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relax will be at the plaza, tonsley, sturt and medical library throughout the academic year. follow on facebook for updates on your local relax events at FB.com/FUSAssociation/events
for more info head to: FB.com/FUSAssociation/events
ire Emtip mes
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ISSUE 2 // VOLUME 46
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EDITORS
CONTRIBUTORS
JOIN THE TEAM
Alicia Wood James Watson Kienan McKay
Angelina Taylor Ash Goodman Charlie Booker Clara Santilli Evie Cazzolato Hannah Stampke James Watson Kaitlan Sharpe Michelle Wakim Nathan Golder Rebecca Lightowler Shawna Marks Shevaun Rutherford Sofie Costin
Empire Times is always looking for contributors. If you’re a writer, photographer or illustrator, send us an email or visit our website for details.
SUB-EDITORS
COVER ART Sheydin Dew // No Strings Attached MASTHEAD & LOGO Ethan Brown PRINTERS Newstyle Media SPECIAL THANKS Jess Nicole Nathan Cheetham Tim Coyle
www.empiretimesmagazine.com empiretimes@flinders.edu.au
EMPIRE TIMES is a publication of Flinders University Student Association (FUSA). The opinons expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editors, Flinders University or FUSA. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that EMPIRE TIMES articles and other information are up-todate and as accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by EMPIRE TIMES for any errors or omissions contained herein. EMPIRE TIMES would like to acknowledge the Kaurna people wo are the traditonal custodians of the land Flinders University is situated on, and that their land was never ceded, but stolen. We would like to pay our respects to the elders of the Kaurna nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal peoples, past, present, and future.
T H E M E
Alexander Smith // LilGuy (2, 24), Plants and Birds (1, 2, 3, 5, 15), Mech (25) Amy Nguyen // Free Flight (41), Animal Sketches (44, 46) Anthony Robinson // Trimester (2, 28) Darcy Holmes // Untitled (18) Pattern Illustrations (48) Jess Nicole // Untitled (10, 33) Katara Wolfe // Connected Community (36) Kienan McKay // Sketches (8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 31, 35) Lawson Dodd // Tele-Vision (2, 32) Sean Goldfinch // Searching (42-43) Tom Murton // A Hard Pill to Swallow (6)
PHOTOGRAPHY Kienan McKay // (12, 44) Sofie Costin // (21) Tommy Ablett // (3)
@empire.times
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VISUAL ARTISTS
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Angelina Taylor Courtney Lawrence Elena Koulianos Evie Cazzolato Georgina Banfield Hannah Stampke Michelle Wakim Peter Moreman Shevaun Rutherford
I N T R O D U C T I O N S
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A HARD PILL TO SWALLOW
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Is pill testing worth it?
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FOOD ON CAMPUS
A guide to the best eateries at Flinders
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GROUP WORK
Tips on how to survive it
GETTING HELP Seeking professional support at uni
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SWITCHING DEGREES
Traversing the grounds of indecison
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OVERSEAS GRANTS
Looking for international study opportunities
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YOUTH PARLIMENT
How young people can get involved in politics
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WOMEN’S STUDIES Is this the end?
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BY DESIGN
Is science going too far?
REALITY TV
Why do we watch it?
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SELF LOVE
How to give yourself, to yourself
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SAFE SPACE
Do we rely too much on our phones?
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COCKTAILS
Some simple recipes to make delicious cocktails
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STORM DRAIN FISHERS
Reconnecting the past
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VIVE LA REVOLUTION
Standing up for yourself
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OPEN THEME
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Kienan, s ame Alicia, JEditors Empire Times, 2019
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As we all get back into the swing of university, it’s important to take care of your mental health. It’s easy to just stress it out, but there are so many better, healthier options. Flinders has yoga classes which are fantastic to help calm the mind, and as one of our articles in this issue goes into more depth about, there are also counselling sessions available for all students. There are healthy food options available on campus, and our welfare brunches offer cheap, healthy foods as well. While studies are important, YOU are more important; something even our editorial team sometimes have to check up on ourselves with. This magazine is important to us, but we have to take care of each other, and ourselves, and we hope you all do the same. If you need help, please make sure you ask for it as there are always people willing to give you the support you need. To all the wonderful people we met at our stall during O Week, thank you for stopping by and chatting with us! We love to hear the thoughts and ideas of our students and staff, and it has been fantastic to see so many people both reading the magazine and looking to submit. As editors who have all been contributors in the past, we know that it’s a great experience to have your work edited and polished, and to be able to show it off to family and friends, so we encourage people to pitch us their ideas and send in their work! Or if you’re not interested in submitting, but have read an article or seen artwork that you particularly enjoyed, let us know; our writers and artists love to hear your feedback too!
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fter a busy start to the year for our team, our second issue is finally here! We’re excited to continue to provide our students here at Flinders with tonnes more writing and artistic talent, all sourced from students. We’ve also taken it upon ourselves to ensure our articles are provided with the proper sources for students interested in learning more about that particular topic, which is why the articles that required sourcing will be referenced in their online version.
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ello, Flinders! Here we are, well into the first semester. Hopefully you’ve seen Student Council out and about, at our stall during O’Week (if you didn’t roast in the heat), at the Anti-Racism Campaign activities, on International Women’s Day, at School Strike 4 Climate, or out encouraging you to Enrol to Vote. We’re really excited to be spending more time out on campus than ever before, bringing you snacks and talking about all the initiatives and campaigns that we’re so passionate about.
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This issue of Empire Times has no theme, and while that would normally be licence for me to write about whatever I like, I think that in itself No Theme is a way to think about being at university.
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STORY TIME:
Your time at uni doesn’t have to be exactly what you thought it was going to be. Don’t feel like you have to finish everything you start.
I started my degree with a really specific idea of what I wanted to achieve, and what I wanted to do post-degree. It took some time, but eventually I realised that the wonderful idea that I started out with wasn’t something that could become a reality; I lost my enthusiasm for the major I was doing (Creative Writing) and didn’t feel like I was getting anywhere. So, as many of us do, I changed my mind. I ended up switching my major into a field I had never heard of before beginning uni and that had no clear job prospects at the end of it (Sociology), but it was stimulating and
thought provoking, so I did it anyway. Eventually I started thinking about what I would do when I graduated, and I decided to add another degree (Tourism) because I had an interest in events. Now that I’m studying a postgraduate course in Tourism, hoping to work in regional development. While I was navigating my way through university, I was also trying to navigate my way through life as an adult. Aside from study, there were lots of hard decisions that I had to make. As I started to think more about what I could do, rather than what I said I would do, everything slowly started falling into place. The moral of this story? Maybe if I had taken an open-minded approach sooner, I would have figured out what I did and didn’t like sooner as well. Your time at uni doesn’t have to be exactly what you thought it was going to be. Don’t feel like you have to finish everything you start. Keep your mind open to the opportunities that are available to you, whether in study or not. Don’t be afraid to spend your time at Flinders with No Theme. Stay fab!
Katt Hatzi Student Council President
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M A R C H - A P R I L
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TAVERN / / PRIDE FEST OPENING NIGHT STURT / / DROP IN, NOT OUT
ALERE / / PRIDE FEST QUIZ NIGHT
BEDFORD PARK / / DROP IN, NOT OUT
WORKSHOP / / AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INTERSECTIONALITY
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BEDFORD PARK / / DROP IN, NOT OUT
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MED LIBRARY / / FUSA SAYS RELAX
STURT LIBRARY / / WELFARE BRUNCH STURT LIBRARY / / FUSA SAYS RELAX
REGISTRY ROAD / / WELFARE BRUNCH
TAVERN / / STUDENT NIGHT & MOONTA STREET BAND FRI 12 APRIL MON 29 APRIL
EDUCATION BUILDING / / WELFARE BRUNCH PLAZA / / WELFARE BRUNCH
Check out the FUSA Facebook page for more events!!
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In one case, it was found that the main ingredient in what one festival goer thought was “meth” was actually
Even former Federal Police Chief Commissioner Mick Palmer is in support of pill testing. In a recent Q&A episode Palmer responded to sceptics suggesting there was no evidence that pill testing actually kept people safer, stating ‘We went to Iraq on less evidence than what we've got about pill testing.’ A large majority of progressive groups, and no doubt young people who actually go to festivals and therefore have a stake in the development of pill testing, are for it. Dr Calidicott has stated on Q&A, ‘I can’t fathom how anyone who is in regular contact with young people would believe, ever, that turning up with a shipping container, with some of the mostadvanced technology available, with a team of doctors and chemists who, at the very get-go, tell the people presenting to the pill tester that they could die if they use drugs today – it’s beyond me how that encourages drug use.’ The arguments againstAGAINST pill testing PILL TESTING THE ARGUMENTS The conservative argument against pill testing seems to be headed by New South Wales Liberal Premier Gladys Berejiklian who’s recent stance on drugs and the Sydney music scene has sparked a flurry of memes, most notably on ALP Spicy Meme Stash (check it out on Facebook next time you’re procrastinating). Berejiklian rejects such proposals put forward by Chief Minister Barr and Dr Caldicott, only promising to clamp down on drug users and increase police
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WHAT WERE THE OUTCOMES What were the outcomes of this trial?OF THIS TRIAL? According to The Sydney Morning Herald, only 42 of the 83 samples contained mostly MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) despite 70 people believing that it was the main component in their pills. 17 of these samples contained mainly fillers and cutting agents, something that these attendees were unaware of prior to testing. Cutting substances included antihistamine, caffeine, dietary supplements, oil, and toothpaste.
The arguments for pill testing THE ARGUMENTS FOR PILL TESTING Labor ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr is an active supporter of pill testing, having encouraged the initial trial at Groovin’ the Moo in the first place. A second trial later this year is to be held again in Canberra, where Barr has invited sceptical politicians and health ministers from across the country to be able to see the effects of pill testing first hand.
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WHAT IS testing? PILL TESTING? What is pill Canberra’s Groovin’ the Moo festival in April of 2018 held a pill testing trial with the following system: • Attendees were invited to a tent in the festival, situated near St John’s Ambulance and other medical facilities. In the tent they signed a waiver releasing the testers from liability. • Peer educators were on hand to explain that despite testing the drugs, it does not guarantee a safe experience while taking them. Dr David Caldicott, head of the Groovin’ the Moo trial stated that ‘We’re quite explicit in telling people that this test doesn't tell you if your drug is safe, it just tells you what we’re able to find in your sample.’ • Attendees were then invited to provide a sample of their drug to a licensed chemist. Firstly, the chemist weighed and photographed the sample, then tested the drug by placing it under an infrared spectrometer. In the spectrometer the sample was placed on a diamond and shot with a laser light. The reflected light from a machine like this allows chemists to tell what the sample contains. • After the chemist had finished, attendees then consulted with another educator about what their drug contains, and how they might want to proceed.
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With a recent succession of drug related deaths at festivals, the varied reactions by legislative authorities have been polarising. This argument between conservative and progressive legislators has left young people and festival goers uncertain and in a potentially unsafe situation.
Dr Caldicott stated that ‘I would say perhaps 80 percent of people at music festivals are prepared to modify their behaviour if they’re provided information that allows them to do so – and that’s the group we’re targeting.’ The non-judgemental and safe atmosphere of such a trial at Canberra’s Groovin’ the Moo encouraged decision making, and clearly avoided several nasty incidents and medical complications. The use of educators and drug counsellors treating the issue with maturity and amnesty, rather than an increase in police and surveillance at the festival, made the attendees safer. None of the people who had their drugs tested in this trial died.
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Critics of pill testing suggest that it may send the wrong message, potentially encouraging the use of illicit drugs. Proponents argue that pill testing can save lives, and make an activity that’s already occurring safer for everyone involved.
N-Ethylpentylone, a dangerous stimulant that had been responsible for the hospitalisations of 13 people in New Zealand. Without the testing their health would have been at serious risk, possibly resulting in hospitalisation or death. 0 7
rugs, young people, and music festivals go hand in hand, in hand. People take drugs at music festivals; that’s a fact. I know people who’ve done it, and chances are you know someone too. Maybe you’ve done it, perhaps your parents did it in the 70s (though they’ll deny it of course).
presence at such events. Berejiklains stance is that she wants to keep the community safe, and has stated that pill testing gives drug users “a false sense of security.” The current Victorian Mental Health Minister, Labor’s Martin Foley has stated in December 2018 that ‘We have no plans to allow for pill-testing at events in Victoria,’ and ‘Advice from Victoria Police tells us it can give people a false, and potentially fatal, sense of security about illicit drugs.’
