Verse Magazine - Edition 58

VERSE

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY.

It was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Verse Magazine acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the traditional custodians of the unceded lands that are now home to the Univeristy of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. Verse Magazine respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. Verse Magazine also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Have you heard of Og Mandino (1923-1996)? He was an American salesman and author of many books, including a favourite, The Greatest Salesman In The World. His books have been printed in multiple languages; one of his first jobs was an editor. Even though his publications are now past-time classics, reviewing them and reflecting on one of his many quotes occasionally keeps people (like me) steadfast when enduring life’s ups and downs.

A few weeks ago, I graduated at Pridham Hall with hundreds of UniSA students. It was such a thrill, and the atmosphere in the room could be described as euphoric, rapturous, and freakn’ awesome, to say the least. I wonder how many

of us sitting there thought of the endless late night that turned into day, neverending assignments, readings, microwave noodles, cans of Red Bull…. well, I’m a tea-nut, some would say! All I can say is, I thought of nothing but the word YES!

“Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time”

— Og Mandino

(@goodreads).

Another great quote I often reflect on is, “If persistent long enough, I will win.” The journey many of us undertake at university resembles how persistent we all are.

Before I move on to prizes and things, the Verse Magazine team wanted to reach out and thank you for so many great submissions. The artwork coming through is first-class; as I always say, choosing a cover page is tough. Poetry is certainly coming through in the masses, and it is great to see how many of you are inspired by this poignant genre.

This leads to one prize announcement, Narelle Pignotti’s creative work that captured the theme — balance. We encourage you to read this contemporary piece that details a student’s perspective in the quest for work-life balance.

Torn between two creative works, our friends at Writers SA stepped up and offered two prizes: membership + a 3-hour workshop valued at $186. Chuffed at this opportunity to break less hearts, the team opted to award surrealist painter Scott Gold for his design and explosive colours that snared elements of mind craft; it’s complex and deep. I caught up with Scott, and he reflected:

I am drawn to surrealist works, …this painting is completely up for subjective interpretation; …dream-like, …and I wanted to entirely fill the canvas.

We are delighted to share a travel writing article from our UniSA mates news platform, On The Record. Writer Jess Smith wonders 90 minutes from Adelaide to a few South Australian river towns to take us on a star gazing journey on the cusp of the outback.

We have taken snippets from a few USASA clubs and noted them in a spotlight preview. Of course, the Crossword challenge is a favourite with the theme balance continued for a good brain tease. Manith shares a few highlights from the social pages for a quick take on the month that was.

Thank you for being part of this tremendous student-led mag; we hear great things far beyond university walls. For those yet to submit, we ask you to consider, as Verse Magazine is a collective celebration of student voices, and we want yours to be heard.

Melissa

BALA NCE

A SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Good day by Surfaces

Mariposa by Peach Tree Rascals

Saturn by SZA

best friend by Rex Orange County

Nonsense by Sabrina Carpenter

IMAGES by Tuba Chandio

IMAGES by Anadi Sharma

WORDS by Anonymous IMAGE by Scarleth Molina Arias

Understanding Self-Injury

Good people don’t understand it, They don’t find meaning in it, They might think it’s pointless and stupid, And maybe it is stupid, but not pointless.

Understanding self-injury is where the pain begins. Once you understand why a person engages in self-injury, that’s where you should be concerned. Once you understand it’s because you’re plunging into that bottomless pit. At first, you’ll think it’s not like that, denial. Then you’ll accept it and start thinking about it more and more until you can’t take it anymore. One day you’re happy with life, and the next, you want to escape from the earth at that precise moment. And you may understand the reason, but you’ll never feel that way, you’ll always have doubts about self-injury, and that won’t end until you “heal” or until you do it.

The secret is that you keep going, Healing or suffering, You keep going until you reach your good ending, You keep going until you heal yourself.

NUMBER 12 WAS HER NAME

Short story writing feature.

“Autumn was her name..”

