionalisation of discrimination in education is a key factor in poor health and wellbeing for students who identify as LGBTIQ+. Such health outcomes include poor mental health, psychological stress resulting in physical illness and higher incidence of drug and alcohol abuse and a higher prevalence of suicide and self-harm. Western Sydney University’s role in the parade was not only about having a great time but most importantly, was a way of institutionalising LGBTIQ acceptance.

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Many students in the LGBTIQ+ community find themselves coming to terms with their gender/sexual identity while studying at university. That is why Western Sydney University promotes a culture that is diverse and inclusive, creating an educational community where everyone is welcome and recognised. Vast amount of support programs are available across all campuses.

Western Sydney University accepts and supports open and transparent acknowledgment of sexual diversity, which is imperative to prevent health problems linked with experiences of prejudice and discrimination towards LGBTIQ+ students. WSU’s participation in the parade also highlighted the need of social, cultural and political change in regards to services, systems and leaders that continue to discriminate against LGBTIQ+ identifying Australians.

Dr Tinashe Dune, Western’s Ally Network Co-Convernor, was one of many staff who organised WSU’s Mardi Gras theme, float, props and participants.

“Western’s annual involvement in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is a clear indication of the value the University places on institutionalising acceptance and ensuring that all people, from any background, are included and celebrated,’’ Dr Dune said. `` It is such a wonderful opportunity to showcase our dedication to integrating experiences of diversity and connecting students with staff and the greater community. It certainly speaks to the slogan #PrideUnlimited.”

The Ally network is an endorsed group of staff and students who are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful culture at the University for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community members.

To find out more about the Ally Network and Western Sydney U Queer Collective visit westernsydney.edu.au/ally or orgsync.com/90214/chapter Christine Cardona is the 2016 Queer Collective President at Western Sydney University

EVENTS

Appin Massacre Remembrance April 17

Screenings on your campus: THE HUNTING GROUND The Hunting Ground is a documentary that chronicles the personal stories of students who have been sexually assaulted on American university campuses. Observational footage, expert insights and first-person testimonies follow survivors pursuing both education and justice in the face of institutional failure to respond.

The film sparked national debate in the United States about rape culture, sexual consent and victim support.

Screenings at Western Sydney U: Campbelltown, Wednesday 23/03, 4:30pm, 04.G.14 Nirimba/Blacktown, Thursday 07/04, 4:30, U10 G35

By Daniel Jantos Is there not something in all of us that is restless in the face of an injustice? Winston Churchill may have believed that history was written by the victors, but every historian pursues their craft in the hope that, in time, the fuller story will emerge. And sometimes it does.

Counselling Service at WSU: It is a powerful film and it may cause distress to some people. If you choose not to attend a screening, but would like further information we invite you to access the confidential university Counselling Service on 9852 5199 or www.westernsydney.edu.au/support

On April 17th, many in the Campbelltown/Macarthur region will mark the 200th anniversary of a genocide. Many of us may not have ever heard about it in high school history class. It has come to be referred to as the “the Appin Massacre.” For the Dharawal people, indigenous to the land occupied by the Campbelltown campus of Western Sydney University, this is a solemn and important memorial. The process of reconciliation makes it a memorial we acknowledge together as a part of the shared history of this land and its people.

The Hunting Ground Australia Project: The Hunting Ground Australia Project is using the documentary as a tool to engage Australian universities and the broader community in a unified campaign around responses to sexual violence on Australian university campuses.

While there are significant differences between American and Australian universities, there are issues raised by the film that are relevant in an Australian context.

The campaign involves a number of streams including: • a campus screening program of The Hunting Ground, • an independent national survey, • the development of model protocol and policy frameworks for universities – in response to reports of sexual harassment or violence, • ethics and consent training, including bystander strategies.

European settlement of the region began in 1809. Widespread drought in 1814 brought increased numbers of Darug and Gundungurra to the region which was known for its abundance. The Dharawal were known for their hospitality. Skirmishes around crops and livestock caused the Governor, Lachlan Macquarie, to order the military to apprehend all Aboriginals in the area. On the night of April 17th, after a month of searching and pursuit, an encampment near Appin, beside the Cataract Gorge, was attacked. According to the regiments own account, two women and three children survived. The rest were shot or fell to their deaths over the gorge’s cliffs. No one really knows the numbers but in 1845 the magistrate in Campbelltown reported that the few surviving local indigenous people in the area had all died.

Despite anecdotal evidence, there is currently no comprehensive independent statistical information about the incidence of sexual assault, sexual threats and sexual harassment on Australian university campuses.

The CruWsible devotes this space and draws attention to this story in honour of the Dharawal people and in the spirit of finding paths towards reconciliation. There will be a memorial ceremony on Sunday, April 17th from 11a.m. – 3p.m. at the Cataract Dam Picnic area, near Appin. There will also be a brief ceremony of acknowledgement on the Campbelltown campus green, at noon on Friday, April 15th. All are invited to come and pause for a few moments in solidarity with the principle that Martin Luther King Jr. stated as, “whatever affects one….affects all.”

