Getamungstit O-Week Edition 2019 by Student Guild

THE O -WEEK EDITION

ISSUE 01, VOLUME 05 FEBRUARY 2019 EDITORIAL TEAM Rebecca Marshallsay – Editor in Chief Bren Domingo – Communication Coordinator (Visual) Courtney Kruk – Content Editor Kayla Mclean – Communication Coordinator (Projects) PUBLISHER Jordan Jansen TALENTED CONTRIBUTORS Cover artwork Susanna Chan Editorial Bren Domingo - Jordan Jansen Zak Johnson - Courtney Kruk Hayley Penny - Bec Marshallsay Kayla Mclean - Angel Nikijuluw Creative Jayden Allen - Ethel Beckett Jackie Bennett - Divya Dayal - Kai Gillespie Aidan Gorman - Gene Huang Nathan Isaac - Evan Jurd - Kate Little Brett Moller - Al Socorro - Jeff Strachan DESIGN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Email us at getamungstit@griffith.edu.au

Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild acknowledges the people who are the traditional custodians of the land, pays respects to Elders, past and present, and extends that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

DISCLAIMER

SUBMISSIONS Are you a budding student journalist, photographer or have a random idea that could be a great story? Getamungstit accepts art, photo and story submissions for consideration however there is no guarantee your work will be published.

The opinions expressed in this publication may not reflect those of the Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild. The information contained within this edition of Getamungstit was correct at the time of printing but could be subject to change. If any article, document and/ or publication is inaccessible and you require copies and/or more information, contact the Student Guild where staff will ensure your requests and needs are met.

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04 Contents

26 36 44

Editorial note

Message from the President

Geta giveaways

Geta Writers’ Award

2019 infographic

Cluelessly persistent

Back to school

Uni etiquette

From wardrobe to waste

2019 horoscopes

A beginner’s guide to making friends: first year edition

Friday nights on film

Vox pop

What’s on

Online 38 Entertainment 40 Being creative

Get the hell outta here

60 1

EDITORIAL NOTE

Hello and welcome to 2019! 2019 is a big year for Getamungstit – this is the fifth year in our revamped format. That’s right we are turning five this year and like most five year olds, we are hoping to expand our horizons. We are putting aside afternoon naps, heading to school and looking forward to losing our baby teeth. We are also keen to make a heap of new friends (we haven’t settled on a bestie yet), and that’s where you come in. Getamungstit is the Gold Coast campus student mag and we are committed to providing you the best quality magazine possible with a mix of fluffy entertainment, informative content relevant to your life, and some in depth features to get you thinking. But to do this, we need to keep making new friends. So if you are interested in any aspect of magazine production from writing, design, or editing, to marketing, recruitment or people wrangling then make sure you drop us a line.

If you’re not familiar with the mag, then you are in for a treat. We deliver six print editions every year and have a developing online presence to keep you entertained between editions. The mag regularly features giveaways, writing competitions, and creative work from students. We have a regular ‘Get the Hell Outta Here’ section to keep you up to date on all the best free and low cost things to do around the Gold Coast, and a Vox Pop where we head out on campus to get your thoughts on life changing issues such as ‘Vegemite or peanut butter?’ Best of all, the magazine is completely free, so make sure you keep an eye out on campus so that you never miss an edition. It’s great to be back for another year. All the best for Trimester 1, and happy reading! The Editorial Team Getamungstit

First years, final years, postgrad, straight out of school, funny, serious, five kids, 10th degree, part-time, law, business, arts, science… we will be friends with anyone.

Editorial note

ITE R W US! R FO

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Hey guys! Welcome to 2019, and for those of you who are just beginning your journey, welcome to Griffith University! For those of you returning, welcome back, we missed you, we love you, and we are still here for you. You’re another year closer to graduating!! My name is Jordan, and I have the pleasure of being your Student Guild President. Some of you may know me as the guy in the blue shirt on the screens around campus talking about our tutoring app, Vygo, or you might have seen me running around campus during O-Week. I’m really excited to be the student-elected voice for the year, and to continue working closely alongside your other nine board members to provide you guys with fun events, success, and support.

2019 - new year new me, right? What better way to throw yourself into the social circle than to attend some of the awesome parties and events we have planned for you during O-Week, like our Beach Party at the Uni Bar on 22 February, or join like-minded peers in a social club on Sign-on Day! Throwing parties isn’t just what your Guild does though, we’re also here for you in terms of student support, and provide a range of services to cater for almost every need. You can find out more about these on our website, or drop by our offices at G07. I can’t wait to get to know you all throughout the year, and if you’re interested in getting involved with your campus or want to share any ideas with us, feel free to shoot me an email, or drop in and say hey! Good luck for this trimester, and don’t forget to treat yourself to some time off and join us at some of our events. Happy studying! Jordan Jansen (blue shirt kid) Student Guild President

This is your chance to tell us what you love, what you want to see more of or suggest new ideas. Maybe there is an issue you think we should be covering or you want to weigh in on the best coffee debate... whatever you need to get off your chest, we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us and stay up to date! - facebook.com/Getamungstit - facebook.com/groups/getamungstit.contributors/ - getamungstit@griffith.ed.au - gugcstudentguild.com.au/getamungstit

GETA GIVEAWAYS Because who doesn’t love free stuff? Each edition we’ll have loads of goodies up for grabs for our wonderful Geta readers. All you need to do is follow gugcstudentguild on Instagram and email us at getamungstit@griffith. edu.au with your name, email, mobile, Instagram name, the prize you’d like to win and ‘Give me Geta goodies’ as your subject line. WIN ME

HatsOnline Australia @hatsonlineaustralia Australia’s BEST promotional products expert. Win 1 of 3 Original Flexfit Caps

Uni Fitness

*GC Laughs Festival

Merch pack – unisex muscle tee, t-shirt, hoodie, protein shaker, water bottle and gym towel RRP: $100.00

2 x double passes to GC Laughs Festival! GC Laughs Festival is coming to HOTA 17 – 24 March for the very first annual comedy festival at the Home of the Arts. Winners can choose to see Daniel Sloss, Fern Brady, Frenchy or Becky Lucas, just four of the stupidly funny acts performing at this year’s GC Laughs.

Gugcstudentguild.com/ uni-fitness

T&Cs: The double pass will admit two adults. Complimentary passes are non-transferable. Ticketswill be collected at the HOTA box office on the day of the performance. Tickets are not redeemable for cash, exchangeable, transferable or saleable. GC Laughs Festival’s ticketing terms & conditions apply. *Closing date 10 March

Geta giveaways

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for

Village CafĂŠ LUNCH BREAK FOR 2 Choose any iced drink + any meal from the main menu or the burger menu at Village Cafe. This prize is only valid to Griffith University Gold Coast students. One drink and one meal per student. Village Cafe, Griffith University Village opposite G55 multistory car park 2.

The Uni Store

4 x bottles of lollies of your choice. Fill your bottle up with a huge variety of lollies from the Uni Store.

RRP: $120.00

Subway Party! FREE 1 x sub platter + 1 x cookie platter 24 hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; notice required. Valid until 31/06/19. Only valid at Subway Parkwood drive-thru.

CREATIVE CONCEPTS | GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY | ILLUSTRATION IMAGE RETOUCHING | PRINT & WEB SOCIAL MEDIA | BRANDING Liveworm Gold Coast is staffed with a collection of skilled multidisciplinary design students, guided by a highly experienced team of industry professionals. The studio is also a creative incubator for student industry concepts, supporting the local business and cultural community. The studio opened its doors in 2008 after being converted from a grungy fine art and sculpture workshop into a creative studio and incubator space — under the wing of the 130 year old Queensland College of Art.

