CATEGORY
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Acknowledgements
W’SUP acknowledges the country and people of the Dharug, Wiradjuri, Gandangarra and Tharawal nations and acknowledges their ancestors who have been traditional owners of their country for thousands of years. W’SUP pays respect to their elders past, present and emerging.
W’SUP is coordinated by the Student Representation & Participation team at Western Sydney University. EDITORS Melissa Swann Ian Escandor Iman Sohail Beau Dunne Nicole Gismondo Jodie Sale
FRONT COVER DESIGN Emma Del Dot BACK COVER IMAGE Landsat 5 TM Satellite Image, 20 May 2004. Scale: 1:160 000 © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 2016.
PUBLICATIONS OFFICER Mickie Quick
wsup@westernsydney.edu.au
wsup.news
wsupnews
W’SUP
wsupnews
Contents
Editorials
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Only Light Can Drive Out Darkness 6 Queer Screen Film Review 7 Advance Australia Fair?
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Life Away From Your Life 10 Let’s Not Forget About Mental Health 12 2016 Mental Health And Wellbeing Month 14 Women First 17 The Disability Collective 20 Does Your Relationship Need A Health Check? 21 Don’t Feed The Ducks ;) 22 Nerdfighters 23 Clubs Wrap 24 Student Councils’ Reports 26 Campus Health Checks 30 Poetry/Fiction 33 Your Stars 36 The Love Guru 37
SUMMER EDITION 2016/17
Editorials
W’SUP Summer Edition 2016/17
We also wanted to address the fact that W’SUP welcomed and encouraged submissions on all aspects For any round of incoming student editors the task of diversity, publishing them alongside our regular of taking on this publication is both daunting and content. At no point was our aim to close off avenues exciting. This year has not been a quiet one for your for representation to any particular group – the student newspaper – from rebranding to W’SUP to publication reflected the submissions we received. saving the livelihood of the newspaper altogether However, while this may clarify some confusion about by launching a campaign to defend the Publications our processes, it still does not change the fact that Officer position, our editorial duties have kept us busy perhaps we could have done more to ensure a broader, all year. The behemoth that is our yearly Diversity more inspiring scope of representation. Fest issue is always a rollercoaster. Undoubtedly the largest issue to hit the stands each year, there’s quite This is, I believe, an opportunity to make some a lot of work involved, and though the editorial team changes. It is a chance for future editorial teams to hit worked hard it was clear that there were places where the ground running, reaching out proactively into the we fell through the cracks. various communities within the university to really Melissa Swann
Some students voiced their concerns and their disappointment with the Diversity Fest issue. In some places representation was not quite accurate, in others it was not so inclusive. We’ve heard you, and I, on behalf of the student editors, wanted to say thank you for pointing out things that have been overlooked. It may have been a tough pill to swallow, and it is sometimes hard to face mistakes when you have worked hard on something, but it was important for us to hear that.
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showcase everything we can. All that any group of editors can hope for is engagement. If you are picking up your student newspaper, reading it, and wanting something to change – tell us. Write to us, submit the kinds of articles you want to read, point us to the stories and the artists and the changes you want to see. Keep us on our toes and keep us honest. It is, of course, your student newspaper after all.
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Ian Escandor
Iman Sohail
Nothing is absolute or sacred. Change is inevitable. And similar, but vastly different, to the United States of America electing in their new president, the students of Western Sydney University have elected their six editors to front as the new W’SUP team for 2017. Throughout my time as an editor, changes big and small have happened right before my eyes. Some of these changes included the university name change, which the editorial team at the time fought hard against but eventually conceded to, and the university’s decision to cut the Publications Officer role, which the editorial team also fought hard against - resulting in the reinstatement of the role. During my time as an editor, I have always aimed to put in maximum effort whilst juggling my part-time studies, part-time work, and casual activism. If there is one thing I have learnt during my time as an editor, it is that sometimes it is better to dedicate 100% of focus on one item than distribute 25% of my effort to four. Luckily, I was working with a group of dedicated students who were there to support and motivate, unlike the group I was assigned to during my Working With Communities unit group assignment (you know who you are). Many thanks to readers and those who have continued to submit in their articles. Without your support, the most trusted newsource on university affairs (second to UWS Spy, of course) would cease to exist.
Whilst it is fair to say that 2016 isn’t ending on the greatest note for us all (referring explicitly to Trump being elected as America’s new President), there have been some quite positive events that have happened in 2016 that haven’t been completely advertised. For example, the gene responsible for the ALS illness has been found, 70,000 Muslim clerics have declared a fatwa against ISIS (who are also at their weakest they’ve ever been), 3D printing technology has advanced so much that we are close to printing bones and organs for those who require it and new chemotherapy breakthroughs have increased the 5-year survival for pancreatic cancer from 16% to 27%, just to name a few. My point is, whilst there have been a few downfalls this year, there have been plenty of positive events as well. This is just like the uni year. Whilst there may have been a few disappointing times, we have survived assignments, exams and all those all-nighters and we can finally enjoy our well-deserved summer break, even if you are doing some summer units! Even though I’ve only been one of the student editors for W’SUP for a short while, I’ve already seen the incredible pieces by the students of Western Sydney University and it’s great to see how passionate and opinionated all these students are! This summer
“Write to us, submit the kinds of articles you want to read, point us to the stories and the artists and the changes you want to see. Keep us on our toes and keep us honest. It is, of course, your student newspaper after all.” A massive thank you to the editorial team that held it down for 2016 (Nicole Gismondo, Melissa Swann, Beau Dunne, Jodie Sale, and Iman Sohail). And a special shout out to Pierre Causon for keeping on with his degree despite his hardships. With all that said, this will be my last post as editor and I look forward to the change in 2017. In the spirit of the new year, always remember that change is inevitable. Change can be good like a nice change of weather, or change can be bad like the big bad, human-driven climate change. Change is inevitable but progress is optional.
edition only represents a fraction of the talents our Western Sydney students and groups have, and I cannot wait to see what Western Sydney students will show myself, Nicole and the newly elected student editors for 2017. Enjoy your summer and enjoy this summer edition of W’SUP as well!
SUMMER EDITION 2016/17
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Beau Dunne
Nicole Gismondo
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going to heaven, we were all going direct the other way. ~ Charles Dickens
I don’t think when I signed up for the role of editor this year I could have predicted the roller coaster ride this year has been. I’m sure my fellow editors will attest that both renaming and fighting for the existence of a student paper is far more excitement (and work) than we bargained for!
When I look back at the year gone by, it’s always interesting the think of the maybe’s. Just think, the paper *could* have been called the close second or The moment when you finish the last assignment third, The Western Waffle or The Western Wildfire. makes the 14 weeks of slogging through the semester Equally, we could have no summer edition at all, all seem worth it. The self satisfaction after completing with our publications officer nearly given her another year puts all those stressful weekends of study marching orders half way through the year. into perspective. After completing another semester, This year we produced 6 editions! That is 2 more than we now have months of semester break to occupy any other editorial team! It’s been a good year, and ourselves with. while we could always be better, I look forward to Over the course of 2016 the student newspaper another year as an elected editor. We’ve produced has undergone a transformation, we underwent good content, even managing to get the full 5 SCC a renaming process, and after many submissions reports this edition (disclaimer: we are obliged to and lots of hours of consideration the new name publish them, but they aren’t so good at sending W’SUP was chosen. Certainly, when we set out at them). I always love to flick to The Love Guru, or the beginning of the year I don’t think we could have Jodie’s crazy stars. Similarly, we’ve brought you news predicted where we would end up, or how much of from the collective movement, student clubs, or even a struggle it would all be. just been a place for journalism students to get their formative work published. With the end of another year comes the start of a new year. What will the new year bring? Well, a This edition we bring you a good summer read we Trump presidency for starters. Undoubtedly there hope, with notes on the many happenings around will be more attacks on students by the Australian the campus this semester in case you missed them, government, and we can’t forget the challenges we and some keen insights into the world around us. will all face getting through another year of uni work. My Clubs Wrap is back for its second round, and my Campus Health Checks are back once again. With next year’s challenges come new student editors to W’SUP, with Phil Craig, Emma Del Dot, Megha I hope you enjoy this edition, and I’ll see you all Kalra and Michael Wright all having the privilege next year! to serve in their new roles. Nicole Gismondo, and 2017 Elected Editors Imam Soheil will also be returning to their roles Phil Craig as excellent student editors.The new year will also bring new student representatives to the campus and Emma Del Dot representative councils, while the structure of student Nicole Gismondo Megha Kalra representation is also being rejigged. Iman Soheil With all the changes that are planned for the next year Michael Wright we should put things into perspective. Let’s take note of that old song by Johnny Mercer, and accentuate the positives and eliminate the negatives.
PHOTO Alana Hoskins Western Sydney University Student
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Only Light Can Drive Out Darkness
Africans and women just to name a few.
code I will be the target of racist slurs. It didn’t affect the way I perceived However, what concerns people or interacted with me is the role the media them. However since has played in the course following social media of the election and in the and mainstream media, aftermath. Mainstream I feel like I have been media coverage of taught to act cautious both candidates was around certain groups glaringly bias – Clinton’s of people, or that I am a corruption was swept natural target for abuse. under the carpet while In the wake of certain every inch of Trump’s events that put Muslims life was exposed and in the spotlight, I find subjected to mudslinging. myself becoming highly Along with this bias, conscious of other the media capitalised people’s perception of on people’s fears and my dress code. I remind insecurities, blowing them myself that it would be up disproportionately. unfair of me to simply WORDS The situation on social assume that people hate A. Hussain media wasn’t any better. me or that they will say Every time I log onto something racist to me Facebook or check just because I dress or look the newspapers, I’m a certain way. Groups of bombarded with articles people urge other people and posts that scream to stop stereotyping them The recent US election hate. Hate for Muslims, based on the acts of a few, has become a topic of hate for Trump, hate for yet I see the exact opposite global interest. white people, just hate, on social media. I see hate, hate. It makes me targeted groups posting With the campaigns of the wonder, is there anyone and sharing generalised candidates starting more to love? comments (usually than a year ago, the whole world watched, mostly in amusement, as Clinton and Trump spouted political rhetoric, trying their very best to gain the American people’s support. The grand finale aired on November the 8th, and viewers held their breath while the I got Facebook in early negative and fear-driven) votes were being counted. 2015 and ever since I have about white people, The end result: Trump noticed subtle changes in about Trump supporters, was declared the winner. my perceptions of other men or anyone that say Unsurprisingly, many groups of people. I’ve something against them. people expressed fear, been wearing the hijab And I always think to discontent and anger (headscarf) for over 8 myself, why respond to with the election results. years, yet never have I felt hate with hate? Darkness After all, Trump used the conscious of it, or felt like cannot drive out darkness, vilest, most racist and an outsider in society, or only light can. sexist rhetoric, targeting that because of my dress Muslims, Hispanics,
“And I always think to myself, why respond to hate with hate?”