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Those against pill testing use the arguments that people shouldn’t be taking illicit substances anyway, that tax payers shouldn’t be funding the habits of a few young fools with drugs, and that ultimately there is no evidence that pill testing would work in any case. This stance seems to be placing conservative groups and politicians such as Gladys Berejiklian in the unpopular and unenviable position of being out of touch with the needs of the Australian youth. Where to from here? HERE? WHERE TO FROM Ultimately, the implementation of pill testing at music festivals will be decided by politicians. In the ACT it is being encouraged and trialled, in Victoria and New South Wales it is being dismissed and refuted. With a federal election on the horizon later this year, there is an opportunity for young voters to make politicians listen to their opinions on pill testing, and make it a national issue rather than have a disparity between states. With the next South Australian state election not being held until 2022 it is important for the current Liberal Government, led by Premier Steven Marshall, to listen to the concerns of young people and see the results from the Groovin’ the Moo trials in Canberra before they make a decision either for or against pill testing at South Australian Festivals. Personally, as a 20-year-old university student who loves a good day out, I’m in favour of pill testing. In a recent argument with a family member of mine I likened taking pills to underage sex. Some people are always going to do it. They shouldn’t, because it’s illegal, but they’ll still do it. Would you rather your 16-year-old son or daughter have their first sexual experience protected or unprotected? If illicit activities are regulated, then they can be monitored and made safe rather than driven underground where the risks of such behaviour will no doubt be worse. In 1920s America alcohol was made illegal, but people still drank. Many people in this time died from creating and drinking their homemade ‘Bathtub Gin’, and mixing chemicals to make booze that they didn’t really understand. The arbitrary nature of prohibition in the United States only drove alcohol consumption underground, and its
manufacturing and sales into the hands of gangsters and criminals (time to brush up on some history with HBO’s Boardwalk Empire!). By 1933 this law was repealed and alcohol was made legal, creating a safer and regulated experience for Americans everywhere. People stopped making and drinking their own booze, and were safer for it. Today, the idea of outlawing alcohol seems completely laughable. Such laws are arbitrary, something doesn’t change from being morally good or bad based on whether it’s legal from one day to the next. The good of pill testing far outweighs the bad, and encourages intelligent decision making rather than risk taking. Sure, taking drugs is illegal. Despite having yours tested it’s still dangerous, and Empire Times by no means endorses the consumption of any illicit substances. However, pill testing has the potential to save countless lives. So many avoidable deaths have occurred at festivals in recent years, and this waste of life has to stop. words by JAMES WATSON Have your say! Have you had an experience with pill testing? Do you have an opinion about it you want to share? Email us what you think, at empire.times@flinders.edu.au
FLINDERS
Now, I can't forget to mention Flinders Pantry and Cafe down in the Sturt campus. They make a mean coffee and even meaner snacks, such as chips, nuggets, other things, I've only had the chips… But they do also have a good selection of healthy bites too, I saw apples there once as I barged my way towards the hot snack section. The seating across the room is spacious and built for studying, perfect for re-watching lectures or checking social media. So go forth, eat snacks and drink coffee until you can't physically close your eyes and end up seeing splotches. Good luck and good feasting.
words by HANNAH STAMPKE
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Our other non-alcoholic yet delicious competitors at the Hub are Kutchi Deli Parwana (Afghan street food), Café Bon Voyage, and the up-top Café Alere (level two). With all of these options, students are spoilt for choice! And don't forget about Nutrition Republic or Grind and Press - the healthy eateries where you can chow down on some gluten
Coffee stands will allow you to use your own mug/thermos, so I recommend buying the biggest one you can find to get a little extra for your coin. If you forget your personal coffee collection device, Mug in the Hub is a new borrowing system where there are literally mugs in the Hub which can be borrowed any time. They also take mug donations, so if you are a ceramic hoarder and want to de-clutter, just bring all your cups here, free of charge!
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Another highlight of the Hub is the Tavern. Not only do they have daily specials (like a whole kilo of wings for $15 on a Wednesday!) but they also serve alcoholic beverages. Another amazing thing about the Tavern is that it resides on level one in the Hub, the same floor as the library and FUSA. If crisis strikes in the middle of a study sesh, just get up, walk thirty metres and drown your sorrows in chips and a beer (responsibly!).
With all of these places to access dirty bean juice, you'll be zinging around the campus in a perpetual sleepless nightmare in no time. And with this new-found addiction, you will probably go through thousands of cups a week, but not if you know the ins and outs of Flinders coffee etiquette.
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But there are options other than the lovable chains that usually are the “safest” bet. Many delicious stalls must fight for their right to feed you! My personal favourite is Toly Vietnamese. They have me hooked on their dumplings, banh mi, and especially that oh-so-sexy phó! Their food is quick and easy to scoff in that minuscule break between the sandwich of topics that your life now consists of.
Did I also forget to mention all of the other coffee shops in Bedford park?! We've got Local Brew, Espresso at Events and Urban Paddock which all boast delicious beverages and snack-a-licious nibbles! This list doesn’t even mention the secret of Law and Commerce (Coffee Cart) and the digestible gold mines scattered around the western side of the lake.
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The Bedford campus boasts a plethora of healthy and delicious options for mid-lecture lunches, with the infamous Zambrero towering over the plaza, sending telepathic images of burritos and guacamole into the minds of anyone who passes. Subway lurks beneath in the food court area, shouting ‘We’re healthy too! Eat fresh! TM!’
and dairy free lunches. They also make a smashing coffee and have a large range of “milks”, including coconut!
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Hello there fellow students and Hub-goblins, welcome to uni and welcome to a campus full of addictive and fairly priced eateries. My aim is to highlight the best areas to access the nutrients required to get through tough days of study and socialisation.
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F O OD
get to know your STUDENT
1.) What is your what do you do role and 2.) What inspir? get involved w ed you to Student Council ith FUSA and 3.) What are yo? ur goals for this year? 4.) What is your favourite quotable?
1.) A lot of it is meetings with people across the university to make sure that the thoughts and feelings of students are being communicated. There’s also a lot of communication with the National Union of Students, making sure that national campaigns are relevant to Flinders. But I have the most fun helping other members of council turn their great ideas into great campaigns and events. I’m really looking forward to spending time out on our campuses speaking to students about what they care about most!
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KATT HATZI // PRESIDENT
2.) This year as President, it really came down to having unfinished business. There were so many things that I could see needed to still be done, change to be made, voices to be heard, and demand for genuine input into university planning and decision making. I want to do all of them! 3.) I’ve chosen 4 things: 1. Better promote the welfare, academic and financial support; 2. Help office bearers establish and run their collectives; 3. Bring a FUSA presence to all our campuses; 4. Making sure that student partnership is embedded in all levels of university decision making, and that students are genuinely able to make meaningful contributions when we have a seat at the table. 4.) ‘Yeet.’
JESSE STEVENS // EDUCATION OFFICER 1.) I am the Education Officer, meaning I work on any issues relating to the quality and accessibility of our education. So far, the main things I have been working on are opposing the academic restructure, participating in a national project on advancing student voice in university decision-making, and beginning my role on several university committees. 2.) I want to help improve the quality of our education and our experience as students. There are many things that I feel need to improve at our university and more broadly in higher education in Australia, and I see FUSA as a way of creating positive change. 3.) I want to work on building up effective student representation networks in each college, and help to build strong academic associations that in turn improve students’ experience at Flinders. I also want to support and help implement effective campaigns coordinated by the National Union of Students so that students are listened to before and after the election. 4.) ‘Working hard or hardly working.’
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1.) I’m the General Secretary on Student Council. I’m predominantly responsible for the monies and financial records of FUSA and organising and preparing Student Council meetings. I also love supporting my fellow Office Bearers and General Council Members in their events and campaigns, and promoting the fantastic work of FUSA and the broader student union movement across our campuses. 2.) I feel that FUSA and more specifically Student Council are a great opportunity for students like me that want to have a positive impact. I got involved in FUSA and Student Council to do everything I could to make sure that FUSA, like any successful student association or union, promotes the rights of welfare of our student cohort so that we’re able to make the most of our education. 3.) My main goal for this year is to increase FUSA’s financial independence from the University. Currently much of what your association and representation does is still dictated by university management. The more independent we are as a body of student representation, the more proactively we can campaign for the rights of students. A good association is supported by its members, not the bosses! 4.) ‘You can choose not to be interested in politics, but you can’t choose to be unaffected by it.’ - Penny Wong
1.) I currently hold the Welfare Officer position on Student Council, which basically means I’m here to try and make students’ lives outside of class as easy as possible. I manage campaigns and events pertaining to health, student housing and just your general ability to be a functioning human being. 2.) Initially, in July last year, I interviewed for the Welfare Officer position on a whim and also because I had friends who were involved. However, over the few months between then and election time, a passion for student advocacy, and particularly student welfare, grew within me. So I ran for Welfare Officer in the Student Council elections, and now here I am. 3.) My main goal for this year is to raise greater awareness of the welfare services offered on campus, either by FUSA or other university departments (for example, did you know that if you’re experiencing financial hardship, you’re eligible for a food package and/or grocery shopping voucher from FUSA?). 4.) ‘I’m a mountain-biking vampire witch from the future.’ The Great Philosopher Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova
PLEASE JOIN COLLECTIVES AND LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT WE DO!!!
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JOSH RAYNER // GENERAL SECRETARY
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NATHAN CHEETHAM // WELFARE OFFICER
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JOIN A FLINDERS UNIVERSITY CLUB
JUST A
FLINDERS EVANGELICAL STUDENTS We are Christians on campus who are about ‘knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, making Jesus known.’ We strive for meaningful relationships with God and each other, by reading, understanding, and sharing the Bible. You do not have to be a Christian to come along, bring a friend, everyone is welcome!!!
Relations Student Association, GOVSA rebranded in 2019 to better align itself with the new college structure. Now inclusive of all students studying under the College of Government, GOVSA is dedicated to enhancing the university experience by providing a range of social, networking, and career oriented events for students.
Lunchtime Bible Talks happen weekly, held in Oasis on Wednesday at 12pm. Tuesday Night Training is held every week from 5pm in Oasis. We have dinner, worship, prayer, a Bible talk, and practical workshops about Christian life. Small group Bible Studies happen weekly at various times and locations around the Uni.
Facebook: @FlindersHIRSA Instagram: @govsa.flinders Email: govsa.flinders@gmail.com.
FOCUS is especially for international students who want to make friends and meet Jesus, every Thursday evening. Website: www.flinders.es.org.au Email: connect@flinders.es.org.au Facebook: Flinders Evangelical Students FLINDERS UNI FOOTBALL CLUB We welcome people of all skill levels and abilities with a passion for football or with an interest in being part of a club environment. Our club is growing, mainly due to our engaging, supportive, and inclusive environment. This year we are putting emphasis on developing our players and giving them confidence when playing our great game. Football, and sport in general, is one of the best ways to find your nook at university: you engage with people from different walks of life and form social connections that are often hard to develop in a classroom. We are a socially active club, with various events throughout the year to ensure everyone is bonding, and our off-field culture is thriving – pub crawls, balls, quiz nights, and the list goes on. GOVERNMENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION (GOVSA) Formerly the History and International
JAPANESE CULTURAL CLUB Are you interested in learning about Japan’s language and culture? Or would you rather socialise with friends over the latest anime and Japanese video games? The Japanese Cultural Club offers events that allow you to do this and more! As Winner of the 2017 Best Club Award, you will have the option of attending two to four events per week. This includes FREE Japanese cultural and language tutorials PLUS weekly anime screenings and video game tournaments. There will also be excursions and many social events. Picnics, movie nights, weeb nights, cultural festivals, cat café, cuisine nights, and cosplay parades are just naming a few of these! Facebook: jcc.flinders Email: jccatflinders@gmail.com NURSING AND MIDWIFERY STUDENT ASSOCIATION FUNMSA is a team of students that aim to assist Nursing and Midwifery students with getting the most out of university via social and academic activities including but not limited to quiz nights, movie nights and Scrub Crawl. Scrub Crawl was a huge success in 2018 and we are striving to make 2019 even better! Some other great events coming up this year are social BBQ’s, a movie on the Main Campus Super Screen, and a Careers Night. The Careers Night will allow students
TASTE OF OUR clubs on campus
GET INVOTHE QUEER SOCIETY The Queer Society exists as a group for all students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities. We take pride in organising regular social events both on and off campus. This includes smaller events such as board games, cinema and city adventures, as well as big events like parties, quiz nights and Pridefest.
