CATALYST: 'TUMBLE', Issue 2, Volume 76

catalyst

76

ISSUE 02

E PIS O D E TUMBLE L E S S A F O RTRESS,

MAKING TIME

LU CID

M ORE A HAVEN

F O R YO URSELF

N O S TALG IA

1

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

K E L LY L I M

2

21

MAKING TIME F O R YO U R S E L F

12

48

L U C I D N O S TA L G I A

LESS A FORTRESS, M O R E A H AV E N

33

AN INCURABLE AFFLICTION

04

CO N T RIB U TO R S

06

L E T T ER FROM T HE ED I TO R S

08

LE T TER FROM THE PRESIDENT

10

APRIL C ALENDAR

11

M AY C A L E N D A R

12

L E S S A F O R T R E S S , M O R E A H AV E N

16

M I N D P O P S A N D T H E R O T T I N G N AT U R E O F N O S T O L G I A

20

S O P H I E S M I T H P H O T O E S S AY

23

M A KIN G T IM E FO R YO U R SEL F

26

S AY H E L L O T O U P

29

B E S T WA RM D R INK S A RO U ND C A M PUS

32

M A D EL I N E L E T ER ZO A R T

35

AN INCURABLE AFFLICTION

40

CRISIS

49

C O M PA N I O N P I E C E

50

L U C I D N O S TA L G I A

52

BEES, BOOKS AND BRUNCH

55

DEALING WITH CHANGE

56

SEASONAL CINEMA

58

BUILDING A BANGING PERSONAL BR AND

61

A MY MCC ARTHY ART

66

T U M B L E P L AY L I S T

CONTENT

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

EDITORS Chloe Karis Ellie Barclay Tamara Clark

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Bethany Davis Daisy Barrett Eliza Sears Erica Lange Georgie Elinor Martin Isabella Krebet Jaidyn L Attard Jean Wenjing Zhang Mikayla Bamford Nicole Pereira Siri Smith Youssef Saudie

NEWS EDITORS Alexandra Middleton Phoebe Humphrey

SOCIAL MEDIA Isabelle Leng Le Minh Ngoc Cu Milosha Vaz

WEBSITE MANAGER Cameron Magusic

+

DESIGNERS Ellen Waite Daphne Kok Sayali Harde FRONT COVER Madeline Russell CREATIVE WRITING EDITORS Caitlyn Grant Isabella Battersby Jake Parker CULTURE EDITORS Cameron Magusic Emma Sullivan

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Matt Adrian Young

NEWS REPORTERS Umang Olivia Davendra Zara Gudnason PHOTOGRAPHERS Jean Baulch Luka Rhoderick Robert Miniter Rudraksh Thumar Sophie Smith

CATALYST Issue 02 2020 RMIT student magazine est. 1944 CONTACT rmitcatalyst@gmail.com rmitcatalyst.com RMIT Building 12, Level 3, Room 97

SPECIAL THANKS TO Compass RMIT NEXT Up Bank

Catalyst and RMIT University Student Union acknowledge the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands we contact the business of the University.

RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and future.

Catalyst and RMIT University Student Union also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where it contacts its business.

+ Catalyst is the student magazine of the RMIT Student Union (RUSU). The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editors, the printers, or RUSU.

4

STOP ADANI SAI MANIGANAHALLI

5

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

CHLOE K ARIS, TA M ARA CL ARK + ELLIE BARCL AY

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Welcome to Tumble!

We associate autumn (fall; tumble; get it?) with a shift in momentum; an invitation for change, to improve and enhance our lives. While significant changes are catalysing everyday around the world, it is more important now than ever to channel this and accept all the golden nuggets of wisdom this season of change can deliver.

We hope you are all safe and fairing well in this uncertain time. Change has hit us hard this season in the form of a global pandemic. While most of us are home bound with online studies, we hope Tumble can be your safe refuge where creativity can thrive; where you can weather out the storms ahead; a place to get lost and discover new stories. Hopefully this episode can provide a little bit of comfort and remind us all change isn’t intrinsically evil! While this time is incredibly demanding it is also inspirational to see how well we can adapt and look after one another. If you have any thoughts about online learning and how it’s going for you, RUSU is

6

EDITORS

conducting a survey about how online. This can be found on the RUSU website under “Have Your Say.” Compass is still here to help!

Any information, referral issues, questions, thoughts and concerns can be sent through to compass@rmit.edu.au.

Undoubtedly students have taken a financial blow in recent times due to Covid-19. If this applies to you or anyone you know, financial grants are now available from RMIT. Go to the RMIT website to apply. RUSU and RMIT have worked together to expand the Student Hardship Assistance fund and Equity Scholarship fund by $10,000,000 with extra support for those impacted by the crisis. Online, you can apply for the emergency financial grant for living costs and the technology grant for study equipment.

LETTER

striding with more focus and thought. However, there is drama to autumn that plays out in nature with all the gorgeous shifting of hues unfolding through the days. We can be grateful with autumn as it is preparing us for the upcoming cooler changes with a hint of warmth around us.

To us, Tumble refers to the cycle of action and rest towards a meaningful wave that sustains growth and life within yourself. So here’s to grabbing hold of all this crazy change, jumping right outside your comfort zone and continuing on wild adventures. Stay safe during these times and we hope you enjoy Tumble.

Because of these current changes, we have made history with Tumble being the very first issue to be published solely online. So, thanks for making the effort with this format, to support us and our contributors! As it is currently looking, future editions of Catalyst Magazine will be published just online until RMIT University campuses in Australia are reopened for students. We hope to print these installments later on down the track.

Autumn can be seen as a busy season, with the leaves tumbling off from the trees and people

7

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

DANIEL HOOGSTRA

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello there, When I last wrote for Catalyst, the world we lived in was a very different one. Just as the seasons change, so too have our lives and our education. Covid-19 has redefined our experience of the world. Students are stuck at home and struggling to adapt to a new learning environment. University staff have not been given enough time to prepare themselves and their students for online learning and it is us as students that face the consequences.

RMIT was one of the last universities to respond to the calls to pause face-to-face learning and teaching and only did so after the federal government forced them to. While other universities were leading the way in protecting the health and safety of students, RMIT students were left to make a choice between their education and the health of themselves and their loved ones.

It can be easy to lose sight of what is most

8

DANIEL HOOSTRA

important. RUSU, on the other hand, will continue to be there for you. As President, it is my job to ensure that you are represented, and that your voice is heard. I, along with my team, have been working hard to get desirable outcomes for students.

We’ve had a few wins. From the start, we pushed for the census date to be pushed to April 30.

RMIT listened to us. Revising the census date allowed students more time to assess whether or not online learning is right for them and it also gave students more time to pay their fees. We also had wins with Bundoora parking permits being refunded, library fines being waived and a COVID-19 financial hardship grant being introduced to help students most in need.