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To end my rant, I want to share what my religion, Islam, teaches me about these types of situations. Our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) was subject to vile and disgusting abuse. He would have rubbish thrown into his house, thorns placed at his front door and was even stoned til he bled heavily. There was an incident where the insides of a camel were placed upon his back while he was in prostration. Yet, he always responded with kindness. His speech was never harsh. He would counter hate with love and he would tell his followers to do the same. I take great inspiration from this. When I see people in the shopping centre, at the train station or on the street, I make sure I smile at them. When someone asks me a question about my faith, even if that question has clear racist intentions, I respond gently and authentically. Who knows, maybe that one encounter with a Muslim may change any negative stereotype of perception that they hold. And while I will and do take a stand against racism, I make sure that my actions and words are never the source of hate or fear. Disclaimer: that I DO NOT support Clinton or Trump. I do not view either as the ‘lesser of two evils’.
Queer Screen Film Review ATEGORY
I’m Still Fucking Here
Radical love, hope and strength in Major! (2016)
as well as being invisibilised by society and the broader Queer movement. When reflecting on her involvement with Stonewall, Ms. Major discusses the way in which Trans and Gender Variant women of colour such as herself, Marcia Johnston and Sylvia Rivera have been written out of history through a process of white-washing their contributions to Queer struggle.
This documentary celebrates and preserves an essential and ongoing Black lesbian feminist Audre Lorde said, chapter in this struggle. It is an essential documentary tracing the “Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were life of a person who has used radical forever.” Her vision for Black feminism was defined love and care, as well as anger by radical love that is enduring, healing and and loss, to support Transwomen accommodating of difference and emotion. of Colour in every aspect of her Black Transwoman activist, Ms. Major Griffin Gracey life. This documentary is essential embodies and lives this vision in all aspects of her life. viewing for all individuals, but especially anyone who considers themselves allies and members of the Queer community. When accepting the namesake of a Queer community centre in New York, Ms. Major says, “If anyone She is a mother, daughter, WORDS says, ‘I’m here for the GLBT… No grandmother and aunty to so many no no, motherfucker, T comes Julia Readett women in her community because first.” Transgender women, and FILM ARTWORK she has dedicated her life to caring specifically transgender women of Querido Mundo for Transwomen of Colour’s safety colour, face insurmountable stigma STILLS and wellbeing. and violence and Ms. Major’s life Annalise Ophelian are an essential reminder their Major! provides a complex insight needs and safety must be at the into the life of an individual who forefront of our movement. has dedicated herself to combatting the struggles faced by Transwomen Ms. Major asked herself, “What of Colour in the U.S. As it reveals, would happen if I used my life as Transwomen of Colour are the an instrument for social change?” most incarcerated and at-risk Her early politicization occurred community in America and when she was incarcerated at Sing throughout the world today. In the Sing jail in the 1970s and experience words of Ms. Major, Transwomen sexual assault, abuse and of Colour are the “last bastion of debasement at the hands of inmates people who you can violate and get and guards. Her work became away with.” Due to intense social informed by the Black movement stigma and the culture of violence to dismantle mass-incarceration, that surround Black women and which lead to the birth of the trans and gender variant people, organisation, Transgender, Gender Transwomen of Colour are subject Variant Intersex Justice Project, to mass-incarceration, police an organisation that reaches out brutality, homelessness, poverty and assists transgender peoples conditions, inaccess to health who have been disproportionately care and timely health treatment
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incarcerated and denied basic citizen rights. She also worked as a health service provider, taking AIDS tests and support materials to Trans women on the streets of New York, using her humour and loving presence to de-stigmatise HIV AIDS and bring awareness to an issue that devastated the Queer community throughout the 80s and 90s.
this community are violently erased from society for being who they are. Ms. Major’s vision for change is to create a safe space for Transwomen of Colour to be unapologetically who they are, and take power in the strength of living your life in a society who seeks to deny your existence. Wrapped in gorgeous, colourful prints, beautiful wigs and an infectious
However, this movie is not homework or some kind of “Hail Mary” for non-Transwomen of Colour to endure. Major! is an incredibly fun and uplifting documentary to watch because you see what is possible through love, hope and humour. A pastiche of hand-held camera, phone camera and documentary-style interviews creates an unapologetic and vibrant collection of stories from Transwomen of Colour, each as hilarious as they are powerful. With over 50 Transwomen of Colour reported dead in the two-year making of the film, Major! exposes the way in which
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smile, Ms. Major makes her presence clear. “I’m still fucking here” is the chant of her people. “I’m still fucking here” says Ms. Major as she continues to light the way for justice for transwomen of colour everywhere.
Advance Australia Fair?
such as the multicultural environment. But is it what they hoped for?
Ask the international students WORDS Richa Mistry Clubs Representative, Parramatta Student Campus Council
Since becoming our national anthem in 1984, we have sung “Advance Australia Fair” countless times. Is it fair to everyone? Let’s discuss.
President, Western Sydney The citizens have many University Indian Society benefits; concession opal cards, HECS help, lower fees, Medicare and many more. What about the individuals who aren’t citizens? What about the numerous international students that land here with hopes of a better future? Their dreams consist of a good education, respectable earnings, and better quality of life. Instead they are faced with laws and regulations that are unfair. But, let’s start at the beginning.
Soon they are sharing a house with a few other international students and paying their share of high rents. Paying the expenses isn’t easy. Many employers are unwilling to hire international students and those who do get hired are often exploited. Working 10-15 hours a day with a bare minimum wage of $10-15 is their daily routine. Legal working hours for these students are only 20 hours per week but at this rate they will earn only $300 per week. That is not enough for rents, groceries, bills among many other expenses. Their option: working at other jobs for long hours and earn cash to avoid being caught.
University fees for a citizen are approximately $4000-7000 (depending on the course and university) per semester. For the record, an international student pays $11,000-$16,000 per semester. University education for them isn’t Leaving their family and about learning anymore, friends behind, these rather a chore. Whatever young individuals give up happened to equal rights many things in hopes for to education? Everyone a better future. Like giddy fights for equal rights to children, they are excited education in developing to see a new beautiful nations, yet no one knows country that they have about the conditions in only heard about or seen their own country. With in pictures. Upon landing no HECS help, they work here, they are greeted by multiple jobs to be able to the beauty of Australia pay these fees. Any time and the many wonderful left in between jobs is things it has to offer, spent trying to complete
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assignments or study for exams. All they want now is to pass. While some fail multiple subjects and repeat the subjects, others excel at their course. Those who fail pay excessive fees again and those who pass gain nothing. Almost all of the internships offered to students are not open to international students. Reason; unknown. Any programs such as the Australia- China Bridging Program, offered this year, are not open to international students. Reason; unknown. Travel Concession cards are not provided either. Reason; unknown. Medicare is not provided, and they pay high charges to see a doctor and buy the medicines required. Away from family, friends, culture and traditional celebrations these students’ dreams are shattered. Working full time and studying full time, they earn to pay the fees and any savings left are often sent home to show the parents that yes, they are happy and earning. Their real conditions are never discussed or known. Yet, we sing “Advance Australia Fair”.
*Please note, all values used are approximations and do vary.
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Life Away From Your Life “Mom, Dad, I got my visa!!”
This was the first slice of happiness that I shared with my parents on my journey to Australia. It definitely wasn’t easy to leave my family, friends, relatives and those beloved memories that I had in my 21 years of lifetime back home in Nepal. But somehow adding up some more guts, blending up some more emotions and having the far sighted look at the future, I packed my bags, hugged my parents, carried my memories with me and decided to start the journey of life which is definitely very far away from the life I used to have. WORDS Ishan Karanjit Bachelors in Information and Communication Technology
It was my first trip away from home and amazingly my first flight on any aircraft too. Although I had few of my brothers and sisters here in Australia, it was a really shaky feeling to be in a place far away from home, that too for the first time, alone. It wasn’t a good feeling to see your home from up above the sky sitting in the aeroplane and that urge to go back right away when I saw that scene from the top really ate me up within. After a 13 hour flight, I landed here in Australia along with few new faces I met in my transit. It felt good to see my brothers and sisters come to pick me up at the airport. It was summer during that time and on our way home, we stopped by a café and chilled ourselves. I still didn’t know where I was during that time. I was so lost to be in a bigger, newer and hotter environment of Sydney. Until a few days, I took some rest, relaxed myself and tried to get used to the much different environment and lifestyle of Australia.
