TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
@TOGATUS_
TAKE ME, I’M FREE!
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NORTHERN CAMPUS MOVE
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SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS GUIDE
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“I WAS IN AN ABUSIVE 1 RELATIONSHIP”
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Published by the State Council on behalf of the Tasmania University Union Inc. (hf. “the publishers�) The opinions expressed herein are not those of the Togatus staff or the publishers. The copyright in each piece of work remains with the contributor; however, the publishers reserve the right to reproduce material on the Togatus website togatus.com.au Togatus staff: Editor-in-chief: Michelle Moran Print Editor: Meghan Scolyer Digital Editor: Jess Flint Assistant Editors: Nikita Riseley, Breanna Geer Design: Leanne Steer, Laura Wilkinson Administration Assistant: Alexandra Sykes Marketing and Distribution Officer: Courtney Gould Proofreaders: Alexandra Sykes, Carly Hickman, Charlotte Burgess, Daisy Baker, Judy Augustine, Kendall Boyd, Mateesha Howard, Mathew Sharp, Melissa Redman, Sarah Reynolds, Tahlia Higgins, Zoe Cooney, Contributors: Andrew Grey, Angela Koh, Carly Hickman Charlotte Burgess, Daisy Baker, Joey Crawford, Kendall Boyd Milly Yencken, Sarah Charlotte, Trent Breward Togatus welcomes all your contributions. Please email your work or ideas to contact@togatus.com.au It is understood that any contributions sent to Togatus may be used for publication in either the magazine or the website, and that the final decision on whether to publish resides with the editors. The editor reserves the right to make changes to submitted material as required. Contact Togatus: Twitter & Instagram: @togatus_ Facebook: facebook.com/TogatusOnline Website: www.togatus.com.au Post: PO Box 5055, UTas LPO, Sandy Bay 7005 Email: contact@togatus.com.au Advertising: advertising@togatus.com.au Togatus is printed by Monotone Art Printers. We support the locals. Front cover art and cat illustration by: Laura Wilkinson follow her on instagram: 7_willa
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Con tents
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PAGE TWELVE
PAGE FOURTEEN
PAGE SEVENTEEN
125 Celebrations
To move campus, or not to move; that is the question
Love and Let Love
PAGE EIGHTEEN
PAGE TWENTY
PAGE TWENTY-TWO
Global Students
2015 Australian Television Review
Summer Reading List
PAGE TWENTY-SIX
PAGE TWENTY-EIGHT
PAGE THIRTY
Tingle Heads
Catch of the Day
Disney’s advice for upcoming graduates
Con tents
PAGE THIRTY-TWO
PAGE THIRTY-SIX
PAGE THIRTY-EIGHT
Summer Music Festival Guide
Taking 5 with Heloise
Lasca Dry
PAGE FOURTY
PAGE FOURTY-SIX
PAGE FIFTY
2015 in Photos
Tasmania - Not Just an Afterthought
I was in an abusive relationship
PAGE FIFTY-FOUR
PAGE SIXTY-ONE
PAGE SIXTY-TWO
Aging Gracefully
The Final Door
Sound of Rain
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Ed itors
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MICHELLE MORAN
MEGHAN SCOLYER
JESS FLINT
Editor-In-Chief
Print Editor
Digital Editor
NIKITA RISELEY
BREANNA GEER
COURTNEY GOULD
Assistant Editor
Assistant Editor
Marketing Distribution Officer
ALEXANDRA SYKES
LAURA WILKINSON
LEANNE STEER
Administration Officer
Designer
Designer
Con tributors
AMELIA KOHL
ANDREW GREY
ANGELA KOH
ASH AUSTIN
CARLY HICKMAN
CHARLOTTE BURGESS
CHRIS COOK
DAISY BAKER
JADE STANDALOFT
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Con tributors
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JOEY CRAWFORD
JOHN TANNER
JUDY AUGUSTINE
KENDALL BOYD
MARK GLIDDEN
MATEESHA HOWARD
MATTHEW SHARP
MELISSA REDMAN
RICHARD BANNON
Con tributors
SARAH CHARLOTTE
SARAH PEARSON
SARAH REYNOLDS
SOPHIA ROSE MALLICK
TAHLIA HIGGINS
TRENT BREWARD
ZAC DUGGAN
ZARA GUDNASON
ZOE COONEY
NOT PICTURED: Beau Clark, Jacob Foreman, Jeremy Limn, Levi Sushames, Liam Sheridan, Milly Yencken, Molly Turner, Monica Poziemski, Pryderi Jones
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MICHELLE MORAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Another year and another yearbook editorial. Ever since I started editing Tog I’ve been getting those creepily tailored ads on facebook in addition to the regular offers of cat toys and chocolate. My favourite has been a hoodie which has popped up several times now. It reads “Being an editor in chief is like riding a bike. Except that bike is on fire and you’re on fire and everything is on fire and you’re in HELL.” While there are times that this job has certainly felt that way, I would never trade it for the world. I have loved my job, and I have loved the people who have been there helping me every step of the way. Firstly to my print and digital editors Meghan Scolyer and Jess Flint. The two of you have been my rocks and made everything possible this year. We have laughed and cried together, and spent too many late nights in the office. I’m so proud of the changes we have made online this year. TogOnline is more amazing that I ever could imagine. Doing it with the two of you has made it all worth it. Secondly to my amazing assistant editors Nikita Riseley and Bree Geer. It has been a pleasure to see you grow this year. Editing Tog is like gaining a second family. Sometimes we want to kill each other, but we would stop a bullet for one another. I’m so lucky to have all four of you in my Tog family. Thirdly to last year’s editor in chief Tabitha Fletcher. Thank you for all your guidance and advice when I
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took over, and for the security of knowing you would be there to talk if I ever needed help. Next our designers, Laura and Leanne, I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for your reality checks and always making my Tog baby look it’s best. I really appreciate everything you do. Thank you for it all. Thank you to the TUU for giving us office space and ensuring we receive funding and for respecting Togatus’ editorial independence. Thank you for recognising the importance of a free and vibrant student press. Lastly, but most importantly, thank you to all of our contributors and readers. You make Togatus happen. Our pages are filled with your voices. Anyone in the UTas community can contribute to our pages and while the opinions on them may not reflect the opinions of our editors the chance to have all student voices heard is so vitally important. If anything in Togatus has challenged your views or offended you I invite you to contribute to the discourse. Do something positive. Write about something that is important to you and bring it into the conversation. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has written, edited, designed, drawn, talked about, read or walked past Togatus this year. Pat yourself on the back and I’ll see you online over summer.
MEGHAN SCOLYER PRINT EDITOR
JESS FLINT DIGITAL EDITOR
Well here we are at the end of the 2015 university year. I hope it has been a happy and successful one for all of you.
And here we are! The end of another year! For me, this means the end of my first year of university, my first year living in Hobart and my first year with Togatus. If you’re reading this editorial you are probably my family or friends, because you would have to be pretty bored to read the scribblings of a random sub-editor. It doesn’t matter to me; here’s what I have to say.
This also marks the end of my first term as print editor. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am so grateful to our Editor-in-Chief Michelle Moran for the opportunity and guidance. Thank you to our dedicated contributors, and to the Togatus editorial team – it has been a pleasure working with you all. Also, thank you to our incredibly gifted designers Laura and Leanne. Coming from someone who struggles with the filters on Instagram, I am both very jealous and extremely grateful for your creative talent. This yearbook edition is the biggest of the year. Part of our aim was to gear you up for the summer break, so we have put together a summer reading list, and also a guide to the best Aussie summer festivals for all you music lovers out there. Finally, remember that Togatus is your platform to get your voice heard. If you are passionate about a particular topic, want to get your creative work published, or just have something to say, get in contact with us about contributing. I wish everyone a wonderful summer break – enjoy the beach days, balmy nights and cider filled afternoon barbeques. I look forward to seeing you all again next year for an epic 2016!
First, I’d like to say how proud I am of what I have achieved during my short time at Togatus. “Your student media” has become my pride and joy, and I hope you love what I’ve done with it! TogOnline won’t be goin’ anywhere over summer! Togatus has seen its share of controversy this year. While it’s not our aim to offend people, I hope that we continue to push boundaries and challenge students to consider opinions outside their own. #togatusindependence And finally a thank you. A thank you to my parents who push me to challenge myself and taught me to work hard. A thank you to Michelle Moran who saw my potential to rock in this job, even when I was most uncertain of myself. Last, but far from least, the biggest thank you to everybody I have had the pleasure of working with at Togatus. Not only would Togatus be nothing without each and every one of you, but it has been the most amazing experience getting to know you all! Peace, love and donuts!
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: CHARLOTTE BURGESS & MEGHAN SCOLYER
#NEWS
125 Celebrations The year 2015 was a momentous one for the university community as the University of Tasmania reached its 125th anniversary. From its humble beginning in 1890 to its current standing as an iconic and fundamental Tasmanian institution, the university has developed a rich and vibrant history. This has been recognised throughout the year long 125 celebrations, which have so far seen as an array of initiatives and events held to commemorate the milestone. To kick off proceedings, the university sponsored a yacht in the Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht race, and hosted a 125 Anniversary launch cocktail in January. A series of alumni reunions and receptions were held throughout the year, and a morning tea was hosted in August to celebrate the milestone with a 125th birthday cake. The 125th year also marked the commencement of a number of community initiatives, including a ‘Books in Homes’ program to provide free books to Tasmanian school children from low socio-economic backgrounds. Adding to the festivities was a series of public lectures, exhibitions and forums, held throughout the year across the state’s three campuses. Tasmania: Our Place, Our Future was one of the exciting forum series held in partnership with The Mercury. The series explored issues concerning Tasmania’s future, including education, agriculture, health, culture and arts, and tourism. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was named as the Honorary Patron of the anniversary celebrations, having graduated from the university in 1994 with the combined degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws. Welcome Home Week was held in September to celebrate the achievements of the university and
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its graduates, and constituted a series of special events, reunions, lectures and exhibitions. There were also several sporting events, including the revival of the Vice Chancellor’s North v South rowing challenge, held this year for the first time in 10 years. Also part of Welcome Home Week was a certificate ceremony, where 40 year five and six students received awards to recognise their achievements in areas including English, history, ICT, numeracy, the arts and sport. The schools selected the recipients and were encouraged to nominate students with passion and enthusiasm, but also those who will potentially be one of the first of their family to pursue higher education. An official 125 website was launched, and includes an event guide and an interactive timeline of the university’s 125 years. The website also exhibits the collection of articles from the 125 stories project. The 125 stories project is designed to celebrate the history of the university by featuring stories by current and former students and staff about their experiences at the university, and in the wider community. It comprises contributions from many notable alumni, including a piece by Mary Brownell, the winner of the 1970 Miss World University Service contest. A publication detailing the history of the university’s original home, Domain House, will be released in October to commemorate 125 years since the founding of the university. The events will continue for the remainder of the year, and will conclude with a black tie University Dinner in December. Further information, including a list of all the 125th Anniversary Celebration events can be found on the official website.
