Yak February 2012

INSIDE: APPSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL Lachlan Stevens recommends a few smartphone apps to get you through your first semester.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Learn how to find out just about anything on campus with Claire Young.

YAK MASS DEBATE Introducing our new column, where the important issues are debated by opposing sides.

ISSUE 5 / FEBRUARY 2012 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE U

CONTENTS 09

Cover design by Jessica Rykers

EDITORIAL Matt Hatton - Managing Editor Rowena Grant - Managing Editor Nick Turner - Deputy Managing Editor Claire Young - Deputy Editor Esther Savage - Deputy Editor Jessica McAneney - Deputy Editor Lachlan Stevens - Deputy Editor Angela Geddes - Lead Graphic Designer Jessica Rykers - Junior Graphic Designer Jock Spence - Promotions Officer

CONTRIBUTORS Ben Pickles - Design pgs, 9, 10-11, 12-13, 16 17, 21, 22, 24-25 Emily Wood - Contributing Writer, pg 4 Leicha Stewart - Contributing Writer, pg 7 Luke Layzell - Contributing Writer, pg 10 Myles Young - Contributing Writer, pg 11 Tom Carey - Contributing Writer, pg 24

SUBMISSIONS The Yak editorial team is always on the look out for passionate student writers and graphic designers to contribute to the magazine. If you would like to take the opportunity to get your work published, please send a sample of your writing to yakmagazine@newcastle.edu.au

ADVERTISING For advertising opportunities, contact Nick at yakmagazine@newcastle.edu.au

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12

APPSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL

YAK MASS DEBATE: SHORTLAND VS HUNTER

DO YOU HAVE A PRE-MATURE OPINION?

16

18

21

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

WHO WOULD HAVE FORT?

22

24

LONG ISLAND SOUND

THE USUAL STUFF

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

A-Z OF UNIVERSITY LIFE

04 Stalkerspace

06 Careers

04 Yak or Yuk

07 The Awkward Moment When...

04 Green U 05 Dear Bernie 05 Watt Space 06 Support U: Scholarships

07 How to: Survive University 14 What’s On 27 Vox Pops

yakmagazine@newcastle.edu.au

facebook.com/yakmagazine

twitter.com/yakmagazine Yak magazine is a free publication of UoN Services Ltd © 2012. www.uonservices.org.au Printed by PrintCentre on Callaghan Campus.

Get your free copy from press-points around campus on Monday, March 05

• YAK CHALLENGE: GOOD SAMARITANS • INTERVIEW WITH THE POTBELLEEZ • CLUBS & SOCIETIES YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

LETTER FROM

THE EDITORS MEET OUR MANAGING EDITORS,

ROWIE & MATT

NOW MEET THE YAK TEAM MANAGING EDITOR

ROWENA GRANT

Degree: B. Communication, 3rd year Age: 20 Uni Survival Tip: Throw yourself in the deep end That’s how you learn quickly!

MANAGING EDITOR

MATT HATTON

Four months and seven weeks ago our university brought forth on this campus a new magazine, sneakily conceived in awesomeness, and dedicated to the proposition that all students are created interesting.

Degree: B.Communication, 2nd year Age: 26 Uni Survival Tip: Always double-tap. You’ve gotta be sure.

Now we are engaged in a great coming of age, testing whether this magazine, or any magazine, so conceived and so dedicated, can long improve. We are met on a great battle-field of improvement. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as the final place where that awesomeness first was made so that this magazine might live on. It is altogether fitting and proper that we do this.

NICK TURNER

But, in a larger sense, we cannot improve, we cannot better, we cannot scribe upon these hallow pages. The brave students, published and not, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to improve or detract. The university will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it will never forget what they did here. It is for us the present, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who wrote here thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from those honoured unpublished we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave us the last full measure of responsibility – that we here highly resolve that these unpublished shall not have gone so in vain – that this magazine, under UoN, shall have a new birth of awesomeness – and that an editorial staff of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this place.

We have changed our ways to include even more of the people of the university campus, so as to fulfil our duty above and beyond. Fluff pieces are a thing of the past… mostly. Our content is evolving. Our audience has moved from niche to allencompassing. Our team has expanded and so has our Yak (he’s nearly the size of a woolly mammoth now). He shall consume more contributions and excrete higher quality results.

We hope you enjoy our Yaktacular new issue along with the new year.

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Degree: B. Arts, 3rd year (Please don’t hold it against me!)

Age: 22 Uni Survival Tip: Always wear Aerogard. Always.

DEPUTY EDITOR - ENTERTAINMENT & TECHNOLOGY

LACHLAN STEVENS

Degree: B. Communication, 2.5th year.

Age: 20 Uni Survival Tip: The cake is a lie.

DEPUTY EDITOR - REGULAR CONTENT

JESSICA MCANENEY

Degree: B. Communication, 3rd year Age: 21 Uni Survival Tip: Always carry spare change with you. you never know when you may need a coffee from Shortland or a beverage from Bar on the Hill!

DEPUTY EDITOR - REGULAR CONTENT

ESTHER SAVAGE

Degree: B. Communication, 3rd year Age: 22 Uni Survival Tip: Do not wear heels! Thongs and ballet flats are the way to go.

DEPUTY EDITOR - FEATURES & PROFILES

CLAIRE YOUNG

Degree: B. Communication, 3rd year Age: 21 Uni Survival Tip: If you need to go to the bathroom, definitely go to the toilets in the AIC. There’s a water feature and you can party underneath a disco ball - perfection.

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JESSICA RYKERS

Degree: B. Visual Communication Design Age: 20 Uni Survival Tip: Procrastination will be your best friend and your worst enemy! You’ve been warned.

PROMOTIONS OFFICER

JOCK SPENCE

Degree: B. Commerce / B. Law Age: 20 Uni Survival Tip: Be polite at Pinkies, they take crap all day!

Yak Magazine - February 2012

03

IZ 17 people like this

KATIE

To whoever left a packet of Zappos on the table next to me in the Flowers Room: I gave you over an hour to come back and claim them. They’re mine now. Kthanks!

Just spent 20 minutes watching my cat try and catch a bug instead of Lectopia. If only there were a Masters in Crazy Cat Lady.

17 people like this

KANE

Eleanor Abernathy could be the teacher...

1 person liked this

HERP

You have to do it via distance ed, attendance amongst the cat owning shut ins is very low, and none of them can stand being around each other.

5 people like this

KATIE

Mmmmm procrastibacon... *drools*

18 people like this

See more @ Newcastle University Stalkerspace Facebook page.

Online Grammar Nazis

32%

Sober Kebabs

36%

68% 64%

Yak

60%

Yuk

Yuk 85% Yak

The 100 Bus

15%

isn’t a work of fiction, but is

If you would like to participate in simply ‘LIKE’ the Yak Magazine Facebook page and let the science wash over you.

Don’t like Facebook but still want to participate?

That’s OK. You can also get in touch with us by email at yakmagazine@newcastle.edu.au or on Twitter: @YakMagazine.