Liveworm Gold Coast designers are the future experts of their field. They know what’s current, enjoy predicting future trends and utilising classic design strategies. In the midst of a new studio image and direction— Liveworm Gold Coast is working towards a stronger position within the evolving creative Gold Coast culture. The team of students and staff embrace the changes that are occurring locally and globally and enjoy creating design outcomes that reflect this unique approach.

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. Mark Twain

GETAMUNGSTIT WRITERS’ AWARD

Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else. Tom Stoppard

Do you have something to say about the new year, education or opportunities? Do you think we missed a great article opportunity on this theme? This is your chance to have your ideas published. You are invited to submit articles or creative writing on the current edition theme for your chance to win and be published. Submissions must be the writer’s original work and must not have beenpublished elsewhere.

And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been. Rainer Maria Rilke

Theme: Education, university, new beginnings, opportunity Closes: 11.59 pm 24 March, 2019 Prize: Publication in the subsequent issue of Getamungstit magazine + $50 Campus Cash.

Win! $50 Campus Cash + your article published in a future edition.

You can never be overdressed or overeducated. Oscar Wilde

Conditions Entries are open to current Griffith University Gold Coast students - student number must be provided with entry. Entries must be under 1000 words and must be submitted by email with the heading ‘Geta Writers’ Award’ to getamungstit@griffith.edu.au by the closing date. Entrants grant Getamungstit non-exclusive rights to publish the work in Getamungstit (in print and/or online).The winning entry/entries will be selected by the Geta editorial team and/or appointees based on quality of writing and fit with the magazine. If there are insufficient entries or the team cannot determine a winner, the editorial team may decide not to award a prize. All decisions are final, no correspondence will be entered into.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Thomas Edison

7 2

2019

Geta has stuck its ear firmly to the ground, raided the interweb and plunged headfirst into the rumour mill to find the facts, anniversaries and predictions set to shape 2019.

The Rugby Union World Cup will be held in Japan from September to November.

If you were living under a rock (or a shell), January was a record breaking month for Instagram with an egg beating Kylie Jenner’s record for a post with the most likes. At print, the egg had 46,092,561 likes and 7.1 million followers.

Netflix has been working with Synamedia to develop a system that can track user behaviour to uncover password sharing. You might need to factor an extra $10 a month into the budget.

The Gold Coast campus has pledged to ‘stop sucking’ in 2019, banning plastic straws at all outlets. Don’t forget to pack the reusable straw from your O-Week bag.

30 YEARS 9th November marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The wall separated the German capital for 28 years.

2019 infographic

Game of Thrones will release its eighth and final season in April.

After 10 years of campaigning to end the ‘Tampon Tax’, the 10% Goods and Services Tax has been removed and sanitary products recognised as a staple item from 1 January this year.

Do you feel the need for speed? Many network providers are set to roll out 5G phones over the coming months. Apple users will have to wait, with the company holding off until 2020 to implement 5G.

Under the Chinese Zodiac, 2019 is the Year of the Pig and the prevailing element is Earth.

It has been 10 years since pop-culture favourites, Avatar and The Hangover were released, while 2019 marks 20 years for iconic films The Matrix and The Sixth Sense.

It is 500 years since painter and widely recognised ‘Universal Genius’, Leonardo Da Vinci, passed away at the age of 67.

Euthanasia will become legally available in Victoria from the middle of the year.

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PRESENTS

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Cluelessly persistent Hayley Penny I watched a new Stan TV series during the break, American Woman. Alicia Silverstone plays a single mother finding her independence after leaving her husband. I just can’t see her as anyone other than Cher Horowitz. She still looks (and sounds) like the 16-year-old blonde bombshell that every 90’s boy I’ve ever known had a major boner for. The nostalgia saw me day-dreaming about side swiping parked cars, not stopping, and asking ‘oooooh, should I write them a note?’ I caught myself forming a W with my thumbs and forefingers when I heard someone say ‘Whatever!’ I even had a crazy (sweaty) dream about Paul Rudd. I was so devo when I woke up. Does anyone know who, or what I am talking about? Remember the movie Clueless? Anyone? No? I just googled it.

Oh wow, it came out in 1995. Gah, I am so old right now! This is generally how my conversational faux pas go at uni. I make outdated puns and chuckle away to a few squinty, confused eyes. It’s all good though, I shift my embarrassment by reciting one liners from even more obscure nineties movies like, Empire Records or Mallrats (‘that kid is BACK on the escalator!’). Then I sit down and shut up. Bad jokes aside, the point is, enrolling in university two years ago, at the age of 37, has been the highlight of my decade, albeit incredibly terrifying. I’ve never studied before. I did try once, twenty years ago, fresh out of high school (I now creepily enjoy saying my student number out loud because it starts with a 1). Sadly, I am the type of person to sabotage any new skill or project I attempt, if I’m not immediately perfect at it. Cluelessly persistent

That whole fear of failure thing taps at my psyche and has done since I was a teenager, so I dropped out at Week 4. This time around, I love it, although it is not without its struggles. After enduring a tumultuous and damaging separation, transitioning from a stay-at-home-mum and housewife, into a full-time working single parent, was harrowing. It turns out my pre-baby qualifications are now null and void for anything other than minimum wage. I made the decision to study after being fired from job number three; for arriving fifteen minutes late. My tardiness was due to a physically ill, frantic little boy whom I forced to go to school so I wouldn’t miss work. I was in complete shock when my boss had to ‘let me go’. I should have rattled off a witty monologue that metaphorically slapped her upside the head,

resulting in a change of her perspective. But this is real life, not a rom-com. Instead, I cried in my car for twenty minutes, collected my son from school, squeezed him until he muffled that he couldn’t breathe, and internally vowed to always make him and his sister my first and foremost priority. On reflection, I’m grateful she was empathetically challenged, it led me to Griffith, to seek a purpose, rather than a job. My two beautiful little people are amazing, and yes, they always come first. I not only do everything, I also THINK for them; twentyfour-seven, three-sixty-five. The demands are never ending. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a mum, but my gawd it’s draining. Amongst all of the cooking, cleaning, repetition (which is actually the worst part – hearing yourself ask the same things over and over again, because they won’t listen, is going to send me into early dementia), providing a taxi service for playdates and sports; finding the time to study uninterrupted, is so hard it’s almost comical. I swear they have a sixth sense when I am close to deadlines.

I wonder if there are mature age students here that juggle studying, kids, a job, and glide through it, with little to no stress?

They miraculously forget how to brush their own teeth and tie shoelaces, they decide the boogey man is real after all and must sleep in my bed, they manage to get nits, or catch chicken pox! Not only do I miss lectures and tutorials because of work commitments, car breakdowns or other responsibilities, pickups from the school sickbay, sprained ankles from footy, and teary ‘Mummy pleeeeeease don’t leave me, I need you today’ meltdowns, are added to my list. I wonder if there are mature age students here that 13

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juggle studying, kids, a job, and glide through it, with little to no stress? If you’re reading this, please be my mentor... or perhaps my drinking buddy? For me, studying as a single mum, is the most exhausting thing I have ever done. Both emotionally, and financially. In two years, I have achieved only 60 credits. That is a difficult admission for me to make. Most students gain that within 6 months, and by now, I should have 160. I’ve wanted to bail out a few times, but where would that leave me? Quitting is not an option, I’ve promised myself, and I’ve promised my children. My degree may take 5 or 6 years to complete (okay, 25-26 years if we count when I first started), but I will graduate. Because I do love it. The endless opportunities, support avenues, friendships made, and personal growth make the struggles worthwhile. I also hope it shows my babies that with determination and perseverance, it is never too late to chase your dreams and re- invent yourself. Even if you have to jump a few hurdles more than once to eventually clear them.