The Hunting Ground Australia Project has engaged the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Human Rights Centre at UNSW to develop the Australian Universities’ Sexual Assault and Harassment Survey – an independent survey on the prevalence, reporting experiences and responses to sexual assault and sexual harassment in university settings.

The aim of the project is to develop a model protocol and policy framework which will be available as a resource for adaptation across the Australian university sector.

Sources include: The Macarthur Catholic Justice, Development and Welfare Network, Appin: The Story of a Macquarie Town by Anne Maree Whitaker and Gavin Andrews, descendant.

Article compiled by Daniel Jantos, Chaplaincy Coordinator, Student Support Services.

Since the film’s premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January 2015, the documentary has inspired new state laws in New York and California and significant changes in campus policies and protocols.

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reflections

CHILDREN OF THE 21ST CENTURY

By Bridgette Badger Riding bikes and playing in the park have become nearly extinct. Children of the 21st Century spend their time glued to devices playing games, watching movies, and talking to friends. Will playgrounds still exist in 20 years time, or will that part of a memorable childhood fade away?

Dr Philip Tam, child psychiatrist, researcher, cofounder of Network for Internet Investigation and Research Australia and expert in children and internet usage, believes generation x’s “whole development experience is largely marked by the immense reach of connectivity.”

It’s 1 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. The wind is swaying branches on the trees, causing leaves to gracefully fall and be carried along the ground.

The jangling sounds of chains from the children's playground accompany chirping birds, filling the emptiness of Coleman Park in Berala, Sydney’s west.

The obsession with social media has been a 21st Century craze and allows individuals to connect in ways never seen before. According to social media statistics from May 2015, Facebook has over 14 million users, with Twitter at 2 ,791, 300 active users and Instagram reaching 5 million monthly active users. How we use the power of the internet is what drives the positive and negative influences it has upon our generation. “In the morning and at the end of the day, you have to ask the question: Am I in control of the device or is it in control of me,” says Dr Tam.

Born in 1962, Michelle Johnson would spend her days as a child playing cricket in the backyard, riding a bike to friends’ houses, taking part in various activities. “ It was a lot safer then it is now. You could walk to your friend’s place at anytime. Now you can’t even walk out in the day. You are not safe, ” she says.

The children of today are mostly controlled by the device. A simple logging online to check ones email can easily turn into two hours of checking news feeds on Facebook. “The age of the internet has reinforced the shift within the mid-to-late 90’s, of markets being targeted at teens and pre-teens,” says Dr Tam. We are bombarded everyday. Even whilst doing school literacy tasks, online ads for games are visible in the top right hand corner. Dr Tam believes this shows how the internet is forever controlling children and influencing their childhood.

I recall my own childhood. It was 2007 and I remember being 11. I would wake up around 7am on a Saturday morning to the sizzling of the bacon in the pan and the smell of breakfast in the air.

“Breakfast is ready,” mum would yell. Out the door and into the garage, my dad would help me pump up my bike tyres. As the roller door opened, I would take my bike off the stand and away I went, ready to start my adventurous day. Fast forward to 2015 and 13-year-old Nick Gual wakes up to the alarm clock on his phone. Wiping away the sleep from his eyes, yawning and reaching out towards his bedside table for his phone, the first thing he does on a Saturday morning is check his Facebook for how many likes the photo he uploaded at 4am has received.

It’s 2 o'clock and I have been staring at this playground and reminiscing about my days as a child filled with adventure and excitement. This park has become nothing but an empty space, a place where friendships and fun no longer live. Is it because ‘there are too many idiots out there’ that parents don't allow their kids here anymore? Maybe it’s the fact that technology has become a childhood dream. I ask myself, if I come back here in 10 years will this playground even exist or will the real-estate market have built a tower of units ? Only time can tell.

Technology has become a way of life for Nick, as his mum is fearful of him playing outside. “Mum says it's unsafe and there are too many idiots out there,” he said. A generation in fear of the world, what hope is there for the generations to come?

The Bureau of Statistics found 81% of households access the internet daily. Reaching 7.3 million households, access to internet continues to increase with 79% in 2011 risingto 83% in 2012.

26

reflections

My Refugee Story as a Kurd

By Dalya Karezi Our past is a story that only we understand But mine is so messed up that I find hard to tell while I stand.

My story is different, but I cannot say I am the only one, Every time I reminisce about my childhood I just want to run.

Although I was young I couldn’t comprehend.

I wasn’t blind nor was I deaf, hence most of the time I thought it was just pretend.

The sound of mothers screaming and children crying Gave me the shivers as if I was dying.