WORDS by Dayna Capel

Short Story Writing Challenge

Autumn was her name, and she gave me a new life. I met Autumn at a cafe when I was studying at university. It was located down the road, and it tended to smell like wet wood. I was lucky enough to find it earlier when I first started my degree. It was hard to talk to the other students as I had grown up rural, living in a town with barely ten thousand people. I found this corner by the window, the parasol outside protected from the sun, and it was a nice spot to sit at when it was raining. Even while I was anxious during my visits, I made friends with this older woman named Lora.

Lora would often talk about her life. Over time, the store would listen to her stories, including table number twelve, another university student with bright red hair who would always sit at the same table. I didn’t think much of her at first; we rarely spoke except for when we were listening to Lora. Lora was the first person I told anything to; about how I left home and why I had a restraining order against my dad. I told her about almost everything, how I had a growing hatred for myself because I was always losing friends, how my girlfriend was constantly cheating on me, how I felt inadequate in my studies and dropped out from stress. I told her about how she was the only family I had left. When she died, I didn’t see twelve for a very long time. I didn’t realise it would hurt to lose them both. Every day for four years, I saw Autumn’s face, and then, when the only thing that connected us passed on, she left. Every day I didn’t see her it rained harder, became colder, I became colder. I was tired and vengeful. When I wrote my final note to say I was going to see Lora, I pictured number twelve’s face and how she was the only person I had left I could give my letter to. Without her name I couldn’t finish it. I visited the café every week, waiting to ask her name so I didn’t have to hurt anymore.

She came in a year later as the leaves were starting to fall. I approached her as fast as possible to ask her name. She said her name was Autumn, and I introduced her to Summer who was sitting next to me. Six years later, Autumn made a joke about their names during her maid of honour speech at our wedding. I never told her about the letter or that while I waited for her, I found family and love and that her face kept me going every day; needing her name forced me through the loneliness and the pain. Autumn was her name; she was my best friend, the auntie of my children, a hand in need for me and my wife, the granddaughter of Lora.

A Student’s Perspective Inside A Bachelor of Psychology

WORDS by Srishti Gulati

Nowadays, many individuals find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, including their jobs and academic pursuits. As a result, many people juggle multiple tasks, such as jobs and academia. Thus, meeting the requirements of both the workplace and academic duties may often be quite a task, but with careful planning and effective time management, it is possible to successfully endure your endeavours without succumbing to pressure.

Balance can be achieved by recognising your priorities and knowing which jobs need action. A formulated plan can help support with work, life, and balance. Such as:

Understanding priorities: work skills such as mentorship, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and professional development chances can lead to constructive steps and manageable issues. Don’t be scared to reach out to experienced workmates and supervisors so you can get some wisdom about balancing or managing your workload, both academically and at the workplace. Besides, online tools and downloadable software packages, task management platforms, and programs to get things done correctly and on schedule will help you stay focused and coordinate your assignments and deadlines. Academically students have the support of academic services, such as counselling, writing centres, and the library. These tools can help by mentoring in courses, research methodologies and plans, and your personal diary. Students should understand that the elements of effective communication and collaboration include conveying your need for help and the desire to help others going through the same dilemma. One way to bring this into practice is to build an environment of mutual help and joint work. Hence, a team of fellow learners will help everyone succeed academically and professionally. Utilise online courses or take self-help courses related to the job and studies. Building up the habit of lifelong learning and dependence on continuous self-improvement is vital to meet the challenges of modern-day job seeking.

Effective Time Management: In short, the equation of effective balance between employment and study involves planning, setting purpose, arranging communication, and renting resources. When you know your priorities, set reasonable goals, ask for help when needed, and utilise all

available resources, you can successfully deal with the academic world as well as the work setting and fulfil your ambitions in both spheres.

Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Regarding work management, taking care of yourself and ensuring an overall harmony between work and life makes sense. Provide adequate periods for relaxing, working out, engaging in a hobby, and the company of friends to avoid burnout and recover from fatigue. Don’t forget those most important things - your physical and mental health. Only with the balanced effort of the two can you be sure to belong to the long-term happy people.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Our generation is characterised by high rates of change and a need for speed. You have learned how to adapt to various circumstances for better success. Stringent work and academic requirements, such as a new project at work or an unannounced assignment, can severely disrupt your routine, putting you in a challenging position. One must consider that, in this case, going with the flow and being flexible is much more preferable. The other practical way for your team to be flexible is to exit the mindset mode of openness to change. Instead of perceiving negative occurrences as something that impedes you, consider it an opportunity to get acquainted and grow. Be excited by fresh challenges and know that positive and negative lessons are to be found in every experience, which shape and nurture your ability to bounce from adversity. Flexibility can be your strength and the fundamental source of action that should be applied to adapt your plans. Given that you should start another job with extra time and effort, you may need to redirect your attention and your time resources into other matters for a while from your academic studies. Similarly, if you realise that an important academic project is to be submitted by a certain date, you may rearrange your work schedule or build a supportive relationship with your employer to find a way to fit your academic tasks. It is also necessary to understand that flexibility has nothing to do with just using the time and the tasks properly. The flexibility is as wide as that. This also means constantly changing your ways of finding solutions, communicating, and collaborating. Open your mind to creative problem solving and receive multiple opinions; subsequently, know how to compromise or negotiate to find amicable solutions.

Celebrating Achievements: While competing with each other to do both job and schoolwork, it’s common not to record the journeys and the activities that have run so far. Yet, while your goals are the primary focus, never underestimate the power of appreciating even the smallest of achievements in your journey. Make it a habit to reward yourself by noticing that behind each achievement is a lot of sweat and tears you poured to achieve it. It is exactly the same regardless of which part of your life it was achieved; working at the workplace on a difficult task, earning a good mark on a test, or managing various commitments responsibly. Let yourself be rewarded for the achievements you have made. Think about the skills and strengths you’ve already got and be crazy proud of yourself because you can rise up, and success awaits. Refrain yourself from self-mortification. Better is to indulge in activities that delight

and relax you for reaching milestones and meeting deadlines. Regardless of whether it’s taking self-caring days and allowing yourself to relax and unwind after you achieve your goal or making time for your friends and family, find ways to rejuvenate. Next, you should utilise your accomplishments as the primary source of energy, which will make you move steadily towards your studies and future career. Have them serve as your memorabilia of achievements you have made and the inspiring excerpts to look up to whenever you are discouraged or depressed. By making your accomplishments your reason for pride and your progress the main source of your inspiration in both your job and academic endeavours, you’ll stay better motivated and directly inspired to achieve excellence.

To sum up, employing a thoughtful approach and utilising good planning, effective time management, and clear communication are the essential elements to apply in finding the right way to achieve balance between workplace and academic activities. Use this prioritising method and proven tips like working with resources and sustaining proper work-life balance to manage your academic and professional life and achieve your goals in both circles. Stay true to yourself and your goals while embracing the diversity of university will be extremely helpful in your career and an academic.

ILLUSTRATION by Gail Carr

WORDS by Aaro

IILLUSTRATION by Hong Nhung Hoang Ta

TROUBLED YOUTHS’ TALES

troubled youths on broken pedals

bits of life like emotional fables realities turn darker than ever chasing dreams in sight of heaven

dusk brings a bewildered mind visions blurry and dull lights slow feet in silence out loud inner fights doubting the ground

dilated pupils awaiting the dawn scared hearts try to move on juggling thoughts on the twisted road eyes gaze approaching the shore

troubled youths on broken boats mighty maneuvers keep afloat

starry skies signal smooth sail

dawn brings a beautiful dale

WORDS by Billy Poulopoulos IILLUSTRATION by Scout Gold

THE BAR

The rabble rush in, ready to sing songs so off-key that the bar’s broken wood cringes at the cracks in their voices, but it’s happy all the same to hear them rejoice.

Muddy boots and shining slip-on shoes step on the soaked floor. Drunk off of years of spilt beers and spirits, and tonight, it’s ready for more.

Barry the “brown nose” with his high-paying job, shouts, “first rounds on me!!” The bar patrons roar.

A tradition to signal that the night has begun and that all fair fellows should engage in some fun. Jackets and coats end up on the floor as the dance begins and beers pour.

Bar owner Susan kicks the jukebox to life, the records fall, and songs bleed into the night.