BACK TO SCHOOL Courtney Kruk

It’s just after 8.30 pm on a midDecember night in 2016. Four other bodies inhabit the lounge room while I sit alone at the dining table. I’m on QTAC, blindly scrolling through a degree list and writing down courses I vaguely hope will equate to a career I might be good at. Hang on - might like. In some cerebral place, I’m simultaneously reliving a half hour session with a careers counsellor at the age of sixteen. That other time I put in a QTAC application… nearly ten years ago. A time in my life when I had a dedicated nap schedule during and after school, and worried more about my plans to break free of Brisbane then what OP I might get. My attention refocuses to the list of preferences in front of me. A spectrum that ranges from genuine talents and interests, to obnoxious dreams that require science and mathematical skills I know all too well are non-existent. The QTAC page asks for payment for the application. I enter my credit card details. Send. Am I going to do this? Go back to university and actually finish a degree? When I look back at the two times in my life I have applied for

university, one two years ago, the other nearly ten, I feel sorry for myself. I feel sorry for the girl I see fretting over her future, not knowing what to do. Part of the problem has always been that I never really knew what I wanted to ‘be’. Other than maybe a fully functioning member of the human race (something I’m still aspiring towards). When I first enrolled into the bigger big school post-high school, I knew I was taking a stab in the dark. With a blunt knife. I spent that first year at university lost, in both the metaphorical and literal sense. I was spread at two campuses, studying courses out of my depth, and spent such a shameful amount of time trying to find the buildings I was supposed to be in. And halfway through that year, I realised what I really wanted wasn’t that degree. It was to move away and see a bit more of the world. So, I dropped out and did that. I had some great years and some tough years doing that. I continued to stab (with the blunt knife) at jobs I didn’t feel passionate about with no long-term progression, before realising I felt a bit unhappy with it all and wanted something more. And that’s how I found myself going back to school at 24.

Back to school

Since being back at university, I’ve realised that I am at the right time to learn and apply myself again, two key things missing from my first experience. I found a great course that I enjoy doing, and a glimmer of hope that one day, I will like what I do for work. I shed some of that heavy fear that hung around when I first entered the university world and discovered a newfound confidence in my own capabilities. I also found apps, apps with maps that prevent you from spending hours lost on campus (download Griffith Map right now if you haven’t already). And I found in Griffith a welcoming and inclusive community, one that I really wanted to be part of. It has been definitively more positive than my first experience to say the least. But that’s not to say it hasn’t been challenging, or that you won’t face a myriad of challenges whatever stage of university you find yourself at this year. There have been countless times I’ve thought about quitting (again), cried, slept instead of studied, binge ate or whinged incessantly to whoever will listen. University is stressful, perhaps inherently. But you get through it, and if you need reminding of a few ways how, we’ve listed a couple below:

Be kind to yourself, you will need it. You will need to give yourself a break sometimes and cut yourself some slack. Lay in bed all day watching Netflix or go out for drinks with your friends if it’s beneficial to your mental health, regardless of your timetable. Surround yourself with supportive and understanding people, especially when the stress hits the fan. Whether that is friends, your partner, family or co-workers, it is essential to have someone to rub your shoulders, cover a shift or simply pop round with a block of chocolate at critical points throughout the trimester (thank you to my housemates who have had to do all of the above at various times). Reach out if things get too much. Griffith have a dedicated counselling team on campus you can book in to see, or maybe you need to speak to a tutor about a task that is giving you insomnia. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. There are also library study and peer-assisted learning sessions too, go along if you need that extra bit of guidance.

YOU CAN DO IT. Sometimes, when I’m slumped over a table with my head in my hands, a nice little foreign voice pops up in my brain and calmly whispers ‘Stop stressing. Just get it done. You can do it’. Sometimes, I respond to that voice with my own colourful language. Other times, I listen and take its advice. It’s just after 5.30 pm on an early January summer evening, 2019. I’m at a friend’s place in Byron Bay for the night, staring out into the national park on the fringe of her backyard. In a little under two months, I’ll be back at university to finish the final two trimesters of my degree. Then...who knows. But for now, I’m satisfied with the thought that I haven’t quit yet, and I might just get to throw that pointy black hat skyward with a smile on my face at the end of the year.

Keep on top of things. I’ve found beauty in the bedroom décor of a wall calendar, a big paper one dedicated to key dates. It helps to be organised and to at least try and avoid hyperventilating the night before a major piece of assessment is due. It’s also a nice little way to count down to those brief moments of just regular ventilating, where we breathe in healthy gulps of fresh air at the end of each trimester. Balance. Find the balance that works for you. Between study, attending your classes, working and actually enjoying your life. Of course, a fourth-year medical student might be rolling their eyes at me right now, but there’s no harm in suggesting it, right? Tell yourself you can do it. I feel like I’m about to do a speaking tour for a self-motivation book I’ve just written, but honestly sometimes you just need to tell yourself

Uni etiquette Kayla McLean

Starting university can be stressful and exciting all at once. Whether you are a new student starting the next chapter of your life or you are a continuing student coming back after summer break, it can be difficult navigating university life and situations where you don’t know how to conquer it in the appropriate way. To help you make this year a blast and breeze here are some etiquette tips to follow so you don’t get caught becoming an accidental jerk.

Email your tutor when you’re absent We get it, everyone has commitments and sometimes circumstances beyond your control happen meaning you can’t make it to your classes. If you can’t make it just send a brief email to your tutor notifying them of your absence. This way they know that you respect them and value the lessons they are trying to teach. This also helps if something important is happening they can keep you up to date so you don’t fall behind.

Be patient Everyone is trying to get to class at the same time or trying to get off the tram and we all want to get there as quick as we can but please don’t be pushy. There’s nothing worse than being bowled over by someone who couldn’t say excuse me or wait five seconds. Patience is a virtue friends, use it.

Pull your own weight in group assignments For those of you who have struggled through group assignments you know there is nothing worse than when someone doesn’t pull their weight. For some reason university loves group work so most likely you will have a group project at least once. If this happens, please pull your weight in assessment - communicate with the group and don’t leave things till the last minute. Some other honourable mentions include: don’t show up late, use your manners, allow discussion in your classes, use your quiet library-voice, and smile. With these tips hopefully your 2019 university journey is a little easier to navigate and you can keep your karma points.

Uni etiquette

E E R F NAR

SEMI

HOW TO BE A

ProductivitY

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From wardrobe to waste Courtney Kruk When I mentally replay the highlight reel of the year that was 2018, a mass of trends, memes and hot topics flutter by. In between stills of Peter Duttonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expressionless face and twelve Thai boys crawling from a cave, one thing stands out above all else: SINGLE-USE PLASTIC.

From wardrobe to waste

...clothing waste is a huge problem, and the fashion industry should be the next big environmental issue to hit...