04

Consider this: Australians create about 28 million tonnes of garbage every year. That’s enough waste to make a 950km traffic jam of full garbage trucks between Sydney and Brisbane. According to the Australian State of the Environment Committee, Australia is second only to the USA when it comes to domestic waste generation, making us the second highest producers of waste per head of population in the world.

• Remember to bring your reusable bags to the supermarket.

• Stop putting pizza boxes, plastic bags and take away coffee cups in the recycling – they do not belong there!

• Start a worm farm or compost.

Did you know that actually based

You need a better New Years resolution for 2012. You need a resolution that is achievable. A resolution that is both awesome and satisfying. Perhaps something that will save you both money, and the environment. It isn’t too late to commit to something.

Your New Year’s resolution? Get waste savvy!

79% 40%

Cats

Last year you decided you were going to learn German.

It didn’t happen. Use less Facebook? As if. How would you procrastinate without Stalkerspace?

When large amounts of this waste end up in landfill, it can cause a lot of damage. Food scraps disposed of in your general waste bin end up in landfill, where anaerobic decomposition occurs as the materials breakdown in the absence of oxygen. This process produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to air pollution and global warming. Methane and other toxins can also combine and condense into a liquid, or leachate, that carries toxins into groundwater.

Yak

21%

Pedantic Coffee Orders

NUSEC President and UoN Services Sustainability intern, Emily Wood, offers a New Years Resolution idea that you can actually see through!

Yak Magazine - February 2012

• Stop buying bottled water.

• Pick up three pieces of rubbish every time you go to the beach.

• Now, visit these websites for more suggestions and information:  www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/services/waste_ and_recycling

 www.arrr.com.au

Dear Bernie, Who should pay for the first date?

Ahhh, yes. This is an age-old question. A question that has been on the minds of some of the world’s greatest thinkers over the years. A question that, really, has taken up so much brainpower that I believe it is the sole reason we haven’t cured cancer yet.

Dear Bernie, Aqua and the Vengaboys are touring. Is it the 1990s or early 2012 in Australia at the moment?

The current creep of the 1990s into our current time stream is something that has been puzzling scientists since it was first noticed around the middle of last year.

Thankfully, after extensive research and being subject to some truly horrible music they have discovered the source of this strange phenomenon.

It’s all coming from Adelaide – if you can believe that.

It’s been widely acknowledged for a while now that Adelaide seems to have got itself stuck in the 1980s. Now it’s been proven by science.

What we’re seeing happen is that the Adelaide Restricted Space-Time Entropy is beginning to creep beyond its usual area in South Australia and out into other parts of the country.

Reports suggest that if this creep isn’t stopped before the end of the decade, it’s likely that the entire country will become one big Adelaide.

I don’t want to live in Adelaide.

It is widely accepted that there are four main ways this situation can be resolved: 1. He pays; 2. She pays; 3. 50-50 split; or 4. The person who instigated said date pays.

The approach you choose depends greatly on the situation in which you find yourself.

If, for example, you’re a traditionalist and demanding of chivalry then option 1 is for you.

If you’re a bit “girl power”, then option 2.

If the date wasn’t, by mutual agreement, any good then option 3.

Option 4 is probably the most logical and rational.

So there you go. Simply pick the one that best fits the circumstances in which you find yourself and your date.

Simple, eh?

Although you could just ignore this completely and just demand you pay for it if you think it was totally awesome, want to get out there as quickly as possible so you can jump the bones of the other party (with their consent, of course. That should go without saying, but people sometimes don’t think clearly in these situations).

Hope that helps :)

WATT SPACE? YOUR SPACE!

Jessica McAneney introduces the new look Watt Space for 2012.

Welcome to Watt Space, a regular feature on all things art at the University of Newcastle.

Located in the CBD of Newcastle, Watt Space is a contemporary art space that exhibits the work of current students of the University of Newcastle. The role of the gallery is to provide students with a range of opportunities in exhibiting, curating and gallery management. Established in 1989, Watt Space is funded by UoN Services Limited and supported by the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music.

Keep an eye on this space for new and inspiring art that will be featured at the gallery throughout 2012.

To volunteer your art, time and effort to this fantastic initiative, contact the relieving curator, Penny Finnigan or Fiona Heard, the current Watt Space intern below.

Watt Space Office Room GS 8, University Gallery Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan.

Phone: 02 4921 5188 wattspace@newcastle.edu.au Read our blog: at: wattspacegallery.wordpress.com

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

FEB 1 - FEB 19 {COLLABORATIVE } • The Air in Between • Colour of Love, Colour of Rainbow • Animism

CONTACT US

Email: wattspace@newcastle.edu.au Website: www.newcastle.edu.au/group/watt-space Facebook: Search: Watt Space Student Gallery of the University of Newcastle.

Watt Space Gallery, University House, Auckland St Newcastle. Open 12 noon -6 pm, Wed - Sun. Ph: 4921 8733

Yak Magazine - February 2012

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There are many times in your university degree that you shall embrace the excuse of being a ‘struggling uni student’. We’ve all used it several times, whether it is to explain the rush to Turnitin, a reliance on Centrelink or the need to be working several jobs amongst the bustling social life and demanding course work, with our priorities in order of course!

• Check the scholarship websites regularly. Criteria and particularly closing dates can change from time to time.

Sometimes this phrase is more than an excuse; it’s a financially dire situation. There are many ways the University of Newcastle can assist in this area.

• If your scholarship is sponsored or donor-funded, take the time to research your sponsor or donor.

It is respectful, and the information may help you know what to write in your application or interview.

The University of Newcastle offers a wide range of scholarships for students in both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework as well as in higher research degrees. The value of each scholarship varies and can range from $500 to $15,000 per annum. The majority of scholarships require applications to be completed by early 2012.

Along with the financial benefits scholarship recipients receive, there is the prestige associated with being awarded a scholarship that will be recorded on the recipient’s academic transcript. Here are some tips to help you if you are currently seeking or applying for a scholarship.

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• Check the eligibility criteria to see if you can apply.

• Apply for more than one scholarship – it increases your chances of winning one!

• Read the guidelines carefully. Some applications require additional documentation.

• Proof read your application before submitting. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member read over it before you submit.

• Don’t miss the deadline!

For more information contact University of Newcastle scholarships.

Phone: 4921 6404 or 4921 6539 Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au

he Careers Service is a great way for current and past students to get free information and advice about careers, study and employment.

fantastic Degrees to Careers web pages (www.newcastle.edu.au/ students/degrees-to-careers/) for upto-date information.

Whether you are exploring your study options, are unsure if you are in the right degree, want to prepare job applications and practice for interviews, or just want to get advice on preparing yourself for your future career, you can book an appointment with a Careers Counsellor. Careers Counsellors are available to help with the critical things employers are looking for, such as a well-prepared résumé and a great cover letter.