FURHS is a wonderful way to meet new people as well as immerse yourself in wonderful opportunities, so why not give it a go? FURHS meets on one evening a month in order to further develop relationships and discuss planning for future events.
Head to www.nrhsn.org.au/furhs/home/ to register and keep and eye out for meetings and events on the Flinders University Rural Society Facebook page. STUDENT EXCHANGE CLUB FUSE runs a range of social events around Adelaide, most of which involve a cultural element. Our core member groups are exchange students and domestic students who have returned from an exchange overseas, but international students and locals are welcome to be involved.
Facebook : FlindersUniVolleyballClub
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FLINDERS UNI VOLLEYBALL CLUB We’re a fun, social volleyball club that caters to all skill levels. Even though we are a university club, we accept people from any background as we wish to spread the fun and joy of volleyball. We offer both social and competitive competitions, and hold training at the Alan Mitchell Centre every Wednesday 4-6pm and Thursday 5-8pm. Our club is also a participant of SA challenge and the Australian University Games. We have two pub crawls, beach days and award nights to ensure that all our members can relax and interact with each other throughout the year.
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FLINDERS UNI ULTIMATE Flinders University Ultimate has been the home of Ultimate Frisbee in South Australia for 15 years. We run a beginner-friendly mixed-gender social league on Monday nights at the Flinders University Oval Pavillion.
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To sign up or to ask us any questions, just find us on Facebook and send a message, or email us at flindersuniexchangeclub@gmail.com.
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FLINDERS UNI PHILOSOPHY CLUB The Flinders University Philosophy Club is an inclusive environment that welcomes all levels of philosophical knowledge, from not knowing anything at all, to experts in the field. We meet every second Friday at the Tav for social drinks and to discuss the reading of the week. The club also has speakers come and deliver talks on their specialist areas of philosophy. The Philosophy Club offers a balance of social and academic activities and is a great way to meet new, deep-thinking friends! You can keep up to date with the club through Facebook or by joining our email list.
RURAL HEALTH SOCIETY FURHS is a club that allows for those interested in rural health to network with other university students. Working closely with the RDWA and NRHSN, FURHS has the opportunity to put on a range of wonderful and innovative events including rural high school visits, Indigenous community engagement, the Royal Flying Doctors Ride Along program, networking events, opportunities to attend interstate conferences and MORE!
Events we ran in 2018 include our Semester Welcome Parties, backyard BBQs, surfing daytrips, and attending a Fringe show and AFL games. We are looking to run similar events in 2019.
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We hold activites once/twice a month. Our previous activities include paintballing, camping, quad-biking, mountain-biking and hiking. We have also organised surfing, snorkelling and ice-skating and intend to do even more fun activities this year! If you don’t have any gear, FOC will provide them. FOC is free to join. Certain events have a fee, which is spent on hiring equipment/ instructors. To learn about our activities/ meetings, follow @Flindersoutdoorclub
We operate from the Queer Space on level 1 of the Hub. Feel free to drop in to enjoy the facilities and grab yourself some free resources. Visit our website to sign-up or for more info at www.thequeersociety.com
The main purpose of the club is to give the exchange students at Flinders a great experience while studying here, introduce them to parts of Australian culture and provide the opportunity to build friendships with locals and others from around the world.
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FLINDERS OUTDOOR CLUB (FOC) FOC encourages people to challenge themselves and make new friends. You don’t need to have any special skills - all you need is the willingness to get out of your comfort zone.
The club also campaigns on queer issues, raising awareness of challenges faced by our community. Across our events we collaborate with like-minded organisations, offering our members information, networking experiences, and opportunities to meet some amazing people!
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to meet with practicing midwives and nurses from various fields to discover the many pathways these degrees have to offer. FUNMSA meets monthly at Sturt Campus.
HUMANS OF
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Clara // Archeaology
Brianna // Fashion
What are you studying and why did you choose it? I’m studying a Bachelor Of Creative Arts in Fashion. I chose this course because I have been drawing clothes since I could hold a pencil and draw anything more than a stick figure.
My passion and drive for my course these days has changed a little but not very much from when I was in high school. I want to change the way plus size fashion is seen, fix the Australian sizing system, start a label that sells youthful, affordable, and high-quality clothing for teenagers and young women, and work somewhere in the realm of musical theatre or custom costumes. So basically I want to do it all but there is so much in the industry that needs changing, and still so much opportunity to be a catalyst for that change. Also low-key want to be a plus size model but we’ll see how we go.
What is something big you’ve learnt the hard way?
There’s this quote by one of my all time favourite heroes, Jean Luc Picard that goes, ‘It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose.’ Last year I was going through a really tough time, I was studying part time, reviewing shows for the Fringe and undergoing a targeted therapy for my post traumatic stress. I was changing during the process and I had some really important friendships end because I’d begun to advocate for myself. I had been blaming so much of what happened on me being somehow being defective, an imposter. I felt like I was watching these other successful people cruise through life seemingly without the day to day drudgery I was experiencing. I was stuck in the bog of eternal stench telling myself it was all my fault. When that became unstuck in my head, I began to succeed because I was open to new experiences and opportunities. What I discovered was that these successful people make looking after themselves a priority. They organise their time into manageable work loads, get enough sleep, eat well and do all that maintenance stuff that keeps you running. You need all that to cultivate the much buzzy sounding growth mindset.
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Aden // Computer Science
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What would you say is your biggest weakness and how do you manage it?
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My biggest weakness and strength are how much I can care about someone who’s important to me. It’s my greatest strength in that I believe it allows me to have deeper and more engaging relationships with the people that I surround myself with. If you’re one of my closest friends and you come to me saying you need a hand with something, I will do all that’s within my time and power on this Earth to try and help you as best as I can within reason.
team to share your story.
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Humans of Flinders is based on the Facebook page Humans of New York. If you’re interested in being interviewed, send an email to the Empire Times
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It ultimately comes to the issue that time is precious, so therefore I don’t have time to let negative people get me down because I have to put my self-growth as being the number one priority in life.
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But it’s also my greatest weakness because it has left me open in the past to being hurt emotionally by people who I thought cared for me but turns out were just using me for their own gain and it sucked. I still think about a few of these people that have done wrong by me, but I manage my weakness by not holding any grudges against anyone and try to surround myself with people who I think will help bring some positivity to my life.
U S S R FLINDE THE EMPIRE TIMES’ O
SURVIVING GROUPWORK
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ne of the most stressful experiences you can have at university is group work. You take a mix of different personalities, perspectives, and learning styles to put together something that meets the marking criteria of your assignment. I am someone who likes to work independently and I have a high standard of work, so I found working with other people an agonising experience (for them and for me!). Yet when you transition into work, there’s likely to be a situation where you have to work in teams of people and collaborate, so practicing this skill really is a case of the sooner the better. A word of warning: this article isn’t meant to give you a winning formula for a distinction every time, but more tips for how I calmed the heck down and figured out how to take the pain out of working with others.
STAY PROFESSIONAL Stay professional! There are so many great things about being part of student life. I’ve made lifelong friends from my time studying but I’ve also made industry and professional contacts. It’s really easy to think your professional life starts after you graduate, but if you start cultivating a professional attitude now, you will be in a much stronger position when you start applying for jobs! So try imagining the classroom as a professional environment rather than a social one, and treat your classmates as colleagues rather than friends when you are in the learning environment. I recommend taking a few of the careers workshops offered through the Horizon Award on teamwork and collaboration, networking, how to successfully negotiate, communication skills and on working with a diverse community, just to name a few. Professionalism is something that takes work and like anything, it takes practice to master the skills that make you a strong professional candidate. Your fees pay for this program among many other things offered to Flinders students, to help you get an edge. And in the job market, professional development is just as important as good grades! STAY CONNECTED Stay connected! Appoint someone as the manager for your group and let them be the main contact for co-ordinating the group. Primarily, this person has everyone’s contact details and they are the person who you direct any problems to. They should be a reliable person, easily contactable, and happy to keep records. I like emails and by having correspondence
conducted through uni email, there’s a paper trail showing what your group did whilst researching your assignment.
LEARN TO DEAL WITH Learn howHOW to deal with conflict andCONFLICT negotiate! I’m not talking a Fight Club scenario here, but learn how to resolve conflict and negotiate early. I’m rather conflict averse and used to silently fume about it rather than talk to my group members when we disagreed. I find it’s useful to bring up any concerns you have in the moment and find a solution that works for everyone. Constructive criticism is a flexible process that happens when you cultivate a growth mindset: it boils down to being calm, stating what your concern is without it becoming a personal attack and being open to discussing alternatives you might not agree with! I really like when Aristotle said ‘It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.’ MAKE WORKLOAD MANAGEABLE Make theTHE workload manageable! Break group work into equal individual tasks, start group work early in the assessment process, and have short but regular group meetings. By working to a timeline, it turns an assessment into personally manageable chunks and avoids a last minute hustle multiplied by several stressed out students who waited until the last minute. LEARN TO GO worry! AND NOT WORRY Learn to let goLET and not I am Clara and I am a recovering micromanager. Being a micromanager is anxiety inducing and stressful for me, but I’ve learnt that, unlike high school when you all could fail if someone didn’t do their part, university differs. We are supposed to be functioning adults by now and I don’t need to nag my classmates in order to get an assessment done. You do rarely get someone who isn’t pulling their weight and that’s when it’s good to talk to your lecturer about the situation, but I’ve let go before and my classmates have done the right thing almost every time. I hope some of these tips help group work to become a little less painful. Just remember, Fight Club is not the answer! words by CLARA SANTILLI
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I made an appointment with him scheduled for three weeks after the phone call, since I really was okay; I just needed
I can’t give much specific advice about what to expect from an appointment because everyone’s experience will be different, but I can assure you that regardless of your motivation behind seeking help, the counselling service at Flinders will welcome you wholeheartedly. If you think you need support but aren’t sure where to begin, just send them an email. Make looking after yourself a priority, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are in urgent need of support, there is an after-hours crisis support line (1300 512 409) that provides support immediately. For more info visit: https://students. flinders.edu.au/student-services/hcd/counselling words by EVIE CAZZOLATO
A D V I C E
Matt asked me some questions about why I’d got in touch, and I explained my situation and how I was feeling. I spent around 15 minutes on the phone with Matt, and he gave me some helpful suggestions that were instantly applicable as well as some words of comfort and support that I hadn’t realised I’d needed to hear. Even though it was my friend who was going through something, I hadn’t really thought about how it was affecting me. Matt also suggested getting in touch with my tutors and asking for extensions on my final assignments, which he was also happy to do on my behalf if need be.
Looking after my mental health will always be a top priority, and using the counselling service was the best thing I could have done for myself. If you’re unsure about what to do, even just getting in touch and having a conversation over the phone could be exactly what you need. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are entitled to six free sessions a year, so there really is no harm in reaching out.
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I decided to get in touch with the counselling service at Flinders. I sent an email requesting an appointment and received a phone call the next day. I assumed I would be making an appointment over the phone with the receptionist, but instead I started talking to Matt, one of the counsellors. It was nice to know a mental health professional was so easily accessible and ready to help.
Personally, I felt my waiting period for an appointment was perfectly acceptable, especially since I was given initial help over the phone and strategies to help me get through the weeks in the meantime. However, I can imagine that for some people three weeks is too long to wait. The fact that there were enough students utilising the service to create a threeweek waiting period shows the significant need for mental health services on campus. I believe more funding for support services is something the university should investigate.
