Vertigo Magazine - Issue 3 by Elle Williams

SAFETY ON CAMPUS DEPRESSION IN STUDENTS SAN CISCO INTERVIEW

UTSVERTIGO.COM

2012

editors Martha Azzi Jezelle Boughaleb Mariam Chehab Lisa Dieu Azal Khan Jessica Looi

CREATIVE directors Elle Williams Ben Walker

CONTENTS on 10 safety campus

sub-editors Ayaa LEWIH Nicole Simões

24 depression in students

CONTRIBUTORS Susannah Binsted Tabitha Chan Michael Costi Zeynab Gamieldien Elyse Glynn Siobhan Graham Nour Haydar Jackelyn Ho Al Jedlin Stephanie King Minhky LE S.J. Malagre Melanie Nicol Johanan Ottensooser Sophia Phan Elissa Ratliff Tom Smith Cyna Strachan Jessica Warriner

SAN 8 CISCO

INTERVIEW

What’s happened

Editorial

What’s on

14 in a nutshell 16 Defamer 18 science/careers fair 20 8 ball 22 photojournalism

ADVERTISING

27 train survival guide

Stephanie King

28 the view from here

WITH THANKS TO Jade Tyrell et al. Spotpress Pty Ltd, Marrickville

COVER IMAGE Minhky LE Vertigo and its entire contents are protected by copyright. Vertigo will retain reprint rights, contributors retain all other rights for resale and republication. No material may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the copyright holders. Vertigo would like to show its respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, the Gadigal and Guring-gai people of the Eora Nation, upon whose ancestral lands the university now stands. More than 500 Indigenous Nations shared this land for over 40,000 years before invasion. We express our solidarity and continued commitment to working with Indigenous peoples in Australia and around the world, in their ongoing struggle for land rights, self-determination, sovereignty, and the recognition and compensation for past injustices.

30 showcase 34 did you know 36 sport/fitness 38 reviews 42 recipes 44 best of 45 random rant 46 sudoku/who’s checking you out

48 SA & collective reports

Vertigo is published by the UTS STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Printed by SPOTPRESS PTY LTD, MARRICKVILLE Email advertising@utsvertigo.com for advertising enquiries Printed in April, 2012

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what’s happened PHOTOGRAPHY Allan Hoang

EDITORIAL Hello fellow Vertigoers! We would like to begin by saying welcome back and congratulations on completing one of the many exam periods we have throughout the year. You now have around one month and two weeks, if lucky, before your end-of-semester exams begin. But don’t worry, now that you do have some breathing space you can enjoy your third edition of Vertigo!

Even Kings of Leon dropped into our launch party!

The Vertigo Team chillbangin’ with Jade Tyrrell, SA President

Partyrockin’...

lisa

After taking into account your feedback for the magazine and attempting to include all of your requests, we’ve added a few extra pages and so, we would like to introduce you to this newly revamped and jam-packed edition.

MARTHA

Allan Hoang

“Seriously, these guys are in like... every photo”

Beginning on a serious note, take a look at the many concerns regarding UTS housing and safety on campus; read about the mental health issues facing students and get an insight into the world of a mature age student. Find out what students thought of the Careers Fair, and if you are still struggling to understand the Finkelstein Report, then flick to ‘In A Nutshell’ – our new section that breaks down the serious issues. Take a ride through Sri Lanka and India with amazing photojournalism and find out what it means to have the evil eye in ‘Did You Know’. This edition also includes an interview with Aussie band San Cisco and a much needed guide to train survival. Secret admirers are around every corner it seems – ‘Who’s checking you out’ has become very popular, so have a look at what people had to say – it might be for you ;)

AZAL

The Vertigo Team chillbangin’ squared with the SA’s Neha and Lyndal.

JEZELLE

*crickets*

Also, be sure to take a look at the pictures from our Vertigo Launch party. Thanks to all who came – it was a crazy night and some bizarre memories were made. So settle in and take your time to read this oh-so-wonderful edition that encompasses everything from politics and feminism to delicious recipes and amazing creative work. We would like to end by thanking everyone who has submitted to Vertigo – the response has been overwhelming and very interesting. Keep them coming! submissions@utsvertigo.com

Sietta.. our entertainment for the night MARIAM JESSICA

VERTIGO LAUNCH PARTY 4

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MARCH 29 THE LOFT

Martha & Jezelle

The Vertigo team

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WHAT’S ON

MONDAY

TUESDAY

MAY wedneSDAY

thursDAY

friDAY

saturDAY

SUNDAY

Discover the wonder and magic of the The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition at the Power House Museum.

Visit the Bondi Pavilion Gallery for the Burn 02 exhibition, featuring work from acclaimed, international photographers.

Join Richard Glover and the team from Thank God It’s Friday at the Riverside Theatres for the last day of the Comedy Festival.

adapted by Netta Yashchin from the novel by George Orwell

Charity CARE Australia is presenting a collection of photos of some of its most inspiring work at Surry Hills library.

The full program for the Sydney Film Festival is released.

Australia’s biggest designer shopping and beauty event Fashion Weekend begins (Finishes 13th May).

Last day to watch Macbeth directed by Peter Evans at the Sydney Opera House.

Make your mum feel special on Mother’s Day with breakfast in bed and some roses!

25 April–12 May 2012, atyp Studio 1, The Wharf

Go and visit the UTS gallery to view Dr. Wade Marynowsky’s work, which crosses both ‘artificial life’ and ‘live art’.

Visit the Loft for the weekly Tuesday session of Martinis, Manicures & Massages from 5:30pm.

28 6

To win 1 of 3 double passes, send your name, UTS student number and phone number to stephanie@utsvertigo.com

Go watch one of Australia’s most successful comics Akmal Saleh in a one night explosion at Enmore theatre.

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20 Last day to register for the Eastern University Games in July. Visit the UTS union desk for more info.

National Sorry Day, which acknowledges the impact of the Australia’s Stolen Generations.

USE PROMO CODE ‘ORWELL’ for $15 TICKETS!

australian theatre for young people presents

animal farm For bookings 02 9270 2400 or www.atyp.com.au

Terms and conditions: 1. Only one entry per person. 2. Competition commences Monday April 30 at 09.00EST and closes Friday May 4 at 12.00EST. 3. Winner holds responsibility to collect tickets. 4. Entry is open to all UTS students with a valid UTS student number. 5. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. Prizes cannot be transferred for cash.

13 Quad-biking over 50km through a diverse range of terrain. Visit the UTS union desk for more info.

atyp and UTS Vertigo are giving three lucky readers a double pass to see Animal Farm.

Experience Mozart’s final sublime masterpiece, Mozart’s Requiem, at the Sydney Opera House.

Visit the Art Gallery of NSW to see the winners of the 2012 Archibald Prize.

Vertigo Issue #4 is now on stands!

ticket giveaway

AY117_KAN064_Animal farm_UTS Ad.indd 1

19/04/12 4:26 PM

I WOOF YOU!

i mean... i udderly adore you! Have you been checking someone out at uni? too shy to let your feelings be known? Take your admiration to a whole new level. SMS 0404 449 606 and let that special person know. Don’t forget to leave your name/ alias and faculty.

interview

SAN CISCO San Cisco are riding a wave of success. The young four-piece from Perth had a massive year in 2011, playing festivals all over the country (including the Big Day Out, St Jerome’s Laneway and Peats Ridge), supporting fellow Aussie bands (The Grates, Jebediah and Architecture in Helsinki) and watching their hit song Awkward land a coveted Top Ten spot in Triple J’s Hottest 100. This year is set to be another big one for the band, with their new single Rocket Ship getting some serious airplay and an upcoming national tour. Jessica Warriner caught up with lead singer Jordi Davieson for a chat.

To kick us off - how did you guys get together?

How did you come up with the name ‘San Cisco’?

We’ve all been friends for a while. Josh, Nick and I were friends in high school and Scarlett and I have been friends from when we were very young. I started playing solo stuff, and that got a bit boring, so I started playing with Josh a bit, and at the same time I was playing with Scarlett, jamming around with her. Then I won some recording time, and I decided that we should put a song all together. So I brought the two together, and then we recorded Rocket Ship. There’s been a few versions of it. Then we thought, “Maybe we should play a few shows together”. We got Nick to play bass, and that’s how it all started. We were called King George then.

San Cisco was made up by Josh’s uncle. And I think Scarlett put it well - it doesn’t really mean anything, it’s more like a genre of music we’re trying to create.

So why did you change your name from King George?

We were recording in the same recording studio with the same producer as we were when we recorded Awkward. So it was pretty special. We were like, in between recording this other song, and we’d come in and listen to the radio, and yeah. By the end of it, the Top 10, we just couldn’t do anything else, because we were like “Wow, they’ve forgotten about us!” It was pretty crazy.

King George was much more folk. We were playing a lot more folky music, all acoustic guitars, no synthesizers. Also we found there was another band from Melbourne called King George, and they already had a video clip out. So we rang them, and they were like “No, we don’t want to change our name!”. I think it was a good thing - we changed our name and sort of started playing music that we liked. Playing folky music gets a bit boring after a while.

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How did it feel the first time you were played on the radio? That was crazy. I remember they played Golden Revolver for the first time on our way to a show. Then we kicked off and got to play it, it was so weird hearing it over the radio.

Where were you when you found out you had a Hottest 100 entry?

Do you prefer playing intimate gigs or festivals?

They have different vibes. Festival vibes are a little bit more crazy, everyone’s a bit more nuts and exciting. But at pubs and stuff, it’s a lot more enclosed, and you can capture the audience a bit better. But I think I prefer festivals.

Being in Perth, do you think it took a while to feel your success? It must have been a shock going from such a quiet city to sold-out gigs on the east coast. It’s pretty crazy. Over here, the past few months, we haven’t really been doing any band stuff at all. We’ve just been relaxing and getting ready for our next tour. Everyone’s been at uni. It doesn’t really feel like we’re in a band. And then the manager will ring up, and be like “Yep, you just sold out (Melbourne’s) Corner Hotel. We’re opening up a new show, and we’ve sold another hundred tickets from that.” It’s crazy, selling out weeks before we’re playing. Never thought that would ever happen.

