editors.
john shirley sarah owen cassandra keogh
cover art. yinika pertson
back cover art. yinika pertson
contributors. john shirley cassandra keogh shieann ackroyd lucy froud cassarndra slade-potts sean o’malley constance chatterley ashley pianca amy au-yeung yinika perston hannah fisher gabby keaton rebecca deer fred moss becky puglisi liam kennedy olivia freeman ben bible anna creecy tom eckersley jennifer brass adrian walsh kayla vanderstelt tori weeks
disclaimer.
The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of Nucleus or UNESA. If you have an issue with an item published in the paper, write a letter and we will be glad to print it. All contributions must include name and contact details however we may not be able to individually reply to each contributor. Ensure that all contributions contain nothing that may be considered sexist, racist, discriminatory, violence provoking or plagiarised. We assume our readers can tolerate a degree of satire and the odd swear word, but anything containing unnecessary profanity will not be published. Publication is always at the discretion of the editors. All content is published under the Creative Commons by 3.0 license. Refer to website for license information.
contact us.
Visit www.nucleus.org.au Or write to us at editors@nucleus.org.au Come and see us at the office in the Student Media Hub with Tune!FM We’re always happy to get new writers and artists on board, so send us an email for more information, or send us some of your work if you have it ready! We look forward to hearing from you!
contents. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3, APRIL 2015
Editorial // 03 Letters to the Editor // 04 News // 05 Our Deadly Mob! // 10 Features // 11 ANZAC Day // 12 Lepers & Crooks // 13 National Archaelogy Week at UNE // 14 TAS to go Co-ed // 16 Opinion // 18 MBPT Schedule // 20 Reviews & Advice // 23 Reviews // 24 College Thoughts // 25 Naughty Bits // 26 Parley? // 27 College Cuisine // 28 Colours for the Chopper // 29 Cards Against Humanity // 31
Holy cow readers! It’s already April and I don’t know about you, but my brain is full to the brim. Thank God for the Easter break! (the puns are real) Speaking of Easter though, I hope you’ve all had a great break and reduced the world’s chocolate supply by a substantial amount. For those of you unfortunate enough to have to spend your holiday break away from your family and loved ones at intensive schools, I feel your pain. I hope you’ve managed to have plenty of Skype dates to make up for missed time. For everyone who has been around campus lately though, how are you enjoying the weather?
.editorial
Pretty sudden hey…
Apparently it snowed in the Blue Mountains and the wind was driving the cold all the way down here. It has been a JOHN SHIRLEY good reminder of one thing though. WINTER IS COMING… Despite the inclement weather though, there have been plenty of things happening around the place. We’ve covered a few of them, like Austin’s great mouse race (page 5) with its many punters and celebrity guests. We also caught up with Lepers & Crooks (page 13) and for those of you with a less than PG interest, Miss Chatterley (page 26) has been back at it again, and I promise you, this one’s a doozy. So grab your favourite blanket, make yourself a large cup of tea, and snuggle up with us. It’s a humdinger of a ride :)
important notices. ANZAC DAY 25 APRIL
Hello Guys and Gals, The past few weeks have been huge with assignment deadlines looming over our heads and the constant events happening at each college, I know you needed those holidays! But now that you are fully rested why not catch up on what’s been going on by reading this month’s Nucleus!
INTENSIVE SCHOOLS END
Although I have only been a part of the team for a few months I have already gained so much support from the colleges. I hope with time that I will be able to gain more of you and build a network to keep the college content strong. The content from the last issue coming from the colleges was amazing, hearing your opinions and seeing what is happening in each college is wonderful. Keep the articles coming! I want to continue to reach out to you and your college. I want to hear what fundraisers your college is doing, what you think of the new catering model, what political view you have, what university issues you have, I want to hear it all. Send it through! It’s time that colleges made it known what we do and let everyone know that we are down here!
18 APRIL
LECTURES RECOMMENCE 20 APRIL
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM YEAR-LONG 3 UNITS WITHOUT FAILURE 27 APRIL
CENSUS DAY FOR YEAR-LONG 1 UNITS 30 APRIL
UNE OPEN DAY 1 MAY
Cheers, Cassie
Nucleus acknowledges the Aniwan people who are the traditional owners of the land University of New England is situated on. We would also like to pay our respects to elders, both past & present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people. Nucleus would like to advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers that this issue may contain images and names of deceased persons.
03
letters to the editor. To whom it may concern
Whether it be for events coming up, proposed challenges, whats happening in their college, etc.
Over the first half of the trimester I have been involved in marketing ideas for our college off the back of all that happened with last years poor communication and attempts at forcing solutions with Robb and D&S. I feel the problem doesn’t lie with the individual colleges but all of them as a whole. UNE management feel they have overall power in dictating what the colleges do, but I feel this is not correct. Marketing of colleges must come from the colleges as a whole and this is why I email to you. There is a combined presidents committee where each president of their college get together and are suppose to talk and organize. I have not once heard even about them or what they do and I feel it should all start here. If the colleges were to get together again as in previous golden years, generate true competitive spirit with events and not this nasty stigma each college holds to each other, college would be a more enjoyable experience. This idea markets itself as positive experiences will be spread by their residents whom are une students. With this idea in mind, I want to propose a ‘college segment’ in the nucleus paper where the colleges write whatever they have to.
I feel this will strengthen the ties of the colleges again and create a power back to the colleges against une to ensure events of 2014 and previously are not repeated and our voice be heard much more strongly. we are the key stake holders of the uni, we don’t take it up the ass by une. With this, it may start to encourage more readers as more of the content will be of direct relation to them. - name withheld Dear Editors, Please provide poor Elke Henderson, the name attached to article ‘want to hear a joke? parking at UNE’ with a bus timetable and perhaps publish in the next Nucleus. Is she suffering from spoilt brat or fatigue syndrome? regarsd [sic] Keryn Hutton Agricultural Business Research Institute University of New England Armidale NSW 2351
have something to say? a rant, a compliment, a complaint, an idle thought? we want to hear it! send your letter to editors@nucleus.org.au or come in and see us!
DESIGN PRINT POST freecall 1300 853 700 email sales@evansprinting.com.au 215 Mann Street Armidale www.evansprinting.com.au
your local printer proudly suporting the Nucleus
une
news
RAT RACE FOR SMILES
sales, and Charities formal dinners at the college to name a few. Currently Austin College has raised approximately $5000 for Westpac charities and with this year only just beginning we are hoping to reach far beyond that.
TORI WEEKS
On the 21st of March, mice were found running around in the Austin College dining room. This was due to the fact that Camp Quality had come to raise funds for a great cause. The Mouse Race has been a huge tradition for Lyn Poulter, a longtime volunteer for Camp Quality. From balloons to silent auctions to lucky door prizes, the night was a huge success. Over 100 people came together that Saturday night, with around 45 students from Austin College coming together to raise over $6,400 for Camp Quality. The main attractions of the night were the mice. Donated from the Science Labs at UNE, the 64 mice had the opportunity to perform their best in a race for the punters to win their money back they first placed on each mouse. With eight races being held, all sponsored from local businesses within Armidale. The night started off with a welcome to the night from the MC, followed by a speech from a Camp Quality representative from Coffs Harbour, Melanie Bell. After her thoughtful words, Camp Quality handed over a large banner to Austin College’s head, Andrea Gledhill, as Austin College has adopted Camp Quality as a sponsor charity, with which a committee was created the following week. Words then came from James Urquhart, speaking about his personal experience with his son through Camp Quality. The formalities ended with organiser Lyn Poulter giving her appreciation and thanks to those who came to the night, and an insight of what it is like to be a companion and attend camps with the children. Halfway through the night, a celebrity mouse race was held, with special guests including; Andrea Gledhill, the head of Austin College, Armidale Dumaresq Mayor Laurie Bishop, local police officer, highly accredited doctors and the auctioneer of the night. The celebrities had to hit a hockey ball around the dining room, run back as fast as possible, and finally, run with mouse in hand up to the end of the hall and back. The winner of this celebrity race was the celebrity police officer from Armidale. Punters had the opportunity to buy a mouse, which allowed them the chance to win $100 for that race, which they then put back into other mice, to go in the running for the large sum of
$500 for the winning mouse in the final race, kindly donated by Austin College. At the end of the night, the winning mouse winner gladly gave a donation of $500 back into Camp Quality. For Camp Quality camps to happen, for kids to be full of laughter, it takes $15,000. For the companions and Camp Quality to prove that laughter really IS the best medicine. At Austin College, the committee consisting of myself and nine other students, will be organising a Charities Dinner to help raise funds for Camp Quality with slave auctions, entertainment, and special guests to help prove that laughter really is the best medicine.