- With thanks to Erin Mahoney, Jason Purdie and Peter Cochrane for providing the images -
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: JOEY CRAWFORD
#NEWS
To move campus, or not to move; that is the question The Newnham to Inveresk campus proposal has attracted strong media attention and is fast becoming a contentious political issue. The University, alongside the Launceston City Council, Tasmanian State Government and TasTAFE are looking at options to relocate the Launceston campus closer to the CBD. It is hoped the move will provide better education outcomes for students, and increase expenditure within the CBD. Purpose-built architecture facilities resulting in better education outcomes provide evidence that moving the campus to purpose-built facilities will be of benefit. Tasmania has some of the worst education outcomes in the country, with less than half of the state possessing adequate literacy skills. The proposed campus move is expected to make university more accessible for students by making the campus more aesthetically appealing and closer to major Launceston amenities. Making the campus more accessible is also likely to decrease negative attitudes, and re-motivate students. The change has the potential to transform the City of Launceston into a student-driven model of economic organisation, also know as a University City. This means students across the globe move to attend one of the best universities in the world, graduate and return home. This model has been adopted globally, with Australian cities in a unique position to offer an experience unlike others. QS, a global higher education assessor’s 2015 list of top student cities placed six Australian cities in the top fifty. Melbourne ranked in at 2nd, Sydney 4th, Canberra 21st, Brisbane 23rd, Adelaide 29th and
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Perth came in at 38th. A successful transition into the city could see the City of Launceston join that list. However, questions have arisen about the benefits and costs of the move. Potential issues include traffic congestion and flow, the use of the existing Newnham campus, the decreased landmass at Inveresk, and the concern students are expected to spend more to increase CBD revenues. Considering many already drive past the Inveresk campus entrance to get to the Newnham campus, it is unlikely to significantly increase traffic congestion. Further, a train bridge with conjoining pathway behind the proposed location could be used to reduce congestion, provided an alternate car parking facility is established off Boland Street. This would reduce the congestion in peak hour traffic on Invermay Road. Added, students are not expected to empty their pockets in the CBD, but rather engage with it. Students studying in locations such as City Park or Civic Square will add vibrancy and life to the city. There is no evidence yet to support an increase in education outcomes outside a priori or theoretical assumptions and the use of assumptions from the architecture and creative arts facilities at Inveresk. However, there is ample evidence that suggests purpose-built facilities result in better teaching outcomes. The change requires considered discussion to ensure desirable outcomes are achieved for students, academics and the community. These discussions will take place over the coming months.
TOGATUS IS NOW ONLINE ALL SUMMER!
Want to keep up with what’s going on around campus all year round? Togatus is now online during the summer holidays. It’s the perfect time to take your passion further and write about what you love while uni is on break. To get involved just email contact@togatus.com.au We can assign you a story or help you develop your own. What are you waiting for? Get in touch now.
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: JOEY CRAWFORD
ON PUBLIC DISCOURSE
In politics, business and even entertainment, we see many people lower their moral standards when engaging in a debate of contentious social issues. Humans treat their opposition as inferior, and instead of engaging in a rational discussion of ideas, our debates become focused on personality and personal attacks. Much commentary surrounding contentious issues moves society away from the aims of democracy by attempting to suppress the ideas of others. Instead of contributing to public debate in a meaningful way, many individuals deteriorate it by focusing on person over policy. It is time that the respectful discussion of ideas returned to the fore of media. Consider a current controversial topic, the debate on marriage equality. There appears to be two key positions surrounding this debate. There are those who are against it, whether it be for religious beliefs, traditional values or concerns of destabilising the family unit. Then, there are those who believe in marriage equality for everyone. Those championing marriage equality often resort to personal attacks on those who oppose, or attacks on religious institutions. Outdated, homophobic, bigotry and misogynists all form titles given to those who are within their rights to oppose marriage equality. Arguments against marriage equality are just as personal, and can make same-sex couples feel inferior by claiming they are sinners, or not equal by nature. The marriage equality debate is an important and controversial one, but that doesn’t make either side inferior. Each opinion, as seen in structured debate, should focus on the policy without resorting to personal attacks. A similar rivalry occurs between climate
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#OPINION
change believers and sceptics. Each party has facts that reinforce their opinions, as well as conflicting scientific evidence. But how can anyone disseminate the information and discuss the validity or applicability of each opinion if the debate is shrouded with anger, egos and mistruths? Student politics is no exception to these flaws. The election of a male-identifying women’s officer, for example, does not mean that person deserves to be attacked over their commitment to the opposite gender. The second we stop attacking each other, for the sake of maintaining our egos and hypothetical high ground, we can begin to inspire meaningful change. Every human being comes from a different set of experiences. These experiences influence our values and ethics, and inevitably influence what we think of subjective terminology, such as ‘justice’ or ‘freedom’. As such, it makes little sense to attack a person based on their values. Rather, engaging with them, attempting to understand their opinion and questioning your own is an essential step towards civility. Latin maxim, ad hominem, means attacking the person instead of the argument, and this is what we are doing when we succumb to lower standards of discourse. We do not make rational decisions when engulfed by rage or cursing like there’s no tomorrow. So instead of insulting others upon disagreement, discuss with them why they oppose and deconstruct their opinion in a respectful manner. It takes an intelligent and respectful individual to rise above our defensive background. If we lower ourselves to the lowest common denominator, we become nothing more than mere animals butting heads and breaking horns.
TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: JESS FLINT
LOVE AND LET LOVE
Reasonable, rational and well thought out debates can instigate progress. Take the marriage equality debate for example. This is a debate that often gets drowned out by the butting of heads, with arguments derived from deeply embedded opinions. However, if your opinions are standing in the way of the collective happiness of a large and innocuous portion of society, I don’t care how important your beliefs are to you. Give me a reason for standing against marriage equality that isn’t religious in its origin and I might be inclined to listen to you. Something that conveniently gets forgotten is the difference between “Holy Matrimony” and “Marriage.” Holy Matrimony is entered into by two people and the Holy Spirit, in the sight of God; marriage is a legal privilege sanctioned by the state. It is not that I have a problem with religious or spiritual values; it is just that I don’t believe that one person’s faith should dictate how others live their lives. As Josh Thomas concisely explains, a Christian who threatens an atheist with Hell is acting in the same way as a hippy threatening to punch you in your aurora. I chose to believe in God and live as a Christian. However, I understand that not everybody believes the same as I do, so why should they have to subscribe to the beliefs that I hold? That doesn’t seem at all fair. Don’t get me wrong, I believe very strongly for marriage equality, and I am in no way suggesting that I am the only Christian in the world that supports it. I do not claim to know my bible inside and out, yet the values I live by are of kindness, acceptance and love. I believe in equality and freedom for everyone, because everybody is a human being and everybody deserves to be treated as one. It is as basic as that.
#OPINION
“If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” -John 10:19. In other words, nobody is perfect and nobody has the authority to point out the “sins” of others. Hypocrisy was one of Jesus’ pet peeves. Jesus taught love and tolerance, and those that scream otherwise are doing nothing but showing their true nature to the world; their nature of fear and intolerance. It is hurting them more than anybody else. Throwing around words like “bigot” does nothing but dampen the strength of your argument; you are no better than those who choose words such as “sodomite.” A bigot is a person with strong, prejudiced views who refuses to listen to other people’s opinions; somebody who could quite easily appear on either side of an argument. Let’s all just sort this shit out and move on. Because Australia has positioned itself to be the laughing stock of history and it is time to do something about it.
“JESUS TAUGHT LOVE AND TOLERANCE, AND THOSE THAT SCREAM OTHERWISE ARE DOING NOTHING BUT SHOWING THEIR TRUE NATURE TO THE WORLD”
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Global Students global students
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
Disclaimer: The opinions of the small Asian international community expressed here does not necessarily represent the views of the 4.3 billion individuals residing in the world’s largest continent. As an international student from Singapore, I have been an involuntary ambassador for my country, and sometimes, even the entire Asian continent. Global students are often expected to be knowledgeable about nearly every discussion topic relating to their country, which ranges from general knowledge to current affairs back home. It is common for assumptions to be made about international students and their diverse cultures. One incident I can recall occurred mere days after my initial arrival in Tasmania. The receptionist whom I had presented my academic transcript to asked for another copy of it in my ‘native language’. Apparently she had assumed that English is not my native spoken language. A brief explanation to the receptionist debunking the myth that Asians are not native English speakers granted me a gracious apology and the acceptance of my transcript. It amused me, to say the least. While it is understandable for Australians to assume that people of Asian descent are not native Englishspeakers, I personally find it a little unnerving to receive constant praise for having ‘good English’. Oftentimes, an extended period of residence is assumed to be the most plausible explanation for people of color to be fluent in English. As a global student, I have also been expected to defend my homeland in conversations, and understand the political situation back there. While I am usually happy to provide answers when quizzed on trivia in relation to my homeland, I feel there is also an unspoken obligation to do so. For me, there exists an instinctive need to clear up the misconceptions about Singapore and Singaporeans in general, despite not being a devout patriot.
WORDS: ANGELA KOH
#PERSONALREFLECTION
Law student Darrell Choong, expressed a similar opinion and pride in representing Singapore while abroad. He adds, “I feel [obliged to be on my best behaviour] lest [others] have a negative impression of Singapore… based on [what I have said].” Another individual, an arts student from Malaysia who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her thoughts on being a reluctant ambassador. “I used to be [proud] to ‘represent’ my country [and] people. . .but [it angers me to become] the forced embodiment of an idea,” she said. Some of the most common questions international students are asked include, ‘How is your English this good?’; ‘Do all Asians excel in Mathematics and the Sciences?’, and ‘Is it true that all Asians consume rice in their daily diets?’, being among the most common. Questions more specific to Singaporean students include; ‘Is Singapore a city located within China?’; ‘Do you go to jail for chewing gum in Singapore?’, ‘Is it true that the death penalty is currently implemented in Singapore?’, and ‘Is it true Singapore lacks freedom of speech?’. The occasional question, to which a simple Google search cannot provide a satisfactory answer for, will be highly welcome. However, incessant quizzing might not be as welcome; it renders us akin to game show contestants on Family Feud. The thoughts of the Malaysian student I spoke to succinctly sums up my feelings on the topic. She said, “Now, are you looking for a friend, or are you looking for a quick way to make yourself feel. . . more cool and cultured?” Next time you’re considering asking trivia relating to our homelands, it would be appreciated if you first attempt to look it up on your smartphones.
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: JESS FLINT
#FEATURE
2015 AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION REVIEW And the award for most disappointing year of television goes to… 2015! Despite the fact that television should be entering another golden year thanks to its multi-platform accessibility, it seems that Australian television studios are no longer racing to keep ahead of the trend. In March, Australians rejoiced with the knowledge that Netflix would be entering our lives (Or at least, those with access to reasonable internet speed at a low cost rejoiced). But the market soon became over-saturated when Stan and Presto crashed the party, leaving many eager Netflix hopefuls with a bitter taste in their mouths, and glad that they already had an [illegal] subscription to the U.S. content. Thus, burning with the disappointment of unsatisfying instant streaming, we turned our remotes back onto our briefly forgotten flat screens to what would surely go down in the history books as the “dumbing down of Australia.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m encouraged by the fact that Australians said “Enough is enough” when faced with the prospect of yet another cooking show (looking at you Restraunt Revolution) yet you all know how that ended; Cats Make You LOL became not only a valid primetime replacement, but a ratings explosion, reaching almost one million viewers. That’s one million Australians who are either too lazy to find the remote, or have never heard of YouTube. Some of them had obviously misplaced their DVD collection and were therefore unable to re-watch their favourite episode of Doctor Who, or maybe their internet was down and Netflix was out of the question. Whatever their reason for tuning in, does
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the success of Cats Make You LOL bring in a new genre of television that is soon to cram our airwaves in the tradition of D.I.Y home renovations or cooking shows? Poorly received cooking shows aside, 2015 is a year worthy of the following awards: THE AWARD FOR BIGGEST RIP-OFF GOES TO: THE WEEKLY WITH CHARLIE PICKERING. Take a well-known comedian who has already had a regular spot on another T.V. show, put his name in the title and you’re halfway to having a rip-off of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. Have that wellknown comedian make blatantly obvious and validly reasonable statements about current events and there you have it; a complete rip-off. Don’t forget to use “week” in the title. Dis-Honorable mentions: The Hotplate, Dogs Make You LOL, Pets Make You LOL THE AWARD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESSING AND ENJOYABLE GOES TO: MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT Unfortunately for Married at First Sight, it appeared on the air during a tumultuous time in Australian discourse. I am referring to the commonly used term “trivialising of marriage” that is used by those opposed to marriage equality. So how did a show whose premise is entirely based on the trivialising of marriage come to be allowed on air? I honestly don’t have an answer for you; my guess would be that arranged marriages are nothing new. Or the standard defense: “it isn’t an official marriage.” I promised myself I would take the moral highground and avoid this show, however I found myself drawn to the question of “how the hell will this end?”