So what have you been up to besides the band? I actually haven’t been doing much, because I had school last year and I’m taking a gap year this year. I’ve just been in my room trying to make music on the computer. And Nick is at a sound school, he’s doing sound engineering. Scarlett’s doing events management. And Josh is doing graphic design. They’re all very busy, and I’m just sort of this dropkick.

You’ve released two EPs, when can we expect a full-length album? I don’t know! I want to release a full-length album at the end of this year, but management thinks otherwise. It’s all up in the air about what we should do. Should we release an EP, or an album. I think the decision will be on the songs that we have, if we think they go well in an EP or an album.

What can audiences expect from the Rocket Ship tour?

What are your future plans? Are you guys thinking of moving over east?

I think it’ll be a bit of fun, and there’ll be dancing, hopefully singing along! Maybe a few new songs.

I like Perth. It’s a good place to come home to. You’re on tour, and it’s amazing, and life’s pretty fast. Then you can just come home to Perth and the beaches are nice, you can go down south...

San Cisco play at The Standard in Sydney on May 9 and Groovin’ The Moo in Maitland on May 12. Their EP Awkward is out now. VERTIGO ISSUE three

Student safety has always been QUITE a pressing concern for universities. Despite this, not many students worry as their time on campus is limited to lectures and tutorials. However, for students who live on campus, the reality is quite different. Walking home after class or even between UTS residences can be riddled with danger. Navigating dark alleyways or waiting for shuttle buses can pose many dangers, such as mugging attempts, unwanted sexual harassment or assault. Women feel particularly vulnerable to these threats. A report released in 2011 by the National Union of Students (NUS) found that 92% of respondents felt safe walking around during the day compared to only 24% at night. For those who live in UTS Housing Residences Yura Mudang, Gumal Ngurang, Bulga Ngurra, Geegal and Blackfriars, safety is a serious issue.

Women and safety:

UTS:

HOME, SWEET

HOME? AZAL KHAN / JESSICA LOOI

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Issues surrounding the mistreatment of female students in university campuses are always bubbling under the surface, but until recently there was no real data to suggest that these places are unsafe for women. In 2010 the National Union of Students (NUS) Women’s Department launched the Talk About It survey in an effort to force universities to wake up to this immensely important issue. Over 1500 women from universities around Australia responded to the survey and shared their experiences. The results were truly astounding. 86% of the women who responded to the survey had experienced a form of sexual harassment while on campus, including someone making sexual comments or noises. 67% had faced an unwanted sexual experience; with many of the examples constituting what would be legally described as sexual violence or rape. Although it is difficult to attain quantitative evidence, there is significant proof to suggest that university residences are unsafe places for women. Female students living in university housing may be particularly vulnerable and Sarah Henderson, the Students’ Association Women’s Officer at UTS, believes the fact that UTS is not a closed campus may further contribute to women’s safety being compromised. “67% is an absolutely mind-blowing figure and I think UTS has taken that on board. Having people sexually assaulted or harassed on campus or housing is not acceptable. We need to get across to people that it’s not okay.” According to Jade Tyrrell, the President of the UTS Students’ Association (UTSSA), education and raising awareness is a key step in addressing the safety issues that women face on campus. “It’s a sensitive topic and there may be a lack of general awareness about what sexual harassment and assault constitutes. The culture in housing could be improved in that regard.” The results from the Talk About It survey highlighted that the lack of reporting is a significant issue for female university students. Only 3% of women who stated they encountered an unwanted sexual experience reported it to their universities, and only 2% reported it to police. A majority of the women (almost 70%) stated that they didn’t report the incident because they didn’t think it was serious enough to do so. These statistics should be indication enough that universities need

to take action, but with reporting rates so low, these issues are often swept under the carpet. Henderson believes that increased reporting will catalyse a response from universities, but recognises that women often face numerous obstacles which may prevent them from speaking out, including a fear of being stigmatised and cultural or language barriers. “We have a lot of international students who may not understand the procedures in Australia. If a woman goes to the police in her home country, she might not be received well. Therefore if she’s assaulted in Australia, she may not want to go to the police. If that happens in housing and on campus we need to make it clear to students that they can go to the police and that they are safe.” According to White Ribbon Australia, who endorsed the report, violence against women is an incredibly widespread problem that is deeply entrenched in our society. Female university students are not the only ones immune to the devastating effects of violence, as the consequences are not isolated to the affected individual but have a ripple effect to their families and the wider community. Of the respondents who had experienced assault, harassment and stalking, 70% said that it affected their confidence and 67% said that it affected their mental health. Noni Sproule, the 2012 NUS Women’s Officer, believes women on campus are undervalued and are therefore denied the right to fully participate; a right that is available to those whose safety is not jeopardised by virtue of their gender. “NUS’ biggest concern with regards to women’s safety is that it exists as a barrier to women being able to be equal members of the university community.” Tyrrell feels it is imperative that universities recognise the responsibilities and duty of care they owe to their students, so that they can work together with students and establish a dialogue to ensure their wellbeing. “All students at UTS deserve to feel safe and if that isn’t happening then there is a problem and UTS needs to address it sufficiently. This includes fostering a culture of respect and understanding what sexual harassment is and what level of respect you need to show others.”

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Housing and access

Travelling after dark

Many UTS Housing students have raised concerns regarding access to the housing buildings, especially regarding the regulation of people in and out of the residences. Although a key-card is needed to enter residences such as Yura Mudang, students have expressed concerns over the ease with which the public can enter the building due to the lack of security screenings at reception. Tyrrell acknowledges this concern but highlights the difficulty of balancing different needs. “The fact that basically anybody can come and go from the housing buildings, especially Yura, without needing a key, doesn’t sit well with many students. It’s tricky because we don’t want to impede upon their autonomy as housing students because it’s their space and they want to invite friends over, but at the same time they also want to be able to feel safe,” she says. Direct access to UTS Housing is problematic for students as they feel it is an unsafe area and they can’t walk around at night, especially alone. Yura Mudang residents have expressed they would ideally like access through the DAB (Design, Architecture & Building) building or via Harris Street. “I can’t think of a more dangerous entrance than at the end of a tunnel to Central station. Muggings happen there all the time. I would feel a lot safer if we could exit onto a busy road as opposed to the dark, isolated UPN (Urban Pedestrian Network),” says Chris, a Yura Mudang resident and fourth year Business and IT student. Residential Networker (RN) Lucy Martindale recognises that although access through the DAB would be ideal, the area is not patrolled by security and the students would have to still walk onto the UPN. Martindale appreciates that the presence of security allows students to feel much safer at night, but believes that there is a lack of security in many key places and that UTS shouldn’t bear the responsibility of funding the security of public spaces. “There’s problems with the DAB entrance as well. People might follow you. As soon as you get over the bridge and into the courtyard of the DAB café, there’s nobody there and it’s very poorly lit. I know of a student who was followed through there and she was so terrified. She called me and said ‘I just need someone to talk to while I’m walking through here so they know I’m on the phone to someone.’”

UTS Housing students are offered a security shuttle service as part of being a university resident, but have raised concerns regarding safety when waiting for the bus itself. Martindale worries about students who have to wait for the shuttle bus at night, as it can prove dangerous. “I think Bulga is probably the worst one. You have to wait right down the end of the road. You sit on the steps and people have been attacked along that road because there’s alleys and random muggings and drunk people.” As a former resident of Bulga, Martindale witnessed incidents occurring in the back alley below her room and knows of students who have been asked to speak to the police as witnesses. Students are also concerned the timetable does not accommodate those who stay out late or attend university during the summer session. Martindale feels this problem stems from a lack of adequate resources. She concedes that it may not be possible to extend the hours of the shuttle bus but feels that there should be a dedicated person who can attend to simple pick-ups. The Student Association recognises this and feels these are issues that need to be addressed. “What is needed is a longer timetable. It needs to be later and more highly publicised. Many students aren’t aware of it,” Tyrrell says. The NUS Safe Universities blueprint recommends that security shuttles should be provided to all students, for travel between the campuses and to the nearby transport hubs such as train or bus stations.

“As soon as you get over the bridge and into the courtyard of the DAB café, there’s nobody there and it’s very poorly lit. I know of a student who was followed through there and she was so terrified.”

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Walking home Walking home alone at night is often a concern for housing students, especially when they are from overseas or interstate and are unfamiliar with the area. To counter this, UTS Housing offers security escorts to walk students between UTS residences. However, there are concerns over resources and refusals by security guards. Martindale understands that due to limited resources, security guards are not always able to attend to students. “If there’s only one security person at the desk and the other is busy, they physically don’t have a person to walk students home,” she says. However as an RN, students have raised concerns to her over security guard refusals. “Some of the security guards

have blatantly refused students when they have asked them to be escorted home. Whether it’s because they don’t understand or they can’t be bothered is irrelevant because it’s part of their job.” The Safe Universities blueprint recommends that security escorts should be provided after dark by the university security services to accompany students between different points on campus. Tyrrell has consulted with housing students and is aware of this problem. “Students [have] also complained that security escorts would be refused when they were requested. I think the escorts seem to be heavily based on the discretion of the security guard at the time.” However she admits that there must be a balance between students not using it as a taxi service and genuine safety concerns.