Inability to read due to poor education, Decrease in population, inefficient medication Gunshots fired, running from fear, shedding of blood Mothers holding newborn barefoot in the black mud My family escaped the horror film that I do not wish anyone to see Because only I can understand the life that was set in front of me Being a refugee didn’t label me in anyway, rather it strengthened my motivation to achieve, inspire and have a say.

And no I did not come by boat, I came by plane But in my journey we did walk through hail snow and rain.

I am thankful for the life I have been given each day This is only a glimpse of what I have been through as a child, Luckily I was very young and the flashback severity is only mild.

Some may not understand why people run from home, But I will just finish with saying no one flees and leaves all they have for no reason.

reflections

The MGTOW Phenomenon

A Chocolate for a Dream

By Gabrielle Lawson

By Dina Codrina Capilnean

A little while ago, it was my father’s fiftieth birthday. We celebrated as our family normally would – music, games and laughter. But my father had a few too many beers and started to make a speech. “I am fifty years old and I have not left my mark on this world. When I die, I will leave no remembrance for anyone but my family. One day, you will wake up half way through your life and realise this and it will kill you. My only choice is to live my legacy through my children.” He started to cry, which was not unusual, however he made reference to me and my dreams.

So lately I’ve been getting more and more interested in gender politics. I don’t know if it’s the transgender experience of Caitlyn Jenner, recent films Carol and The Danish Girl, or simply growing up and being introduced to the plethora of dialogues that encompass more than a black and white world of morality. A topic that has made an impression upon my mind is MGTOW. MGTOW - Men Going Their Own Way - is about men choosing to forfeit the “marriage and mortgage” life and forgo the complications that being tied to a woman, whether in dating or marriage, can bring. As I’ve browsed through the forums and watched various videos on Youtube, I admit that if I was a man, the MGTOW lifestyle is something I would most likely take up. Now I’m not saying I hate women, nor would I like to be labelled a “penis worshipper” (this has happened before), but as I familiarise myself with this phenomenon, I find myself agreeing.

Growing up, my father was a hard man to please.

This was due to his tough upbringing in Romania under Ceausescu’s communist regime. He fought in the army and came to Australia on his own – living in bars and being on the run from some rather dangerous associates. He left his wife, my mother, and my brother who was just a small child in Romania for three years until they could move to the Lucky Country as well.

At the heart of MGTOW are men refusing and turning away from romantic involvement with women out of fear.

I’m talking about the assets and essentially the lifestyle that will confine them like a ball and chain if a divorce happens; where men basically become servile to the pleasure of a vengeful ex-partner whose hopes and dreams of a picture perfect love story have been shattered like a plate thrown

by Gordon Ramsey in anger.

“When I was a child,” he cried, “I could only have one old and hard chocolate on my birthday, if I was lucky. I gave everything so you could have a piece of chocolate every day.” When I was younger, I was frightened of my father’s rigid nature but as I grew older I realised he was a simple man: He wanted to be loved. The advice he has given me will never be forgotten and now I am passing it to you.

No matter how much you doubt yourself or your talents – follow your dreams. When you are fifty years old, you want to be proud of what you have accomplished, or at least know that you have tried, instead of wondering: ‘what if?’ Let others stare, let them talk. Get off Instagram, get off Facebook and go for a walk. What makes your heart sing?

For me, it is music. Since I could talk I was singing, and since I could write I was writing lyrics.

MGTOW speak of how women are shallow and how a romance could lead to nothing but misery. They speak of how it’s better to go alone and reject the social pressures that men may feel to succumb to the systematic failure of men’s rights, overshadowed by the laughable wrath of fat and ugly women who identify as feminists.

I have witnessed men become ruined by a woman who once claimed to “love” him, who take away his money and children with the support of a society that mostly favours women should a divorce occur. I have heard the cries of relatives who grin and bear the marriages they are in, fearful that if they ask for a divorce, their wife would take all the money and property and leave them with nothing.

However, due to my insecurities, I wasted time. I gave up singing and playing the piano for years. I would convince myself that it was not my path and I ignored the aching in my heart whenever I would see another up on stage singing. I modelled and wanted to become a lawyer – I was an idiot; I could not get more than 35% on my Legal Studies exam in Year Eleven. Only now have I found a producer and will release my single soon. I changed my way of thinking – no matter how scary it was, I could not deny my purpose.

Now I’m not sharing these things with you in the hopes that you will become a bitter cynic. I care for people and I’m concerned about the ripple effects that a decision can make. This is at the heart of my decision to study social work at university. What I am asking you to do is to think about what motivates you to be in a romantic relationship or long to be in one. Is it a mere biological evolutionary need or a social construct that we are better off abandoning? Although I do empathise with the reasoning that MGTOW holds, I can’t help but think that maybe, somewhere in the apartments where these men dwell, adherents are jerking off with a fleshlight; aching for a female companion but fearful of losing dignity at the hands of a world where man-hating is a growing ideology.