They’ll also help by providing you with information on the labour market, potential employers, and professional association contacts. Check out the

On-campus careers expos give students the chance to meet potential employers and explore career options. Brush up on your skills at our popular workshops - but make sure you register early as they book out quickly at the start of the year, especially with Graduate Program season upon us. If you’re interested in graduate programmes, collect your copy of the Graduate Opportunities book in the Careers Service office from late February.

Yak Magazine - February 2012

TAKE ACTION! Register on CareerHub (www. careerhub.newcastle.edu.au) to book an appointment or attend a workshop.

Careers Service Callaghan – SC2.12 Student Services Building Ourimbah – Student Support Unit. www.careerhub.newcastle.edu.au

SURVIVE : HOW TO UNIVERSITY

By Leicha Stewart

By Rowena Grant

W

e all know the moment. A minor detail turns into an epic tale of battles and frustration; a story takes too long to tell properly and both parties lose interest. Storytellers know they’ve gone too far when they see that look in the other’s eye.

Those on the receiving end try desperately to keep the smile on their face while their eyes scream, “Please, just stop talking!

Why the hell did I ask in the first place?!”

Hi, my name’s Rowena and I am an over-sharer. I, too, have seen the signs and symptoms of both the giving and receiving end of over-sharing. However, I normally see the receiving end through my own eyes as friends, customers and family members begin to feign interest and start awkwardly looking around for some escape pod or ejector seat to get them the hell away from me.

I hadn’t realised how much I over-share until about a month ago when I was serving a customer at work. Having finished the transaction, they were slowly backing away towards the door while I tried to finish my story and keep the conversation going.

I saw the look in their eyes and quickly cut myself off. After they left, I turned to my Assistant Manager as I slowly asked “I overshare, don’t I?” Not trying to spare my feelings, but being honest like a true friend, she replied with a simple and blunt “Yep.” But what is it that prompts over-sharers to be like they are? I first assumed it was because I’m from a small town and like to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone, because I am generally interested in what they do. However, statistically, over-sharers don’t just come from small towns. If they did, it could be explained by something in the water – a disease only people from small towns get from drinking a bug called Friendliness. However, being from a small town, I know there are just as many under-sharers as there are over-sharers.

So, is over-sharing just friendliness, or is there something deeper in our psyche that we just don’t know is there? While having a chat to Anna and Michael at the Counselling Service, I found out that ‘over-sharing’ can often be someone reaching out – they just don’t have the social skills to realise when to stop.

Instead of stopping people from ‘over-sharing’, what we really should be doing is getting rid of the negative connotations of the term. Over-sharing is done for many reasons, and we should have a more open attitude towards it than most currently do.

What it comes down to is that over-sharing can be an advantage. I’ve always been of the opinion that you’re better off being faithfully yourself (with all of your flaws on show) when you meet new people. It’s more comfortable for you, and if people respond well to it then it’s a great confidence builder and bodes well for your friendship.

As for those on the receiving end of an over-sharer’s life story, maybe you should just sit and listen for a bit. You might learn something!

Ah university, the good life. Being a student means that even though we are all time poor and money poorer we still have the option (some might say obligation) to skip that study session on a sunny Wednesday afternoon and play frisbee in the park instead.

Here are a few suggestions for surviving and perhaps even enjoying the uni experience, because, let’s face it, one day most of us will be working in offices where ducking out for the afternoon to play frisbee will be frowned upon.

In the interests of making sure you receive everything you’re entitled to (aka getting as much money as possible), I have found that information you get from certain government departments can differ dramatically depending on who you talk to. So before you give up on rent assistance because your name isn’t on the lease, speak to at least three different people. One of them will probably have the answer.

Stalkerspace may be a tool of mass procrastination, but ultimately it will keep you sane and remind you that we’re all in this together. Similarly, try to remember that if you’re freaking out over some particularly vague assessment outlines, and you don’t know what to do, or what they want from you, just know that everyone in that class is feeling the same frustration, ev-er-y-one.

Recycle your parking tickets! If you have morning classes and leave at 1pm, put your parking ticket back in the machine like the upstanding campus citizen you are. Then next semester, when you have afternoon classes, karma will owe you a few freebies.

Make friends with someone who works in a café or, alternatively, get a job in a café. Free coffee is the best thing that can happen to you on any given day of the week.

Use these tips wisely, and don’t be afraid! University life is a rewarding experience; you just have to work out how to live it.

Yak Magazine - February 2012

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+ LOCAL SUPPORT BAND, the zillers

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BRENNAN ROOM SHORTLAND BUILDING DOORS OPEN 7.30pm

ALL A G E S E V E N T GT Bar open for 18+, ID REQUIRED. Terms & conditions apply. See www.uonservices.org.au for details.

By Lachlan Stevens - Designed by Ben Pickles

Angry Birds

Available for: Android, iOS

Come on, you’re not just at university to work, work, work are you? On our list of useful apps is Angry Birds, which offers nothing if not a little escape from the stress and hullaballoo that is the life of a university student.

If throwing disgruntled looking birds at a bunch of green pigs sounds like something you’d enjoy, then I’d thoroughly recommend giving this game a go.

Falling asleep in that lecture? No problem, just pull out your phone and play a few levels of Angry Birds. That boring person giving their class presentation? Well, I’m sure you’d need to be a little careful about it… but play Angry Birds nonetheless!

The game itself has a fairly simple gameplay premise, with the object of each level being to kill or destroy each of the green pigs dotting the landscape with your aforementioned titular characters. There are plenty of levels included in the game, and it’s surprisingly addictive to say the least.

Blackboard Mobile Learn

Available for: Android, iOS

If you’re a good student, you’re probably on Blackboard at least once a day to check for updates, participate in class discussions and just generally making sure you’re on track to pass your courses.

If that sounds like you, having Blackboard Mobile Learn on your phone is an ideal way to keep up to date with your coursework even when you aren’t at the computer.

Hell, even if you’re like me and only check Blackboard to submit assignments and check your marks, this little app has everything you need.

DropBox

Available for: Android, iOS, OSX, Windows

DropBox is the cloud version of the USB thumb drive. By joining up with DropBox, you get 2GB of free storage that you can use to upload anything you like – documents, videos, photos and music.

Available for computers, mobile phones and even tablet devices, DropBox allows you to make sure you have your assignments with you wherever you go, whether it’s at home, uni, or your friend’s place.

The cool thing about the program is that when it’s installed on your computer, it acts like any other folder. So if you had a folder on your DropBox account named “Porn stash”, you can open up your folder, and view all the goodies inside as though it was a folder on your computer. [Editor’s Note: But no one actually keeps their porn in a folder labelled as such, do they? Surely not .]

The mobile version of the app is a little different to this, and you’ll have to download your files rather than them syncing straight to your phone, but the idea is no less novel.

DropBox is such a good idea that we here at Yak use the service extensively to keep in touch when we’re out of the office. The generous storage amounts and fast download speeds make it easy and convenient to use.

Transport Info

Available for: Android, iOS

Transport Info is an app that allows access on the fly to the full database of the State Transit Authority’s bus, train, tram and ferry routes. It’s a useful service, and beats lugging around paper bus and train timetables.