What can be done? After consulting housing students, the SA is aware of issues that need to be addressed. Tyrrell feels that communication between security, Residential Networkers, UTS Housing and students can be improved. The SA is putting pressure on the university to increase communication around security in light of a recent mugging incident. “I think students just want to hear what is going on and what is going to be improved,” says Tyrrell. She feels UTS is being quite receptive to student concerns, and is currently in talks with the university to increase bike patrols and to investigate the increased operation of the shuttle bus. Women’s Officer, Sarah Henderson, notes that “nobody should be made to feel that they’re not comfortable in their own home.” “That’s what UTS Housing is: it’s a home for students. They should be made to feel that they’re comfortable and can leave their bedroom and go into the kitchen without the fear that someone will say something about what they’re wearing or touching them inappropriately.” She deems education as essential to combating issues of safety within the university, and believes that student behaviour will only change if they are educated about what is right and wrong. “We have a very misogynistic culture in some faculties. They’re known for it. They’re proud of it. Engineering are homophobic misogynistic racists when they get the chance. And they find it funny. They wear it as a badge of honour.” She recounts an event last year where the Engineering Society (EngSoc) held a trivia night attended mainly by engineering students. As part of the event, two girls were told that they had to make out on camera. When they refused, a video was recorded of the incident and posted up on YouTube titled ‘Bitches Bitching Out’.

Henderson believes it is crucial to address this conduct when we see it happening. “If someone sees a woman being pushed around, or if someone is talking to her in a way that is disrespectful, they should say, ‘Mate, that’s not acceptable.’” “If you see something, say something.” Henderson attributes this to a lack of awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual assault. She acknowledges that she is not asking people to run into a situation and break up a fight, but rather being smart about what to do in such a situation. In these circumstances it can be as simple as getting security or telling friends that their behaviour is inappropriate. “I think there’s nothing more powerful than a friend saying to another friend, ‘No, you shouldn’t have sex with a girl who’s drunk. No, you shouldn’t make out with a girl who’s drunk. You should take her home or make sure she gets home safely.’ Don’t underestimate your power to influence your friends.” While accepting that issues surrounding access to buildings, shuttle buses and security escorts are significant, Henderson considers education to be of utmost importance. “If you educate one person, there’s a chance they will educate someone else. If we can protect one girl from being sexually harassed, I think we’ve done a good job. Making people accountable on every level, whether it’s the Deputy Vice Chancellor or some tutor who just made a sexist joke in a class, is vital.”

•

SEXUAL ASSAULT The Royal Women’s Hospital defines sexual assault as: any sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened. It is sexual activity to which a person does not consent, including: • Touching, fondling, kissing. • Being made to look at, or pose for, pornographic photos. • Verbal harassment/innuendo. • Sexual harassment.

• Voyeurism. • Exhibitionism. • Rape. • Stalking.

If you feel like you need to speak to someone, UTS Student Services offers counselling on level 6 of the Tower building - contact 95141177. If you’d like to discuss your security concerns, please contact UTS Housing on 95141529, or if you’d like to raise any concerns with the Students’ Association, contact Jade Tyrrell on sapresident2012@uts.edu.au.

IN A NUTSHELL

the

finklestein

report MARTHA AZZI The report by Ray Finkelstein QC, amongst other things, seeks to answer the question as to whether Australia needs more media regulation. After its release at the beginning of March it has since caused controversy within the media industry. While some argue that it is a threat to free speech, others believe it is necessary as current media regulation is insufficient.

would “be established to set journalistic standards for the news media…and handle complaints made by the public when those standards are breached”. It would take on the roles of both the APC and ACMA. Finkelstein believes the Council should be government funded. Funds would be provided every three years under a submission to the Auditor General in order to stop political interference. It would consist of a full time chair – a retired judge or eminent lawyer is suggested – and 20 part-time members, half from the public and half from the media excluding shareholders, managers or directors. Finkelstein suggests the members of the News Media Council should be appointed by an independent body. This independent committee could include three senior academics appointed by Universities Australia, the Commonwealth Ombudsmen and the Solicitor-General for the Commonwealth. The Council would regulate all media (including broadcast) and any publisher that prints more than 3,000 copies per issue and online news services that receive a minimum of 15,000 hits per year. It would also have the power to ensure the media publishes corrections and apologies, withdraws particular articles and publishes the reply of complainants. Finkelstein states that if a media outlet refuses to comply with Council decisions there should be a legal requirement that allows for either the Council or complainant to go to court as its orders would force compliance.

Interesting statistics mentioned Current media regulation in Australia For newspapers a number of self-regulatory methods are taken into consideration. Ethical codes are adopted in the workforce while some newspapers adopt an ombudsman or service that takes care of complaints. An alternative, voluntary method of regulation is the participation in the Australian Press Council (APC) which was established by the newspaper industry to handle complaints and monitor their standards. Broadcasters (this includes radio and television) have additional regulation provided and overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) which they must abide by.

What the report recommends Finkelstein acknowledges that “a free press plays an essential role in a democratic society, and no regulation should endanger that role,” but also discusses the problems of the current regulation of the Australian media. He makes the controversial recommendation for a News Media Council – a new media regulator that would be “an independent statutory body”. It

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- After completing a study into the newspaper industries of 26 nations, results showed that Australia has one of the most concentrated news industries in the world, with one owner controlling more than half of the total daily newspaper circulation. - The industry comprises of a limited amount of major publishers; beginning with News Limited with 65 per cent of total circulation of metropolitan and daily national newspapers followed by Fairfax media with 25 per cent and WA newspapers with ten per cent. - Finkelstein takes note that “today, Sydney and Melbourne are the only cities with competing locally-produced daily newspapers.” - Surveys conducted over 25 years also show that people trust television more than newspapers and the ABC is trusted more than commercial television. - Finkelstein concludes that “despite the intense pressures facing it, the Australian press is in no immediate danger of collapsing.”

Case studies reflecting on media performance The report looks at a number of case studies including investiga-

tive journalism conducted by Crikey and the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism (ACIJ) in 2009. Over a one week period this investigation looked at the influence of press releases on news stories. It found that “nearly 55 per cent of stories analysed were driven by some form of public relations” and in some newspapers this was as high as 70 per cent. The issue of climate change was also taken into account while considering studies by both the ACIJ and Professor Robert Manne in 2011. After looking at 3,971 articles the ACIJ found that 73 per cent of it was of negative coverage of government policy on climate change. Manne’s research also concluded that articles “unfavourable to action on climate change outnumbered favourable articles by a ratio of four to one”. Finkelstein took note that it is a newspapers right to advocate a position, “however, to have an opinion and campaign for it is one thing; reporting is another, and in news reporting it is expected by the public, as well as by professional journalists, that the coverage will be fair and accurate.” An interesting 2006 study conducted by journalists themselves through the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance and Crikey found that 53 per cent of journalists felt that they could not criticise the company in which they worked for, 38 per cent said they have to “comply with the commercial position of their company” and approximately one-third said when writing stories they “felt obliged to take into account the political position of the proprietor.”

- There are currently over 200 pieces of legislation both state and federal in place to control what the media can and can’t do. - Journalists have a code of ethics provided by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance that affect their daily work and the function of the media rests on the credibility of what it produces. - In the report Finkelstein suggests that online news websites that receive 15,000 hits per year should be regulated by the News Media Council, however this is seen as a burden to small, independent news operators who might not have the resources to deal with the Council.

Australia has one of the most concentrated news industries in the world, with one owner controlling more than half of the total daily newspaper circulation.

Why have journalists and media commentators criticised the report? - As Finkelstein states, this report was the result of the hacking scandals that occurred in Britain and thus journalists and media commentators believe that developing and operating a policy in Australia because of what has happened elsewhere is wrong. - There is no evidence to suggest that any serious breaches of the law similar to the British hacking scandal has occurred in the Australian media and this report is an attempt by the government to muzzle the press.

What has happened since the release of the report?

The ACIJ held a conference where Julian Disney, the Chair of the APC, criticised the information the press provided to the public regarding the contents of the report. He said the coverage of the report was one-sided and that the print media resorted to “bumper sticker slogans.” Disney said he hoped the report would compel the publishers on the board of the APC to help strengthen its role as an independent regulator. Some of the concerns which are constantly raised about the APC include questions as to whether it is biased since it regulates those who fund it, and whether it can ever be effective as members on the board can withdraw and alter their funding at any time if they do not agree with what is being passed. In an attempt to address some of these issues the APC, in early April, released a press release saying that its funding will be doubled and that it will be mandatory for members to give four years notice before leaving the Council. Also once signing up to the new rules, members will be legally bound to follow the Council’s processes and provide funding. Therefore newspaper publishers now hope that in addressing these concerns it will be more difficult for the government to justify the need for a new council. The Finkelstein report has been forwarded to the Convergence Review Committee and the government will look at both before they respond to its recommendations.

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the

Defamer since 2010

BY TABITHA CHAN AND MARIAM CHEHAB

Shadow Minister for Immigration, Scott Morrison, has accused a group of asylum seekers who arrived by boat of “country shopping”. The Chinese asylum seekers were originally making their way to New Zealand - where they would not face mandatory detention - when their boat ran into trouble in Australian waters. After being escorted to Darwin, the group stated that they wanted to continue their journey to NZ. After discussions with Australian immigration officials, they agreed to avoid the incredibly dangerous voyage and sought asylum in Australia instead. As a result, they face the prospect of indefinite detention...

DISCLAIMER: The images and text portrayed are not intended to defame any individual, group or organisation. This is our attempt at satire; apologies if our sense of humour is not in line with yours.

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Australia’s most wanted man, Malcolm Naden, was finally captured in March after seven years of playing hide-and-seek with the police. VERTIGO ISSUE three

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it was difficult to attract organisations from other industries because they prefer to use different recruiting methods and recruit at different times of the year.

where’s my career? Was this year’s Careers Fair successful? Or did it only benefit students from particular faculties? Martha Azzi and Jezelle Boughaleb scope the field to find out what UTS students thought of the event.