And I couldn’t look away. I’m sorry society; I let you down! Dis-Honorable mentions: The Bachelor, Neighbours at War THE AWARD FOR WHY THE HELL IS THIS STILL ON AIR? GOES TO: HOUSE HUSBANDS I honestly have no idea what is happening on House Husbands these days, or even which season they are up to. I do know that it can’t be any better than it was three years ago, which begs me to ask “why the hell is this still on air?” Dis-Honorable mentions: Home and Away, Neighbors, The Block THE AWARD FOR LEAST ENTERTAINING PREMISE GOES TO: AUSTRALIAN SPELLING BEE I’m going to be completely honest and say that I haven’t actually seen Australian Spelling Bee. I attribute my disinterest to its obscenely boring premise, thus I award it first place in this category. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t this show just a nation-wide spelling bee? Who would watch that, aside from the immediate family of the little nerds who made the cut? Dis-Honorable mentions: Australia’s Best Backyard, Outback Truckers THE AWARD FOR CASHING IN ON A NATIONAL TRAGEDY GOES TO:
If you are interested in watching a fictional portrayal of the Anzac’s, sticking to the classics is your best option; The Lighthorseman, Gallipoli (the movie), and Beneath Hill 60 all make for much better viewing. Or for a 2015 version with a premise beyond ‘it’s the 100 year anniversary, let’s just put something on the TV’, Deadline: Gallipoli doesn’t patronise its viewers with a mindless plot that’s simply surrounded by mud, blood and slouch hats in the way that Gallipoli does. Dis-Honorable mentions: Catching Milat, 60 Minutes (for Sydney Siege coverage), Sunday Night (for Sydney Siege coverage) THE AWARD FOR GREATEST COMEBACK GOES TO: GRUEN Gruen’s return restored my faith in Humanity; it topped the nightly ratings for non-news show on it’s debut, with 974, 000 viewers tuning in. That’s a lot of viewers. That’s almost on par with Cats Make You LOL. Their first episode covered the topics of Ashley Madison, 7/11, Border Force and pet food - topics relevant, interesting, and current. Please stay, Gruen. Please! Honorable mentions: Love Child: Season Two, Chasers Media Circus With a year so full of epic failures and mindnumbing primetime, is it any wonder that Australia is the world’s largest pirate nation? #youknownothingjoehockey
GALLIPOLI Ah yes, the great cash-cow of 2015; the 100 year anniversary of a national bloodshed. Gallipoli, despite having the benefit of great timing, and an established interest, failed to deliver the goods.
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Summer reading list Summer is the time when we all go on the hunt for a good book to read. No beachside holiday is complete without a good novel, and reading is the perfect way to spend a lazy day soaking up the sun. Here is a list of recommendations compiled by some of the Togatus team, to add to that stack of books you have prepared in anticipation for the summer break.
BOY MEETS BOY David Levithan Recommended by Andrew Grey After reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson, a book written by David Levithan with John Green, I sought out another of his books, and this one was at Fullers Bookshop (not a sponsor, but shop there). The novel is beautifully written, the characters are engaging, Noah sounds like the perfect boyfriend, it just wraps you up in this blanket of emotion that warms your heart, but also breaks it into thousands of little tiny pieces, before mending it like all good teen fiction. It’s perfect reading for sitting outside under a parasol with a Cointreau Rickey in one hand, and the book in the other.
HOW WE ARE HUNGRY Dave Eggers Recommended by Daisy Baker This collection of short stories is the perfect thing to dip into after a semester of over-exerting your brain. The stories provide reading so effortless and characters so lovable that you won’t want to put it down. Along the way, you will meet characters who will make you laugh like crazy and others who will make you cry. Basil and Fish are my favourite characters, although those simply referred to by personal pronouns are equally touching. How we are hungry is a collection of timeless stories that you can read over and over again, falling more in love with them each time.
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JASPER JONES Craig Silvey Recommended by Meghan Scolyer Jasper Jones is a story that will stay with you long after the last page has been read. Gritty, authentic and unforgettable, this is classic Australian literature at its best. Set in 1965 during the Vietnam War, Jasper Jones is a thoughtful and masterfully written narrative that has become known as the Australian To Kill a Mockingbird. At its base, it is a murder-mystery, but the soul of the novel is found within its themes of racial prejudice, family struggles and friendship combined with young love and underdog characters. The multi-layered narrative is enriched through vivid imagery of a scorching summer in outback Australia. A real page-turner, this book is perfect for long weekends spent at the shack.
I, JUSTINE: AN ANALOG MEMOIR Justine Ezarik Recommended by Nikita Riseley If you love the internet as much as I do then this autobiography by Justine Ezarik is the perfect installment for your summer library. Ezarik leads a double life in both the real world and internet world where she is commonly known by her alias iJustine. As previously mentioned in the fourth edition of Togatus, the book follows the life of iJustine as she tells us more about her life behind the scenes in an inspiring and uplifting tale of the girl behind a YouTube Channel and her unexpected rise to fame paying a special tribute to her fans along the way.
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WALKING FREE Dr Munjed Al Muderis Recommended by Kendall Boyd This book is a heart wrenching tale of the remarkable drive of one man to stay alive and achieve his goal. It is his life story of “escaping a death sentence in Iraq, surviving the Australian Refugee system and becoming a pioneering surgeon at the forefront of Orthopaedic medicine.� This book will make even the most detached readers re-think our treatment of refugees. Dr Munjed Al Muderis story is a fascinating and emotional account of a life filled with love, fear, danger, risk, passion and a drive that cannot be squashed by anyone.
WE ARE ALL COMPLETELY BESIDE OURSELVES Karen Joy Fowler Recommended by Meghan Scolyer This book was shortlisted for the 2014 Man Booker Prize and for good reason. We are all Completely beside ourselves is a compelling and poignant narrative about the bond between sisters, and the arrogance of the human race. The novel is cleverly structured and beautifully written, full of resonating quotes and authentic emotion. It boldly confronts the reader with harsh truths and unsettling moral questions. We are all Completely Beside Ourselves is worth the read for the twist alone, but the heartbreaking storyline will haunt you for weeks afterwards. Perfect for a summer afternoon spent reading in the shade with a Pimms and lemonade.
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THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Thomas Harris Recommended by Andrew Grey I can’t remember what my first introduction to Hannibtal Lecter was, only that one day I bought The Silence of the Lambs and fell deeply in love with Dr. Lecter. Thomas Harris has crafted a book of greatness, one that would go on to create movie and television magic. I have rarely been so taken by a novel, so caught in its words and characters, the moments that seem so calm before erupting into pure madness that no one has been able to capture as well as Harris did in Lambs.
FINDING ME: A DECADE OF DARKNESS, A LIFE RECLAIMED Michelle Knight with Michelle Burford Recommended by Tahlia Higgins Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed is a truly remarkable memoir of the Cleveland kidnappings. The novel is a raw account, written by author Michelle Burford with Michelle Knight, who was kidnapped in 2002 by Cleveland school bus driver Ariel Castro. It tells the raw account of Michelle being tortured and held captive along with Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus for more than a decade. This novel is shocking, horrific, and sickening, every detail somehow more heartbreaking than the next, yet the real emotion is way more powerful than any other news coverage. As tragic as the events are, the memoir is not a story of a victim but a survivor, as Michelle Knight finds the power to move forward with her life. ‘Finding Me’ is a must read for anybody interested in true crime.
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WORDS: ZOE COONEY
#FEATURE
TINGLE HEADS In the lead up to exams, I want to inform students of a resource I discovered a couple of years ago. It will benefit those who are in need of relaxation, something to help them de-stress or a decent night’s sleep. Firstly, let me give you some context. Throughout my life I have experienced a tingling feeling that starts in the back of my scalp and travels down to my shoulders and back. This sensation was triggered if someone played with my hair in primary school, or when I watched waiters at restaurants
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set the table. I could not explain what this feeling was or what it meant, but whenever it happened I felt relaxed and happy. In 2013, a Facebook friend uploaded a video. The title included four capitalised letters - ASMR. Despite not knowing what they stood for, I was intrigued and clicked the play button. The video was of a girl pretending to assist a customer (me, the viewer) with organising a holiday. She whispered calmly and slowly into the
microphone, while typing on her computer. All of a sudden I felt the tingling feeling and fell into a trance. I watched the entire video, which went for around 15 minutes. In complete wonder I searched those letters, ASMR. ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and is used to describe the tingling sensation some people feel when triggered by things such as whispering, different accents, the sounds of tapping and scratching or while watching deliberate and careful actions such as sewing or organising objects. People also find they are triggered when receiving personal attention, while getting their hair played with, makeup done or from medical appointments. There is a YouTube community of ASMR content creators dedicated to providing videos for people so they can experience “tingles” and relaxation whenever they want. Role playing videos are very popular. They create the illusion that the viewer and content creator are in the same room. Role plays can include medical appointments, going to the hairdresser, having a suit tailored, receiving a facial or massage, or getting your makeup done. Other videos include tapping and scratching on objects, towel and material folding, cooking, drawing and page turning, which are all paired with a soft spoken or whispered voice. As it turns out, that Facebook friend who introduced me to ASMR two years ago is still a content creator and active member of the ASMR community on YouTube. Based in Hobart and known as British Primrose ASMR, Roseanna Heys discovered the phenomenon two years ago and began making videos shortly after. “You begin to realise, once you have discovered this phenomenon, that you may have experienced it before, especially when you were younger,” she said.
Hint hint, uni students. “Things that trigger me are bright torches, ear cupping and any form of doctor role play.” “The majority of my role plays are revolved around medical situations”. For a person who does not experience ASMR, you may think I am making all of this up. Trust me, many of the people I told about this could not comprehend what I was talking about. Roseanna experienced a similar reaction. “They had no idea what ASMR was when I first introduced it to them, in fact they found it quite bizarre in the beginning, but once I explained what it was all about, they were interested in what I could create,” she said. ASMR is greatly under researched, with only a few interviews and television segments being broadcast overseas. If you think you have ever experienced “tingles” from something that has triggered you in real life, or you want a place that provides you with a relaxing escape, I encourage you to explore the ASMR community on YouTube. “The ASMR community is very friendly,” said Roseanna. “ASMR seems to benefit those who feel stressed, anxious, have trouble sleeping or generally just looking for relaxation,” she said. “It feels like a gateway to calm your body down to a very relaxing state of mind.” Who could say no to that? Some of my favourite ASMR content creators are: GentleWhispering, WhispersUnicorn, Tony Bomboni (ASMRer), MassageASMR, WhispersRed ASMR, Cutebunny992, QueenOfSerene,
“This can be anything from having your hair brushed by somebody or running their fingers on your back, little things like that which felt relaxing, you are introduced to again.”
Roseanna recommends:
Unlike myself, Roseanna does not regularly experience “tingles” but she uses content as “… a sleep inducing method and psychological anxiety and stress reliever.”
Roseanna’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/ user/roseannagrace
Ardra Neala, Deep Ocean of Sounds, Jellybean Green ASMR, Danny Docile, Phoenician Sailor, LLOYD’S ASMR, Ephemeral Rift
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Catch of the day
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It was the spring of 2013 when my boyfriend turned to me and whispered, “your skin is as soft as the underbelly of a trout.” Stroking my face and wearing a giant smile, he was so sure that he has possibly just said the most romantic thing that anybody has said to anybody ever before. While it was not the most romantic thing anybody has ever said to me, it was, at the time, one of the best things anybody had said about my body. I am a big girl. Even when I was smaller, I told myself that I was a big girl. I grew up in an environment where I was repeatedly told things such as, “yeah that’s right fatty, shove another serve into you” and “the way you look, it’s such a disgrace on our family.” Not really the foundation that one needs to harbour self-love. You might be thinking that I am being oversensitive, and it’s possible that I am. But being told you’re not good enough nearly every day for ten years takes its toll on a person. In fact, Mission Australia’s annual youth survey states that I am not alone – 41.1 per cent of young females identify body image as a major concern, with 13.5 per cent of males agreeing. So when my boyfriend, as misguided as it was, said that I was comparable to a fish, it got me thinking. Am I a fish out of water? Or am I a catch? For a long time, being a fish out of water was all I was. I just kept waiting for somebody to put me back into the water before I died. And ever since I put on a bit of weight, people stopped trying to put me back in because I was just too heavy to carry anymore. Sadly, my journey to self-love involved moving to a different state, stacking on about 15 kilos and more
WORDS: COURNEY GOULD
#PERSONALREFLECTION
than a few litres of alcohol. It also took tying my self worth to someone – and then having that taken away when the relationship ended - to realise that my worth had nothing to do with other people. I remember the day I called myself the capital F fat without being hurt by the idea. I was hanging out with a few of my friends and they were running to cross the road before the light turned red. After yelling out to me to come, I simply said; “Guys, a) not wearing a sports bra and b) this fatty doesn’t run for no man.” It was clear to my friends, that this was the biggest insult I could ever have given myself. An insult they could not believe I had so casually just chucked my way. I think – and this is a hypothesis so don’t hold me to it - once you claim back the term that has defined you for so long, it makes it a lot easier to move on from it. Yeah I’m fat but that just describes the state of my body. It is a part of me and I experience the world with it. But it is not the only thing about me. I am fat, but I am also funny (I think, again don’t quote me on that because my friends probably think otherwise). I am fat, but I am also creative. I am fat, but I am not lazy. I am fat, but I am (sort of, I’m getting there) fit. My fatness doesn’t define me anymore. It is just something that I am – for now. It’s a place that I had to get to before I could ever find confidence in my own being. I can be fat, but I can also be a catch – and if that offends you, then I suggest you throw me back in. I am worth more, we all are.