This service is especially useful for those of us travelling a long way for uni. With increasing amounts of students travelling from Gosford and beyond to attend uni every day, it’s pretty essential to have public transport information at your fingertips. Luckily, this app will have you covered.

Yak Magazine - February 2012

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By Luke Layzell & Myles Young Designed by Ben Pickles

A

s a student and staff member who has been at UoN for the last six years, I have always believed the Shortland side of Callaghan campus (which includes Architecture!) to be better than the Hunter side. Before I can prove this, I need a clearly defined boundary between both sides of campus.

I have always viewed the little river that intersects Ring Road to the west of the engineering building and runs from the wetlands (north of engineering) to intersect Ring Rd again to the east of the Math Bus Stop, as the boundary.

side of campus, so we like to keep the public looking at that side (it is at the front of Campus after all!). For those who didn’t pick up on it, it’s called the GREAT Hall. Because it’s great! The Hunter side doesn’t have anything great! Although, as one engineering student put it, Hunter has “the Hunter building, which is absolutely impossible to navigate without a ball of yarn”. Not all that is great is good.

Naturally there are a lot of other reasons Shortland is better than Hunter.

Here are a couple:

The main reason I believe Shortland is better is because that is where the Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSCIT) resides. FSCIT is clearly the best faculty as it promotes science. Without science the world would be completely different. We would have no more shopping trips to Melbourne without science. That train station on the Hunter side of campus would be useless as you wouldn’t have trains without science. You know those bands that visit Bar on the Hill? Well without science the bands wouldn’t be able to fly/drive/train to UoN and therefore wouldn’t be playing at UoN to begin with (or would have really sore feet! Yep, no shoes either!).

Those were the only things that I could think of that the Hunter side has going for it, and they wouldn’t exist without science!

Have you noticed that graduation ceremonies are held in the Great Hall, which is located on the Shortland side? That’s because it is the best

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Yak Magazine - February 2012

1) Shortland has Callaghan campus’ only multi story car park.

2) We have more possums!

3) The security office is located on the Shortland side. (That has to count for something, right?!)

4) The Shortland side has a larger variety of eateries, including Isabellas restaurant and Bytes Cafe which has the best coffee/tea on campus (the second being the Coffee Cart - also on the Shortland side of campus).

5) We have UoN’s first (and Callaghan’s only) 24/7 computer room, not to mention the biggest library (which happens to be the Dapper Gentleman’s workplace!).

6) In the middle of the Shortland side, we have a nice big hill that is great for picnics, especially with the water fountain!

-Luke Layzell, Shortland Hub Staff Member and B. Environmental Science and Management Alumnus.

A

s a psychology undergraduate between 2006 and 2009, I spent the majority of my studying days on the Shortland side of uni. As a result I’ve got a pretty good idea of what it has to offer: a couple of nice grassy slopes, good coffee cart near the CT building and the only Subway I have ever been to where your sandwich is finished before you have even ordered (caveat emptor). However, after graduating I got a job with the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, which is on the Hunter side, and my eyes were opened to a whole new world.

Where Shortland has a fountain, Hunter has a 50m indoor heated pool.

Where Shortland has the multi-level ‘mirage’ of a carpark, Hunter has the free train station parking lot. Oh right

– Hunter also has its own train station!

Shortland may have a larger Pinkies lolly shop, but Hunter has The Forum fitness centre and I’m pretty sure I know which one will get more use after the Christmas holidays.

Sure, Shortland has the GT bar with its wacky interior decorating, but if you’re looking for a coldie, Bar on the Hill is pretty hard to beat. This is one of the best places to enjoy a celebratory Friday afternoon drink, and a surprisingly great venue for a Monday morning caffeine hit. This venue has also housed Australian greats like Silverchair, Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe, Bodyjar, Frenzal Rhomb, Jebediah and Regurgitator.

Bar on the Hill also houses my favourite Autonomy Day memory when I watched a strange, scruffy

man drink an entire schooner out of his shoe. Amazing.

Of course, the Hunter side also contains the famed Hunter Building aka mankind’s best attempt at replicating the rabbit warren . Pros: sunny courtyards, reasonably priced sandwich shop, quiet library. Cons: May require a Marauders’ Map to get around (I think I came across the Room of Requirement while I was trying to find my way to an exam in HE10). However, with that said, if you ever need a place to lie low for a while, you’ll know where to go.

-Myles Young Research Assistant, School of Education and B. Psychology Alumnus.

Yak Magazine - February 2012

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By Claire Young - Designed by Ben Pickles

Choose the best answer: A mature aged student is … a) Someone who is old and didn’t have to work hard to get into university. b) Someone who loves asking a question just as the lecture is about to end. c) More than you think.

If you answered A …

You are INCORRECT At the University of Newcastle, all students have to qualify to be offered a place here and they work hard to do so. Did you know that there are several options for entry to UoN? Getting an ATAR in the HSC and coming straight to university is only one of them.

Many students decide to apply for university after a break from school or after completing a TAFE qualification. Our Newstep Program (designed for 17-20 year olds) and Open Foundation Program (for those 20 and older) provide students who do not have a recognised qualification or an ATAR score the opportunity to gain an equivalent qualification to apply to university.

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Yak Magazine - February 2012

According to Angela Asquith, a current student who is studying nursing, Open Foundation is the perfect stepping stone to university for mature aged students.

“The program gives you an insight into university life and what is expected of you in assignments,” she says.

“It also introduces you to the IT side of things and allows you to get familiar with the University campus.”

Our Yapug program is designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people develop skills for entry into university. A current student who completed Yapug and is now studying a Bachelor of Primary Teaching is Sarah Wenham.

Sarah is a mature aged student and decided to go to university so that she could increase her options,

and Yapug was the perfect way to gain entry. Yapug is run through the Wollotuka Institute at UoN. “Education is so powerful and succeeding at university gives you choices,” she says.

Before Sarah started studying here she had limited choices that weren’t allowing her to be where she wanted to be in life. She discovered that through completing Yapug, and pursuing an undergraduate degree, she could have more opportunities open up for her in the future.

If you answered B …

You are INCORRECT We’ve all heard the story. It’s the last thirty seconds of class, students are packing away their notebooks and

pens and then a mature aged student slowly raises their hand in the air…

Although this may happen at times, it’s not the case for all mature aged students.

“I want to get out of class just as quickly as everyone else,” Sarah jokes.

“One of the reasons why we might ask more questions is because when you’re a mature aged student you don’t have time to muck around.

When you’re studying full time and you have three jobs, you want to get it right the first time and you don’t want to hang around any longer than you have to.”

You heard right, not only does Sarah study full time (50 units!) she also works three jobs and has a two year old daughter. As you can imagine this leaves no time for confusion about assignments.

Angela also stressed that students should never be too afraid to ask a question if there’s something they don’t understand. “I always ask questions. I don’t particularly worry if it’s a silly question because it’s good to know that you’re on the right track.”

from high school. For Angela it was especially difficult. “Chemistry was challenging and I had times where I could have thrown it in, but I persevered and the teachers I had were great and offered a lot of support.”