SUPPORTING THE CHOPPER KAYLA VANDERSTELT
Nearly everyone can say that they have seen the Westpac Rescue helicopter fly above them at some point in time, some might even say that it helped someone they know personally. Rescuing people is what they do best, with their mission being to deliver immediate medical care to people in adverse circumstances and transport of patients in the quickest time possible as it can be the difference between life and death for some. Since early 2014 Austin College has been a main supporter of the helicopter service, with the college hosting multiple fundraising events with all proceeds going to the Westpac Helicopter Service. Austin College is very proud and honoured to be in partnership with the service as it provides an opportunity for us to give back. Without the support of Austin College and the many other groups and companies that help raise the much needed funds the service would be unable to continue free of charge to those who need it. Since 1981, when the service started running 24 hours a day, not a single person has had to pay thanks to the support of the many volunteers and fundraisers. Since the beginning of Austin’s partnership to the Westpac Helicopter Service we have had multiple events including BBQ’s, raffles, Garage
This year the major event that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, along with Sport UNE and Austin College, will be holding will be ‘Show your colours for the Chopper’, which will be held at Sport UNE on the 6th of September. This fun run is open to everyone. You can run, walk, skip, or push a pram. You will have the best time, and you can do it with your friends, family, or work mates, so get a team together and sign up today.
NOMADS WIN 2015 TABLELANDS CUP!
ADRIAN WALSH
The New England Nomads have won the Tablelands Cup for only the second time the history of the cup, the last time being in 2008. In the final against the Black Diamond powerhouse, Cardiff, the Nomads ran out winners by 4 points. Led by new captain and resident goal sneak, David Modra Richards, the Nomads played excellent football all day and look to be in fine form for the 2015 season. The carnival was held in warm weather with not a cloud in the sky all day. 36 Nomads turned up to play which was very pleasing. It was wonderful to have such strong numbers. It was already quite hot by the time the first game against Cardiff kicked off at 10.50 am. The Nomads took Cardiff by surprise in what turned out to be a very intense game. This game saw some of the best football seen in the region for a long time. For the Nomads the usual suspects, Weston Whitby, Captain Mod, Zac Economou, Jed Ellis-Cluff, and Tommy Hunt were starring. But there were also some new faces in the team who were doing well including Tim Keys and young Liam Howard. The effort all over the ground was brilliant and the Nomads shocked the boys from Cardiff, who had probably assumed their winning the cup was a foregone conclusion. The next game against Moree was played at a more leisurely pace and a number of the Nomads donned the Moree Guernsey to ensure a quality game. The boys did take their collective feet off the pedal for this game, which was played in the midday sun.
05
une The final round robin game was played against the newly formed Coffs Breakers. This was a closely fought game, but in the end the Nomads quality ball movement was too much for Coffs. The forward trio of Zac the Coach, Weston, and Jed proved too much for the Coffs defence with all three taking some great grabs. This set up a final between Cardiff and the Nomads which the Nomads won, though the Nomads were lucky the siren sounded when it did since the Cardiff boys were on a roll in the last 5 minutes. It had been a long day and there were some very tired and sore bodies who trudged off the field at the end of the final. This was an exceptional effort on the part of the Noeys. Right across the ground, the Nomads had winners. The team have benefitted this year from having most of last year’s team on the paddock. In most years we have had to rebuild and forge a team whereas this year it has felt more like ‘finetuning’. It was great to see the skill level of the boys.
It was also wonderful to see some old faces, including Sol Hanks, ‘Serpico’ Woodward (back from Costa Rica), and Hoani “The Haitchman” back in the green. Pleasing also was the form of the young guns, especially the home grown recruits Clarrie Barker, Ryan Davies, and ‘Sam the Man’ Bioletti.
FOIL OR PAY NSW travel foils are an essential part of saving money as a student. I don’t know about you, but I prefer spending my money on things other than train/bus fares, and as a student I know that every dollar counts. For those of you yet to claim your magically magical foil, head on down to safety and security’s office located on the ground floor of Dixson library. They’re completely free and all you need to do is fill out a simple piece of paper.
LIVE LONG AND PROSPER 26.03.1931 - 27.02.2015 uni4me independent advocacy. Has the University Written to You? Might You be in Trouble? Uni4Me Independent Advocacy is here to help you. If the University contacts you about: plagiarism misconduct show cause Uni4Me INDEPENDENT Advocates can assist you to respond and work out an overall plan to get you back on track! We are totally INDEPENDENT from the University. Anything you tell us is completely confidential. Uni4Me can also advise you about any APPEALS of assignment, exam or overall unit results. We cannot always get the outcome you want, yet we always do our best to help you improve your situation. Drop into the Uni4Me office top courtyard next to the Student Media Hub phone us on (02) 6773 2506 or email uni4me@une.edu.au
06
news VALE RICHARD BENAUD 06.10.1930 - 10.04.2015 Australian cricket has lost a legend. Richie Benaud tragically lost his battle with skin cancer on the night of the 10th April. Family members say that he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Richie Benaud was the first ever cricketer to achieve the test double of 200 wickets and 2000 runs, with a total of 248 wickets taken over 63 test matches. He is regarded as one of the best all-rounder cricketers of all time, and one of Australia’s best commentators.
JOHN MALCOLM FRASER 21.05.1930 - 20.03.2015 Australia also farewelled our 22nd Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party (1975 - 83), who sadly passed away on the 20th March just 5 months after his predecessor and friend Edward Gough Whitlam. Fraser died at age 84 after a brief illness and is remembered fondly as a ‘giant of Australian politics.’
.volunteer with the blue shirts Help improve the on-campus experience for your Student Community! help plan and run events contribute your own ideas to build bigger and better events gain experience in teamwork meet new people and broaden your social network obtain points towards the New England Award Being a Blue Shirt is totally flexible. Some give a lot of time and others a little. Whatever you can manage makes a big difference! All students are welcome. To register your interest or for further info, drop into Uni4Me, phone (02) 6773 2506 or email uni4me@une.edu.au
une
news
MAKING SENSE OF HORRIFIC VIOLENCE IN KENYA JENNIFER BRASS, INDIANA UNIVERSITY
State collapse in Somalia How can we as academics make sense of the horrific attack Thursday at Garissa University College, a young institute of higher education located in Northeastern Kenya?
The country of Somalia, whose border is less than 100 miles from Garissa town, has not had a central government recognized throughout its territory for nearly 25 years.
On one level, such violence against unarmed civilians seeking education to improve their future is as incomprehensible as it is ghastly. Reports claim 147 known fatalities, scores more injured. All remaining students have transferred to the Eldoret campus of the associated Moi University.
Instead, regional and local warlords compete with semi-recognized state entities based in Mogadishu, Hargesia and Garoowe. Al-Shabaab gained power in these conditions as a breakoff group from the Union of Islamic Courts, which governed from Mogadishu in 2006.
The Somalia-based terror group al-Shabaab has taken credit for the attack, asserting that it is retaliation for Kenya’s involvement since 2011 in a US-supported African Union military intervention to fight terrorist in Somalia. Al- Shabaab’s statement provides a religious motive for the attack, in which some Muslim students were spared and their Christian counterparts slain. Yet the attack is not as simple as a war over religious differences, or as stark as suggested by headlines like, “Islamic Extremists from Somalia Kill Christians in Kenya.” Already, Kenyan religious leaders, both Muslim and Christian, have banded together to condemn the attacks and to urge Kenyan unity in response. On Twitter, hashtags like #KenyaUnites and #OneKenya are trending. The root of the violence likely stems instead from three factors. First, Somalia has been largely ungoverned since 1991. Second, there is a long history of violence and state neglect in Northeastern Kenya. Third, the Kenyan government is beset by corruption, arguably leading to its poor response record to repeat terrorist attacks.
Discrimination against north eastern Kenya At the same time, insecurity in the Garissa area can be traced back to the Shifta Wars of the 1960s. At that time, some Kenyan Somalis attempted to secede. Although they have always been stopped from doing so, efforts to create a Greater Somalia uniting Somalis across five countries have arisen repeatedly over the decades. Repeated flare-ups of discontent in Northeastern Kenyan have been accompanied and reinforced by discrimination against ethnic Somalis throughout Kenya. In the 1980s, Kenyans of Somali ethnicity carried distinct ID cards; more recently, many Somali-Kenyans have been jailed as foreigners. The part of Kenya in which Somali-Kenyans live has historically been among the poorest and most under-served in the country. The fact that Kenyans from this region are referred to as “Somali-Kenyans” itself reveals discrimination, as no other ethnic group in the country is labeled in this way.
Although it clearly does not appear to be the case, it would not be shocking to find that disgruntled, marginalized Kenyans from this region of the country were involved in the attack.
Corruption in Nairobi Violent incidents have occurred in many parts of Kenya in recent memory, with considerable criticism directed at the government of Kenya. Only a year and a half ago, Kenyan experienced the tragedy of the Westgate mall standoff and massacre, in which 67 people lost their lives and the capital erupted in fear. Many questions about the attack have still not been answered. Both before and since then, there have been frequent US, UK, UN and other diplomatic warnings of likely terror targets -– not only institutions like universities and malls that are associated with Western ideas and ideals, but also places of mass gathering like the Likoni ferry linking Mombasa to mainland Kenya. In the face of these threats, however, the Kenyan government demonstrates its own low administrative capacity. It has limited ability to prevent attacks, and responds clumsily once attacks happen. The day after the attack, Interior Secretary Nkaissery denied knowledge of warnings made about Garissa shortly before the attack happened. At root is a combination of low budgets (common to all developing countries), combined with endemic corruption – Kenya is considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Just this past week multiple cabinet secretaries have been embroiled in scandal, as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of the country released a “list of shame,” detailing allegations of high-level government corruption. The largest scandal in recent years, the Anglo-Leasing affair, involves the misappropriation of security contracts worth $770 million. Even Kenyan defence forces meant to be fighting al-Shabaab have been accused of profiting from interactions with the organization. Recent accounts insist that al-Shabaab has weakened. Given this week’s attack, as well as other evidence, we must reconsider these claims.
http://theconversation.com
The safety of many more Kenyans hangs in the balance.