Mary the deadeye counts 501 in darts as each poor sod steps onto the mark. Swindled and dazed, they hang their heads in shame, but they’ll be back tomorrow to do it again.

Mikey and Jimmy take to the table with their sticks. Old vs young, ball after ball falls with their flicks. The ball of 8 stands last on the brink, awaiting the cheer it hears when it sinks.

Time is lost, taken aback by the fun, so it stops its hands and freezes the sun.

When exhaustion brings the patrons to rest, the sun rises to signal the end. With slurred “see ya laters” and tired goodbyes, the rabble rush home to get some shut eye.

The bar becomes quiet as its lights go dim, and quietly it starts to sing all the tunes from the night that’s just passed, lamenting about how it went by too fast.

As Susan is serenaded, she gets swept off to bed, where new and old friends fill her head. Until the moon rises, her heart will yearn as she waits for her loyal rabble to return.

WORDS & IMAGE by Mary Jane Panansar

Destiny, what's your grand design?

Each dream we cherish, do you align? Standing tall as daylight fades to night, Together, facing dreams in our sight.

In pursuit of making dreams come true, Next to each other, we'll see it through. Yearning for triumph, come what may, Destiny guide us on our way.

Across

1. The quality of being just, impartial, or fair

3 The feeling of serenity, everything is under control

5. The figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles

6 Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value

8 Physical surroundings include living and non-living beings

9. When different things go well together or suitable together

Down

2. Not likely to move or change

3. A trend where it is stable, and not fluctuating

4. A soft and delicate shade of a color

7. University of this Verse magazine

CROSS WORD

Consistent,

[Answer: 1. Justice, 2. Stable, 3 (Across) Calm, 3. (Down)

4.Pastel, 5. Square, 6. Equal, 7. Unisa, 8. Nature, 9. Harmony]

VERSE INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Everyday is like a Sunday evening

WORDS by Olivia Cordera

This short poem explores how individual perspectives and outlooks make great impacts on how we see the world.

Every day is like a Sunday evening

The dampness in the air feels of fleeting time and everything that could have been.

Every day is like a Sunday evening

The navy hues fill the sky, casting a hollow silhouette overhead. Every day is like a Sunday evening

Itchy and unsettled, another weekend now just a mere memory.

Every day is like a Sunday Evening

A familiar scent fills the air, surrounding us with courage for the days ahead.

Every day is like a Sunday Evening

The golden glow left in the sky dances across the floor and guide us the right way.

Every day is like a Sunday Evening

A chance to start fresh, a new day, a new beginning… a wonderful surprise.

IMAGE by Anadi Sharma

BALANCE

WORDS by Narelle Pignotti ILLUSTRATION by Sheydin Dew

Do the dishes

Clean the cupboards

Wash the clothes

Am I going to make it to work on time?

File the emails

Check-in with work colleagues

Organise the calendar

When is that assignment due?

Make the exam notes

Finish the report

Do the readings

Can I get into the chiropractor today?

Do the meal plan

Thirty minutes of exercise

Two litres of water

Oh, I’ve missed texting my friend for her birthday.

Do the check-in with mum

Catch up on the news headlines

Make small talk at work

Does the step kid have fruit for school?

Organise the date night

Buy the mother’s day flowers

Attend the birthday party

Have I prepared for rate increases this month?

Update the budget

RSVP to the upcoming events

Save for the rainy day

Have I donated to my friend’s charity event?

Share the post

Support the community

Assemble the donated goods

Oh, there are no forks left!

PEEK A MOOOO OOO

ILLUSTRATION by Gail Carr

ILLUSTRATION by Jotinder Singh

IMAGES by Justin Leung

ILLUSTRATION by Hong Nhung Hoang Ta

THE ART OF BALANCE: AN INTERVIEW

Interviewer Manith

Interviewee student and owner of @tias.flowers

Q. Thank you for doing this interview, tell us about yourself

Good morning! Thank you for having me. I’m currently a fourth year student at UniSA, majoring in Branding and Advertising. I see these fields as dynamic arenas where creativity meets strategy, allowing me to craft compelling messages and designs, which has led me to pursue this field.

