pus
A brief guide to ‘welcome to country’ or ‘acknowledgement of country’. Differences between the two A welcome to country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder of the community that the meeting/event is taking place on. The welcome is exactly how it sounds, welcoming the people who are in attendance to the lands or country they are visiting for the time. An acknowledgement of country however, is when there is no Elder in attendance, but the meeting attendees are mindful of the traditional custodians of the land they are meeting on, and acknowledge the Aboriginal people who have looked after that area of land for many thousands of years. Why have an acknowledgement or welcome? In traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lives, it was customary when crossing borders into another group’s border to ask permission and receive a welcome. This is important to continue today in order to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians. The welcome or acknowledgement also promotes awareness of the continuing bond Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land, and is a small gesture an event or meeting can make to be both inclusive, and to help aid reconciliation. An example of acknowledgement of country “I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the (appropriate group) people, and pay my respect to elders both past and present.” This is a guide only, and may be changed or edited to what you may feel is appropriate for your event.
Opus wishes to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land this book was created on, the Awabakal people of the Pambalong clan.
Contents 2. Presidents Report 4. Call for a National Contingency Plan 10. Illegal Course Costs 12. Postgraduate Update 13. International Students’ Department Report 14. Mid Winter Cup 16. NUSA Week 18. Safety Campaign 22. Horoscopes 24. Noise 26. Games 28. It’s Time to Give Back 30. Ask Mavis 32. Auchmuty at Night
President’s Report
lcomeWelcome
as been an exciting of months the lastsince edition would likeIto extend a warm It has been couple an exciting couplesince of months the of lastOPUS! editionI of OPUS! would like to extend a warm come from NUSAfrom to allNUSA new students andstudents a friendly to returning welcome to all new andhello a friendly hello tostudents. returning students.
SA – What, Why? NUSAWhere, – What, Where, Why?
those not the know, (Newcastle University Students’ is the representative Forinthose not inNUSA the know, NUSA (Newcastle UniversityAssociation) Students’ Association) is the representative y for students studying at the University Newcastle. are organisation run entirely run by students. body for students studying at theofUniversity of We Newcastle. We are organisation entirely by students. role is to represent students andstudents advocateand foradvocate improvements to student rights. We also runWe a number Our role is to represent for improvements to student rights. also run a number ervices including free weekly BBQs and free foodand in our NUSA has NUSA a building the Callaof services including free weekly BBQs freebuilding. food in our building. hason a building on the Callan campus in between thebetween Bar on the the Bar Hillon and Commonwealth Bank. HereBank. we have free ghan campus in thethe Hill and the Commonwealth Here we have free ual health supplies as well as a as student There are sofas to are relax on and University for sexual health supplies well askitchen. a student kitchen. There sofas to relax on andwifi University wifi for se wanting to study in atosocial The NUSA The Building is open fromis8am-6pm those wanting studyenvironment. in a social environment. NUSA Building open fromeveryday 8am-6pm everyday has freeand tea and coffee! has free tea and coffee!
s OPUSThis OPUS
s editionThis of OPUS somecovers tricky some issuestricky whichissues we have been on includingonSafety editioncovers of OPUS which wecampaigning have been campaigning including Safety ncerns. ItConcerns. also introduces first NUSA Week, which we arewhich sure will be sure greatwill funbe forgreat all! fun for all! It alsothe introduces the first NUSA Week, we are
ou want If to you contribute OPUS then send your to: media@nusa.org.au. want totocontribute to OPUS thencontribution send your contribution to: media@nusa.org.au.
e you on Youth Allowance or Newstart? – We want to hear YOU!from YOU! Are you on Youth Allowance or Newstart? – We wantfrom to hear
re is a Senate “Theinquiry, adequacy of adequacy the allowance system for jobseekers others, the There inquiry, is a Senate “The of thepayment allowance payment system for&jobseekers & others, the ropriateness of the allowance system as a support into work and thework impact changing appropriateness of thepayment allowance payment system as a support into and of thethe impact of the changing ure of thenature labourofmarket”, which NUSA Council intends to write a submission the labour market”, which NUSA Council intends to write afor. submission for.
want to We hearwant fromtoyou. Are youyou. a student onaan allowance has to undertake can you – can you hear from Are you student on anwho allowance who has toplacements undertake–placements employment or do these interfere toointerfere much? Istoo themuch? current of support are the find employment or do these Is level the current leveladequate? of supportWhat adequate? What are the blems with the current what’s good?what’s If yougood? have something say about to this, wantthis, to hear it! to hear it! problems withsystem, the current system, If you havetosomething saywe about we want
can sendYou an can email to president@nusa.org.au or education@nusa.org.au, head to the NUSA send an email to president@nusa.org.au or education@nusa.org.au, head to website the NUSA website give your opinions there: www.nusa.org.au. and give your opinions there: www.nusa.org.au. go to ourOr online www.council.nusa.org.au. go toforums: our online forums: www.council.nusa.org.au.
iversity of Newcastle to cut student representation in half in half University of Newcastle to cut student representation
SA is deeply the decision of decision the University Newcastle to Council cut student NUSAconcerned is deeply by concerned by the of the of University of Council Newcastle to cut student esentation in half. University is the governing of thebody University Newcastle. representation in half. Council University Council is thebody governing of the ofUniversity of The Newcastle. The positioncomposition of this council bydescribed the University NewcastleofAct 1989. However, last year, thelast year, the of was this described council was by theofUniversity Newcastle Act 1989. However, W State NSW Government enacted the enacted Universities Governing Bodies Act 2011, enables University State Government the Universities Governing Bodieswhich Act 2011, which enables University uncils to Councils alter theirtocomposition. At the time,At MPs concerntheir thatconcern this would in a result in a alter their composition. theexpressed time, MPstheir expressed thatresult this would uction inreduction student and staff representation. The MinisterThe Education to Councils to in student and staff representation. Ministerencouraged Education University encouragedCouncils University ntain proportionality within theirwithin respective That is not happening maintain proportionality theircouncils. respective councils. That is nothere. happening here.
public debate is required alter the to composition and this decision hasdecision been reached without anywithout any No public debate to is required alter the composition and this has been reached sultationconsultation of staff or students. Instudents. fact, at the going to print, thetoUniversity not made of staff or In time fact, of at the time of going print, thehas University hasthe not made the sion public. decision public.
2
This change This will alter thewill University Newcastle’s Normally, act is changed public debate in debat change alter theofUniversity of Act. Newcastle’s Act.anNormally, an actafter is changed after public Parliament which does allow, a degree, to have theirtovoices through consultation. Parliament whichto does allow, for to astakeholders degree, for stakeholders have heard their voices heard through consultat
If NUSA did make public, the University NewcastleofAct could beAct changed by changed the If not NUSA didthis notdecision make this decision public, theofUniversity Newcastle could be by whims of 19whims peopleofin19a people closed-meeting. The elected The student andstudent staff representatives are unable to in a closed-meeting. elected and staff representatives are unabl properly consult withconsult students andstudents staff dueand to restrictions confidentiality. properly with staff due to on restrictions on confidentiality.
I am one of the representatives on University andCouncil have raised, on more than I amelected one ofstudent the elected student representatives onCouncil University and have raised, onone more than occasion, that there has been a lack consultation. I have also called public on the issue.on the issue. occasion, that there has of been a lack of consultation. I havefor also calleddebate for public debate
As students,As westudents, are essential to the University’s existence, yet we are not even informed, we are essential to the University’s existence, yetconsulted, we are notorconsulted, or evenofinformed one of the most important to the University one of the mostchanges important changes to theGoverning University Body. Governing Body.
For those not hasCouncil an openhas andanclosed All section. the business is essentially Foraware, thoseUniversity not aware,Council University open section. and closed All the business is essenti carried out in the closed Anysection. person Any can attend section. Thatsection. means That you can attend carried out insection. the closed personthe canopen attend the open means youthe can attend open sectionopen of the next University Meeting on Meeting 24th August 2012. section of the nextCouncil University Council on 24th August 2012.
Face-to-face TeachingTeaching Hours toHours be Cutto in Some CoursesCourses Face-to-face be CutEducation in Some Education
At the timeAtofthe going hasNUSA been informed the face-to-face hours of some timetoofprint, goingNUSA to print, has beenthat informed that the face-to-face hours of so Education courses are being cut. of having a 2ofhour tutorial, yoututorial, might only Education courses areInstead being cut. Instead having a 2 hour you have mightone. only have one.
We have written to the University clarification,clarification, a list of affected and courses an explanation We have written to thedemanding University demanding a listcourses of affected and an explana of why students were not consulted orconsulted even informed. have alsoWe requested allrequested documentation relating of why students were not or evenWe informed. have also all documentation rela to this change. to this change.
We hope that this situation willsituation have been by the time you read this, butread if you arebut anifeducation We hope that this willresolved have been resolved by the time you this, you are an educa student and student are concerned, an email to: an education@nusa.org.au. and are send concerned, send email to: education@nusa.org.au.