Do what you feel and do not mind what others think. Our generation is too focused on the public eye rather than what we really are. Be the example that changes that. You will never succeed at something that you are not putting your heart into.

After my father gave his speech, I told him: “Give me an old, hard chocolate any day – as long as I can still sing.”

28

reflections

By Aldric Chuah

Lisa West Photography

Republicanism in Australia

Election time is soon approaching. As always in Australia, the incumbent and the Opposition leader often get asked whether they support Australia transitioning to a republic. It has always been the case that the Liberal Party leader supports the status quo and even pushes the boundaries of the Commonwealth further. For instance, Tony Abbott not only re-instated British Empire knighthoods but he gave a knighthood to Prince Phillip. Such an act whilst not out of the question was certainly out of the ordinary. Why even the Queen herself had not bothered to knight her husband! Abbott being one of the staunchest monarchists since Menizes himself, sought to rally the Australian public together; to strengthen the Commonwealth of Australia. In fact he succeeded in doing the exact opposite. It caught everyone by surprise. Heady times.

Shift to six months later and the situation is reversed. Not since Malcolm Fraser and Gough Whitlam have we ever had a duopoly of republican thought. Both Bill Shorten and Malcolm Turnbull are ardent supporters of Australia becoming a republic, the latter heading the Australian Republic Movement in the 1990’s. It seems that every poll conducted around election time shows rousing support for the Australian republic. However, lately this trend has started to shift.

A recent Fairfax Ipsos poll shows that only 42% of Australians support a republic. Proponents of the cause say we Australians are better able to assert our national identity and to regale ourselves in the pride of Australia and all its marvellous achievements and inventions. We should be independent and be able to forge our own path, creating our own self-made history. Nations such as Singapore and India did so after World War II, America long before that in 1776.

What can then explain our hesitance at the Australian republic? Well, for starters, the Royal family itself has cleaned up its act, so-to-speak, and this is none

better demonstrated than through William and Kate.

Moreover, we take pride in our resilient democracy and multicultural society. Unlike America and Britain, our nation was not littered with civil wars or forged through a fight for independence. Our institutions remain strong and we have a very liberal and tolerant society. Australians have come to acknowledge the breadth of quality we have derived through our social and political system (although this has been challenged very greatly in recent times).

As for me? I am a monarchist and this may be an anachronistic position to adopt – some may say a traditional stance. To quote the esteemed journalist Chris Uhlmann: ``If being a revolutionary is traditional ,then it is revolutionary to be traditional’’. However my position does not bind me unconditionally to the monarchist cause. There are just as many great reasons to support a republic.

Former Prime Minister Paul Keating is an avid proponent of the republic. To paraphrase some points he has made, Britain in a sense ratified its economic independence from Australia with its acceptance into the European Union. If we are to go back further we can see that Britain during World War II did little to protect this land from Japanese attack (although there are significant reasons for this). Keating was once dubbed the ‘Lizard of Oz’ by the British tabloids for breaching protocol and extending his arm on the Queen. Despite his stance, he nevertheless conducted himself without rancour and with civility. I do believe that eventually the Queen will cease to be Australia’s Head of State.

When that day comes I will be sure to support Australia wholeheartedly. To end with a quote from Paul Keating: "No great country has the monarch of another country as its Head of State’’. Time will tell if we head in that direction. Regardless, Australia is already great.

29

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fiction

Everything is delightful

By Winnie Dunn

Charlotte pulls at her teeth and moans and everything is delightful.

Charlotte continues to miss the roll of paper towels in front of her. Her fingers, bony and shaking, with the nails awkwardly rounded, keep missing the stark white glow. Charlotte knows this glow is the paper towels on the bathroom bench just slightly in front of the mirror at the corner of the sink. Charlotte knows this because she had put the towels there only yesterday. Charlotte cannot remember anything about yesterday, except that she had directed someone to a soft drink machine on campus, and they had offered to buy her a coke. She didn’t know anyone who really drank that stuff anymore, so maybe that’s why it weighed on her mind and now she couldn’t reach the paper towels. Charlotte wanted someone nice enough to direct her too. To guide her hand softly in the air for the only physical thing that is able wipe her mouth and put her to sleep. Charlotte desperately needs sleep. With seemingly great effort but observationally none at all, Charlotte’s hyperactive fingers finally get hold of the paper towels and the mirror shifts back. She cleans away the foamy toothpaste at the corners of her awkward mouth and she sighs unintentionally. Charlotte cannot sleep because she dreams of women – hundreds of ghoulish yellow women without faces. In want of lips the women’s musty yellow skin whispers and shrieks in guttural tones. These women, with golden limbs bent in impossible and unimaginable ways, drag and pull all around her every night, for want of a whole face. Charlotte resigns herself to bed after the act of smudging her fingers against the mirror is too difficult against the side of her face.