We are continuing our work to achieve more wins for students. We are still lobbying for changes to how fails are recorded, reductions of at least 20% to tuition fees, and for SSAF to be reallocated from events and activities to the student services we need now more than ever.

There is a lot that we are doing for international students as well. These students are some of our most affected. Many are unable to return home, have lost their entire income and have little to no support network here in Australia. We are working with the National Union of Students to campaign for visa extensions, international

LETTER

access to coronavirus supplement payments and changes to visa conditions to allow international students to study part time.

If you need support, RUSU is here for you.

Compass can provide online supermarket vouchers to students for supplies and food.

RMIT has also expanded their Student Hardship Assistance fund and Equity Scholarship fund to provide up to $10 million in additional support for students impacted by Covid-19.

This is a difficult time for all students, as it is for everyone the world over. This pandemic is unlike anything our community has faced before. It’s important we all look after ourselves and each other. We are here for you, and we will continue working every day to get the best outcomes we can. We are all in this together, and we will get through this together.

Take care, stay safe and look after your mates.

Daniel Hoogstra RUSU President

9

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

SUN

MON

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

N OT ES :

10

TUES

APRIL 2020

MAY 2020 SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

31

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

N OT ES :

11

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

LESS A FORTRESS, MORE A HAVEN Z ARA GUDNASON

Fortress Melbourne is the southern hemisphere’s first gaming centre of its kind; a two story mecca of technology complete with an esports arena, LAN lounge, streaming booths, tabletop gaming and arcade alley.

Catalyst reporter Zara Gudnason spoke with founder of Fortress Melbourne Jon Satterley in the days before the launch about gaming and the future of esports in Australia.

The venue, which opened on March 13, is tucked in the Caledonia Lane corner of Emporium Melbourne. From level one it appears to be an albeit high powered esports arena with bar and a merchandise store.

However, venture downstairs into the belly of the beast and you’re welcomed into a huge tavern style bar - think Game of Thrones meets The Witcher- with a demon head above the fireplace. From there is a LAN lounge with 150 high powered Alienware Aurora PCs, streamer booths and an arcade alley with old school Intencity style games.

tracking with theme parks and cinemas and being obsessed with video games from a young age I saw the need [for games] to be a social live play. Esports started to emerge as one way for it to work as a social event and I was intrigued by that,” he said.

The ethos behind Fortress is to create a home for all gamers and to attract gamers curious to various facets of gaming culture. Satterley says one of the ambitions of the venture is to introduce people to live and social gaming.

“You can play at home in the basement, bedroom or wherever but come and play socially. One of the missions for us is to get people out of the home and socially engaged. Some of the online toxicity that exists in online gaming, that washes away when people are in the flesh and next to each other,” he said.

The idea for Fortress began germinating halfway through Satterly’s time at Village Roadshow, which he left in 2018 to work on the centre full time.

The billion-dollar and worldwide industry of esports draws thousands of fans to watch players and teams compete.

Eports, competitive multiplayer video gaming for entertainment, is a billion-dollar industry.

However, a 2018 Melbourne University study notes that Australian esports players are struggling on the world stage due to lack of infrastructure and investment.

“I was watching the way entertainment was

However despite the perceived appetite,

12

ZARA GUDNASON

international esports business Gfinity closed its Australian operations last year after a recorded $5.3 million in losses; citing a lack of “sustainable, positive earnings”. They were the first to open a dedicated esports arena in Sydney in 2018, hiring Sydney Sixers boss Dominic Remond to head up their operations.

L E S S A F O R T R E S S , M O R E A H AV E N

T O U A N N G AT O U I L L AT V E R G O S

Fortress has pursued a markedly different model to gfinity. While Fortress began with a focus on esports, it was never modelled solely towards the professional side of it.

“We want to be the auskick of esports, like amatuer esports. We never really modelled it on a professional side of it. We realised we wanted to build ahome for all gamers, that can cover everything from dungeons and dragons to esports, we’ve got an arcade with pinball, hardcore games, if you’re a fan of game of thrones you’d be down here saying this is awesome. This is a place to come and hangout” Satterly said. + Fortress Melbourne is open 7 days a week from 10am-3am.

Hours or services may differ due to COVID-19.

13

I S S U E 02

14

EPISODE TUMBLE

ALEXANDER POPOV

15

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

MIND POPS AND THE ROTTING NATURE OF NOSTALGIA CUSHL A SCANL AN

‘ONLY YES TERDAY ’, MIND P OP S AND THE ROT TING NATURE OF NOS TALG IA I “One week,” I sob to my Mum on the phone as I look out over a landing on the Merri Creek bike path, “I’ve lived with her for nearly two years and she only gives me one week’s notice that she’s moving out?”

It feels less like a break up and more like I’d imagine a divorce; more papers, more splitting of furniture, more nitty gritty finalisations and less hope that it will ever work out again.

It’s the awkward and complicated unknitting of two lives that have been sewn together by time and place and it’s taken me by shock and left me feeling petulant and misused.

“How does she expect me to find a decent replacement in one week? I was so angry that I ran here, Mum! I ran in my Birkenstocks to get here--do you know how hard it is to run in Birkenstocks?”

II Memories have been tumbling into my mind almost involuntarily the past few days. I’m unsure if it’s a medical condition or the universe trying to tell me something.

16

In a whirlwind of events, my souring relationship with my housemate has finally ended with her voluntary eviction and I feel devastated, heartbroken, resentful and dreadfully relieved. I have a million decisions to make but it feels like they’ve all melted together into one big obnoxious stain on the battered walls of my head and clarity seems unfeasible. I’m stuck. Stagnating.

Rotting with nostalgia so thick it makes my eyes water. Torn between comfort and the fear of the unknown.

I feel caught in the past when I desperately need to plan for the future.

“Think of it this way,” Mum says after I call her for the upteenth time, “Change equals growth, and this way you can grow all from the comfort of your own home!”

I look up my symptoms online, and uncover the idea of ‘mind pops’- basically when unrelated thoughts that have been triggered in your subconscious appear hours, days or months later than when they first occur. It makes sense to me, but I keep digging down Dr Google anyway, which is an unwise decision because I’m a hypochondriac and now I have schizophrenia.

“If you’re still confused about it all, why don’t you try journalling it out?” Mum suggests, “Do one of those big stream-of-consciousness things you’re

CUSHLA SCANLAN

‘ O N LY Y E S T E R D AY ’

M I C H E L C ATA L I S A N O

always on about?”

I put my pen to paper and am at such a loss for how I feel, I end up writing nothing at all.

III It’s the day after she told me and now she’s at work and I’m curled up like a burnt piece of foliage in bed, scrolling Netflix and hoping to find a movie that will give me some perspective.

A few Studio Ghibli films have been released to Netflix—none of my favourites, but some that are familiar. I find myself gravitating instead toward the unknown- older Ghibli films with lighter washes of colour and a stronger 80s influence.

I stop at one title and hover my mouse over the screen.