Keep in Touch! Keep in Touch!
To stay up-to-date these issues, become a member NUSA and receive and our receive weekly our newsletter. To stay on up-to-date on these issues, become of a member of NUSA weekly newsle MembershipMembership is free! is free!
StudentStudent ServicesServices and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
This semesterThis yousemester might find are charged student services and services amenities feeamenities (SSAF) by University. youyou might find you aare charged a student and feethe (SSAF) by the Unive If you have If HECS, youHECS, can defer your fee toSSAF that too. Thethat feetoo. is supposed to supposed cover theto gap thatthe gap you have you canSSAF defer your fee to The fee is cover resulted in support and services amenities after the introduction of Voluntaryof Student Unionism. resultedforinstudent supportservices for student and amenities after the introduction Voluntary Student Union We suspect that it mightthat takeitthe University couple of goes to getofthis right. We suspect might take thea University a couple goesone to get this one right.
Thanks –Thanks To the Future – To the Future
Finally, students arestudents elected to each year. Ifeach you are find out more about Finally, areNUSA electedCouncil to NUSA Council year.interested If you aretointerested to find out more abou NUSA Council, please visit us are send NUSA Council is only as good as the students in it. NUSA Council, please visit an us email! are send an email! NUSA Council is only as good as the students in If you thinkIfyou a better have job, something contribute, consider running for running a youcould thinkdoyou couldjob, do aorbetter or haveto something to then contribute, then consider for a position or talking alreadytohere. positiontoorustalking us already here. Here’s to a great semester twosemester 2012! two 2012! Here’s to a great Heather Richards Heather Richards president@nusa.org.au president@nusa.org.au (02) 4921 6006 (02) 4921 6006
3
Call for a National Contingency Plan Heather Richards
Libyan Student Crisis
Students from the University of Newcastle are not just involved in local student organisations, some are in national ones. I was the vice-president of the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) from 2010-2012, I am now the welfare officer. Over the past year, I worked on CISA’s behalf on a number of national crises which led us to call on the Federal Government to establish a National Contigency Plan to respond to national international student crises resulting from events in the students’ home country.
studentsa receiving monthly stipend a monthly from stipend the from the LibyanThe student Libyan crisis student was the crisis firstwas national the first students national receiving cover living to cover costs.living The costs. fund from The fund from dent crisis student CISA crisis dealt CISA with,dealt and with, I wasandembassy I was toembassy which thesewhich stipends these was stipends drawn was was drawn depleted was depleted marily responsible primarily responsible for our campaign. for our campaign. at the endatofthe August. end ofThis August. meantThis thatmeant the that the re wereThere Libyan were students Libyanstudying studentsatstudying the Libyan at the students Libyan had students no obvious had nomeans obvious of means of versity University of Newcastle of Newcastle who were affected who were byaffected by support. financial financial support. se events. these events.
On 2011 29th July, OnI29th was asked July, I to was give asked an interview to give an interview SA cameCISA into the came picture into the on 29th picture July on2011 29th July for CISA for on CISA the issue. on the It became issue. Itquickly became quickly it was and not it was until not Minister until Minister Evans Evans apparent the situation that the faced situation by thefaced students by the students ouncedannounced $1.5million$1.5million of fundingof for funding the apparent for the that was dire. Universities was dire. Universities Australia, the Australia, peak body the peak body yan students Libyanonstudents 1st September on 1st September 2011 that 2011 that for Universities for Universities in Australia, in was Australia, negotiating was negotiating were able wetowere scaleable back to our scaleresponse. back our response. with a Canadian with a Canadian NGO to NGO gain access to gain to access to ny thanks Many tothanks Arfa toNoor, Arfa Vishnu Noor, offshore Vishnu frozen offshore Libyan frozen assets Libyan as there assets were as there no were no neswaran Vigneswaran and Adrianand Ramos Adrian for Ramos workingfor frozen working assets frozen in Australia assets inofAustralia significant of size. significant size. h me on with this. meAnd on this. to Eduardo And to Carvajal, Eduardo Carvajal, Libyan in students the US and in the Canada US and already Canada already e Gosper, RoseJemima Gosper, Jackson, JemimaJarrah Jackson, Peddie JarrahLibyan Peddiestudents solution had aand solution funding anduntil funding May until 2012 May 2012 Mansel Ismay & Mansel for taking Ismay on foran taking extraon load an at extrahad loada at had been secured. had been In secured. addition, In in addition, the US the in the US the USA so INUSA could focus so I could on this. focus on this. students could students have could the clauses have the on clauses their visas on their visas uld notIhave coulddone not ithave without done you! it without you! relating to work relating restrictions to work restrictions suspended.suspended.
ather Richards Heather Richards USA President NUSA President
troduction Introduction
On 27th On July, 27th the UK July, Foreign the UK Secretary, Foreign Secretary, William Hague, William hadHague, given ahad speech giveninawhich speech in which he promised he to promised do, “alltohedo,could” “all he for could” the for the Libyan students Libyan studying studentsinstudying the UK. in the UK.
LibyanThe student Libyan crisis student was acrisis resultwas of athe result the In the InofAustralia, Australia, students thedid students not know did what not know what nts unfolding events in unfolding Libya and in the Libya subsequent and the subsequent was happening. was happening. After placing After an article placingon anthe article on the ted Nations UnitedSecurity NationsCouncil Securityresolutions Council resolutions CISA website CISA we website began towe receive begansome to receive emails. some emails. 70 and 1973) (1970 to and freeze 1973)Libyan to freeze assets. Libyan assets. In responseIntoresponse the emails, to the we emails, devisedwe a couple devised a couple of questions questions the students for thetostudents answer to to aid answer to aid ny of the Many Libyan of thestudents Libyan studying students instudying in offor us with our with response. our response. This emailThiswasemail was stralia received Australia a received scholarship a scholarship from the from the us circulated circulated and within and a fortnight within a we fortnight have we have yan Embassy, Libyanthe Embassy, People'the Bureau People' of Libya, Bureau of Libya, received over received 400 emails over 400 from emails Libyan from students. Libyan students. ch covered which tuition covered costs tuition and costs livingand living
enses. expenses. Earlier in Earlier the year, in the Universities year, Universities eed to defer agreedpayment to deferofpayment tuition fees of tuition with fees with
4
Libyan Student Libyan Student ConcernsConcerns Financial Financial
employmentemployment and over 75% andsaid overyes, 75%but said only yes,5 but on students hadstudents actuallyhad found actually any. found any.
The students Thedid students not know did not how know they would how they would One of the Onepossible of thesolutions possible looked solutions at looked by at financially support financially themselves, support themselves, or their families. or theirUniversities families. Universities and discussed and by discussed the sector by the was sector They did notThey know didhow notthey knowwould how buy theyfood, wouldpay buy food, pay students Libyan Libyan gaining students employment gaining employment and their rent, their theiramenity rent, their bills, amenity their mobile bills, their phone mobile phone supporting supporting themselves themselves this way. However, this way.many However, m bills and in bills someand instances in some their instances children's theirschool children's schoolstudents Libyan Libyan were students English were language Englishstudents language stud fees. Students fees.were Students scaredwere that scared they would that they be would and it be was unlikely and it was they unlikely would they find would employment, find employm made homeless made within homeless a fortnight. within aMany fortnight. students Manyespecially students inespecially more rural inareas. more rural areas. had familieshad andfamilies they did andnot they know did how not know they how they would feed would them. One feed student them. One mentioned student having mentioned having major Another Another concern major for concern the students for the wasstudents that was taken their child takenout their of child school. out of school. they could they not break could the not conditions break the conditions on their on t student visas. student Theyvisas. needed Theyto needed keep their to keep t rate in studies, rate in andstudies, could not and work could not w Fear of returning/being Fear of returning/being forced homeforced home attendance attendance morefrom than more 20hours than a 20hours week. Early a week. on Early the on 1. Most of the 1. Most students of the who students emailedwho us came emailed from us came Department of Immigration of Immigration and Citizenship and Citizen war-torn areas. war-torn They areas. did notThey wantdid to not return want home to return home Department factsheet aforfactsheet Libyan for students Libyan which students wh because it was because dangerous. it was Many dangerous. of these Many students of theseproduced students a produced drovewas homedrove the fact home thatthe they fact had that to they abidehad by the to abide by had families, hadwith families, youngwith children, youngwhich children, was which InternationalInternational Student VisaStudent Regulations. Visa Regulations. proving to be proving an extra to burden. be an extra burden.