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The day came when I had to attend the first day of my university. The very different public transportation system, the train rides, the routes to reach my destination was all very complex and the hassle I had to get used to as it was really nerve wracking to a newcomer. I even got lost a lot of times in the huge city of Sydney and every time I lost my way, I put up a status in Facebook, only to get called by my sister and give me the directions to get home. In this way, struggling and crawling, I was trying to get used to the environment away from my home. Reminiscing my university life, Western Sydney University was definitely a huge place for me. It was comparatively bigger in size than the university I used to study back home. One of the difficult situations I had to face was when there were no one from my country on the very first day I joined the lecture and I had no idea what to do next. The teaching, the lecture halls, the tutorial classes and the computer labs all were very huge, unique and modern. e-Learning or self-learning was another new aspect that I took in the university. It definitely took quite a bit of time for me to get used to the educational system of the university. It was a frustrating period to seek help in every step with the University staff while enrolling, paying the fees and the tutorial registration processes. Those pressure situations when I had to finish the
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assignment in the last moment, sitting in front the of the computer the whole day brainstorming the solutions of the problems, the fear of plagiarism, the examination stress and rushing to the early morning classes became all the part of my life within a few months. On a lighter note, it was a very delightful and blissful experience to meet and make lots of new friends from all over the world, all under one roof. The staffs, the lecturers and the tutors are another bunch of friendly and helpful people to share your problems with, to learn new things with, to get help in your studies and of course to get assignments from. All in all, the university life was the major part of my career development in Australia and it was the reason why I was here in the first place. Today, when I stand at the end of the university days, I feel that I have learnt a lot from my university and hopefully can apply them to get a good job and brighten up my career.
“I’ve had some really sour experiences working here, and gradually, the sweeter ones.” Another big part of my life here is the work. Now, being an international student, apart from studies, work is another big mountain of life in Australia which needs to be done for survival. I’ve had some really sour experiences working here, and gradually, the sweeter ones. There were times when I have worked the whole night without sleep and there were also times when I have slept eating only a packet of chips. Running all over the shops of the cities with a resume in your hand the whole day looking for job is really a hectic thing to do in your student life. Once you get used to the lifestyle here, you will soon learn that making connections by talking to new people and making friends gradually increases your network and makes your life easy and I was really fortunate to get a good job this way. Again, all the struggles will definitely pay off when you can step on your difficulties to climb the ladder of success by means of struggle and hard work. This is what I learnt from the work struggle I experienced here.
Dissatisfaction with the people around and not having the things go your way in the house, like it used to be back home creates even more headache and stress making you miss your home more. There were definitely such moments in my life, when I got sick of everything and wanted to go back home and hug my parents leaving everything. Those season of festivities, those good times you used to have and the moments you had spent among your friends certainly brings tears on your eyes resulting in sleepless nights. On the brighter side, when you look at the future, these sacrifices will definitely pay off and result in the glorious future and this encouraging push has always helped me step out of my sadness whenever I miss my dear ones. I am also fortunate enough that I have few of my relatives and friends here with whom I celebrate the festivals, have some gatherings and shake a leg. These moments with my friends and relatives serve as an icing to my pain and helps me come out stronger than ever. In the end, what I have learnt from my student life in Australia is that, you need two wheels balanced to keep a bike moving. In the same way, there are two wheels of study and work and you need to keep them strong and balanced to keep the bike of your life moving. Also, whenever you feel you are weak, you always get that support and love to fuel up your bike from your relatives, friends and the teachers in your university. I also learnt that there is no place as pleasant, satisfying and peaceful like your home and no one as helpful, loving and understanding as your parents. When I look back at this journey of 3 years, I have fallen down, I have reached to brink of quitting, I have felt lonely but in each of those moments I feel fortunate that I had the love and care from my brothers and sisters here in Australia. On top of that, I had the friendly hand from my friends and teachers in the university, I had encouraging advice from my work staffs and manager at work and above all, I always had the blessings and never-ending support from my parents back home in every aspects of life. Finally, with my struggles, hard work and dedications that I had carried and will still carry on, I believe I will definitely have a bright career and a shining future.
In between all your work and studies, there will be those sad moments when you miss your family, friends, relatives and all the ones close to your heart.
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Let’s Not Forget About Mental Health Let’s keep the conversation going
Like a solid Snap streak, let’s keep the conversation going and encourage positive mental health.
community they may have concerns about, and encouraging them to seek further help.
WORDS Michael Sabater PHOTO Michael Sabater
R U OK? encourages responsible public discussion on social isolation and it’s negative consequences such as suicide. The key message is that social connectedness and positive help seeking can assist people in crisis, and that it is the responsibility of the community to uphold said values. The key focal point is R U OK? Day, which is held once a year.
R U OK? Day is over and the colour and excitement from the event has passed – at least until next year. But that doesn’t mean the conversation has to end. Recognising people who may be struggling and encouraging proactive attitudes to managing mental health remains as important now as any day of the year. In a crowded calendar, any organisation will find it hard to get their message across. That is why most choose to focus their issue around a particular period of time, so it may stand out – even for a period as small as a day. Most thrive on this quick and loud mentality – think Jeans for Genes Day or the World’s Greatest Shave. These events come to take on a life of their own, becoming a reminder on the calendar and prompting action. The aim of the R U OK? organisation is to encourage Australians to connect with people in their
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R U OK? Day is a fantastic occasion that serves as a reminder for all of us to ask one simple question: “Are you ok?”, to a friend, a relative or even a complete stranger. In reality, suicide prevention is a complex and sensitive issue. So, wrapping it up into a short, simple, gentle, but no less powerful line makes the topic all the more palatable for us to handle. However, while it is a terrific initiative, raising awareness without prompting action is useless. Awareness is a start, but ensuring people take action is key. So, while R U OK? Day provides a much needed push, it is not a solution within itself. It’s more of a starting block for accepting the severity of mental illness and a springboard for encouraging action. Yet, every cause, no matter how big, has a humble beginning.
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According to crisis support and suicide prevention service LifeLine, one in five of us will suffer from a mental illness in any given year. Furthermore, suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44.
wellbeing, try and encourage them to engage in help seeking behaviour,” she said. “For our students, we encourage all of them to engage with counselling. We have wonderful counsellors that are here, not only if you are going through a difficult time, but even if you want to start engaging in some preventative health behaviours that can build your resilience against mental health issues.”
Asking that one question and showing someone going through a tough time they aren’t alone may make a world of difference. It could be a life saving conversation. What’s more, educating yourself in recognising mental illness and being able to assist with “Lastly, if you do speak with someone and have the management of mental health is an exceptionally a conversation and they do flag that they are experiencing difficulties, follow up on them, speak valuable thing. to them later on and see if there is anything else you Rowena Saheb, Western Sydney University’s Mental can do.” Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, championed Saheb added, “The University is here to always help. the idea around R U OK? Day: that of starting a We take a really strong interest in the mental health meaningful conversation. But Saheb made clear it’s essential to not only start a dialogue, but to continue and well-being of our students. We have a strategy, we have a team dedicated to it, and we’re here to it throughout the day and throughout the year. support the students and staff.” On having a conversation with someone about mental health, Saheb recommended starting with the basics. For more informational about R U OK?, visit ruok.org.au “You start with asking ‘Are you ok?’. You listen without judgement to what the person says. Take your time, don’t rush them through it, just be an ear for them. If you do hear they have anything that they are concerned with, or if you are concerned for their
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MENTAL HEALTH
2016 Mental Health and Wellbeing Month According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is the state of wellbeing in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to their community (WHO, 2014). Whether or not we have ever experienced mental illness, it is important to always look after our mental health and wellbeing. As members of the university community, we are constantly met with demands and commitments that may cause us to neglect our mental health and wellbeing. Therefore it is of utmost importance that we practice self-care to maintain a balanced wellbeing. WORDS Keshni Kanthan and Tom Hatch 2016 Mental Health and Wellbeing Student Ambassadors
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important in the University setting, given the added stress of juggling study with other commitments such as work or family. Part of the learning experience at University is learning when to practice selfcare, by taking regular study breaks, eating well, and using healthy strategies to minimise stress. We have worked closely with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Team to provide Western Sydney University students with the opportunity to learn and grow their understanding of mental health and wellbeing. We look forward to future joint opportunities that strive towards a community that embraces and maintains mental, social and emotional wellbeing for all people, and a society free from prejudice and discrimination against people living with mental illness.”
Western Sydney University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Team have promoted Mental Health and Wellbeing Mental Health and Wellbeing Month, held in October every Month and supported the year, encourages us to learn and understanding of mental health understand the importance of and wellbeing since 2014. The looking after our mental health and importance of taking a primary wellbeing. The major aim this year prevention approach in the is to reduce the stigma surrounding university setting is reinforced mental health issues by increasing through studies highlighting the awareness and promoting helpover-representation of mental seeking behaviours, hence the ill health within the university theme of the year – Learn & student population. In 2010, a Grow. WayAhead (Mental Health study of 6479 students from two Association NSW) believes that universities compared levels of learning about mental health can distress among students using allow people to be more aware health services with health service of their mental state, as well as patients of the general population the wellbeing of others. In short, (Stallman, 2010). The results through learning about mental showed that the majority of the health and wellbeing, we grow. Australian university students (83.9%) reported elevated distress Mehna Alacozy, Mental Health levels; this indicates that university Promotion Officer, WayAhead students are a high-risk population (NSW Mental Health Association), for stress-related mental illness said “this year’s Learn and Grow (Stallman, 2010). theme encourages individuals to empower themselves in learning This year, in celebrating the month, more about how to maintain the team partnered with a variety mental health. This is especially
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of different services (Library Services, Careers and Food and Beverage Services) to coordinate the delivery of “Western Chill Stations”, an engaging event for both staff and students within the Western Sydney University community. In approaching the events with a student-centred and student-led framework, the idea (and name) of ‘Chill Stations’ was adopted from a project delivered earlier this in partnership with Nicole Peel’s Therapeutic Recreation Students. In April, third year Therapeutic Recreation students delivered a series of events with a brief to promote wellbeing. Of the 12 events delivered the activities promoting relaxation or ‘chilling’ were considered to be the most successful. Rowena Saheb, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions
Coordinator of the University said, “Our students are our biggest asset. Having the opportunity to partner with academics and students,
With a desire to counteract the abovementioned statistics, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Team, in conjunction
“This is especially important in the University setting, given the added stress of juggling study with other commitments such as work or family.” such as Nicole and the therapeutic recreation students, not only allows us to provide opportunities for our students to engage in practical work placements and enrich their learning experience, but also builds the capacity of our university to be health promoting within the student-centred framework. We are grateful to have had this opportunity to partner in studentled best practise prior to delivering our university wide events”.