“All she wanted growing up was to visit the countryside. Now she wonders whether her life is on the right path.”

Bingo.

IV Last week at work I slipped into my Nana’s swimming pool and looked up at my brother as he plunged his foot into the water; I grabbed on and he pulled me out.

I was about four years old and if he hadn’t been there I think I would have drowned because I definitely didn’t know how to swim; but by the same token if he hadn’t been there I probably wouldn’t have been running around the pool edge and fallen in in the first place.

I don’t know where the memory came from, but suddenly I could see the hibiscus tree in the garden next door, smell the steam that rose from the orange rubber turf; touch the pale blue plastic of the slide that didn’t really work because the sun had baked it into a powdery white chalk and nothing could slip down, not even water.

Oh. Where did that come from?

V “All those tiny things came back so vivid in my mind, like a movie was playing inside my head, almost overpowering my other thoughts. So clear, I could see it.”

I glance up from my deathly Instagram scroll, switch off my phone and place it screen down against my bedside table.

I pause the movie, rewind to 00:00, and start again.

17

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

D E WA N G G U P TA

VI Isao Takahata’s ‘Only Yesterday’ was released in 1991 to wide critical acclaim from both Japanese and foreign audiences. Rereleased for Western audiences in 2016 to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the dubbed version offers voice performances from both Dev Patel and Daisy Ridley; a perceptive choice that succeeds in bridging together the already narrowing gap of culture, time, and life experience.

Dissatisfied with her desk job in early 80s Tokyo, 27-year-old Taeko Okajima takes a somewhat impetuous holiday to a relative’s farm in order to take part in the annual safflower harvest. Similarly inundated with unrelenting and unprompted mind pops, Taeko notes, “I didn’t intend to bring my fifth-grade self with me on this trip, but clearly she was along for the ride.”

It’s a poignant tale of existence and identity.

Through carefully selected vignettes of memories, Taeko is able to reflect and learn from her past to arrive at a point of self-discovery in the present; forming both trust and strength within herself to undertake future challenges and change.

The movie left me feeling both empowered and marginally concerned- Netflix’s recommendations are voyeuristically unnerving.

18

“To be a butterfly, a caterpillar has to become a chrysalis first, even if it never for a moment wanted to become one. Was I remembering those days so clearly because I needed to become a chrysalis again?”

In slipping into the past, I’ve been overwhelmingly anxious to share memories that make no sense and have no meaning to anyone but me; purely because my mind has held onto these moments and I’m aware that they could slip away at any point without me even realising I’d forgotten them. As I scrolled through other reviews for this movie, warm in the knowledge there were others who felt its impact as much as I did, I came across this review by Isaac Yuen: “Like its protagonist, I am a product of my past moulded not only by great life-altering events, but also by a myriad of minor day-to-day ones that no one else remembers.”

And it’s true. The beauty of this film is its celebration of the mundane- of seemingly simple memories that have shaped our world experience and continue to inform our present actions and beliefs. Modest flashbacks such as Taeko eating her first pineapple trigger our own poignant memories of other firsts, and through this space of reflection, just like the movie’s protagonist, we are better able to understand ourselves.

CUSHLA SCANLAN

‘ O N LY Y E S T E R D AY ’

At the beginning of the movie, I watched as a young adult struggled through a life that felt correct in relation to society’s expectations, but that felt wrong in relation to her own. By the end of the film, however, through deep introspection and sharing these memories with people who sympathised and supported her, Taeko was confidently able to make the decision to enter a new stage in her life. It made me think about my own mind pops and what they’d been trying to tell me.

I called my Mum that afternoon.

“Hey hun, what’s up?”

“I think I’m just going to stay in the apartment and not move out either. Just see what happens.

Worse comes to worst, I’ll move out when the lease ends.”

“I think that’s a great idea, love. Who knows, you might end up loving your new housemate!”

I took a deep breath in. She was right.

Who knows? +

19

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

SOPHIE SMITH

20

SOPHIE SMITH

HALCYON

21

I S S U E 02

22

EPISODE TUMBLE

ERICA LANGE

K AT I E Z H O U

MAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF

MAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF K ATIE ZHOU

It happened. The not so subtle change of your alarm time. The realisation that you’ve slowly gone broke from buying food every day. The shock that you’re going to need to remember the days of the week again.

Summer is over, and the hustle of uni has arrived.

Like the constant falling of autumn leaves, you feel your relaxation from the summer break slowly shedding away, stepped on and flattened by the shoes of assignments. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Every time your teacher introduces a new assessment, you feel a knot in your chest slowly squeeze tighter and tighter.

But never fear, it doesn’t have to be like this.

I’m not saying it’s going to be like one of those American teen romantic comedies where the boy somehow seamlessly excels at Harvard when he is never seen studying on screen. Don’t lie to me, you love watching those films too.

Here’s how you can loosen that knot: self-care.

Taking care of your mental health is linked to having some good ol’ you time. A bit anticlimactic, but true nonetheless.

23

I S S U E 02

01

EPISODE TUMBLE

DANCE BY YOURSELF

02

LISTEN TO A PODCAST

Who ever said you need to be amidst a crowd of drunk sweaty people to let your moves loose? Turn on music that usually makes you unconsciously tap your foot. Close the door of your bedroom, crank up the volume, hope no family members witness what is about to happen and just dance like nobody’s watching (because no one is). No awkward head bopping or jumping up and down (because that seems to be how we dance now). Just do whatever the hell you want.

And bonus, this counts as exercise.

An interesting conversation that requires zero effort from your end? Count me in. An excellent way to really unwind and de-stress is to sit or lie down with minimal outside distractions and just focus. Our generation seems to idolise multitasking and productivity, but that can be tiring. Just focusing on one thing at a time is a surprisingly powerful way to become more productive despite feeling less rushed. As it increases your concentration, problem solving and decision making.

Protip: If you’re not feeling up to being your own choreographer, search up Zumba routines on YouTube to your favourite songs and release your inner 50 year-old mum.

Hey, you might even learn a thing or two from the podcast to impress your friends at next week’s get together.

03

04

READ A BOOK WITH A WARM CUPPA’

Ditch your textbook for a moment and launch yourself into the world of a good book. Stuff finding a book that makes you feel intellectual, just choose something that you really enjoy, regardless of how embarrassing it may be—I’m looking at you, WattPad lovers.

Put in the effort to whip up a warm drink for yourself to be more cosy and relaxed. I, myself love a good chai latte with an abnormal amount of cinnamon sugar on top.

24

COOK A HEART Y MEAL

It is so easy to fall into the trap of microwavable meals, 2-minute noodles and the $1.50 Maccas hamburgers. Even if you feel as though you don’t have time to relax (which you do), you always need to eat something. So why not make cooking a hearty meal your act of self care? In most cases, it will be the healthier option.

Pump up your music and act as if you’re on My Kitchen Rules. Let the tango of herbs and spices fill the air and pray that your creation will taste semi-decent.