Plastic waste really trended in twenty-eighteen, permeating every news feed, supermarket and dinner conversation it could. And it wasn’t just a topic reserved for the particularly environmentally conscious; all facets of society rightfully rallied around the demonising of plastic waste. But, as is the case with any extreme devotion to loathing only one thing, other equally loath-able things can be overlooked. It got me thinking, surely plastic isn’t the one and only Prince of the Dark Waste World we should be focusing on? What about the clothes we wear, the shirt on your back, the new party dress purchased for those bi-weekly events? I’d heard rumours of a secret fashion waste empire, and decided to do some investigating. What my closer inspection revealed, beyond simple fabric properties, was that clothing waste is a huge problem, and the fashion industry should be the next big environmental issue to hit the proverbial trending fan. Ok, so the detriments of fashion production may not be news for you. But consider this. If queried about what the second biggest global pollutant might be, would you point to the clothing industry? For most consumers, being asked anything about the manufacturing 19

process of the clothes they wear, or what might happen to them once they no longer fulfil their personal purpose, might be hard to answer. Perhaps you donate your unwanted clothes to charity, your favourite op-shop down the road. Or perhaps you throw them in the bin. According to research conducted by YouGov Omnibus in October 2017, three-quarters of Australians surveyed (75%) admitted to throwing away clothes that year. In fact, one in three disclosed they had chucked more than ten items in the trash. The CEO of The National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations, Omer Soker, says this research is reflected in the current national statistics for textile and clothing waste. ‘Six tonnes of textiles are dumped every 10 minutes in Australia. Estimates then suggest that three million tonnes of textiles are dumped every year in Australia. In terms of op-shops, we know that charities send about 60,000 tonnes of waste to landfill – not all of that is textiles, but a fair amount is’. When I spoke to Omer Soker late last year, he confirmed that textile waste is a massive problem facing Australia, and charities spend millions of dollars trying to alleviate it each year.

If we are to really combat textile waste, we need to help individuals better understand the impacts...

‘It’s a phenomenal problem. The message from charities to consumers is always thank you – we rely on their goodwill. But there’s also a message that if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t give it to charity, because chances are it can’t be used. Once charities start getting more and more stuff they can’t use, it’s money away from social welfare programs’. I felt blindsided by this revelation, as, like many Australians when disposing of unwanted clothes, donating to charity organisations is my go-to. But I’d never spared much thought to the quality of what I donated, whether it was actually viable for resale or I just wanted to get it out of my wardrobe, regardless of its condition. Soker shared that this has become an increasing issue for charities, as the quantity of clothing has risen, with a distinct lack of quality. So why exactly are we buying, (and getting rid of), more clothes than before? YouGov point the finger at fast fashion, stating ‘the advent of more affordable fashion means that consumers are shopping more than ever before’. And it rings true. Gone are the days of awaiting a new line of clothing every few months as the seasons change. Thanks to fast fashion, we now see cheap items of clothing hit

From wardrobe to waste

retailers every few weeks, from the catwalk to the clothes rack, at an exceptional speed. This encourages a culture of constant consumption, whereby attitudes of mending or rewearing garments frequently, are overlooked due to the constant availability of cheap, new clothes. But hang on, let’s not get too hard on ourselves. Do we know any better? As Griffith Urban and Environmental Planning undergraduate Kate Manahan, who also holds a degree in Fashion Design, says, we’ve grown up in fast fashion, so we don’t know any different. ‘If we are to really combat textile waste, we need to help individuals better understand the impacts of things like fast fashion, and why we need more sustainable clothing options. Then the next step would be for these companies who are actually producing garments to be able to incentivise and advertise more sustainable products and become more sustainable in themselves. Once businesses have the initiative of being sustainable, they will want their consumers to be the same’. This is precisely what is happening with single-use plastic. As soon as we, the consumers, became aware of the impact of our consumption,

we wanted to change (see what I can only imagine has been a ginormous spike in revenue for metal straw and insulated water bottle companies). Couldn’t we apply the same theory to this issue of fast fashion and clothing waste? If we understood the cycle of fast fashion, why it is available to us so quickly and cheaply, and then where it ends up, dumped into landfill with properties that don’t break down, wouldn’t we start to search for alternatives? Wouldn’t we be forced to question our own contribution to the problem? I wish I could say the answer to that is emphatically YES!!! But problems in the clothing industry are a little bit like the sun, people don’t tend to look directly at them. We like to avoid the glare of the issue, because hell, what student doesn’t want to grab a shirt for under ten bucks from H&M. We can want to be more sustainable, buy better made clothes that last longer or use recycled materials, but the industry need to be at the forefront of making changes. This resonates for fashion sustainability expert and founder of the first ever Australian Circular Fashion Conference, Camille Reed, who says it’s about everyone coming together and making changes. ‘I’m trying to join the dots

between industry and consumer, because it’s not just one person. The industry need to do this themselves, but the consumer also needs to support the industry’. This is one of the core reasons Reed set up the Fashion Conference, to support industries who want to take action now and start making changes for a future that embraces sustainable fashion. It’s also about transitioning from the current ‘linear’ model (take, manufacture, make, distribute, waste) and switching to more sustainable ‘circular’ or ‘closed-loop’ models. Here, companies would reevaluate their designs and the materials used, and look at ways to recycle, rather than just waste, unwanted items of clothing. This would inevitably benefit charities and op-shops, who at this point, are the ones predominantly dealing with the exorbitant amounts of unwanted clothing and waste. As was the case with single-use plastic, education (and quite a lot of imagery in the form of viral Facebook posts) went a long way to convincing people that changes were needed to be made. And educating yourself on the clothing industry, fast fashion and textile waste, is a great place to start. Of course, one solution would be to demand that everyone stop buying clothes altogether…but that’s not

really a rational request. So instead, how about looking out for more sustainable options when you do. Think companies that are starting to make clothing out of recycled properties or more environmentally friendly materials, like Patagonia and Afends hemp wear. If you aren’t already a dedicated op-shopper, give it a go. Not only are you saving clothing from landfill, you will also be supporting great charities in the process. Swap and share with friends. Instead of feeling like you have to buy something for your next event, why not borrow from a friend instead? Or if you are sick of your clothes, but secretly envying your companions’ collection, make a night of it and have a clothing swap party. These are just a few simple suggestions to get the ball rolling and put fashion waste on the trending radar. Don’t get me wrong, I love that hating plastic is trendy, but you can’t claim superiority over the waste world just by having a keep cup. Explore all the facets of your life where you might contribute to waste, boots and all.

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2019 HOROSCOPES Bec Marshallsay

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

2019 will be a challenging year for Aries in the digital sphere. You will be inundated with friends checking into hospital without explaining why, aunties posting passive aggressive image-free posts asking you to read to the end or demanding a hug, and you will be overwhelmed by challenges asking you to post a selfie to find out what type of tomato you most resemble. In the first case it is best to refuse to ask about said friend’s malady, even if they come home in a full body cast (if you’re well enough to check in, you’re well enough to spill the deets). Secondly, just accept that you are firmly on Aunt Sandra’s ‘I bet I know who won’t’ list’, and for the tomato? Here’s hoping for ‘Green Zebra’.

Your insistence on only referring to yourself in the third person will lose its charm this year and you will need to develop a new affectation to make yourself stand out from the crowd. You may like to consider a rigid adherence to the authentic pronunciation of foreign words regardless of how normalised they are within the English language (have a practice with bruschetta, vodka or café). Alternatively you could take a page from Uncle Mike’s book and make the old mouth to mouth kiss your standard way of greeting everyone.

The first half of the year has a lot of hidden threats for Geminis, to counter these it would be wise to limit your use of words with the letter ‘e’ in them and to consider burning sage whenever you enter a new room. If you make it past June without encountering major disaster then the second half of the year looks to be smooth sailing. That is unless the major disaster that befalls you is being press ganged by pirates, in which case you can expect rough seas as you approach Tortuga and to develop a parrot allergy.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Librans… it is your year of luurrvvve. If you are single you can expect greater returns on time invested in Tinder and Grindr, including a much higher quotient of hook ups with people who actually vaguely resemble their profile pic. Coupled up Librans can look forward to connecting with their partner at a more spiritual level. This may include increased couple powers such as the ability to telepathically detect when your significant other is craving Vegemite. Be warned that your romantic fortune may shift if you use the word ‘bae’ or the hashtag #instacouple.