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WORDS: BREANNA GEER, WITH MELISSA REDMAN & MEGHAN SCOLYER
#FEATURE
Disney’s advice for upcoming graduates For those nearing the end of your degree, you’re probably preparing to don your graduation cap and party like Kuzco or swing like an Aristocat. However the end of your degree is no fairy tale ending. There is a whole new world out there, and graduation is just the end of training camp with porridge that’s “Happy to see you!” Here are the best tips straight from Disney to make the most of the time before and after Graduation.
Cats are cool. When you go to interviews channel your inner jazz cat... I can’t say that you’ll get hired but you will be cool during the interview...and that is what counts...isn’t it? One day my prince will come Snow White
Pull the lever Kronk! Emperors New Groove
Jobs are like princes: few and far between (and probably not that attractive.) But don’t give up hope, one day your dream job will come.
It is time to level up now! Start handing around your resume and applying for graduate positions before the whole student body does at the end of November.
You’ve got a friend in me Toy Story
Can you paint with all the colours of the wind... Pocahontas Is your resume up to scratch? Volunteering, removing clutter and also using clear and concise language will make your resume sparkle! (Be a man) We must be swift as the coursing river, with all the force of a great typhoon, with all the strength of a raging fire, mysterious as the dark side of the moon! Mulan Get yourself out there, be confident and network the room. Through networking, you not only access opportunities and career advice, but also find encouragement and new friendships.
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Everybody wants to be a cat. Aristocats
According to GraduateOpportunities.com, about 60-80 per cent of jobs are not advertised. Don’t be afraid to befriend everyone (aka be a friend whore) - the more friends you have the more your network grows and the more opportunities open up. Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities, forget about your worries and your strife... The Jungle Book Relax, and focus on the basics of what’s important to you, there are already concerns over the impact of the current job market on mental health. So look after yourself... Hakuna Matata Lion King You know what it means. If you find yourself getting depressed in your post tertiary dish pig job, book a holiday.
Image by Michelle Moran
How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard Winnie the Pooh With university finally over, some of you may be moving interstate for work and will have to say the hard goodbye to family and friends. Or perhaps you’ll realise those classes you always complained about were not that bad after all. Nevertheless, having something that is hard to say goodbye to means that it has a special significance to you, and is a person/memory/experience that you will always be grateful for. You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul Ratatouille Take inspiration from the brave little rodent with the big heart, who chased his cooking dream all the way to Paris. If we learnt anything from Remy, it is that we must never let others define what we are capable off. Chase your dreams, regardless of how big they are, and believe in yourself the whole way.
Ignore what you think you are supposed to do, and pursue your passions. With courage, determination and perseverance, you have the recipe for success. Just Keep Swimming Finding Nemo Life after university is unlikely to go exactly as we plan - there will be setbacks, rejections and harsh realisations. When life inevitably gets you down, follow Dory’s advice and just keep swimming. Stay positive - you will get through it, and you will eventually get to where you want to be. In the words of Walt Disney himself: “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” And one final anecdote from the man himself: All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them - Walt Disney For more non-animated career advice checkout the UTAS Career Services at: http://www.utas.edu.au/ students/careers
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YEARBOOK
WORDS: ALEXANDRA SYKES
#MUSIC
Summer music festival guide The season for music festivalgoers is fast approaching. That’s right, brace yourselves for freshly cut grass, ciders and beers in plastic cups, festival wear, body glitter, henna tattoos, extreme camping, severe dehydration, moshing on that random person’s shoulders and amazing bands! Here is Togatus’s guide to the best Australian summer music festivals! Words by Alexandra Sykes >>
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THE FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVALBYRON BAY & MARION BAY (LORNE SOLD OUT) We have to start with falls, the three day extravaganza held right here in Tassie! The 2016 lineup is out of this word! With Lorne already sold out, it would be wise to get your tickets for the other locations now! WHERE: Marion Bay Tasmania or North Byron bay Parklands WHEN: Byron bay - December 31st 2015- January 3rd 2016 Marion Bay- December 29th 2015- January 2nd 2016 CONFIRMED ACTS: Courtney Barnett, Alpine, Birds of Tokyo, Bloc Party, Disclosure, Hiatus Kaiyote, Meg Mac, Jarryd James, The Wombats, Fleetmac Wood… and so many more mind blowing acts! VISIT www.fallsfestival.com.au
BLUESFEST Bluesfest was voted one of the best music festivals in the world by Rolling Stone magazine, and boy does it live up to its reputation! Twenty-sixteen is looking to be a great year to check it out, with some great acts already announced. WHEN: March 24 – 28th 2016 WHERE: Byron bay- Tyagarah tea tree farm CONFIRMED ACTS: The National, City and Colour, The Cat Empire, Shakey Graves, Joe Bonamassa, Allen Stone… Just to name a few!!!! Artists still to be announced! http://www.bluesfest.com.au
BIG SOUND The Big Sound festival is Australia’s elite music industry conference and artist showcase. It is where the world can discover Australian music and experience it at its best! This festival is perfect for dedicated music lovers. WHEN: September 9-11 2015 WHERE: Judith Wright Centre Brisbane
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CONFIRMED ACTS: A Breach of Silence, Aldous Harding, Ben Salter, Ella Thompson, Harvey Sutherland, Holy Holy, Major Leagues, Tempura Nights, Tiger Choir, Katy Steele, The lulu Raes, and friendly Fire, Cosmic Psychos … do you need anymore convincing? VISIT: http://www.qmusic.com.au/bigsound/2015/
STEREOSONIC Also known as Australia’s biggest club party! This is the doff doff, bass bass, gym buffs in mini shorts and tanks that barely cover their nipples kind of festival! It’s commercial music that attracts the youths of Australia, and it always guarantees a good time! This festival is so popular that it visits 5 states across Australia. WHEN & WHERE: Sydney Showground- 28th November 2015 Claremont Showgrounds Perth- 29th of November 2015 Melbourne Showgrounds- 5th of December 2015 Bonython Park Adelaide- 5th of December 2015 RNA Showgrounds Brisbane- 6th of December 2015 CONFIRMED ACTS: Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Armin Van Buuren, Axwell & Ingrosso, Peking Duk, Tigerlily… and so many more!!!! Its outta this world!
SOUNDWAVE It’s Australia’s, head banging, punk, rock, metal, festival extravaganza! This festival travels to major cities around Australia and is renowned for headlining some of the best and most influential bands/ artists ever!!! WHEN AND WHERE: Brisbane: January 23rd 2016 Sydney: 24 January 2016 Melbourne: 26 January 2016 *(Venues yet to be announced) CONFIRMED ACTS: Lordi, Northlane, Bullet For My Vallentine, Dead Letter Circus and Failure are just some of the acts confirmed for Soundwave 2016. KEEP YOUR EYE OUT FOR MORE AT: www.soundwavefestival.com
FESTIVAL OF THE SUN Are you a fan of Triple J? Then this is the festival for you! The ultimate, summer Aussie festival and the line up ain’t bad at all! You are bound to have an epic time at the event that is Festival of the Sun!
CONFIRMED ACTS: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Alpine, Arts vs. Science, Borns, Courtney Barnett, Disclosure, Little May, Meg Mac, Rufus, Seth Sentry, Hiatus Kaiyote… and you know the drill, these are only the highlights!
WHEN: December 11- 12 2015
CHECKOUT DETAILS AT: www.southboundfestival. com.au
WHERE: Sun downer Break wall Tourist Park, Port Macquarie
FIELD DAY FESTIVAL
CONFIRMED ACTS: Illy, Jebediah, Thundamentals, British India, Delta Riggs, Alpine, Bad//dreems, The Fumes… it’s going to mind blowing! MORE INFO AT: http://fotsun.com
Have a field day at the Field day Festival (get it?!) This atmospheric music festival is the ultimate way to spend New Year’s Day! Known for its hip-hop, indie and electronic music. You are bound to have a good ole time here!
MEREDITH FESTIVAL MUSIC
WHEN: 1st January 2016
Once a year, hipsters from all around Australia and the world leave their boutique bars, trendy cafés, organic natural food shops or alternative bookshops and gather at Meredith. It is so exclusive that it seems impossible to get a ticket… which only makes it more desirable! But one can always make it their life’s mission to score a ticket to this exclusive, trendy, elite, supernatural, amazing, life changing musical experience!
WHERE: The Domain, Sydney
WHEN: 11,12,13 of December 2015
A festival in one of Tassie’s most scenic locations? What else do you need to know! But in case you do need more, here is some info on one of Australia’s and Tasmania’s favourite festivals, known for showcasing and celebrating local and national talent.
WHERE: Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre CONFIRMED ACTS: Father John Misty, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Big Daddy Kane, Neon Indian, RATATAT, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats… and on that note, we will leave it there. If you have some time and a dictionary… check out the masterpiece that is the Meredith music festival website: http://2015.mmf.com.au
SOUTH BOUND I had to research to make sure that this festival is different to the Falls festival as the line up looks exactly the same…. This only means that Southbound is an epic festival with an obviously epic line up! If you do miss Falls Festival, then you can always mosey on over to South Bound!