K AT I E Z H O U

05

MAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF

MEDITATE

Breathe in. Hold. Breathe out. When I was little I used to think meditation was only for Buddihist monks. But boy, oh, boy was I wrong.

Whether you meditate in silence, use an app like Smiling Mind or partake in mindfulness activities or anything in between, meditation has proven benefits of reducing stress, minimising anxiety, improving attention span and promoting emotional health.

I know some of you may be thinking about how you can’t imagine having the willpower to sit still for a period of time, but even if you commit to five minutes every few days, it will help. I promise this is not sponsored by Smiling Mind.

06

SCHEDULE THESE TIMES LIKE YOU WOULD SOCIAL EVENTS

Most importantly, these acts of self-care should not be taken lightly as something to do on the rare occasion you find time. Just like you would with a part-time job or social activities, alone time is important enough to have a regular, scheduled spot in your life routine.

Give yourself permission to pause, because you deserve it. +

25

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

SAY HELLO TO UP Z ARA GUDNASON

For most of my adult life I have been bad with money. I’ve spent money I didn’t have, borrowed money to replace the money I spent that I didn’t have, overestimated my ability to budget, bought insurance that I couldn’t afford and let fines tick over the due date and double. This list would be impressive if it wasn’t so depressing.

Last year, around the time I crossed over from mid to late 20s, I realised I needed to learn a helluva lot more about finance.

I started googling, immediately bought a copy of The Barefoot Investor and learned that I’m not alone; the majority of Australians are not good with money. Recent studies have shown that half of Australians struggle with financial literacy and that leaves us dangerously vulnerable to financial instability, especially later in life.

The Royal Commission into Banking unearthed some really shady behaviour but it also showed that we are far more trusting of financial institutions and their products than we should be.

26

The only qualifications I have to review a bank is that I’ve previously been so bad with money that I am now actively navigating the world of the financially literate. I have always been jealous of people that have their money sorted in the same way I was really jealous of people that could run 10kms, until I ran 10kms and realised that it’s about putting time and effort into retraining how you think.

Lately i’ve been trialing Up Bank; the new kid on the block for hassle-free banking and found Up Bank is ‘designed to help organise your money and simplify your life.’ It is a cleverly designed and easy to use banking app that is backed up by intelligent features that go beyond what other banks are offering.

Up’s everyday transaction account (with no fee) is cleverly engineered to give you as much information about your purchases as possible including exact time, location and business name. It also automatically categorises your purchases so you can access real time spending

ZARA GUDNASON

reports to see how much is coming in and what is going out.

Up’s Saver accounts are high interest savings accounts that can be split into seperate goals.

Up Bank suggests creating a Saver for each of your upcoming bills or for different categories of expenses as a great way to put money aside for essentials. Roam Free is the perks of the old school travel money card rolled into your normal bank account.

What I like most about Up Bank is their values; commitment to transparency (their business plan is easily accessible on their website), commitment to the environment and the community.

UP ADVETORIAL

Finances, the key to financial stability is to be mindful about your spending and where that money goes. Up Bank has all the elements to help you to mindfully manage your money (I especially appreciate that your total balance is rolled into purchase notification). However, whatever bank you’re with and however you organise your money, it’s clear the key to good looking finances is financial literacy.

Wish to try out your own super powered banking? Sign-up to Up Bank with RMIT’s exclusive student code “RMIT” to receive $10 into your account to get you started. +

And Up Bank have said it themselves, they’re here to ‘help people get from a place where money is a cause of stress and anxiety to a place where they feel empowered and have greater control of their finances.’

According to Melissa Browne of Unfuck Your

27

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

LEYY M

28

GABRIEL A CAELI SUMAMPOW

B E S T WA R M D R I N K S A R O U N D C A M P U S

BEST WARM DRINKS AROUND CAMPUS GABRIEL A CAELI SUM A MPOW

Winter is coming. Therefore, so is the need to warm up. Tired of plain hot coffee to warm up and prepare for the upcoming winter? Look no further! I’ve spent time strolling around the CBD in search of warm drinks around campus that are sure to get you pumped up and able to fight the cold.

Before you ask anything else - yes, this is an autumn-themed piece, but no, no pumpkin spice lattes found here! So enjoy, because this piece is also best consumed hot.

C AT PAW ROSE L AT TE

by CALIA Emporium

Shop 8, Level 3/287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Sat-Wed: 10am - 7pm | Thurs-Fri: 10am - 9pm

Is it a Cafe Latte? Is it a Tea Latte?

No, it’s a Rose Latte!

While your typical lattes are either espresso– based or tea-based (yes, I’m also talking about bubble tea), CALIA has decided to break out of the trends and created a rose water based latte.

In all its pinkness and in all its beauty, you can also drink it from a cup shaped into a cat’s paw (seriously, it looks like a kitten just molded its paw into the cup’s interior!) for an additional price.

The Cat Paw Rose Latte is a seasonal menu

by CALIA. So make sure you get a taste of it while it lasts.

29

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

PE ACH CHOCOL ATE BL ACK TE A L AT TE

by Starbucks

Starbucks has multiple outlets around Melbourne’s CBD, the nearest situated at Melbourne Central, beside Seoul Station.

Before you ask me what Starbucks is doing on this list and why I’m not talking about their Pumpkin Spice Latte, you might want to do a double take on the name of their newest beverage.

That’s right. Peaches, chocolate and black tea, all in one cup. You’re probably familiar with black tea lattes because it’s the one of the most common types of bubble tea, but imagine a black tea latte with chocolate and peaches.

Unimaginable? That’s your cue to grab a cup ASAP! Starbucks has certainly leveled up their game in autumn drinks, and steering away from bringing back the Pumpkin Spice Latte is arguably the best decision ever.

30

MÖRK HOT CHOCOL ATE

by Hash Specialty Coffee

113 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Mon-Fri: 7am - 4pm | Sat-Sun: 8am - 4pm

The Hardware Street brunch place does not simply serve a cup of cocoa powder mixed with milk- they twist it around. Hash Specialty Coffee serves a flask of 85% hot cocoa by Mörk beside a mug cup with a cloudy, milk flavored fairy floss balancing on its rim.

All you have to do is pour the flask of cocoa over the top of the fairy floss, and watch the magic happen as they dissolve together into the mug.

Now sit back and enjoy some chocolatey and cotton candy infused goodness. Don’t forget to take a photo for the ‘gram!

GABRIEL A CAELI SUMAMPOW

B E S T WA R M D R I N K S A R O U N D C A M P U S

BA X TER ’ S BUNS TE A

by T2

T2 has multiple stores around the CBD, the nearest situated in Melbourne Central.

T2 has released a new loose leaf tea for the autumn season, and it’s got buns, hun.

By buns, I mean Hot Cross Buns! Unlike the other drinks that are made for you by the restaurant, T2’s “Baxter’s Buns Tea” can be enjoyed when you’re not in the mood to go out.