2. Some of2.the Some students of thewho students emailed whous emailed had Bearing us hadthisBearing in mindthis I, on in CISA's mind I,behalf, on CISA's wrote behalf, a wro participatedparticipated in pro-democracy, in pro-democracy, anti-Gaddafianti-Gaddafi number of number letters toofthose lettersin toGovernment those in Government and protests or rallies protests in Australia or rallies in and Australia feared returning and feared returning other organisations other organisations requesting assistance. requesting Iassistance. wrote Iw home wherehome they may where have they faced mayimprisonment have faced imprisonment or letters orto: letters Minister to: Rudd, Minister Minister Rudd, Bowen, Minister Bo death. A student death.from A student Perth who fromhad Perth participated who had participated Minister Evans, Minister Shadow Evans, Minister Shadow Bishop, Minister Shadow Bishop, Sha in such protests in such wentprotests home and wentwas home killed, andlending was killed,Minister lending Mason, Minister Shadow Mason, Minister Shadow Morrison, MinisterMP Morrison, far more weight far more to these weightfears. to these Somefears. Libyan SomeTony Libyan Windsor, TonyMP Windsor, Steve Irons MP Steve and MP Irons Stephen and MP Step students hadstudents familieshad were families anti-Gaddafi were anti-Gaddafi back in Smith. back in In my Smith. role as In president my role asofpresident NUSA I of wrote NUSA I w Libya who had Libya been who arrested had been or killed arrested andoraskilled such and as such letters of behalf letters of of thebehalf 6 Libyan of the students 6 Libyan studying students study were scaredwere to return scaredhome to return as they home feared as they theirfeared their at to at Newcastle Newcastle MP Sharon to MP Grierson, SharonMP Grierson, Greg MP G names were names also onwere imprisonment/death also on imprisonment/death lists. lists. Combet andCombet MP Jill and Hall. MP Jill Hall.
3. Even for 3. those Even who for did those notwho feardid imprisonment not fear imprisonment I also emailed I alsoSenator emailedBob Senator Brown, BobSenator Brown, Sen or death and or did death notand come didfrom not come war-torn fromareas, war-torn areas, Hanson-Young Hanson-Young and the Australian and the Australian Human Hum returning home returning wouldhome be notwould be simple. be notLibya be simple. was Libya was Rights Commission. Rights Commission. under a no-fly under zone, a no-fly and aszone, such and to get as home such tothey get home they would havewould to flyhave to atoneighbouring fly to a neighbouring country, country, We those receivedWenoreceived immediate no immediate response from response the from Tunisia or Egypt, Tunisiaand or Egypt, travel overland. and travelFor overland. those For Ministers, but Ministers, did receive but a did response receive from a response Shadow from Sha with families, with including families, pregnant including women, pregnant thiswomen, was this was Minister Julie Minister Bishop Julie (including Bishop (including a personal a perso quite simplyquite not feasible. simply not feasible. response) where response) she stated where that she stated she had that Libyan she had Lib It should be It noted should thatbethe noted Australian that theGovernment Australian Government students in her students officeinand herhad office written and had to Minister written to Mini never indicated neverthat indicated it would thatsend it would anyonesend home. anyone home. Rudd concerning Rudd the concerning situation. the We situation. also received We also a receiv However, byHowever, not giving by not the students giving the a decision students a response decision from response Stephen from Smith’s Stephen office Smith’s whichoffice statedwhich st regarding their regarding financial theirfuture, financial some future, students some that students he had that raised hethe hadissue raised with theMinister issue with Evans. Minister Eva thought theythought would they have would to return havehome to return as they home as they could not become could homeless. not become homeless. The Australian The Human Australian Rights Human Commission Rights Commission was concerned about concerned the situation about theand situation accordingly and accordin We asked the Westudents asked the whether students they whether could study they could study wrote to the wrote Australian to the Australian GovernmentGovernment making mak at the time,atthe thevast time, majority the vast stated majority that stated study that study requests similar requests to similar our own. to Iourcompiled own. I the compiled was impossible, was impossible, they were under they were too much understress. too much stress. responses from responses the Libyan from the students Libyanwith students the with We asked We the asked students theif students they were if they seeking were seeking assistance of assistance CISA's of education CISA's officer, education Adrian officer, Ad
5
os, and sent an overview Commissioner. By the 19thByAugust, some Universities were Ramos, and sentto anthe overview to the Commissioner. the 19th August, some Universities were able to Icontact thetooffice of Lee Rhiannon, financial support on the basis that it was a that it was a was able contact the office of Lee offering Rhiannon, offering financial support on the basis Greens Senator, who Senator, was concerned about the loan from Libyan However, in many the Greens who was concerned about thetheloan fromembassy. the Libyan embassy. However, in many ion. institutions, Libyan students had students still not received situation. institutions, Libyan had still not received any response any or even been contacted andcontacted informedand informed response or even been of other typesofofother support available. These students types of support available. These students had only 12 had days only until12they nothey funds, and dayshave until have no funds, and desperate. Some students theysimply were quite simply desperate. Some students are theHere requests CISArequests made: CISA made: they were quite are the support had been informed thatinformed that who would receive support had been equest that Australian take who would We the request that theGovernment Australian Government take receive they would bethey supported at the rates offered theoffered by the would be supported at theby rates lead inthecoordinating a whole-of-sector lead in coordinating a whole-of-sector Libyan embassy in their stipends. However, some Libyan embassy in their stipends. However, some nse to address by the faced responsethe to difficulties address thefaced difficulties by the institutions unable to afford this to and offered institutions were unable afford this and offered an students and provide to assurances alleviate to Libyan studentsassurances and provide alleviate were support at a much lower This caused support at arate. much lower rate.problems This caused problems anxiety:their anxiety: for some students as students they hadas entered into entered into for some they had onfirmation that the Australian Government •۠ Confirmation that the Australian Government contractual agreements on the based amount contractualbased agreements onthey the amount they orking onisthis matteronwith intention to intention to working this the matter with the received in their stipends. received in their stipends. a resolution timely manner; findinaaresolution in a timely manner; n assurance to these students that students their visas •۠ An assurance to these that their visas not be will cancelled they will be will not be not beandcancelled andnotthey ired to return to their hometocountry until country required to return their home until The following week the Rebels entered Tripoli and Tripoli and The following week the Rebels entered e is restored; peace is restored; events in Libya begin to unfold at to a fast tempo. events in Libya begin unfold at a fast tempo. nformation regarding any procedures •۠ Information regarding any orprocedures or This alleviated thealleviated fears of many Libyan students This the fears of many Libyan students ible solutions, which are under investigation possible solutions, which are under investigation regarding returning home and meant regarding returning homethey and were meant they were egards toin giving students financial regardsthese to giving these students now financial comfortable both photographed and now being comfortable being both photographed and ility for the remainder of their courses; stability for the remainder of their courses; named in the named media. in During this week many the media. During thismore week many more financial support but itsupport became but it became Universities offered financial ormation•۠ regarding whether, for the students Information regarding whether, for theUniversities students offered that some students had students not beenhad considered. clear that some not been considered. require, the in student visas subclass visasclear whoclause require, the clause in student subclass There were students who wereinsixTAFEs students in seemed TAFEs to who seemed to - 576 can 570be suspended allowing students to students 576 can be suspended allowing to sixThere have been raised thisWe problem have beenWe overlooked. raised with this problem with k full-timework in order to support themselves and full-time in order to support themselves and overlooked. TAFE Directors Australia whoAustralia did not seem to benot seem to be TAFE Directors who did r families;their families; aware students and students communicated with aware of these and communicated with ny means•۠ by thebyCISA of may Anywhich means whichmay the be CISA be of of these the Libyan embassy regarding them. the Libyan embassy regarding them. tance during this time. assistance during this time.
A’s Requests CISA’s Requests
Events inEvents Tripoliin Tripoli
Byand the the 30th August, we had heardwe rumours thatrumours that By the 30th August, had heard 5th August we sent a press and the On 15th August we release sent a press release institutions not going financially some were institutions weretonot going to financially ralian ran an articleran that its online Australian annight articlein that night insome its online support theirsupport students, or had not yet their students, or contacted had not yet contacted nt. content. them. Accordingly, we called those institutions them. Accordingly, we called those institutions and mainly and received that the mainlyconfirmations received confirmations that the institutions were going towere financially support their support their institutions going to financially However, we However, also received confirmation students. we also received confirmation was followed by afollowed stream ofbyradio interviews. This was a stream of radio students. interviews. were there some were students English in English somein students Australian Government still not made any notthat The Australian had Government had still madethere any that Language to Universities Languagelinked institutions linked to who Universities who ment andstatement as such individual University's and as such individualwere University's were institutions not receive We support. still had We no news wouldsupport. not receive still had no news ng at giving theatLibyan financial looking giving students the Libyan studentswould financial from the from Australian I was the Government. Australian Government. I was ort. It looked increasingly the negotiations support. It lookedlike increasingly like the negotiations the 30th August SBS radio by with interviewed on the by 30th August SBS radio with een Universities andAustralia the Canadian between Australia Universities and theinterviewed Canadian on interview being broadcast twice on the 31st. interview being broadcast twice on the 31st. O wouldNGO be successful gaining access to the would bein successful in gaining access to the ore frozen assets in London. a string offshore frozen assetsHowever, in London. However, a string natories ofwould be needed to be sign off ontothis, signatories would needed sign off on this, ding the including NTC (National Transition Council) the NTC (National Transition Council) he UN Security It was expected that expected and the Council. UN Security Council. It was On thethat 31st On August, Minister Evans announced the 31st August, Minister Evans announced funds these might funds be available by available the end by of the might be thatend theofAustralian would give awould give a that the Government Australian Government mber, leaving a one month gap. funding$1.5m September, leaving funding a one month gap. loan to the loan Libyan to support $1.5m to embassy the Libyan embassy to support
ding Gap Funding Gap
Support Announced Support Announced
6
National Contingency Plan
Libyan students for the monthforofthe September. Libyan students month ofWe September. We received an received email from the Departmart of an email from the Departmart of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Education, Employment and Workplace Relations making sure making we knewsure about we this knewannouncement. about this announcement. We welcomedWe thiswelcomed news andthis were veryand happy news werefor very happy for the Libyan students. Thisstudents. removedThis a massive stress the Libyan removed a massive stress from them. I from was interviewed SBS and Triple J and Triple J them. I wasby interviewed by SBS with Louai, awith student from Newcastle. Louai, a student from Newcastle.