CAREER EVENTS FOR 2012:

Environmental Science July (specific date yet to be announced)

Education Fair Friday 13th April

Internship Fair Wednesday 8th August

Nursing Fair Thursday 28th June

Physics & Nanotechnology Careers Forum September (specific date yet to be announced)

Medical & Biomedical Science Forum June (specific date yet to be announced)

Engineering Fair Wednesday 10th October

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Nearly 100 businesses arrived at UTS on March 22nd in an attempt to find and recruit talented students to their workforce. Ranging from global firms, government departments and professional associations, the Careers Fair allows face to face interaction between students and business representatives. Although promoted to all students, the event included companies predominately in the Business, Engineering and IT faculties, creating a mixed response from students who felt their faculties were not represented on the day. “Personally, I thought it was absolutely the biggest waste of my time. I wouldn’t even need all the fingers on one hand to list the employers present that were interested in science students,” said Rebecca Pagnucco, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology. Julieanne O’Hara, the manager of the Careers Fair, said it was difficult to attract organisations from other industries because they prefer to use different recruiting methods and recruit at different times of the year. “It is an unfortunate situation, but we don’t have an awful lot of science companies that come to the Careers Fair, we do have companies that recruit across all disciplines but the number they recruit, science let’s say, is a lot lower than business,” she said. However other students found the event to be beneficial: “I thought the event was helpful – I was given the opportunity to make contacts with prospective employers,” said Rouba Barakat, a final year Business student. Jade Tyrrell, the President of the Students’ Association, acknowledged the Careers Fair received a mixed response. “Ultimately, I think it was a success for students, but student feedback also suggests that not all students were satisfied. It was quite a busy day, and a number of students set to graduate this year attended,” she said. Final year students were not the only participants at the Fair, as students from different years were also given the opportunity to attend. “I thought I’d start looking at my options, since I’m finishing up next year and I want to prepare myself…I was able to see what different jobs are out there,” said Ashley Khoury, currently in her second year of Medical Science. The Careers office received a collection of feedback from students and businesses alike. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said it was the “best organised fair of 2012,” while other companies said the students weren’t focused or prepared. In an attempt to improve future job opportunities for all students the UTS Careers Service is introducing new events that

relate to specific faculties, such as a new Environmental Science Forum that is being held this year. Pagnucco believes that in order to improve job opportunities, career events need to be held more regularly. “Personally I would like to see the frequency of these type of events increased, with forums being held once a semester instead of once a year as this would allow for a greater number of presenters to visit us,” said Pagnucco.

have your say: KAREN BARBA STUDIES: Nursing. WHY DIDN’T YOU GO TO THE CAREERS FAIR? I hadn’t heard of the Careers Fair, probably because I’m always down in Haymarket. If I knew I might have gone.

Jacope Farolf STUDIES: Finance. Why didn’t you go to the careers fair? I’m going back to Europe next year, so I don’t need to look for an internship or work in Australia.

SADIE ROWDA STUDIES: Business. HOW DID YOU FIND THE CAREERS FAIR? I found it to be useful to know what jobs are out there but I think we need more help with the application processes for graduate positions.

MATT HANNFORD STUDIES: Business / Science. HOW DID YOU FIND THE CAREERS FAIR? Overall it was okay but considering the fact that most companies close their registration dates for internships and graduate positions a week later it’s very inconvenient.

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8 ball YES

nour haydar

Do you agree with the Kony 2012 campaign?

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On the morning of March 7 when Kony 2012 went viral, my initial thoughts were “what an inspirational film; this is why I’m studying journalism”. Over the following 24 hours the comments streaming through my Twitter feed dramatically shifted as the campaign gained momentum, from passionate enthusiasm to unnecessary nihilism. Sceptics argued that Kony 2012 was fuelled by the elite to benefit the elite with a hidden capitalist agenda. Conspiracy theories I read ranged from “it is a financial scam” to “it is U.S. imperialism in action”. To those who are wary of Invisible Children’s financial dealings I have a simple solution for you: don’t donate. IC is an advocacy organisation; their aim is to encourage discourse and awareness. This justifies why a large portion of their budget is spent on producing content about the LRA. Needless to say, U.S. intervention is not ideal. I understand that to apprehend Kony will require outside military interference which could potentially undermine Uganda’s state sovereignty. However training Uganda’s government and providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the LRA could alleviate the social unrest. Regardless, one must look at the bigger picture and assess – which is the lesser of two evils? The cynical ‘hoo-ha’ surrounding this positive cause infuriates me. To those who argue “but Kony may be dead so why bother?” I say, “if so, good riddance.” If not, would you feel safe knowing that a serial murder and rapist was at large in your community? I’m guessing not. Ultimately, Joseph Kony should be trialled by the ICC and this campaign seeks to achieve that. Nowadays, citizens of the world have bought down despotic governments with the aid of social media. Why view this any differently? By making Kony famous and demanding his arrest we as citizens of the world can set a precedent and ensure that other war criminals know their atrocities will not go unnoticed or unpunished by the global community. I salute Jason Russel for his efforts. He has achieved what all journalists hope for; that is to give a voice to those who would otherwise go unheard. Essentially, Joseph Kony is an evil bastard who must be stopped (regardless of Mr Russell’s alleged insanity and public indecency).

mariam chehab The idea of walking around with the face of a murderer, kidnapper and rapist on my shirt makes me somewhat uncomfortable, even if the intentions are well-meaning. The Kony 2012 campaign was a viral hit and succeeded in creating a powerful media buzz, but for a video that aimed to encourage awareness of the situation in central Africa and of Kony’s victims, it focused more on Invisible Children rather than the horrors committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Go watch it again and you’ll probably notice that the narration is more or less about Jason Russell’s journey and his cute kid – you don’t actually hear from many victims themselves, even though the whole point of the video is to inform people of their plight. The video has been viewed more than 87 million times on YouTube. You would think then that a video as meticulously planned would make sure to present accurate, up-todate facts. However, some statements made by Invisible Children were exaggerated or old, such as the whereabouts of the LRA and the amount of child soldiers it had. The charity was asking people (especially in the US) to contact their political representatives and urge them to support and extend the mandate of the US special forces team already in Uganda, despite the fact the LRA had moved their operations to other countries in central Africa since 2005. No doubt the LRA has to be stopped and be brought before the ICC, but the way Invisible Children is going about it in the support of the Ugandan army has raised legitimate questions, as the army has been accused of committing serious war crimes and crimes against humanity themselves. Is this then supporting one evil over another? It’s a good thing the charity has made a sequel to address all the criticism it has faced. It’s a shame that not nearly as many people have watched it – only around 1.5 million, nor has it seemed to generate the Facebook and Twitter discussion like the original. This raises the issue of longevity – can this campaign actually work? Or did we simply place it at the back of our mind as soon as we shared it on Facebook?

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SOUTH ASIA

THROUGH THE LENS

Johanan Ottensooser

In July and December 2011, I headed over to Sri Lanka to volunteer with Palmera Projects, a small, student run organisation that aims to make real changes in developing countries by implementing micro finance and social business projects. I was part of the Mannar rice mill task force in charge of construction of a Rice Mill in the civil war devastated North of the country. This mill was built to get rid of the perverse situation where the rice farmers had to sell their

rice unprocessed, and made so little money that they had trouble affording food for their own families. Further, this mill was to serve as a social business, with the profits from milling being pumped back into the village economy in the form of micro finance loans. These photos are a few highlights from my trip. If you want to know more, go to http://palmeraprojects.org/ and consider becoming a member.

Small-scale carrot farming in Jaffna

A BABY AT A MOSQUE

In the civil-war ridden Jaffna peninsula, in Northern Provence, Sri Lanka, local peasant women subsidise their husband’s meagre labourer’s income by renting out small plots of land from the land-owning elite, growing hardy vegetables in the land not fertile enough for paddy cultivation.

A young girl going to mosque in the Muslim majority city of Hyderabad, dressed in a traditional hijab. Whilst it is uncommon for children so young to wear hijabs, on special occasions, such as Friday prayers, they are worn.

a boy in his village

HIJRAS IN BANGALORE

what a smile!

On my trip to India, I went for a weekend with Culture Aangan, an Indian social business that trains people to work, with their village, in socially sustainable tourism work. On our tour of the town neighbouring the home-stay, we saw a funeral procession, with a crowd of drummers proceeding a tractor-trailer holding the deceased and his family. This boy was at his father’s fruit stand on the side of the road, watching the funeral procession march on by when he was startled by the fireworks that were meant to scare away spirits. As I walked past with the procession, I took his photo as his gaze was fixed on the funeral before him.

Hijras are physically men, however, they identify themselves as spiritually female. In India, they are socially outcaste, and often live together in groups, many working in prostitution or begging for a living. Others, however, take on a semireligious role, offering (for a large price, and often at the threat of being cursed if unpaid) blessings and good luck at births, weddings and other significant life-events. These two Hijras were walking to the Hanuman temple in Bangalore when they saw me with my camera, immediately posing for photos and chatting away, blessing me afterwards.

In Trincomalee, North-East Sri Lanka, there are camps where persons displaced in the civil war (which ended in 2009) still live. Here, there is only enough work for people to work a few days a month. However, vocational training programs are used to get people to work in villages nearby the camp. This girl, who’s father is a fisherman out of work as their camp is inland, is dressed in her spotlessly clean school uniform - dyed slightly blue because light-blue dye is cheaper than bleach. Her mother keeps her uniform spotlessly clean because this is the only way she feels she, being illiterate, can contribute to her daughter’s education.

A better-than-average house in Malayalapuram

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Palmera Projects is working with BOLO (Brightness of Life Organisation) in a town near Kilinochchi in Northern Sri Lanka on livelihood projects involving poultry. I went to the village to scout out the site for the project and was shocked: three years after the civil war ended people were living in houses made from UNHCR tarpaulins and tin gifted by the Indian government. I could see that there was a lot of work to be done here.