Q. How did you manage time between studying and doing your small business

Balancing my academic responsibilities with running my small business is definitely a challenge, but I found a few strategies that helped me manage my time effectively. First and foremost, I created a detailed schedule outlining my classes, study sessions, and business tasks. This allowed me to allocate dedicated time slots for each aspect of my life and ensure that nothing fell through the cracks.

Additionally, I learned to prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. For example, if I had an upcoming exam, I would devote more time to studying while delegating non-urgent business tasks later in the week. Similarly, during busy periods for my business, such as fulfilling orders or attending networking events, I would adjust my study schedule accordingly to ensure that I stayed on track academically.

Q. When you feel overwhelmed, how do you approach it?

I’ve learned to step back and reassess the situation when I feel overwhelmed. Taking a moment to breathe and gain perspective helps me regain clarity and focus. It also helps to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This allows me to tackle them individually, and it feels less daunting.

Additionally, I’m fearless about asking for help when I need it. Whether I’m reaching out to a friend, family member, or colleague for support or seeking guidance from a mentor or advisor, I’ve found that sharing my concerns and seeking assistance can alleviate some of the pressure I’m feeling. Another strategy I use is to prioritize self-care. Engaging in activities that help me relax and recharge, such as exercising, spending time outdoors, or practising mindfulness techniques, can help me manage stress and regain a sense of balance.

Overall, acknowledging my feelings of overwhelm and taking proactive steps to address them, whether through breaking tasks down, seeking support, or prioritizing self-care, helps me navigate challenging situations more effectively.

Q. Do you have any advice for students on balancing out their studies while running their small businesses?

Balancing studies and running a business as a student requires careful planning, time management, and prioritization. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Create a structured schedule: Allocate specific blocks of time for studying, attending classes, and working on your business. Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your commitments and ensure that you’re dedicating enough time to both your academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.

2. Set realistic goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for both your academic performance and your business endeavours. Break down larger tasks into smaller, actionable steps, and prioritize them based on their importance and deadlines.

3. Maintain open communication: Keep your professors, classmates, and business partners informed about your schedule and commitments. Communicate any potential conflicts or constraints in advance, and work together to find mutually agreeable solutions.

4. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by prioritizing activities such as exercise, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. Remember that taking breaks and practicing self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for maintaining your overall health and productivity.

5. Be flexible and adaptable: Recognize that there may be times when you need to adjust your schedule or reprioritize tasks based on changing circumstances. Stay flexible and adaptable in your approach, and be willing to make adjustments as needed to maintain balance and avoid burnout.

BOOK RELEASE SPOTLIGHT

I have written and self published my own children’s book ‘Beekeeper President’ in December 2023. UNISA has just purchased their own copy for our library. Here is a little about my book:In December, 2023 I independently published ‘Beekeeper President’, a picture book for children aged 3 years to Primary school ages. This book aims to inspire young readers to follow their dreams and explore their strength, fostering discussions on how these can shape their futures.

Through minimal text and vibrant illustrations from local South Australian Illustrator Jillian Packer, ‘Beekeeper President’ sparks imagination, curiosity, and creativity, encouraging children to think outside the box. This book challenges the societal norm of a single lifelong job and promotes the celebration of diversity and imagination.I thought this book would be great for other educators to support children’s dreams and empower them.

Interview With Writers SA's Bronwyn Tilley

Interviewer Melissa Raymond

“Many people will tell you it’s not a viable career choice, but a writer’s gotta write!”

Thirty-nine years and still going strong, Writers SA is on a mission to nurture aspiring writers and help them become published. Whether people decide to become members or not, Writers SA is open to all individuals who share an interest in crafting their writing techniques.

Operations Manager Bronwyn Tilley describes Writers SA as "the community you didn't know you needed." And it's not hard to see why. From a plethora of online activities to engaging networking events and enriching workshops, Writers SA offer a diverse range of learning opportunities that are sure to pique your interest.

As a long-time member of the Writers SA community, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of their affordable offerings. These resources have not only supported my writing ventures but have also provided invaluable learning experiences, from workshop events with accomplished authors like Canice Fox and Thomas Keneally to learning from award-winning short story writers such as Ted Chiang. For many emerging writers, Writers SA has been instrumental in establishing personal and professional growth.