What happens What next? happens next?
This crisis This revealed shocking a gap in crisis a revealed shocking gap in communication between thebetween sector and the communication the sector and the Australian Government. Universities Universities Australia Australian Government. Australia essentially ledessentially the response to the crisis,towhen led the response the crisis, when really the Australian Government should have. should have. really the Australian Government I believe CISA shouldCISA continue to continue push for to push for I believe should principles and procedures be developed principles and toprocedures to befordeveloped for future situations. are particularly futureWe situations. We are concerned particularly concerned that the TAFE seem to have been that students the TAFE students seem to have been completely overlooked. completely overlooked.
Working on this crisis Working on this crisis
This was at times veryatdraining and draining hard crisisand to hard crisis to Thisawas times a very work on. work The students not were being not being on. The were students communicated with and theirwith fears were very real. communicated and their fears were very real. The response The fromresponse the students fromwas the overwhelming students was overwhelming and simply reading and compiling their concernstheir concerns and simply reading and compiling was at times was quiteat difficult. We difficult. were repeatedly times quite We were repeatedly told to read the fact sheet or fact told sheet or told toldLibyan to readstudent the Libyan student that things, “were happening”, the Government, that things, “wereor happening”, or the Government, “was working“was on the issue”, on butthe thisissue”, meantbut nothing working this meant nothing in practical terms to the students. It did not seem in practical terms to the students. It did not seem that the immediacy the situation the that the of immediacy of thefor situation for the students wasstudents understood those who was by understood by could those who could potentially assist them. These werestudents placed were placed potentially assiststudents them. These under an enormous amount of pressure were under an enormous amountand of pressure and were placed in a situation was completely placed inthat a situation that wasbeyond completely beyond their control.their Theycontrol. needed They to know whatto would needed know what would happen to them in July the latest, September! happen to at them in Julynot at the latest, not September! The University of University Newcastle of offered support to thesupport to the The Newcastle offered students here students in August, and in fact one of in thefact one of the here in was August, and was first institutions do so. Some institutions firsttoinstitutions to do so. Somehad institutions had not spoken tonot their students at allstudents even by at the spoken to their allend even by the end of August, not to inform them of the other of even August, not even to inform them of the other types of support available. types of support available.
Libyan Student Crisis
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Having problems at Uni? has an independent
GRIEVANCE SERVICE
We can help with referrals, representations and submissions for issues such as Marking Appeals
Assault & Robbery
Disciplinary Committee
Plagarism
Special Consideration
Fee Issues
Employment
VISA Issues
Sexual Harassment
Tenancy Issues
Misconduct To make an appointment contact veronica.meneses@newcastle.edu.au or call 0249216006
s o t C s e s r u o C l a g Ille
t year, the LastNational year, theUnion National of Students Union of(NUS) Students launched (NUS)alaunched campaigna into campaign illegal into course illegal course ts. This costs. year NUSA, This year andNUSA, other student and other associations, student associations, are continuing are continuing the campaign the on campaign a on a re local more level. local level.
HAT’S IS WHAT’S ALL ABOUT? IS ALL ABOUT?
r degrees Our already degrees have already high price have tags, high price be it international tags, be it international student fees student or deferred fees orHECS. deferred HECS. ny of usMany are also of us hitare with also hidden hit with costs hidden such costs as textbooks, such as textbooks, uniforms, software, uniforms,etc. software, which etc. which must pay weinmust order pay to in complete order toour complete courses. our courses.
r campaign Our refers campaign to any refers hidden to any costs hidden you are costs charged, you areorcharged, must bear, or must in order bear, to in complete order to complete ourse. For a course. example, Fornursing example, students nursinghave students to purchase have touniforms purchaseinuniforms order to in goorder on to go on cement,placement, but nursingbut students nursingcannot students graduate cannotwithout graduate going without on placement. going on placement. Therefore, Therefore, is a hidden this iscourse a hidden cost.course Manycost. engineering Many engineering students have students to purchase have tosteel-capped purchase steel-capped ots in order boots to in complete order tothe complete workshop the course, workshop which course, is a compulsory which is a compulsory course for some. course for some. s students Artshave students reported havehaving reported to pay having studio to pay fees,studio againfees, they again cannot they complete cannotthe complete the rse without course using without the studio. using the studio.
these costs, All these and many costs, more, and many are referred more, are toreferred as hidden to costs. as hidden Some costs. of these Some costs of these are costs are gal course illegal costs course because costs they because contravene they contravene the Higherthe Education Higher Support Education Act. Support Act.
ically, through Basically, HECS through or international HECS or international student tuition student fees,tuition we arefees, supposed we are to supposed have to have ady paid already for ourpaid education. for our education. Any extra cost Any isextra a hidden cost iscost. a hidden cost.
HAT ABOUT WHATTEXTBOOKS? ABOUT TEXTBOOKS?
mally, you Normally, cannotyou complete cannotyour complete courseyour without course a textbook without aortextbook course reader. or course By having reader. By having east oneatcopy leastofone these copy in of thethese library, in the Universities library, Universities are technically are technically meeting the meeting the uirements requirements of the Higher of the Education Higher Support Education Act. Support Act.
wever, NUSA However, believes NUSA that believes havingthat onlyhaving one oronly twoone textbooks or two textbooks and courseand readers course in the readers in the ary for each library course for each is not course sufficient. is notIfsufficient. you are taking If you aare course taking where a course the where number the ofnumber of tbooks/course textbooks/course readers in the readers library in the is insufficient library is insufficient and you areand forced you to arepurchase forced toapurchase a tbook, then textbook, contact then your contact faculty your representative. faculty representative.
USA’S CAMPAIGN NUSA’S CAMPAIGN
SA wants NUSA to hear wants from to you hearabout from you the hidden about the costs hidden you have costshad youtohave bear. had Wetowill bear. be We will be oicing the invoicing University the for University any costs forwe anybelieve costs we to be believe illegaltoand be illegal campaigning and campaigning to stop these to stop these ra charges. extra charges.
will alsoWe report will also all “crimes” report all to“crimes” NUS who toforward NUS who them forward to thethem Federal to the Education Federal Minister, Education Minister, ator Evans. Senator Evans.
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HOW CAN HOW I GET CAN INVOLVED? I GET INVOLVED? 1. Fill out a1.case Fill sheet! out a case Tell us sheet! whatTell costs us what you have costshad youtohave bearhad andtoinbear which andcourses. in which courses. 2. Help NUSA 2. Help get more NUSAcase get more sheetscase fromsheets otherfrom students. other students. 3. Write to 3. your Write lecturer, to your referring lecturer,them referring to thethem Higher to the Education Higher Support Education Act, Support about Act, yourabout your hidden cost. hidden cost. 4. Sign a petition. 4. Sign a petition.