07
une
news
THE FEDERAL BUDGET 2014/15 GET YOUR GEAR OFF The Liberal Party of Australia was founded in 1945 by Sir Robert Menzies to replace the United Australia party (UAP). The LPA promotes economic liberalism, which means the Liberal party is primarily conservative and advocates Civil liberties and Political Freedom. When elected into parliament in September 2013, they were tasked with getting Australia’s debt in check. As at the end of their term the Australian Labor party had a deficit of $667 Billion dollars. As the July 2014 budget was released the Coalition had to combat this debt. There have been some concerns around HECS amongst University students. Students should not be concerned about this; the Federal government will still continue to pay around half of our undergraduate fees. The government has also implemented many flexible scholarships to provide Australians from all walks of life with an equal opportunity rest assured Hecs is here to stay. The Government has been left with an economy growing below trend for four of the past five years and rising unemployment. A transition period continues with the mining construction boom now ending, therefore the coalition was tasked with finding ways for our country’s economy to remain as prosperous as it has in previous years. Australia’s current Government is now looking to non-resource sectors to create productivity growth, for example retail, manufacturing exports, agriculture, and health care. The Liberal Party has also introduced in 2014, it is the first of its kind in the world, a $20 billion budget entirely for medical research. There are five categories that are featured in this budget, 30% of the fund is to go to services such as specialists such as optometrists and allied health, 31% is to go to pathology (tissue sampling blood tests), 33% to go to General Practitioners, and 6% budgeted for ultrasound and radiology. One of the main focuses of the new government is the health and well being of all Australians.
08
TOM ECKERSLEY
ANNA CREECY
The Federal Government has also implemented some changes in regards to eligibility of youth allowance and the ‘dole’. Young people have to be earning a wage, learning either secondary or tertiary education, or working a certain amount of hours to be eligible for assistance for the government. These changes are essential for reducing Australia’s debt.
Like to get your kit off? Who doesn’t? Personally, there’s nothing better than charging around the living room in the buck, belting out your favourite anthems like you’re at Madison Square Garden. Robb College is renowned for taking a private past time and turning it into a profit.
However, with the new budget to be announced in up coming months, there have been some concerns that there may not be many changes to what is currently set up, this means there will still be a temporary levy in place for high income earners. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey have had to face hard choices to repair the nation’s finances; and that much of the work is already done in regards to this. However, it has been difficult to find the direction on where the Abbott Government is heading with the new budget and there is much confusion amongst bureaucratic ranks, due to comments from both the Prime Minister and Treasurer. Abbott moved to clarify his position on Wednesday saying the Intergenerational Report showed the Government had the budget on track to be “broadly in balance” in five years. The Intergenerational Report shows that with the cuts the Government has been able to secure so far, the deficit falls over the next five years, but never reaches a surplus, and after 2020 the deficits continue to rise for the next 35 years. In order to get Australia out of debt in a reasonable amount of time the Liberal Government has had to make some difficult decisions, whether it be through high income earner levy’s, a stricter criteria in order to receive assistance from Department of Human Services or finding Australia a new source of income through non-resource sectors. Rest assured, HECS fund for tertiary education students is here to stay, so university students need not worry about paying for their degrees until we earn above the minimum threshold, and we would all be pleased to know that the average University graduate has the potential to earn 75% more than school leavers.
The annual nude calendar from Robb has become somewhat of an in house competition to help raise money for much loved charities. We hear all the time that the people of today are so insecure about body image and the like. As a new member of the charity committee for Robb College I feel like the people here missed that memo. One of the great things I learnt about UNE’s colleges during O-week is that each one selects a charity annually to support and raise money for. Robb College this year chose the 6Nil campaign from Life Line. To briefly summarise, a few people are climbing the 6 highest points across the world to raise awareness for preventable suicide in rural Australia. Robb seems to have a habit of choosing rural based charities. Last year – Buy A Bale. Robb managed to raise a whopping $10,000 alone just through Facebook likes. It seems as though charity work is as much a part of Robb culture as a goon sack before pub night. This year we are being lead on the Charity front by Rachel West. Don’t be fooled by the big smile and kind nature, this girl is on a mission to keep up the same appearances as last year. She’s got it covered. As a fresher new to a charity committee, you fail to realise the enormity of planning events, getting everyone involved, and making money for a charity. Moonlight cinemas, silent auctions, sponsorships, local business involvements, 3 events through project week, art exhibitions, and of course the nude calendar. This year, Robb’s nude calendar is more competitive than first anticipated. Apparently everyone wants in. This year however is a little different. Miss West has bought in a theme. Along with some very talented photographers and a lot of fabulous bums, the 2015 calendar will feature phones.
une
news
Why? Life Line is a call for help service. Rachel has tried to embody the themes of calling into the risqué photos in order to more aptly promote the charity. What better way to promote the charity than a naked guy on a horse on the phone right? Genius. The enthusiasm for charity work at Robb doesn’t just stop at getting your bum out. The artwork shown at our art exhibition is all Robb students, the silent auction prizes are the efforts of the students, pulling every connection they have to get bigger and better auction items, and everyone has a go. Whether it is an artwork, a saucy leg shot, or a few phone calls around the place, Robb has so far stepped up to the table once again to get this years charity a good donation. Although my experiences are very limited to the Robb charity efforts, I’m sure the other colleges do the same. As a fresher it’s an exciting opportunity to get involved, and realise that College life isn’t all academia and goon sacks. Unfortunately this year you won’t see my bum. Next year, you might be lucky.
GET HIM TO THE ‘STRO BEN BIBLE MARKETING & ENGAGEMENT OFFICER FOR UNE LIFE
My first visit to the ‘Stro was in 2004. Many would argue that was after the renowned “glory days of the UNE Bistro”, yet still then it was a hive of activity with music, food & a bar that was struggling to keep up with the daytime trade of students and staff alike. In fact my sister, who I was visiting campus with at the time, had organised to meet her unit coordinator for lunch and a drink to discuss course content. The idea captivated me – no longer was there this divide between student and teacher. The two could meet in a uni bar and hold intelligent conversation over the notion of a Banana Republic. This was university. The ‘Stro I saw when I came back in 2008 was a very different space. Admittedly it had a certain appeal and more than once did I make the trek up the hills from college after haphazardly throwing together something for that week’s theme night, but for various reasons, it certainly lacked the diversity that I saw back in 2004. This knowledge of what the ‘Stro was, and can be again, seems to have been lost in a culture that has a 3-4 year turn around but getting it back is something that requires us all to “pitch in”.
For those who haven’t walked through those double glass doors this year, you won’t have noticed the growing numbers of people lounging about at lunch on the new furniture with laptops, food and friends or the fact that the bar is now open daily. You also would have missed some of the entertainment we’ve been offering so far in 2015. Live comedy brought to you by the Sydney based Mug & Kettle Comedy Co. was quickly followed by the Armidale Drama & Musical Society’s series of short plays: “Favourite Shorts”. We’ve continued to aim high with live music and on March 19, INXS’s manager Chris Murphy brought the boys from Lepers & Crooks to perform as part of their national tour. But it’s not just UNE Life pushing for these changes to happen. The UNE Gaming Society meets in the bar on Tuesdays from 6pm and play everything from Mario Kart to Warhammer and Monopoly. The Skills Trade Society can be found Friday afternoons with needles in hands making/crafting
the next generation of fashion and are already making plans for their next ball: Christmas In July. The regular ‘Stro Nights are still the biggest night of the week of course with the record so far being Fresher Bash which hit capacity at 600 people – the largest crowd that can fit in an Armidale nightclub. Kudos, freshers. Kudos. All in all it’s wonderful seeing people back in this hub of activity again, but we’re far from done. We have some more big changes to come and we always need your help to breathe life back into the campus. Spend that spare 30 mins between classes on campus, rather than heading into town. Grab a meal and come in for a game of pool or a drink. Get friends together and perch on the high tables to do group assignments. The more you do, the more we can do. The ‘Stro is open every weekday from 8am through to 5pm. The bar opens Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 12 to 2pm, Thursdays from 12noon to 1.30am and Friday from 12noon to 7pm.