Her exhaustion from the mirror is not because Charlotte considers herself ugly, (one would have to consider themselves in any way to elicit such a response), but rather that looking or touching anything for too long is in itself a draining thing to do– especially when one feels it in parts of their skin that they shouldn’t. Charlotte rinses the basin, feels fingers brushing her collarbone, and turns out the light of the bathroom. She hesitates in the now darkened hallway as her eyes adjust, when they do she laboriously shuffles towards her bedroom as her only resistance.

Charlotte desperately needs sleep but she does not want sleep. Charlotte does not believe in the dreams because their existence itself argues that she did in fact sleep. Charlotte could swear that she has not slept in months. She knew every second of being awake at night with stale mint and dryness in her mouth and the silver darkness melting all around her in metallic hums. Is this where the women came from? Charlotte crawls into bed and buries herself in white sheets, which makes her feel a great softness on the back of her short black hair. Everything is delightful.

Charlotte counts the melting hours with fluttering eyelids and a slightly opened mouth. Her breathing is quick and shallow and no observer would be able to completely tell if she was sleeping or not. One would assume, if not for the bed, that she was possibly drowning. The metal chorus drones on and Charlotte dreams of women crawling in pain, black ooze gushing between twisted twitching legs. Everything is delightful.

clubs: skuws

Skateboarders Western Sydney U: Summer Skate Series

By Naomi Hastings

The skateboarders’ club at Western Sydney U kicked off its Summer Skate Series in November with the Parramatta Skateboarding Competition.

It was a free, open-for-anyone-to-enter competition, spanning two weekends and attracting a massive amount of sponsorship from various skateboarding and community organisations, as well as participants of all ages from across NSW. The competition was run in collaboration with Totem Skateboarding, who were fantastic in coordinating the event and deciding the winners of each age category. Funding was generously provided through The Academy at Western Sydney University’s Community Grant. A big congratulations to Bill Easterbrook who won the Outsider Skateboards $250 cash Best Trick prize for his heelflip down the 9-step stair set at the park.

From the success of this event, Parramatta City Council then provided funding for the Skateboarders’ club to host another large-scale event at the park – the Parramatta Skateboarding Jam on January 31. Totem Skateboarding again played a key role in the organisation of this event, along with many other sponsors and donors from the wider community.

The turnout was even bigger than the first skateboarding competition and even though the weather was hot, there was incredible skating all the way through, making this day really enjoyable. Having professional skateboarder Dean Palmer come along as one of the judges for the event was also a highlight. Well done to Juris Malasenoks, who scored the Outsider Skateboards $250 cash Best Trick prize for his awesome ollie to nose manual down the hubba.

A huge thank you goes to all the sponsors who contributed to the massive pool of prizes on offer at these events. It was a treat being able to award so many skaters with a brand new deck, hardware and clothes.

32

clubs: skuws

Keeping it Raw: Q & A with skuws skater Luke Donnelley

By Naomi Hastings

When did you start skating?

Around the age of 10 What’s your favourite thing about skating? The freedom: Having the ability to express creativity and share a passion that extends along so many different interpretations.

IMAGE: Surreal Life Photography

Where do you like to skate?

Anywhere with a surface that feels good to roll on. Preferably a street search for spots, although wherever there’s a crowd a good session is likely.

Which skater/s inspire you?

Anyone that’s true to keeping skateboarding raw, along with all the Australian dudes who are constantly killing it.

Any advice for anyone just beginning to skate? Don’t give up.

Facebook: Skuws – Skateboarders Western Sydney University Instagram: @skuws

travel

The Other Side of the Frontier: A Visit to North Korea

By Niall Clugston

It was like a scene from Bridge of Spies – a recent film most notable as the vehicle for Mark Rylance’s Oscar-winning performance as best supporting actor. There was a traffic jam – a rare sight in North Korea. A uniformed man had jumped out of his car, apparently impatient. Our bus stopped, and we were informed that we would need to get out. Back in Beijing, we’d witnessed the city being hit by the worst deluge in 60 years. The storm had evidently crossed Korea too, with flood waters smashing the bridge between Pyongyang’s airport and the city centre. Only one lane was open. We would have to walk to the air-conditioned coach waiting on the other side of the river.

So we collected our luggage and headed across the bridge. I couldn’t help but recall the prisoner swaps that occurred on bridges during the Cold War, such as the Glienicke Bridge between East and West Germany featured in Bridge of Spies. The Korean equivalent was – and is – the Bridge of No Return, featured in the James Bond film, Die Another Day. But this was very different. We were tourists, and there was no tension, except for our British guide imploring us not to take photos. I quickly saw why.

This was my first sight of the feared North Korean army. Below us in the river was a swarm of boys in their long johns, sandbagging the broken bridge.

They looked like they were having lots of fun. As we looked at them, they looked at us – curiosities through the looking glass. They waved. We waved back.

“Hiya!” called out our guide. “Hiya!” I took a while to work out she was speaking English, not Korean.

