Est. 1975 V 01
METIOR Murdoch empire telegraph & indian ocean review
JUMBLE EDITION FREE HUGS Everybody needs a hug sometimes. PAGE 16
PETS AT MURDOCH Just a bunch of pet photos you’ll love. PAGE 20
TOP 10 KILLERS’ SONGS Maybe... PAGE #
APRIL 2019, VOLUME 1: Jumble Edition Murdoch Empire Telegraph & Indian Ocean Review - Since 1975 METIOR is Murdoch University’s resident student magazine and has been a voice for the students on campus for 44 years. publishing student driven content from news, and commentary to comedy and short fiction. Funded by the Murdoch University Guild of Students, but retains editorial independence, METIOR publishes student driven content from campus news to short stories. METIOR acknowledges the traditional owners of this country and recognises their continuing connection to this land, waters and culture. METIOR pays their respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
CONTRIBUTORS Let’s be real... We want you to write for METIOR, we think you’d be a snazzy edition to our magazine, plus you could get your name mentioned below. Say whaaaat?! Get in touch by emailing us at metior@murdochguildstudents.com.au. ANDREW AMOS LISA ASTLE JOSH FRENCH VERONICA GRAHAM TOM HEENAN KOMBO MASHUMBA ALEX MCCLURE JAN MOHITH BRIAN OSBORNE ANA SAMANIEGO 1
KATIE SKINNER SUZI SPENCER ALEX SZABADICS STEVEN THIELE OLIVIA TURNER SAM WALTON LOUIS WILLIAMS KANYE CLUB MOVIE CLUB PEN & PAPER WRITER’S SOCIETY
CONTENT Editorial
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Murdoch Guild President
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Places on Campus You May Know About.... Or Not, Part One
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Tough Break for Tired Buskers
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Jumble Picture
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Film Review: Captain Marvel
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Free Hugs
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Today’s Change Makers, Tomorrow’s Leaders: Fighting for our Climate
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Pets of Murdoch
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Beyond the Barrier Mandurah Campus - Mingle with Murdoch Guild Flashback Photo Club A Grim Tale of Job Searching, Part One Jacob French Photos Top 10 Killers’ Songs My World is Full Suspiria Gawflud Murdoch’s Meaning Irish History Dude’s Exchange Trip to Sweden Club Event Policy Things I Wish Someone Tolde Me in First Year Clubs The Killdeer 2
EDITORIAL
Weird. Jumbled. That’s how I thought first year, first semester was but then I got METIOR and it happened again. Somehow between Brooke and I, we have managed to get this first edition of METIOR to the press in time. In the few short weeks I’ve had this job I’ve had many joyous moments from getting sent a piece of text that is beautifully written, needs no corrections and blows my mind away. Nothing can describe the incredible feeling of what it’s like to tell someone that you’re going to publish their work. The look of excitement, the feeling of relief on their face. That all makes up for the interesting emails and other jobs I have to do. We hope to make this a year of changes for METIOR not just in the amount of readership but also the type of content we cover. More than anything we would love to have your feedback and your contribution to the future editions of METIOR. We would like to acknowledge what happened in New Zealand on the 15th of March. This event shows us how much courage New Zealanders have in the face of terrorism but it shows us how we should act in times of trouble. Here at METIOR while we do believe in free speech we also believe in a 3
balanced piece of writing and that the world has no place for extremist views. I’d like to thank our contributors who we put on very short time spans, that they somehow managed to keep up with. And a big thank you to Brooke, who also managed to get heaps of people to contribute to this issue. I’d like to thank you to the people in Guild who have given me this opportunity to run METIOR this year. As well as my parents and my boyfriend Damian, who have put up with hearing many interesting stories that come along with METIOR job. Laura Ives Hicks METIOR Magazine Editor
Hello everyone, and welcome to the first edition of METIOR this year. I’m incredibly proud to have worked so closely on this magazine, and I was so lucky to be working with such a great editor, Laura. I struggled to decide what to write for this editorial. What would I say to thousands of university students if I had a chance? I could write about my first year at Murdoch, or 4