2019 is a year of discovery for Scorpians. Not only will you finally work out how to search for peer-reviewed articles in the Library catalogue, you will find your culinary tastes evolving. You might find an all consuming hate for mushrooms replaced with a begrudging tolerance (provided they are finely chopped). Money will continue to evade you in 2019 but you will find spiritual comfort and success when you seek damages from Australian avocado farmers (you will have less success with your suit against toast farmers).

For reasons in no way connected to the fact that the author is a Sagittarius, 2019 is going to be a stellar year for all the archers out there. Start the year right by making sure that all your friends are aware that a Sagittarius is not a ‘weird goat type thing’ (hey there, Capricorns) but a kick-ass centaur with a bow and arrow who is also super into fire. HDs, lottery wins, and finally discovering the source of that persistent ant infestation in the kitchen are all coming your way.

2019 horoscopes

CANCER As a Cancerian you are intuitive, emotionally intelligent and ironically more likely to suffer from an intolerance to shellfish. This is the year to reflect on your social circle and consider whether your friends are bringing the best energy possible to your life. Wealth wise your income is likely to be the average of your five closest friends so this might be the year to drop a DM to Gina Rinehart or reach out to Clive Palmer for a coffee catch up.

LEO This is a year to make some changes to the way you approach the universe. It’s time to ditch actual work and untrendy time-proven methods like SMART goals to get what you want, and replace them with a vocabulary that is heavily laden with words like abundance and gratitude. If there’s an opportunity to join a girl-boss gang of any sort you should definitely put down your wellness shake, chuck on a flower crown and grab it with both hands.

VIRGO You are fastidious by nature and your pedantic tendencies are likely to hit their peak as Saturn once again continues to journey around the sun in accordance with the dictates of physics. For those of you in share housing, 2019 is a great opportunity to take your Virgo-ness to new heights… label your food with abandon, establish a ‘last cleaned by’ timesheet to hang on your bathroom wall, and implement a pro rata payment system for your internet based on hours logged on Netflix. This renewed commitment to cleanliness and order at all costs will make you beloved by all.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PIscES

With Venus doing the same thing it always does, 2019 is the time for you to embrace JOMO (the joy of missing out). Nurture your inner couch potato, say no to Tuesday night tequila, and refuse to believe Katie when she says that trekking up to Brisbane for a pub crawl and coming home on the drunk train was ‘the best night ever’. Lean into the JOMO and the universe will reward you financially, academically and with improved liver function (unless you take a bottle of vino to the couch… which is not a terrible idea).

Your lifelong dream of owning 7/8th replica of Apollo 13 is most likely to be realised in April. Other significant months for you this year include May when it is likely that your parents will ask you to move out due to unspecified damaged to the back garden, followed by June when you may experience a period of homelessness due to the shortage of rental properties able to accommodate a 97 metre tall model spaceship.

Fishy friends, this is the year to channel your inner Nemo and set out on an adventure. If surfing the EAC is not your thing then you can find many different ways of harnessing the power of new experiences to help you commune with the universe. Why not take up nude beekeeping or extreme paper clip collecting? Whatever you decide, 2019 is your year to take things to the next level and to leave all of your friends gasping ‘Woah. He touched the butt’.

A beginner’s guide to making friends: first year edition Angel Nikijuluw

University is daunting. I remember in the weeks leading up to O-Week in my first year, I wasn’t nervous about my classes, the content, or getting lost on campus – my biggest fear was having to make friends.

Throughout my time here at Griffith, I’ve met some people who have become my best friends – and I’ve even had the chance to travel with a massive group of my friends for short-term exchange in South Korea this past December and January. Now that I’m in my fifth (and hopefully final) year of university, I am here to give you some advice and instil some confidence into you nervous lil’ first years.

Don’t be afraid to sit next to people in your classes. In your first classes, you’ll find yourself having to find the few empty seats so you can all squeeze into the room. This is the prime time to make friends and make connections! If you’re forced to sit next to each other, you’ll find that you always have a friend when the class eventually thins out to half a dozen students every week (sad, but that’s the reality of full adult responsibility and selfdirected education). A beginner’s guide to making friends: first year edition

Further, invite people to sit next to you in class. If you see someone walk into the class struggling to decide on where to sit, make some body or facial gestures to indicate that the seat next to you is free and they are welcome to sit next to you. If they see a friendly face around in the lecture or class, they will feel less anxious, and you’ll probably feel the same. Win-win.

Treat group assignments as new opportunities to make new friends. We’ve all had or known someone who has had a group assignment experience from hell. However, chances are you probably haven’t (yet), so you should open your heart and mind to the endless friend opportunities that may come from group assignments. Who knows, you may end up meeting your next travel buddy, or someone who likes the same music as you!

Learn to discuss the content with the people next to you in class. Lecturers and tutors are infamous for forcing discussion amongst the class. This is the best way to make casual conversation. After you have finished discussing the content in class, you can ask them simple questions about them, what they study, and their hobbies. I don’t want to tell you it’s that easy but… it really IS that easy.

Join at least one cultural or sporting club. We have many cultural and sporting clubs on campus who are always ready to take in new members with open arms. If you’re on campus during O-Week and first week, I would highly recommend you check out the club stalls, and talk to the members who are representing the club. It’s the best way to gauge whether or not you’ll fit into their culture, and it might even help you discover a new hobby or interest.

Don’t be afraid to ask, ‘what are you doing after this?’

Throughout my time here at Griffith, I’ve met some people who have become my best friends Be open to invitations by other friends or classmates to social or networking events. Don’t be a stranger and accept invitations to parties, events, and social gatherings. Even if you’re there for only an hour or two, those couple of hours could open you up to new friendship opportunities or connections. Also, just say yes, even if you don’t end up going – it shows that you will always be keen for the next event.

If you’ve made a new friend in class, don’t be afraid to ask if they’re free to stick around for coffee or lunch. Even if they decline, you can always tell them you’ll see them in class next week, and gradually work from there.I know that it can be hard to put yourself out there sometimes – but now that I’ve given you some tips, exercise them in all aspects of your life. Take small steps in meeting new people, and don’t be afraid to talk in class. You’ll be surprised about how receptive people at university can be, and it’s mostly because they feel just as nervous as you are. Now you can be nervous together.

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FRIDAY NIGHTS ON FILM Coming back to uni after a long break can really drain your batteries, so sometimes you just want to switch what’s left of your brain off and absorb some mindless entertainment. That isn’t to say that any of the films on this list are mindless (well, not all of them anyway), but they’re certainly appropriate for when you’re in that headspace. These are perfect for unwinding at the end of the week when you want to unwind with a ‘Friday night’ movie.

Zak Johnson

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) Functioning as a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things converts the setting to an American high school. When recently-enrolled student Cameron (played by a babyfaced Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls for popular girl Bianca, he recruits Heath Ledger’s rebellious Patrick to woo Kate (Julia Stiles), Bianca’s cynical sister, in order to bypass their father’s strict dating policy. A (suprisingly still) stylish soundtrack, unconventionally intelligent screenplay as well as committed performances from its now legendary leads help make 10 Things a standout 90s teen comedy.

Scream (1996)

Airplane! (1980)

Commando (1985)

While also working as an effective horror film in its own right, Scream is equally successful in how it dissects and plays with the tropes of the genre that have become all too familiar and repetitive. High schooler Sidney and her friends are targeted by a masked killer named Ghostface who uses his victims’ knowledge (or lack thereof) of horror movie clichés against them. Scream’s other commendable features include its pitch-black sense of humour and an impressive supporting cast including Friend’s Courtney Cox.