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At the end of last year, my best friend had a sudden change in personal circumstance. It was an extremely difficult time for her and it later led to me seeking professional support. Even though it was not happening to me directly, trauma has unexpected consequences. I found that being a supportive, helpful, and “here for anything” kind of friend was starting to impact my own mental health. I also had five assignments to finish in less than fourteen days and was starting a new job the very same week.
My appointment with Matt was incredibly constructive, and really helped me make sense of my emotions and be a better support for my friend. It was one of those situations where there was nothing anyone could say to make it better, but somehow Matt did make it better. And being able to discuss the situation with someone who had no personal connection to what was going on was incredibly healing and affirming for me.
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I was eight years old when I first saw a mental health professional. I saw another one quite recently. I will happily share that information alongside my name. Getting help doesn’t need to be embarrassing, scary, shameful, or a sign of weakness. Going to see a mental health professional simply means you are aware of yourself and your brain, and you want help to deal with how your brain is processing situations.
someone to talk to. I was also aware that there might be other people who were going through much worse, or needed more urgent support.
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o, mental health. Lets talk about it. It’s become an increasingly common conversation over the last few years, and as society continues to acknowledge and understand mental health issues, the more open and constructive these discussions are.
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There’s also a lot of pressure when you’re young to simultaneously choose something you’re good at, something you’re interested in, and something that leads to a job. Unless you’re incredibly lucky, these three elements rarely combine. Your first choice simply may not be the right option. Just because I was good at politics in school does not mean I should undertake a lifelong career in international relations. The world is much more complicated than that, and so are you. Choosing a degree or career pathway when you’re in high school can be incredibly difficult, and changing your mind a few weeks, months or years later is perfectly normal.
I still don’t know exactly what I’ll do when I finally finish my degree, but I know I’m trained in a field I’m passionate about and enjoy working in. In a way I’m still just as lost and unsure as I was at 18, but now with a little more life experience and a whole lot more essays with my name attached. It’s hard to know what to choose when your first get to university, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you need to change, then change. And know that literally no one has any clue what they’re doing. Were all just bumbling along, trying to make sense of life. So bumble along, try to make sense of it all, but make sure you enjoy it. words by EVIE CAZZOLATO
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Changing your degree can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. You can get caught up in feeling like a failure, or you can realise that this attempt simply wasn’t right for you, and you can now move on to something much better.
The only significant downside is the difficulty I have enrolling in some subjects because of my credit transfer. Every semester I send an email requesting a pre-requisite waiver or help with access to a subject I should be able to enrol in, but can’t. I’m sure the AskFlinders team know me by name now. I imagine they place bets on when my email will come through at the beginning of every semester. So many people at AskFlinders have helped sort out my messy study plan and enrolment I’ve lost count of them, so thank you to that whole team who has put up with me for so long. I sure hope there were prizes for the sweepstakes winners. (And if you don’t know what AskFlinders is, consider yourself blessed with ease and convenience not bestowed to all).
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I then moved to London for two years. While this is an article about degrees, I cannot stress how much I STRONGLY recommend living overseas at some point in your life. It does so much for you! 11/10 experience, would recommend to a friend. When I got back from living overseas, I completed one year of a Bachelor of Arts at Flinders before getting an internal transfer into a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing). Looking back, this degree is definitely where I should have started, but 18-year-old me was confused, overwhelmed, and honestly, just a little dumb. I barely knew who I was, and was definitely in no place to be making big life decisions. I needed time, space and a bit of life experience under my belt to navigate my academic pathway.
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I started a degree in International Studies way back in 2013, and while I liked the topics I was studying, I lacked the drive and passion for politics that the field required. My grades were fine, but I spent a year trying to shake the feeling that I didn’t belong.
The few downsides I’ve encountered are exceedingly minor; a small price to pay for following my real interest. Because I’ve swapped degrees and lived overseas, there is generally a few years age difference between my classmates and myself. There are times when I’ve felt positively archaic and my joints creaked so loud the whole class could hear. I certainly never set out to be dubbed the ‘grandma friend’ (24 is awfully young in grandparent terms), but I like to think I’ve embraced the role. Besides, those kids keep me young!
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Almost everyone I’ve met at university has either changed their major, changed degrees or transferred degrees at some point. It’s more common than you’d think. Personally, I’ve switched degrees twice now, and I can honestly say I’m happy I chose what felt like the right thing to do, rather than worrying about what I thought I should do.
I definitely do not regret starting out in the “wrong’”degree. Otherwise, I would have constantly wondered, ‘What if?’ and daydreamed of a false reality. I’m glad I had some false starts and blunders before finding a degree I was genuinely engaged in. While I do feel like I’ve been studying just short of a thousand years, I’m glad I never doubted my choice to move on from a degree that didn’t feel right.
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f I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, ‘So what are you studying again?’ I’d have enough money to buy all the coffee I’ll need for my fifth and final year of studying. My seemingly eternal student life certainly wasn’t by choice, but by circumstance. I am a product of my own indecision, and I’m all the better for it.
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International study opportunities provide students with life-changing, memorable moments. Our time in the Maldives was filled with moments we will never forget. On one day, we caught a boat to an uninhabited island nearby, jumping from the boat to spend a few hours snorkelling. Later, on dry land, we ate dinner with some Naifaru residents, as one of the local men caught a reef fish and cooked it over a fire to share with us. We gathered around the fire, singing Maldivian songs, learning the Divehi
Student travel opportunities are often limited by funding. The New Colombo Plan (NCP) was established in 2014 by the Australian Government and supports undergraduate students to study in the Indo-Pacific region. Every year, the NCP provides the opportunity for around 10,000 students to study in over 40 countries throughout the region, through internships and short-term or semester mobility grants. Flinders University undergraduates can gain academic credit through NCP funded study opportunities, such as our field trip - Discover the Maldives: A Cultural and Educational Experience. International learning opportunities are often perceived as inaccessible due to cost, yet research proves that access to field trips and practical research experience is highly beneficial to student learning and post-graduate employment opportunities. Without access to NCP funding, many students wouldn’t have been able to participate in this incredible opportunity in the Maldives.
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During the Maldives field trip, many students found the options for waste management challenging. In Naifaru, a beachside rubbish dump at one end of the island is burned every few days. The light afternoon breeze brought relief from the heat and humidity, but with it came the pervading smell of burning plastic. So much waste is currently produced that there is no effective way to deal with the sheer volume of it. Tourists are also responsible for generating a high volume of waste. We were shocked by the lack of waste management and the real impacts this has on local people. Standing next to a burning pile of plastic over three times my height, I started to understand the gravity of just how much plastic pollution there is in the world and the impact it has on communities and ecosystems.
Experiencing the reality of living in a developing island nation can be shocking and eye-opening for Australian students. The islands of the Maldives are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to their low-lying nature. The islands are also impacted by anthropogenic activity including mining of coral reefs, pollution, and limited options for waste disposal.
There were challenging moments too, like the day we sailed to another nearby island to snorkel. The water was warm, and we were looking forward to exploring the beautiful coral reef. Instead, we were met with devastation. The current was strong enough that we didn’t have to swim, we just floated over a desert of dead coral. It was incredibly powerful to see the impacts of climate change and ocean warming, especially in such vivid contrast with the beautiful reefs that we had so recently visited.
language, and sharing laughter. The sky was clear and some of us sat on the shore under the thousands of stars with the warm water lapping at our toes, watching the specks of bioluminescence appear in the water.
Flinders undergrads access New Colombo Plan funded international study opportunities: A Maldives case study.
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n a humid November morning I stepped onto Naifaru, a remote island in the Republic of Maldives, with 18 other Flinders University undergraduate students. After travelling 17 hours by plane and three by sea, we were eager to arrive. What followed was a once-in-a-lifetime field trip, our days filled with snorkelling off uninhabited islands, observing field research, participating in seagrasses and plastics surveys, and volunteering at the local turtle rehabilitation and marine research centre. This opportunity was made possible by access to the New Columbo Plan which offers grants to many Flinders students. I took this opportunity to interview the students on their experiences on Naifaru.
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Taking part in international field trips is a straightforward process and has academic and personal benefits. The process of applying for an NCP grant is straightforward and supported by the Flinders University academic and administration staff. It’s an incredible opportunity that is currently underutilised, with many projects being advertised repeatedly and often embarking without all student numbers being filled. The grants can cover a large portion of the expense involved and taking part in trips and associated projects contributes towards academic credit. 100% of students interviewed recommend taking part in NCP experiences as part of an undergraduate degree. To find out about the current NCP opportunities available for Flinders students, search for “New Columbo Plan” on the Flinders University website.
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Students believe that real-world experiences increase post-graduate employment prospects and improve graduate employability. Many of the students interviewed identified the value of international field trips when applying for postgraduate employment. While the field trips help you grow personally and academically, they also add value to your CV. Students believe that international field trip experiences in remote regions set you apart from other job applicants, giving you a greater chance of gaining employment in your area.
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Many of the students that I interviewed stated that the field trip to the Maldives has shaped their future study and career interests, and all students indicated they would return to the region in the future for work, volunteering, or further study. Everyone who attended acknowledged that international field trips are of vital importance, with one student stating, ‘International placements provide the opportunity for students to apply learned knowledge in unfamiliar environments and therefore expand their capabilities and potential for life after uni.’ International field-trips provide a tangible experience to complement theoretical learning and immersion experiences puts life into perspective and helps broaden our understanding of the world.
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International field-trips provide students with practical skills and help develop educated, resilient, empathetic graduates with real-world experience. While there were challenging aspects of the trip, the students I interviewed reported that they learned a range of useful skills, including practical techniques such as field research, snorkelling, marine conservation, and remote community logistics. As an unexpected bonus, many students also shared that they discovered a personal resilience they didn’t know they possessed. We learned to adapt, to work with limited resources, and how small, positive changes can have big impacts. We experienced firsthand the very real threat that climate change poses to entire nations of people, and the generosity and resilience of this community living in a difficult situation.
in on the Flinders’ political groups weigh topics that matter to students...
POLITICAL FLINDERS UNIVERSITY LABOR CLUB
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THE SOCIALIST ALTERNATIVE 1.) With cost of living constantly increasing while student welfare is both near-impossible to obtain and well below the poverty line, it is absolutely no wonder that students are suffering. Flinders doesn’t do students any favours when they increase course fees and cut research positions. In order to guarantee that student mental wellbeing is being addressed we need to demand that the university put more money into not just mental-health services, but building more student accommodation and providing it for free to students. Hiring more teaching staff to allow for more flexible due dates and personalised tutoring would also go a long way. These are not unrealistic demands considering the university are happy to dole out a $1.2 Million salary to Vice-Chancellor Colin Stirling (in 2017). We must also put demands on the government to increase student welfare allowances as well as demanding an entirely free education system. 2.) The war on drugs has always been a campaign of targeting marginalised, working and young people, the hostility towards pill testing at festivals is just an extension of that. Police at festival gates serve to intimidate and interrogate ordinary people who are just trying to have a nice time. It should be a requirement that any festival
provide an adequate pill testing service to festival-goers and the laws that criminalise people for choosing to take these substances should be abolished entirely. The majority of people taking illicit substances are trying to escape the drudgery of a 9-5 workday under capitalism. Instead, adequate harmreduction and counselling services should be provided for free and to anyone who needs them. 3.) The royal commission has revealed just how depraved a system run for profit is. For at least a decade these banks have ripped off ordinary people by charging them for services they didn’t need. Bankers and investors were rewarded very generously for these malpractices, receiving nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Bank shares increased by 4 to 7 percent after the hearings, investors know full-well that their profits are safe. The main problem is that these banks wield far too much power for them to be left in private hands, Banks should be nationalised and credit put back into the hands of the public, meaning it will be used for investing in socially useful infrastructure and industries, rather than for destructive profiteering. Until that happens, we will see the same cycle of bankers ripping people off.