the struggles we had putting this issue together (in two weeks!). I even briefly considered writing about how important it is to be kind to others. But the first one was boring, the second was tedious, and the third was just… bad. Finally, I thought that instead of ruminating on my innermost thoughts and embarrassing my future self, I’d use this space for a shameless plug. Please make our job easier and send in articles! Or pictures. Or stories. Or just weird things that happened to you once. Like the other day when I was trying to park at Murdoch, I saw this lady that looked like she was walking to her car. Our eyes met and at that moment I knew; she would give me her car space. No words, no gestures. I followed her in my car for five minutes, she pulled out and I took the space and I never saw her again. That story was dumb, but if you’re reading it, it made it into print. Surely you guys can do better. Now, I’m just warning you this next bit will be even more boring than the rest of my editorial, but it’s the most important. And don’t worry, this is the only time I will ever do this. I want to end by thanking my Mum and Dad, who have always supported me in everything I do. Even when I wanted to be an actor. That must have been a very stressful time. My brother Tom, who I am so lucky to have in Perth with me. My best friends (special shout-out to Lara and Lydia who came up with many ideas for this), and my partner Ollie, who had to listen to my stress-fuelled rants for weeks. He’s probably forgotten I have a personality by now because I literally just talk about this magazine. And finally, a big thank you to our contributors. Laura and I were so lucky to receive each and every article, and we enjoyed reading everything that was sent to us. This magazine wouldn’t be anything without the people who wrote it. Brooke Heenan METIOR Magazine Sub-Editor
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MURDOCH GUILD PRESIDENT Kombo Mashumba
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This year I decided I wanted to be asked questions and hear more of what students wanted to know about. I ran for Guild President because I wanted to make a difference and help people. This year in Guild we are once again working on some incredible ideas. We hope to make sure we reach as many student as possible once again this year. And help people realise their future potential and gain as much out of university as they can. Alex: How does it feel to be the most popular, as well as the most bullied Guild president in Guild history? – I think it’s an honor to receive the most votes in Guild elections history. I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for my team and for the students who supported me and saw the necessary changes needed to be made at Murdoch. There will always be opposition no matter what you do. It is hard seeing all the negative things people say but I try to keep my head up and serve what is in the best interests of the students. Have you experienced any racism in your time in Australia and has that affected your personal life and Guild work? - Unfortunately I have received racism. That is what inspired me to run for Guild President. A former Guild member once said to me “black people don’t make good leaders,” but I’m motivated to prove him wrong with every success I make. Tom: What’s in the cup? – Hot Chocolate. The picture is from us videoing about free coffee in the library after 8pm. Jan: Is Frodo Swaggins single? Asking for a friend. – Who?!? Leon: What was your favorite scene as Geordi La Forge in TNG? – I haven’t gotten on to it. Currently watching Star Trek: Discovery Natalie: Does guild care about the planet at all? This moped stuff doesn’t count. – We do care about the planet which is why the Guild is working on things like the mopeds which do count. Murdoch University is the first University in Western Australia to sign the Sustainable Development Goals. Our Guild Sustainability officer has been working on making sure more sustainability events occur on campus. 7
Gavin: What is up with the mopeds? Jon: Where are these scooters that you have been so excitedly spruiking? – Murdoch Guild are excited about the scooters coming on to campus very soon. We’ve had some slight delays on construction and deliveries. Can’t wait for cheap, environmentally friendly transport on campus. Jon: Why do you never answer emails or any other form of communication that isn’t Facebook messenger? –To be efficient as Guild President it’s important to prioritise what is important. I do reply but at times I get busy. Gavin: Can the Clubs please get some permanent rooms for storage and activities ? – Room space is a big issue within the university and the Guild is currently advocating for storage room for clubs. Within the Student Hub a clubs and societies room is available to be booked. Sean: When’s council getting this year’s budget? – Council have already been given a budget and I look forward to passing it on the next meeting. The Guild is planning to release an annual report for students regarding the Guilds overall finance position. TJ: Still waiting for a track at Murdoch. When is that proposal plan coming?!? – The Murdoch Guild is currently in talking with the university in getting more involved in sporting activities. Hopefully something will come through for our elite athletes soon. Loic: Do you even gym? – Thank you for noticing, I have been going to gym lately.