“When I first started my nursing degree I spoke to my tutor and she said make sure you have a day just for you and your family and that has been really great advice,” she says.

If you answered C …

Regardless of what you have heard about mature aged students, chances are that you’ll be interacting with a fair few throughout your university experience, so you’ll be able to make up your own mind on whether age really matters.

You are CORRECT You only have to briefly listen out on campus to overhear conversations about the preconceptions some people have about mature aged students. But how true are these preconceptions? Can we really judge a whole group of students based on a few experiences that some individuals may have had?

It’s refreshing to hear that when Angela and Sarah were asked if they had been treated differently by other students due to their age, both said they hadn’t experienced any hardships.

“I can’t say I’ve ever noticed any students treating me differently in my personal environment at university,” Angela says.

So the next time you see a mature aged student asking a question, stop and think about what their circumstances may be and consider what they had to do to achieve their place at university.

Sarah says she has heard of the rumours about mature aged students, but she had also not experienced anything unpleasant. She comments on how great it is to be studying at university with people of all ages.

“I hadn’t written an essay from when I left school in 1976 till I started Open Foundation in 2008” Angela says.

“I had one friend through University who was in his 70s and another who was 18 which was fantastic.”

For some students, university might not have been possible while they were growing up. Angela reflects on how times have changed since she was a teenager.

Both women admitted that at times it can be tough to be a student and that getting a good balance between uni, family, work and study commitments can be hard, especially when you have children. Due to this, they have each found ways to organise their lives and prioritise what is needed to be done.

“For me [university] wasn’t an option.

I finished school in Year 10 and back then there was no encouragement, particularly for young girls, to go on.

It just wasn’t something I considered when I was young.”

Angela aspired to be a nurse and chose courses within Open Foundation that would help her succeed in the Bachelor of Nursing.

This included subjects like chemistry and life sciences which can be hard even for students coming straight

Sarah found that a good way to stay on top of her uni work was to start assignments early and just do little chunks each night.

“Sometimes that might only be writing 200 words a night but if I start early, that means I can get it done.”

Angela found it helpful to make sure she had one day a week that was unifree and dedicated to family time.

“You have to make a conscious effort to have time out.”

Sarah has some great advice for students who’ve just started studying here and for those who are thinking about going to university.

“Don’t be scared of uni,” she advises.

“You will meet people from all walks of life and your world will open up.

You will be able to talk to people and see outlooks on life that you haven’t even considered before. You can provide knowledge and be a role model for others by showing them that you can achieve things if you put your mind to it.”

Mature aged student or not, university is all about jumping in and giving it a go. So what are you waiting for?

Get that hand up in the air and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re confused... Maybe just not in the last minute of class.

01 WEDNESDAY 14 TUESDAY 02 THURSDAY 15 WEDNESDAY 03 FRIDAY 04/05 SAT/SUN Bar Bingo 2.30pm - GT Bar

Pool Comp 2.30pm - GT Bar

University - What’s It All About?

5pm - 7pm - Hunter Building [HB15]

06 MONDAY

Wind-Up Wednesday 3pm - 7pm - Bar on the Hill

07TUESDAY

16 THURSDAY

08 WEDNESDAY

Trivia 2.30pm - GT Bar

09 THURSDAY

David Campbell 8pm - Belmont 16 Footers University - What’s It All About?

4pm - 6pm - Lecture Theatre 1, Ourimbah

10 FRIDAY

11/12 SAT/SUN 17FRIDAY Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne Heart Saturday, 5pm - Ausgrid Stadium

13 MONDAY Back to Study Workshop [Students aged 20+] 12pm - 2pm - Lecture Theatre 1, Ourimbah

23 FEB

Break Out Comedy Tour with Rhys Nicholson Genevieve Fricker Ronny Cheing & Matt Okine 7.30pm - 9.30pm Bar on the Hill

24 FEB

Taste of the World Beer Festival Saturday, 6pm - 10pm Newcastle Harness Racing Club

Nobby’s Lighthouse Open to Public Sunday, 10am - 4pm Taste of the World Beer Festival Sunday, 12pm - 5pm Newcastle Harness Racing Club Back to Study Workshop [Students aged 20+] Saturday, 9am - 3.30pm Great Hall

O-WEEK

20 MONDAY ELFS/YAPUG Orientation 9.30am - Birabahn Building International Student Orientation 10am - Griffith Duncan Theatre

Poker 2.30pm - GT Bar

O Week Expo 10am - 3pm - Brennan Room

Cricket: Australia vs Sri Lanka 2.20pm - Sydney Cricket Ground

Obstacle Course 10am - 3pm Auchmuty Courtyard

Rural and Out-of-Area Workshop 3.30pm - 5pm - Hunter Building [HB15]

Wii Wars 5pm - GT Bar

18/19SAT/SUN

Rural and Out-of-Area Workshop 4pm - 6pm - Lecture Theatre 1, Ourimbah

Free Music 1pm - 2pm Auchmuty Courtyard Newie’s Shout 2pm - 5pm - Bar on the Hill Free Music 3pm - 4.30pm Bar on the Hill

O-Party 2012 with Deep Sea Arcade Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! & local band, The Zillers.

All Ages Event Doors open 7.30pm Brennan Room

FEBRUARY 21 TUESDAY

23 THURSDAY

Health Orientation Day 9am - 4pm - Great Hall

Business & Law Orientation 9am - 4pm - CT202

Free Pancake Breakfast 8.30am - Hunter Courtyard

O Week Expo 10am - 3pm - Brennan Room

O Week Expo 10am - 3pm - Brennan Room

Bouncey Boxing 10am - 3pm Auchmuty Courtyard

Free Music 1pm - 2pm Bar on the Hill Open Foundation Orientation [Sessions 1 & 2] 2pm - 5.30pm - SRLT2 Newie’s Shout 2pm - 5pm - Bar on the Hill Free Music 2.30pm - 4pm Auchmuty Courtyard

22 WEDNESDAY

Education & Arts Orientation 9am - 4pm - Great Hall O Week Expo 10am - 3pm - Brennan Room Slam Dunker 10am - 3pm Auchmuty Courtyard Free Music 1pm - 2pm Auchmuty Courtyard Newie’s Shout 2pm - 5pm - Bar on the Hill Free Music 2.30pm - 4pm Bar on the Hill

Free Music 1pm - 2pm Auchmuty Courtyard

FEB

Newie’s Shout 2pm - 5pm - Bar on the Hill Free Music 2.30pm - 3.30pm Bar on the Hill Soccer: Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United 8pm - Ausgrid Stadium

28 TUESDAY Common Lunch Hour BBQ 12pm - 1pm Bar on the Hill & Auchmuty Courtyard Trivia 1pm - Bar on the Hill Bar Bingo 4pm - GT Bar

29 WEDNESDAY

Newie’s Shout 2pm - 5pm - Bar on the Hill

O-Party with Deep Sea Arcade Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! & local band, The Zillers.