Have a good book or a wholesome Netflix show playing on your device? “Baxter’s Buns Tea” is the perfect companion for a lazy day in. This flavoured black tea is filled with all the spicy, fruity, doughy goodness one can expect from a Hot Cross Bun.

BROWN SUG AR BOBA MILK

served HOT by Xing Fu Tang

273 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Mon-Sun: 1:30am - 9:30pm

Bubble tea lovers, this one’s for us! Xing Fu Tang has made an option for their signature brown sugar boba milk to be served hot—and trust me, it hits differently.

T2 has also created a chocolate version of “Baxter’s Buns Tea”, named “Choc Baxter’s Buns”. Get them while they’re back!

Xing Fu Tang is a worldwide phenomenon in the bubble tea market. Whether it’s in Melbourne, China, or the UK, their stores are always packed with long lines. Look out for the big wok on display at the store where a huge amount of their signature brown sugar boba is being made.

If you’re not a fan of hot cross buns (but then again, who isn’t?), T2 is also home to a wide variety of teas ranging from classic black teas to fruity and flowery teas. You can always brew one in the comfort of your own home and pimp it out yourself- be it with lemon or honey, or even milk.

Milk has already established itself as brown sugar boba’s best friend. Milk-based drinks are always the best comfort drinks during the cold, and an adequate amount of Xing Fu Tang’s soft, chewy yet sweet (not too sweet) brown sugar boba is more than enough to leave you wanting more. + 31

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

MADELINE LE TERZO ART M ADELINE RUSSELL

32

MADELINE RUSSELL

PINK CLIFFS

33

I S S U E 02

MADELINE RUSSELL

34

EPISODE TUMBLE

AN INCURABLE AFFLICTION AU T H O R ALEX LINEHAN

35

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

AN INCURABLE AFFLICTION ALEX LINEHAN

For as long as I can remember, I have suffered from an incurable fascination. A fixation on one place, one country. A desire to learn its language, to read obsessively about its history, to listen to its music, and dream about wandering its streets. I will never understand what drew me toward Russia but I knew that this massive and completely foreign country would, in some way, shape my life.

When I was a teenager I discovered my condition had a name—Russophilia. A person who is friendly toward or fond of Russia. It was a relief to know I was not alone. After I finished school, I was so single-minded in my obsession that I started a degree in Russian studies. And there was when I met others as infected like me. There was a cohort of people also captivated by this strange, cold country, thousands of miles away from our own. We instantly understood each other. But outside of this niche remained the nonRussophiles, who were, quite rightfully, confused by me.

The reactions to my love of Russia have always been mixed. From utterly perplexed, slightly suspicious, to deeply surprised. The question everyone asks is why? Why Russia? I don’t have an answer. I always just accepted my love as deeply irrational and uncalled for. But it turns out Russophilia has a long history. I realised that in order to understand the prevalence

36

of Russophilia, I had to examine human assumptions and dive into the past.

First, I had to understand why Russia fascinated me so much, and for that, I had to consider how I, growing up in Australia, had learnt to perceive the place. It is human nature to classify things, to sort data into categories to try make sense of our vast world of information. However, this human desire to label often proves inadequate and sometimes, completely impossible. Things that lie outside of our categories unsettle us. Russia mayunsettle Westerners because we cannot understand it in relation to ourselves. Perhaps Russia cannot fit into our divisions because they are too narrow. Russia is not East or West, nor Europe or Asia, rather it is both things at once.

People like binaries because they help us make sense of the world. However, Russia does not fit into any of our assumptions. Unsettling and unknown things naturally provoke feelings of fascination and apprehension.

For me, it was only ever the former.

But why Russia? Surely this does not explain it all. There are so many other countries out there, with easier languages and better weather and fairer governments. Yet here I was, drawn inexplicably to Russia. But Russia has a history. I had to account for the fact that this was a place that was deeply troubled and contradictory, and

ALEX LINEHAN

AN INCURABLE APPLICTION

A L I S A L E S KO VA

37

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

ARSENY TOGULEV

one which had always forged a different path from its neighbours.

During the age of European imperialism, the Russian empire was always an outlier. Despite Enlightenment, modernisation and expansion, the Russian empire was always marked by its adherence to Orthodox Christianity and its anachronism. Serfdom was not abolished until the nineteenth century. During the Industrial Revolution, Russia remained an agricultural economy. Russia remained a land of mystery, of tradition, and a feudal, almost mystical power.

It was in 1917 that everything changed. The first Russian revolution overthrew the imperial Romanov dynasty. The second bought the Bolsheviks to power and thus created the first communist state in the world. A radical experience, and one simply seen as beyond the pale for European empires and fledgling democracies. Then, under the brutal dictator Joseph Stalin, it became a closed country.

Russia and the West were cut off from each other until 1945, when they were literally to meet in the ashes of Nazi Germany. Russia is continuously mysterious and unexplainable.

Russia’s sphere of influence now extended to the border of the West, and the Cold War began. This era was vital in forming the Western ideas of Russia. Russia became a land of spies

38

and communists, a threat to democracy, and, ultimately- the enemy. It is a testament to the flow-on effects of the Cold War that many of these stereotypes remain today. Beyond our generalisations of fur hats and the vodka, many Western attitudes toward Russia remain deeply rooted in suspicion and mistrust.

However, with the fall of communism in Russia came perhaps the hardest period of all to understand. Open to foreigners and foreign media for the first time in living memory, our ideas of Russia began to radically change. Communism was finished but capitalism emerged in Russia in suspicious ways, completely outside of Western perceptions of normality. Russia imported Western brands like Apple, Mercedes and McDonalds but kept military parades on Victory Day. Russian oligarchs, symbols of excessive, sumptuous wealth, grew rich picking over the bones of the Russian economy. Their presence in Europe, with fur coats and superyachts, confused a continent with strict standards of old money etiquette. And the regime of Vladimir Putin, himself an ex-Soviet secret policeman, led many pundits to wax about the return of the Soviet Union, of the Cold War, and inadvertently return to a Cold War framing of Russia.

Throughout all of this Russia has transfixed the imaginations of many in the West. My own Russophilia is harmless, but I have learnt

ALEX LINEHAN

Russophiles can be dangerous. During the Cold War, Russophiles were notorious for being sympathetic to the Soviet regime. At the moment, many far-right European political parties look to Russia as some sort of inspiration.

It should remind us of the importance to be able to criticise any country we love—whether that is our own, or otherwise.

So where did my obsession lead? To Russia, of course. Russia attracts the kind of Westerners that sit on the fringes of their own societies after all, normal people go to study in London, not Moscow. I found a country that was a different world from my own. The nature, the people, the language, the architecture, the sheer size of things… I felt like I was truly in another world, unlike any place on earth.