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Many a non-law student would be perfectly perplexed as why a group of students who are undoubtedly going to earn three times the average male wage are so utterly miserable given their future prospects

The Good Life? Melanie Nicol

PHOTOGRAPHY ASH MYBURGH

BY THE END OF 2008, THERE WAS NO AVOIDING IT. THE LEGAL PROFESSION WAS FACED WITH WHAT IT HAD ALWAYS KNOWN BUT IGNORED: ITS VALUED MEMBERS WERE VERY UNWELL. IF SOMETHING DIDN’T CHANGE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF LAWYERS CURRENTLY IN LAW SCHOOL, WHO ARE ALREADY SHOWING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION AT TWICE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, WOULD SURELY FOLLOW SUIT. BUT WHAT IS IT ABOUT STUDYING LAW THAT MAKES STUDENTS SO MISERABLE? AND IS IT REALLY JUST LAW STUDENTS, OR IS THIS THE TIP OF A MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS IN OUR YOUTH?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australians will experience a mental illness within a 12-month period. Mental health is the largest case of non-fatal disease in Australia and it is a bigger workforce participation barrier than any other illness in the country. Furthermore, young adults aged 18-24 have the highest prevalence of mental disorders of any age group. These are alarming statistics, but research undertaken by the Sydney Brain and Mind Institute in 2008 found an even more prevalent mental health problem amongst law students. 47% of students and 55% of solicitors identified that they had experienced depression, whilst 68 % of students and 71% of solicitors identified that someone close to them had experienced depression. These figures are over double the national average. The ultimate question is… why? Many a non-law student would be perfectly perplexed as why a group of students who are undoubtedly going to earn three times the average male wage are so utterly miserable given their future prospects. There are two good reasons why law students can struggle with mental wellbeing. The first problem is the intense level of competition students experience in a high pressure and high expectation environment. Law school has been aptly described by the College of Law as a “series of bottle-necks” starting with obtaining the ATAR required for entry, then obtaining a clerkship in a top tier firm and eventually securing a placement in a graduate program. Students compete with one another for good grades in order to make it through to the next step. Class participation marks encourage an environment where to do well, students need to outwit their colleagues and tear to shreds the arguments they put forward. This isolates peers from one another, and instills a deep rooted sense of competition which stays with students throughout their degree and entire career when they face off against each other in court. The level of competition also makes it difficult to strike a work-life balance. A third year law student found obtaining all the aspects of a healthy lifestyle “immensely challenging.” At times, she found her studies could be “life consuming, sleepdepriving, competitive and endlessly stressful.” The typical traits of a law student may also be contributing to the high rates of mental health issues amongst them. Joanna Vincent, the then Mental Health Officer for the University of Western Australia noted in 2011 that “students who enter law school are generally high achievers, driven and determined.

Further, students generally manifest an internal locus of control, believing that they are essentially in control and should be held accountable for their achievements and failures... these personally imposed pressures may potentially be increased by parents or one’s family. Before the nature of law school is even considered, it is clear that students who enter law school are to some degree already predisposed to developing mental health related problems.” And then there is the loss of the ideal. The joke is often made in law school that over the course of your degree you realise that instead of fighting for justice, you will end up working long hours to make rich companies richer by facilitating the purchase of other rich companies. Although humorous, for many students who have struggled under the high demands of the course and the level of competition, the realisation that they will not be achieving their set goals and aspirations is a crushing defeat. Although predominant in law students, this problem is not isolated to them specifically. In many professions, industry specific mental health awareness literature is beginning to grow. Journalists and communication students are statistically at risk of developing post-traumatic stress in the line of their work. Mark Masse in his book Trauma Journalism: On Deadline In Harm’s Way wrote that although “people may think that reporters are only in for a good story and don’t feel anything,” recent trauma research shows “there are consequences for being in harm’s way.” Journalists are on the front line reporting on human tragedies and losses, causing post-traumatic stress and anxiety as a result of going to work. The typical coping strategy for journalists to cope with this stress according the Masse is to “go out for a few drinks and try to work through it. Journalists tend to suck it up…that is the nature of the business. But reporters aren’t superheroes.” The media industry is becoming harder to break into with fewer graduate opportunities due to the death of traditional media. As a result there has been an increasing level of competition amongst journalism students for internship and graduate placements. This in itself can invoke copious amounts of stress as the media is largely controlled by a monopoly; therefore many students face the reality that failure in one media giant is failure in nearly all. As one communication student informed Vertigo, “there are just too many students and not enough jobs in the industry... you’re constantly looking over your shoulder

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and know your job is never entirely safe. If you want to make it in the industry, you have to work harder than everybody else. It can run you down physically and mentally... You can’t say no to your boss - and they can expect you to miss classes, or work long hours... It is a state of constant anxiety.” Other UTS Communication majors also had similar experiences. One writing and culture studies student found that “knowing that you have to carve a career for yourself, rather than having the more traditional ‘single occupation’ at the end of it can make you quite anxious... there is always something more that you could be doing.” Engineering students, like their lawyer counterparts, are equally struggling to strike a work life balance. “We have a lot of contact hours at uni and then have a fair bit of study to do at home as well. For people who are trying to balance uni, work and a social life it becomes a little stressful. Normally I am sacrificing one for the other.” Other concerns for students were reflected in a 2010 Beyondblue review of medical students and doctors. The review found that medical students were less likely to seek help for depression than the general population due to the familiar fear that they would be stigmatised and that depression would stifle their careers, causing colleagues to question their professional integrity. So what is the solution? Much of the literature focuses upon key reforms including increasing the community’s access to mental health practitioners, breaking down the social stigma of depression and increasing the mental resilience of students as a way of ensuring they are mentally prepared for the challenges of university and the workforce. The Law Faculty at UTS has put forward three key points to increasing resilience: 1. Focus on the component parts of good mental health such as supportive relationships, strong self-esteem, strong problem solving skills and help-seeking skills. 2. Prioritise the personal resources for wellbeing such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, work life balance and relaxation. 3. Stay true to what you believe in. Too many lawyers and journalists feel they are compromising their integrity in their workforce, which can lead to loss of self-respect and purpose. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression will be the number one cause of disability in both the developed and developing worlds by 2030. As the common mental disorders in young Australian adults are anxiety disorders (14%) and depressive disorders (6%) it is only imaginable what sort of statistics we will see in the future from studies on university students across the faculties.

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NOTE: The author is a law student, not a health practitioner. If any students would like further information on improving your mental resilience, increasing your motivation or mental health, see the Student Services Website - http://www.ssu.uts.edu.au/

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“…it is clear that students who enter law school are to some degree already predisposed to developing mental health related problems.”

TRAIN SURVIVAL 101 Siobhan Graham

For those with sociopathic tendencies, public transport can be a rather daunting experience. You are forced to hold yourself up in a carriage full of strangers and rub shoulders with one lucky individual, a nightmare for anyone with aphenphosmphobia (fear of being touched). If you are not being sneezed on by some snot goblin, you are shallow breathing as you vainly try to avoid breathing in the stench of your neighbour’s snack. And so, I have developed a public transport survival guide to aid those, like myself, who have been plagued with social phobias. Foremost, when catching a train, preparation is everything. It may seem trivial, but where you choose to sit will alter the fate of your experience. If the carriage is semi-empty you will have the choice between a two or three-seater. If you are so bold as to choose a three-seater be aware that you will be pressed up against the window for the entire trip. If you are the unfortunate soul trapped in the middle of the trio, say goodbye to any sense of personal space, and your elbows will be clamped by your sides for the next hour. The double seat is the safest bet: only one shoulder will be chaffed and elbow movement, however minimal, is permitted. On-the-go snacks are essential for train survival as one works up quite the appetite watching defaced landscapes whirling by on a train. Keep it simple, e.g. muesli bars.

Avoid potent, overly crunchy foods as they both stink out the carriage and evoke violent thoughts in commuters. An iPod / MP3 ensures one’s sanity on public transport. Listening to a good play list not only makes for a happy commuter but it also drowns out the usual train soundtrack: unfortunate tales of teenage relationships, tween squeals and amateur dubstep playing on the loudspeaker of some lad’s phone. Reading material provides a great distraction from the soul-blackening trip, so whip out the MX you just poached at Central, the Freud readings you have been procrastinating all week and crack open your copy of Eat, Pray, Love. Transform this anxiety-inducing experience into an opportunity for enlightenment. Some final pointers for those who have chosen to brave the awkwardness that is communal transport: avoid wearing white, you will most likely be sitting on someone’s tag; if someone nearby is eating something potent revert to shallow breathing, and if you drop your morning latte, remember, the coffee WILL roll with the train, so relocate. For those who fear society, public transport can be a cringe-worthy experience; when the mothball-scented grandpa isn’t spraying you with microbes, you’re internally screaming because the girl’s ponytail in front is draping on your knee. Train survival 101 equips the sociopathic with the tools to conquer CityRail and reduce your chance of cardiac arrest.

Haven’t you heard? 35 is the new 18.

The view from

over here: confessions of a mature age student S.J. Malagre

It was one of those moments when time stood still. No, I’m not talking about love at first sight, or being offered a free keg. “So, how old are you?” The words flowed quite easily from the woman’s mouth during a job interview, but it did take me a while to digest them and to recover from the shock. I answered politely, despite sections of the Anti-Discrimination Act flashing in my brain. At times, it can be hard not to reflect on why people feel age is so important. Students should be judged by the quality of their work, not by the date on their birth certificate. I delight in being at UTS. It is the university I wanted to be at and I love my course thus far. But it can, at first, be intimidating when surrounded by others who can’t remember what life was like before mobile phones. I recall them being the size of a brick at one stage. I also remember what life was like before Google and Wikipedia…but I digress (ranting clearly is a sign of my “old age”). Age is something that shouldn’t bother people. A significant number of people over 30 are returning to university to re-train or to further their own professional goals, while many others may actually be entering university for the first time. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), mature age students (those from the age of 25-45) make up roughly 10% of all university intakes. The current job market is competitive and without an edge, many are turning to universities to re-train or upgrade their professional knowledge and skills. For some like Paul Clark, a first year M.A journalism student, post-graduate study isn’t about upgrading, but integrating his considerable skills from years in the Australian Army and corporate management with skills he wishes to gain with a journalism degree. Clark used a career coach to help him and his wife choose the best study plan that would achieve his goals, whilst not burdening them financially or impacting their home life negatively. But for some mature age students, full-time study is a big gamble and therefore being supported is essential. “You sacrifice the security of full-time employment. And a lot of people have to plan very carefully in order to study,” Clark said. University life is not all fun and games – which all students discover at some point. But for many mature age students, not only do we juggle professional careers with study, but a