09
our deadly mob! Disclaimer: deadly does not mean bad! To us it means ‘essentially awesome.’ Hello from the little humble Oorala centre! CASSARNDRA SLADE-POTTS
We as a whole community have decided that we will write little short blurbs about what we have been up too. We hope that it isn’t boring or pretentious, but more informative. In the month of March, two events were held for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. On the 17th of March we held the Closing the Gap event. We had many of our local town organisations coming to the centre to provide information to our current and future students of the possible career paths. A few of the local high school students came to experience the possibility of uni life and to start creating their social networks, which we know as students is important if we want that job to survive in the future. We even had some of our fellow students speak about their study, life and their opinion on the ever-growing Gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people. We had a simple BBQ, where the students could sit and chat. On the 23rd of March, a few students were invited to have morning tea with Vice Chancellor. This was to build a relationship with the school and Indigenous students. Many of the students discussed issues and dilemmas that are happening in the university. We hope to help create a stronger and healthier community at the University of New England! The Oorala centre was founded in 1986. Oorala from a local Aboriginal word meaning “a camp” or “ a place where people come together”. The name Oorala was decided by the students enrolled at UNE when the centre opened. For any information or enquiries please call our toll-free number 1800 622 384
10
image by amy au-yeung
FEATURES
“They shall grow not old, as LEST WE FORGET we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial
On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day. On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany. The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.
At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war. The Anzacs were courageous and although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.
2015 marks a special year in the Anzac tradition as the centenary of its formation. As a way of celebrating this centenary the University of New England, in conjunction with the New South Wales Centenary of Anzac Advisory Council and New England Rugby Union, will be hosting a series of Rugby union matches beginning at 10 am on Bellevue Rugby Oval on Sunday the 19th of April, with the main ‘Town versus Gown’ match commencing at 3pm.
The usual Armidale dawn service will be held in Central park at 6am, with an 8am service being held at the University of New England’s rose garden (Northern courtyard), and the annual Anzac march through town beginning at 10:30am.
We will remember them.”
image courtesy of Vimeo OLIVIA FREEMAN Sydney-based band, Lepers & Crooks, came to the ‘Stro on the 19th March to rock out on St Patrick’s night. A few hours before they took to the stage, I got the chance to interview the guys for Tune! FM. Sam, Damo, Nick, Alex and Pat entered the studio with drinks in hand, some beer and some Jin. L&C are on a tour 5 month tour around the country, going to lots of pubs, clubs and festivals as well as lots of intimate venues in some of the more major cities. They had come from Byron Bay to play at the ‘Stro and was heading back the next day for more gigs. As part of the tour, the guys are going to many country towns. “The most fun we’ve been having is the country towns” lead singer Sam admitted during the interview. Sam described them as “more intimate” and said they were a highlight of the tour, as were the uni’s because they know how to party. These guys love a good party and know how to party even at the smallest of gigs. L&C were signed one year exactly before they played at the ‘Stro. Chris Murphy signed them and recorded an E.P. called Her Kiss. This E.P. contains 4 tracks, including the title track Her Kiss. “The lyrics describe a drug trip, but not specifically. It’s about a trip that you go on as a person. I talk about the love and degradation of a relationship” Sam told Tune! FM. The song is chill and an easy listen. It’s a good example of what Australian musicians are capable of doing. ‘Her Kiss’ reflects their influences Led Zepplin, Midnight Oil and many others. The E.P. is the starting point of a long career for the band. With the way they performed at the ‘Stro and the reviews from this tour, as well as guidance from Murphy, Lepers and Crooks are headed for a long career in music. These guys are typical rockstars – they love to drink when they aren’t at a gig, but they were all so charming and all love a joke. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come in just a year and they have a lot further to go.
are you passionate about something? get it published! editors@nucleus.org.au or come in and see us!
13
National Archaeology Week at UNE YINIKA PERSTON
Archaeology. It’s all about punching Nazis Indiana Jones-style and digging up dinosaurs and/or gold, and raiding tombs like Lara Croft, right? Well nooo, not exactly… As a quick google will show, archaeology is essentially the study of past cultures through their material and physical remains. But that’s not to say it can’t be exciting too. The newly formed UNE Archaeology Society was created for those with an interest in anything archaeological, to explore the more amusing side of the profession. From using your bare hands to make a stone spearhead with an edge sharper than a surgeon’s steel scalpel (ok, so we actually make you wear gloves for this one – we’re not *that* irresponsible), to awesomely bad B-grade movie nights, field trips in search of bushrangers’ hideouts and artefact scatters, and regular talks by real-life archaeologists about their adventures on fieldwork, there’s something for any Indy-wannabe. And coming soon is one of the biggest events on every archaeologist’s calendar. The 17th to the 23rd of May will be National Archaeology Week, with events held by various institutions around the country. To celebrate here in Armidale, the Archaeology Society will be hosting two events that will be free and open to the public. The first of these will be a knapping demonstration on the 21nd of May by UNE’s very own stone tool specialist, Dr. Mark Moore - who, as it happens, also comes from Indy’s home state of Indiana. ‘Knapping’ is the 2.5 million year old technology of our ancestors of taking a rough, raw piece of stone and flaking it into a useful, and sometimes quite beautiful, tool. The demonstration will be followed by a BBQ.
What: Knapping demonstration (how to make stone tools like a caveman) Where: the UNE knapping pit, near the C02 Earth Sciences building (see map) When: Thursday 21st of May, 3pm
Both events are free, and open to all members of the public (as are all of the Archaeology Society events)
14
The second event, on the 22nd of May, will be a talk by the head of the school of Humanities, Professor Lloyd Weeks. Professor Weeks has worked on archaeology of the greater Persian Gulf region, with a particular interest in prehistoric and proto-historic Iran and Arabia, as well as ancient metal production and exchange systems. His talk, the third in the society’s series of monthly talks, will recount tales of working in such exotic locations. The talk will be followed by light refreshments.
What: Diary of an Archaeologist: the Near East (Professor Lloyd Weeks) Where: W55 Large Lecture Theatre ER1 When: Friday 22nd May, 11am To find out more, or to join the UNE Archaeology Society (it’s free!) please email: unearchaeologysociety@gmail.com or find the society on Facebook.
15
board verdict: TAS to go co-ed in 2016. LIAM KENNEDY
Following a two month consultation process, the Board of The Armidale School (TAS), has decided that the school will commence coeducation for years 6-12 in 2016. This will combine with an already co-educational Junior School, to establish TAS as the only co-ed independent school in the Northern Tablelands.
all of the different options we had, including combining with other schools Armidale.”
TAS is currently one of only two all-boys independent schools outside a metropolitan area, the other being Toowoomba Grammar School. Mr Guest revealed that a national, and international movement, towards co-education was an early inMore than 4500 members of the school community were in- fluential factor in the school’s push for coeducation. formed of the decision via email on the evening of Tuesday the 31st of March, immediately after the board’s decision. “In 2014 I was asked by the board to prepare a research paper on co-education and to do research on the Australian school The Board’s final decision has attracted various opinions from experience of that and the experience in the UK, where there’s the student body; one senior student told Nucleus that he been a huge shift to co-education in the last 25 years.” agreed with the decision, but had reservations over the timing. The school community, including staff, students, parents and “I agree with the board’s decision… I have concerns that they previous students, was first informed of the school’s move tohave moved too quickly, I’d feel more confident that they’d be wards co-education for 2016 in a letter distributed on the 23rd ready in time if they had chosen to have gone co-ed by 2017 of January. or 18”. The letter detailed a “period of broad consultation”, which The decision on co-education was made by the TAS Board, would begin in February 2015, and invited members of the following a full day of deliberations and discussion. The Board school community to “discuss the possible transition of the is made up of members representing various groups within school to full co-education in 2016”. the school community, with members from the Old Boys’ Union (OBU), the Anglican Diocese of Armidale and other areas The March 31st decision was directly preceded by this nine making up the nine members. week consultation period, during which the School held 24 consultation sessions at 13 different locations, including ArThe Nucleus correspondent spoke to Murray Guest, headmas- midale, Sydney, Moree, Walgett and Brisbane. The school also ter at TAS, who was a witness to much of the Board’s discus- collected additional community feedback through an online sions during their Tuesday meeting. “There was a structured survey and operated a dedicated “consult@as.edu.au” e-mail process through the day…looking at arguments being made address. Both were open to 4500 members of the school comon both sides, and the validity of those arguments, and then munity. an imagining of what the future of the school might look like, as both a single sex school and as a co-educational school, and Cressida Mort is the Director of Marketing and Development comparing those futures”. at TAS, and had accompanied Mr Guest to all the consultation sessions, recording the composition of the audience, and the The final verdict on co-education was made through a vote questions asked during each session. involving the Board members, and Mr Guest suggested to Nucleus that comparisons between TAS’ future as a coeducation- She spoke to Nucleus in the week before the Board’s decision. al or as a single sex school was likely to have been a deciding “We had the full spectrum, really at all of the sessions…The factor in swaying the votes of Board members. “It was really raw numbers of how many attended each session will also be that comparison that made the decision”. given to the board as part of their feedback… we recorded whether they were an old boy, parent, past parent, Foundation Tuesday’s final verdict on co-education is the culmination of a member, all of that was recorded at every single session”. two year process, as Mr Guest told Nucleus. “It started in 2013 as part of our normal strategic planning process. At that time Staff were also consulted during this period, and Ms Mort the issue of needing to grow was evident and the concept of told Nucleus that they werepredominantly in support of the becoming co-educational in some form was raised then, that change. “The staff were overwhelming in support of this move”. research began slowly, and it was a tentative look, at The union representing former students, the Old Boy’s Union
16
Liam has a vested interest in student media and aspires to be a journalist upon the completion of his studies. He is currently in his last year of schooling at The Armidale School, and is looking for prospective universities to continue his education into journalism.