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with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Student Ambassadors, set up ‘Chill Stations’ across the majority of our campuses (Campbelltown, Bankstown, Parramatta, Kingswood & Hawkesbury) for students and staff members to de-stress. ‘Chill Stations’ were fitted with inflatable lounges, picnic mats and deck chairs. The events were supported by healthy food cooking demonstrations.
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Staff and Students were encouraged to simply ‘chill’ for a few moments, enjoy some healthy food, friendly company or even make a new friend, before returning to exam/ assessment preparation. Broadly, • the goals of the event were to: 1. Take a whole-of-university approach to promoting mental health and wellbeing 2. Provide an engaging environment for staff and students to ‘chill’ and socialise, while they learn about wellbeing 3. Educate staff and students on ways to de-stress and promote mental wellbeing via use of counselling services, healthy food preparation education and mindfulness activities. In addition, the ‘Chill Stations’ provided staff and students with the opportunity to engage in self-care by enjoying relaxing time with friends, peers and colleagues. Mental Health and Wellbeing Student Ambassadors and counselling staff promoted mindfulness and better mental health outcomes through activities, such as:
students about Study Break, including ways that students and staff can access free movies, TV shows and more through the library. Careers – staff carried out career checks and followed up with valuable advice regarding paid jobs on campus, how to gain successful internships and how to be better prepared when applying for graduate positions.
• Food and Beverage Services – staff ran healthy food cooking demonstrations followed by free samples to all those enjoying themselves at the Chill Station. If you missed out this year, don’t worry, there’s always next time. Meanwhile make sure to keep looking after yourself and everyone around you. If you need any more information, refer to the contacts below.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Team: If you want to get involved with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassador Program, contact the following: Rowena Saheb, Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Coordinator: e: R.Saheb@westernsydney.edu.au Erin Rutherford, Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Support Officer e: E.Rutherford@westernsydney. edu.au WayAhead wayahead.org.au
CONTACTS
Student Support Services If you have concerns about your mental health or wellbeing or the wellbeing of another student, please contact Student Support • Chocolate Mindfulness – meditation involving chocolates. Services. To find out more about the Western Sydney University Counselling Service, visit: • Life Hacks – a physical game in which participants can win a free w: westernsydney.edu.au/ counselling hacky sack. p: 02 9852 5199 e: counselling@westernsydney. • Western Acts of Kindness – an initiative intended to encourage edu.au altruism among our students Library and staff involving the giving For more information on Study of flowers. Smart and other initiative involving the Library, contact on: Meanwhile, staff members p: 02 98525353 contributed to the mental health w: westernsydney.edu.au/ education of our students in the studysmart or westernsydney.edu. following ways: au/library • Library Services – staff informed
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Careers For more information on Careers and the opportunities that they offer, contact: Career Advice HOTLINE: p: 02 4736 0522 General enquiries: p: 02 4736 0424 e: careers@westernsydney.edu.au
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REFERENCES Stallman, H. M. (2010), Psychological distress in university students: A comparison with general population data. Australian Psychologist, 45: 249–257. doi:10.1080/00050067.20 10.482109 WHO | Mental health: a state of well-being. (2014). Retrieved from: who.int/features/factfiles/mental _health/en/ Learn and Grow Fact Sheet. WayAhead Mental Health Association NSW. (2016). Retrieved from: mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org. au/download/english
WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE
Women First
A wrap up of Western Sydney Women’s Collective events The Western Sydney Women’s Collective is an autonomous student run club that aims to support women on a social, political, and cultural platform with an intersectional and inclusive approach. The Women’s Collective was recently formed mid-way through this year, and as Women’s Officers for Parramatta, Kasandra Terepai and Lauren Stanley have been focused on hosting events and supporting initiatives that put women first.
Western Sydney U’s own Dean of Graduate Research, James Arvanitakis; Janin Bredehoeft, Senior Research Advisor at the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA); Ravis Prasad, Social Entrepreneur, and Jenna Price, Senior Journalism Lecturer at UTS and Fairfax Journalist. We also had the privilege of having Tracey Howe provide us with a Keynote Address, who is the NSW Council of Social Services CEO. Tracy’s address was emotionally stirring, as well as contextually and factually relevant to the experiences of women in Australia at this time. Drawing from NCOSS’ current ‘A New Year for Women’ campaign, Tracy spoke of four key areas: 1. Women in Employment 2. Financial literacy
@wswomensco @wswomensco @wswomensco @wswomensco orgsync.com/122095 wswomensco.org
Femenomics Wrap Up Lauren Stanley The Women’s Collective hosted the first inaugural Femenomics – Forum on the Economic Empowerment of Women on the 29th of September. The forum panellists boasted an exciting lineup of speakers including
3. Housing, and 4. Superannuation. She also stressed the way gender norms, intersectional social disadvantages, and the gender pay gap contribute to make these four areas a space of gendered disadvantage. The audience
wswomensco@gmail.com
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appeared extremely receptive to Tracy’s impassioned urging for all people to work together in unity to begin to close the gendered economic gap which is affecting women in such a profound way. So much so, that at the conclusion of the forum, Lauren, coWomen’s Officer for Parramatta, was approached by an audience member whom stated that the views espoused through Tracy’s Keynote were more intersectional, relevant, and progressive that many university student feminists empathised with.
de Silva, Cathy Diep, Tammy Vo, Alvin Baluyot, Maxwelle-Jane Dwyer, and Delilah von Tramp.
Clare, Melissa, Talia, Winnie, Charlie We were only able to get Whine & Wine off the ground thanks to the support of a number of other clubs and societies. The Women’s Collective co-hosted with the Queer Collective, and we were supported by THE PLOT presented by Cattleyard Promotions, Parramatta Student Campus Council, Parramatta Music Club, and the Drama Club.
Reclaim the Night Sydney Media Release/Kasandra Terepai As the sun set over Sydney on the 28th October 2016, Reclaim the Night Sydney’s annual rally began with hundreds of people in attendance to protest gendered violence in Australia. Protesters, many of whom are survivors of gendered violence, took to the streets of the CBD with glitter war paint and loud posters bearing slogans including “I’ll control who grabs my pussy“ and “Reclaim the right to safety.” From our Women’s Collective and Parramatta Student Campus Council, Kasandra Terepai, Lauren Stanley, Marija Yelavich, and Michael Wright attending to support this amazing event.
We hope to continue to host this event in the future, as Whine & Lauren Stanley and Kasandra Wine has truly highlighted the Terepai amazing talent we have at Western Organisers and Women’s Officers Sydney U.
Whine & Wine Whinge Up Kasandra Terepai Whine and Wine was the brainchild of Winnie Dunn, a fantastic poet and the Women’s Officer for Penrith. It was the opportunity to showcase the homegrown talent of artists from our university. The first Whine & Wine was held at Kingswood, and to see the incredible talent from the West, we needed to bring it to Parramatta! We had a fantastic lineup of poets, musicians, and performers with Winnie Dunn, Charlie Strass, Melissa Swann, Talia May, Clare
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Marija, Lauren, Michael, Kasandra Before setting off, Mike Baird and Malcolm Turnbull were awarded the inaugural ‘Mick Hughes’ Award for men in positions of power who fail to fight against gendered violence. The award was given to Baird and Turnbull for their cuts to frontline services that have left more women unsafe and at risk of being murdered. As they were not in attendance to collect their award, their prize money of $150 Lauren Stanley, Kasandra Terepai, was donated to the Coalition for Women’s Refuges. Maxwelle-Jane Dwyer Whine and Wine organisers Keynote speakers included Judith Wright from the Australian
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Services Unions, and Fran Hayes from the Coalition for Women’s Refuges. Polly and Miya from the Scarlet Alliance discussed some of the prevalent issues facing women-identifying people in Australia including the push for paid domestic violence leave, the lack of and de-funding to services available for women fleeing violent situations, criminalisation of sex-work and the prevalence of sexual and physical violence against women.
by Australian society even though it affects women on a daily basis and has seen 60 women killed this year. Despite this, the government has cut millions from front line services funding which has drastically increased the number of women-identifying people left vulnerable to violence. We march to remind people of the reality they may choose to ignore and to push the government to take serious, effective action” says Sydney’s Reclaim the Night Organising Executive Committee, which This was followed by the formal comprised of Courtney Thompson release of the Reclaim the Night and Erika Luk from UNSW, Jenna organising collective’s demands Schroder from USYD, and Kasandra directed at all levels of government. Terepai from WSU. These demands included: 1 Address the barriers to accessing frontline services for trans, intersex, non-binary, and questioning youth, and create an informed strategy to respond to this issue. 2 Address gendered violence that occurs onsite at all educational institutions by creating an informed reporting framework with appropriate consequences for offenders. 3 Increase funding to frontline support services for womenidentifying and non-binary people. 4 Make workshops that cover topics of respect, ethics, and affirmative consent mandatory at the high school level. 5 Recognise the higher rates of violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and support the culturally appropriate training and services that are necessary to respond to this issue.
academic institutions, research bodies, and media organisations. Many of the discussions focused on what it meant to be multicultural in Australia today. My favourite speaker had to be Senior Constable Maha Sukkar, who is a police officer from Victoria. She described her inspiring story of becoming one of the first police officers in the country to wear a hijab as a part of her uniform, and all the obstacles she faced along the way. She spoke of how she encountered blunt rejections when even trying to apply to become a police officer and how during an interview she was asked “how long is your hair?” As if that mattered to how well she could perform her job. I found her drive and ultimate success in becoming a police officer, even in the face of so much confusion and ignorance regarding her faith as a Muslim woman, to be incredibly inspiring.