good number of us also have family responsibilities to consider. Returning to study after having made a career in education was not a decision that was taken lightly. I work during the day, in addition to classes two nights a week, coupled with the responsibility of supporting an elderly parent. Opportunities are available for people who are of mature age, but when you are competing for jobs with people, ten or more years younger than you, or even employers that are, it can be daunting. Should we mature age post-graduates not apply for these opportunities? Hell no! We have plenty to offer prospective employers and indeed our fellow students. We simply see university from a much wiser point of view. But as Clark points out, the mature age experience is not often in direct competition with younger classmates, but with having the same quality educational experience. “When people are entering university, or coming back as a mature age students, often they are doing it for reasons of their own. People need to be told that university is for everyone. The environment should support that and I think it [UTS] does,” he said. He says that while his experience as a mature age student has been mostly positive, there were some initial concerns about the lack of offline support before he made his course selection. “When I wanted information, it was quite hard to get a hold of someone to talk to. I eventually found someone that was able to be a bit more specific.” University by its very definition is inclusive. It is for anyone who seeks knowledge. Some services at university do seem like they are geared more towards 20-year-olds, but that’s okay. Our needs are different, yet our dreams and aspirations are often the same. Being over 30 is hardly ‘over the hill’, yet sometimes you are made to feel that way. And it’s all about perception. Mature age students are great people to start conversations with. We come from a range of backgrounds, interests and disciplines. And just because we are older (not old), doesn’t mean that we are incapable of relating to younger fellow students. University changes your life – it certainly has shaped who I am, far more than it did when I was 18. Mature age students have a lot to offer, so give us a chance! It’s our university too!

Opportunities are available for people who are of mature age, but when you are competing for jobs with people, ten or more years younger than you, or even employers that are, it can be daunting. VERTIGO ISSUE three

SHOWCASE My name is Minhky Le, and I love drawing. Normally a photo-real portrait illustrator, I have (for the past few months) begun to experiment and discover more ways to artistically communicate my fascination with the weird and wonderful.

There are always a set of “loose guidelines” to follow when I’m drawing – to add a bird beak here perhaps, or be open minded there, but at the same time I try not think too much and to let the pen do all the work. I’m all about finding the perfect balance between simplicity and intricacy for each drawing I compose. As a result, I’ve now ended up with a series of these quirky creatures that are what I’d like to refer to as my own signature style.

more of minhky’s AMAZING INKWORK work can be seen at: http://cargocollective.com/inhky

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SHOWCASE

the altar ELyse GLYNN

I’m sure now you’ll disclose as I seal and enclose and prepare to surrender my heart. If I have solved the riddle which you fed me the middle wish I could have begun from the start. ‘Tis the jigsaw I fear I will not lie my dear I never was good at these things. When it came to propose I had heard I suppose It had something to do with the rings? You first caught me with eyes of suspicion and lies like a fish with a hook in my snout. You undressed on my bed ‘I surrender’ you said but I’ll admit I was still filled with doubt. And then you slowly drew out of honey and dew a silken laced, patterning web. Where you wrapped me in tight stole my heart from the light and my soul I felt starting to ebb. Numb in your embrace you said ‘fear not the space that is now the dark hole in your chest. For now you have me’ (in a voice so breathy) ‘and I’ll fill it with how I know best’. And so now here I stand subject to your command and you smile your arsenic smile. From behind your white veil in a pure shade so pale You’d admit that it reeks of denial I look at your nails with the smallest details painted light as a dead baby’s breath. And the sweat it drips down my back and I frown As I realise I’m marrying death.

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DID YOU KNOW?

What is the evil eye?

the

EVIL

EYE

The evil eye is the belief that a person may fall ill, have bad luck or die due to the envy, gaze or high praise of another individual. The effect of the evil eye is not restricted to humans, but can also affect the receiver’s livestock or belongings and inanimate objects may crack or fall apart. It may be done purposely or unintentionally. This belief has been around for at least five thousand years and is not a mere superstition, but is taken very seriously by millions of people around the world, especially in the Middle East and Mediterranean. The belief varies amongst different cultures and religions and there are various cures and measures taken to ensure a person is protected.

SYMPTOMS: Alan Dundes, an American professor of folklore, found there is a common aspect to the belief of the evil eye that seems to transcend cultural barriers. In his reputed article Wet and Dry: The Evil Eye, Dundes found the accepted symptoms of the curse or gaze usually relate to a lack of moisture such as dryness, dehydration, wilting or withering. This can manifest itself in vomiting, diarrhoea, deterioration of vegetation and the loss of milk in nursing mothers. Most believe that children are particularly susceptible to the effects of the evil eye because they are often praised and commented on by other people. To counteract this, many people in the Middle East and Mediterranean attach a blue bead to the clothes of a newborn or add a blue bead to a young child’s necklace.

mariam chehab Since classical antiquity, the belief in the evil eye has influenced countless people and its existence remains just as powerful today.

PREVENTION & CURE: The way the evil eye is repelled or cured varies amongst the different religions and cultures that believe in it:

SPITTING / LIQUID: In many societies, spitting is not considered rude but necessary in order to protect oneself or another individual from the evil eye. In Poland, if a parent feels someone is staring at their newborn for too long, they will spit over their shoulder and mutter a protective statement. Dundes cites examples where the victims of the evil eye drink the spit of strangers or anoint it on their bodies in order to cure them from the curse. Liquid is used to identify cases of the evil eye, for instance in the Middle East, melted lead or beeswax is dropped into a basin of water held on top of the victim’s head – if it forms the figure of a human or an eye, the evil eye is to blame. In parts of the Mediterranean, grains are dropped into a saucer of water, and if they float, the evil eye is to blame – the pattern the grains form can be “read” to help devise a cure too.

UTTERING PROTECTIVE WORDS: - The Hebrew word for the evil eye is ayin ha-ra (or variations of it) and by saying the words Kein Ayin Hara or Bli Ayin Hara (“without the evil eye”) when talking about good fortunes or praising others, it is believed the curse of the eye is averted. - In Islam, the word Mashallah (“God has willed it”) is said before or after a compliment or a positive observation to ensure no bad luck occurs on the person/object. -The Greek Orthodox Church has recognised the curse of the evil eye and has a special prayer for suspected victims.

AMULETS: - A hamsa or khamsa (which translates to ‘five’ in Arabic) is an amulet shaped as an open palm and is common to Judaism and Islam. In Judaism, it is referred to as the hand of Miriam and in Islam it is referred to the hand of Fatima. The amulets are used as jewellery or as wall hangings. - In Turkey, Greece and other Mediterranean countries, a common amulet or item used is a bead or glass with an ‘eye’ on a blue or red background. In Turkey these are called Nazar Boncugu beads, and the belief is that the amulet will attract the evil glance itself, not the person/object wearing it.

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SPORT/FITNESS

NRL FORECAST TOM SMITH

James Maloney. Beau Scott. Dave Taylor. Barely weeks in to the 2012 season, these stars of the NRL are penning deals with rival clubs for the 2013 campaign. The solution to the NRL’s lawless transfer system? A postseason player draft. Just copy the AFL. Every 18-year-old in the country nominates for the draft. The wooden-spooners get first pick, 15th gets second choice, 14th gets third, and so on, until the premiers get 16th pick and it all starts again. Dispensation for local juniors etc. would be established, to encourage clubs to nurture their own talent. A draft and a salary cap work hand in hand, like a pie and sauce. They ensure an even spread of talent, by allowing weaker clubs to maintain their roster and bolster their stocks with the best young talent. A draft - and the attendant post-season, pre-draft trade

PHOTOGRAPHY FREDDY TENNYSON

week, whereby player transfers between clubs could exclusively be arranged - would not only promote balance between clubs, but compensate clubs for losing players, and avoid the uncomfortable situation of players announcing their departure with months to run on their existing contract. The Dragon Army are entitled to feel ripped off at losing Scott to Wayne Bennett’s Knights. But with a draft, they would receive compensation. For an Origin player like Scott, St George Illawarra would likely demand Newcastle’s first round draft pick to engineer the trade. And we wouldn’t have to endure months of hearsay regarding Scott’s performance, knowing he’s leaving Kogarah at season’s end. A post-season trade week would probably discourage players from moving clubs, which is a good thing; and when they do move, at least the club is paid back somewhat.

I love my ASSets

ADVICE

How to not: live in the past sophia phan Carpe diem is my life mantra. At least that is what I’d answer if someone were to ask me that in an interview when I’m incredibly rich and famous. This is probably because I studied the Classics in high school or because it reminds me of Pokémon (magikarp, if it wasn’t already completely obvious). You need to live like today is going to be your last. Follow the example of the classic song ‘Big Red Car’ by The Wiggles and enjoy the good things in life like driving near and far and sitting in the back seat (hello, Rebecca Black!). Doubting whether you should be buying that delicious slice of double chocolate cake? What’s wrong with you?! It’s already a bargain, I mean, they put double the amount of chocolate in it and it’s not like you’re eating a Krispy Kreme factory (I hear your teeth fall out if you look at it for too long). I know how other people tell you things like “get out and

enjoy the fresh air” and “go stand on a mountain like the folk from Savage Garden!” but it’s much easier said than done (it’s also a lot easier to bathe in the sea). What you should do, and yes I am telling you what to do because I am obviously almighty, is whatever the heck you want – except exercise intentionally because that’s just weird. Indulge in some trashy television (I highly recommend Snog, Marry, Avoid?), declare your love for One Direction (I know you’re all lying and soon you’ll all be infected with their cuteness) or dress like Lady Gaga (but know that you will never be her). And while I am all for expressing yourself through clothes and all that, please, please remember, that even in an alternate reality where you can seize as many days as you want: 1) Tights will never ever pass as pants 2) … no that’s pretty much it.

jackelyn ho “I like big butts and I cannot lie!” I don’t know why Sir Mix‐A‐Lot and most of today’s modern pop songs are so addicted to my booty, but hey, I’m not complaining. Jennifer Lopez’s tail feather is rumoured to have $27 million of insurance on it. Kim Kardashian is essentially known for her perfectly perfect backside — but hey, as they say, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. A lot of people claim that you can’t spot reduce. If you seem to collect a lot of junk in your trunk, doing squats won’t immediately give you the results. However you can tone certain areas of your body. If you perform cardiovascular exercises and mix it in with butt enhancing moves, you can definitely tighten and lift those glutes.