5. Run your5.own Runaudit your of own theaudit number of the ofnumber availableoftextbooks/course available textbooks/course readers in your readers course in your course and tell us and about tellit!us about it! 6. Join the 6. campaign Join the organising campaign organising team (illegalcoursecosts@nusa.org.au) team (illegalcoursecosts@nusa.org.au)
Postgraduate update It’s an honour and a privilege to represent the Newcastle Postgraduate community on NUSA council. Uni is hard work, balancing an ever increasing study workload with work, managing the frustrations of study and the expectations of others, while all the while trying almost futilely to maintain something that can be vaguely described as a social life. Now increase the workload about five times, add countless reams of paperwork, a seemingly endless number of approval boards and bureaucratic processes, the expectations of school and supervisors, and more than not, tutoring masses of often unruly, unsympathetic undergrads and you have the life of a Postgraduate student. Well, almost. For a number of years, the only folks representing Postgraduate Students have been the folks at NUPSA (Newcastle University Postgraduate Students’ Association) - a wonderful group of people with an excellent range of resources and seminars for students but no connection with the wider scheme of student life outside the occasional meeting or seminar. For years, Postgraduate students have not been empowered to engage with University administrations to play a meaningful part in shaping the research and coursework programs that shape their future. In past years, NUSA has sought to represent the needs of Postgraduate Students through the advocacy for individual postgrad students, and it is a crucial goal this year to increase and improve this role.
increasingly the creatures of market-driven university politics. Most problematic of all, the support services and facilities that exist for Postgraduate students have for many years been grossly underfunded and poorly equipped, put at severe risk the welfare and research capacity of postgraduate students. The University cannot demand higher standards from its students and staff without equipping them with the means to meet those standards. It is therefore imperative that the underfunded, under-staffed and underequipped Office of Graduate Studies, which in itself represents a crucial and exceptional link between students and the university receive the resources to sufficiently cater for the needs of Postgraduate Students. No authority can truly be held accountable through self-examination and self-regulation. So, NUSA is empowered to represent the needs of the postgraduate community as an independent voice, not limited by the restrictions that often exist to limit the representative capacities of otherwise meaningful quasi-autonomous organisations and token student representative positions within the University administration. To this end, NUSA has re-established the position of Postgraduate Convener to provide a voice for Postgraduate students on NUSA Council and to pressure the University for meaningful and positive change.
As it stands, a number of serious issues plague the postgraduate student community. Severe cuts in staff and research funding, and a reduced availability of coursework subjects. Even the creative and humanistic social meaning of research is inevitably constrained by economic rationalist imperatives and crushing Joel Kelsey bureaucratisation. Research Higher Degrees, 2012 NUSA Postgrad Representative formerly driven by a creative humanist ethic are postgraduate@nusa.org.au
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International Students’ Department ISD-NUSA activities for 2012 will be oriented
towards supporting, representing & advocating on behalf of international students studying at the University of Newcastle and to helping enhance their social, cultural and academic experience during their stay in Australia. ISD-NUSA plans to do this by developing social, cultural and academic initiatives which we expect will provide international students with a better space for enriching their experiences at our University. Activities over the past few months have included; Orientation Week Presentation, Orientation Welcome Dinner and Harmony Taste, all of the activities were organised in collaboration with the University International Support Office. We thank all the International Clubs and Societies involved in these activities for their effort and commitment. Additionally, during this period a migration seminar was organised for those international students who are close to finishing their degree and looking for future opportunities in Australia. March and April also included the Safety and Travel Concession Forum with the local MP Tim Owen and Sonia Honery. Travel concessions will continue to be a campaign issue this year and an individual letter will be sent to Tim Owen and Sonia Hornery in order to convey our concern to the State Parliament. Safety continues to be a matter of concern for our organisation with cases already reported during the past month; we strongly encourage all of our students to report any safety concerns by contacting us at the NUSA office. During May, we launched a facebook page for our safety campaign. We have advocated for improved lighting both on and off-campus. There is more information on this in the safety article. Representatives from ISD-NUSA attended two
national conferences where we encouraged other student representatives to run similar campaigns. The past few months have also brought traditional cultural celebrations such as the Persian New Year, the Malaysian Welcome Party, The Indonesian Club trip to Sydney, the Korean Easter BBQ and other Club and Societies activities. We had our first Free Latin Party of the year on Friday 11th of May at the Gallipoli Club near Hamilton station. We have sent delegates to a NSW state meeting of international students to discuss shared concerns and issues. Transport Concessions and Safety are concerns for all international students in NSW. ISD-NUSA sent delegates to the national conference for international students in Brisbane. The national conference involved all the international students affiliated to the Council of International Students in Australia (CISA) and was the opportunity for international students all around Australia to share skills and experiences and an opportunity to meet the Government and education industry representative in order to present our concern and ideas as international students. ISD-NUSA is very proud that three of our international students were elected to the national body at the end of the CISA conference: Salih Alzahrani is Secretary, Mohamed Ehsan Ebrahim is Public Relations Officer and Heather Richards is Welfare Officer. Finally it is important to mention that ISD-NUSA regularly meet every Friday from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM in the NUSA Building. These meetings include the ISD-NUSA Executive, International Club and Societies Presidents or Delegates plus any international students interested in international students affairs. In solidarity Eduardo Carvajal ISD-NUSA Convenor international@nusa.org.au
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weekend The ofweekend July 14-15of marked July 14-15 a monumental marked a monumental milestone inmilestone the history in and the history development and development of the of the at gamegreat of Quidditch game ofinQuidditch Newcastle. in Newcastle.
ing already Having pioneered alreadythe pioneered game nation-wide the game nation-wide with Australia’s withfirst Australia’s and stillfirst biggest and still everbiggest internalever internal versity League University in 2011, League our attendance in 2011, our attendance and performances and performances at trend-setting at trend-setting tournaments tournaments in in ney andSydney Canberra and have Canberra established have established Newcastle as Newcastle a nationalasQuidditch a nationalpowerhouse. Quidditch powerhouse.
finally on But this finally weekend on this came weekend the long came overdue the long chance overdue for Newcastle chance forto Newcastle host the to assorted host the assorted tralian Quidditch Australianmasses. Quidditch Saturday masses. night Saturday saw a night Yule Ball sawina the Yulefinest Ball inHarry the finest PotterHarry tradition, Potter tradition, le Sunday while hosted Sunday social hosted matches social in which matches players in which fromplayers all teams from mixed all teams with mixed one-another with one-another on on ndly teams. friendly teams.
it was the ButSaturday it was the tournament Saturday tournament that really mattered. that reallyItmattered. was Newcastle’s It was Newcastle’s first chancefirst to host chance to host tralian Quidditch AustralianAssociation Quidditch Association (AQA) ranked (AQA) contests. ranked And contests. it was no And coincidence it was no coincidence that the that the rnamenttournament ran the smoothest ran the and smoothest most efficiently and mostofefficiently any yet. of any yet.
SaturdayOn morning, Saturday five morning, teams gathered five teams atgathered Newcastle atQuidditch NewcastleStadium Quidditch forStadium the Midwinter for theCup. Midwinter Cup. ms fromTeams Perth and fromSydney Perth and joined Sydney Wollongong joined Wollongong and Macquarie and Universities Macquarie Universities in making the in making trip. the trip.
as our noble It washosts, our noble the Newcastle hosts, theFireballs, Newcastle who Fireballs, openedwho theopened tournament the tournament against the against spiritedthe spirited favourites, fan-favourites, Wollongong. Wollongong. But the Illawarrans But the Illawarrans were never were goingnever to begoing a match to be foraour match for our a-professional ultra-professional unit, who completely unit, who completely dominated the dominated contest.the James contest. KnoxJames and Desany Knox and Phanoraj Desany Phanoraj the wayled as Newcastle the way asticked Newcastle over ticked twelveover unanswered twelve unanswered goals. It wasgoals. only aItconsolation was only a consolation snitch snitch ch whichcatch salvaged which some salvaged pride some for Wollongong pride for Wollongong in a 120-30 loss. in a 120-30 loss.
t up were Next theup Macquarie were the Malaclaws, Macquarie Malaclaws, easybeats on easybeats paper but onwho paper possess but who extraordinary possess extraordinary spirit spirit discipline andand discipline had managed and hada managed shock defeat a shock of Newcastle defeat ofin Newcastle their onlyinprevious their only encounter. previous encounter. But But r a shaky after start, a shaky our Fireballs start, our effortlessly Fireballs effortlessly adapted to adapted the challenge to theand challenge began to and pull began clear.to pull clear. tain Celeste Captain Hollingsworth Celeste Hollingsworth led the wayled with the the way Quaffle, with the while Quaffle, Beaters while Matt Beaters IngramMatt andIngram Andrewand Andrew son expertly Gibson nullified expertly thenullified punchy the andpunchy efficientand Macquarie efficient attack. Macquarie In a attack. long, and In aatlong, timesand gruff, at times gruff, -wrestlearm-wrestle of a match, of Newcastle a match,had Newcastle to workhad hard tobut work had hard thebut Malaclaws' had the Malaclaws' number in every number facet in every facet he game. ofJulian the game. Kirkby's Julian snitch Kirkby's catchsnitch sealedcatch a highly sealed impressive a highly 140-30 impressive victory. 140-30 victory.
though But Newcastle thoughwent Newcastle to lunch went decisively to lunchundefeated decisively undefeated after their first after pair their of first games, pairso oftoo games, did so too did the slick andthe athletic slick and Perth athletic unit. ItPerth was unit. this It was this contest between contest the between two clear thepowerhouses two clear powerhouses of of the tournament the tournament first up afterfirst lunch up which after lunch would which would prove to beprove the true to be blockbuster the true blockbuster and reinforce and reinforce for everyone forwhy everyone they love why this they game. love this game. It took just seconds It took just forseconds Perth tofor score Perth to score immediatelyimmediately off the opening off the play. opening Their early play. Their early 30-10 lead suggested 30-10 leadpotential suggested heartache potentialfor heartache for Newcastle, Newcastle, but the Fireballs but the love Fireballs nothinglove more nothing more than a challenge than aand challenge lifted toand hitherto lifted to hitherto
unreached levels unreached of profound levels ofbrilliance. profoundChaser brilliance. JoshChaser Simpson Josh was Simpson was immense, using immense, his agility usingand hisferocious agility andbulk ferocious to score bulk an to early score hat-trick an early hat-tr and lead theand comeback. lead the The comeback. real heroes The real for Newcastle heroes forthough Newcastle were though were Beaters Lora Beaters Wiggins Lora andWiggins Matt Hudson and Matt who Hudson pushedwho through pushed thethrough pain the pa barrier to play barrier the full to play twenty-five the full twenty-five minute match minute unchanged. match unchanged.