As a multicultural woman of colour myself, the daughter of a refugee and an immigrant, being Reclaim the Night Sydney march surrounded by so many passionate through the CBD, and successful women who have photo by Mia Eve Carey similar backstories as myself was incredibly exciting and validating. Multicultural National I say this because I know that Women’s Conference barriers to success exist for women Kasandra Terepai like me, but there are women today paving the way to success and “If there is a glass ceiling for creating spaces for us at the top. women, there must be a glass ceiling for multicultural women,” says Juliana Nkruman, Founder Advisor for African Women Australia. “We’re asking for absolute change, not a quick fix.”
These statements were made during a debate asking if a glass ceiling exists for multicultural women at the first National Multicultural Women’s Conference in Parramatta. This conference brought together multicultural “Gendered violence is an issue women from across Australia who continually swept under the carpet represented a number of services,
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Lauren Stanley and Kasandra Terepai, Women’s Officers for Parramatta
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The Western Sydney University Disability Collective WORDS Christine Cardona Student registered with Western Sydney University’s Disability Service and Disability Officer and founder of the Disability Collective. Also Queer Officer and Women’s Officer at Campbelltown campus.
The Western Sydney University Disability Collective is a student club run by university students who are registered with the university’s Disability Service.
referral for members seeking help and maintain contact with student welfare services, disability services, campus safety and security and equity and diversity.
It was established in October 2016 for students who have a temporary or permanent disability or chronic health condition. While university can be a challenge for any student, it is more so for those with a disability or chronic health condition. Students with disabilities and chronic health conditions often face difficulties balancing their study, work and self-care commitments and are more likely to have low participation and success in education and employment. The purpose of the disability collective is to remove discrimination of students on the basis of having a disability or chronic health condition and engage in activities and advocacy that will further develop equal opportunity and representation of students with disabilities and chronic health conditions at Western Sydney University.
The disability collective also aims to ensure that the university policies meet the requirements to provide all the support it can to students with a disability so that they not only enjoy their time at university but also reach their full academic potential while completing their studies. How you can get involved: The best way to get involved is to join us on OrgSync at: orgsync.com/150565 Like our Facebook page: facebook.com/ westernsydneyuniversity disabilitycollective This way, not only will you be showing your support, but also keep up to date with upcoming events such as meetings, disability workshops, campaigns, work experience, job opportunities and more.
While any student can like our page and join us on OrgSync, only students registered with the university disability service can nominate to To assist in making university a more positive be an officer and vote in elections and meetings. experience for students with disabilities and to Membership in the maximise the support Western Sydney available, the disability University Disability collective also aims to Collective is open to all be a contact point and
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students irrespective of their nationality, gender, age, disability, marital status, religion, or sexual orientation. For more information about the Disability Collective, please do not hesitate to contact the founder and disability officer, Christine Cardona, e: 16428935@student. westernsydney.edu.au Please note: The disability collective is not to be confused with the university’s disability service. While the disability collective is a student club run by and for students who have a disability or chronic health condition, the disability service is a team of trained professional support staff and disability advisors for students with a disability or chronic health condition. For more information about the university disability service, please visit their web page: westernsydney.edu. au/currentstudents/ current_students/ services_and_facilities/ disability_service If you are a student who identifies as having a temporary or permanent disability and are not registered with the university disability service, please contact Disability Service, e: disability@ westernsydney.edu.au or p: 02 9852 5199.
Does Your Relationship Need a Health Check? WORDS Christine Cardona Women’s & Queer Officer: Campbelltown Disability portfolio: Parramatta SCC
Anyone, regardless of their gender, religion, culture, or sexual identity can experience a relationship based on an imbalance of power and control. Abusive relationships can take many forms including, but not limited to: physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse, as well as financial control and social isolation. It is also possible that you are in fact in an abusive relationship and don’t even know it. Here are some things people might feel or think while being in an abusive relationship:
If any of the above statements sound like you, then read on. No one deserves to be in a relationship where they don’t feel safe. If you are in a relationship that you think might be abusive, help is available to you. As a result, you have to be prepared to seek support from a counsellor, a lawyer or even the police to help you leave the abusive relationship before it gets worse.
Many people experiencing domestic and family violence find it difficult to leave the relationship due to religious or ‘They say my friends and cultural reasons, lack family want to split us up’ of finances or financial dependence on their ‘My partner isn’t partner, maintaining violent all the time access to children and – they love me’ pets, or limited outside support. Talking to ‘Things will get better someone such as a friend, – they don’t mean it’ a relative, doctor, or counsellor you trust, ‘It’s so confusing can help you understand – I’m sure it’s a one-off” what is happening in your relationship. They may ‘They say it’s my fault also be able to help you I make them angry’ contact support services and help you develop ‘I’m scared of what will strategies to leave your happen if I leave them’ abusive partner.
If you are isolated from friends and family, help is available at the University and in the community. There are free counsellors at Western Sydney University who are more than happy to discuss your options with you and assist you to cope with the situation. You can contact them anytime to make an appointment, e: counselling@ westernsydney.edu.au p: 02 9852 5199. In addition, the student welfare service can assist you (whether you are a local or international student) with related issues like housing, Centrelink, financial assistance and options to minimise the impact on your studies. e: welfareservice@ westernsydney.edu.au p: 02 9852 5199 Here are some other outside support services that can help you: NSW Domestic Violence Line, p: 1800 656 463 1800 RESPECT, p: 1800 737 732 Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), p: 1800 737 732 Indigenous Women’s Legal Services NSW, p: 1800 639 784 The Safe Relationships Project (SRP), p: 1800 244 481
International Students Free Legal Service (Redfern Legal Centre): p: 02 9698 7645 Law Access NSW: p: 1300 888 529 WARNING: It can be dangerous if your partner catches you or suspects that you are planning to leave them. It would be best to contact police to have an officer present at your residence on the day you plan to actually pack your belongings and leave to prevent any harm done to you, your children, or pets. What to do if you know someone who may be a victim of an abusive relationship: Set up a time to talk to them to let them know you’re concerned about their safety. Keep in mind that it may be very hard for them to talk about the abuse so let them know they are not alone, and that there are people who are there to help. Tell them you understand that their situation is very difficult. Don’t say, ‘You just need to leave.’ Instead, say something like ‘I get scared thinking about what might happen to you.’ Encourage them to talk to someone who can help. Offer to go with them to a counsellor, agency, the police or court.
Mensline, p: 1300 789 978
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S4S
Don’t Feed The Ducks ;)
The musings of an LLB student while attending the S4S National Leadership Conference
The University of Wollongong, in association with the Australian Student Leadership Association, hosted the 10th annual Student Leadership Conference; “Discover - Endless Opportunities, Unleashing Potential”.
WORDS Sam Marsh PHOTOS Sam Marsh
One speaker, Stephanie Lorenzo from Project Futures, has changed the lives of many people, simply as a result of reading a book - The Road Of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam. Stephanie’s dream was to become a successful marketer, to one day become the CEO of an organisation. Never in her wildest imaginings would she have thought that she would start a not-forThe weekend program was garnished with thought-provoking profit, raising awareness and funds speakers who provided invaluable to tackle human trafficking. advice on: Advocacy, Social Justice Her mantras have kept her focused. and Empowering others, to name “Embrace Yes” - if you don’t say but a few. Some spoke about ‘yes’ you can’t move forward. “Ask their respective entrepreneurial for forgiveness, not permission” journeys, and provided guidance on what to do when failure littered it is easier to apologise if someone’s toes are stepped on, rather to their path. Each encouraged us seek permission in the first place. that our passion could sustain “Follow your bliss” - whatever our trajectory, irrespective of flicks your switch, pursue that! the outcome. I’ve walked away from this conference with much inspiration and insight. One aspect that has resonated with me is that leadership has nothing to do with leading, and everything to do with empowerment. Empowerment of others, which results in the betterment of oneself.
Another gem was that our respective opinions on matters will be directly affected by our personal experiences, culture
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and upbringing. It is an immovable feast to change someone else’s opinion, however understanding theirs may be the key to aligning your idea’s with theirs.
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Throughout the conference the topic of “what makes a good leader?” was brandished about. And, it was while participating
in an “experience” session, that I had a personal revelation. Leadership has nothing to do with organisational skill, aptitude or leading. It has EVERYTHING to do with empowering others. In small groups of students we were instructed to create a watercarrying device. It had to support three plastics cups of water, and needed at least one paddle pop stick. Each group was furnished with different items, and we were instructed to negotiate with other groups to obtain the items we needed. We were overflowing with straws, without a paddle pop stick in sight! There were more than ten groups of students working together to fashion this device. Throughout the exercise certain impediments were imposed on us, such as; only those with black t-shirts could touch the device, all the while attempting to meet the deadline. In the beginning, none of the teams wanted to barter. Why? Because we were all frantically attempting to create a plan with the items we had been given to ascertain what was needed.
Nerdfighters WORDS Mitchy Green Vice President, Western Sydney University Nerdfighters, Penrith campus
This year, the Western Sydney University Nerdfighters have grown by over 200%!
than ever before. Highlights include the Lego building competition from Clubs Week, our first annual May the Fourth (Be With You) event, and two epic nights of laser tag with the Red Frogs. The two best events, however, were Game Hard Or Go Home, and our Bankstown board game night. GHOGH, was a 24-hour long gaming marathon and a fundraising event for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. For the entire 24-hours, there was always someone awake and gaming, and through the event and connected fundraising efforts, we raised more than twice what we raised last year. Over the course of a day, friendships were forged, games were won and games were lost. Many fictional characters were killed, and many more pizzas were devoured. Then came our board game night at Bankstown. What we expected to be a small event very quickly outgrew the room we were assigned. Bankstown delivered one of our biggest turn-outs ever, and it was such a blast! Even when the lights mysteriously went out (and only over the area we were occupying), the games continued by the light of the phone screen.
We’ve survived excruciatingly long gaming marathons, and torturous movies. We even pretend-killed Our group worked like a well-oiled our club president (in our very own murder mystery party… IN SPACE). team. No one bickered. No one assumed leadership. We listened Over the past year, we’ve not only Onwards and upwards to bigger to one another as we threw out and better things! ideas. Each member contributing, grown in numbers, but in reach, hosting events on more campuses and the other’s listening intently. Collaboration was in full swing. The end result? A perfectly functioning water carrying device, fit for a maiden. The key? Listening. It was as simple as that. No one exerted themselves above the rest. No one shouted down anothers’ idea’s. Each played their respective part and the outcome was ideal. My takeaway - to lead, one must be prepared to follow. Oh, and one mustn’t feed the ducks!