“If we did take a picture, it would win a Pulitzer!” I said.

“Maybe so, but you can’t take a photo!!!” the guide replied.

My trip to North Korea – which the regime calls the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) – was controversial. My dad asked me why I wanted to go to a place that other people were trying to get out of. I went because I was interested in the history of Korea, Communism, and the Cold War. I went because I wanted to see it for myself. Some people say tourism is propping up the regime, but clearly the trickle of Western visitors couldn’t do that. In any case, if there was a time machine, would it be immoral to visit Stalin’s USSR or Hitler’s Germany?

Please don’t interpret me as denying that I went on a “propaganda tour”. Our itinerary was clearly designed to showcase the place. On a smaller scale, it was like the socialist propaganda tour that Che Guevara and the Black Panthers went on in the ‘60s.

But I don’t think they switched all the lights on for the odd dozen in my tour group. I don’t think I’m that important. Nor was the itinerary particularly well “choreographed”. For example, when we visited a microbrewery, there was scaffolding in the stairwell and they couldn’t find a private room. We ended up sharing a room with locals.

And there was plenty of evidence of an ongoing economic crisis, which they call the “Arduous March”.

According to the World Food Program, there is no famine now. Many people are scrawny, but not all.

For instance, our North Korean female guide was described as “fat” by a big-mouthed colleague. To be honest, she was slightly plump. An American man in our group threatened to punch him.

“Bar-room brawl in North Korea!” I said. But it never eventuated…

My take-home lesson from the trip, is that I will never trust any information about North Korea. I 34

travel

haven’t been brainwashed by North Korea’s overthe-top propaganda. No, as I said when I came back, I’ll never believe anything anymore. I don’t consider myself an expert after a few days there. Actually, I’m one of the few people who talk about North Korea who doesn’t consider him or herself an expert.

People often say it is hard to get into North Korea. I think I disproved that. They say journalists are banned, but Associated Press now has an office there. They also say that visitors are confined to Pyongyang. In fact, I travelled the length of the country, from the border with South Korea – the famous DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) – to the border with China, by road and rail. On the train, I shared the compartment with two North Koreans who were travelling into China on “business”. One of them went out of his way to help me with North Korean border security. The other asked me to help him through the Chinese equivalent.

It is often said that North Korea doesn’t have electricity. Many people have seen the satellite photo which shows the country engulfed in darkness. Yes, we experienced blackouts when staying in Kaesong.

But the railway line is electrified, and there is enough power in Pyongyang to run a metro, trams, trolley buses, a bowling alley, a fun park, and a revolving restaurant on the top of the Yanggakdo Hotel where I stayed. People who think these were staged for my benefit are brainwashed or paranoid.

Some people describe the DPRK as fascist or Confucian. In fact, the regime is a carbon copy of Stalin’s USSR, perpetuated into the 21st century.

The army is certainly very large, partly because the Korean War has never been resolved. The army

also functions as a mobile workforce, deployed for construction projects, emergencies, and agriculture.

I hardly saw anyone carrying a weapon, though there was a man at the DMZ armed with a submachine gun and smoking a cigarette, and a teenage girl with an AK-47 – with bayonet fixed – guarding an artists’ studio in Pyongyang!

The North Korean countryside is often described as bleak and barren. I went in summer, and it was the greenest place I’d ever seen. But in winter it’s blanketed with snow. The country is 80% mountains, with cultivation confined to the narrow coastal strips.

Most of the mountains are covered in forest. Even travelling along the coast I saw vast pine forests.

Despite Bill Clinton calling the DMZ the “scariest place on earth”, I was shocked at how laid-back the North Korea soldiers were. There is even a gift shop.

I went to the DMZ and all I got was a T-shirt! A lot of the DPRK’s million troops seem to be teenagers goofing off.

My favourite memory came when travelling north from Pyongyang, standing in the corridor of the rail carriage, looking across the fields. A couple of children were standing on a dyke, waving at the train.

I waved back. A small boy spotted me – a tall white man – and literally jumped for joy. When people talk about nuking North Korea, I think of him. To quote the cliché, children are the future. I hope he dies, not by bombs, or starvation, but at a ripe old age in a prosperous, peaceful, reunited Korea. I think we can all agree on that – and that includes Kim Jong Un.

35

poetry

Rangihou

By N T L Clugston

It’s Sunday. The flowers have sprung.

The orange of the silky oak And the purple of the jacaranda Have joined the green of leaves and grass, And the blue of the sky In a palette recalling the primary school.

I execute a high kick On the tip of a bough that overhangs the path, Lose my balance, pirouette, And fall prone, Saving my new watch, but grazing my right elbow.

I feel like a boy reborn.

Rangihou Reserve is being deserted, Like a stage between scenes, while I approach.

The bouncing bunnies prepare to yield the field To lycra-clad cavalcades – Riders of aluminium omens of silent death – And the walkers of dogs.