But if the whole But ifmatch the whole had been matchdramatic, had beenthe dramatic, end wasthe pure end theatre. was pure theatr With Newcastle Withleading Newcastle 80-70, leading an animated 80-70, anPerth animated beganPerth to celebrate began to celebrat victory aftervictory appearing afterto appearing catch thetosnitch. catchBut the the snitch. referee But the ruled referee the ruled the catch to be catch made to illegally be made (while illegally the snitch (whilewas theon snitch the was ground) on the andground) so and the match continued, the match with continued, Hollingsworth with Hollingsworth ambling up-field ambling unopposed up-field unoppos to put one past to put theone misled pastwould-be the misledvictors. would-be victors.
A minute later A minute the tables laterwere the tables turnedwere and turned Julian Kirkby and Julian madeKirkby a made a sensational sensational grab, skirting grab, around skirting Newcastle's around Newcastle's substitute players substitute whoplayers wh the snitch was theusing snitchaswas shepherds.The using as shepherds.The 120-70 victory 120-70 was victory possiblywas possibly Newcastle'sNewcastle's greatest wingreatest and undoubtedly win and undoubtedly the most thrilling the most andthrilling and ultra-high quality ultra-high contest quality in Australian contest inQuidditch Australianhistory. Quidditch history.
Unfortunately, Unfortunately, the tables were the tables turnedwere in Newcastle's turned in Newcastle's final games.final Thegames. FireballsThe were Fireballs perhaps were perhaps distracted by distracted the delirious by the joydelirious of triumph, joy of perhaps triumph, complacently perhaps complacently treating their treating place in their theplace final as in the final a secured after secured three wins, after three but most wins, certainly but most fatigued. certainly It fatigued. was the Combined It was theSydney Combined unitSydney which unit which dominated,dominated, thrashing Newcastle thrashing150-20. Newcastle In a 150-20. shock turn In a of shock events, turnitof was events, Newcastle it waswho Newcastle crashed who crashed out of the tournament out of the tournament on percentage. on percentage.
This left Perth Thisand leftSydney Perth and to contest Sydneyatohigh-quality contest a high-quality final with favourites final withPerth favourites winning Perth 100-40, winning and100-40, a taking out the taking inaugural out theMidwinter inauguralCup. Midwinter Cup.
But the weekend But the was weekend an unparalled was an success unparalled by every success standard. by everyFor standard. our Fireballs, For our there Fireballs, was atthere leastwas at lea the consolation the consolation that as Sydney's that as team Sydney's was a team combined was aUniversity combinedunit University of mercenaries, unit of mercenaries, our final our final match has no match bearing has on no the bearing AQAon rankings, the AQAensuring rankings, usensuring a perfectus three a perfect from three day. from three day. As a sporting Ascontest, a sporting thecontest, clashes the were clashes intense were andintense high quality, and high further quality, emphasizing further emphasizing the steep the steep upward curve upward of Quidditch curve ofprowess Quidditch in the prowess country. in the country. . . As an eventAs itself, an event the whole itself,weekend the whole was weekend spectacular. was spectacular. The Newcastle TheQuidditch NewcastleSociety Quidditch looks Society very looks v much forward much to the forward next to chance the next to showcase chance toourselves showcasetoourselves the world. to the world.
Article: James Hosford
Photography: Matt Hudson
Hey everyone, this semester NUSA is introducing a n It will be held each day outside the Auchmuty Library July to Friday 3rd August. Why not come along and c
Each day a different international club will be cooking up a delicious feast for you to enjoy for free. Of course, if you are stuck over on the Hunter side, the usual BBQ’s will be happening at NUSA on Tuesday at 12 and Thursday at 12.30. Come grab a sausage or veggie patty sandwich with salad. While eating some of that sumptuous free food take a look at the student campaigns NUSA has run this year. Talk to us about our ongoing campaigns for International Safety and Universal Eligilbilty to Transport Concession and the new campaign against Illegal Course Costs. Find out what they’re all about, how they affect you and what NUSA is doing for students.
Run by student
new event to the University calendar - NUSA Week! y every day from 11am-3pm from Monday 30th check out everything NUSA has to offer?
All through the week there will be NUSA council members available to talk. You’ll be able to spot us by our bright green hoodies. Talk to us about what concerns you, and find out what services NUSA offers that you may not have known about. If you’re interested in advocating for student issues and helping to create a vibrant campus community, come talk to us about getting involved! Whether you want to become a student representative, need support to run a campaign or want to be a part of creating Opus, we’re always looking for more people to get on board. Each day we’ll be showcasing all our different clubs and societies. If you’re looking for new friends and fun stuff to do, come on down and discover the groups NUSA brings to you.Visit their stalls and be sure to sign up, they offer great social events throughout the year to make your uni life more fun.
ts for students
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The International Students Department of Newcastle University Students’ Association (ISD-NUSA) has been running an on-going campaign on safety issues affecting international students at the University of Newcastle. For the past five years international students have been requesting CCTV cameras on campus & improved lighting. Unfortunately, our representations on these points and commitments given to us have not resulted in significant improvements.
On 15th June, Newcastle Herald ran an article on NUSA’s off-campus lighting poll. In this article the Newcastle Herald observed that in a twenty minute time period 30 students chose to walk along the road from UoN to Jesmond, whilst only 3 used the underpath.
We decided to take matters into our own hands by gauging broader student opinion on the issue in a format which cannot be ignored. The subsequent campaign to improve off-campus lighting involves both international and domestic students.
NUSA and Newcastle City Council Visit
On 16th May, the International Students Department of Newcastle University Students’ Association (ISD-NUSA) launched our international student safety campaign facebook page. (www.facebook.com/isdnusasafetycampaign)
On Monday 2nd July, representatives from NUSA and Newcastle City Council visited and assessed the areas indicated in the map provided by NUSA to the Council. This visit and assessment was conducted at night.
NUSA was informed that Newcastle City Council policy in residential areas is essentially that every second Ausgrid pole can have a light. Lights can only be placed where Ausgrid has erected poles.
Off campus lighting
On 28th May, we asked the following question in a poll on the facebook page: “Do you think that the street lighting should be improved between UoN and Jesmond?” Of the 388 responses, 377 voted yes and 11 voted no. The Newcastle Herald took up the story and contacted Newcastle City Council and we have subsequently liaised with them on this issue. NUSA canvassed student opinion on lighting issues in the areas around the University and sent a map to the council highlighting these areas (fig 1).
Figure 1: Lighting Plan submitted to Newcastle City Council on 13th June 2012.
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On Saturday 7th July,7th theJuly, Newcastle Herald Herald On Saturday the Newcastle ran a short our visit withvisit Newcastle ranarticle a shortonarticle on our with Newcastle City Council and published our request for City Council and published our request for the Council to consider a pedestrian and the Council to consider a pedestrian and lighting lighting strategy strategy for the for areathe around the area around the University. In this In article University. this the articleNewcastle the Newcastle Herald Herald reportedreported that Graham Boyd, aBoyd, a that Graham Newcastle City Councillor, said NUSA’s Newcastle City Councillor, said NUSA’s findings findings are typical and he and he areacross typicalNewcastle across Newcastle is calling for theforagreement betweenbetween is calling the agreement Newcastle City Council and Ausgrid to be to be Newcastle City Council and Ausgrid renegotiated. renegotiated.