‘I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley’. Before the parody subgenre’s name was forever tarnished by the likes of Scary Movie 5, Epic Movie and Meet the Spartans, Airplane! (or Flying High!, as it is alternatively called) broke ground by mocking the disaster genre as well as other aspects of popular culture. Its unashamedly stupid and slapstickheavy depiction of a plane flight gone wrong has helped it become celebrated as one of the greatest comedies of all time.

After his daughter is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries in order to blackmail him into doing their dirty work, former special ops agent John Matrix (played by AH-NULD Schwarzenegger) quite literally goes on the warpath, ploughing through hundreds of enemy fighters, cars and brick walls in the process. Relying heavily on terrible one-liners, an outdated 80s soundtrack and questionable political commentary, this is the most Schwarzenegger film ever made. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing is up to you.

Friday nights on film

The Room (2003)

Grease (1978)

Dazed and Confused (1993)

It’s gone through a bit of a resurgence in popularity recently with the release of The Disaster Artist, but there’s really no way to mentally prepare yourself for The Room. Made by Tommy Wiseau, a mysterious man with even more mysterious origins and a very poor grasp of social etiquette, it really has to be seen to be believed. Conversations are nonsensical, plot threads pop up out of nowhere only to disappear again and production value is non-existent, which makes it all the more undeniably entertaining, particularly if you can check it out at a proper cinema screening.

This classic musical set in the 50s focuses on the blossoming romance between Danny, a greaser, and Sandy, a straightlaced transfer student, played by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, respectively, in what would become their breakout roles. If you can overlook the film’s apparent message that the best way to find love is to fundamentally change every aspect of your personality and identity then you’re in for a night of great campy fun. Plus if you don’t think ‘You’re the One That I Want’ or ‘Summer Nights’ are the best duets to sing when you’re off your face at a karaoke bar then you’re lying to yourself.

Set on the last day/night of the school year in 1976, this cult classic tracks the carefree exploits of a bunch of teenagers as they dive headfirst into the Texan summer. Inspired by writer/director Richard Linklater’s youth, Dazed and Confused uses its era-specific soundtrack and naturalistic dialogue to full effect, making it feel like you’re opening a time capsule into another decade. Make sure you also check out Everybody Wants Some!!, Linklater’s spiritual successor that tackles the 80s.

Inside Out (2015)

The Goonies (1985)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Besides the odd Cars sequel, it’s incredibly difficult to fault Pixar, with the company consistently putting out gorgeously animated and exquisitely written films that can command the attention of both children and adults. Inside Out takes a fairly abstract concept, the emotional development of a young girl, and spins it into an entertaining ride that unsurprisingly hits you right in the feels.

The 80s were a great decade for family blockbusters, and The Goonies is no exception. After their family homes are threatened with foreclosure, a group of preteens set out on a quest to locate the hidden treasure of a notorious pirate, crossing paths with a family of dangerous criminals along the way. Think of it of as Raiders of the Lost Ark if Indiana Jones was twelve years old.

Endlessly quoted by geeks such as myself, Holy Grail (and by extension any Python film) is the perfect fusion of British wit and absolute surrealism. Somewhat focused on King Arthur and his knights’ quest to find the titular chalice, the film devotes much of its time to the random and bizarre misadventures that they become side-tracked by, including those involving killer rabbits and professional shrubbers. It’s comedy royalty, so if you haven’t seen it already don’t say no this time.

VOX POP

Best way to de-stress?

Dewet Bachelor of Business Big letter M.

While most of us were enjoying lazy days at the beach and accumulating hours of Netflix viewing, an intrepid group of students were on campus tackling Trimester 3. Each edition Geta likes to quiz students for their insights on some profound (and not so profound questions), so in preparation for the O-Week Edition, Geta returned to campus in Trimester 3 to have a chat.

Bailie Bachelor of Biology I listen to the Harry Potter theme song and meditate.

Bren Domingo Avani Master of Business Act as crazy as possible.

Emma Bachelor of Medical Science Shopping at Myer.

Vox pop

What is the best or worst purchase you ever made?

Truth or dare?

Tanner Bachelor of Accounting Truth.

Seung Hye Bachelor of Medical Science Best - Surface Book. Worst – MacBook.

Salma Bachelor of Information Technology Truth.

Angel Bachelor of Design The best AND worst purchase I’ve ever made was buying a car in my early 20s. I love feeling like an adult but it just means I’m a real slave to my bank for six years.

Courtney Bachelor of Journalism Probably truth. It is normally the better defence against the public humiliation that dare tends to guarantee.

Kayla Bachelor of Marketing Definitely my shampoo and conditioner. I got them on sale halfprice and have become obsessed but they are super expensive so I now spend a small fortune on hair care. 33

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Online

THE CHECK-IN App The Check-in is designed by Beyond Blue to ...help us think... about checking in as something that is ‘not just for places’. The app is designed to help young people check in with their friends and start a dialogue about well being and mental health. It gives people practical advice on how to start a conversation if they think that a friend or family member may be struggling. The app focuses on the support a friend can provide as well as the next steps to take once they have initiated a discussion. Similar to campaigns such as R U OK?, The Check-In draws on real life experiences to harness the power of simply checking in with our friends.

SBS ON DEMAND Streaming service If you didn’t save enough over summer to get you through the trimester (thanks Tuesday Tacos, Wednesday schnitzel nights, and Thursday jug specials) and austerity measures are on the cards, then SBS On Demand can help you slash your entertainment budget. It’s like Netflix but it’s free! SBS On Demand has some great mainstream options like Vikings and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (so you don’t need to worry about FOMO). If you fancy something a bit more unusual – in addition to a range of international, art house and navel gazing films that you’d expect from SBS, the service provider has a range of unique gems. Did you ever want to know what Star Trek would be like if it was created by Seth McFarlane (TED, Family Guy)? Check out The Orville. Have a hankering to find out what the future would be like if everyone was forced to live naked due to a Transparency Law? Then get your kit off and settle in for Nude. Think you’d enjoy Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi collaborating on a New Zealand supernatural police show? Then Wellington Paranormal is for you. SBS On Demand has hundreds of films, TV shows and docos to choose from.

2048 Game Forget Dots and Candy Crush (we assume that Angry Birds is already a thing of the past), 2048 is your new productivity blackhole. This addictive game features a square grid (think Sudoku) that starts with two ‘2s’ on the grid – swipe them together and a ‘4’ appears, and a new ‘2’ pops up somewhere else. Every time you swipe a new number pops up – the aim of the game is to merge matching numbers that progressively double until you reach the eponymous ‘2048’. You may be able to justify the lost time with the argument that it is vaguely maths based but 2048 is a time-sucker to get out of your system before Study Week, and it is definitely not going to help you cut down on your screen time. Online

STEPHEN HAWKING’S POCKET UNIVERSE App Stephen Hawking’s Pocket Universe is based on Hawking’s immensely popular book, A Brief History of Time. This is not just an e-book, the content has been specifically designed to deliver Hawking’s ideas in app format. The information is presented dynamic bite-sized pieces, and covers his major theories from his singularity theorems, Hawking Radiation, and no boundary proposals. Hawking’s intention was to help people understand basic questions about the universe from the Big Bang Theory to black holes, and space-time. The information might still take a few reads, or a lifetime, to understand in full but the app makes it easy and enjoyable to delve into the world of physics in pursuit of an understanding of the life, the universe, and everything. The app costs $4.49.