1.) Flinders doesn’t do enough to support student’s mental health. Our university currently offers up to 6 free counselling sessions per year, which simply isn’t enough, especially considering the excruciating wait times that so many of our peers are subject to. Flinders Students also don’t have adequate access to registered psychologists, and currently a Medicare Care Plan only provides individuals with up to 10 sessions with a psychologist. This isn’t just an issue at Flinders however, as campus counselling services are overwhelmingly broken, underfunded and understaffed across the country. Currently the National Union of Students, of which FUSA is affiliated too, are running a campaign called No Mind Left Behind, which address these very key issues. 2.) Recreational drug use has always been somewhat popular among Australia’s youth, and we believe that the government should be doing what they can to support and protect the lives of the Australian’s, predominantly young people and students, who experiment with drug use. It’s important to note that much of the public discourse on pill testing ignores the educational piece of many of these programs, and the opportunity for healthcare professionals to make
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Do you think the university does enough to support students’ mental health? If not what else should they be doing? Where do you stand on pill testing at music festivals? 2 3 / /
What do you make of the recent finds from the banking royal commission? How should the government be regulating banks?
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3.) It highlighted the effects of an obvious power imbalance when it comes to banks and customers
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2.) I’m for pill testing, but it can’t be ignored that carrying certain quantities of recreational drugs, whether in the line outside a festival, or in its bounds, is still an offence under the law. Definitely there should be tents set-up for pill testing. These should be private, and confidential spaces. Likewise, police patrolling festivals should be dissuaded from staking out, or targeting people that appear to be making use of the service. It’s an easy place to inform people of the risks they’re taking, and what they need to do to ensure their safety. So too, should it be as close as possible to emergency first aid. However, it needs to be made clear: these tents are for ensuring your safety. Found elsewhere on festival grounds, you’re just as likely to be charged by police as you would be anywhere else.
negotiating. This manifested itself in a number of ways, especially lapses in appropriately verifying elements of customer loan applications. There’s an assurance there on behalf of borrowers that they’ve been approved because an institute knows they’re able to service the debt. Another example are instances where “advisors” breach the bounds of their role with that of a sales representative. There’s a glut of problems, and unfortunate as it is, access to credit is an indispensable element of participating in modern society. There should be professional standards and legislation that reflects this. As an immediate practical solution, I’d support either The Australian Competition and Consumer Commmission taking over compliance matters from The Australian Securities and Investments Commmission, or greater federal funding to the latter to ensure the administrative capability to do so.
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3.) The final report of the Banking Royal Commission uncovered unconscionable, dishonest and potentially criminal behaviour in the banking and financial services sector. So many students are unaware of the loopholes and hidden fees associated with banking and financial services, and we’re glad the Federal Labor Opposition fought so had to have the Banking Royal Commission! It’s abundantly clear that Scott Morrison and Liberal Party will not be implementing many if at all any of the recommendations that were put forward following the royal commission considering they voted against it a staggering 26 times before wanting to hand the big banks a multibillion-dollar tax cut. Banking and finances are essential services for students and the broader community alike, and the Federal Government should be doing everything they can to ensure that customers aren’t being ripped off.
1.) I think it’s just keeping new students aware of the resources available to them, as the University currently is. For many people suffering with mental health issues for the first time, it may seem to them as a personal fault in adapting to a new environment, or in dealing with course work. People new to the University, or struggles such as these, should know from myself and all students, that it’s more than accepted to seek relief for persistent mental discomfort or stress.
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potential pill takers aware of the effects that these substances can have on your body in environments such as music festivals in the sun with the consumption of alcohol. The government should be doing everything that it can to support young people and students who find themselves in a situation where they may experiment with drug use.
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FLINDERS UNIVERSITY LIBERAL CLUB
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The YMCA South Australian Youth Parliament is a nonpartisan program providing a platform for young people to voice their views on important issues, learn about democracy, and gain parliamentary understanding, as well as connecting politicians and decision makers with youth voices and opinions. It also teaches transferable skills like public speaking, professional etiquette, debating, and speech writing. This program encourages young people to move outside of their comfort zone, engage with their communities, build confidence, and take charge of their individual experience. Teams of young people identify issues that are important to them and are provided training on how to develop a Bill and the Parliamentary process required to present the Bill in Parliament House. The program culminates in a weeklong residential camp where the participants come together to debate their youth bills and issues of importance in the House of Assembly and Legislative Council of the South Australian Parliament. Bills passed by the Youth Parliament are formally presented to the Minister for Youth for the Government's consideration allowing participants to let decision makers know what is important to South Australian youth.
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Writer Rebecca Lightowler Rebecca Lightowler
oung Australians are severely underrepresented in politics with only 3 out of our 224 senators and members of parliament under 34 years old. Without adequate representation, youth voices are often overlooked. This is where YMCA Youth Parliament steps in. As a program designed for 15-25 year olds, it gives these young Australians a chance to have their say in a forum where they cannot go unnoticed. This year South Australia’s Youth Parliament opens their 24th sitting, with the first debate beginning on Monday 15th July at Parliament House, with an open invitation to the public.
The training provided in this program helps to develop skills that are beneficial to university students from all faculty areas. It can assist in improving public speaking skills for oral presentations, team collaboration for group assessments, debating skills for argumentative essays or moot court, or even confidence in social settings. Through the apolitical design of the program, it has become adaptable to the interests, needs, and experiences of participants which
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Article Why we need youth in parliment Why we need youth in parliment
Section Politics
in turn allows students to utilise, expand and share their existing knowledge from their various fields. It also offers the opportunity to undertake leadership roles which can further a student’s ability to interact with university management and coordinators. For example, every year a Youth Governor is selected from the participant base to play a key role in Youth Parliament team. This year’s Youth Governor is Rebecca Lightowler, a current Flinders University student. This year, Lightowler aims to ensure that the voices of young South Australians are heard and included. Specifically, Lightowler hopes to increase support and awareness for those living with a mental health illness, - through ensuring adequate assistance is available from support services and programs, and that state legislation reflects the needs of these South Australians. Her passion for effectuating change in these areas is inspired by Emma Watson’s quote - ‘If not me who? If not now, when?’;
At the core of this program is the opportunity for young South Australians to have a say in the issues that matter to them; currently, many organisations are showing their support and encouragement for this ideal. In South Australia, the Youth Parliament Program is coordinated by the YMCA of South Australia and supported by the State Government through the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion. It is also sponsored by the Law Foundation, the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) and the Office for Youth. Alongside the involvement of these major departments and organisations, many other smaller community groups and sporting clubs make contributions to the participants of this program, particularly through sponsorship. This sponsorship goes a long way in ensuring that the youth of South Australia don’t just attend the program, but that they are seen and heard. By covering travel and accommodation expenses for regional participants, sponsors ensure youth are adequately represented. Of the 11,000 Australians aged 18-29 surveyed in Triple J’s What’s Up In Your World, 80% felt politicians didn’t have their best interests in mind. This program provides a chance and opportunity to change that statistic, have a say and ensure our policy makers are effectuating the change they wish to see in the world.
Parliament Week: Sunday-Friday, 14th-19th July
To find out more information about the Youth
To hear about program updates, bill topics and the
2019
Parliment program, contact sayouth@ymca.org.au or
debates schedule. Like YMCA SA Youth Parliament on
Parliamentary Debates: Monday 15th – Tuesday
visit https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/what-we-do/youth-
Facebook or follow ymcaypsa on Instagram.
16th July & Thursday 18th – Friday 19th July, at the
empowerment/youth-parliament
South Australian Parliament House, Corner of King William and North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000.
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We need Women’s Studies now more than ever to tackle issues such as violence against women and the continuing gender wage disparity. It is vital that we foster inclusive and cutting-edge feminist research if we are to tackle these problems. Flinders University has a long history of approaching gendered issues in conjunction with understanding of race, class, and sexuality, as is evident in the work of present and past staff members. We must wait to see what the next chapter looks like for Women’s Studies at Flinders University, but I hope that the next generation of feminist thinkers and activists can have access to the same rich education that I did.
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Brook has provided cutting edge analysis of heterosexuality and marriage, is a beloved teacher and mentor, and has worked with prisoner support groups. It is not uncommon to see her at rallies to support various social issues. She has been dedicated to students at Flinders University for her entire academic career and continues to provide generous support beyond expectation and through health battles. Yvonne Corcoran-Nantes is a vital connection between Flinders University and other universities, governments, and thinkers all over the world. Her work across International Relations and Women’s Studies provides Flinders University students with a global perspective taught by someone who frequently consults on gender issues with United Nations and governments, especially in the Asian region. Baird is a renowned activist, researcher and teacher who has been at the forefront of thinking and action on abortion access, LGBT issues, and Indigenous rights for decades. She has recently been working to improve access to abortion for women in regional South Australia. The unique combination of these three academics has provided students with access to a pioneering intersectional feminist education that spans a vast array of issues.
right when we are most in need of strong, rigorous feminist analysis.
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It is very sad to see Women’s Studies effected by the academic restructure and the exit of valuable academics. Heather Brook, Yvonne Corcoran-Nantes and Barbara Baird are highly regarded in the feminist academic community and are well-known for their activist and community work. The departure of Yvonne and Heather represent a great loss of expertise and resources to Flinders University.
University leadership has repeated the sentiment that they wish to support Women’s Studies to flourish despite the loss of staff. However, leadership in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences have not responded to repeated requests for a concrete commitment that outlines what this support will entail. There are plans to add a Lecturer position to Women’s Studies who can assist with the teaching, supervision, and research load. However, this addition cannot replace the combined expertise of a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor. There will also be a Sociology academic who will split their commitments between Women’s Studies and Sociology. There has consistently been Sociology academics who have taught in the Women’s Studies major and conducted research on gender. The small number of staff in Women’s Studies has meant that students could take History, Sociology and Law topics in order to complete their major. However, as a number of staff who previously taught in the Women’s Studies major have left the university as a result of the academic restructuring, a number of topics will no longer be offered, and there is a reduction in current topic offerings.
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Scientists are changing the DNA of embryos , designing children before birth. What does this mean for the babies of the future?
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Despite his seemingly good intentions, the scientific community was outraged. The Director for America’s National Institutes of Health, Dr Francis Collins, slammed Jiankui’s decision – labelling his actions and motivations as ‘utterly unconvincing’, ‘highly questionable’ and ‘[possibly] damaging’. Jiankui also broke Chinese law by undertaking the experiment. ABC News reports that Jiankui, dubbed “Frankenstein doctor,” went into hiding after his announcement and the international backlash. He was fired early this year by his former university, the Southern University of Science and Technology. Authorities argue Jiankui knowingly broke ethics laws for “fame and fortune”. It’s not hard to see why – the now infamous scientist broadcasted his findings across YouTube. GENE EDITING 101 But how does CRISPR work anyway? Our bodies are made of cells, which are controlled by the unique code stored in DNA (our genome). DNA is made of up thousands of genes – each gene has instructions to keep us running, including the process for making enzymes. Our cells use enzymes to get things done quickly. They perform chemical reactions inside our cells to give us energy, maintain our temperature, and
CURING DISEASE AND CREATING IDEALS THE HUMAN MASTER RACE? That’s the science – so how can CRISPR help us? For one thing, CRISPR gene editing could cure genetic diseases. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a cruel condition that is not only deadly, but costs more than $10,000 per patient, per year in drug treatments. CF sufferers have extra mucous in their lungs because their cell drainage controller, the CFTR ion channel, is broken. What causes the faulty drain? A faulty gene. The result? A salt-water imbalance leading to fluid build-up in patients’ lungs. If you’ve ever swallowed water “down the wrong way,” you can imagine why this is a real problem. Now imagine a chronic (long-lasting) condition that involves really thick fluids, as they slowly damage your airways. CRISPR could put an end to all of this. Experts suggest we could use the CRISPR enzyme system to cut and fix the mutated CFTR gene. We may not even need to introduce the correct sequence – we might even be able to simply fix the existing scrambled DNA code. This would reduce the risk of causing harmful off-target effects (more on that later). Here’s why this is huge: 1 in 25 people carry the faulty CFTR gene. Although you need two copies of the mutated CFTR gene to get CF, the “carriers” (people with only one copy) are still circulating the bad gene without knowing it. In theory, we could edit embryos using CRISPR so 0 in 25 people carry the
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“HE” DID IT As it turns out, someone already tried it late last year. In a world-first, Dr He Jiankui used CRISPR gene editing to change the DNA of human embryos. He deleted the CCR5 gene from the DNA of twin babies when they were only starting to develop from a handful of cells. Because gene editing was done in this early embryo, the DNA changes now remain in every cell of the twins’ bodies forever. Jiankui said his experiments made positive changes, because HIV uses CCR5 receptors to attack our immune system – without the CCR5 gene, you can’t be infected with HIV.