On campus LightingLighting On campus
NUSA has many reports from from NUSAreceived has received many reports studentsstudents that on-campus lighting lighting is that on-campus is inadequate or ineffectual. During semester inadequate or ineffectual. During semester During During the visit,thewevisit, made following we the made the following two we will student opinion twobe wecanvassing will be canvassing student to opinion to bservations: observations: pinpointpinpoint the exactthe locations on the Callaghan exact locations on the Callaghan -It was not always which -It was notclear always clear which campus campus that need You canYou can thatimprovement. need improvement. organisation is responsible for lighting. organisation is responsible for lighting. report this directly through through our website report this directly our website -If Ausgrid not constructed a pole, a pole, -If has Ausgrid has not constructed (www.nusa.org.au), the facebook page page (www.nusa.org.au), the facebook then no then light can be installed. no light can be installed. (www.facebook.com/isdnusasafetycampaign) (www.facebook.com/isdnusasafetycampaign) or to one council oroftoour one of ourmembers. council members. -Trees have been placed to lights, -Trees have beenclose placed close to lights, obstructing them, orthem, have grown obstructing or havewith grown with the samethe effect. same effect. Security ShuttleShuttle Bus Security
Bus
-There is-There a lack of pavement, is acontinuous lack of continuous pavement, NUSA isNUSA in the of writing a is inprocess the process of writing a and pavement is often on the opposite and pavement is often on the opposite submission on the Callaghan security security shuttle shuttle submission on the Callaghan side of the road from thefrom lights. side of the road the lights. bus. Students have indicated that theythat want a want a bus. Students have indicated they service and oneand thatone operates on service that operates on or more information on the visit Fordetailed more detailed information on thesecond visit second Weekends, because we come to study in the Weekends, because we come to study in the with Newcastle City Council please visit ourvisit our with Newcastle City Council please AIC. AIC. website.website. (nusa.org.au) (nusa.org.au)
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If you have a comment you would to like to If you have a comment you like would make, an anecdotal shuttle bus story a make, an anecdotal shuttle busorstory or a suggestion, please please send an suggestion, sendemail an to: email to: transport@nusa.org.au or comment on the on the transport@nusa.org.au or comment NUSA website. NUSA website.
Newcastle Herald 15th June 2012
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Horoscopes Cancer 24 June - 31 July
Your leaf aura is cloudy this week, with light clusters of residue scattered in the lower hemisphere. You may experience small waves of hysteria over the weekend, but the effects will be short lived and should disperse by Monday. Stay away from candles and Dijon mustard and beware of old men lurking in observatories. Your celebrity avatar is Johnny Depp.
Leo 36 July - 48 May
Osiris is in the delta quadrant- your sexuality will be called into question this week while watching a documentary on the discovery channel about the private life of elephants. In an attempt to suppress this new found fetish, try whipping yourself over the hands and feet with a belt or leather cord. Over time this will infuse you with a strong sense of morality. Your spiritual leader is Hillary Clinton.
Virgo 6 December - St Patrick’s day
You will not notice me this week. Even when you pass me in the Auchmuty library, coming so close to my table that your hair brushes against my fingertips and I can hear the heartbeat in your chest, or when you are asleep and curled into bed like a baby in the womb, and I reach up to touch you, to caress you lightly on the neck, and you moan, so softly and so sweetly that I am almost brought to tears. You will not notice me. Not once...
Libra 24 September - 23 October
Last Monday’s irregular moon cycle brings about a week of impatience and frustration, caused in part by a severe shortage in stationary. Try stopping off at Office Works for a huge range of discounted prices and all your university needs. Cannon digital camera just $337. Office works A4 premium copy paper just $5.42. And if you find an identical stocked item at a lower price they’ll beat it by 10%.
Scorpio 24 October - 28 November
The migration of Black-billed cuckoos from north east England to Quebec suggests a blossoming love life for you this week. But be careful out there! All that new found trust could leave you vulnerable to a horde of rampaging centaur warriors. When looking for a potential mate, avoid Leos and Capricorns. Your best option is to find a Gemini with a weak bladder.
jamie is batman now
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Clooney 3 October
Next Tuesday’s violet moon coincides with the release date of The Descendants on Blu-Ray, suggesting a generous boost to your IMDb STARmeter. Now is not a good time to be starring in a Coen brother’s film; the movement of Saturn’s rings predicts volatility in the independent film industry. Instead, why not do another endorsement for Nescafe or use this time to focus on your very underappreciated directing career.
Saggitarius November 23 - December 23
Alpha Draconi is on Orien’s belt: Now would be the perfect time to commence your training in the supernatural arts. The bridge between Mother Gaia and the Reptillian home planet has drawn to a close, resulting in a dramatic swelling of the ectoplasmic sphere. The 9th dimension should become clear to you by around thursday afternoon. Avoid illuminati mind rays and ‘ghost bison.’
Capricorn 22 December - 30 January
The periodic cycles of Himalayan monks suggests a week fraught with chaos. Try not to over commit yourself to others, especially your children, as this could lead to feelings of disempowerment and infertility. Log into Facebook and publically announce that you have contracted a deadly, incurable disease. Then, in the comments below, write: “OMG THATS NOT FUNNY WHO’S BEEN HACKING INTO MY ACCOUNT?”
Aquarius 280 BC – 980 A.C
The moons of Uranus are being sucked into an enormous black hole: now would be the time to buy as many cats as possible. The will help improve your spiritual awareness and ensure good fortune in the ‘after-realms.’ To maximize your positive karma, try naming your pussies after the apostles and arranging them into a humorous reenactment of da Vinci’s Last Supper. Such fun!
Pisces 20 February - 32 March
The Dali Lama is approaching Zion, now would be a good time to sell off any spare shares you have lying around and invest in dream catchers. Your typically dull career will take an unexpected turn for the worse this week when you witness a close business colleague being decapitated by a circular saw. If you’re still feeling tense by the end of it all, try taking a warm bath infused with Tibetan Love Salts.
Aries 21 March - 20 April
Saturn’s moon is in the House of Commons, ushering in a new age of indulgence and prosperity. While sorting through the mail this week you will discover an unexpected Medicare refund check, providing you with the financial means to purchase that Limited Edition Princess Catherine Commemorative Bust1 that you’ve always wanted.
Taurus 21 April - 21 May
Your thoughts are solid and clear today Taurus, but others may seek to challenge your mental prowess. Don’t let all that negativity get to your head, remember, you are the chosen one, your skills and exploits will be remembered for all of eternity. The others are but mere mortals, walking bags of flesh for you, God Almighty, to amuse yourself with. Your lucky numbers are 9, 7, 31 and a billion-and-three.
Gemini 22 May - 22 June
Bill Cosby, predicts you will be a father one day, and your kids, they ain’t gonna give you no privacy. And you’ll be thinking bout what you’re gonna do at home with the kids, and they’ll be makin poo-poos on the toilet seat but you gotta keep on at it, because you can’t get angry with the child, you can’t filth and foul and filth. You don’t wanna say that to a child so you gotta zip-zop-zoopitybop and put on a happy face. 1. H.C and Penny’s. $89.95, for a limited time only.
Noise.
Last Dinosaurs : In a Million Years
Zulu Winter : Language
Rating: 3.5 (like the noodles from the Shortland Building). Hipster appeal: Pure aussie hipster bait. Great listening if: You’re driving down to Ourimbah.
Rating:2/5 Hipster appeal: They’re from England and released their first single in November so there is a 53% chance regular hipsters will latch on and 70% chance stoner hipsters will take up their banner. Great listening if: you want to woo someone with clichéd indie music.
For years now Queensland has done something right; no not football (get your mind out of the gutter and watch a real sport like Quidditch or Ultimate Frisbee), and that is produce awesome bands. Without mentioning that dusty finger in our memories, other bands like The Medics & The Grates have consistently delivered music and grown as artists from small beginnings in the state to our north. And it is no different with Last Dinosaurs as they release their debut album In a Million Years. Following up from their 2009 EP Back from the Dead, the Brisbane four piece have been touring and certainly growing musically. In a Million Years is a playful bouncing album, like Regurgitator lite…. really lite, that brings a smile to your face on a sunny day.
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The soft soothing indie styles of Zulu Winter open up with Key to My Heart as an entrée of clichéd British indie sounds. Sounds that, while they don’t fail to impress, become forgetful swiftly. So much soft wailing in Let’s Move Back to Front that you start to sway around with nausea. They try oh so hard but so much of this album sounds like b-sides of Coldplay, which isn’t an entirely bad thing if you like Coldplay or Brit-indie in general, but if you’re not a fan of Chris Martin and co. I’d avoid this echoing album. Their sound has been heard over and over, you’re not missing much. You’d do better to head over to the bar and listen to crowd at Beer Bingo Bar Bingo in the GT Bar. You might come across something more interesting.
Opus’ music pages with your local music liking person, Kuuluvan Laitoksen
Electric Guest : Mondo
A four piece from LA slide into the world of music with their debut album, Mondo, one of the most varied indie albums I have had the treat to listen to this year. While Electric Guest may not have honed themselves a solid sound a la The Living End (because it’s totally fair to compare punk with Indie in a post GFC world) they have instead honed their tastes and talents to create this happy go lucky spasm of indie music. This Head I Hold was the first single off the album for obvious reasons when listened to, but is one of the weakest tracks on the album for no other reason than it lacks the melding qualities of experimentations of other tracks like Holes (with its stilted drifting tones) or the strong and entrancing narrative of Amber. My only gripe with this album is that it is not an album I can just sit down and listen to, there’s no awe or hook that makes me want to devote my full attention to the music and just listen and dance. Instead I found myself cooking and putting together tables for an assignment while bopping my head about… damn music preventing me from procrastinating!