I asked Bronwyn how she manages a side hustle of publications within her busy schedule working full-time, particularly having a young family to consider when needing those quiet moments to create effectively.

"I don't find time to write really, I make time. Being a mum, it can be hard to prioritise yourself, but I've always made it a rule to tell my family when my writing time is and stick to it. I only get a few hours a week, but I take it," Bronwyn said.

It takes little time to figure out Bronwyn has a thirst for knowledge. She finds feminism issues captivating, particularly shifts in society's attitudes towards suppressed women "bucking tradition" and struggles relating to sexuality. Not fixated on composing specific genres, although "historical romance is her first love," the fantasy of "swanning around in floor-length dresses while talking like a sailor to upset polite society" is a vision that sparks her creative flair, possibly influenced by a few of her "heroines."

Bronwyn stresses that resilience, persistence, and professionalism are vital for people seeking a career in publishing. Of course, setting goals and pushing through setbacks is a fact of a writer’s life! Spending time and getting to know this savvy and talented author, background noise in my head confirms the value of authenticity—know your truth and just go with it!

"Many people will tell you it's not a viable career choice, but a writer's gotta write! If it's in your blood, it will happen. Keep writing, keep getting better at your craft, keep submitting (even if you get rejected) and keep in contact with the literary community so we can share the wins and bemoan the losses together."

Having the oldest centre for literature and writing in Australia on our doorstep is without doubt a milestone, not forgetting the resources, particularly for members. Delving deeper into tips and tricks once writers are confident to share and submit their works, Bronwyn offered some final need-to-know facts;

- Make sure it's your absolute best piece of work that is edited and someone else has read it (not your partner or parent).

- If it's competitions, small presses, indie presses or even large publishers, make sure you've done your homework that they're reputable, and they're actively publishing the type of work you're writing.

- No one should pay to publish. If they're asking for money, call Writers SA first.

Before I let Bronwyn scurry back to more writing adventures, I asked if there was an upcoming event students should not miss?

"Stella Prize shortlisted author Hayley Singer is doing a fab workshop on unusual pieces of work. Her specialty is 'essays on literature and multispecies death, queer embodiment, strange weather, ignored histories, and on reading and writing as worlds end and begin again.' I don't even write nonfiction, but I'm really excited about this one."

When: June 19th 6.00-9.00pm

Details: www.writerssa.org.au

A WRITER’S GOTTA WRITE

A starry wonder 90 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD

By Jess Smith | @jessmurraysmith

South Australians can visit one of the darkest skies in the world located only a 90-minute drive south-east of the Adelaide CBD. While the sky may be the main attraction of the region, it is its community that shines through.

(Image: Kelly Khun)

My phone pinged at 10am with a message from owner and tour operator of Juggle House Experiences, Kelly Khun. The text read: “CONFIRMED, Dark Sky Tour tonight.”

I had waited over a month for a chance to see the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve as issues with cloud coverage had delayed the trip.

Mannum

After the short drive from Adelaide, I arrived in Mannum where we were set to meet. The rapid change from rolling hills to a bustling main street lined with buildings gave me a sense of refuge, as if I had stumbled upon a desert oasis.

The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve achieved its “dark sky” accreditation in 2019, marking the area that spans 3,500 square kilometres of the River Murray, Riverland and Barossa Valley regions as one of the 21 darkest skies in the world.

When I spotted Kelly, who stood waiting in front of a black, star-speckled van, I knew for certain that I was in the right place. She made introductions with myself and the two couples who would be joining us for the six-hour tour as we climbed aboard the van to escape the intense Mannum spring heat.

On the road near Mannum, South Australia (Image: Jess Smith)

As the reserve had to close shortly after its accreditation for the pandemic and the Murray River floods, we are among the first 3,000 people to take the tour. While the tourism destination is still in its infancy, I thought to myself how effective its pull of astro tourism could be for a rural location like the River Murray.