PLACES ON CAMPUS About... or not. Suzi Spencer
I am not much of a journalist. I prefer writing fiction. But, being a second year student, I have been places around campus (but then, who hasn’t?) so, in no particular order, here’s six interesting places you might not know about. Or, maybe you do know about them. Hush. Let me have this, okay? The Animal Museum I cannot stress this enough: this place is not for the squeamish or the emotionally sensitive. As a complement to Vet and Animal Studies students, the museum is a collection of preserved, real animal anatomy. I won’t go into the gory details, here, but I recommend this place if, like me, you are not a Vet student and curious as to what a kitten with two bodies and one head looks like. (You can find the Animal Museum in building 250, room 1.027. It is accessible as long as there are no classes. Photos are encouraged, but posting them on social media is not.) The Law Café I have heard mere legends of the elusive Law café, with its hidden garden, reasonable prices and some other third thing. The tales of olde, I am here to say, are true. With prices of food and coffee on campus at already criminal levels, the law café is a welcome change for the hungry, broke student, with food and drinks ranging from $2-$5. The most expensive item on the menu, in fact, is the $10 Law society membership—which, according to msls.asn.au, anyone is allowed to join if you are feeling frugal and want a further discount. Whether all this is too good to be true, however, remains to be seen. (You can find the Law Cafe in building 465, opposite Lecture Theatre 1.101. Opening hours are 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday.) 9
Article
S you may know The Fiction Section of the Library Okay, so I put this one in as a bit of a joke. But if I had a dollar for every person I met who did not realise the library had a fiction section, I could afford pasta and bubble tea every day. I think this one is still important to add, not just because I am an avid reader, but not enough people seem to enjoy reading anymore. Not to get preachy, but when was the last time you put away your phone and lost yourself in a good story? The section has plenty of books from authors of all backgrounds, so there’s bound to be something that piques your interest, and if they do not have the book you want, you can request it. It is also my home away from home, and I like nothing more than to find a good spot to indulge in some Lovecraft or Terry Pratchett. (You can find the fiction section of the library on level 2, at the back of the 24-hour section.) I am sure there are more hidden gems around campus. Obviously I cannot include all of them, due to keeping reader interest and word limits. That’s why exploring is still a thing.
LAW Cafe
Fiction section 10
Tough break for tired buskers Brooke Heenan
Over the last ten years, Fremantle has been transforming itself into hipster heaven. Along with pop-up cafes and retro clothing stores, the music scene has only grown.This music is often supplied by local buskers, including a man who was fired from Holy Smokes for being too loud. “They call me ‘Chook’ – although I’m more of a rooster.” ‘Chook’ has been playing guitar for over twenty years and he travels all over Australia. 11 Article
His most successful trips are in Melbourne and the money he makes there is unlike anywhere else he’s performed. However, these places just don’t hold the connection for him that Fremantle does. “I keep coming back here to the city though – it’s where I was born and raised.” Another performer is Jack Davies, the front man for Fremantle based band, “Jack Davies and Bush Chooks”. His band gets steady gigs, yet Jack says that he has to busk to pay his rent. This is harder said than done, as in the hour I’m watching these performers, no coins fall into their guitar cases. Local man Tom confirms this, saying that in the year he’s lived in Fremantle, he’s given only five dollars to buskers. Yet he has enormous respect for the performers, stating that, “musical performers not only define Fremantle’s culture, but to a further extent the culture of Australia”. Unlike in many cities, a permit is not required to busk in Fremantle, meaning that there is no restriction to how many people can perform in one day. An oversaturation of performers could be the cause of such low earnings among buskers. The one point that both ‘Chook’ and Jack manage to stress is how important music is in their lives. Both are doing it to fuel their performance dreams, and have no plans of changing careers anytime soon. 12
Jumble Wizard Rosalie Schneider
Hey, I’m Rosalie, I do Theatre and GAD and I’ve been drawing for a long time. This piece I’ve taken to calling ‘Jumble Wizard’, she took me about two hours on Photoshop. I love creating characters who are interesting and unique, who can be heroes, villains or something entirely new.