Rating: 3/5 Hipster appeal: N/A they are already cool so Hipsters can’t claim them Great listening if : you’re cleaning around the house and want something you can waggle your bum to while dusting or scrubbing then sway to as you’re mopping.
Review scale: 1=slice off your ears to avoid (THINK HIST1080) 2=dull, need to be drunk to enjoy (THINK STAT1020) 3=good, concise with some fun characteristics (THINK EDUC1751) 4=gets better the more you listen to it, solid stuff (THINK FMCS3901) 5=I might actually consider not ripping or torrenting this album (there is yet to be a course at UoN that meets this criteria, if you know of one please send details to media@nusa.org.au)
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Games Chess
White to play and mate in 4
White to move and mate in 1
From Aaron-Obiamiwe, 9th Philadelphia International (2012)
Sudoku 2
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Crossword Across
2. NUSA provides free sexual health supplies. One of these supplies is used to prevent transmission of infections and STDs from genitals to the mouth, or vice versa. What is it called? (3) 4. Last year, NUSA was in a “constitutional crisis”. Under which Australian Prime Minister, did an arguable much more serious “constitutional crisis” occur? (12) 7. Podgorica is the capital of which European country? (10) 8. Which Novocastrian handed back the Jet’s licence to the dismay of fans? (13) 11. Valentina Vladimirovna Nekolayeva Tereshjova was the first woman to travel where? (5) 12. The Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and Eyre basin are all examples of this type of water body or basin. (9) 13. Who is the NSW State Minister for Educations? (13)
14. To date, there have been 44 national referendums in Australia. How many of these have carried? (5)
Down
1. The code of which Babylonian king can be still be found in part on a human-sized stone stele (fingertip)? (9) 3. Acronym by which the Malaysian Youth Society of the University of Newcastle is more commonly known. (5) 5. Which teen heartthrob band was formed from contestants applying for the British X Factor show? (12) 6. . Find x. (5) 9. This tribe of reportedly 355 people has hit the news due to fears of human rights organisations that gunmen hired by illegal loggers and settlers are killing them to extinction. (3) 10. Meaning to repeal a law, right of formal agreement. (8)
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It’s Time To Give Back Lewis Wisden
With all the pain and suffering on the news these days it’s only too easy to change the channel and think about eating the last Tim Tam in the fridge instead. But there is one problem: Guilt, the stubborn fiend who just doesn’t understand how futile it is to do a good thing these days. Well you’re in luck, as there is an easy way to get on the right side of karma and actually make a difference in this messed up world: The blood drive. Yes needles may suck (excuse the awful pun), but the momentary pain and suffering is worth it as 1 in 3 Australians need blood, but only 1 in 30 actually donate. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is a non-for-profit organisation supported by the government that is responsible for providing the Australian community with safe, high quality blood and blood products. Donating is easy as the Red Cross Donormobile visits the university four times a year (dates listed below), or by visiting: donateblood.com.au/ready-to-donate/make-appointment
Blood Drive at Callaghan Hunter Side Monday 6 - Friday 10 August 2012 Monday 22 - Thursday 25 October 2012 Shortland Side Monday 13 - Thursday 16 August 2012 Monday 29 October Thursday 1 November 2012
Every week, Australia needs over 27,000 blood donations. Why so many needed? All blood components have a limited shelf life, creating the need for a constant blood supply. The components are red cells, platelets or plasma, with your blood type being the indicator of the most effective component you should donate. Donated blood goes mostly to people with cancer, who have been involved in traumatic accidents, burns, or those undergoing surgery. A single blood donation can help as many as three people, so roll up those sleeves and join more than half a million Australians in donating blood!
Are you eligible? -Are you fit and healthy and not suffering from, or have not suffered from a cold, flu or illness in the last 7 days? -Are you aged between 16-70 years (if not, maybe you should reconsider your enrolment…) and weigh over 45kg? -Are you not pregnant, or have been pregnant in the last 9 months? Are you not breastfeeding? -Are you not taking any antibiotics, of have been taking antibiotics in the last 6 days? -Have you not had a tattoo in the last 12 months? -Have you not been in the U.K. between 1980 to 1996 for a total of 6 months or more? If the answer to the above is correct, you’re good to go! But please keep in mind that before donating: -Have at least 4 glasses of water or juice and a meal in the hours before donating -Make sure you are feeling well -Bring (photo) identification For more info http://www.donateblood.com.au/
Games Solutions Crossword
Chess
1) 1.0–0–0# 2) 1.Re8+ Bxe8 2.Bg4+ f5 3.Bxf5+ Bd7 4.Re8#
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Across 2. Dam 4. GoughWhitlam 7. Montengro 8. NathanTinkler 11. Space 12. Endorheic 13. AdrianPiccoli 12. Eight
Down 1. Hammurabi 3. MySun 5. OneDirection 6. Three 9. Awa 10. Abrogate
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It has become terrifyingly clear to me that the current generation is in dire need of my assistance. Never before has there been an age so ripe with public indecency, an age where the very foundations of the English language are shaking at their core. We live in a world where teenagers converse with robots and children are no longer safe to walk the streets. This cultural degeneracy must come to an end! Which is why I have taken my time to advise you, the university readership, in all aspects of your tertiary and personal lives. Dear Aunt Mavis Hey this is Chloe! I woke up this morning with a massive pimple on my nose and it hurts like hell! I’ve heard a lot of crazy advice about getting rid of pimples but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions? Thanks, Chloe. Dear Chloe, I am dreadfully sorry to hear of your infliction. Personally I’ve never had a pimple, but from what I have heard they can be quite unsightly. Of course, like many ailments, the best cure is prevention. In this case, remember to bathe regularly and stay away from sugary foods such as toffee apples or peppermint drops. Though I am no doctor, I decided to do some research on the matter and found a very interesting article on managing pimples in ‘Miss Margaret’s Proper Advice for Young Ladies’. According to Margaret: “A lady should always practice utmost discretion when dealing with facial blemishes. Take a sewing needle and gently stab at the imperfection, quickly covering the wound with a handkerchief or wet cloth. Hold until all liquid has been drained then apply a small amount of zinc oxide or asbestos powder to cover the redness.” I hope this answers your question. Dear Aunt Mavis I keep getting all these messages online saying I’m fat and ugly only I don’t know who they are from? It’s becoming a real problem!! Should I go to the police? Dear Anonymous Now here is exactly what is wrong with today’s youth. I cannot comprehend why anyone would want to communicate over the internet. How are you supposed to know who is real and who isn’t? For all you know the culprit behind these horrid messages could be the computer itself. And even if you were certain of the authenticity of the speaker, how could you possibly judge their character without knowledge of their physical appearance?
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I honestly don’t understand all this ‘Facebook’ and ‘Tumbler’ nonsense. What in God’s name is a Tumbler anyway? My granddaughter told me she signed up to one the other day and I thought she was trying to tell me she had run away with the circus! As far as your problem is concerned, I can only give you the same advice I gave to my granddaughter, and that is to turn off your computer, your mobile phone and whatever other electronic gizmos you have buried in your pockets, and go outside into the sun before your brain starts to rot. Dear Aunt Mavis I’m a 21 year old male pre-op transgender. My boyfriend and I have great sex but recently I’ve found myself becoming attracted to women. I’ve started seeing a girl on the side, Jessie. I told my boyfriend about her and, although he doesn’t seem to mind, he is a little confused about where this leaves me sexually. I wondered if you had any interesting insights into my situation. Thanks, Justine. Dear Justine Good Lord! Yours sincerely, Aunt Mavis.
P.S, I’ve been told NUSA has a Queer Collective that offers a support network for this sort of thing...
Got a question for Aunt Mavis? Don’t hesitate to send an email to
AskMavis@nusa.org.au
Discussion Forum Have your say! http://www.council.nusa.org.au
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Auchmuty at Night
the students in the food hall are lightly feathered soul food for those undone figures of the forest cast poles on libraries and sway towards drawings and etext
in the afternoon i met a glance for an hour there is no more wondering whos wondering? draughts and noodles deep in the smell of computer plastic electric leaves luxury and a mouse pad princes of the swivel chair distraction is welded kept on paper courses and rounded to median strips the coffee is dry lipped the pool is full and bags are heavy and all the wireless can bounce between ships as in the awkward instance and the first jettisoned soul food is wet and salty closed eyes are square blurs sore between lids white sail and railings <the fish are circling> monitaurs & re-viewers imagine ghosts in millions hordes clothed and faceless wandering at shelves, in rooms, between classes filing their blank canvasses in folders marked empiricism & routine buildings leading towards the morning due
David Graham