CONFIRMED ACTS: Field Day is slowly releasing their lineup, with artists Halsey, Seth Troxler and Skepta among the first to be announced. WATCH THIS SPACE TO SEE WHAT FOLLOWS: https://www.facebook.com/FieldDay
PARTY IN THE PADDOCK
All details for the 2016 event were released at the official Launch party held in September at Saloon Bar Launceston! WHEN: Fri 19th - Sat 20th Feb WHERE: Burns Creek, Tas CONFIRMED ACTS: Violent Soho, Spiderbait, The Preatures, British India, Bad//Dreems, Lurch & Chief, The Belligerents, and Jed Appleton will all join the party alongside many other awesome acts. PURCHASE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT VIA: http://www.partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au
WHEN: 8th- 10th of January WHERE: Sir Stewart Bovell Park, WA
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WORDS: DAISY BAKER
#MUSIC
Taking 5 with Heloise Tasmania’s own eclectic folk darling, Eloise Thetford aka Heloise took five to discuss her musical journey since winning the 2014 Melbourne Music Bank and her upcoming EP. You raised over $8000 through crowdfunding for an EP that you’re set to begin recording in September. Can you describe the feeling and what the process is from here? I was so impressed. We thought maybe we would come close and raise five or six grand [but] we managed to make it over the target which was awesome. I was pretty overwhelmed at the support
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we received for that. [It’s] great because it means that I’m not having to fork out thousands of dollars of my own money to fund it, which is hard on a musician’s income [laughs]. I was really, really, chuffed. [I’m] so excited to get in the studio and get it going…[We go] back to Sing-Sing [Studio] for four days and then three days mixing, so it should be awesome! A whole week to get away from my day job [laughs]. Where do you hope the EP will take you? We are hoping to tour early next year after the EP has been released. [We are] working with an
agency at the moment called Evergreen Artists, who are really cool. They are sort of like a boutiquey Melbourne-based PR management label. They do lots of different things and it’s run by a guy who is also a musician, so he knows the ins and outs of what musicians need. So we’re working with them at the moment…organising the launch for the EP and then a tour, probably up the East Coast of Australia and then obviously Tassie as well. What’s your creative direction this time around? Is it going to be similar to your material so far? It’s a little bit more bluesy and grungy I think. The first EP we released was songs I wrote when I was 15 and 16, so I guess my style has changed and probably matured a bit… My inner feelings of being an adult and my style ebbs and flows with how I’m growing as well… It’s a little bit more grungy than the first one. In ‘This is Home’ you sing about a place you’ll be coming back to. Is this based on your move to Melbourne? Yeah, I think it embodied how I felt moving here from Tasmania, where I had been all my life, and why I moved to Melbourne and what it has to offer us and the change in scenery I guess. It’s such a massive jump from Tassie to here. So it was more about me and how I felt about being here. I didn’t really have any friends here to start with and I didn’t really know anyone so I was just starting afresh I guess. I love Melbourne, I’m always back in Tassie though, I’m always going home to see my mum and my cat and my little brother. Where else do you draw your inspiration from? It sort of comes from everywhere for me. I get inspired by things I’ve seen or things I’ve read. A lot of art house movies are often very inspiring, but even other songs and other artists that I hear. Photos, books, everything and obviously my emotions and how I’m feeling at the time is a huge influence. I’m very influenced by my surroundings I think, which often tends to work its way through in song writing. I also love looking to people like Kate Bush and Tori Amos, [artists that] my mum is into, and Led Zeppelin. I love artists like Beck and Tom Waits and Jack White. I think a lot of their songs are very story-teller-esque. That’s where that comes from. I love being able to tell a story through a song.
So you grew up singing and playing music? Yeah I grew up in a musical household. My mum was a music teacher and she was a musician in the 80s as well. [She] was in a pretty successful band until she moved to Tassie and had me...and my brother as well, can’t forget about him! Music was always part of my daily life. Mum never forced me into it practicing or doing anything, she just kind of let me go off on my own accord, and I picked up a lot of instruments [that were] sitting around. I picked up a guitar and started to teach myself how to play and I’d always sung and written. Not necessarily songs, but poetry or that sort of thing, and I listened to lots of music as well. Having parents that are musicians, you’re probably exposed to a lot of other things that you wouldn’t have been otherwise, like different genres and [alternative] artists. So having that background definitely helped me… And it’s so good having mum, as someone that has been through the industry, to give me pointers and help me out when it comes to that sort of thing, so she’s very handy. How would you describe your music in a sentence? It’s hard, you end up trying to put your music in a box…it’s like eclectic folky grunge blues. It’s like walking in a forest and meeting people from all walks of life and weird and wonderful creatures, put it like that [laughs]. It’s difficult to define your music as an artist because I never hear it from the outside. Most people are like ‘oh, it sounds like this or reminds me of something else’ and I think ‘maybe it does’. It’s easy to become distant from the original feelings you had when you were writing a song. I think it affects people differently and what people take from it is different, depending on the person. It’s hard to be constantly putting your everything out in the spotlight and there’s a fine line between it backfiring and it being successful. This is only part of what Heloise had to say - to check out the full interview, head to our website, www. togatus.com.au Heloise’s upcoming EP is set for release in October. Her music is also available for purchase from the iTunes store.
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WORDS: MELISSA REDMAN
#MUSIC
Lasca Dry Sitting outside in the unexpected winter sunshine at Hobart’s Salamanca, Lasca Dry sips her latte as she chats about her life and pursuing a career in the creative arts. Despite being a slightly chilly morning - all of about six degrees - Lasca exudes warmth with her vibrant smile and personality. “I’m a little bit nervous,” she laughs before we begin. Growing up in Ulverstone, Lasca Dry was always destined to be involved in the arts, with a mother in the industry and a father who was an artist. Her love of music started when she learnt to play flute and the violin at an early age, but her passion for singing only began a few years ago. “I didn’t think that I could sing… I knew I wanted to leave uni in Melbourne to do music, so I started having guitar lessons and it kind of went from there I guess. But it’s still a very new thing, I started about five years ago now.” It was her unexpected singing voice that has given Lasca her greatest success so far. Meeting through a mutual friend, Lasca and Daniel Bičanski began jamming one day and eventually The Habits were born. “We had quite a big following because we knew a lot of people, especially on the North-West Coast. Dan’s mum suggested we put up a YouTube video so she could show her customers, and it was really fun so we decided to keep putting videos up. Then The Advocate asked us to be their band for the [Falls Festival] Foster A Band competition. So we started the Habits at the start of the year, and ended up playing at Falls Festival by the end of the year. [Falls] was like the best thing that’s happened in my whole life.” You may not have heard of The Habits for a while now, and that’s because Lasca is busy working on her career as a solo artist. Currently studying
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singer-songwriting at the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music, Lasca is set on developing her own personal solo sound. “When I was part of The Habits, I don’t think I was very confident. So going to the Conservatorium has built up my confidence a lot. I’ve gone ‘I am a musician’ and I’m working on creating my own sound.” Whilst most people probably know Lasca for her musical abilities, she’s also talented in a range of other fields including acting, modeling, fashion designing and filmmaking. Currently studying at Cooper Screen Academy, acting has a strong place in Lasca’s heart alongside music and she hopes to one day pursue a career in both fields. “Music and acting are my two passions. People always say to me that you need to pick what you want to do, but how can you choose? It’s like deciding which child you prefer. You say that you love them both exactly the same.” At this point she stops for a moment, lost in thought about the future that might be. Despite her calm and laid back personality, I sense a strong ambition and determination brewing beneath the exterior. “You have so much time in a day that you can do whatever you want, it depends how much effort you want to put in. I really like everything I’m doing in my life right now. I’m doing both of the things that I really want to do and I don’t know where it’s going to lead me.” After half an hour with Lasca, I had a smile across my face and a heart filled with inspiration. With a warm hug the interview was over, and Lasca Dry left with a spring in her step and a determination to take on the creative world. For more information about Lasca Dry and upcoming gigs, head to her facebook page LASCA.
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PHOTOS: MICHELLE MORAN & JESS FLINT
#2015
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TASMANIA - NOT JUST AN AFTERTHOUGHT
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YEARBOOK
WORDS: ANGELA KOH
#OPINION
With achievements in politics, tourism and environmental sustainability, combined with iconic beauty and a laidback vibe, Tasmania has become a popular living destination for many. Arriving in Tasmania from an urban Asian city, I was captivated by the natural beauty of Tasmania, which inspired me to share my perspective on what this beautiful state has to offer. Tasmania is an iconic tourist destination, renowned for fine wine, premium seafood, and scenic beaches. This has been recognised through a number of awards and magazine features. Wineglass Bay at Freycinet was voted one of the top ten beaches in the world by Frommers travel guide in 2008, and Hobart was named the second friendliest city in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine in 2013. Hobart is also ranked the best Australian island destination and the fourth-best 2015 destination to visit in by Travel & Leisure magazine and Lonely Planet’s respectively. Tasmania also has a solid political history, being the first state in the world to establish a Greens party, then known as United Tasmania Group. The live hosting of ABC’s Q&A program in Hobart for the first time in 2011 also saw Tasmania gain prominence on the national political stage. The episode featured a discussion on the survival of the controversial Tasmanian Forestry Agreement. The Greens were unhappy that the Federal and State Labour parties were not advocating to protect native forests, and were on the verge of abandoning the agreement.
best known native species, the Tasmanian Devil, from extinction. One of the biggest initiatives involves fundraising for scientific research to treat the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, which has now wiped out an estimated 90 per cent of the devils in Tasmania. Friendly individuals and the community culture in Tassie also offer support for minority groups such as the LGBT community, where individuals have passionately fought to further the rights of those on the receiving-end of prejudice. ‘Sex-change Soccer Star Cyber-Tranny Granny’, Martine Delaney, is a notable Tasmanian LGBTI activist who has made a difference in the community. Delaney’s contribution to the issues faced by transgender individuals marks a milestone in transgender and gay rights. In particular, her presence has forced Football Federation Australia to address the issue of transgender participation and develop inclusive policies. Rodney Croome is another individual celebrated by Tasmanians. As the current Tasmanian of the year and National Director of Marriage Equality Australia he fronted the successful campaign to decriminalise homosexuality in Tasmania amongst other commendable achievements. Granted, there are many other reasons why Tassie is the place to be, including its numerous scenic destinations. So why not celebrate Tassie by immersing yourself in all the extraordinary things it has to offer.
Tasmania also plays a part in environmental sustainability, through conservation attempts for endangered native plant and animal species as well as being eco-friendly. Tasmania is the only state in Australia to generate power primarily from renewable sources.There are also a number of ongoing projects to save the state’s
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WORDS: RACHEL MORRIS
#FEATURE
Hot or knot Top knotters have distinguished themselves as a superior subspecies dedicated to hipster swag, gettin’ babes and being general cool blokes. The knot ranges from pure sexy trend, to the guy who can’t afford a haircut and wraps a bit of bale twine up in there. It is indifferent of race, creed and age but perhaps not ego. From Thor’s loosely bound goldy locks to Brad Pitt’s shaggy chic, the top knot has catapulted itself to the height of style. Where did this revolution come from? What does it want? Does it have a secret alien agenda? These are all questions that those of us not in the community can only speculate on. It has joined the likes of the overalls, the mullet, flared jeans and Tony Abbott’s budgie smugglers - all things that seemed like good ideas at the time, but have left a lot of fifty years olds carrying around some serious regret. But make no joke, the climb to the top (knot) can often be an emotionally taxing process. As individuals, top knotters are ridiculed and publicly shamed for their bold fashion choice; for daring to be the epitome of style. Endless months of less than desirable length locks, of being confused between KD Lang and Meatloaf, are emotionally and psychologically exhausting. But in a moment, it is all worth it. That moment walking to the Shiploads counter with a $1.99 pack of slim line hair bands grasped firmly in hand. The knowledge that, that night and every night thereafter will increasingly be the most uncomfortable sleep they’ve ever known is
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pure elation. They are not KD Lang and dammit they are not Meatloaf. They are the future. A small group of freedom fighters are acting out against the bun that ‘looks like it wants to be a pony tail when it grows up’. Derick Watts and the Sunday Blues, YouTube comedian sensations, took to the internet in a cry to ‘stop the knot’. Three men, one with a hipster mustache and indeed one with his very own ‘low knot,’ took to the streets of South Africa with a pair of scissors and a set of runners. These top knots, including one that looked like a ‘prepubescent samurai,’ were released into the ocean where they could no longer hurt anyone... except the dolphins. I ask you, students of UTas, you smart, funny and intelligent people. Why all the hate? Put down the scissors, put down the hash tags, and show me the love. We are all trudging through this world trying to work out who the hell we are and if a little knob on the top of my head makes me sleep easier (in the figurative sense) then chillax. Next time you see a top knotter freaking out in Arts Central or pulling their knot out in Morris Miller, I implore you to extend your hand, give an encouraging wink or perhaps even share a cuddle knowing that the little knot will sleep easier that night. If you want a culture overload check out GUYS WITH TOP KNOTS on tumblr. A mop and bucket is strongly advised ladies.
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I was in an abusive relationship
If this article brings up any issues for you, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au. They are the national sexual assault and domestic family violence counseling service.