(OBU), also gave support to the Board. “In effect they gave full support to the school board in their decision making”, Ms Mort said. There has, however, been a noticeable movement in opposition to co-education. The “S.O.S - Save our school; No to TAS coeducation” Facebook page has gathered over 700 likes since its establishment in February. On the page, comments label the consultation process as “Simply red tape”, while others warn of “Nine months until the first pregnancy”. Ms Mort told Nucleus that TAS was well connected with social media, and was aware of the movement against co-education on social media platforms. “We have a very active social media presence. The last report that came from an independent survey said that TAS was the 3rd best school in Australia for its use of social media. We do quite a lot of social media. We’re all very aware of what’s being said”.
Mr Guest said the point of tension arose over whether the TAS institution could be damaged by a move to coeducation. “Where there’s a difference is people’s imagining of whether co-education causes a change in tone, causes a change in traditions, and I don’t think it does. I don’t think enrolling girls changes the way that we do things”. For TAS, the focus now turns to the future. Mr Guest told Nucleus that the planning process for a new boarding house would soon begin. “We would expect in the future that we will need a larger [boarding] house, and we will be going to get some architect’s designs either late this year or early next year for construction of a major girls boarding house”.
FEES MAY DECREASE WITH CO-EDUCATION
The TAS headmaster has revealed to Nucleus that fees for students may decrease with the adoption of co-education. In a FAQ document released during the consultation period, TAS had stated that fees would be the same for male and female students if co-education was introduced. Speaking to NucleThe decision has also been met with dissatisfaction by elements us following the TAS’ decision to implement co-education 2016, headmaster Murray Guest said tuition fees are likely of the boarding community. “There’s a lot of disappointment [among] boarders and their families”, a senior boarder told to decrease in the future, in relative terms. “It’s expected that over time that there will be downward pressure on fees…as Nucleus. numbers of students grow, the school become more efficient, One senior boarder said he sympathised with the Board’s de- economically, and we don’t want to have to put up fees more cision, but believed it had the capacity to damage the school’s than we have to”. culture. “I understand why there’s the need, but it’s still upsetCOMBINED CLASSES TO CONTINUE ting the culture, and our home has changed forever”. Mr Guest told Nucleus that he was aware of the sentiment among much of the boarding community, saying, “It doesn’t surprise me particularly that there would be sentiment from the boarders or current boarding parents that don’t want to see co-education”, but going on to say the feedback had revealed a strong faith in TAS as an institution among the school community, “And what’s at the centre of that, I’ve been hearing through the consultation sessions, is that people like the school, they like the way it is, they like its sense of tradition, they like the tone of it and don’t want to see it change, and neither do I”.
IN 2016!
Combined classes with students from PLC and NEGS will continue at TAS in 2016. In a FAQ document released during the consultation period, TAS had announced that combined classes would end in 2015, before the adoption of co-education in 2016. But following the Board’s verdict, it was announced that combined classes would be continued. “It was felt that that was the right thing to do, in supporting both of the other schools, PLC and NEGS. That to take that away had the potential to damage their offering, and we didn’t want to do that”, Mr Guest told Nucleus.
17
ABOLITION OF INTERNAL MUSIC AT UNE
less, and perhaps look elsewhere.
The first two editions of Nucleus for 2015 each contained some opinion about the complete abolition of Music for on-campus study at UNE.
It may be intangible, but each diminishment of diversity of on-campus offerings diminishes the whole on-campus experience and viability of it for all of us.
Whatever motivated this radical experiment by the University, it does not seem to be the interests of students or the University over the longer term. Short-term cost-cutting seems far more likely, as UNE has a long history of expending much time, energy and even money on seeking to eliminate the ‘weak’ subject areas and reduce its overall suite of academic offerings. Yet this reduction in choice for students comes after UNE made an underlying profit of $33 million in 2013, and also earning a lazy $4.5 million in interest during the same year. What possible excuse then for cutting out part of the heart of the University – the
internal Music program with a strong emphasis on performance – when the place is performing so well? No doubt this is a devastating blow for the general vibrancy and subject choice on-campus. Of course it reduces the number of internal students, which reduces the viability of on-campus study. People may say ‘it’s only a small number of students’, yet such ‘small’ cuts add up. Remember that amazingly successful Theatre Studies production of A Misdummer Nights Dream in 2014? Well, who provided the live music for that? It was internal music performance students. Will Theatre Studies be next? What about Music Education? When potential new students in these areas look at what’s available on campus they simply see
106.9 IS TURNING 40! (BUT WE’RE STILL IN TUNE) Guess what? Tune!FM your favourite study buddy turns 45 this year! Tune!FM is Australia’s oldest university broadcaster (take that UNSW!).
student Ian Ferguson went for a massive 192 hours of straight broadcasting).
If you are a former RUNE, 2UNE or Tune!FM volunteer of any A history riddled with music, kind send us your happy mempolitics and activism, (The Tiny ories, photos or stories through Tony Tapes anyone) Tune!FM our contact page on the Tune!Fm burst onto the wireless and into website, cos we think they’re your ear canals when it official- bound to be pretty swell. ly opened on the 27th April 1970 when the station manager, Richtunefm.net ard ‘Swinging Dick’ Mutton, unleashed those fateful words, “RaWe are always looking for dio UNE, the time is 7 ‘o’ clock”. volunteers so if you are interWhat began as half hour pre-records on local Armidale station, 2AD and turned into Radio UNE (RUNE), became 2UNE then finally has grown in the flourishing station still broadcasting strong as Tune!FM 106.9. UNE’s radio station has made and broken records (Nigel Wood broadcast for 87 hours non-stop on the 4th August 1970 - a record held until 1991 when fellow UNE
18
ested send us a buzz. like & message us on Facebook
fb.com/TuneFM106.9 or drop in and say hi Student Media Hub - Top Courtyard next to Uni4Me We broadcast 24/7 listen on air FM 106.9 or online
tunefm.radio.net
It is wonderful that UNE has a strong, large and growing external student cohort - all the more reason to deploy more resources to strengthen the internal study environment. For UNE to remain strong and vibrant and grow we need both internal and external students. Plans to destroy internal music study may have commenced in 2012 under the former VC who was well-known for negativity towards internal students and any sort of on-campus community. Yet this radical plan has been implemented in 2015, long after the new administration professed how much they valued ‘the campus’ which presumably includes ‘internal student teaching’. Yet the broader truth is many others have displayed a most negative attitude towards internal students for many years. They keep saying ‘we’re 80% external’ which is true in terms of raw numbers, yet internals actually contribute 40% of the income. There seems to be a strong culture within UNE management of focus only on the raw growth data of external numbers, with little care or understanding that all students value a high-quality academic institution with depth – and that must include a strong internal environment. A clear example of this is external Music students who greatly valued travelling to campus for intensive schools, feeling connected to their campus and networking with other students – both internal and external. Yet this online-only experiment has also meant the end of choice for external students to participate in intensive schools because there will be no more of them. External students and online teaching are crucial components of our great University, but equally so is the on-campus community and student experience, plus the choice of external students to actually be connected to their campus and perform with others at intensive schools.
Walters Cafe - InReview
FRED MOSS & BECKY PUGLISI
Head in for breakfast and find your range of cereals, yoghurt, a little bit of muesli. Head in for lunch for a Moxons Pie, a pastie, a melt, a salad if you please, or the hot meal of the moment. Naturally the brekkie and lunch meal times are more for the survival of the “hard labouring” students, however many a Head of College and guests have been noted dining at Walters. Walters Café at Austin College, UNE, is more than a place for students to purchase breakfast and lunch, it is part of the revolution of catering at UNE Colleges, with Compass Group taking reins in 2015 from Alliance Catering. Goodbye to the $2 Espresso machines and hello to real coffee ground and made on a proper coffee machine! Of course, you have to make the trek to Austin to indulge in this delicious beverage. Don’t worry if you are yet to become a coffee addict though, for freshers of ‘15 you have many trimesters to come, where you can be enlightened to the caffeine, but Walters make more than coffee.
All through the day you can get toasties, sandwiches, and rolls with fancy little numbers like salmon and goats cheese or turkey, brie and cranberry. Now I’m not trying to advertise Walters, nor tell you to go in every day, but the food is delicious and the price is a 10/10 for “uni student can afford”! To quote one Austin student “It is cool having a cafe at college - I’m not a big coffee drinker - but it’s cool.” At first Austin was promised a proper student kitchen with ovens and real cooking facilities (even though we are all very competent with
microwave gourmet), however when we arrived and saw the black sheets being taken down after construction, disappointment ensued knowing we were not getting the kitchen we were promised. Compared to the old ‘Walters’ a lot of facilities for Austin students have been removed. We now have no access to hot water in the dining hall, no microwave, no free tea/ instant coffee/ milk for students that study in the dining hall at night. With the new cafe being open to all of UNE daily - it feels as though an element of safely has been removed from Austin college for ‘Night owl’ students, which means they like to study late at night when most people are asleep. In past years at college many would then leave items of study (such as textbooks) in the dining hall, but with Walters present - many believe their belongings are more likely to be stolen with others enjoying Walters in Austin’s dining hall. Slowly and steadily however the students in Austin and fellow colleges have grown to love Walters and have adapted to the changes brought to Austin.