Before we were here, Graffiti guerrillas hit the footpath With stencilled hands – Updating the age-old ochre techniques With black spray-paint – Along with modern war cries and claims of law, About the burial of Aboriginal and Maori children In unmarked graves near a seminary built By the Flogging Parson, Samuel Marsden, Up on Parramatta’s New Zealand Street.

Though I’ve never seen it waterlogged, I believe this spot Used to be called the Duckponds by the locals, Back when there were locals.

LOST

Poem and artwork

by Angelico D. Aputen

Although, he tried to mesmerize himself with deep silence while the roars and thunders from the distance kept haunting him. He smiled, had a tiny glance at them and then turned his back away from them. Suddenly, they were wondering why he was walking on the wrong side of the road. He was in the middle of the road and they were staring at him so obstructively. He hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done anything to them but he felt as if the whole world was turning him down.

There was a very bright light that approached him with a bangâ&#x20AC;Ś

Last day of exams, Spring Photo by Hakima Husseini This is my favourite photo of WSU. I love the purple colour of the Jacaranda trees which are all around the pathway of Parramatta campus!

It was nice weather on that morning: I took these pictures last year in spring session, on the last day of my exams!

Hope you like it?

Poem and artwork

by Rashika Mudaliar

It's love I have to disguise I'm working to my bones to retrieve Seeking it through my past, slowly it's all losing....

This world and life is magic, but never to know its fullness Working alone is proving difficult !

Sex by the Stars Make the most of the remaining beach season with dates, getaways, flings… and hot sex! Here are the best ways to pleasure each sign in bed!

ARIES: Once your Aries partner is in the mood, take the cue immediately! Aries love being in control, so let them get on top. Games of dominance and submission turn them on, and even something like BDSM would shatter them into a million pieces of delight.

TAURUS: Sex with Tauruses must be sensual, slow and tactile. Turn them on with perfume. Take them somewhere luxurious and indulging. Hickies in a 5-star hotel over Sydney Harbour, on a bed of silk with Mozart playing, will make their hearts beat like the stampede of a thousand bulls.

GEMINI: Geminis are the least discriminative in bed. Get them in the mood with naughty SMS’ then keep them stimulated with rough but breezy hand movements.

Make their passions burn by experimenting. Wear playful underwear. School uniforms will leave them nowhere to run but to you.

CANCER: You can’t rip emotions from Cancers. You can be sure they won’t be bedding anyone else, so make sure you are the same. Don’t expect to get naked with the wrong vibe. Be private with your sexual life. Concentrate on their breasts. Wear lace. With these tips, the love session will rock all night.

LEO: Leos will roar in bed. Take them shopping beforehand, flourish them with gifts and show your loyalty.

Once in bed, give them the spotlight. They love to strip, are open to making home videos, and your complements will melt their brains. But don’t surprise them! Wear glamorous clothing, look in their eyes, and be playful but not superficial. Finger their backs and hair.

VIRGO: Virgos are the kinkiest and most twisted. Take their minds to Venus through roleplaying underdog and servant scenarios, like nurses and even prostitutes. They love pleasing - but only if you’ve showered before getting into bed and have made a plan with them. Virgos need order.

Travelling Stars

by Jodie Sale

ARIES: You love to travel – on your own. You always have unwanted friends tagging along and spoiling your break.

Stick to your guns and don’t let friends spoil your holiday.

Time for that trip to the monastery.

TAURUS: Flights for you ? No thanks ! You love to travel, but only on wheels; train, car or bus sounds perfect. It’s time to lose the fear and jump on a plane. There is so much to see and do, you won’t regret it. Or it’s the XPT to Dubbo again !

GEMINI: “Ain’t got time to take a fast train”. Always on the go holidays ? That’s for wimps. It’s time to take stock, relax.

Life is not all about work you need some play time. Head to Japan and smell the cherry blossoms.

CANCER: Forget the letters, it’s time for the real thing. Yes,

by Jesse Neo LIBRA: Libra hates anything too revealing and skanky, so wear pastel colours, nothing extreme. Before making love, take them to a candle-lit dinner. Complement their looks, and once on the mattress, concentrate on their lower back.

Make sure the room is furnished with elegant mirrors and you’ll become their other half.

SCORPIO: Sex to Scorpios is a psychological penetration!

If you let them possess and control you, be prepared for a long hot sex, from head to toes. Literally. They love games of mental dominations. The rule to remember though is to keep quiet of any previous sex.

SAGITTARIUS: Sagittarius needs to eat, sleep and have sex! They are turned on by funny events, rocker looks, and exotic places. Some Sagittarius are attracted to tantric, and talking about philosophy and politics. Others just want to get strip it down ASAP like the horses they are.

Concentrate on their bottoms and thighs areas and watch them shoot for the stars.

CAPRICORN: The key to get busy with Capricorns is to relax them with your trust – and boy, you’re in for a treat!