13 Art
FILM REVIEW Captain Marvel Alex Szabadics
Captain Marvel is another one of these Marvel films that I definitely enjoyed while watching it in the theatre, but I am never going to rewatch it. It’s the 21st film in this ever-growing library of MCU movies, and it uses the universe’s legacy in its favour. There’s a bunch of call-backs to previous films and having Nick Fury come along for the ride is heaps of fun. Fury and Carol Danvers’ buddy-cop chemistry really drive this film home. It’s funny too, and I was lucky to have a really receptive and laugh-out-loud theatre that probably made me enjoy this more than I should have. Unfortunately, the problems with Captain Marvel are quite apparent. There’s a ton of unnecessary exposition in the first act – it’s almost completely dedicated to telling us exactly what is going on, and how we should be feeling Film Review 14
about it all. I wouldn’t usually get annoyed at this in a Marvel origin movie, but the characters really do just say it with the personality of an encyclopedia sometimes. And it got on my nerves a little bit. The action is very hit-or-miss (I guess they never miss) too. Sometimes it’s the serviceable action that we’re used to in most average Marvel films, but sometimes Carol Danvers seems completely unstoppable – an almost godlike superhero who cannot be beaten by anybody. It can be occasionally fun to watch, but it takes a lot of the investment that I might have had in the scene and throws it out the window. The film score also may as well not exist – I don’t remember a single thing about it, and there wasn’t even a fun motif (like Black Panther’s drums or Iron Man’s rock aesthetics) to keep me listening out. I think my biggest problem with this superhero movie is how relentlessly safe it feels. It’s custom-built by Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios to be good enough to be enjoyed, but it wasn’t created with heart by its creators. It’s fun, but ultimately soulless. I was surprised to find out it was written and directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, small-time indie darlings who previously directed heart-filled and meaningful dramas like “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” and “Half Nelson”. Captain Marvel doesn’t have any of these hallmarks, and it’s obvious that they probably acted as figureheads for the Marvel Studios producers who needed to create a bland-but-enjoyable crowd pleaser – not taking any attention away from Infinity War and Endgame, but good enough that it’ll still sell tickets. But hey, I can’t criticise moviegoers, I bought an expensive ticket for a cinema with comfy seats and overpriced popcorn (which I also bought…). I feel like I’m being too harsh on Captain Marvel. It had everything I expected and wanted – good comedy, good casting, a mildly interesting story, and another glimpse into this universe that I’ve invested so much time into. But I want to be surprised. I want Marvel to try new things. There’s a reason that Infinity War, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Thor Ragnarok are amongst the best this film series has to offer, and its because they tried something new and it paid off. But Captain Marvel was just fine, and so it’ll be remembered as the average film that was the first in the MCU to have a female lead. 21 movies in? Seriously Marvel? SCORE: Thanks for reading! If you want to check out more of my reviews, head over to letterboxd.com/Goragle] 15
FREE HUGS Jan Mohith
I officially started the hugs on the 8th of March, and I have to say that I am very grateful to everyone who shared a hug with me. I cannot adequately express my gratitude any other way than to give you another one, of course. So, why hugs? That’s a good question, and one that a lot of people have asked me. A lot of people thought that this was a Guild event, or a university programme, or research; but it is nowhere close to anything as complicated as that. Free hugs is just about sharing hugs. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less. There is no message, no hidden motive, no objectives. Just hugs, as simple and as easy as possible. Which is the way they should be. Hugs have several benefits, all of which you should find out by yourself, On Campus 16
because everyone hugs differently. Some prefer short hugs, some prefer long hugs. Some prefer hugs only from certain people, and some have no preference at all. I personally believe that what you put in a hug, you get back in return. So worthwhile experiencing, and finding out what sort of hugs that fit you best. It is quite fun, to see how everyone’s faces light up when they see my sign. There are those who really want a hug, those who would just like a casual hug, and those who don’t want a hug at all. The last group is quite interesting, because they are usually the ones who smile the most as they pass by. I’m really glad to have made someone smile, whether they share a hug or not, so as far as I am concerned, the free hugs still works. The hugging is on Bush Court every Friday, at the crossroads between the library and the bookshop. I hope to see you there, talk with you and share a hug if you would like one. Thank you for reading this, and have a good day.