20
MB-PT
GABBY KEATON & REBECCA DEER ( AUSTIN MB REPS).
Mary Bagnall and President’s trophy, more commonly referred to as MB & PT is an intercollegiate sport that is run every Sunday morning in various locations, depending on the sport that is played, from about 10am til 1pm.
Each week sports alternate varying from individual events like athletics, and golf, to group competition such as soccer, hockey, and touch football. The cups were originally founded as a way of promoting sportsmanship, participation and friendly competition amongst college students.
Looking to keep active while studying?
This program is currently organised by the university’s sporting facility SportUNE. Each individual college has representatives for both MB & PT. PCYC Armidale is a thriving club with heaps of activities for university These representatives are responsible for communication between those at students. Situated in the middle of Armidale at 176 Rusden Street, PCYC features an array of martial arts, court sports, dance, fitness, and gym acsportUNE, fellow MBPT reps, and fellow college peers. tivities for students at reasonable prices with times that suit students. Currently after 5 events the points are: Martial Arts programs include: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, MB PT Aikido, Japanese Sword Fighting, and numerous Self-Defence classes for women. All have classes for adults. Robb-77 Austin – 90 Austin-71 Duval-71 Drummond & Smith-55 Earl page-53 Mary White -45 Wright Village – 29 St Alberts – 5 Town – 0
Robb - 86 Earle Page -78 Duval – 70 Drummond & Smith -66 Mary White – 52 Wright Village – 33 St Albert -5 Town -0
Court Sports include: the largest In-Door Archery range in the New England, full size courts for social futsal, basketball, and table tennis games. Dance Programs: Adult Ballet & Breakdancing Clubs are very well populated by university students with classes running on the weekends as well.
Strength & Conditioning Gym features the most Olympic weightlifting & strongman equipment in Armidale plus a huge array of free weights and Each college is assigned a duty roster at the start of the year designating cardio equipment with the cheapest student price in town at only $30 per month. which college is to run different evens. This helps encourage involvement by all members in the college even if they are not selected as the representatives. PCYC also has a unique Fitness Training Centre which is set up for boxFinally the remaining sports after the first term for trimester 1 are: Hodsons ing, kickboxing, MMA, and group fitness with all the latest functional fitness training equipment. Classes run every day and on the weekend. relay, soccer, volleyball/tennis, athletics, and touch football. Male, female, and mixed classes are available. Even if you haven’t played yet there are many events to come and chances to Contact Number: 02 6772 1023 get involved, hope to see many smiling faces after the Easter break
21
travel fresher.
JOHN SHIRLEY
Despite the rumours, at Nucleus we do leave our office occasionally. I have recently returned from the tropical paradise that is Bali! Now before we get into this I need to let you know a few things: 1) I hadn’t been beyond Australian borders before this. 2) I’m not a big fan of excessive drinking or clubbing. It’s just not my jam. 3) I am a super minimalistic packer. So here we were, lining up at Sydney International Airport for my first cultural experience outside Australia. All in all, the flight and processing went pretty quickly and there were no hiccups on our way over, but seriously though, why the heck do you have to check in at least 3 hours before your flight? Check-in and the security check took less than an hour, leaving 2+ hours of time to kill in the airport…
The next step in the journey was the rice fields of Jatiluwih. I cannot begin to imagine just how many hours it took to construct these man made marvels. I mean they are huge! They have literally been cut in to the side of mountains. I have definitely never been a student of ancient or modern engineering, but I was super impressed with the thought processes behind these rice fields. The last stop was Lake Beratan. We didn’t get to see how tranquil the water is supposed to be because we got our first taste of the famous monsoons that bombard the Balinese countryside. The sheer amount of water that falls during these storms is phenomenal. The next day was our last in Ubud. Before we even got in the car, our guide asked us if we would like to see some of the local sights on the way. We excitedly took our guide up on his offer and off we went to see some of the local artists (while they were painting).
The transfer from Ngurah Rai to our accommodation in Ubud took about an hour and the best way I can describe it is ‘organised chaos’. It was so much fun!
For those who don’t know what Batik is, check it out. I’m not exactly “top model” material, but watching how these ladies created their pieces of clothing was exceptional.
The next day we ventured into the centre of Ubud to experience the markets and this ‘bartering’ thing that we’d heard so much about. First thing first though, I needed a new pair of thongs to get around in because my shoes just weren’t cutting it… (rookie error, I know). Bartering was a little hard to start with especially since I still wasn’t comfortable using the Balinese Rupiah. I did manage to get about $20 off a painted wooden elephant though :-D
No, no trip to Bali would be complete without a visit to the infamous Kuta beach, but to be honest, it wasn’t that impressive. The most alluring part of the experience was the opportunity to chill out in deck chairs on the beach with a few cold ones on hand.
All that bartering had made me pretty hungry though, so I insisted on a food break. We found a pretty, secluded, little place that promised tropical views, and settled down on to our cushions. After 2 huge salads, 2 mains and 4 drinks it was time to check the damage. The total, including service charge, came to 287.750 Rp! Don’t know the current conversion rate? That’s cool. 287.750Rp is a bit less than $30. The last stop for the day was the Sacred Monkey Forest. The entrance fee was less than $1 and there are soo many monkeeeyyyyysssssss! Seriously, if it wasn’t a question of animal cruelty though, I would have a monkey butler. Just so I can hang out with my monkey friend all day. You can buy bananas and corn to give to the monkeys, but there’s no real need because they are super inquisitive. Needless to say, this was one of the biggest highlights for me. On our first stop we got to try the famous Luwak coffee, and get a glimpse into how it was processed. The workers collect the beans from the Luwak’s droppings, clean them thoroughly, then roast them in a wok over a naked flame until they are coffee bean coloured. Honestly, it tasted pretty good for coffee beans that had been pooped out by the love child of a raccoon and a ferret.
22
Tips for visiting Bali: Pro tip #1: Drink plenty of (bottled) water! This seems like a given, but considering how humid Bali is, you’ll want to drink at least 1.5X more than you actually want to. Pro tip #2: Get transfers everywhere. This one’s pretty logical. Unless you know where everything is in Bali, and you’ve driven there before, this will save you so much time. Pro tip #3: Find some way to convert the currencies quickly in your head. Unless you have endless amounts of money, it is very easy to spend more money than you actually planned to. Pro tip #4: Don’t pat monkeys. They don’t like it…. Pro tip #5: Take a camera, but don’t live behind it. Takes a few pictures of the important things, but don’t forget to create the memories behind the photos. Pro tip #6: Learn a little bit of Indonesian before you head over. It will help you get around while you’re there because not everyone can speak English. The Balinese people will also appreciate that you’ve taken the time to learn their language and (hopefully) their culture.
been somewhere awesome lately? let us know you lucky bastard! editors@nucleus.org.au or come in and see us!
warning this next section contains naughty bits!
image by yinika perston
REVIEWS & ADVICE
reviews
Spoiler Alert
book. LUCY FROUD
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE & THE BELL JAR
Since the dawn of the modern novel and consequently the literary protagonist, the psychical development of human persona has been under scrutiny. Possibly one of the most fertile grounds for a literary exploration is that of teenage angst. J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar congruently delve into the troubled lives of two teenagers who - as they strive to make sense of an adult world - are experiencing a highly developmental phase of their lives. Analysis and comparisons of these novels reveal that their social and cultural surroundings have a considerable impact on the way their minds develop over time and lead to their isolation from the rest of society. The Catcher in the Rye focuses on a sixteen year-old boy, Holden Caulfield, who is living in New York, regularly alternating between schools due to expulsion and his parents’ insistence on what they regard as an appropriate education.
The tone of writing indicates that he suffers from an anxiety disorder and suggests that the adult personalities surrounding him have a pronounced effect on the way he thinks and acts. Consequently, he struggles to believe in the sincerity of almost everyone around him, labeling them as “phony”. This effectively leads to his isolation, both physically and mentally, as he is unable to develop a genuine relationship with anyone other than his younger sister. The Catcher in the Rye draws distinct parallels with Plath’s The Bell Jar, which is predominantly based on the life of a nineteen year-old girl, Esther Greenwood, who is also living in New York City as a college student and aspiring poet. At the beginning of the novel, her description of her life in the city clearly depicts her depression and as the plot progresses, her emotional stability continues to diminish, until she finally finds some solace after undergoing electric-shock treatment. During her search for happiness, she encounters numerous deceitful males, leading to her emotional and mental isolation from the rest of society. While there are palpable features of both canons that are likely to be irrelevant to the average teenager, the feeling of isolation that many adolescents experience is a dominant theme in both texts. Particularly in a social environment such as university and/or college, where the majority of peers are older, the effects on individuals can be as negative as they are portrayed in the respective novel plots. This is a prime justification for the continuation of the study and discussion of these novels and their timeless relevance to the youth of society.