QUEERY Podcast Cameron Esposito is an American stand-up comic best known for Take My Wife (and a small part in Mother’s Day - but we won’t hold that against her) who hosts the Queery podcast. Esposito is a warm and entertaining host who chats with her weekly podcast guests about their experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Guests include Australia’s own Josh Thomas, Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Roxane Gay (writer), Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) and many more. The conversations lean into strong themes of exploring individual identity, social justice and developing inclusive societies. What is particularly great about this podcast is that while it engenders a clear sense of community and connection, it debunks any misconceptions about a universal LQBTQ+ experience or set of beliefs around language, culture, and society, and their connection to gender and sexuality.

Entertainment

The Favourite (2018) 120 mins Historical, comedy-drama Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Zak Johnson If you’ve ever seen the films of Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer), you’ll know that they often gleefully avoid realism in favour of completely embracing the absurd. So it’s surprising that his latest film, The Favourite, is a historical period piece. But while it isn’t quite as surreal as his earlier works, Lanthimos still manages to toy with the truth and inject his own distinct style into each frame, creating a unique film that may have otherwise been a dry and dull affair. The Favourite is centred on the supposed rivalry between Abigail Hill (Emma Stone) and Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), two cousins who sought to become the court favourite of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman). While Sarah has functioned as Anne’s adviser for a number of years, Abigail has arrived at Court seeking employment, after falling into dire financial straits despite coming from an illustrious family. As Abigail’s bond with the Queen begins to grow, so does the tension between the two cousins.

On top of Lathimos’ direction, The Favourite’s success rests largely on the phenomenal performances of its three leads. Stone, Weisz and Colman all use their immense talents to personify these somewhat (or maybe highly) fictionalized historical figures, commanding both pity and revulsion from their audience. While all three lust after power, they are also equally subject to and victims of it, which gives a very human quality to what could have potentially been a trio of mostly caricaturized and cartoonish performances. This isn’t to say that The Favourite isn’t predominantly a comedy, which it definitely is. There’s a pitch-black sense of humour that underlies the narrative, with the cousins’ feud reaching ludicrous heights that border on Monty Python territory while still maintaining its believability. The political commentary itself reflects this tone, with Anne (and her two warring advisers) being surrounded by a collective of self-centred, pompous members of Parliament who would rather concern themselves with duck racing than the current war with France.

Entertainment

One such example is Nicholas Hoult’s cake-faced Robert Harley, an earl who is as Machiavellian as he is childish. The film’s style itself helps compliment this unique tone and further distinguish it from other period pieces. A fairly liberal use of bizarre Dutch angles and distorted lenses, all in line with Lathimos’ penchant for surrealism, ensure that you take any claims of authenticity and reliability with a grain of salt. This is very much an absurdist’s take on English history. Verdict: an absurdist, darkly comedic style and a trio of brilliant lead performances help make The Favourite a standout period production.

Two Birds Trixie Mattel Bec Marshallsay Released in 2017, Two Birds is the debut album from comedian, songwriter and drag queen, Trixie Mattel. Mattel is the stage persona of Wisconsin born, Brian Firku’s whose drag character is known for her Barbie style aesthetic and over exaggerated make up. Albums from drag alum are a dime a dozen, and they typically feature synthetic dance tracks with a catchy hook designed to find five minutes of fame in the clubs. Two Birds however is a country inspired album with a mix of thoughtful ballads and quirky fun that drag fans might expect from Mattel. The album opens with the quick paced ‘Mama Don’t Make Me Put on the Dress Again’ which is a

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine Gail Honeyman Courtney Kruk

fun take on the draining nature of life on the road (and also puts the listener in mind of the high pressure beauty pageant circuit). Once you’ve listened to the song it is worth jumping online to check out the film clip which features both Brian and Trixie together (as does the album cover). This duality emblemises the intersection between two seemingly disparate worlds (folk music and drag) that end up blending together beautifully.

‘A mix of thoughtful ballads and quirky fun that drag fans might expect from Mattel.’ Mattel has a beautiful clear voice and the songs are delivered in a simple style that allows you to appreciate the incredible song writing and lyrics. All of the songs on the short album (just six tracks)

Scottish writer Gail Honeyman’s debut novel Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine has featured regularly on bestselling fiction lists since its release and many an avid reader has passed on a glowing recommendation. The widely acclaimed novel did not disappoint. Eleanor Oliphant lives a regimented and isolated life, seldom straying from a routine that consists of attending her office job and spending weekends in the company of vodka and pizza. With a limited grasp on appropriate social skills and an, at times, unnerving bluntness, Eleanor’s oddities are confusing to comprehend at first. However, this is part of the novel’s draw, as the reader becomes desperate to figure Eleanor out. Her peculiarity and solitude is soon tested though, after an encounter with the IT 41

are highly enjoyable. ‘Make Up Your Mind’ is an upbeat track that will undoubtedly have you singing along ‘And they say, to be young is to be free, and everything will happen it will happen in time’, while ‘I Known You All Over Again’ is folksy reminisce about a past relationship that will tug at your heart strings. Drag fan or not, if you enjoy anything resembling modern folk, make sure you take a listen to Two Birds (before you check out her follow up album, One Stone).

worker at her office and a shared experience saving an elderly man named Sammy. Thrust into the unchartered waters of friendship, Eleanor begins to transform, and soon discovers a richness previously unimagined in her life. While this does read like a warm and uplifting story, which in part it is, it also becomes clear that Eleanor Oliphant is not completely fine. Honeyman’s novel touches on trauma and tragedy, and imagines how individuals adjust their lives in order to survive their experiences. She also delves into the subject of loneliness, a universally experienced affliction, but one that is seldom acknowledged within society. These subjects are explored in a funny and honest way, with Honeyman achieving a memorable story and character in Eleanor Oliphant.

---2019---

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Being creative Nathan Isaac

Title: Nobody Told Me

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With this photograph I aimed to capture feelings of confusion, substance abuse and drowningâ&#x20AC;? @larry.sad.dude

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Evan Jurd

Brett Moller

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Kai Gillespe

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Jayden Allen

Bachelor of Creative Media

Lennox Headland - Taken at Lennox Head. Shot on a GoPro Hero 4 Black on a 3DR Solo Drone.

Wave - Taken at Byron Bay. Shot on a Sony a6000 with a Sigma 19mm f2.8 DN in a Meikon waterproof housing.

Divya Dayal

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Dayal & Huang

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Gene Huang

Ethel Beckett

Being creative

THE SHORT LETTERS OF A MAN ONCE DONE Al Socorro I don’t think you ever realised how beautiful I truly thought you looked, that autumn we spent together in America. The way the falling leaves fell in their beautiful waltz as they found their way to the ground. How fascinated you were with every moving thing. I truly wonder what was going through your head each and every time you found a new leaf to step on. How beautiful your face was when you spotted something in the distance that grabbed your attention. You’d go bounding off to find it, to catch it and to enjoy it. As you did with everything in life. Is that what I was to you, perhaps? Was I simply a passing joy? A distant blip on the horizon of your existence that got swept up like everybody else in your life? I remember once, we went to a restaurant in some town in Alabama. It was way too hot, and you, for whatever reason, weren’t wearing shoes. They wouldn’t let us in, seemingly not mattering to the proprietors that we had good, cold hard cash to spend. It wasn’t until you actually got onto your knees and begged that they let us in. I couldn’t believe that you’d really beg someone like that. Usually you’d just turn around and go somewhere else, letting your nose lead the way. You were so unpredictable sometimes. I never knew what to make of you back then.