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When I started my undergraduate degree at UTas in 2011, life was amazing. I had never felt more fulfilled studying something I loved, being surrounded by new and interesting friends. However underneath the surface, things were not so rosy. I was in an abusive relationship. For those of you reading this let me skip ahead: I got out. Abuse can take many forms: physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, social, financial, spiritual and stalking. For the purpose of this article I will not reveal myself or the name of my abuser. I am not protecting him - to the contrary, I am protecting myself. It took me a long time to see myself not as a victim, but as a survivor, and this is how I want you to think of me. Regarding why I have chosen to stay anonymous, I am one of countless women who have found themselves in an abusive relationship. I could be someone you love, your sister, mother, aunt or friend. One in three women find themselves in this situation and we as a society need to take the time to ask what can we do to stop this? I hope that by sharing my story, I can help other women find the incredible courage that I know it takes to get out of an abusive relationship, because things can get better. It was a hard road for me but the things he did can not hurt me anymore. From my experience, an abusive relationship does not happen suddenly. The warning signs are there but they can be difficult to recognise if you are not aware of what they are. At first they can be disguised as something that comes across as caring. He asks you where you are, who you are with, how long you will be, but this quickly starts to take a possessive tone. He manipulates you, isolates you from your friends and does whatever he can do to control you. At the time I found it easy to dismiss this behaviour as a rough patch. If I had to pinpoint exactly when things went bad I would say it was early on into the relationship after he tried to drunkenly propose to me, to which I vehemently said no. From this point he would try and take my ring off and force it onto my ring finger. Rumours went around that I had said yes to his proposal. I felt isolated and it seemed that no one believed my word over his. From here, things went from bad to worse. When he drank he would scream at me and throw
WORDS: ANONYMOUS
#PERSONALREFLECTION
things. I dismissed this by telling myself that he just had a problem with alcohol. I would brace myself for his tantrums and in the moment I felt like I was deserving of the horrible way he treated me. Looking back, it is astounding the ways he exercised control over me me and took my power. I have spent the years following the relationship rebuilding my emotional well being. I have gone to a psychologist and talked about my darkest moments. The moments when I felt like I deserved what he had done to me, and I have finally forgiven myself for staying with him until I felt like I could safely get out. I remember the night I finally escaped his clutches like it was yesterday. I confronted him about his cheating, which he denied but years later admitted to me; justifying his behaviour because he was ‘afraid of losing me’. He stood nose to nose from me and screamed at the top of his lungs. He threw things, threatened me and punched the wall next to my head. I was terrified and in tears. The hardest thing about this episode was that his two housemates, who call themselves grown adult men, did nothing. In fact worse than nothing, they laughed at him abusing me. I found myself back at my house, sobbing to my parents on the phone. I was fortunate enough to have electronic locks on my bedroom door to which I will be eternally grateful for. He broke into my house drunk and continued to verbally abuse and threaten me. I am grateful for my housemates who stood up to him. Myself and countless women across Australia find themselves in these situations every day. Not that long ago I was watching TV with my Dad when an advertisement came on revealing the statistic that one in three women experience domestic violence. He said “what kind of monsters do that to women? It’s horrible that this could be going on under the neighbour’s roof.” Indeed, it is horrible that this is happening and I find it sad when I have had to catch myself saying that I was lucky because it could have been worse. It is not lucky that he did not hit me but instead chose the wall. We should live in a society where men and women do not find themselves in abusive relationships; where being treated respectfully is a right and you are not afraid to go home. These are basic rights that we all should have, no ifs or buts it needs to stop.
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WORDS: ZOE COONEY
#OPINION
Ink Culture Despite not having any tattoos myself, I do enjoy other people’s tattoos, and admire their commitment to having something permanently inked onto their body.
the patrons, and music playing in his ears, blocking out all interaction and distraction. However, Steiner participates voluntarily. If at any point he no longer wishes to participate, his decision will be respected.
People use tattoos as a form of artistic expression, remembrance, love, or for no reason whatsoever, other than that they just like tattoos. And you know what? It is all okay.
One of the most controversial aspects of this concept is the fact that Steiner’s back has been sold and will continue to resell throughout and after his lifetime, just like any normal piece of artwork.
There is no denying the popularity of tattoos. According to goldcoasttattoos.com.au, approximately 22 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women in Australia aged between 20 and 29 are tattooed.
When Steiner dies his back will be skinned and the tattoo will be displayed.
I became interested in tattoos and the artistry behind them in 2012. As a part of my Art Appreciation class I sat in on a question conference with Tim Steiner, who arrived at MONA as a living exhibition in 2011. Wim Delvoye, a Belgian artist, had explored the concept of using tattoos to create living artwork throughout the 1990s, by tattooing the backs of pigs and displaying their skins in art galleries after they died. After agreeing to become a canvas for Delvoye in 2006, Steiner allowed his entire back to be tattooed. From what I remember, Steiner spoke of how he sat through hours of uncomfortable and nauseating tattooing sessions. As a living artwork, Steiner travels to art galleries around the world. He sits on a chair with his back to
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This concept of becoming a living piece of artwork is intriguing and challenging, not only from a moral perspective, but also with what is considered art. At a recent exhibition at Gallery 1855 in Adelaide’s Tea Tree Gully, a group of artists explored the cultural history and social reaction to tattoos. Through techniques such as sketching, carving, printing, stitching and engraving on an array of canvases, the Inked exhibition provides a space for both the artists and patrons to expand their perception and consumption of tattoos. “There was a real mix of people who turned up for the opening, which was lovely,” said curator of the exhibition Simone Tippett on ABC 891. Ms Tippett said the exhibition conjured up questions of whether tattoos are a public or private form of art. Again, although I do not have any tattoos of my own, I suppose the individual wearer of the tattoo would determine this. This is a particularly
important point to consider, especially when so many people feel they can comment on a person’s tattoo in a negative way. This leads us away from art galleries and into the realm of social media. You only have to do a search on YouTube for “My Tattoo Tag” for thousands of results to appear. People around the world are openly sharing their experiences and reasons for their tattoos, again, raising the question of whether tattoos are a private or public form of expression. For people like me who are fascinated by them, this is a wonderful resource. I am a loyal subscriber to a woman from New Jersey in America called Morgan Joyce. Morgan has too many tattoos to count, but updates her subscribers whenever she gets a new piece. She not only has tattoos, but also has several body modifications such as piercings, stretched ear lobes and a scarification piece.
“I call him ‘sir’ because he’s a fucking sir,” she said in her video All About My Stomach Tattoo. “Most people view pigs as these filthy, dirty, dumb animals, like, bacon.” Morgan is an animal rights advocate. She lives a vegan lifestyle and only uses cruelty free products. She uses her outlet on YouTube to encourage others to do the same. “But when you look at my pig he doesn’t look like a filthy, dirty pig. He looks sophisticated and smart and like he is something. And to me this is how all pigs should be viewed.” “And I do really relate to pigs in the way that they’re highly misunderstood creatures and I feel like I myself am a highly misunderstood creature,” she said. This culture on social media is an enlightening movement. It encourages people to stop judging others based on how they choose to decorate their body.
For those who do not know, scarification is a similar concept to tattooing, except more gruesome, and not for those with a weak stomach.
It also provides the opportunity for the incredible precision, skill and time that tattoo artists spend on pieces to be appreciated by a wider audience.
Scarification involves using a scalpel to carve a pattern into the skin, deep enough that it will scar and become a piece of art.
How anyone can look at a beautifully crafted tattoo and say that it is not art is beyond me. The artwork literally has life, breath, movement and feeling pulsing through it.
Morgan’s most distinctive tattoo covers her entire stomach; the piece depicts a pig wearing a monocle, bowtie and top hat.
View Morgan’s channel at: https://www.youtube. com/user/ilymorgannn
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Aging gracefully
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Looking younger than your age is often seen as a positive thing right? I used to think the same thing, however that was during my teen years when I was 16 but looked 12. Now in my mid to late twenties, with not even a single crease or fine line on my forehead, I feel that it is only growing more and more awkward. Like most little girls, one of my favourite past times was to play ‘dress-up.’ I would strut around the house in my mother’s high heeled shoes with lipstick drawn all over my face in a desperate attempt to make myself look older. Fast forward to present day, I have realised that I am still that same little girl, in that no matter how hard I try, there are no amounts of makeup that seem to work. While this is most likely considered a desirable problem to my parents and other older adults, I am sure I am not the only one who endures the same struggles and frustrations that come with having a youthful appearance. Here are just a few of the awkward and downright hilarious experiences I have the joy of encountering regularly: University Life Embarking on my first year of university, people automatically assumed that I was fresh out of high school and I would often find it comical when someone would approach me, ranting about how they disliked some of the mature aged students when they were actually talking to one without realising it. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I met most of my uni friends. We would sit around and discuss ‘ATAR’ scores and what we had studied in the previous year, to which my reply was always “I don’t actually remember, it was too long ago.” This earned me a few strange looks and I could feel the judgment as if I had the memory span of a goldfish. Soon after, the subject came up again. I mentioned stories of international travel, celebrating my 21st birthday in the United States, and pursuing various study and career paths, including tourism, aviation, information technology and entertainment. It is often after this sort of discussion that I would get the same question “seriously dude, how old are you?!”
WORDS: NIKITA RISELEY
#PERSONALREFLECTION
Unlike most of my friends from high school, I am not married, nor do I have children and that’s probably a good thing considering the shocked expressions I get after relaying my life experiences. Relationships If you thought your dating life was tough, try finding a guy your own age when most won’t even approach you for fear of chatting up a minor – and when you do find someone, the poor guy gets accused of “cradle snatching.” You would think that this would be a bonus in some ways - gaining access to cinema tickets at childrens prices is not exactly considered to be ‘high maintenance.’ Being carded for practically EVERYTHING! Whether at nightclubs, wine bars, dinner parties or bottle shops, I get asked for I.D at every licensed venue. Even when purchasing selected video games, CDs and movie tickets - at one point, I was asked when purchasing plastic knives! While I understand the legalities of licensing policies enforced by the hospitality/retail industries and the constant display of the “Under 25? Be prepared to show ID” signage, but having your own private army of security guards hot on your heels and stalking your every move through a casino is borderline creepy at my age. It’s hard to define whether all of these amusingly awkward encounters spark from my facial appearance, my “dainty” stature and sense of fashion, my mannerisms and immature sense of humor - Or maybe it’s a combination of all of the above. What I am certain of though, is that it is definitely genetic and I should probably just learn to accept it. After all, I still have the ability to flash my passport to a bouncer like an FBI agent in the movies, attain the high school ‘discounted’ bus fare on public transport and get away with shopping in the children’s clothing and shoe department. As quoted by everyone, “You will love this when you’re 50!”
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WORDS: BEAU CLARK
#CREATIVE
DOG AND DIRT I walk down to the white shed at the back. Dad wants the mattock; there are too many rocks in our soil; it makes digging difficult. A couple of years ago, when I’d helped him build the dog yard, Dad had broken a spade whilst digging the footings. He said that he doesn’t want to fuck about this time, so I hurry.