They are more likely to get laid by older people, and are turned on by disciplining games, being both submissive and dominations. Lure them with tight clothing in leather.

But if this is the first time with them, go for something not so shocking.

AQUARIUS: Aquarius have sex and emotions detached, so no cuddling and kissing after sex. They love experimenting, and will fire up if you engage in the latest sexual hype, such as phone sex, dirty SMS and even nasty video calls. They are attracted to ankles, so make sure you are in heels or wearing anklets.

PISCES: Pisces can be anything you want, fitting into any roles, and will be turned on if they realise they are what you most desire. Let them please you, tell them your needs, and you will be sailing to an orgasmic thrill. Candles and wine at exotic places will make their hearts flutter. They love blindfolds and beautiful feet.

it’s a long way, yes, they have never meet you. But they sent you a letter. You’re forever the romantic. You have their address. Track them down and give them the surprise of a life time.

LEO: Winning every argument is draining for everyone around you. Take a holiday. Your friends and colleagues will appreciate it. As the saying goes: “absence makes the... A Himalayan hike is just the thing for you. No network coverage; your loved ones will thank you.

VIRGO: Enough of the Cat Protection Society. It’s time for the real thing. Travel to Africa. Volunteer with the baby elephants, feed the tigers and lions, stay in a tent in the Serengeti. Beware of the Hippos LIBRA: Adventure is your middle name. In your head, you dream of being a stuntman, of abseiling, orienteering, cycling across China and deep sea diving. Take the plunge,

Dear Guru I eat a lot of cheese and I am worried that I am ``comfort eating''. What is the difference between eating and comfort eating ? Everyone eats when they are not hungry, because life is so boring and there is a huge amount of time to fill between meals.

Eating is nature’s primary instinct and with chocolate I’ll be rubbing my stomach with a grin. But eating because there is nothing better to do? My friend - it’s time to clear the table and realise you’re not an everhungry seagull by the beach.

It’s a big world out there bubbling with dreams to be fulfilled, stories to be consumed, and gadgets to be utilized. You’ll be eating your heart out when you realise how much the world has to offer. Maybe it’s time to find a new dream, pick up a new hobby, or start a travel blog. As soon as you acquire more tastes in the world, the fewer times you’ll need to visit the toilet too. Now that’s food for thought!

Hi Jesse Is it possible to be too happy? Can you actually burst with happiness ? Should I save some happiness for later ? Will my adrenals finally tap out one day, plunging me into metaphysical darkness ?

Never had Oprah Winfrey been so rich that she left trails of green notes wherever she went. She inspired others with her riches - and let’s not forget the giveaways she held and charities she resurrected. If you find yourself on cloud nine too often, perhaps you can bring your emotional wealth down to earth and rain happiness upon everyone else. Before you know it, your whole circle will be over the moon from your contagious bursts of giggles.

go diving, spend a week exploring sunken ships off the coast of Costa Rica.

SCORPIO: Kalashnikovs, tanks and screaming drill sergeants; that sounds great ! Enjoy two fun-filled weeks in Siberia pretending to be in the Russian army. You will be given daily drills, stay in freezing barracks. Daily marches and army food are perfect, but be warned, you may never want to return.

SAGITTARIUS: Things are really starting to heat up, which makes your eczema flair up. Time for the trip to the Antarctic. Follow in the steps of Mawson; a week’s stay at Scott Base. Collect samples for the lab and if you apply, you may just get that scholarship.

CAPRICORN: The autumn equinox is on its way and we know that’s all about balance! You’ve been practicing your

theLove

Guru

by Jesse Neo

Dear Jesse My partner buys too many gadgets - breadmakers, ice-cream makers, a wine fridge, iPad Air 2, Sennheiser headphones, a massive modular couch - and that was just last week ! He works in retail, so how is he affording all this stuff we don't need ? I am afraid to ask.

If he’s riding the gravy train and the books are balanced, let him enjoy his joy ride. But if it’s making you touch your neck a lot, perhaps having a discussion about the morality of his spending would be wise. You could re-sell outdated gadgets on eBay once new gadgets are bought, or even carve out a new saving goal to spend those cents on something more mutually agreeable.

unicycle, now it’s time for the real thing. A week at circus school is for you. You will learn to juggle, tightrope walk, walk in a handstand and everything else you need to get your life back in balance. You won’t regret it.

AQUARIUS: Curl up with all seven books. How you’ve missed Harry, Rubeus Hagrid, Hermione Granger and Professor Snape; it’s been so long ! A week’s break, a book a day. Nothing could be better. Read the collectors’ editions you’ve never opened. It’s the perfect holiday for you and there is nothing more you need.

PISCES: A trip down the Nile, a dance in Casablanca, forever the romantic. Should you go on your own or should you stay ? Stay; your soulmate is about to bump into you, literally. They will love to take you down the Nile and dance with you in Casablanca: “Here’s looking at you kid” !

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