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This “molecular scissors” property of CRISPR translates directly to its use in humans. Scientists can inject CRISPR into our cells, along with the piece of DNA they wish to add to our cell’s existing DNA set. With just the CRISPR enzyme and the desired DNA sequence, though, nothing happens – CRISPR just chops up the piece of naked DNA! Scientists need to add a third part to the gene editing system – a piece of guide RNA (gRNA). This gRNA is made in the lab, and tells CRISPR two things: where to cut our genome, and where to put the desired DNA sequence. There are four main possible outcomes when we edit DNA: a gene doesn’t work, a gene is removed, a faulty gene is fixed or an entirely new gene is added. The CRISPR system now enables scientists – and even backyard enthusiasts, with the right tech – the ability to edit DNA with minimal resources.
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As you can imagine, this control gives us an overwhelming amount of choices. Some of these have the potential to make a real difference – we could end genetic disease and make future children faster, stronger and smarter. But what are the long-term consequences, and is it ethical to edit children who can’t consent to their treatment? Have designer babies even been created successfully?
The CRISPR system involves an enzyme (Cas9), but this particular enzyme actually comes from bacteria, not human cells. CRISPR’s usual job is to cut up and destroy invading bits of virus DNA that try and infect bacteria. Bacteria use CRISPR as part of their own immune system so they don’t get taken over by viruses.
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dispose of waste…just to name a few.
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edical researchers ask the big questions to try and save us from disease. As medical technology advances, we have more and more choice. Over the last decade, scientists unlocked the potential for humans to edit DNA, greatly increasing our control over our bodies. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, we could change the instructions given to our cells that determine if we get sick, how we process information, and even what we look like.
faulty gene. In October last year, scientists from Utah State University made “designer sheep” that had a scrambled CFTR gene from birth. Using these findings, we could use CRISPR to reverse engineer the process in humans. This would eliminate the faulty CFTR mutation from existence. We could be a master race unaffected by genetic disease.
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Speaking of which, have you ever wanted to be taller? Run faster? Learn more efficiently? CRISPR might be the answer. Researchers argue that editing the embryo, or the “germline” cells, enables us to permanently improve that child’s phenotype – in other words, their characteristics. Since these positive changes are made to that child’s core DNA instructions, every cell in their body contains the changes. So, any offspring these children have can also inherit “designer” genes. Such reproductive options could give almost endless choice to parents and make a society of better humans, almost like the next generation of cars or iPhones. CRISPR CONSEQUENCES AND CONSENT CRISPR Consequences and Consent This same “SIMS style” build-your-own-baby approach could, however, also have permanent consequences for humanity. Many scientists have raised concerns over CRISPR’s impact on the gene pool. The “gene pool” describes all the DNA of every human who reproduces. It includes all of our genes, collectively. When you were conceived, your genes were a combination of your mother’s and your father’s genes – you pulled certain cards from the gene pool deck. This combination of genes became your own DNA sequence, or your own deck of cards. Now suppose that we change those genes you picked from your mum and dad. It would be like using a sharpie and changing the ‘6’ card in your hand to a ‘9’. This might be a good change, but it is a permanent change made to the human species as you continue to reproduce. Your altered card goes back in the deck, ready to be used in future generations. That’s the thing, though – we don’t know if making artificial changes to the gene pool over time would be good or bad. We don’t know because we haven’t tried it. There is reason to believe, however, that not every CRISPR gene edit is good. Researchers have found the Cas9 enzyme can cut at the wrong place in a DNA sequence, or insert a gene in the wrong spot. Animal studies have demonstrated harmful CRISPR mistakes range from termination of pregnancy, increased cancer risk and creating new diseases. These unintended consequences are called “off-target effects,” because they were off-target from the original goal of gene editing. Offtarget effects can also be invisible before anyone realises there’s a problem. CRISPR has the potential to not only introduce these permanent damages to DNA, but to make them part of people who don’t know better.
Which brings us to the issue of informed consent. When you go to the doctor or have surgery, you are told about what’s involved, what the risks are, and the outcomes. You then decide whether to continue with medical treatment. That’s informed consent – you were told about the medical intervention and made an informed decision based on the facts. You have a right to decide what happens to your body. It’s impossible to obtain informed consent from a human embryo – it does not have a fully functioning brain or even ears yet. How can it be informed about anything, let alone gene editing? Since CRISPR changes the gene pool, we are also modifying unborn future generations without their consent. This cost would be more acceptable if we could guarantee that gene editing would only be beneficial. As discussed, though, CRISPR can produce horrific, unintentional outcomes. These consequences might affect the first child, or remain hidden and only appear several generations later. Others argue that CRISPR is not the only technology that has changed our genome “without our consent.” Advances in agriculture, education and industrial machines have all changed the way we live our lives. These points of progress have indirectly altered our environment without us actively agreeing to the changes – they just happened. We, and by extension our DNA, have changed over generations to adapt to these advances in technology. Despite our “lack of consent,” however, we have still been aware of these changes around us. A human embryo is a collection of cells, and is therefore not aware of changes as they happen. CRISPR has made possible unprecedented leaps in genetics. There is now great potential to end suffering at the hands of genetic disease. With some more research, we could even upgrade our children to be better versions of ourselves. At present, though, we just don’t have enough evidence to say whether every genetic change would be a good change. CRISPR hasn’t been around long enough to know whether we can learn to control it safely. One thing is for sure – if we start designing our children, there’s no going back. The changes are permanent and will leave their mark on our species. Are we ready to ask the big questions and embrace our new genetic options? Or should we take a step back and consider the long-term outcomes? Either way, CRISPR is waiting. words by ASH GOODMAN
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In my conversations with friends, many of them agree with me about our hidden healthy habits, and many have told similar lies. The way I understand it is you lie because you don’t want to be an inconvenience, you don’t want to seem like one of those health snobs that are called ‘wankers’ behind their backs, and you don’t want to make other people feel bad if they make different choices. You lie because saying ‘I don’t want to drink or stay out late so I can get up tomorrow and go to the gym’ just isn’t good enough for some people. In moments where you have been honest about your habits, you have received comments that shame you into believing that healthy habits are above you and an arrogant approach to living. There is a problem with the way we approach health. It could be linked with our notorious case of tall poppy syndrome – something that I think is minimising our success here in Australia, not just health wise, but in all facets of living. If we share too much, or are too proud of our achievements, it is made certain that we are taken down a notch. We find ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. The rock: the challenges of discipline and the obligation we feel to ourselves to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The hard place: attempts to seamlessly fit into our social circles which are built up foundations that are far from healthy. If we hone in on alcohol as our case study, drinking is so deeply rooted in our culture that it has become almost
We were always taught about the pressure to party; from a young age the Life Ed Van would visit our schools telling us that “peer pressure” was this looming beast in our future that would be our greatest enemy. ‘What will you be drinking?’ – a question disguised as an assumption, with the decline is often followed by a series of questions and tongue in cheek jokes. Your method of declining will determine the questions to follow. If you take the road of ‘Sorry folks but I’m driving tonight’ it translates to, ‘You know I would love a drink, but it’s out of my hands, the law is forcing me to be sober tonight.’ But, if you say, ‘No thanks, I don’t feel like a drink tonight,’ you might feel the vibe change and a slight but noticeable mull in the air. How some people interpret this answer is, ‘No thanks, I don’t want to drink because I know it’s bad for me, the rest of you should stop, I’m definitely better.’ And that is, sometimes, the beginning of your social exclusion. I quickly worked out that, even if you don’t mean to, people don’t want to be made to feel the weird second-hand guilt that comes with other people making “better” decisions than their own. Take no shame in a full night of sleep, hydration, healthy eating and regular exercise. These choices are yours to own and we should learn to value our choices as much as if we were making them for someone else. We are allowed to be selfish when looking after our health. We need to remember that it is not our job to work to other people’s standards – standards that allow people to feel accomplished by maintaining mediocrity around them. Leave the judgements out, from both ends, and allow others to pave their own way to the best version of themselves. When it doesn’t seem that simple and you find yourself stuck, keep leaning into the rock, and eventually the hard place will soften.
words by MICHELLE WAKIM
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I have lied by saying that I am the designated driver to excuse myself from drinking, because that seems to be one of the only reasons people will accept for not chugging down a few beverages. I do this because most of the time alcohol leaves me in an emotionally and physically grim state the following day.
invisible in its vast and regular occurrences – work drinks on a Friday night, wine tours, pub crawls, just to give you a taste.
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ver the past few years, particularly since joining university social circles, I have lied. We all have. Most of the lies I have told have been to hide my approach to health. On occasion, I have said that I finish work an hour later than I actually do so I can sneak in a run before a catch up: I’ve discovered people often find exercise to be a hobby that shouldn’t infringe on social plans.
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Next, move on to Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Here you’ll realise you’re poor and ugly, but you’re not as dumb as you’ve been led to believe. Move down in “looks” and “financial status” but move up a level in “intelligence.” Then watch The Chaser, if you’re old. Or Millionaire Hotseat, if you’re older. Did the contestant answer incorrectly? Did you yell the right answer from your living room? Well, congratulations, you’re smarter than that person. More “intelligence.” After that, watch Married at First Sight again because you’re hooked. Have you ever set up two friends who were completely wrong for each other because you thought it would be funny? Congratulations, you receive the “MAFS relationship psychologist” bonus. Play the game, invite your friends, give me credit and money and let reality TV tell you how pretty, smart, rich, and funny you are. Because really, how else are you going to fill the time between now and when Big Brother auditions finally open again? words by ANGELINA TAYLOR
O P I N I O N
Then watch I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and you’ll realise that under the TV makeup, even beautiful people have red, blotchy skin and pimples. Congratulations, level up in your “looks.”
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If you want to find your place in this hierarchy, try playing this game I’ve just invented and am yet to name but will absolutely copyright so back off:
Watch Married at First Sight and you may realise you’re not actually the most desperate person on the planet. You may also find that your lip fillers aren’t too bad after all. Move up a level in “looks.”
L I F E S T Y L E
These are questions we as humans all have in common and reality TV, scripted or not, gives us an answer. When you compare yourself with the people you see on reality TV, you can place yourself somewhere in the unspoken social hierarchy.
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In 1973, the first ever reality TV show aired. It was called An American Family and the show followed the Louds as they went about their lives. It was set to be as boring as The Biggest Loser until in a classic reality TV twist, like when the Honey Badger (I feel wrong capitalising that) chose neither girl at the end of The Bachelor, the cameras ended up capturing the dissolution of the marriage between Bill and Pat Louds. Forty years after the Louds’ marriage broke down in front of the cameras, we are still getting a glimpse into the lives of others with Gogglebox. A show where you can watch groups of people in their weird living rooms watch a show you’ve watched in the hopes you have your own opinions repeated back to you. This show is the socially acceptable version of driving past someone’s house at night and slowing down because they have their lights on and blinds up. What does their house look like? What do they do in there? Why are there so many Keanu Reeves posters and only one of a falcon? Or is that Keanu dressed as a falcon? You thought you had the most Keanu posters on this street. Where did they get that avian Keanu poster? Should you knock and ask?
H E A L T H
hy do we watch reality TV? What’s so good about it? I don’t know. I don’t watch reality TV. However, I have a theory. I know I’ve already told you in the by-line, but I have a minimum word limit, so let’s go on a journey together.
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SOCIAL COMPARISONS. THE ANSWER IS SOCIAL COMPARISONS.
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SO UM... WHY DO WE WATCH REALITY TV?