Paradoxically, the people least understanding

AN INCURABLE APPLICTION

of my Russophilia were Russians. Once, in the foyer of a museum, some friends and I showed our foreign student cards. A Russian woman approached us and asked where we were from.

“Canada, Australia, the Netherlands,” we replied.

She then launched into us. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “You have everything in the West. Why on earth would you learn Russian?

Don’t you realise everyone here learns English to escape this crazy country?”

As we awkwardly stood there, being berated by a stranger in a foreign language, I realised I was not bothered. She took her own country for granted, and could never understand my love for everything in that city, and the way in which I felt like I was finally somewhere I should have been all my life. +

P H I L I P P T R U B C H E N KO

39

I S S U E 02

ROBERT MINITER

40

EPISODE TUMBLE

CRISIS AU T H O R + PH OTO G R A PH Y RO B E R T M I N IT E R 41

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

CRISIS ROBERT MINITER

PRELUDE The time we’re living in is uncertain and temperamental. This period of history marred by panic, hysteria and societal uncertainty. I am, of course, referring to the global pandemic of Covid-19.

Never in my lifetime, nor my parents’ lifetime, have we experienced such an impact to our day-to-day lives from a viral disease. Universities, institutions, workplaces, museums, shopping malls and sports stadiums are all shutting their doors for the short-to-medium term; desperate to aid the suppression of the virus’ spread and keen to join forces with others to discourage public movement. Life seems to be reorganising itself and restricting what we previously took for granted.

Our issue this month is Autumn. Autumn is a time where nature tears down what has been in order to survive the harsher period. In order to survive, nature finds it necessary to shed all that is unnecessary; to hibernate until it is prosperous or safe enough to bloom again. So, as we continue to ponder our profoundly reduced mobility and potential mandatory isolation, I wish to show you a trip I took recently that inspired me to see the best in people. It seems strange to sit here and write that I travelled outside of the country.

But, I did. I managed a journey to rural India to take part in a medical camp. I documented the

42

work of life changing surgeries in a population that needs it the most. To see just how much good can be delivered to any corner of the world, from people who live on the complete opposite side of it to us in Australia. Through collating the series, CRHP: Reformation, I am reminded of our collective integrity. I am reminded of our shared capacity for exceptional kindness. I am reminded of a budding altruism. CRHP: Reformation, is a tale of generosity and adversity, to remind us all that by sharing our knowledge and skills, we may ultimately improve all of our lives simultaneously.

CRHP: REFORM ATION In February 2020, I shadowed a team of international medical specialists taking part in a surgical camp at the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) in rural India. The medical team was there to provide their significant experience and perform operations on severe deformities, burn victims and offer therapeutic treatment of physical and neurological conditions. They worked in the best conditions available, in a hospital located four hours from the nearest major city (Pune). The conditions were not typically standard compared to hospitals in Australia or Canada, where a large amount of the specialists journeyed from. What becomes apparent when watching the teams work is the incredible capacity for human compassion

ROBERT MINITER

CRISIS

and self-sacrifice. Utilising their experienceand sacrificing their time to travel vast distances (over 30 hours from west-coast Canada), the team returned mobility and bestowed an enhanced quality of life to some of the poorest people in India. “[The Comprehensive Rural Health Project] was founded in 1970 by my parents, under the vision of health as a fundamental human right and a tool to liberate individuals from disease, poverty, and marginalisation,� said doctors Raj and Mabelle Arole.

CRHP itself covers a wide facet of health and community programs, expanding itself into

ROBERT MINITER

43

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

the region around Jamkhed. Apart from the immediate hospital treatment, the project also encourages education through a local preschool, as well as a large educational building with a self-contained library that can house approximately 70 students. Entrepreneurial programs such Helping Hands, shift the balance for women’s independence against arranged marriages and family constructs that inhibit their economic independence; an independence that is showing to be a severe hindrance to gender equality in India. This contrasts the booming and increasingly sophisticated nature the economy is creating within Asia and the greater world. Local housing programs offer projects for families. One equitable condition being the requirement for women to hold the deed to land and house. In surrounding villages the project educates and supports health workers to boost the overall treatment in the population. Through collaboration with farmers, experts and the regional government, CRHP has developed a water catchment system that creates fertile soil by channeling rain towards an artificial embankment, creating a perpetual fertile soil bank farmers may extract from. CRHP is therefore far more than a charitable hospital; it is a pillar for the community. “As CRHP moves into its 49th year of history, we aim to continue the work of the original mission and vision while adapting to ever dynamic communities and times,� said Doctor Adrole.

44

ROBERT MINITER

CRISIS

ROBERT MINITER

45

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

SURG IC AL C A SE S TUDY: NA MDEO - 10 YE ARS OLD Namdeo was presented to the clinic in 2016 with a severe case of bow leg on the anterior portion of his right leg. The mission was to restore the function and mobility of his knee and lower leg to a normative function. This was a difficult case and one that required multiple fusions conducted across two operations, with the use of surgical plates and removal of bone. His correctional surgery will give Namdeo an enhanced mobility that can benefit his employment prospects through the rest of his life.

There is more to tell of CRHP. As a project embedded in the community, digging deeper only uncovers far more to be understood. I look forward to showing you all this as the year goes on. There is much more to be seen. + 46

ROBERT MINITER

CRISIS

ROBERT MINITER

47

I S S U E 02

ROBERT MINITER

48

EPISODE TUMBLE

C O M PA N I O N P I E C E

BRAD EAST

+

Y E A R : 2 020 M AT E R I A L S : M I X E D M E D I A A R T I S T: B E A S T

EXHIBITION: ‘DAZZLE BOI’, B E A S T, B R U N S W I C K S T R E E T G A L L E R Y, 2 02 0

COMPANION PIECE

(QUEERING THE PANDEMIC , LE BOWERYBIRD) BRAD EAST

I created this piece as the closure of my exhibition came closer to reality, knowing only a few people would enter and see the show, I wanted to make a comment, however brief, on the pandemic we currently face, the uncertainty of our world and the larger economic, social and environmental implications of such a situation.

As a gay artist putting a queer exhibition on in the middle of a pandemic, I wanted some space

to explore the prescient need for responsibility alongside our inherently individual responses to the trauma of new conditions. The resulting dialogue of ideas responded perfectly to the expression of naive camp and hence Le Bowerybird was born, a “naive camp queering of collective social anxiety and order”, an art object to be considered but also a tool to be used. +

49

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

LUCID NOSTALGIA AU T H O R I S A B E L L A B AT T E R S BY P L E A S E N OT E: L A N G UAG E WA R N I N G

PAW E L C Z E R W I N Z K I

50

I S A B E L L A B AT T E R S B Y

Henry Street is warm. Light spills through a skylight onto my face. The window opens and birds flutter through, a miraculous one story miracle I’ve found myself living within. I walk to the store, to buy almost affordable food, conveniently passing a coffee shop where the barrister gives me a free coffee and a wink.