.film HANNAH FISHER
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Directed by James Marsh and adapted by screenwriter Anthony McCarten from the memoir of Jane Hawking, ‘Traveling to Infinity’, The Theory of Everything is a story that not many know about a man that everyone knows. It charts the chance meeting of the couple at a party and their relationship, which follows. It is a charming, yet very human exploration on how, despite being faced with his terminal diagnosis of motor neurons disease at the young age of 21 and expected to have only 2 years to live, Stephen and Jane make the most of their time and see themselves married with their first child by the time Stephen outlives his initial prognosis. As the film begins, Hawking is just another student, portraying all the kind of characteristics you might expect from a young man with first class degree and a quick wit. He is coloured as lively, disorganised, cheeky and quite shockingly lazy. A young person who, like the most of us, is still unsure in which direction he wants to point his vigour and talent. Fans of Hawking’s work may be disheartened to know that the science in which the revered man is renowned for takes a back seat to the extraordinary and inspiring true-to-life story of the cosmologist as a father and husband, but it is done so well that it’s entirely forgivable. Showing incredible commitment to the role, both emotionally and physically Eddie Redmayne completely converts himself from youthful and lively to a contorted man restricted by a wheelchair. He manages to personify every stage of the illness in such a convincing manner that sometimes it is impossible to distinguish whether he is the actual Stephen Hawking. Felicity Jones’s performance is no less impressive. The initial twinkle in her eyes at the beginning of the film, as she first meets Stephen, is eventually replaced by an exhausted and discouraged soul. Jane is undoubtedly the unsung hero of the film. Stephen’s resolution to study time in the first place arises when he’s told that he’s got barely any time left. This juxtaposition of the never ending concept of time and the sudden punitive limitation that its hold places confronts the viewer, provoking deeper thought of the control that time holds over us all. With direction and acting that brought out the best of what the story had to offer, The Theory of Everything is a definitive must see if you’re in the mood for a few good laughs, a cry (this film is guilty for being a definite tear-jerker) and a reason to believe that there are no boundaries of human capability. 9/10
24
If You Haven’t Had These Thoughts Yet While Living At College, You Soon Will. SEAN O’MALLEY
1. “These people are f***ing crazy!” There are numerous triggers for this thought, and it can and most likely will happen multiple times. Anything from someone drinking far more alcohol than they can handle, people in a handstand twerking on a wall, or even seeing someone from your college fleeing for their lives with loot pillaged from a rival college and said rival college in hot pursuit, will likely bring up this thought. At the time you’ll probably be standing there with a ‘WTF?’ expression plastered on your face – you know the one, head slightly tilted, eyes slightly narrowed, mouth somewhat open, and possibly mouthing WTF. 2. “If there’s not actually a fire, someone’s going to die.” Oh yes. Another thought that has multiple triggers. Sometimes it’s the third fire alarm of the day. Sometimes you’re in the middle of watching a TV show you’ve illegally downloaded. Sometimes you’re taking a shower when you hear the dreaded words “Emergency. Evacuate now.” Alongside that infernal tone – you know the one. You think you hate the fire alarms already? That’s cute. Just wait ‘til the dead of winter, at three in the morning, when it’s raining/ sleeting/snowing and some tool left his sausage roll in the microwave unattended. I guarantee that you will contemplate murder. 3. “What the f*** am I eating right now?” Sure, you can look at the menu and see ‘calamari,’ but when you take a bite you will second guess just what’s in your mouth. It’ll have more salt, pepper and cinnamon than a whole bucket of KFC chicken. It’ll get to the point of you actually thinking, why does this chicken have a rubbery consistency? It’s ok, you’re not the only one. 4. “Did I really put myself in debt for this?” While this thought isn’t exclusive to those living at college, it is almost an omnipresent voice in your head. This thought is usually most salient when suffering from extreme tedium. You’ll be reading your dry as hell textbooks next to your friends – reading their dry as hell textbooks – all in dead silence, while that little voice in your head adds up all the dollars you’ve spent so far. It’ll get louder until the thought rears its head, “Did I really put myself in debt for this?” You’ll be getting ready to do your assessment – you’ll read the question, which will be so f***ing basic that you’ll scream internally, if not externally and what follows is the thought, “Did I really put myself in debt for this?” 5. “Recovery is a lie.” This thought will be like an epiphany. Probably after you’ve fallen for the trap that is ‘recovery.’ You’ll have woken up after a brutal event of drinking, when surprise! You get woken up to drink more. You feel like death. The last thing you want is more alcohol. But that mysterious and attractive returner will look at, smile sweetly and say “hair of the dog that bit you,” quoting old-school voodoo as a way of effectively coercing you into drinking again, after all, they look great, and you feel like absolute shit. And it will work. You’ll feel like a human being again. Until you stop drinking again… you poor, poor, naïve child in an adult’s body. Still, I recommend doing recovery, it’s genuinely the best free entertainment around. People urinate in public, fall into it, and then accidently piss on their rescuers too – all while being drunk.
So at some stage while living at college, you will have thoughts similar to these. You may have already had them, in which case, perhaps this list will help you reminisce. 6. “Where the f*** am I?” You’ve been drinking heavily, and you went wandering – like the great explorers of old. Whether waking up in a strange bed at either different college, or a house in town, this will be your first thought right before you grab your phone and fire up google maps. This thought is followed by some of life’s most difficult questions to answer, including, but not limited to, “where are my keys?” “Where is my wallet?” and my personal favourite, “how the hell do I get back to my room?” 7. “Where are all the f***ing parks?!” You’ve just finished you long day of lectures up at the hill – finding a park in the morning was bad enough – but what fresh hell have you stumbled into now? You’re hungry, you’re tired, and now you’re getting frustrated. If you’re religious, you’ve offended your deity somehow. If you’re an atheist, consider religion and pray for divine intervention. If you’re agnostic, well good on you for keeping your options open, you’re going to need them. When praying, or whatever coping mechanism you’ve chosen fails after the first twenty minutes – just breathe deeply and let the borderline Tourette’s syndrome fit out for the next half an hour, if not decidedly longer – all while you circle endlessly waiting for that poor moron who’s making a maccas run. Oh, and you’d best believe the death stare you’ll get from them as you glide into their park will be all too real. You’ve just committed them to suffer as you did. It’s a cruel cycle really, but at least they’ll have maccas, which should serve as a tender, albeit greasy balm for their rage. 8. “Oh. Joy. Another Taylor Swift song being ghetto blasted – gee, how refreshing.” The first couple of times you’ll probably smile awkwardly as the songstress in question is played at extreme volumes. Not after two hundred however. Run. If you know what is good for you. Personally, I recommend pretending that the room full of girls jumping up and down, singing off-key to that Taylor Swift song about her ex-boyfriend (#suchdiversity) or the one about shaking off the ‘haters’ who are going to ‘hate, hate, hate,’ as the beginning of an apocalypse. Perhaps it’s like the rage virus out of 28-days later. Maybe the jumping up and down and the war cries are the result of them being body-snatched. Either way, you will get very tired of Taylor rather Swiftly. 9. “I love this song.” The reciprocal thought of 8. Now, I can only assume that this is what transpires in one’s mind as they jump and down, while belting out those lyrics which are completely on point. Perfect pitch, perfect tempo, immaculate dress sense, well, shit… you’re actually a better Taylor Swift than Taylor Swift is, plus you have a boyfriend #winning. art by ShiShi
25
W T Fetish? still taken from SNL
the naughty bits.
CONSTANCE CHATTERLEY
Episode Three - Getting Weird... “People can judge me for what I’ve done. And I think when somebody’s out in the public eye, that’s what they do. So I’m fully comfortable with who I am, what I stand for, and what I’ve always stood for.” -Hillary Clinton While Mrs Clinton has had to deal with her fair share of sex-related controversies, I’m pretty confident that the things she’s done “in the public eye” were not of a sexual nature. But regardless of whether or not Hillary is a super-freak in the bedroom (she totally is), her words are still applicable to the way we feel about fetishes; both our own, and others. I personally don’t think there’s anything wrong with safely practicing sex outside of one’s home; however other people do have a bit of a problem with it. These other people are often the ones who try to shield their eyes to any kind of fetish. Why is this? I guess some people are just afraid of what they don’t know? Or maybe they think it can interfere with you leading a normal life? These are both valid reasons, but there’s no need to get carried away. It is possible to introduce a little fetishistic fun into our lives without becoming the kind of person who needs to masturbate every time they see someone blow their nose (mucophilia – yes, it’s a thing).