Join the bank for students and you could share in $20,000 worth of prizes*. Find out more at unibank.com.au/feelgoodbanking or call 1800 864 864. *Conditions apply. Membership eligibility applies to join the bank. UniBank is a division of Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 | 01400-STU-UB-0119-Oweek-148x30-MurdochUniversity
TODAY’s Change Makers, Tomorrow’s leaders: Fighting for our Climate Andrew Amos On Friday 15 March, over 2000 Perth students, parents and teachers came together to fight for our future. Unlike our current set of politicians, these students are actively trying to change the way we think about the environment and create policies to ensure a safe future. This future isn’t just for us, it’s for our kids and future generations. They marched down St. Georges Terrace, echoing chants along the skyscrapers lined with mining money. Down the road, the Oil and Gas Conference was on in the Convention Centre. Some protestors drowned out the halls with calls to change to more efficient energy source. While things are changing slowly, they aren’t changing at the rate we need. I spoke to parents, activists, kids and adults of all ages at St. George’s Cathedral. Pauline, an English teacher for 40 years, said the kids were not just alright, but all right. “Today is a day they’ll never forget,” she exclaimed with hope in her voice. Zoe, a mother of three, came along with her kids to show their support. Her youngest, eight, held a sign saying “I’m 8 and I’m scared.” All she wants is for her kids to have a future. She wants the politicians of today to value the education these kids ‘wagged’ for one day and enact change based on the science, not on the money. Opinion 18
Kids from schools all over the state - from Denmark, to the Pilbara, and right here in the metro - all were asking for the same thing: for there to be no more excuses and for change to really happen. Time for them is running thin, and if they want to enjoy the same prosperous life their parents and grandparents had, change must happen today. A disheartening element of this debate is that the younger generation feels like their voices are falling on deaf ears. Only one politician attended the rally - Greens senator Jordon Steele-John. The day before the rally, oil and gas companies shot down the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Authority to force emissions-intensive projects to be carbon neutral. The youth of today are more disillusioned with the government than ever before on climate policy because they feel like no matter what they say, money speaks louder. “Planet not profit,” they yelled as they stormed down the Terrace, hoping that it would reach the ears of the executives in their Swan River facing offices. Living in WA, it’s hard to ignore the impact the mining industry has had on our economy. It’s given WA great prosperity and it will continue to do so. However, we have an obligation to maintain a sustainable environment for our future generations to enjoy. If there is no planet to live on, there won’t be any resources to mine. At this rate, the planet will dry up faster than the money, and once it does, the reversible becomes irreversible. The United Nations has said that we have 12 years to enact change to avoid a climate change catastrophe. Our politicians have seemingly done nothing to avert disaster. While oil and gas companies are slowly employing renewable sources, we are nowhere near our targets for the Paris Agreement. Some say it’s unachievable, but they probably just aren’t trying hard enough. If we are still around 20 years down the line, today’s changemakers will become our leaders and start enacting the change we needed yesterday. The climate change strike showed our current leaders, and other people around the world, that there is no bigger issue in the world than the world itself. While I don’t have hope for our current parliament, the future is bright - we just have to get there first.
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PETS OF MURDOCH Oliver Turner I’d like to introduce you to my sister’s rabbit, Smokey. As you can see, Smokey was a very small rabbit when we first adopted her and she has grown into a big chonker since then! Before my sister picked out Smokey she was adamant she wanted a boy rabbit. So she studied the fine art of sexing rabbits, and off she went to look at baby rabbits (kittens). She returned with Smokey, insistent that she had confirmed Smokey was indeed a boy. Fast track to Smokey’s first consult with the vet. Currently studying to be a vet myself, I offered to take Smokey for her first vaccination. Upon arrival the vet commented on what a cute, cheeky little boy Smokey was, only to, 30 seconds later, announce “he” was in fact a girl. Of course this is after we discussed what I was studying, so there is no way that I could retract the shame for mis-sexing/not even checking the sex of my rabbit. Smokey has grown into the cheekiest, most beautiful little girl and brings infinite joy to my younger sister everyday. Although, the confusion over Smokey’s sex will never be forgotten as my Mum still regularly refers to her as “he”, a true testament to the importance of sexing an animal correctly the first time and picking a gender neutral name just in case!