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The door is jammed. It’s raining heavily now and I can’t open the shed. I run back to Dad. He’s pissed. “Useless, just bloody useless.” I mumble apologies. He shrugs and clumps down to the shed. For a moment the rain ceases, and I shuffle over to where Mum and the twins are huddled. They’re like sheep,
bundled together under the eaves of the laundry. Their breath is rising like punches through the icy drops. I give Mum a pat on the shoulder. Her cheeks are coated in a thin film of drying tears; she is staring at Nellie’s body. Rain is battering her. It’s weird seeing drops fall into an open eye. Dad returns from the shed. He hands me the mattock and points at the disturbed soil. “You chop it, like an axe. You smash it for a bit and loosen the rocks. Then I’ll dig it out.” I swing the heavy tool at the ground. Dad shovels out the loose rocks and mud. He’s pretty strong is Dad, the rocks don’t linger long in the hole. Once, Dad punched a hole right through the wall from their bedroom to mine and Jarrod’s. He didn’t even wince. I notice there is thin line of congealed blood running down Nellie’s cheek. It’s almost undetectable against her once-sleek pitch coat. If you didn’t move the fur on her head to see the little red wound you’d think she had died in her sleep. “Get a move on.” I slice the earth a little more. The spaded end of the mattock slams against a heavy stone and jars my arms. My hands are blistering, it’s pouring with rain; yet all I can focus on is the small depression in Nellie’s skull, just a few millimetres behind her left ear. Dad and Jarrod had found her on the road. I reckon it’s the only time I’ve seen Jarrod fighting off tears. Her body was hard and heavy, cold. Dad said a truck or something must’ve had glanced her on the head, thrown her back over the side of the highway. Mum had cried a lot then. Dad told her that if she was stupid enough to buy a border collie and expect it to stay in the yard, she shouldn’t be surprised. Then Gracie had drawn a picture of her. That had only made Mum cry more. Dad went back to his house then and said he’d be back tomorrow to help bury her. “Jesus, stop bloody day-dreaming.” I feel the mattock wrenched off me and a shovel replace it. Dad can hit the rocks a lot harder; I see sparks a couple of times as the rusted steel bounces off stone. I try to keep up, but he’s going too quickly. The pick end of the mattock spikes into the shovel and Dad tells me to get lost.
little puppy in a stocking. We had laughed and the twins had carried her up to Dad’s room and placed her on his chest. I remember the smiles he gave the most. They were so carefully planned. It was when she grew up that they became replaced by stealthy kicks and a choker-chain. Jarrod glances at me; he’s got his iPod in. He rolls his eyes then heads inside. It must’ve sucked finding her dead so quickly. He and Dad had only left for about ten minutes before they found her. Jarrod said it was as though Dad thought like a dog; he’d stopped to look over the railings just near the river and there she had been. Jarrod told me that as they returned Dad had explained to him how she’d ended up there. Complete from breaking the leash, burrowing under the fence and following the council track along the riverbank to the highway. Just getting the story straight Jarrod said. I pretended to be busy with the dishes. I watch for another hour, he’s put all the dirt in one pile and the rocks in another. He signals to me and we heave Nellie to the edge of the hole; her tongue is lolling out now. Mum runs forward in the rain, she is telling Dad that the hole isn’t wide enough: that Nellie won’t fit. Dad says nothing and picks up his end of the dog; he has the back; I, the head. I’m staring right at the tiny wound now. I stand there and don’t move. He just glares for a moment, shrugs and tosses the dented shovel at me. I dig for about ten minutes, getting nowhere. Jarrod comes out from the house and picks up the mattock. We place Nellie in a sleeping position, with her legs curled under her. Jarrod tucks her tongue back in. Dad is laughing now; he says why don’t we toss a couple of the cats in there with her. He finds this very funny. Gracie begins to cry, Mum tells her to go and get some lemons to put in the grave. She does this. All the while Dad is still smirking. After Mum and the kids go inside I wait and watch the wind pummel the trees. Dad calls me over and tells me to put the shovel in the ute. There’s a wrapped up rifle underneath the tarp. I throw the shovel in the back and try to ignore it. I lean against the back of the ute for a while and wish Mum hadn’t found my cigarettes.
I remember our first Christmas in the new house. I’d been in grade seven and Mum had brought in the
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WORDS:KENDALL BOYD
#CREATIVE
WHERE DOES YOUR MIND GO? The Very First Time You unwrap that awful packaging, slipping your fingers inside to feel the smooth slippery contents for the first time. You pull the contents out of the packet only to hesitate. What if I am too young? You continue anyway scared but excited at the same time, testing the elasticity. Starting to sweat, you’re remembering horror stories about how easily they break. You persevere and get it perfect, rolled all the way up. Just one extra look to make sure everything is where it should be. Now get dressed. You have just put on your very first pair of stockings. Pulsating Its pull is very strong and when you think you have reached you max. Another beat vibrates through you. Then you go again. He is everywhere and yet just there with you. You’re both moving to a fast combined rhythm which just keeps getting faster.
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You’re starting to sweat, it’s hot. Too hot. But you just can’t stop. You feel like you’re being touched everywhere. Your breathing becomes rapid your heart starts racing like a wild dog. You need a drink. But you don’t want to leave the dance floor you can still feel the music vibrating through you. Heat Her favourite possession is hot, real hot, when she touches me with it, my hair stands on end, my heart races. Praying the heat coming from her won’t burn me, she is my friend, my lover, but this act takes our trust to another level, it’s so sensual and sexual the way her hands run through my hair before each wave of heat shoots through me. Everytime we try this it terrifies me, she isn’t very skilled. She tries so hard to please me I just have to smile, even though she has burnt my hair with her straightener. So how dirty did your mind go?
TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: SARAH CHARLOTTE
#CREATIVE
DREAMING IN INK The untouched psychedelic, Hidden from all the hungry eyes. Has begun to collapse, And will soon turn into ink. The emphasis of emotion, A past, present, future tense, Will finally be spoken, In the face of these dreams. The prism of your imagination Decorates every naked page, Painting the peace of slumbers, With the choke-holds of nightmares. The analysis of such beautiful things, Says so much of who we are, Beyond philosophy and the theory, Dreaming lies as the unknown psyche. The beauty of our silent thoughts, These products of the subconscious, Become the voice, the revolution, The inspirational and the quotated. The sharp ink on white paper, Follows the narrative of mind, The mystery born in the night, Set alight and known as the dream.
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WORDS: JEREMY LIMN
#CREATIVE
WINTER Soft silk like snow in front of the shed
Vines abundant; the winter is almost over
Forever untouched; undecided we say;
It’s winters clothes the whiteness abound
Ages past and hence we stand on the hill
And I know there isn’t much to sow,
Tropical sunshine whispering out of the aether
Life under the mistletoe cannot be delayed.
And I loved the moment we sort our blow Hopefully you shall see that you’re not alone,
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Atom’s travel invisibly under your lips, Passages are closing thus the winter shall stay
TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: PRYDERI JONES
#CREATIVE
THE FINAL DOOR I awake to the warm tragedy of a bed soon abandoned. My legs ache in protest and my eyes are not yet open, but for one brief glimpse into the blinding furnace of seven thirty am. Soon my mind will entertain the usual crowd of thoughts- pros and cons of my participation in the morning, set against a nine minute soundtrack. The journey to the shower is ready with carefully conceived obstacles. It’s usually the bone chattering cold and the cruel requirement of nudity that gets me. I still need to fix the heat light. “OK” is the only word I speak before nine. It is always followed by a resigned and bitter sigh. My voice is a demonic blend of gravel and yesterday’s breath. I walk into the building like it owns me. The flash of a card and the nod to a guard is now completed without thought. I sink into the lift and am still surprised when it takes me upward. There is a final door to pass through and it doesn’t open easily. Sometimes the handle gets stuck and it takes more than I want to give. It’s the heaviest door I know and it makes an anguished creak when its hinges are forced into motion. The fleeting hope of a locked door is lost to the row of good-morning glares; limp, corporate meerkats barely alert to the disturbance of the desktop hum. Without offering an explanation, time moves slowly, quickly, and then slowly again until it is no longer required. The door is much more accommodating on the way out but the bed is cold and disappointed upon my return.
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WORDS: ANDREW GRAY
#CREATIVE
SOUND OF RAIN There is the soft sound of rain, the sound of it hitting glass while I sit there by the window, curled up with a Fleetwood Mac record playing. There is something comforting in the moment, the solitude, nobody knowing where I am, it’s just wonderful. The faint hint of buzzing comes from the side table, pulling me out of my thoughts. I don’t pay that much attention the message, it’s just a simple “Hi, I’m at your front door” message from my best friend, which I get about once a week. The record ends, so I shed the blanket and look for another to listen to, something relatively calm. Flipping through my record collection, I pull out a copy of How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. The rain is heavier now, the droplets casting shadows on the room, I sit alone, contemplating the simple beauty in the moment. Again my phone
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buzzes. I don’t check it, I just wish people could feel when I want to be alone, do nothing. Deciding to turn it off, I chuck it onto my bed, I don’t need it, and I don’t need to be inside the world right now. The hatch to my room flies open, and Catharine comes through, brushing her pastel blue hair to the side. I can tell she is annoyed at me, even though she smiles. It’s in her eyes. I lift my hand, give a little wave, a small smile, but there is nothing in it, I don’t really feel anything. “Hey, what’s up?” she asks, taking a seat next to me, covering herself with a blanket. “Nothing,” I reply. “Really? Cause you’ve been MIA for two weeks now,” “I’ve just been taking time to think,” I say as I look
out the window. For some reason I can’t bring myself to really look at her, I don’t want to make eye contact; I just want her to leave.
went to your old room, I looked and saw the hatch and rope ladder,” Catherine states. “You should come out with Justin and I,”
“For two weeks,” I nod my head. “Okay… um… Justin and I are going out tonight if you want to come?” she asks, hopeful that I will say yes.
I get up, put How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful away, turn to her and say: “No”
“I don’t feel like it,” “You can bring Lachlan,” In this moment I curl into a ball, resting my head on my knees, not wanting to look her in the eyes. “Lachlan isn’t speaking to me anymore,” I glance at her, she is making that face that everyone makes when you tell someone that your relationship with the person you like, and that you thought liked you, hasn’t actually progressed anywhere. I look back at the window, but I can hear her say “Why,” and I feel like I should reply, but I don’t want to. “Why, Noah?” she asks, forcefully. I look at her. “I don’t want to talk about it,” “Come on, tell me,” she demands, softly but eager. “What do you want me to say, Catherine? It didn’t work out, it wasn’t right?” I try to bite back the pain in my voice. “I mean, it would make sense if there was an actual reason, something I did or said? Right?” Her mouth opens, words ready to pour out, but she doesn’t speak. The sound of rain and music feels the void where voices should be. She stands, and I am so hoping she leave, but she goes to the bookshelf, walks by them as her fingers glide across their spines, I can hear her shoes hit the wooden floor. “Why did you move into the attic?” she asks, changing the subject. “I wanted a larger and more private space,” “Why did you hide the entrance?” “Again, privacy. Well, you found it,” I reply. Side A comes to an end. I grab my laptop from the side table and look through my music. Tiny Vessels by Death Cab for Cutie is the song I play. “I remembered you telling me that the fireplace in your old room only went to the attic and when I
“Why not?” “Do you remember when you, Justin and I were listening to records and you were trying to get me to change Nevermind for 1989 while Justin and I cuddled on the beanbag? He told me he loved me that night, kissed me, and told me that when he was with me, everything was perfect,” “Yeah,” She doesn’t look me in the eyes. “The next day he was in a relationship with someone else,” Again there is nothing but rain and music mixing together to fill the void where our voices should be. The pause between voices lasts for a few minutes, one song finishes, A Lack of Color starts. “That was eight months ago, Noah,” her voice fills the void softly. “Seriously?” I snap “You get all emotional over this guy who doesn’t even say ‘I love you’ and you talk about it for a year! God forbid I want to have feelings towards Justin and that fucking moment,” “Don’t get angry with me,” she says as she leans against the bookshelf. “I’m not angry with you,” “Well, what is wrong with you?” If Catherine could have disappeared in that moment, she would have. She says sorry, she cares, she cares, but I don’t listen. I walk over to the cabinet that holds the gin, pouring a gin and tonic, not listening to the words that come from her mouth. I place my drink on the side table; close my laptop and head to the records, pulling out Ultraviolence. “Noah?” I start side A of Ultraviolence as Catherine leaves; I grab the rope ladder and close the hatch behind her. Covering myself in a blanket, I drink my gin, listen to the music as the heavy sound of rain hits the window, casting shadows upon the room while I wade into the comfort of my thoughts.
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: JACK REDPATH
#SOCIETIES
Fossil fuels campaign
It has been a busy year for the fossil free UTas campaign, but the good news is we are making steady progress. The Divestment forum on campus in April attracted acclaim from the finance community, as well as university figures who believed it was a well run and balanced affair. This didn’t stop us from creating a bit of mischief however, when a few of our members peacefully occupied the Vice Chancellor’s office, demanding a formal response or formal representation to present at the April forum. In a meeting in late July with student representatives, the Vice Chancellor used divestment as an example of a standout community campaign. At the August 14 Rally on the Sandy Bay Campus the campaign attracted state-wide media coverage after 100 Fossil Free UTas members demanded UTas divest whilst occupying the Vice Chancellor’s office.