French toast is on the menu, with avocado and tropical fruit juice. Roy, the dog, lives in the room next to me, pants at the excitement of licking my plate. I shower in an old chimney which has been architecturally sculpted into a modern shower. I get dressed and gently dance around the enormity of my room, speakers screaming with the song ‘Lucidity’ by Tame Impala. Outside I am again, off to day drink in the park, or lunch at the cafe, a pub rumble or a dark and stormy in a tumble. Floating on something close to a high, maybe it’s happiness, I go about my days as if everything is ‘okay’. At night I plunge into bed, the pristine white sheets scoop me up and I fall asleep, instantly. *fades to black* A police siren surges past my house. It’s late afternoon. I get up and open my balcony door.

Two police helicopters circle the towers. I could compare them to vultures, but maybe they are, for once, doing their ‘job’. Downstairs the kitchen is occupied by my decrepit housemate, the one I like must still be asleep. He looks at me, his face void of anything besides disdain.

With the keys in my hand, I decide not to linger and go to my local. A needle in the gutter and an eerie quietness greets me, on Albert Street.

Soup, bread and a flat white will surely get me through till a free dinner at work? You’d think five days of working two separate jobs would afford you more than rent and coffee. You’d also think I’d be thinner. I eat quickly and go into town, that is Newtown. Down King Street, I pass old acquaintances, who don’t know whether to say hello or pretend neither of us mutually exists. The sun starts to leave so I follow her back home. I

L U C I D N O S TA L G I A

shower in the bath; the peeling paint makes it look unfortunate. Outside I am off again, to work in a pub where my ex does, with a bunch of people that don’t particularly like me and to serve people that call me a ‘cunt’. Inside I’m pulled aside by the venue manager, which questions my loyalty. Instead of welling up, I say I cannot work there anymore, as it is damaging my mental health and leave. The sun is gone and I’m walking down Albert Street, dancing around the needle, pretending everything is alright. Upstairs I can hear laughter in my housemates’ room. I lock my bedroom door and sit down on my bed, knowing sleep will never come. *light enters room* I awake draped in sweat and filled with dread.

The skylight spills light onto my bed like yesterday. Laughter and birds still chirp in the background. I catch my breath. I walk out into the kitchen and make French toast. Roy licks his lips. A shower helps, but I still crawl back into bed for a while. My sheets envelope me, as I play ‘Lucidity’. A cloud floats over the skylight, momentarily making my room dark. *fades to black* +

51

I S S U E 02

52

EPISODE TUMBLE

ELIZA SEARS

BEES, BOOKS AND BRUNCH - ON THE ROAD IN GOLDFIELD REGION

ELZIA SEARS

53

I S S U E 02

ELIZA SEARS

54

EPISODE TUMBLE

MARK MONRANTE

DEALING WITH CHANGE

DEALING WITH CHANGE M ARK MONRANTE

With everything that has happened recently around COVID-19, managing change isbecoming increasingly important for us as we try to adapt to the changing world. Whether we perceive the change as good or bad for us, it may still be challenging to adjust. While everyone may have different ways of dealing with change, here are a few tips which I found to have worked for me.

HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE This is probably one of the hardest things to do in the midst of a change, especially changes which we perceive as negative. It is an unfortunate fact of life that things do not always go the way we want it to, and being able to accept that is an important step in overcoming change. Avoiding or even fighting back against change may even make things more difficult. Try and make the most of the situation, view change as an opportunity to learn, become stronger, or be a better person.

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF Looking after yourself, both physically and mentally, is important not only in times of change, but through life in general. It is important to acknowledge how you are feeling and not to push aside any discomfort or pain, even if we are trying our best to be positive. Try to reflect on what you feel and why you feel that way. Also remember to take time to relax, treat yourself, and do things which you enjoy.

CONNECTING WITH FRIENDS AND OTHERS Being around people we trust and care about can also help ease some of the stress during change. Friends and family might be the first thing which comes to our head, but professional and community support such as a counsellor or support group may also provide a lot of needed support. Find people you are comfortable with, you trust, and who makes you feel respected.

55

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

SEASONAL CINEMA MOLLY M AGENNIS

There is no indoor activity more suited to this season than a trip to the cinemas. Seeing new releases is my favourite thing to do as the colder months start approaching. Thankfully, 2020 has a nice bunch of films to offer us as we face the dreary days ahead.

THE SECRE T G ARDEN

This isn’t the first time The Secret Garden has been portrayed on the big screen, with the most notable and popular adaptation being 1993’s version starring Maggie Smith, Kate Maberly and Heydon Prowse.

BL ACK WIDOW

9 April – Marc Munden Dixie Egerickx, Colin Firth, Julie Walters

30 April – Cate Shortland Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz

For those unfamiliar with the classic novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the tale follows a young orphaned girl named Mary, who is sent to England to live with her estranged uncle. She soon discovers a hidden garden on the estate and quickly realises that it is not the only secret her new home is concealing.

Black Widow will be the first film to be released under phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as the first standalone film for Scarlett Johansson’s character.

From the trailers, it’s clear this new adaptation will have a slightly different take on the garden itself, going down a fantasy route and presenting the garden as magical, which isn’t really how it is in the book. Of course, we will have to wait until the film is released to find out for sure.

56

This movie will be set in the time between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. The trailers indicate that the Black Widow’s backstory will be explored in this film and will introduce new characters that have been mentioned in the comics like Yelena Belova, the Red Guardian and the Taskmaster.

M O L LY M A G E N N I S

SEASONAL CINEMA

ANTEBELLUM

whilst spying on her new neighbours, she witnesses something troubling that she shouldn’t have seen.

It’s very hard to talk about this upcoming horror thriller because there is a lot of mystery and intrigue surrounding its release. Not much is known about the plot of this film, and the subsequent trailer has confused fans even more so.

These days it seems like anything Amy Adams is in is met with critical acclaim– you only have to look at Arrival (2016), Nocturnal Animals (2016) and TV show Sharp Objects (2018) to see that Amy has been on a bit of a winning streak.

21 May – Gerard Bush, Christopher Renz Janelle Monáe, Jena Malone, Eric Lange

All that we really have is the film’s logline which reads: “Successful author Veronica finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late.”

The film features several members of the producing team behind Get Out (2017) and Us (2019), as well as singer Janelle Monáe.

THE WOM AN IN THE WINDOW

4 May – Joe Wright Amy Adams, Anthony Mackie, Jennifer Jason Leigh The Woman in the Window is a drama/mystery/ thriller film based on the book of the same name

by A.J. Finn.

The movie tells the story of Dr. Anna Fox (Amy Adams) who suffers from agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder where a person is afraid to leave places where they feel safe and comfortable. One night,

Director Joe Wright similarly has a broad résumé, having worked on films such as Atonement (2007), Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Darkest Hour (2017), so this movie may be the one to keep an eye on this season.