On Campus 20
Sophie, submitted by Kelly
Stanley, submitted by ??
Want to see your fury friend in the next edition of METIOR? Submit your picture by emailing us at metior@murdochguildstudents. com.au
??, submitted by ?? 21
RUNNING ON EMPTY?
FUEL UP AT CAFE KADJININY
KADJ WINDOW Teaching Weeks: 7am - 2pm Non-Teaching Weeks: CLOSED
KADJ Teaching Weeks: 8am - 8pm Weekends: 12pm - 4pm Non-Teaching Weeks: 8am - 5pm
www.murdochguild.com.au
Beyond the barrier Steven Thiele
The glass doors parted and I stepped through, greeted by the heady rush of chlorine. I smiled despite puffy, reddened eyes hidden behind mirrored goggles. I looked out the window to the car park, deserted save for three cars. Only a single lamp lit the night. Not a ripple crossed the pool’s surface as I tossed my bag on the bench and took off my outer layers to leave my bathers, slipping off my thongs and sliding across the tiles still wet from the hose. A splash of yellow entered my vision and I waved to the lifeguard, his waves of brown hair bobbing up and down as he searched in vain for something to do. I took a deep breath and dove in. Even after thirteen years, the cold still took my breath away. I relished in it. I pushed hard in freestyle, relaxing into the motion. As familiar as walking, breathing in even draughts. I rolled, forced the water to move uncertainty, swirling and eddying. Feet hit the wall and I pushed off again, knifing through the water. I evened out into a longer stroke, left bubbles in my wake. The wall reappeared and I slammed into it, as fatigue coursed through my arms, bone turned to lead. The air tasted even sweeter than before. And despite myself, I grinned, a fool’s smile, smiling to no one. I could never explain it, that indescribable rush of adrenaline, the feel of the water rushing past, the taste of the air all combining into a heady paradise. The lifeguard was now barely watching, chatting with his manager. I saw the momentary flash of irritation on his face as he glanced at me, but the clock only showed 8:20pm. Plenty of time. 23 Story
I pushed back through the set, daring myself to go faster, to kick harder, to not breathe at all, flirting with the limit. Using fatigue as an anaesthetic to dull the pain, pretending lactic acid could dissolve tears. Could dissolve heartbreak. A sob caught in my throat, disrupting my stroke, and again I thanked the mirrored lenses on my goggles. A smooth figure knifed through the water on my right, easily keeping pace. Dark bathers and black goggles over a silver cap. She launched into a tumble turn, effortlessly twisting into backstroke, her stroke moving smoother than I could ever hope to achieve. I grinned and twisted over myself, pushing myself harder and harder as the ceiling crawled past. I flipped back over at the next turn, strokes lengthening and leaving froth in my wake. And through it all, we stayed level. Pushing ourselves became a challenge, a competition. I feel the familiar burn in my lungs, as though the fluid was being replaced with lactic acid. The sheer euphoria of life beyond the pain barrier. And as we hit the wall in unison, I saw a faint hint of a smile creep across her reddened face. She climbed out of the water while I leant on the lane rope, trying to soak up every blissful moment before facing home again. But as she looked over her shoulder, those goggles had been hiding a gaze that saw right through me, in a way no-one else ever had. My breath caught in my throat as the squeak of her shoes on the floor was the only sound left on the pool deck. I never learned her name. 24
MANDURAH NEWS Mingle with Murdoch Guild Event Sam Walton
Each year the Murdoch Student Guild organises a couple of events for our Mandurah community. Our first one being held in early March, a simple mingle where students could learn about the Guild and get to know some of the staff. The event itself was a success. Students were able to enjoy delicious food, henna tattoos, get a polaroid photo and grab a 2019 Guild sticker and diary – all of it FREE.
Keep up-to-date with all future Guild events by subscribing to our electronic newsletter ‘GNews’ via our website: www.murdochguild.com.au, or by ‘liking’ our Facebook page: MurdochGuild.
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