As I mentioned in the last edition, cardio helps to get rid of fat all over your body. Whether it’s performing plyometric moves or running five miles, this will definitely lean out your body shape. After that’s all said and done, hit the floor with squats and lunges to tone your badonkadonk. Be sure to incorporate all types of butt strengthening moves to target all three gluteal muscles. For maximum results, I want you to squeeze your glutes when you’re reaching the height of the movement. This will make your muscles work harder and activate every individual fibre. Now bring this cheat sheet with you to the gym and get moving! You’re never going to get the butt you want by sitting on the one you have.

THE EXERCISES:

Move #1: Butt Lifters

Move #2: Hip Bridges

‐ Start on all fours, keeping hands under shoulders and knees under hips. ‐ Bring leg into the air, keeping a 90 degree angle in your knee, hold and pulse your foot towards the ceiling.

‐ Lie on back, bring feet under your knees and lift hips into the air. ‐ Keep a straight line from upper back to your knees. Squeeze abs and glutes. ‐ Lower your hips back down about 1 inch off the ground and raise them again.

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it’s a guy thing

you’re not as special as me al jedlin So there I was, sitting in the VIP section of The Club, feeling like a bit of a boss; my good friend Gemma next to me as I took a shot. I won’t lie, I felt damn important. For reasons unbeknown to me some misguided fool thought I belonged in the VIP section. But after a while I realised it was all a joke, and that not only was I not a VIP, I wasn’t even an IP. I was just a P, and that was ok by me. Unlike so many of my generation, I’m ok with the fact that I’m just your average person with mediocre writing skills and hot friends (who flirt with frightening security to get me onto lists that I’m definitely not on). As a society we are placing increased importance on selling ourselves as commodities. Your Facebook page or Twitter account is merely a stylised version of the real person behind the screen, the coolest, most perfect version of you. In our late Y generation we look upon people with thousands of Facebook friends and perceive that they are important or popular and therefore worth knowing. I often wonder to myself, why? Is it some intrinsic sense of wanting to be known and recognized? Or are we all so fascinated by ourselves that we think we deserve to be in the

VIP section of The Club, when realistically our greatest claim to fame is having over 1000 ‘friends’ or appearing once in our local newspaper. According to Clinical Psychologist Linda Chamberlain, our generation has been brought up in a culture where parents place an overwhelming importance on their children and how amazing they are. Do they really believe their seven-year-old brat is the best at making sandcastles when they obviously are not? This notion is even further accelerated in relationships. My mate Bede once complained to me that all women seem to have an innate desire to be treated specially, and most importantly, differently, to all who came before her. As a relationship continues, this notion of being “someone special” is exponentially intensified after the big DTR (define the relationship) moment happens. From then on men are expected to do more, and treat the woman in a way that he has treated no one else before. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But when it all comes down to it, all she wants is to be treated like the perfect princess she has been told she is.

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REVIEWS

BLUESFEST EVENT

APRIL 5TH - 9TH Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay

Here’s the thing about Bluesfest. At 4:15pm on the Thursday before Easter, a quarter of an hour into the epic five-day romp, you’ll find what you might expect of a Blues-n-Rootsy-ByronBay-hippie-fest: a slim but slightly sagging Byron beauty with silvering, once-blonde tresses straggling down past her enviably taut, well-yogad behind, leaping about unreservedly and weaving throughout the crowd like a nymph through her organic vegetable garden, or some kind of fairy sprocket bouncing between gluten-free, marshmallow clouds, and then closing her eyes, blissfully, wistfully, sculpting an invisible Grecian air-statue of the interpretive dance that is her life, and that is, of course, the music. While the uptight mass of cityfolk stand rigidly. Listen intellectually. Agitate awkwardly away from her. Wondering where the fuck they can get some of whatever she’s on. By 4:25pm, you’ll find: none of it matters. Accountants will be jumping, surfies dosey-doeing, public servants gyrating, babies wiggling, tradies bootie-shaking, grandparents bopping, lawyers even managing a bit of an awkward knee-

the BLUESFEST begins (from far left) MACEO PARKER; THE CROWD AWAITS THE MAIN EVENT; EARTH, WIND & FIRE.

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knock, all writhing together, their collars ever-loosening, their hairdos ever-undoing, their tensions ever-receding – and without having sought out “whatever she’s on.” It’s not needed. It’s that good. It’s Bluesfest. To be clear, this is not a festival just for the cool, though there’s no shortage of hipsters. It’s not a festival just for the nostalgic, though there’s no shortage of baby boomers. It’s not a festival just for the blues, but, as director Peter Noble puts it, where “all fans of good music can go, ‘here’s a place I can go to hear really good music.’ ” Case in point: G3 (definitely not blues) who dominated the Mojo mainstage for a two-and-a-half hour guitar marathon on Friday afternoon. G3 are three of the world’s greatest guitarists – Joe Satriani (played with Mick Jagger, Deep Purple), Steve Vai (Frank Zappa), and Steve Lukather (Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Paul McCartney) – together. Satriani raged around the stage resembling Ralph Fiennes’ Voldemort but with slick black shades and minus the cloak. I don’t know if he was inspired by the Dark Lord, but the shit coming out of his guitar was,

PHOTOgraphy stephanie king without a doubt, of another realm. Satriani at one point soloed with his tongue, and then the three sort of co-milked this haunting, sliding, siren harmony to close a crazily impressive set. Equally intense, but less rock-wild and more funktastic, was 70s-to-90s pop-sensation Earth, Wind & Fire, who brought the world such gifts as ‘Let’s Groove’ and ‘Boogie Wonderland.’ Despite their age and their super-catchy retro tunes, there was nothing daggy about this performance. The three remaining original members were supported by a team of incredibly tight, talented and charismatic musicians, and together they carried the audience to unprecedented levels of euphoria with their flawless instrumental solos and athletic dance moves. An undisputed festival highlight. But it’s hard to look past other greats such as The Specials who ignited the mainstage with their distinctive ska classics; John Fogerty who quickly took us all back to the heyday of Creedence Clearwater Revival with hits such as ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’; and Maceo Parker (aka James Brown’s sax) whose incredibly sexy funk had the entire crowd

sweating like an Englishman eating vindaloo. It’s always great to see Aussie bands like the John Butler Trio, Cold Chisel and Blue King Brown up on the mainstage and on equal footing with the international greats. But one of the greatest joys of Bluesfest is discovering a swag-full of phenomenal musicians you’ve never heard before: be sure to check out Angelique Kidjo, described as “Africa’s premier diva”; Melbourne Ska Orchestra, a crazy 26-piece big band led by John Butler’s drummer, Nicky Bomba; Seasick Steve, who went from homelessness to blues fame and was joined on the stage by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones; Yann Tiersen, composer of the famous Amelie soundtrack, and others like Harry Manx, Trombone Shorty and local crew Dubmarine. Whatever your musical leanings or city-slicking hippyaversions, it’s impossible not to be happy at Bluesfest.

★★★★★ STEPHANIE KING & Julian Dibley-Hall VERTIGO ISSUE three

THE HUNGER GAMES FILM

NOW SHOWING in cinemas

EVERY BREATH THEATRE

NOW SHOWING - APRIL 29th the belvoir THEATRE

Gary Ross’ adaptation debuted as the best opening weekend for a non-sequel movie. Based on Suzanne Collins’ book by the same name, The Hunger Games serves as a warning to contemporary society. Set 75 years after the Dark Days War, The Hunger Games embodies the most primitive of human interactions: the need to stay alive. It begins in District 12, where two tributes are chosen to represent each district at a cruel bloodbath called the Hunger Games. These tributes are chosen from children as young as 12 years old, and sent into the annual competition to fight to the death. At an awkward two and a quarter hours the film does surprisingly well to trick you into suspending your sense of time. Jennifer Lawrence is convincing as the loyal and sacrificial Katniss Everdeen. However, Josh Hutcherson’s performance as the love-struck Peeta Mellark proved less compelling. Due to typical movie lengths, book-to-film appropriations often leave something to be desired. While The Hunger Games proved a thoughtful deluge into human nature, details that were not necessary in the book would have benefitted the film. For example the film, like the novel, is carried almost solely through the eyes of protagonist Katniss. Consequently, for the majority of the Hunger Games sequence we are left in wonder as to the fate of the other tributes. However, the poignant sisterly comradery between Katniss and District 11 tribute, Rue (Amandla Stenberg) provided a much needed respite from the startlingly confronting deaths. The heavily materialistic world of the glamourised ‘Capitol’ with its flashing lights, extravagant costuming and surreal customs draws its foundations from a society obsessed with material wealth. Yet ultimately, these privileged citizens, who have the world at their fingers, crave only one thing: entertainment. The film proves a salient warning to what we, as humans, really value. The Hunger Games imbues us with suspense, fear and above all, hope.

Every Breath is a new and provocative Belvoir production that debuts acclaimed director Benedict Andrews’ first turn as playwright. The play revolves around a young security guard named Chris (Shelly Lauman) who is employed to protect a family under threat from an unseen terror. Chris keeps watch by the pool at night as each member of the household becomes drawn to him as both an object of lust and morbid curiosity. Within this bleak backdrop, Andrews offers his audience a surreal vision of upper class suburbia. An isolated world where the elegant and perverse are inseparable. I found that the cast lacked consistency as an ensemble. The clear standout was Eloise Mignon. The sincerity she brought to her portrayal of a repressed teenager was mesmerizing. Others like John Howard however, who played the father of the house, appeared uncomfortable, fumbling lines and shifting awkwardly about the stage without any conviction. This is where the play fell apart. If the actors doubt the vision of the director, it not only derails the intensity of the performance, but it also gives the audience more room to doubt the play as well. The night I attended, there was a negative energy in the room, as if neither cast nor patron were able to fully let go. To be fair, I did go very early on in the run. I will be curious to see how much development will be made by the closing night. Overall Every Breath is a play with interesting ideas but poor execution. Benedict Andrews as both playwright and director offers a bold, and at times, deeply moving vision that affirms his role as a refreshingly unique voice in Australian theatre. Many will loathe this play due to what could be perceived as sexual gratuitousness, but despite some intrinsic technical problems, I felt it had a lot to offer. It is by no means a success, but nor is it the travesty that many will have you believe.