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Clubs Wrap WORDS Nicole Gismondo W’SUP Editor PHOTO Best Robot Design MORE INFO ON ALL CLUBS orgsync.com/ home/706
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Penrith ROBOTICS As it turns out, engineers like to build robots, and as such 2012 saw the creation of the Robotics Society at Western Sydney U. Each year their main event is the National Instruments Autonomous Robotics Competition where their robots face off against all other major universities in the country and even New Zealand. This year they were fortunate enough to be awarded Best Robot Design and overall achieved 4th place behind UOW, Swinburne and RMIT.
So if the idea of two robots battling piqued your interest, or you just like building robots, and engineering is your jam this is the club for you.
TEAM TAEKWONDO Taekwondo has a long history at the Kingswood Campus, its first incarnation lasting from 1996 to 2006. 2013 saw the reincarnation of the club under Master Elio, training taking place at a local church. 2015 saw training resume in the Kingswood Campus gym, taking students from all walks of life every Monday evening. The team has had convincing results this
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year at many inter-varsity tournaments including the Australian University Games where they took 12 medals(!), with 1 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze and 3 green and gold medals for best performance and sportsmanship. The art of self-defence can have many benefits including boosted selfesteem, confidence, flexibility, balance, concentration and conditioning of the mind. With that in mind, and help from a Second Dan Black Belt Instructor, you might just be able to release your unrelenting spirit in this club.
Campbelltown Bankstown
Parramatta
WESTERN SYDNEY LAW CHANGE AGENTS OF STUDENT’S ASSOCIATION WESTERN SYDNEY (WSLSA) (CAWS)
PARRAMATTA MUSIC CLUB (PMC)
One of the older student cubs at Western Sydney U, the Law society has been around since the early 2000’s, but in an interesting twist, only became officially registered as a club in 2015, on both Campbelltown and Parramatta Campuses. Each year the association boasts many highlights including Law Ball, Law Cruise, and Law Camp, which have this year been opened for students from any discipline to attend. They also have a strong showing at ALSA every year, in mooting, negotiation, client interviewing and witness examination. However, they say their biggest achievement this year was pulling off the rebrand and making the association more professional so it can do more for its members.
A fairly new course based society that serves the Social Work and Community Welfare students at Bankstown. Starting in late 2015, they became the alternative to the Parramatta based SCWWS. In the past year, they’ve managed to coordinate their members to work with The Movement on a homeless outreach program, which saw members home-cook food to donate to the program plus donating their alternate Saturday nights. Word of the street also says that their end of year SSAP Cocktail Party is going to go off.
PMC blasted onto the stage this year after being newly formed from 4 co-founders in early 2016. There have been several music clubs in the history of Western Sydney U, including Kingswood’s Groove in the U, and previously Campbelltown’s mUWSic club. PMC is often asked to provide entertainment at club events, including the W’SUP sponsored Whine & Wine series, and DTK’s events. They can often be found on the stage at Open Day, Clubs Week or O-Week, and proudly boast 127 Facebook members at years’ end.
their Refugee Stories Roundtable Discussion, run in conjunction with SydWest Multicultural Services, promoting acceptance of refugees in Australia, as well as their efforts to raise awareness about forced child marriage. So if you fancy yourself the next human rights hero, you’ll be happy to know that a strong support group, and even friendship is waiting for you right here in this club.
Hawkesbury LADIES SOCCER
Sporting clubs are the most popular at Hawkesbury Campus and Ladies Soccer is no So, if you are pursuing So, if your passion lies in exception. A fairly new a Bachelor of Social Work, music, and you’d like to club, having been around or Community Welfare, share that with others for the past 2 years, they or just love helping the who are like minded, take have enjoyed relatively community, you may a wander past one of PMCs good success. They made have found the right place events, and maybe even the grand final in their to make your university join in the fun. local competition, losing experience a fun one. but having a lot of fun along the way. However, So if you’re a law student in the annual play-offs AMNESTY WESTERN (or not, as we’ve seen) against Royal Military SYDNEY U and keen for an academic, College Duntroon (the networking or general oldest inter-varsity The Amnesty club has good time make sure to rivalry in NSW I’m told), been around Western check these guys out, they came off one better, Sydney U since around and as always make sure beating them in a close 2011, bouncing between to check in with them penalty shoot-out. different groups of for all your law school passionate human rights advocacy needs. So ladies, if you’re looking activists. This year the for a bunch of friends, team hosted many regular just want to stretch your meetings and advocated legs or even find yourself for many different a “family,” make sure to human rights causes. give these guys a shot. Of particular note was
“you may have found the right place to make your university experience a fun one.”
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Student Councils’ Reports
Campbelltown SCC
to both promote the SCC as well as investigate what they like and dislike at uni.
WORDS Mahmoud A. Al-Dabbas General Member, Campbelltown SCC What Was Your CSSC Up To This Year? What a year! The CSCC kicked things off in a tasteful matter with organising the first free HSP event at Western Sydney U – this later went on to inspire the other campus councils (i.e. Parramatta, Kingswood) to host their very own HSP events and thus spreading the joy of a mouth-wateringguaranteed-to-tameany-hungry-stomach snack pack (see! Even its name is a mouth full!).
Movember Masquerade Ball
From here, the CSCC worked alongside key staff members to organise the first ever weekly soup event – a meal made by students for students! We encourage next year’s CSCC to keep this event going as well as students to volunteer a short amount of their time to help prepare or serve a warm and savoury meal for their fellow students. Multicultural Week and Destress Week were the last two events we organised during the semester and the importance of these events was to directly engage with students
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Free Halal Winter Snack Pack Super Soup (HSP) Day Event
Multicultural Week
National Students As Partners Roundtable
Destress Week
Movember Masquerade Ball
2017 REPRESENTATIVES Postgraduate Member Vacant Residential Member Vacant International Student Member Vacant General Members (6) Callum Croft Mohamed Tabikh Patricia Alhaddad Nick Stone Joshua Iglesias Vacant Clubs Representatives (2) Vacant
westernsrc.org campbelltown_scc @lists.uws.edu.au @campbelltownscc
CA - 4.G.10A
“Spreading the joy of a mouthwateringguaranteedto-tameanyhungrystomach snack pack”
Penrith SCC WORDS Alex Brewer Postgraduate Member, Penrith SCC Our Year In Retrospect Penrith Student Campus Council (Penrith SCC) is a key, but lesser known part of the student engagement at Western Sydney University. Most students know that we have an SCC, but many wouldn’t know who’s on it, where to find us, let alone what we do. So let’s take a look at some of the things we’ve been involved in this year.
Aside from our events, we also work with the Uni on issues that affect students on campus. This could be absolutely anything, including shuttle buses, food options, parking issues, teaching quality, smoking on campus and residential issues including sporadic and weak wi-fi signals. This year alone we’ve been able to negotiate for an increased shuttle bus frequency and a fixed timetable, increased food diversity for the upcoming food plaza and an investigation into noise at the library.
However, we can’t do all this without you. We are the student voice on campus - your voice. So I’d like to give a big thank you to all The most noticeable the students who have event for many students come to see us this past I’m sure was the free year with your concerns food events. From hot and ideas, and a warm chocolates and doughnuts invitation to all students to slurpees and food stalls, to come and see us you’ve probably attended next year! Whether or heard of at least one of it’s a concerning issue our events. We hope you you’re experiencing or enjoyed these events and a suggestion to improve had a chance to engage the campus, we’re here with us allowing us to for you. You can find us promote important issues in our office located near faced by students on Subway, through our campus. Whether events Facebook page (Penrith such as Cup Noodle Day Student Campus Council are hosted to promote - WSU) or just drop us an new campus amenities e-mail any time. such as kitchenettes on campus or massages to provide much needed exam relief, we’re here for you. When we aren’t hosting an event, you can always stop by our office for a chat and receive some free goodies. (USBs anyone?)
2017 REPRESENTATIVES Postgraduate Member Alex Brewer* Residential Member Vacant International Student Member Josephine Paculio* General Members (6) Sakshi Jain Lachlan Chant Mandii Carr* Peter Macgregor Andrew Lin Azeem Khan Clubs Representatives (2) Vacant * Returning
westernsrc.org penrith_scc @lists.uws.edu.au @penrithscc
K - N.G.30
“You can always stop by our office for a chat and receive some free goodies. (USBs anyone?)
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Parramatta SCC WORDS Richa Mistry Clubs Representative, Parramatta SCC President, Western Sydney University Indian Society
An Exciting Year Ended 2016 has been one exciting year for the Parramatta Student Campus Council. From running various food events and providing free Halal Snack Packs, Indian food, ice cream, slushies and pizza or putting on scavenger hunts, diversity fest and R U OK? Day on campus, the council has been busy trying to create a positive environment for students.
We collaborated with staff to bring you the new 1PSQ Campus that directly responds to your needs and enhances your experience during university.
“Together the students and staff have fought to keep our student magazine, W’SUP, running.”
The Parramatta Student Campus Council hopes that it has been a memorable year for the students and the best wishes for Summer Together the students and School and holidays to come. We would like to staff have fought to keep say our goodbyes to our our student magazine, out-going representatives W’SUP, running. and congratulations to Our involvement in the others on being re-elected Respect Now Always or elected for the first campaign promoting time. We can’t wait to a safer campus and meet all of you. respectful relationships has gained quite a lot of support from many students. We proudly took a part in the International day against Homophobia and Transphobia. Moreover, we petitioned to get student concession cards for international students and fought to keep our university fees capped and education affordable to everyone.