My advice for the first timers: do it at night. I am not a fan of doing it in the dark every time, but when you’re just starting out it can be comforting to know that the beach won’t suddenly be inundated by old men in speedos. This bit of guidance (no matter how obvious) is pretty fundamental, because if you’re uncomfortable or stressed the first time, you won’t be inclined to give it another go. Just find somewhere quiet, and enjoy. Then after a while, you can bump it up to the next level i.e. toilet stalls/picnic table/office. Whatever your situation may be, I urge you to consider it. Stop judging others out in the public eye, and get weird! If you’re in a long term relationship and things are getting a little bit stale, you might want to consider having a quickie on your way home from uni? Or maybe you’ve just started to get serious with someone, and you’re sick and tired of waiting until the date is over to show your love. Movie theatres are dark, I’m just sayin’. As for all of you seasoned exhibitionists, keep at it. It’s autumn in Armidale so I suggest we all make the most of this beautiful weather before we’re stuck doing missionary underneath five blankets…with our socks on.
Why don’t we instead just take on Hillary’s stance, accept our weird shit, and become comfortable with what we’ve done? That way we can do more of it…Yay! Despite how open I am, I unfortunately don’t have much experience in fetishes of the foot licking or latex kind (I am only young, there’s still time). Having sex al fresco however, is something I strongly recommend. I might be your typical introvert in every other area of my life. I enjoy reading a lot, and the idea of hanging at home for the weekend watching Orange is the New Black makes me warm inside. But as it turns out, when it comes to sex, I’m quite the outdoorswoman. I’m like the annoying girl who actually enjoyed parasailing at the Year 5 camp in Lake Ainsworth. “Let me try!” Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sturdy bed; but, sometimes when you’re out, you just have to have that person right then and there. And sometimes right there is in a toilet stall/in a hot tub/ in a car/ on a car/ on a beach/ on the side of a highway/ in an office/ on a picnic table/ in a back alley/ in a park.
26
still taken from The Daily Show with John Stewart
parley?
ACROSS 2. On-demand internet streaming software 3. Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. 6. Base 2 numeral system 7. A person who robs and attacks ships at sea 9. Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion 11. Most popular torrent site of 2015 12. Forbidden by law
DOWN 1. Leaving a peer’s connection available for other peers to download from 4. A way of sharing files over the internet 5. When a multimedia file can be played back without being completely downloaded first 8. An organisation that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the internet 10. A collection of data or information stored in a single place 13. Someone who downloads more data than they upload 14. Software that enables peer-to-peer sharing
image blatently pirated from bgr.com - credit Chris Smith
27
microwave meringue with amy au-yeung Ingredients: 1 egg white 100g of Icing Sugar 2-3 teaspoon of Vanillin Sugar 50 ml of Whipping Cream
If you are using a microwave place mixture into a greased and/or lined CERAMIC dish. DO NOT PUT A CAKE TIN IN THE MICROWAVE! Method: 1.
Put the egg white in the bowl and mix in the icing sugar.
2. Keep mixing for 5 to 10 minutes until it is firm and sticky. (If it is still liquid, add a little bit more icing sugar and stir for another 5 minutes.)
banana bread with ashley pianca #we’rereallysorrywespeltyournamewronglasttime Ingredients: 2-3 overripe bananas 1tsp of cinnamon 1 cup of brown sugar 125g butter 1 cup of plain flour ½ cup of self-raising flour 2 eggs
If you are using a microwave place mixture into a greased and/or lined CERAMIC dish. DO NOT PUT A CAKE TIN IN THE MICROWAVE! Method: 1.
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the sugar and the cinnamon.
3.
In a separate bowl, melt the butter and add to the banana mixture. Stir well before adding the eggs and flours.
4.
Once mixture is smooth, pour into a greased and lined loaf tin.
5.
Cook for 40 to 45 minutes or until a skewer or knife comes out clean Serve warm with butter, cinnamon sugar or your favourite syrup.
It can be cooked in a greased microwave safe container or ceramic for about 8 minutes or until cooked through. But it will depend on the microwave as they are all different. JUST KEEP AN EYE ON IT!
28
3.
Put a piece of baking paper on a flat plate. Then, put 4 small spoons of mixture on the baking paper. (Try to give more space of each spoon of mixture.)
4. Cook it in the microwave on Medium-Low for 1 minute. If the surface of the meringue is not hard and well cooked, cook them for another 30 seconds. (Be careful! Always keep an eye on the meringues when they are cooking! They are easy to burn! If the colour of the meringue changes, take it out immediately!) 5.
Place the meringues on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
6.
Add whipped cream to a bowl and beat it with vanillin sugar until nice and firm. (If you don’t have vanillin sugar, you can use icing sugar.)
7.
Serve the meringue with cream, finely chopped nuts, fresh berries, or anything you want.
8. Enjoy!
are you an artsy type? we like art! editors@nucleus.org.au or come in and see us! At the Nucleus office we love getting your letters and emails. So for Elke, as suggested, a current Armidale bus timetable. We’re not sure how it will help you walk safely to and from your car late at night, but it comes highly recommended. Good luck and let us know when you figure it out! talk to us! we love it. send your letter to editors@nucleus.org.au or come in and see us!
ADVANCE OPEN APPLICATION Advance Open Applications for the 2015 Awards Mentoring Program for University Students across Australia. At Advance, Australia’s largest global network of high-achieving Australians connecting Australian’s across the world, we believe mentoring is a powerful tool which helps to build the clarity and self-awareness required to be truly innovative. Advance supports pioneers of innovation to help drive the next generation of talented game changers promoting Australian talent on a global scale. Advance believes innovation from university graduates is the key to building Australia’s brand - we are a bright country, we should share it with the world. As part of our Awards Program; which celebrates Australians living overseas and at home who are exceling in their industry, we are pleased to offer the Awards Mentoring Program. The program matches Australian university students with a 2015 Advance Global Australian Award Winner for 12 months of one-on-one mentoring. The mentorship program aims to inspire, motivate and enlighten a community of the next generation of Australian leaders. The program provides advice to help students find direction in their studies and refine their career goals. Since 2012, we have had 22 outstanding mentees/students be a part of the mentorship program and are excited to select our next 10 mentees this year. The program is open to all final year undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at an Australian university. Mentees will be invited to attend the 2015 Advance Global Australian Awards<http://advance.org/awards-2015-homepage/> and Leadership Summit, where they will meet the 2015 Award Winners who will act as their mentors. The final 10 mentorship program winners will be honoured at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 14 September 2015 where the Awards and Leadership Summit will be hosted. The Global Australian Leadership Summit, an exclusive networking event celebrating current and future leaders across the world, will take place on 13-14 September 2015.
Applications close 1 May 2015. Visit http://advance.org/awards-2015-mentoring/ to apply now.
Mystery Shoppers Wanted – Casual Work Plan your work hours to fit with your lifestyle. Work close to home and evaluate the businesses in your area. Get paid to give your feedback. Hoed Research is Australia's premier Mystery Shopping company working with some of Australia's most prominent businesses, in banking, motor industry, retail, entertainment and hospitality to name a few. Our team is looking for people who are reliable and independent to become mystery shoppers and auditors. We have both casual mystery shopping jobs and regular audits available. Assignments typically take about 20-40 minutes in the store to complete, plus data entry online. Telephone and email-based assignments are also available. You will need a computer, email and access to the Internet, as well as a reliable phone number with voicemail connected. If interested, please visit www.hoedshopper.com.au and follow the online registration process. Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 025 121 to speak to one of our friendly Allocations team. We look forward to working with you!
30
Student Media 2015 What did you do with your year?
WRITING
BEHIND THE SCENES DESIGN
FEATURE ARTICLES ARTICLES
EDITING MUSIC SELECTION
MAGAZINE LAYOUT COVER DESIGN
OPINION PIECES CREATIVE WRITING PIECES REVIEWS ON AIR COPY WRITING SCRIPT WRITING BLOG WRITING
SHOW PRODUCTION DEBATING SHITUFF FACT CHECKING MARKETING COFFEE/TEA DRINKING
POLITICAL CARTOONS GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY
ACTING/PRESENTATION
INTERVIEWS
VOICE WORK - ADS & IDS RADIO THEATRE PERFORMANCE ON AIR ANNOUNCING SHOW HOST OUTSIDE BROADCASTS
NEWS TEAM
STUDENTS STAFF/LECTURERS RESEARCHERS AUTHORS POLITICIANS BANDS/ARTISTS
now recruiting for: 2015 announcers
NEWS COLUMN LAYOUT SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTING ON AIR REPORTING PHOTOJOURNALISM INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
FUTURE PREP
NETWORKING UPDATE RESUME
news team
music team
Sharpen your broadcasting skills by taking on a Cover UNE, national and international news as position as an on-air announcer with Tune!FM. part of the student media News Team. You’ll be broadcast locally on 106.9FM and During your shift you’ll report on-air, on social streamed live around the world on tunefm.net. media and in print.
There’s a great team working behind the scenes at Tune!FM reviewing the mountain of new music that comes in every week to decide what gets played and what doesn’t.
TIME COMMITMENT: 2 HOURS A WEEK TIME COMMITMENT: 2 - 4 HOURS A WEEK
TIME COMMITMENT: AS MUCH AS YOU CAN GIVE
come find us at the Student Media Hub (union square - on the corner between Uni4Me and the ‘Stro) www.fb/TuneFM106.9
www.nucleus.org.au
www.tunefm.net
IS THE BEST WAY TO SURVIVE INTENSIVES
MATURE-AGED STUDENTS
NETFLIX AND A BLANKET