I would also like to take a moment to pay tribute to some of the films who will not be with us this season anymore, due to the Coronavirus: Mulan, Antlers, No Time to Die, The New Mutants and A Quiet Place 2.

Overall, I hope amongst the list I’ve compiled you’ve seen something that has piqued your interest. Going out and seeing a film with friends or even alone really is the perfect autumnal activity. Rain, hail or shine, film will always be there for your enjoyment. +

57

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

THE FIRST STEPS TO BUILDING A BANGING PERSONAL BRAND ELLIE BARCL AY

Autumn is a season of change in general, don’t you think? It’s symbolic of those big moments of Truth (Truth with a capital T) that don’t only happen at the top of a mountain but at completely unexpected times. This season has certainly shown the unexpected, so why not tackle this change head on? By taking the time to showcase your unique self and everything in between.

Building a personal brand is the best differentiator out there. It shows not only that you are dedicated to investing in your best asset (you) but it also makes your personality and skill set more memorable.

Whether you’re just starting out, changing paths or opting for a higher rung on the ladder, the way you present yourself matters. And because everyone likes to be painted in a positive light, an essential key to success is managing how you present yourself to the world.

I’ve put together some tips to get you started on your path towards building a banging personal brand.

KNOW THYSELF, BABE

The first step in any start-up is knowing your purpose and unique identity, the same should go for your personal brand. Why? Because it’s essential to lay down a strong foundation in order to illustrate who you are and why you’re here.

Without setting out your mission, your big-ticket goals will sink like quicksand, nothing will stick and everything will get sucked down into the ‘unknown.’ A touch dramatic? Maybe…

But it’s true!

I know, this is sounding very abstract, right?

You’re probably thinking “how do I put this into practice”? Start small. Take a moment to reflect on your strengths, values, challenges, passionprojects and even pet-peeves.

This is why building your own personal brand, or persona, is as essential as that classic white t-shirt hanging in your wardrobe. It’s a clever marketing hack that businesses themselves use all the time to help stand out from the crowd and add ‘realness’ to their brands.

Now that you’ve identified your strengths and your unique selling point or persona, get to communicating it! Take these points of difference and share them with your audience, through a blog, social media posts, captions, emails and even at the dinner table– get creative!

So why not give yourself the advantage?

Also try to invest some time and energy into strengthening your strengths (for lack of a better

58

E L L I E B A R C L AY

phrase). Invest in those things that will make you a better writer, artist, digi guru, conversationalist or even just a better person, whatever your point of difference might be.

We know sitting down and identifying your value can seem more challenging than holding a tree pose in morning yoga class. However, with a bit of groundwork and exploration, you’ll soon be armed with a sense of what or who your personal brand is. *Applause*

“

P OSITIVE RELIANCE WINK AT YOUR FLAWS AND TURN THEM INTO CO—CONSPIRATORS!

”

A big part of knowing yourself and establishing your personal brand is embracing those things that you consider flaws.

By design we are geared towards the negative, I myself will fully raise my hand to this. I used to worry about things that I don’t naturally do well, beginning a cycle of endless self-help blogs and Instagram feeds.

Over time I realised that I’m here to do certain things that I love and my ‘flaws’ are actually a big part of what makes up my skill set. So, these days it could be worthwhile to focus more on

EDITORIAL

building a positive reliance and embracing the imperfect, natural and normal. You’ll find the stronger you are in this sense, the easier it will be to showcase your work and talent. In turn, the more impactful your personal brand will become.

And don’t be afraid to share some of those ‘flaws’ with your audience. Realness speaks volumes in the world of perfectly curated Instagram feeds and will often elevate your personal brand rather than detract from it.

EMBR ACE THE G RIND

Let’s be clear “the grind” I speak of is not the daily struggle we hear so much about, nor is it the five coffees in one day or a weekly diary so packed it’s barely legible.

Instead it is a mindset. All about focus and will-power; to complete small tasks in a bid to achieve those glorious long-term goals. By nature, we can often get too consumed by our work life. However, it’s important to hustle for ourselves as well. Think along the lines of an individual pursuit of greatness. Each is unique and tuned to our interests and abilities.

When developing a personal brand embrace the obstacles you face and remember your dedication to the cause. Yes it’s going to take time and yes it may be a little bit hard and a little bit scary. But it’ll all be worth it at the end of the day.

59

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

FEDERICA GIUSTI

BR AVERY

Stretch your courage bit by bit.

Branding yourself for the world can be pretty damn scary– we’re not ignoring this. At the end of day it’s a very raw thing to put yourself forward, but we’re here to tell you that the benefits outweigh the fear. So, embrace your inner Sara Bareilles, be brave and “say what you wanna say”.

One of the best ways to do this is to put yourself out there. It might be cliché but the sentiment is the perfect push to reach outside your shell, break your comfort zone and make new connections. This is key to building a personal brand.

Not to mention, actively engaging in the community you want to work within not only

60

gets your face out there but presents an awesome opportunity to learn and meet likeminded and inspiring individuals and mentors!

YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT WHAT OPPORTUNITIES BRAVERY CAN CREATE. At the end of the day, there’s a lot of noise out there but showing others who you really are and embracing this era of the personal brand will reap massive rewards for your career path and individual growth.

Your hard work and individuality will set you apart from the rest. Why? Because people really appreciate those who are genuinely true to themselves. Plus, beyond all this, you’ll feel a whole new level of pride and confidence as you grow and invest in yourself. +

AMY MCCARTHY

ACRYLIC POURS

PEACOCK DREAMING A cr ylic o n ca nv a s AMY MCCARTHY

61

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

MAGIC HAND Acr y lic o n ca nva s AMY MCCARTHY

62

AMY MCCARTHY

ACRYLIC POURS

SUN FROM BELOW A c r y l i c on ca nv a s AMY MCCARTHY

63

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

P S Y C H E D E L I C C E L L U L A R M AY H E M Acr y lic o n ca nva s AMY MCCARTHY

64

65

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

TUMBLE PLAYLIST JINGYI YIN

66

LEMON よねづ けんし (Yonezu Kenshi)

STRONGER (WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU) Kelly Clarkson

MOUNTAIN Jonathan Jeremiah

ALEXANDER HAMILTON Okieriete Onaodowan

ONE CALL AWAY Charlie Puth

EASILY Bruno Major

CATACLYSM THE PODC A ST

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. EMAIL CATALYST AT: RMITCATALYST@GMAIL.COM

67

I S S U E 02

EPISODE TUMBLE

+

LESS A FORTRESS, M O R E A H AV E N ZARA GUDNASON MIND POPS AND THE ROT TING N AT U R E O F N O S TA L G I A CUSHLA SCANLAN AN INCURABLE AFFLICTION ALEX LINEHAN MAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF K AT I E Z H O U L U C I D N O S TA L G I A I S A B E L L A B AT T E R S B Y

68

PUBLISHED ON ABORIGINAL LAND