2017 REPRESENTATIVES Postgraduate Member Jawad Rana* International Student Member Reza Alam Residential Member Charuni Rajapakse* General Representative (6) Juliano Battaglia Gerard McGookin* Liam Morgan Arjun Sekhar Lauren Stanley* Michael Wright* Clubs Representatives (2) Nicole Gismondo* Kasandra Terepai** * Returning **Returning from General Rep
westernsrc.org parrramatta_scc @lists.uws.edu.au @parramattascc
PS - EB.G.23
“the council has been busy trying to create a positive environment for students.”
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Bankstown SCC WORDS Grant Murray Chair, Bankstown SCC Secretary, Western SRC
This year has been a great success in building up more momentum for the Bankstown Student Campus Council (BSCC). I have been lucky to have been involved in so many projects at our campus and at a University wide representative level (on the Western SRC). We have congregated in sadness at the tragic events of Orlando and celebrated a great many things including our own diversity within our academic community @diversityfest2016. The BSCC continues to break down barriers between staff and students and between different student groups, but we need your help. Representatives need to represent values and ideas and suggestions to the powers that be (university decision makers). Please get in contact with your BSCC or the SRC with suggestions that would benefit your student community. Please also participate where you can! The BSCC is looking out for some volunteers to
help raise awareness for some campaigns and think of new ideas for new campaigns. I will do my absolute best to thank any volunteers with a token thank you gift or certificate of appreciation. If you have any suggestions as to what this could be please send an email through – any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all the students who participated in the survey at our HSP event! Your feedback has and will go on to hopefully keep the wheel of change turning and get plans in to action at a university planning level. Good luck in your exams! Good luck to any fellow summer students – p.s. look out for your BSCC members handing out some well needed sunscreen! For all those Bankstown students who will now be alumni, on behalf of the BSCC the SRC and Student Representation we wish you well and congratulations on completing this chapter of your life.
2017 REPRESENTATIVES Postgraduate Member Grant Murray* Residential Member Leonard Anderson* International Student Member Vacant General Members (6) Lynette Brown* Vanessa Noble Gabriel Hall* Omar Ismaeel Phil Craig Vacant
Hawkesbury SCC WORDS Nick Howson Chair, Hawkesbury SCC
The Hawkesbury SCC has had a successful year, full of events and wins for students. Following feedback gathered by the council we helped to introduce the following:
Clubs Representatives (2) Vacant
• a limited drink service of $4 beer happy hours (1:30 – 3:30) at the * Returning L2 café • the introduction of a new rotating discounted menu at the westernsrc.org on-campus canteens after extensive student bankstown_scc feedback gathered by @lists.uws.edu.au the council over several council run events. @BankstownSCC • Barista training for all canteen staff BA - 1.1.210
yoghurt and peanut butter • Fresh Fruit Days • Free donuts & slushies • End of year Halloween carnival with photobooth, mystics, piñatas, decorations & free food such as HSPs, hot chocolate and churros and ice cream. 2017 REPRESENTATIVES Postgraduate Member Jack Braithwaite* Residential Member Helen Dinh* International Student Member Vacant General Members (6) Liahni Britton Akmal Gadalla Nick Howson* Luke Kleu Caitlin Lyons Alexandria Murray Clubs Representatives (2) Vacant * Returning
“Free donuts & slushies!”
westernsrc.org hawkesbury_scc @lists.uws.edu.au
“The BSCC continues to break down barriers between staff and students and between different student groups, but we need your help!”
The council ran numerous events throughout the @hawkesburyscc year such as: • An Easter egg hunt • Dippin Dots – free ice cream for students • Stress Less Days – massages, food & farm animals • Smoothie Days – Free fruit smoothies with
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HA - K4.G.82 Stable Square
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Campbelltown Campus Council Office: 4.G.10A
Campus Health Checks Brought to you by your SCCs
Student Kitchenette: 4.G.10 (access through 4.G.09) and the one in Building 2 is getting microwaves soon! Women’s Room: 2.2.05 (inside the multi-faith space) Queer Room: 4.G.07
COMPILED BY Nicole Gismondo
Parents Room: 21.G.39, 4.G.02, 30.G.204
W’SUP Editor
Muslim Prayer Rooms: 2.2.02 Prayer & Meditation Facilities: 2.2.07 Badanami Centre (ATSI): Building 3
Bankstown
Public Transport/Shuttles: Get to Liverpool/Bankstown/ Strathfield on a train – M90 Bus every 15ish min, OR get to Revesby Campus Council Office: 1.1.210 on a train, and wait for the shuttle, Student Kitchenette: 1.G.18, 23.1.17 allow at least 30min to get to uni from the station. If you live in the far west, consider driving as a far Women’s Room: 1.1.211 better option than 2+ hours of public transport. 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 Badanami Centre (ATSI): Building 12, level 1
Public Transport/Shuttles: Train to Macarthur (or Campbelltown now?) then walk or get the shuttle, if you live in the far West, consider driving as a far better option than 2+ hours of public transport.
Future Construction: Second exit from the carparks to come (eventually, we hope)!
Current Construction: there’s a lot going, on but now away from buildings, just around the housing development
Best Coffee: Café in Building 1, or Oliver Brown?
Best Coffee: Bobbies Cafe
Best Lunch: Also café in Building 1 or trek it to Ashford Ave. Gym: Building 18
Parking: Bankstown never poses too many issues, you’ll usually still get a spot right down the end of campus.
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Parking: Has less issues than Parramatta (but often will have to park far away from buildings/ at opposite end of campus than you need).
W’SUP
Best Lunch: Building 2 now has a food court, with Thai, sushi, and Jamaica Blue.
Hawkesbury Campus Council Office: Stable Square K4.G.82 Student Kitchenette: G1.G.46A in the Learning Commons, M3.G.02, H7.G.02, K4.1.14 Women’s Room: K4.G.79
Women’s Room: H.G.07 (it moved out from the male prayer room entrance!) Queer Room: N.G.03 Parents Room: I.05.D Muslim Prayer Rooms: H.G.04 (male), H.G.04A (female)
Parents Room: EN.LG.23 (on the silent bottom floor of the library) Muslim Prayer Rooms: EA.LG.14A (female), EA.LG.14B (male) Prayer & Meditation Facilities: EF.G.07 – Jacob’s Well – excellent quiet place to study. Badanami Centre (ATSI): Bldg EY
Prayer & Meditation Facilities: Building H
Parking: Summer - I’ve heard - is a dream. First few weeks of Badanami Centre (ATSI): Building N Autumn session? Back to the grind Parents Room: K4.G.20 of 8.30am minimum for South, and Parking: Library carpark is in possibility of North being parked Muslim Prayer Rooms: P22.G.02 hottest contention, other places out by midday. are ok, but be prepared to park far Prayer & Meditation Facilities: away from buildings at peak times. Public Transport/Shuttle: Train to P23.G.01 Parramatta – then M52, 525, 524, Public Transport/Shuttles: 523, 521 (Do not get 545, it goes past Badanami Centre (ATSI): Long walk from Kingswood North only), more unlikely manage Building K8 station but doable. Otherwise to get a train to Rydalmere and the shuttle comes often enough, walk. The walk from Parramatta Parking: Next to G block for but Werrington is always second. station is along the river and takes lectures, not on the grass (snakes!). Shuttles don’t run weekends. 30min on a good day. Never really any other issues. Queer Room: K4.G.74
Public Transport/Shuttles: Train to Richmond station or East Richmond station and the shuttle that goes past both is pretty convenient, with multiple stops in and outside campus. Otherwise a fairly flat 20-30min walk from East Richmond. Current Construction: None
Current Construction: Hoping there will be a new Student Plaza Precinct by time of publication!?! Best Coffee: Piccolo Me Best Lunch: Piccolo Me Cheapest Lunch: Subway Gym: Building L
Best Coffee: Shae at Jamaica Blue Best Lunch: Jamaica Blue
Parramatta
Gym: K27
Penrith Campus Council Office: N.G.30 Student Kitchenette: K.1.64, K.2.01, P.G.01, WS-BN.G.01
Campus Council Office: EA.G.35 (Summer temporary relocation EB.G.23) Student Kitchenette: EG.G.07 (access through the Hub or back of Hub)
There is now a REGULAR UNI SHUTTLE to the station (stop at front of uni)! Shuttles to North Campus generally happen every 10min (stop near childcare centre), but if you miss it – walk, it’s the same time as the wait. Current Construction: Design Labs are being built in EA over summer, 1PSQ should be open in January, science building is new and fancy now! Best Coffee: Bernie at the Bakehouse, Oliver Brown (if you want to treat yo’ self). Best Lunch: Upmarket: Oliver Brown or the Bakehouse. Gym: Outside *ugh* near shuttle bus stop on the oval.
Women’s Room: EB.G.16 Queer Room: EA.G.37
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The Morning Symphony By Clare Da Silva
The sun slowing slips up over the horizon; its rays peek through the leaves like little children playing hide and go seek. The green leaves glisten with the morning dew slowly reawakening, a new day for you. The branches shake off sleep, slowly swaying in the new morning’s song. A dance for day begins: the grasses play their sweet strings, the birds chirp in chorus, the leaves entangle into each other’s embrace, all while the sweet song plays. The sun watches over lovingly; a pinch of sadness dwelling in its heart as it has no partner, until the clouds come along. They submerse the sun in sweet symphonies, on frequencies made just for her. This magnificent sight to behold Holds promise of tales untold. A new day has begun.
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What Is It Like To Have An Eating Disorder? By Lidya Saliba
Well, it is terrifying, I can tell you that. It is controlling of everything you do. First it starts off with little tips and tricks; do not eat all day before going out, you will look so much skinnier in that dress. Soon after you realize you can drop weight, you cannot seem to stop and it is all you think about. It tells you you are not perfect enough or small enough It tells you that the only way to be happy is to be a perfect number - 40 kilograms was my perfect number And if I could not simply do that then what could I do?
Though, there are always good days When you can go out with your friends and eat like a normal person Talk and laugh and talk and eat and laugh and eat Without even second guessing it. For a brief moment you are a normal person.