But as time went on, we got to know each other more. As Autumn slowly slid into Winter, I found that you didn’t like the cold. So we packed up and moved south. I’m sorry that the back of the van was cramped and that our bed only had 3 springs. It was the most I could do on the money that we had. I watched your face drop when I reminded you that we didn’t have food for that night, because I couldn’t find a job. We had heard that Florida was teeming with jobs. Jobs that would set us up to get us home. we just had to get there. Just had to get to Florida. But with so little to our name it was hard to progress. People in America aren’t as nice as they are at home. Back home you could stick out your thumb and the both of us could get from one side of the country to the other. Even if that’s only a couple of hours. God, what a good time we had getting there though. I remember in Louisville, how excited you were to go to the zoo, but they wouldn’t let you in. Something about your passport and papers. I remember showing you the monkeys on my phone in the car and getting you so excited. You didn’t have to worry though, the zoos at home would let you in. But it’s also the little things I remember fondly. Do you remember the strange way kids would look at you? They always

Being creative

wanted to brush your hair. I always told you it was too long, but you wouldn’t have a word of it. It nearly touched the ground and they all loved it. You would only let me brush it though. I always looked forward to waking up and brushing it, taking away the tangles and making you feel loved. The funniest thing about the trip was telling you about home, and about all the parks and trails and fun things you’ve missed out on, like you’ve never even been there. I remember regaling you for hours of a night time, as the fire burnt low and stars watched us from millions of miles away, about the magical walks up the mountains and how fresh the air was up there. I couldn’t wait to show you when we get home. But when we got to Florida, you got sick. You couldn’t move your legs. Doc said that it was probably a tick, probably from the marsh we walked through, up north. He said they usually go for dogs, so that’s a bit unfortunate, but you kept telling me to go. Go to work and to get us home. So I left you every day, and every night I came back. You always smiled when I did. Even though it was hard for you. And as we shared the disgusting hot dog and the mosquitoes came biting, I put on a brave face and held you close. We boarded a boat when I had scraped together enough money. It was a rough ordeal on you. You hate boats, and you felt so confined and cramped. We got to our room and only then

did you feel safe, in my arms on the even more rickety bed than the one in our van. That was six days ago. We’ve still got a month before we get home. You’re getting weak. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more. One night you looked at me with those knowing eyes, and without even saying anything I think we both knew. I brought one of your “treats” out, as we liked to call them. I bought some from the corner store with the last of our money. Plain potato chips always seemed so boring. Your nose realised before your eyes did. Maybe you didn’t have the energy to open your eyes. I wanted your last memory to be a happy one. I hope it was. I hope you understood, before you died. I hope you understood how beautiful I thought you were. How magical you made my life. How much joy you brought to me and everyone around you. I’m sorry I couldn’t take you home. I’m sorry we couldn’t walk those trails or see the monkeys in the zoo like I promised.

Do you want to see your work in print? Getamungstit is seeking high quality submissions of short fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and other genres for our creative section.

I hope you realise now.

Check out the Contributor Guidelines at gugcstudentguild.com.au/getamungstit for further information.

Illustrator: Kate Little Degree: Bachelor of Digital Media (Honours) Instagram: @katiewittledesigns Being creative

Illustrator: Jeff Strachan Degree: Bachelor of Design Behance: https://www.behance.net/jeffstracha1d9 59

Get the hell outta here Festivals and celebrations

Courtney Kruk

GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL 3 - 14 April

We are sticking to our faithful theme of frugal and fun, sharing upcoming festivals and events on the Gold Coast

Another year has rolled around and whether you are starting study for the first time, or resuming another trimester of university, chances are you are already mentally planning an escape or break. So, for our first edition of Get the Hell Outta Here, we are sticking to our faithful theme of frugal and fun, sharing upcoming festivals and events on the Gold Coast to add to your calendar that will cost you (next to) nothing.

In some ways, the Gold Coast pales in comparison to other Australian cities. Not only in stature, but also in its quest for a definitive culture, one that extends beyond the clichés of meter maids and tanned surfers. With that said, it cannot be denied that the Gold Coast is an iconic and beautiful place, making it one of the most sought after filmmaking locations in the country. This is perhaps why the annual Gold Coast Film Festival has been such a success for nearly 20 years. The Gold Coast Film Festival has helped to drive and grow the city’s cultural reputation and Queensland’s screen industry, attracting both Australian and international films and filmmakers to the coast every year. While the full program is yet to be

Get the hell outta here

announced, what is certain is that the festival will run from the 3 to 14 April, with a range of events and screenings for little to no cost. For movie enthusiasts who want to test their knowledge, there will be a ticketed Movie & Music Trivia at the QT in Surfers Paradise. Burleigh Brewing have already teamed up with the festival hosting a free Outdoor Cinema offering a monthly screening of your favourite nineties classics, including The Castle, 10 Things I Hate About You and Empire Records. You can also partake in seminars and workshops throughout the festival, and even catch the annual short film competition which will transform Surfers Paradise beach into a cinematic experience.

CHINATOWN MARKETS Monthly Devoted festival foragers on the Gold Coast may already be familiar with Southport’s Chinatown. If you missed the recent Lunar New Year celebrations the good news is this little lantern lined, colourful street will be hosting monthly markets starting in March and continuing through until November. The Gold Coast Chinatown Street Markets run from 5pm to 9pm on the first Saturday of the month, promising an evening of Asian culture, activities and entertainment. Of course, the best things at these events are edible, and the Markets

SAND SAFARI 8 - 24 February Remember those family trips to the beach when you were a kid, where part of the day was inevitably dedicated to the construction of extravagant sand structures? Or maybe you just revelled in the opportunity to bury a sibling up to their neck in the fine, grainy stuff. Whatever your sentiment to sand, there are people out there who have managed to channel their passion for sandcastles and the like into the creation of incredible and impressive sculptures. See the Surfers Paradise Sand Safari Arts Festival, returning to the Gold

Coast from the 8 to 24 February this year. Now, this isn’t going to just be a few buckets filled with sand, packed tight, and turned upside down. What the festival promises is a transformation of the Surfers Paradise precinct into a ‘sea-inspired sandscape’, replete with a sculpting competition and walk-through sand sculpture along The Esplanade. While it might not sound like much (for adults anyway), the event is a free and easy way to get out and enjoy a bit of the sandy beauty the Gold Coast is so well renowned for.

will also offer an array of cuisines from across Asia. Pay homage to the Year of the Pig and gorge yourself on dumplings, ramen, Pho and Banh mi. Chinatown is also host to some of the best Asian restaurants on the Coast, so if you’d rather dine in before or after the Markets, the options will be plentiful. You can find this free event located at Young and Davenport Street, close to the main tram stop in the Southport precinct.

BLEACH* FESTIVAL 17 - 28 April The final offering for free festivals to squeeze into Trimester 1 is the Gold Coast’s Bleach* Festival. The 2019 dates have been locked in for 17 to 28 April with the full program yet to be announced. What we can expect from Bleach* is an artsy and entertaining takeover of the city. Think contemporary and creative; dance, theatre, HEAPS of live music and visual art. This is an event renowned for its free public events and a truly unique night out. It’s also a great opportunity to break free of your own

conventions, challenge yourself to experience a totally different genre or performance, something you may not normally find yourself gravitating to. If you have a bit of cash to spend, you can buy tickets to the musical concert Verdi’s Requiem at Home of the Arts (HOTA), or if contorting and cabaret is more your thing, see Limbo Unhinged at the Spiegeltent in Broadbeach.

This is only the tip of the iceberg with the Gold Coast Superhero Weekend, Blues on Broadbeach, the Groundwater Country Music Festival and many more. For more information on these festivals, or to discover all that the Gold Coast has to offer in the way of FREE and fun, visit the events calendar on the City of Gold Coast website. goldcoast.qld.gov.au/

Get the hell outta here

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