Love, Self
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I used to look at myself like a shopping list. I’d point out in the mirror the things I’d change – my nose isn’t straight, my ears stick out. When I was old enough, and with enough money, I was determined to change it all. Cut a little off here and there – remould and set. I can tell you now it was a stupid pursuit, but back then it got me through the day, because whenever I felt ugly I’d think, ‘Soon enough I’ll change that.’ One item at a time. I’ve ALWAYS been cynical of self-love. It always seems the ones who say it have plenty to love anyway. It started in primary school, where the other guys had better hair styles, and were always more tanned, with muscles my body didn’t even know existed – all of which made them far more likable. In high school I tried to change this. I began obsessing over clothes, buying countless styles I thought would make me more attractive. I cannot tell you how much money I spent, only that I blew ALL my savings on things I’d throw out just months later. What makes a kid grow up like this? There’s so much pressure
on our appearance. We see advertisements parade certain body types, using their product as the solution to achieving that same look. Tinder – don’t get me STARTED – presents us with a constant swarm of appearance-based judgements. Meanwhile on social media, we’re all well aware of the duality of having photos we put up of ourselves being “better” than the than the ones our friends tag us in. So self-love then? HAH! – through all this, how are we meant to love ourselves? Where do we begin? Well, if you’ve got one, I think you should take a look at your shopping list of flaws…And throw it THE FUCK out. It can be tempting in life to focus on the negative. I know it doesn’t feel easy, but self-pity is an easy drug to take. Start to try and notice when you’re making those small judgements on yourself, and instead of thinking ‘my hair sucks, I can never get it to sit straight,’ think ‘it suits me better when it curls up anyway.’ What else? Unfollow those on social media that make you feel bad about your self-image, and
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words by CHARLIE BOOKER
L I F E S T Y L E
And I BELIEVE in YOU.
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If you can look in the mirror and your face is no longer a list of what you like and don’t like, THAT IS SELF LOVE. If you put on your clothes in the morning and you’re thinking more about what you’re gonna do rather than how you’ll look doing it, THAT IS SELF LOVE.
H E A L T H
Don’t try keeping up with the latest clothing trends either, they’re geared towards very specific body types that don’t suit everyone. Try experimenting with different clothes to find your OWN style,
I know it’s a lot to remember, but this isn’t a test. You don’t have to love yourself perfectly. You’re going to fall down, you’re going to feel shit and cry, you’re going to hate yourself again and again. And that’s okay, that is SO perfectly okay to do all of that. Self-love isn’t a destination, it’s not something you reach and then you’re fine. The point of all this is you keep trying, because if a miserable sod like me can albert manage it – I know you can too.
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Once you’ve started working on these mental changes, you can think of the physical ones. Meditation is amazingly powerful at settling thoughts and easing anxiety. Exercise is great, but do something you enjoy – like dodgeball or quidditch. Being fit is good, but you’ve got to set goals that relate to your OWN body’s needs. If you’re only doing exercise for your image, it will never fulfil you.
something you’re comfortable in, something that suits YOUR body and YOUR personality. 3 5
cut out the things in your life that have an unhealthy focus on your body – like fitness videos or fashion magazines. Doing this prevents comparison between yourself and someone entirely different to you, which is utterly detrimental to body image. We all look different, self-love is about feeling comfortable with what you have, and not insecure about what you don’t.
f o s r e g n a d The e f a s r u o y e c a l p
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overusing ‘ You’re the internet,’ say your
parents, teachers and anyone still watching A Current Affair. Our generation hears this all the time. You probably dismiss their concerns. After all, the internet has streamlined tasks, connected people who would otherwise never be connected, and brought the world into a new era of information. But nothing is perfect. Let’s begin with the physical dangers of using the internet. You probably have experienced eye strain from screen overuse. Achy, dry or irritated eyes are all symptoms, as well as blurry vision. Back and neck problems are also becoming increasingly common. Sitting for hours in front of a laptop puts strain on the spine, especially when slouching. This weakens the muscles in the upper back, making it more difficult to stand or sit upright, worsening back aches. When on their phone, most people slant their neck downward, causing similar problems in the neck and even misaligning the spine, a phenomenon called “text neck”: a forward leaning head that results in a bump of vertebrae protruding from the back of the neck. You probably have one yourself. There are even scarier physical dangers that come from existing online. Everyone is at risk of having their identity stolen and their bank account drained, directly affecting their offscreen life. If you date online, you’re at risk to falling victim to catfishing and possibly being assaulted or worse on your first date with a stranger. The risks to mental health are harder to see and more unprecedented, making them difficult to tackle.
Internet use is leading people to suffer from information overload. We have constant access to endless feeds of social media that are designed to keep us refreshing the page. When we use technology for productive tasks, the internet calls us to spiral down a well of information. Netflix and other streaming services are releasing shows intended to be binged. Many people listen to podcasts as they commute, shower, and even as they fall asleep, times when people traditionally report having their most ideas, because they are the rare times in the day when they are forced to be alone with their thoughts. Now, our attention spans are becoming more fractured. Even while watching YouTube you may find yourself scrolling through Instagram or playing a game loaded with ads. When we don’t have time to sort through our own thoughts, our minds get frazzled. We get more stressed. The sheer amount of information is invasive, and the endless feed is designed to have us scroll past swathes of information and barely process it. The kind of content that spreads through social media must grab your attention and move you to share it within the first second of you seeing it, and that emotional high is addictive. You may have convinced yourself that scrolling or binging relaxes you, but overloading yourself with information will only lead to more stress in the long term. As well as being dangerously averse to boredom, humans are social creatures. We need others to survive. Like hunger, thirst or fatigue, desire for social connections is a reaction created by our bodies to protect themselves. Just like fast food is a quick solution to fix hunger, social media is often a quick solution to feed social desires. While social
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words by SHEVAUN RUTHERORD
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Question the content you consume. Ask: Who created this content? What do they have to gain by sharing it? What is the evidence for their claims? What do other sources say about this content? This is a lot of questions to ask every post, video and artwork you come across, so start by just questioning new sources of information and anything that
L I F E S T Y L E
Whether the internet is bad or good is irrelevant. It is a necessity in our lives, and so we must instead ask, ‘How can I make the internet a more positive force in my life?’
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But this does not make the internet intrinsically bad. The internet is not intrinsically anything. It is a tool, and how you use it, and how it uses you, is within your control.
H E A L T H
The effects go wider still, to the makeup of our society. We create our own bubbles online. We follow people we agree with, follow topics that interest us, and are recommended more of the same by algorithms. This can lead to a closed view of the world based on our own preconceptions. We see increasingly less of opinions outside of our own and topics we aren’t already invested in. The passive consumption of feed-based social media leads us to mindlessly trust the thoughts of strangers. The preference of reactionary content on social media – content that makes you mad enough to share it – leads to the spread of misinformation, even disinformation (purposefully incorrect information), hate speech and propaganda. Without even realising the change in your media consumption, you can spiral deep into your bubble into the extremist corners of your own community. Every bubble has one, and everyone is at risk of becoming radicalised. And if you feel lonely and use the internet as a crutch to aid that, you are especially at risk. Extremist groups are on the rise in part because they provide a sense of belonging that the modern individual-focused world often lacks, and because social media can easily facilitate that connection.
Here are a few more tactics to improve your online experience and tackle internet dependency: • Take short breaks regularly. Get up, stretch, and exercise your eyes. There are plenty of apps out there to remind you to do this and guide your break. • Consider taking a long-term break. You may have noticed more and more online celebrities taking a few weeks or even months away from social media to combat burnout. John Green is taking a whole year off! But if all you can last is a few days or even just one day away from social media, you’ve managed to give your exhausted brain a break from information overload and practiced shaking off internet dependency. • Take up a hobby that doesn’t involve a screen. Learn to cook from old recipe books. Paint or do arts and crafts. Join a sports team. Learn an instrument. Or start gardening, dancing, or hiking. Anything you like! • Catch up with people face-to-face. If you struggle to catch up with friends regularly, join a club or social group that meets at least once a month to keep up the habit. • If you feel like your internet habits are out of your control seek professional help. Therapists can help you make your life your own again. If you feel lonely, stressed or out of touch, therapy is a great tactic that can help improve your life.
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elicits strong emotions from you. Fact-check anything you want to share. Remember, it is important to not trust everything you read, but it is also equally important to not dismiss everything you read. Be sceptical, not cynical. We have to find information from outside of ourselves and our bubbles, because we can’t know everything. Don’t allow people to hijack your consciousness and use you to perpetuate misinformation. Just because it seems likely or fits in with your world views or is presented aesthetically, does not mean it is true. I recommend Crash Course’s video series “Navigating Digital Information” on YouTube for a nuanced and detailed guide on practicing active internet consumption. Empire Times itself is working towards becoming a more reliable source of information, and we plan to list the sources for all of our articles online.
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media can create healthy relationships, allowing people to have long-distance friendships and easily catch up with those otherwise too busy, it is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. The emotional pain of loneliness and exclusion uses the same pathways in our brain as physical pain. It really hurts! So, like when we feel physically threatened, when we feel lonely, we also go on the defensive. How often have you looked to your phone to save you from an awkward encounter? Or chosen a night in online rather than socialising with friends? It’s okay to do these things sometimes, but when we cut ourselves off from our faceto-face ties, it can make our loneliness and dependency on online interactions more intense. On the internet we have the option of anonymity and of starting over with a seemingly endless amount of people, while face-to-face we risk embarrassment or exclusion, but avoiding physical relationships, while feeling better in the moment, is not good for your mental health in the long run.
? s k in r d y t r a p d l o e Tired of the sam lution for you! WE have the so A
Pop, Fizz,
lcohol. Chances are you have come across it. In fact, tertiary students are known for their more than liberal use. The ultimate substance used for carving the most exciting of nights… And painful of mornings. The versatility in drink choice is endless! But in parties, gatherings, and social events alike I see the same painful combinations... Random quantity of spirit meets random quantity of soft drink. That, along with the odd can of beer or cider is what persists to fill the atmosphere. There is nothing wrong with this. It does the job of being our favourite bad decision maker, but to stomach it? It’s certainly an acquired taste…
What can replace such a stock standard elixir? Cocktails! ‘But wait!’ You shout, ‘They’re expensive, elaborate, and require equipment and training.’ Well… Sure, but there are plenty of amazing recipes you can do right at home that are cheap, tasty, and one hundred percent fool proof. Note that 30ml is equivalent to about one-shot glass. This varies depending on size and shape of the glass but that will be roughly one standard drink. Please use this as a guide and not as a way of accurately determining when alcohol has left your system. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Drinking is a fun way to spend the night, but don’t be scared to go out and experiment, try different flavours, and look at cheap ways of elevating your drink. There is always the simple pour and drink it fast enough to not feel the burn, but there is so much more. With a little more work, you can make amazing drinks that really liven up the party and give you a much better appreciation for everyone’s favourite liquid courage. Cheers! And bottoms up!
words by NATHAN GOLDER
Blue Fizz
This is a slightly boozier, and much simpler version of the classic Irish Coffee. It contains the Khalua. This and other coffee liqueurs can range at $25-$40 a bottle but last forever and are great both on their own or with a dash of milk. If you’re not much of a scotch fan you can replace it with Frangelico or Baileys Irish Cream and make a beautiful digestif (dessert drink). • 30ml Khalua (or your choice of coffee liqueur) • 15ml Scotch Whiskey (or most single malts) • Milk • Ice Using a small tumbler or drinking glass, fill to the top with ice, add Khalua and whiskey and stir until well combined and cold. Fill to the top with milk. Add some sugar if you would like to sweeten this drink up a bit.
COINTREAU & DRY
Now I know I said cheap, but if you have some money to burn, and are after something truly amazing, this drink is the one for you. Cointreau is an orange liqueur ranging between $50$60. It’s certainly the most expensive drink here, but I find it to be one of the most underrated drinks ever. If you have that
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Irish Iced Coffee
This is such a classic bar drink and it’s so simple! This isn’t something that needs adapting or changing and perfect for using over those last few shots in your favourite white spirit! • 60mls Your choice of Vodka or Tequila • Orange Juice • Red Cordial • Ice Find the tallest glass possible and add ice (up to preference how much), pour in the vodka/tequila and orange juice 2cm from the top. Pour a dash of red cordial over the top and serve. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry if possible.