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A roadside banner in the lead up to the August rally ensured the message that UTas should divest to ensure a safe climate and safe future, reached thousands. Our message is finally sinking in - the university’s investment committee has invited Fossil Free UTas to present its case at their November meeting. This is the breakthrough we have all been working towards. But we can’t ease the pressure. The committee will only decide to divest if they feel they have the political cover to act; they need to see widespread student support for divestment from all quarters of the University. We need to get louder if we want to see our success continue. UTAS remains one of the largest fossil fuel investors in Tasmania, with around $30 million invested in the fossil fuel industry to date. You can take action by writing a letter to the Vice Chancellor, urging him to divest UTAS from the Fossil Fuel industry! Head to http://bit.do/utas-divest and follow the prompts.
TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: ROBOGALS UTAS
#SOCIETIES
Robogals
2015 has been another productive year for Robogals UTAS, with many interesting and exciting events still to come. If you are unfamiliar with Robogals, they are a global volunteer initiative dedicated to addressing the gender imbalance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects through robotics workshops, targeted towards young girls. Robogals mostly visits primary schools to teach students, but they also run workshops at libraries which are open to the general public. The purpose of this is to expose young girls to robotics and engineering programs which they often don’t have the opportunity to engage with due to cultural norms surrounding gender. “It’s so awesome being able to give girls the opportunity to play with, build and program robots, especially when some of them have never even used lego before,” said Secretary Ellen Manning. “I think we can very easily break this notion of “boy subjects” and “girl subjects”. We have taught primary school students who have later told us that they chose their high school based on the fact that it has a robotics course. So we really are making a difference!” “Being an engineering student, I noticed a huge lack of female students doing the same degree and
thought that I would like to do something about it,” said Training Manager Ed Williams. “Robogals is a way to introduce engineering and scientific concepts to school students (especially girls) where they otherwise might not have the opportunity. We hope to instill an interest in science and promote the pursuit of STEM subjects throughout their studies.” Robogals Utas has run some interesting sessions. Highlights include the home-schooled student’s robotics session and trips to Launceston and Burnie for schools visits. Still to come on the Robogals agenda is the annual Asia-Pacific conference training execs for their positions and the Robogals UTas Information and Networking evening at The Governor’s house. “We’re getting fancy and being celebrated in the Governor’s House later this year, and later having our annual conference in Sydney’s North,” said former President Ally Pasanan. Despite the name, Robogals is not an all female volunteer group, and it is not just for science and engineering students. Robogals is always looking for new volunteers to assist with robotics workshops and welcomes a diverse range of students to help with things like marketing and sponsorships. Make sure you check out Robogals in 2016!
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: HEIDI LA PAGLIA
#TUU
A year devoted to students
As the President of the only student union in Tasmania, I have had a wide range of experiences. Some of these – I have to admit – have made me want to quit and never come back. However, now that we’re approaching the end of the year; I’m glad I stuck it out. If you’re willing to give me a few minutes of your time, I would encourage you to read on and find out a bit about what I’ve been up to. Like every other President over the last few years, I started my term in late 2014 writing SSAF applications. While SSAF funding is something that the TUU receives every year; I managed to lock in funding for a few initiatives which distinguished 2015 from the years before it. This included funding to support students struggling with childcare costs, and wages to fund postgraduate student support staff. Thanks to SSAF, I have also been able to assist with a range of events for students. I won’t list all of them because that would probably take up the whole yearbook; but I’ll just talk about a couple I’m proud to have been involved in. The first thing that I think deserves a special mention is the role I played In hosting the Network
of Women Students Australia (NOWSA) conference this winter. After bidding for NOWSA to be at UTas when I attended it in Perth as the TUU Women’s Officer last year; I was pleased to be able to follow through with it. Running NOWSA this year allowed me to bring all of my roles together to bring a unique opportunity for women students to learn and network. Throughout this year, I have tried to make this a theme of the big projects I have put my time into. In addition to NOWSA, I think the TUU Student Balls reflected this well. The idea to run these came when I was put on the university’s 125th anniversary committee late in 2014. While this committee had a long line of celebrations organised, it was pretty disappointing to me that there was nothing planned specifically for the student body. It struck me pretty quickly that this was an opportunity to bring back the once annual TUU ball. Looking back, I am pretty proud that my participation on a university committee brought about events that catered to hundreds of students on every UTas campus. Other initiatives I worked on in my position on University committees were mainly focused on supporting disadvantaged students. Achievements
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I am proud of include creating student representatives for cultural diversity and equity on the student experience committee, and ensuring that the Universities Student Experience Plan addresses the needs of minority groups. At a time when the government is hostile to students; I think it is incredibly important that the TUU advocates for those who need it most. In addition to sticking to this principle on formal committees, I have been involved in a number of campaigns that are important to students. While the biggest campaign for the TUU this year has been the National fight against the deregulation of universities; I have worked with other representatives to support other important causes as well. Endorsing Constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, supporting Marriage Equality and demanding that the government scrap the tax on menstrual products represent just a few examples.
implementing positions which will allow the TUU to more effectively collect feedback about your learning experiences. If you’re around in 2015, you might like to consider joining our Education Council, or getting in touch with one of our regional representatives. We now have them on every campus – even Sydney On a structural level, I’ve also worked to give the TUU a good grounding to build collectives. Whether you’re interested in women’s or LGBTIQA advocacy, improving the inclusion of ethnically diverse students, or supporting students with disabilities and other welfare needs; I’m pleased to announce that there is an existing or emerging group for you to get involved in. While there is definitely still more to work to do in the TUU; I think I’ve done well with the cards I was dealt. I don’t really know if anyone will know my name in 10 years time, but what I do know is that 2015 is a year I will always remember.
Within the TUU I also worked on a number of changes to improve student representation. This included improving documentation to protect autonomous office bearers, developing better guidelines for TUU representatives, and
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: TOPHER WEBSTER
#TUU
Reasons to be Cheerful I’m out, I’m done, I’m off to try my luck in the real world about which I’ve heard so much. All the thousands of words that have passed through me have been condensed into the two little bits of paper which sit on the walls of my parents’ house, and into the letters which officiously follow my name. Farewell! Except I’m not really leaving. Too much of tiny Tassie and her lone uni have sunk into me. I, like many before me, will soon be leaving a small hole in the fabric of the Sandy Bay campus. My idea of what uni ought to be goes with me, leaving you poor undergrad bastards to figure it out all over again for yourselves. I’m sorry that what is left is such a shambles, but what can you do? History happens. I regret that, on our watch, everything fell apart. Some corporation bought our holy places (the UniBar) and now profiteers from what ought to be the source of our fun. We have had our ceremonies and services scraped from the functioning flesh of uni and relegated to the peripheries, some genetic hangover of hangovers, the appendix of the diseased student body. But! Though I graduate, the resistance lives on: the co-curricular exists, poor and freezing, banished to the streets and the biting Hobartian Winter. Barrels, our last bastion, perpetuate, despite the slow encroach of bureaucracy, which fires volleys of noise-complaints and nonsensical concerns. The ghosts of Students Past watch from the sealed
section of the UniBar, whilst the students of the future are forced to settle for less. Even without the resources of our predecessors, we make do. I fear our generation places too much stock in the real world and its jobs, and that we travel through uni as so many groceries down a conveyer belt, doomed to plastic bags and consumption; our reward. We ought to be enjoying the ride, rolling against the momentum, screaming and faking that our slow shuffle is a rollercoaster, before the hand of god swipes us by the light at the end of the tunnel and we leave this mortal coil with naught but a blip and a receipt. What bothers me is the numbers. The students of old had the advantage of a small population – smaller ponds make for bigger fish. Now we are as numerous and insignificant as rolling banks of plankton. Our loudest voices reach as many people as our forebears’, but a smaller percentage. Nothing catches, and nothing is caught. Maybe, if you were to watch the histories a little more closely, maybe, if you cared for the youthful & eternal soul of our uni, if you cared for our place in the history books, if you could see the gaps left by the ghosts of these students, then maybe, if you conveyor-beltfish-school-people took your eyes off the future and looked at each other, you could create something indecent enough to be deserving of a true student’s respect. A challenge, to you students of the future: impress me.
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TOGATUS
YEARBOOK
WORDS: CLARK COOLEY
#TUU
I’d like to move a motion that the TUU... This year has been one of progress in the Union. My first year as Northern Campus President has been a learning opportunity that has developed my experience and understanding in working with a wide range of people from all areas of life.
of the professionals and academics who make up the executive decision making body of the university. This allowed for more consultation on projects and input into decision making, an area in which the Union has previously found out of bounds.
Successes this year have been numerous. I am most proud of the relationships I’ve cultivated on behalf of the TUU with the Students of the North. In previous years, the reputation of the Union amongst Northern Students, particularly those of the AMC and our Sydney Campuses, has been lacking, leaving many students not feeling as though they are a part of something greater, as felt by those of our brothers and sisters in the South. Through events, activities and an increased social media presence, the reputation of the Union amongst Northern Students has grown dramatically. Our nearly weekly free food events with the AMC Student Association and in the new TUU Student Lounge has allowed student representatives to connect on a personal basis with the students we represent.
The role has provided many challenges however and incredibly emotionally draining excise, with many of the largest fights and campaigns for students services and rights not happening with members of the university, as some might expect, but with those from inside the Union itself. Student politics is one thing, but fighting with staff and other representatives for student events and activities is another. Many problems emerged over petty details of events, which caused members of the Union to resign and in some cases become one of just another of the negative trolls that social media is most unfortunately known for today. With State Council, we might not of started the year in the right direction, with the ritual North v South mentality dominating much of the discussion, but as the year progressed we began to bond closely together. While State Council often disagree on some ‘minor’ issues like deregulation, NUS affiliation, and our media policy we largely agree on the issues that students most care about including the need for better representation, the expansion of Union services for all students and the allocation of the much debated SSAF funding.
Free food, drinks and even Dicksy Cups however, isn’t the end of our growing relationship with students. A better reputation for student rights and campaigns has been central to my personal crusade for better services and amenities on campus. I’ve been central in putting more than $25,000 of new furniture in the Library, and instigated the construction of new bus stops for both the Newnham and Inveresk Campuses, as well as a University-wide art competition which saw applicants from many non-creative based faculties. A plethora of one on one conversations with students giving me unique insight that I’ve applied in my work on the university’s Academic Senate and other university committees. A more professional relationship with the university has allowed me to develop a relationship with many
Overall I feel blessed and grateful to have been given such an amazing opportunity to work with some great people within the Union and the University community at large. As I move to Hobart next year I won’t be contesting my position within the Union, but wish nothing but success to the future Northern Campus President, SRC, State Council and Board of Management. May they learn from our mistakes and grow the Union into the greatness it can be.
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Postgraduate Council Report By: Hina Durrani Postgraduate President When I was elected Postgraduate President, my greatest aspiration was to provide a positive university experience to my constituents. During my term in the position so far, I have ensured that events involve as many students as possible, aiming to include students from a variety of cultures and religions. One of the Postgraduate Council’s biggest initiatives this year was the networking events that were held during the month of Ramadan. The idea behind these successful events was to reach out to students during the lead up to exams. The events were held in the multi-faith center, and students were provided with a hearty meal. Judging by the smiles on the faces of those who attended, it was evident these events had been a success. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as Postgraduate President, and am looking forward to the activities planned for the remainder of the year.
A report from the North West By: Sue Kole Campus President (Cradle Coast) Cradle Coast Campus had many firsts this year. With the opening of a brand new student accommodation complex, work commencing at the Maker’s Workshop and refurbishments of faculty buildings, there has always been something to look forward to. In line with these changes, the SRC has been working hard to bring events to create an inviting campus culture for students. This has included Harmony day, Australia’s biggest morning tea, Stress Less Day, Bluestocking day, and R U Ok day. To celebrate the University’s 125th anniversary, the SRC also organised a public forum on how we as a community need to support today’s youth, and foster opportunities for young people on the North West Coast. Every year, Cradle Coast struggles to attract students to stand for SRC; with less than half the positions usually being filled. However, this means that the ones that do take on the roles work very hard to ensure the voices of our University’s most regional students are heard. I am glad to have represented students from the Cradle Coast campus again in 2015, and would like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm when we run events. I would also like to give a special mention to our student advocate officer Robyn Noyman, as without her support, many of the events we run throughout the year would not be possible.
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