Free Music & Comedy 3.15pm - 4.30pm Bar on the Hill

All Ages Event Doors open 7.30pm Brennan Room

Pool Comp 3pm - GT Bar

GT Bar open for 18+, ID required

Wind-Up Wednesday 3pm - 7pm - Bar on the Hill

U Members: FREE entry Students: $5 Others: $10

Bar on the Hill Gig Owl Eyes

25/26 SAT/SUN

Tix: U Members: $10 Students: $12.50 Guests: $15

Break Out Comedy Tour with Rhys Nicholson Genevieve Fricker Ronny Cheing & Matt Okine 7.30pm - 9.30pm Bar on the Hill Tix: U Members: FREE Students: $5 Others: $10

24 FRIDAY Engineering Orientation 9am - 4pm - Nursing Theatre Science & IT Orientation 9am - 4pm - Great Hall Free Pancake Breakfast 8.30am - Auchmuty Courtyard O Week Expo 10am - 3pm - Brennan Room Human Foosball (free!)

10am - 3pm Auchmuty Courtyard

29

Free Music 1pm - 2pm Auchmuty Courtyard

Cricket: Australia vs India Sunday, 2.20pm - Sydney Cricket Ground

WEEK 1

27MONDAY Wii Wars 3pm - GT Bar Poker 6.30pm - Bar on the Hill

Trivia 1pm - GT Bar

Doors open 7.30pm Bar on the Hill

01 THURSDAY/MARCH UCard Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm - GT Bar

02 FRIDAY/MARCH UCard Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm - Bar on the Hill

03/04 SAT/SUN

Bar on the Hill Gig Owl Eyes

Pre-sale tix available on campus at:

Doors open 7.30pm Bar on the Hill

U Contact Bar on the Hill

By Claire Young Designed by Ben Pickles

periods each year. With this in mind, an opportunity was seen to create an open-access database of frequently asked questions. It’s called ‘Ask UoN’ and it’s really easy to use.

UoN Enquiries deal with hundreds of calls each day from prospective students, current students and members of the general public about anything and everything to do with university life. Regardless of what your question is, a friendly staff member will pick up the phone and help you find the answer you need.

What many people don’t realise is that asking your question over the phone is just one way you can access important information. UoN Enquiries aim to offer students various ways through which they can find accurate and up-to-date information. Their goal is to leave no student feeling confused and have no question left unanswered.

It’s no secret that people love to talk, and that probably explains why so many people choose to ask their questions over the phone. UoN Enquiries’ Manager, Marty Mag Uidhir, took note that students were calling up with the same questions at the same key time

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Yak Magazine - February 2012

All you have to do is type in a question and click ‘go’. Within seconds you will have a list of links to relevant information based on keywords from your question. Ask UoN has hundreds of questions and answers, but if you can’t find the specific answer you’re looking for you can forward your question to the enquiry centre team and a member of staff will get back to you with a personal response.

“Initially we weren’t too sure of how successful Ask UoN would be,” Marty says. “We were surprised by how quickly it was taken up by students – the growth within the first fortnight was exponential. There were four questions asked in the first day, 70 in the second and 220 on the third.”

Considine, reinforced just how many alternatives there are.

“A student can call us at UoN Enquiries, send us an email, ask us questions on our Facebook pages, drop into a Hub on campus for face to face help or go with the easiest option which is to go to Ask UoN for information on a 24/7 basis,” he says.

Earlier in 2011, the team worked to create Facebook pages including ‘Newie’s Guide to UoN’ and ‘UoN Students’. Timely pieces of information and tips are sent out to students through status updates. It created a new online space where students could post questions they had on the wall of both pages.

Ask UoN is only getting more successful which shows that students love the immediacy of answers that they can get at any hour of the day or night.

What surprised staff members was that a lot of students seemed to be checking the Facebook pages more regularly than their studentmail accounts (Editor’s Note: this came as no surprise to the Yak team, you hip folk are probably updating your status, texting your bestie, watching a YouTube clip and reading this article all at the same time).

2011 also saw the team make leaps and bounds in other areas, which gave students several other options of finding the answers to their questions.

Team Leader of UoN Enquiries, Patrick

This reliance on social media for information was made evident to UoN Enquiries during the semester two enrolment period last year. One of the busiest times of the year is when

students have to enrol in class. It’s times like these that students tend to call about when their classes will be open for enrolment and what they need to enrol in.

During the second semester enrolment period, phone lines at UoN Enquiries started to jam up with dozens of calls waiting in the queue.

In an attempt to reduce the calls, Marty and his team updated their Facebook and Twitter pages with key information and put up a notice on University of Newcastle Stalkerspace.

“Literally minutes after doing that, the phonecalls just started to slow down because everyone was watching the social media pages for updates,” Marty says. “We let them know through 140 characters that ‘course x’ is not open and when it did open we let them know that too. It wiped out major pressure being put on us and minimised the stress on students who couldn’t get through to us on the phone.”

UoN Enquiries have done so well with advancements in enhancing the student experience that they were recognised by the University with the team receiving a Vice Chancellor’s award for general staff excellence late last year.

The VC congratulated the team and said that UoN Enquiries had been pro-active and innovative in their delivery of new technologies and multimedia products.

Patrick agrees with the VC and believes the recognition is well-deserved. “It’s a reward for all the hard work our team has slogged out,” Patrick says. “I could not be more proud of the people I work with and it was great to be recognised by the University.”

university life, we will do our best to give them an answer.”

In saying that, before you run to grab your phone the next time you’re confused, stop and think about checking Ask UoN. It could save you a lot of time and stress… unless of course you’re in the gargoyle business.

Marty agreed with the sentiments expressed by Patrick. “As a whole I am very proud of our team,” he says. “We employ a variety of different people who are intelligent, enthusiastic and willing to work hard.”

Regardless of how they communicate with students, Patrick wants one thing to be clear - that no enquiry is too small… and he means it!

They’ve tried their best to answer a few peculiar questions including whether you can determine a frog’s species by its ribbit, if the weather will be cold enough for a cardigan tomorrow and whether there are any art students that are particularly skilled in gargoyle sculpting.

“As bizarre as some enquiries can be, we do want people to know that if they have a question related to Yak Magazine - February 2012

17

By Lachlan Stevens - Designed by Angela Geddes

ith our pristine beaches and laid back lifestyle, it’s hard to believe that Newcastle was once on the front line of defence against possible attacks from Japanese forces in World War II. But indeed it was, and it was also among the few defensive sites to see action during wartime periods.

Fort Scratchley has a long and varied history that dates back to the earliest decades of New South Wales’ existence as a colony.

Over two hundred years ago, a coal-fired beacon was placed on Flagstaff Hill, the name given to the high cliffs adjacent to Nobby’s Beach, to help guide ships into the harbour.

The high ground was a useful navigation point, but it wasn’t long until it was decided that an area with such an extensive overwatch of the surrounding area would be an ideal place for defensive fortifications, and in the mid1800s the site was acquired by the military.

Amidst fear and rumour of a possible Russian invasion, the site was upgraded with the provision of two guns in 1866.