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Vodka/Tequila Sunrise
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Got left over Khalua from the last one? The Russian family are for you! It’s a fantastic way of giving yourself that hit and enjoying the smooth subtle taste of Khalua. The Black Russian can be a bit powerful so if you are someone who enjoys coffee but not the strong taste then its little brother the White Russian will be perfect for you. • 15ml Khalua • 30ml Vodka (Smirnoff works best but you can use any vodka) • Ice • Milk (for white Russian) Find a small tumbler drinking glass and add ice. Add the Kalua and vodka and give it a stir, optional add a cherry for garnish. Add 60mls of milk for White Russian or to your own taste.
R E C I P E S
Black/White Russian
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extra moola I highly recommend even just going to a bar and giving it a try. • 30ml Cointreau • Dry Ginger Ale • Ice • Lime garnish Find a small tumbler drinking glass and add ice. Add the Cointreau and dry ginger, garnish with the lime. Simple as that!
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A fun fruity cocktail for a warm summer’s night. Blue Curacao is relatively cheap at $20-$30 for a bottle. Its orange flavour is perfect for making fruity flavours! • 30ml Blue Curacao • 15ml Vodka • Lemonade • Ice Get a glass (any medium-sized drinking glass) and add the ice and vodka, giving it a quick stir. Add lemonade to about 1cm from the top. Pour the blue curacao over the top and enjoy! If you have any lemon or orange lying around cut a slice and gently push it through the ice into the middle of the drink.
CROSSWORD CROSSWORD 2
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DOWN 1.) Ultimate sport 2.) 1996 Danny Boyle film starring Ewan McGregor 6.) “Helianthus” is the scientific name for what plant? 8.) The 6th colour of the rainbow
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ACROSS 3.) Who wrote What we talk about when we talk about love? 4.) 1297, The Battle of Stirling 5.) French Palace 7.) Elementary, my dear... 9.) Daenerys’ children 10.) The Unexpected Virtue of ignorance
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Across COMIC COMIC Who wrote 'What we talk about when we talk about love'? (2 Words) 4 1297, The battle of stirling 5 French palace 7 Elementary, my dear 9 Daenery's children 10 the unexpected virtue of QUIZ ignorance
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Down Ultimate sport 1996 Danny Boyle film starring Ewan McGregor 'Helianthus' is the scientiffic name for what plant? 6th colour of the rainbow
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QUIZ 1.) What year was the battle of Hastings? 2.) Who invented World Series one-day cricket? 3.) Who created DEARTH? 4.) In which city was the first Zambrero store opened? 5.) Which South Australian premier wore pink shorts to parliament to promote acceptance of diversity?
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6.) Who wrote The Good Person of Szechuan? 7.) What is the name of the Australian actor who played James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)? 8.) Who was the first captain of the USS Enterprise? 9.) What is the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet? 10.) Who will lead the new Adelaide Space Agency?
ANSWERS 1.) 1066 // 2.) Kerry Packer // 3.) Richard Tipping // 4.) Canberra // 5.) Don Dunstan // 6.) Bertolt Brecht // 7.) George Lazenby // 8.) Jonathan Archer // 9.) Epsilon // 10.) Dr Megan Clark
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Storm Drain Fishers
Skye’s first memory was of her mother, of their siesta.
They wait until after a storm
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then they go to the drains where the water level has risen. The rain, see? And they go fishing! They fish in the drains in the city under the streets because the fish wander in from the sea when the water level rises.
While studying her mother’s face Skye noticed that she looked different to how she remembered. Like a drawing based on description rather than a photograph.
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Fearfully, their mother asked, ‘Is it?’ ‘Seen better days,’ he replied ‘You know how it is. The doctor was in here this morning and will be back this afternoon’. He tried to search for something else to say that didn’t involve the word palliative. ‘Nate’s going well?’
‘Just rest.’ Jonathan instructed. ‘Shame…’ Their mother closed her eyes and let out a long exhale. She began to nap with her face quiet and unworried. Skye wondered about having a cigarette.
‘He tries. I’ll have him this weekend actually.’
‘Behind here?’ Jonathan leant across their mother’s bed, almost crushing the fragile woman beneath. Hospitals were always so organised and sterile, and Skye wondered what he was looking for.
‘Maybe.’ Next to the bed were various drawings and cards made by Jonathan’s daughters. Skye remembered when Nate used to make things like that. She wished she had kept them.
‘Not surprising.’
‘Darling.’ Their mother was the first to notice Skye in the doorway. She shivered.
Jonathan felt around for some sort of familiarity. ‘How is Nate, really?’
Skye was bitter, and gasped for a damn cigarette. ‘Do you really care?’
‘Fine.’ ‘Is he still playing footy?’
The old woman came alive again, breaking her soft Siesta. ‘Do you know where my comb is?’
‘He doesn’t.’
‘Oh for god’s sake.’ Skye rolled her eyes.
‘That’s a shame… Have you spoken to Tom lately?’
‘I need it… Visitors.’
Jonathan looked up, his framed eyes widening. ‘I didn’t realise you were coming’.
‘Yeah busy.’
‘Why?’ ‘Well, I hardly hear from you.’
‘I am.’ ‘You seem well?’ ‘Yes.’ Skye stepped out of the doorway and came to stand beside her brother and the old woman. ‘I was just looking for her comb,’ he said.
‘I try not to.’ The two of them stood in silence. Despite only having just arrived Skye was already wondering when the polite time to leave was. How long should someone stay before they can be excused and get on with their life?
Skye and Jonathan looked at each other and wondered who their mother was thinking about. ‘Later… I think.’ The old woman closed her eyes. Jonathan sat down, and Skye leant against the wall.
‘Buy her a new one,’ she replied. Their mother asked ‘What comb?’ and the topic was forgotten. The old woman’s hands were white and blue. Veins without skin stretched over brittle bone. She looked ready to break — less human and more melancholy.
The old woman became animated, her eyes widening. ‘We’re playing bingo tonight’. ‘What?’ ‘Bingo, Tuesday evenings, bingo. It’s what we do every week.’
A nurse entered. A pretty girl, perhaps a few years older than Nate, Skye thought. ‘How’re we doing today Mrs Fisher?’ She asked as she tapped the old woman’s shoulder. Jonathan coughed and leaned over, watching every step the nurse made around the bed. The old woman stirred and half opened her eyes.
F I C T I O N
‘I did… I did, right—‘
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‘Work going well?’ Asked Jonathan.
‘You should bring him to see Mum. I brought the girls the other week.’
C R E A T I V E
‘Are you sure you had it?’ He asked the bed-ridden woman.
‘It’s Thursday Mum,’ said Jonathan.
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When Skye came into her mother’s room she could see Jonathan rummaging around next to the heart monitors and drips.
With a brief hesitation Skye asked, ‘How’s she been?’
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kye’s first memory was of her mother. She could remember being three or four years old and lying on a bed next to her on a warm afternoon having what her mother called a siesta. She didn’t know what that word meant as a child and she still wasn’t sure as an adult. But that was in the past.
‘How’re you feeling?’ The nurse asked.
‘Just forget it, it’s ok.’
‘I think… Can you… Help me?’
Skye didn’t mean to say although it slipped out, ‘Do you think I look like Mum?’
The nurses voice tightened, ‘Help you with what?’ Before she finished asking she realised that the old woman had let go of some private dignity, and needed to be relieved. She asked Skye and Jonathan to leave the room for a few minutes while she washed their mother. Skye thought their mother looked like an infant, perhaps like Nate as a baby.
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F I C T I O N
The corridor outside was stifling. The sun came in through large windows and the heat had nowhere to escape. Skye considered leaving for a cigarette until Jonathan asked, ‘What should we talk about now?’ Skye didn’t know.
‘What? Well, maybe a little… Why?’ Skye didn’t answer, she just waited for the nurse to leave. When the siblings returned to the room Skye said, ‘She looks tired’. While studying her mother’s face Skye noticed that she looked different to how she remembered. Like a drawing based on description rather than a photograph. Jonathan asked the first question that meant something to Skye, ‘How long’s it been?’
‘I watched this interesting Netflix documentary the other day. It made me think of you—‘.
‘The three of us? God knows.’
‘I don’t want to hear about your fascinating Netflix documentary,’ Skye snapped.
‘No, she didn’t come, did she.’ Skye looked down at her feet. She noticed a hairbrush under the bed.
Jonathan, despite being younger than his sister, looked older and fatter. He looked down at his belly and held his breath for a moment. ‘The kids are well. So is Amy. Thanks for asking.’
Jonathan said, ‘Bring Nate’.
‘Great.’ She rubbed her forehead and thought she could feel more wrinkles appearing; Skye didn’t want to look like her mother. Thinking about the children’s drawings next to her mother Skye added, ‘Sorry, I should’ve asked.’
‘Not even at…?’
‘No’ she disagreed. ‘It’s shit of me. I’ve been so busy.’
‘Just listen for a second. They wait until after a storm and then they go to the drains where the water level has risen. The rain, see? And they go fishing! They fish in the drains in the city under the streets because the fish wander in from the sea when the water level rises.’ ‘Oh wow, so fascinating…’ ‘Don’t be sarcastic, Skye. One of them was actually explaining that—‘ ‘Why are you telling me this?’ Whatever metaphor Jonathan was trying to impart was lost on Skye. She was tired of him, of being a part of his story. Skye conceded and said, ‘I’ll bring Nate on Saturday.’ Then left for a cigarette. She couldn’t breathe in the hospital room. It was hot outside and she tried to stand in some shade behind a concrete pillar in the smoking area. By her second cigarette, Skye had stopped dwelling on Jonathans bit about the fishermen. By her fourth her mind had drifted towards her mother.
Sky said, ‘No’. There was a long silence after that. Neither of the siblings wanted to look at their mother nor each other. Skye imagined what it would be like to climb up on the bed next to her mother for another siesta. Ignoring the hairbrush beneath. Maybe they could have drifted together to that old memory, before the distance of hurt.
the distance of hurt.
‘It’s fine.’
‘The same one I said I didn’t want to hear about?’
Then Jonathan spoke. ‘So I was watching this Netflix documentary, right, about these men in Miami.’
Skye’s first memory was of her mother, of their siesta. She wondered what her mother’s first memory was. Skye had never bothered to ask. Was it the same as hers perhaps? But before Skye finished her fifth cigarette it would be too late. That story was lost. She didn’t know yet, of course. words by JAMES WATSON
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this is when I reclaim my voice
and growing bolder each day
letting go of past pains
their coats and scarfs and hats and their winter has returned once again
This is when I reclaim my voice, For I am not a coat stand. I am a willow tree, Strong and flexible, But stable and calm. Letting go of past pains, And growing bolder each day.
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I hold their emotions and traumas, Only relevant when the rain and the snow hits, And suffocates my life once again. But no. Not anymore. I refuse. This is a revolution.
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Once they’re gone, I stand there, Waiting, Time passes, Seasons change, And their winter has returned and once again, The coats and the scarfs and the hats are back, Waiting for me to hold the load.
T H E M E
I feel like a coat stand, Everyone hangs up their coats and scarfs and hats, Dumps their unwanted belongings, Uses me for a certain amount of time, Picks up their things, And then, Leaves.
Vive la Révolution
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You Are Reading Kaitlan Sharpe 2019
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Vive la Révolution
Everyone leaves
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PETS OF Laura
old! h years He’s 5is b/ lack Lan’t B a ’s e was ink h We th ross, the vet c Corgi sure... red o is sca ce h w y o shy b g. On He’s a st everythin he’s u o o of alm s to know y r 5 he get f energy... Fo asleep! a ball o before he’s minutes , and lly rubs e b S E V He LO ach e b e th not ody do has a b d n a d e His hea in size, and h n ears a h m c u h mat n with io t a in c fas
Leo
Owner: Jam es Watson Three or fo ur years old Maybe? ?
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She’s from don’t know a shelter so we her breed Energetic, hiding in wacurious, and loves jumping on rdrobes and your lap wh you’re trying en to eat! Cannot sta nd vaccuum cleaners
Coco
Her collar crystals in has Swarovski it, because she’s extra
4 9
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ire Emtip mes
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Empire Times // 46.2
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