Success is measured in an unhealthy living.
Eat. Eat. Eat.
Those are the ones you live for, the good days. But the bad ones are there too They are almost too frequent. They are almost unbearable. Yes, you eat.
The disorder hates you and that is ok because you hate But you’re never full. it right back. Yet you still stay together because being apart is too You try not to think about calories, calories, calories scary. Will this ruin all my progress? All my hard work? What is it like to have an eating disorder? Hard work. It’s hell. An inescapable hell. It isolates you. Makes you throw up all of your dinner when you are in the shower. There is just something so vulnerable about being naked and alone with puke running down your hands and chin. Then there are the attempts to recover. When you tell yourself it is ok to go to the supermarket and get a packet of chips Only to find that when you have arrived, you do not want those chips anymore Then you spend the next 45 minutes wondering aimlessly around the aisles Before you leave, not having purchased anything.
Because that’s what it takes to be sick Pushing your body to new limits Feeding it only the bare minimum So much so that it drains you You do not even remember where the drive home from work went. Now you are not as strong as you were and you cannot seem to figure out why. You know why. Recovery is picturing the future you want and not letting anything stop you from getting it. Graduation, years living overseas, holidaying, backpacking. New films, songs, shows to experience. Old friends to see again. Your own family to create; because it is now your job to take care of someone else and that is ok because they take care of you too. That is recovery.
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Open Letter to My Friend with Benefits By Gabrielle Lawson
Dearest friend, I still remember the first time I saw you. Your commanding presence and style had me intrigued. Our brief exchange of pleasantries made me conclude that you were a nice guy with a handsome smile, but that was just the beginning. Slowly, through our fortnightly meetings, I discovered more about you. The stories you shared gave me a glimpse into your life and the person you are. Smart, funny, confident – the words everyone wants to be known by but which are rarely found in one person, you possessed them all. A few meetings later, after a friendly banter over pick-up lines and funny YouTube videos, you got my number. We began texting and as a notoriously single girl, it was all very new and exciting to me. Seeing your name pop up on my phone made me smile with anticipation. Our flirtatious messages had me giggling, sometimes blushing. But our impending due dates for assignments had us postponing each proposed meet up until finally, the semester was finishing. Then, you took me out for dinner and we talked at a park and spent our first night together. It was beautiful and fun and as I have already told you, it was the best time that I have spent with someone this year. It has been a few weeks since that first night and it has been a whirlwind of emotions. Growing up with a strict religious background, I would never have guessed that this casual arrangement would be something that I would do. I keep waiting for the shame, the guilt and regret to kick in but those feelings are nowhere to be found. This is all a relatively new terrain for me and I feel euphoric. Some people believe that people come into your life for a reason and I am not sure if I believe in that clichÊ. But every time that I am with you, I am learning more about myself. I love how you are so open and vulnerable with me. I am not sure what will happen in the future or how long this relationship will last for, but I want you to know that I enjoy being with you and discovering you. I am happy with what we are doing right now and that is all that I could have asked for. Yours sincerely, Miss Lawson.
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Your Stars
Gemini: Every time you eat it’s like a feast; you love the discussions around food and you love foodies; you love thinking about what to have for dinner, what’s for breakfast. When you see your friends you always ask “have they found any good restaurants”? It’s not just the meal for you it’s the preparation and experience the traveling Aries: From extreme to Chinatown for the restrictions to indulgence, elusive ingredients or trip one week its rice crackers to Bowral to source the and water and the next yaks milk – Enjoy and week it’s lying on the remember moderation coach with a pizza and is the key to success. ice-cream. You measure Cancer: Go read the stars your success by food if for Cancer from the last you stay on track, well edition of W’SUP and done if not it’s a time of experience a profound misery. Enjoy you food sense of déjà vu. it’s not a punishment eat well and stay healthy Leo: You have a sensitive you often suffer digestive stomach and need to problems if you take a sacrifice, you have no more measured approach trouble sticking to every part of your life will your low calorie diet. fall into place. Detox, eat But really, not everyone well and recover. wants to hear bout it day and night. Ok stick, Taurus: Quality is more important than quantity, everyone’s pleased for you but don’t judge when you’re a tireless worker others can’t do the same; and this reflects in your not everyone wants to live food. A high standard on 1500 calories a day. is required at all times, Eat small meals and often less is more, as long as it’s good quality. You like but don’t expect the same everything done well and from anyone else. a small precise meal does Virgo: You love homewonders for you. Japanese made meals and you is your favourite; the can’t wait to go to Nona’s artistry and perfection on a Sunday to help excites you. Remember with the family lunch. not everything has to be Your favourite day is a perfect and getting out morning preparing and your Bento box is not an afternoon indulging in always necessary. a five course lunch with family and loved ones; it sounds like a perfect day to you.
By Jodie Sale
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Libra: Food is a source of fuel to you nothing more nothing less if you could skip the inconvenience you would. A boiled egg and a piece of toast a five minute necessary distraction – it has to be done and you get it done with as quickly as possible. There is so much to do, the last thing you want to do is waste time on food and you are tired of the conversations about food, if they start you just walk away, and you don’t have time to care if people think you’re odd, the interest in food is nothing more than bizarre.
Capricorn: The spicier the better! Hot and spicy, it’s the way you like all areas of your life, not just food. You love to experiment and you intend to follow the spice trail of life. You never say no and love to experiment. Experimenting is not just for food, it’s with anything going - but remember food is a life source. But like all energy sources, it has a dark side - all experimenting is not positive, remember all light has a dark side.
Aquarius: Are you hangry again? An empty fridge does not sit well with you, you need food at Scorpio: You’d rather all hours of the day and work-out than eat; the night and when you open paleo diet works for you that empty fridge, your much better than the blood boils! You love rich 2-for-5 diet you were on last month or the raw- indulgent food and you to-4 the month before or never like the feeling that you can’t have what you the liquid only diet you want. Try and put things did not that long ago! in perspective: you’re Remember: every food group is necessary - even never far from food and if you work out – you still you always have a friend happy to go and find you need to eat well. Your naivety means you follow food. You will benefit from a fasting meditation any fad and people will take advantage. Do what’s retreat. right for you. Pisces: You love the joy of food, hedonism Sagittarius: You eat and indulgence. You dessert first – you’re a love being creative and rebel and no one’s going experimenting with to stop you. You’re too your food; the greater dependant on chocolate the expense the better: and dessert but you still seafood, champagne and need to eat; you resent a night out with good having to follow orders company means a perfect and this is the only way night for you. Enjoy every you know how to rebel. Your voice is your power minute of it, people will and you have the ability to remember you for the great times you’ve had make a difference; make together. Remember, slow sure you use your power wisely and don’t waste it down on the champagne and desserts. on useless protests.
W’SUP
The Love Guru By Jesse Neo
Dear Love Guru, I’ve been in a relationship for a little over three years now, and we’re still really happy. I’m also attracted to girls, and while he’s completely fine with that I feel like maybe he doesn’t take it all that seriously? It’s not that I want him to feel jealous about everyone I talk to, but I know that he’s more concerned about the thought of me around other guys than he is at that thought of me around girls. I’m obviously not looking to leave him for a girl (or a guy) but is it silly of me to feel a bit upset that he doesn’t treat the two the same?
wsup@westernsydney.edu.au
Hi _____, If the relationship is going strong, little things like this shouldn’t matter. Even if he is more Hello Love Guru! I’ve been out as polyamorous long jealous when you’re with one sex more than the term but my partner is mostly monogamous. They other, would it really impact your relationship? have allowed room for some sexual encounters but Instead of digging around the dirt with this as a demi-sexual, the openings I have been allowed unhealthy afterthought, take the time to improve feel like an empty gesture given they know my sexual the relationship so that he has no reason to be jealous. orientation. What advice would you offer me or my partner to reduce the impact of this difference between us? Thanks, BP. Hi Jesse, This last semester I had a huge crush on Hi BP, Sex isn’t the sole core of relationships, so someone in one of my tutorials, I asked for their help don’t let the sexual frustrations get in the way of with studying for the exam kind of just to spend time the glitter and joy. Who cares if sexual encounters with them…but now the semester is over and I don’t don’t appeal to you – there are plenty of other things know how to talk to her??? Help! to make the feeling burn. I remember me and my partner travelling to Europe last year, and despite Hi _____, One thing I’ve realised is that problems are not being able to do anything spicy in backpacker’s part of life. When an issue gets untangled, new knots hostels where there were others around 24/7, our come in like a vicious circle. It would be reasonable relationship grew and was the best time of our life, that she – and perhaps you – would have new better than any sex we had! dilemmas to face. Is your GPA high enough? Should you take a gap year? Try these topics with her, and once the conversation gets going, use the opportunity to invite her for coffee. After a few sips, you can be Dear Jesse (The Love Guru), I’ve been friends with a sure you both share more similarities than you’ve first guy for a while and have recently told him that I like thought and maybe we’ll see some magic happen too. him. He replied that he’d rather stay friends for now, and we will see what happens in the future... Is he putting me on the backburner or does he need some time to figure out if he wants a relationship? Thanks. Love Guru, I have no idea what to get my partner for Yours sincerely, Ally Christmas! We said no big expensive gifts this year but I’m really drawing a blank…. Hi Ally, He could be unsure what he wants, or his heart is still in the wild unready to settle down yet. Hi _______, Don’t let the commercialisation of Don’t let that get the best of you, I mean, you’ll rather Christmas get to you. The season of giving is not have him truly love you back than be with you as valued by how high the number is on the price though it was some kind of duty. In the mean time, tag; but how much heart you have put into it. spend more time with him, and let him realise that A homemade dinner or even a date stroll to the if he was to make a choice, you would be the best one. park may sound cheap, but that is something money Don’t give up on him, keep the conversations going, cannot buy - and cannot be given to your partner by and soon, you’ll get to his heart. Regards, Jesse anyone else except you. Now, what a present would that be!
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BRINGING YOU THE VOICES OF WESTERN SYDNEY