Throughout the years, different and upgraded types of weapons were installed on site.

During the Second World War, the Fort’s famous moment occurred. On the June 8, 1942 Japanese submarine I-21 came close to Newcastle and attempted to shell the city’s valuable shipyards. Fort Scratchley fired back and while it did not hit its target, the danger of being hit was such that the Japanese submarine was driven away from the city.

18

Yak Magazine - February 2012

The attack on Newcastle did no lasting damage to the city, though a house located on Parnell Place was seriously damaged.

It was this event that leaves Fort Scratchley with the distinction of being one of the only land-based defensive sites to fire upon opposing forces during World War II. Throughout the post-war years the Fort was the base of 113th Field Battery before becoming a historical site.

In 2004 the Fort was closed for a local- and Federalgovernment funded restoration, reopening in 2008 with the inclusion of a museum onsite. The restoration took years longer than planned due to conflict between the Newcastle City Council and Federal Government over funding for the venture. Eventually an agreement was made, wherein the Federal government would fund the restoration before handing over the site to the Council who would manage its usage.

Upon reopening, Federal MP Greg Combet (representing Julia Gillard) said that Fort Scratchley existed as a “reminder of the role that Newcastle has played in the defence of our nation”.

be sure. The two 6-inchers produce enough sound and force to keep you on your toes. They’re fired on Labour Day, Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the Queen’s Birthday, among other occasions as communicated by the Fort.

We first caught up with the guys from Fort Scratchley back in September last year for our Yak challenge of the month.

The team of dedicated volunteers which keep the venue running were ecstatic at the thought of an influx of younger people to the site.

“What we don’t want to happen is for the kids and the next generation around the region to forget Newcastle’s history,” Grahame, a member of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society, says.

“The Fort allows the history of Newcastle to live on.”

But while the volunteers dress in period military attire and lead tours around what was a crucial part of Australia’s defensive capabilities during wartime periods, they were at pains to convey the fact that war isn’t something that they enjoy.

“We aren’t warmongers,” one of volunteers comments.

“What you see during the tour is a history lesson. It’s a look back on some of Australia’s proud and beautiful history. If you really look at it, the tour has nothing to do with war.”

If it had not been closed during the infamous 2007 Queen’s Birthday long weekend, when Dutch freighter the MV Pasha Bulker ran aground on Nobby’s Beach, it no doubt would have seen an influx of interested tourists and locals eager to catch a glimpse of the vessel.

Today, Fort Scratchley is one of the most picturesque locations in the Hunter region, taking in views of the Pacific Ocean and Hunter River as well as impressive views of the city.

The Fort’s guns are fired on special occasions and, having experienced it first-hand, it’s an impressive display to

Entry to the site is free, allowing visitors to explore the buildings and the site’s parade ground.

For those after a little more information and detail, a guided tour is available which takes in the museum above-ground as well as a tour of the extensive tunnels under the fort, which originally ran for a huge distance under the city of Newcastle, allowing underground access to a number of important defensive locations in the city. The tour is priced at $8 for concession or $15 for adults.

Whether you’re after a look at the historic site, its tunnels, or just a good place to sit and take in the scenery of Newcastle and its surrounds, Fort Scratchley has plenty to offer.

Yak Magazine - February 2012

19

D-UP COMI DON’T MISS FOUR OF THE HOTTEST YOUNG STAN

CS IN THE COUNTRY!

RHYS NICHOLSON | GENEVIEVE FRICKER | RONNY CHEING | MATT OKINE

t u o k a e r b COMEDY TOUR

thursday, 23 february bar on the hill, 7.30pm

entry:

u members: free students: $5 others: $10

TIX: U contact, bar on the hill, or at the door.

O

ne often hears the expression ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. Romcoms use it to convince the gorgeous Channing Tatum lookalike to fall for the sweet, but socially awkward, schoolgirl. It is the line that makes you look twice at the shy guy who remembers your coffee order, and doesn’t judge you for it.

“Self managed funds is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia and I saw an opportunity to exploit this market, by developing Engage Super Audits.”

In the past seven years, not only has Jo been busy with her four children, she has seen her business grow to being one of the leading financial super advisors in Australia.

It is also a line that describes Jo Heighway, who herself admits that, at first glance, she does not look like a leading financial super advisor with an abundance of credentials to her name.

Jo Heighway is a young businesswoman, owner and entrepreneur whose dedication to bettering her own education has proven successful on a number of accounts.

“Education has been the key to my success, as I believe that pursuing not only an education, but the best, high quality education that you can, contributes to a young person,” says Jo. In 2005, Jo started Engage Super Audits from her lounge room, offering auditing services to other accountants thanks to her education in financial planning, superannuation and auditing.

“Being in the industry for many years, I saw a growing need for accountants to be able to have their work audited without doing it in house or by a competitor,” says Jo.

“Once I was awarded the NSW Young Business Woman, I progressed to the national levels, where the editor of marie claire, Jackie French, and other judges reviewed my achievements.”

It was then that Jo Heighway was named The marie claire Young Business Woman for 2011 at the Annual Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Jo still recalls her time at the University of Newcastle, and is appreciative of her growing relationship with the Alumni team.

“As my team grows, my relationship with the University of Newcastle becomes tighter,” Jo says.

As the director of Engage Super Audits, Jo acknowledges the responsibility she has to her business and the services it provides to other accountants.

“As an auditor I really believe that myself and my staff need to be better educated and more experienced than any other accountants and lawyers that are our clients, as they are paying us to know more than they do.”

It is these fantastic entrepreneurial, personal and educational achievements that saw Jo be nominated for the long and detailed, but rewarding, process of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

In September 2011, Jo Heighway was announced the NSW Telstra’s Young Business Woman of the year.

“I identify and invite high quality students to join my team, and love the speaking opportunities I am given at the university to talk to students about my journey and provide guidance to their own.”

Her advice for students looking to pursue an equally glowing future?

“Always back yourself, and back yourself all the way. Find something you are passionate about, and see it through.”

With Jo’s charming nature, humble accounts of her glowing credentials and passion for her work, it is no wonder that she is in reception of Telstra’s Business accolade, and one of the most successful Alumni of the University of Newcastle.

Yak Magazine - February 2012

21

escribing themselves as “four boys you would take home to meet your mother”, Long Island Sound is one of the most promising young acts at the University of Newcastle at present. When asked to comment on the aforementioned statement, vocalist Andrew Woodward laughed it off as a bit of a joke.

“I suppose it does sort of describe the clean-cut image we have.”

The band’s sound is something that’s a little hard to pin down at first.

With a mix of indie pop instrumental tendencies, a whole raft of harmonies and vocal arrangements you’d more readily see in folk music, the band has a little bit of something for everyone. One fan even described them as sounding like a “pop Karnivool”. I didn’t know what a pop Karnivool would sound like before I sat down to write this article, but if Long Island Sound is that, then I don’t mind the thought at all.

Andrew himself describes the band as “math-pop”, but said they were working on changing their style over the coming months.