Tourism Development Manager of Murray River Lakes and Coorong, Bill Nehmy, sees the Dark Sky Reserve as an international pin on the map.

“I believe that astro tourism has a huge potential not only in our own region but, that it’s a big game changer with the opportunity for the state and Australia itself,” he said.

Nehmy believes if the market can be utilised to its fullest potential it would benefit the growth of the entire region. This is why many of the advertisements for the Dark Sky Reserve highlight other local tourist attractions such as Monarto Zoo and The Bend.

As we left Mannum, Kelly gave us a rundown on how the day would play out. There was potential for poor weather and cloud coverage: not optimal conditions for stargazing.

She popped open a bottle of bubbly for her guests as she explained the constant battle her tours have with the weather.

As cloud coverage makes stargazing nearly impossible, Kelly and her team have to carefully assess every forecast before they confirm each tour. Cloud movement can be unpredictable and requires a trained eye on a radar to determine whether stargazing is possible.

Regardless of this, Kelly said the astronomy aspect of the tour is only the “icing on the cake”.

“You definitely get to eat the cake and hopefully we get some special icing at the end,” Kelly said.

I found this sentiment puzzling. How could the stars and their visibility only be the “icing on the cake” when that was the entire reason we were there?

As we began our journey, Kelly gave an induction on the area and local towns. As we got acquainted we drove past the first sign for the reserve: “International Dark Sky Reserve, enjoy the stars.”

Forster Lookout

Juggle House Experience guests at Forster Lookout (Image: Jess Smith)

Forster Lookout is situated on the cliff face of the Murray River and has views of the horizon that stretch across kilometres of farmland.

Just below the cliff face, wetlands bordered the river, which Kelly said locals describe as the “lungs” of the Murray¬¬¬¬¬ — largely because they are vital for the breeding of local species. Birds were high in the sky and pelicans glided across the water in search of fish. It may have been the starry sky that had attracted us to Kelly’s tour, but the diverse experience of sights on the ground had already given us an experience that felt like much more.

I was starting to understand the metaphorical cake I had begun to eat.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to bond. The nature of the tour; it’s very intimate. It’s a great way to show tourists the culture of the region,” Kelly said.

Read more via www.ontherecord.com.au

https://ontherecordunisa. com/2024/04/02/a-starry-wonder-90minutes-from-adelaides-cbd/

ILLUSTRATIONS by Gail Carr

Student News

Congratulations to Natalia Prokopowicz on your poetry book.

The Verse community is VERY proud of you and thrilled to share your journey as a writer.

Verse Magazine has been an invaluable source of inspiration, allowing students like me to express their innermost thoughts and feelings, much like my English teacher once taught me.

Writing has been my passion since the age of eight, and I could not be more excited to announce the impending release of my debut poetry book, Paper Moons.

It has been a labour of love, with lived experiences meticulously crafted alongside my studies as a social worker. Through creative writing, I've found solace and a place to reflect on my capabilities - Natalie Prokopowicz

Just

ILLUSTRATION by Hong Nhung Hoang Ta WORDS by Natalia Prokopowicz

The wind carried up an ultimatum of crick, My car caught its pasture of watery weep. I called twice, portside — no message.

The sky went gloomy, and I bathed in its dysphoria. Press four, no callback — gotta get my navigation just.

But — just, I might… if I say, I, like you and all the horses I tended through the seasons, scamper free. And what if I know it won’t work — what if I just.

Because my certainty is that I didn’t leave tyre tracks this piety, But maybe I should? I can tolerate it.

I can softly pass it so can I; can I sit passenger while you drive me home?

Now

Short Story Writing Challenge

Simply follow the writing prompt announced on @Versemagazine social pages and via each magazine edition.

Writing Prompt for Edition 59 is, “Level 9, city views…”

Guidelines: The first line must open with the writing prompt and comprise of a 500-word short story—strictly, no more and no less! All genres, including music, will be considered for publication.

Lastly, title your story with the writing prompt; it can be part of the title, meaning it does not need to be the complete title. Include your name and genre (memoir, fiction, comedy and more).

Up to three submissions will be published.

Good luck!

#USASA Clubs In The Spotlight

Officially known as The Performing Artists' Collective this is a student-led hub for performing arts students seeking amateur productions, promotion and connections with other talented people from drama, music, visual arts, musical theatre genres and more!

“Did someone say karaoke, I’m in!”

If karaoke is not your thing, expand your professional talents by participating in one of the many workshops or simply chill out with friends and collaborate with others at a social event.

Check out where, when and what these peeps offer @unisa.pac

If you have not yet joined in with jokes and laughter at South Australia Students Comedy Club, we urge you to grab a group of friends and make a night of it at Pirie Street Adelaide Rhino Room.

This fun-loving group of UniSA students organise FREE comedy shows for audiences to immerse themselves in the power of laughter by providing a platform for aspiring comedians to unleash their creative talents.

Perhaps you secretly desire to be a comedian. If so, we encourage you to attend a workshop or two and join a few training sessions—very cool!

Go on, have a laugh, and check out what’s on offer @sascomedyclub

ILLUSTRATION by Hồng Ngọc

ILLUSTRATION by Evanthea Kyriacou

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Hello, my name is Oliver Shephard-Bayly, and I’m your Student President for 2024.

I hope everyone’s having another fun semester as it gets closer to final assignments and the exam season. It’s always a stressful time of year but just remember there’s always support when needed. Don’t be afraid to have a chat to your tutor, book an appointment with the University’s amazing counselling service, and if you ever need academic advocacy, USASA is always here for you.

In this letter, I wanted to focus on an issue that I’m really passionate about; ending placement poverty. As many of you are aware many

courses across the university require large amounts of unpaid work which is a crucial part of completing many degrees.

However, these large chucks of unpaid placements force many students to give up paid work, pushing many that are already struggling into poverty. Unpaid placements are a large barrier to many students completing their degree. With many programs needing 1000 hours or more of unpaid work.

There are many students that simply can’t afford food and rent because of unpaid placements.

The research also suggests while this has a big impact on all students, low SES, regional, Indigenous and mature students have much higher rates of dropping out of courses as a result.

This was recognized in the University Accords report, which was released in late February and represents the largest proposed changes to the higher education sector in decades. Much greater financial support for students and making placements more flexible was high on the agenda of recommendations to the Government.

The National Union of Students, of which USASA is a vocal member, have been campaigning for many years to make

placements fairer. With the aim to amend the Fair Work Act to make unpaid placements illegal like every other kind of work.

Students deserve a fairer placement system, but we need your help to make it happen.

USASA Students Representatives are currently surveying students on their placement experience so that we can make sure your voice is heard to the university and the federal Government.

Please fill out the survey to make sure your voice is heard.

If you’re facing Financial Stress, please book in to have a chat with USASA’s Financial Wellbeing Service. It’s a free, confidential, and non-judgmental program available to all UniSA students. We can help you access Emergency food and Grant support.

Once again, please feel free to say hello and chat when you see me around campus. All the other USASA Student Representatives and I are always here to help.

Thanks, Oliver

Take the survey here!

USASA is here to help you through the good times & the bad. We are a non-profit, student-owned organisation focused on providing services & a voice for all UniSA students.

USASA empowers you through:

Verse Magazine

Student Representation

Academic Advocacy

Clubs & Societies

Social Events

Student Voice

CONTRIBUTERS

Aaro

Anadi Sharma

Billy Poulopoulos

Archie Arora

Dayna Capel

Evanthea Kyriacou

Gail Carr

Hồng Ngọc Ly

Hong Nhung Hoang Ta

Jotinder Singh

Justin Leung

Manith

Mary Jane Panansar

Melissa Raymond

Narelle Pignotti

Natalia Prokopowicz

Natasha Shaw

Olivia Cordera

Scarleth Molina Arias

Scout Gold

Sheydin Dew

Olivia Halliday

Srishti Gulati

Taybah Hamza

Tuba Chandio

@aaro.xyz

@lets.revive.humanity

@tias.flowers

@da.yna5163

@tias_scribbles

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@just_tin

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@gardenandfield

@narellepignotti

@moonriderboots

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@scoutoliviagold

@sheydedart

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