“We’re working towards something a little bit more mellow compared to what we did before.”

With songs like “Animal House” already such a success, only time will tell how much of an effect a change of tone will have on the band’s music.

However, Long Island Sound have influences close to their hearts who haven’t been afraid to change their style as their music evolved and grew.

It is these bands’ success through a change of styles that Long Island Sound hope to emulate.

22

Yak Magazine - February 2012

All four members of the band were acquainted throughout high school, however the quartet didn’t get around to making music together until 2009.

But it didn’t take long for them to turn heads, playing throughout Newcastle and surrounds.

Picking up the pace throughout 2010 and 2011, Long Island Sound released their first (self-titled) EP in March last year to much positive feedback from their audience and Triple J. This release was so successful that the math-pop outfit were fortunate enough to be the winner of Triple J’s Unearthed competition, as well as being given the chance to play at Groovin’ the Moo in Maitland.

Andrew rates playing Groovin’ as one of the best experiences Long Island Sound has had as a band, and says that “popping [the band’s] festival cherry and fulfilling every 14 year old’s dream was a great experience.”

“Playing on a bigger stage like that in front of a lot more people, it was fun.”

Andrew also mentions the opportunity to play in Sydney and Melbourne as among his favourite experiences while playing with the band, with the group playing with such names as Cloud Control, Papa Vs Pretty and The Seabellies.

He also highlighted the airplay given by Triple J in the lead-up to the festival as one of the turning points for the band.

The extra support coming through those few weeks was crucial to the group’s continued success as it opened up a much larger fan base. Since then it’s been a little quiet for the band. But they have solid plans for new music this year, with a tentative date set down for recording in “April-ish”.

“It has been a while since we’ve been in the studio,” Andrew says.

“Hopefully we’ll have something about a bit later in the year.”

With three of the four band members currently studying at the Uni, it begs the question as to whether or not Long Island Sound will continue on when the members finish their respective degrees. Andrew was unsure of what the future might hold for the members in their future careers, and with band mate Chris currently studying Medicine in Armidale, the band’s schedule requires careful planning around each member’s work and university commitments. This means that during semester, and especially during exam periods, their activity is particularly limited, with the band trying to plan the bulk of their touring and recording around holiday periods.

He said it would be great to “quit uni and do music full-time” with it being a dream, but says the band is taking it year by year at present.

“It’s just a case of taking it as it comes.”

Long Island Sound will be playing at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney on the 10th of February, with Newcastle dates to be announced very soon.

By Tom Carey & the Yak Team - Designed by Ben Pickles

Autonomy Day: 3am wake-up call to celebrate our divorce from UNSW. Freedom!

Bar on the Hill: The centre of the University’s social life and a great place to hang out with friends between classes.

There’s nothing better than live music, big social events and cold beverages.

Centrelink: Supporting the Mi Goreng habits of University students. Get on it.

Dapper Gentleman: This exceptionally dressed gentleman has become a legend of mythic proportions as he roams the university grounds.

Education: That’s what we’re all ‘hear four’.

Fail: Your party to work ratio is slightly out… Just slightly out.

GT Bar: Named after the late (and legendary) Godfrey Tanner, who was a muchloved professor at UoN. The GT Bar is the perfect place for a midday beer, or six to make those afternoon lectures slightly more entertaining.

High Distinction: Go to a party. ASAP.

IT: Can’t access your emails?

Having problems with printing from your University computer? Log a job with our IT Department here: 17000. newcastle.edu.au Jeggings: Do not wear them.

Kleptomania: Try not to leave valuables unattended!

Lectopia: This glorious software lets your lecturers record their classes. It gives you a sleep-in lifeline and comes in handy for study sessions later on in the semester.

Mosquitos: Original inhabitants of Callaghan campus lands.

They are currently fighting to rid their home of all occupying students.

Newcastle: Strangely, not the only place you will find the University of Newcastle.

We also have campuses at Ourimbah, Port Macquarie, Sydney and over in Singapore.

Overheard at UON: A Facebook page dedicated to spreading the LOLs of overheard conversations at uni.

Watch what you say, you never know who might be listening.

Pass: You have a solid work rate. Uni will be fun, finding a job afterwards… perhaps not so much. Ps get degrees.

Quidditch: A game played by those who have probably seen the Harry Potter movies too many times… or not enough.

Why not join the Newcastle Quidditch Society and play a game of Quidditch with fellow students?

More information can be found at www.newcastleqc.com.

Rape Whistle: These colourful, shrill whistles could save your life. Do not blow this whistle in a confined space to test it, you may never hear again.

Stalkerspace: Send a message out there to people who have caught your attention, good or bad.

Tutorial: For some courses attendance can count for 10% of your final mark.

UCard: Essential. It will give you discounts on food, drink and other fun things on campus.

V: Despite what you may think, no energy drink will ever replace a good night’s sleep.

Wednesday Night: Student night in Newcastle – cheap drinks, good times.

Xylophone: Did you know that the University of Newcastle has a Conservatorium of Music?

They run regular events that include concerts, master classes and workshops.

Yearning (for a parking space): Generally this occurs when you arrive 5 minutes before your 12pm lecture.

Zzzzz: If you get caught catching some of these during class, or anywhere on campus, you could find your photo on the ‘People sleeping at Newcastle University’ Facebook page.

This month, we asked the kids on campus

ISABELLE 2nd Year Fine Arts

“the pineapple question!”

Best tip on getting back into the swing of things at uni.

Take it easy and don’t get stressed.

JESSICA 3rd Year Development Studies

If you could choose between everything you eat for the rest of your life tasting like pineapple, and having a pineapple as a hand, what would you choose and why?

Pineapple hand, I hate the taste of pineapple!

PAUL 1st Year Commerce

Best tip on getting back into the swing of things at uni.

There isn’t a tip to get back into the swing of things!

> Jessica McAneney > Jessica Rykers

Best tip on getting back into the swing of things at uni.

Procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate. That’s what uni is all about!

If you could choose between everything you eat for the rest of your life tasting like pineapple, and having a pineapple as a hand, what would you choose and why?

Pineapple hand. I still want to be able to taste chocolate - it gets me through uni!

KYLE 1st Year Commerce

If you could choose between everything you eat for the rest of your life tasting like pineapple, and having a pineapple as a hand, what would you choose and why?

Everything I eat to taste like pineapple, as I enjoy pineapple and my hands.

Best tip on getting back into the swing of things at uni.

Avoid procrastination and the beach!

If you could choose between everything you eat for the rest of your life tasting like pineapple, and having a pineapple as a hand, what would you choose and why?

Everything I eat to taste like pineapple, as it would be inconvenient to have a pineapple hand!

GET INVOLVED! We know how important it is to get experience and build up a portfolio of your work. So if you’re a writer, a graphic designer, a photographer or otherwise creative individual, here’s a chance to get your work published in an awesome, shiny mag seen by thousands of students! Just email us at yakmagazine@newcastle.edu.au.

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yakmagazine@newcastle.edu.au