★★★★

MICHAEL COSTI

★★½

WISH YOU WERE HERE FILM

in cinemas APRIL 26

Wish You Were Here is director Kevin Darcy Smith’s debut film, and the latest Australian film screened at Sundance Film Festival. Wish You Were Here is the story of two couples Alice and Dave (Felicity Price and Joel Edgerton) and Steph and Jeremy (Teresa Palmer and Antony Starr) who travel to Cambodia for a holiday. After a night out dancing the holiday turns into a nightmare, with only three of them returning home. Shifting between events of the past and present in Sydney and Cambodia, the story is told in a non-linear but fluent style as secrets are slowly revealed. The story primarily focuses on Alice and Dave’s deteriorating marriage, as the events surrounding Jeremy’s disappearance drive the two apart, with Dave becoming more and more paranoid, and secretive. Wish You Were Here drags you through all the emotional horror of the events surrounding the disappearance of Jeremy, creating a paranoid, claustrophobic space in which the audience feels a part of this waking nightmare. Drama like this can be hard to sustain, but Wish You Were Here keeps you on the edge of your seat, due to the intimacy and emotional honesty of the script and performances. Strong performances by all the leads cement the story, along with beautiful textured visuals created by cinematographer Jules O’Loughlin. However, the ending proved disappointing as it felt only slightly anticlimactic after such an intense buildup. I have always believed that Australian films and actors excel at portraying raw emotion and honesty, and Wish You Were Here does exactly that, beautifully. Seriously, go and see it and support Australian cinema.

★★★★ CYNA STRACHAN

SECRET GARDEN FESTIVAL EVENT

march 16th - 18th BROWNLOW HILL, nsw

This year’s Secret Garden Festival was a wet wonderland rather than the whimsical garden-party-gone-crazy of previous years. Upon arrival at the Secret Garden campsite everyone quickly and nervously pitched their tents as it started to sprinkle, enviously eyeing off the large tepees. Unfortunately due to the weather all bands, besides DJs, were cancelled on Saturday. Thankfully the Secret Garden Festival is about more than the bands. Set on a small dairy farm in Brownlow Hill in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales, you could hear the cows mooing as you wove your way through the long-grassed paddock from the camping area to the stage. Decked out with lights, barrels of bobbing apples and floating candles, the area looked like the enchanted forest from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Friday night theme was ‘Highland Fling’ - think kilts, tartan and Braveheart. Inspired by the atmosphere, there were intermittent shouts of “freedom” and impromptu sword fights before, during and after the bands. Friday saw performances by Emma Davis, Set Sail, Georgia Fair, Jack Carty and Owl Eyes. All dressed in one-piece striped pyjamas, the members of Owl Eyes stole the show with the performance of their hit song ‘Raiders’. The chords of the next song rang out, cracking the sky open to leave 600 attendees either reaching up to meet the rain or seeking refuge at the only undercover area by the bar. The beauty of the Secret Garden (besides the fanfare) is that it’s a non-profit event with all proceeds going toward the Sarah Hilt Foundation. The charity raises money for Sarah Hilt an old friend of Secret Garden founder Clare Downes, a sufferer of Meningicoccal Disease. Whilst some attendees were put out by the adverse weather conditions most made the best of the weekend knowing their money was going to a worthy cause. All in all the Secret Garden was a huge success despite the weather and changes to the line-up.

★★★½ SUSANNAH BINSTED

JESSICA LOOI

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RECIPES

chicken curry SERVES 4 PREPARATION 30 mins COOKING 30 mins Ingredients 1 whole chicken or 1kg of serving-size pieces of chicken 4 large white potatoes 1 onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 large stalks lemongrass 1 sweet potato 1 can curry gravy, (chilli curry is optional) ½ 50g packet of curry powder 1 can creamy evaporated milk or coconut milk 1.5 L chicken stock 2 tbsp salt 2 tbsp sugar

LISA DIEU

STEP 1 Preparing the chicken and vegetables Wash the chicken in lukewarm salted water. Cut into small, serving-size pieces. Peel the white and sweet potato skin, rinse and cut into quarters or into six and set to dry. Rinse all vegetables. Halve the onion and slice it lengthways. Chop the lemongrass stalks into small pieces about 3-4cm in length. Mince the garlic. STEP 2

Marinating the chicken Mix the onion, lemongrass, and chicken in a pot with curry gravy, curry powder, salt, garlic and sugar. Leave to marinate for an hour.

has boiled and reduce heat to medium. Fry the potatoes, occasionally turning them to cook evenly until golden or light brown. Set aside to cool. STEP 4

Making the chicken curry Place the marinated chicken pot over high heat. Wait until heated before stirring the meat. Once the meat is halfcooked, pour chicken stock and boiling water until the meat is just submerged. Reduce heat to low once boiled. Use strainer to remove excess froth. Leave to cook for 15 mins. Add all potatoes and leave to cook for another 10 mins. Add creamy evaporated milk or coconut milk. Wait until it boils and let it cook for another 2 mins.

STEP 3

Cooking the potatoes Prepare a gravy pan of oil over high heat. Ensuring all the potatoes are dry, add both white and sweet potatoes once oil

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TIP: You can eat it with bread rolls or rice noodles.

jam drops

JEZELLE BOUGHALEB

makes approx. 30 PREPARATION 20 mins COOKING 15 mins

STEP 1

Ingredients

STEP 2

150g butter softened ½ cup castor sugar 1 egg yolk ½ tsp lemon zest 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 ½ cups plain flour 1/3 cup jam of choice (e.g. strawberry, raspberry, apricot, mixed berry)

Cream butter and sugar in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Preheat oven to 180°C and line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

make an indentation in the centre of each biscuit.

STEP 7 Spoon approximately ½ tsp of jam into the centre of each biscuit. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool down for 15 minutes before eating.

STEP 3 Beat in egg yolk, lemon zest and vanilla.

STEP 4 Sift flour into mixture and fold until well combined.

STEP 5 Roll teaspoonfuls of mixture into balls with lightly floured hands and place them on each tray about 5cm apart to allow room for spreading.

STEP 6 Using a floured teaspoon or your finger,

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KEBABS

BEST OF

RANDOM RANT

No place does kebabs like South-West and Western Sydney, and no one knows this better than food lover Zeynab Gamieldien.

The page where cranky students let it all out.

SULTAN’S TABLE

naji’s

15 Auburn Rd, Auburn

179 enmore rd, enmore

21 firth st, arncliffe

New Star is a cheap and cheerful eatery that is frequented by all, united by their indifference towards a bit of grime and their love for fresh, unpretentious food. On a Friday or Saturday night you’ll probably have to wait for a table, but the fragrant aroma of the charcoal grill will keep you warm. The grilled chicken kebab plate at $11 is smoky yet tender and is accompanied by a tangy tomato salad and fresh bread. Both are flavoured liberally with sumac, so if you’re averse to some sumac (you should be ashamed of yourself if so), then stick to a pide or the ubiquitous chicken burger. If you’re after a quiet sit-down dinner, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if you’re looking for a tasty, affordable feed and aren’t put off by cracked tiles and a guy calling out ‘Yes, brother?’ at two minute intervals then this is right up your alley. Order a house-made Ayran and be transported to Istanbul... or at least away from the sirens and neon lights of Auburn Road.

Be warned: do not come here on a Friday or Saturday night without a booking or you will be waiting a while, and who wants to wait when you could be getting stuck into a delicious kebab? Sultan’s Table is renowned for its smorgasbord of Turkish delights, having been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald Cheap Eats Guide for some time now. The pides are made fresh to order, but it’s the grilled kebabs which people from the Inner West and beyond travel to sample. Like New Star, the chicken kebab plate is accompanied by freshly made bread. The bread here is thinner and doughier and is the ideal partner in crime for the generously sized cubes of chicken. The chicken itself is char-grilled to perfection and is flavoured with a hint of lemon. The side salad of tabouli however is somewhat bland, but the chicken and bread are enough to carry this dish into the realm of awesome. It’s not quite as cheap as New Star, but don’t let the common use of the word ‘west’ fool you: we all know the hipster Inner West is a world apart from the wild Western Sydney.

Arncliffe is a quiet little suburb, notable only for the large number of tattoos and mullets sported by its inhabitants. Fashion statements aside, the suburb is also known for being home to a beloved institution of the St George area: Naji’s Charcoal Chicken and Kebabs. Naji’s is less of a restaurant and more of a handful of metal chairs and tables sprawled across a worn tiled floor. If that doesn’t entice you, then the smell and sight of whole chickens slowly rotating are sure to do the trick. But I’m here for something a bit different to the average charcoal chicken; the intriguingly named ‘San Francisco’ roll consisting of kebab chicken, corn, melted cheese and mushroom, all for the very low price of $6.50. If that sounds good, then rest assured that it tastes even better. Top it off with some strong garlic paste and you’ll be in kebab heaven. (The person next to you won’t be after getting a whiff of your breath, but that’s an entirely different matter.) But if you’re more orthodox in your kebab tastes, their ordinary chicken kebab will do you just fine, especially when washed down with a nice but not naughty nonalcoholic beer.

Overall Rating: ★

★★½

RATINGS: Flavour ★ ★ ★ ★ Ambience ★ ★ ★ ½ Price ★ ★ ★ ½ Overall Rating: ★

★★½

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I’m sure many of you female social networkers have noticed the derogatory Facebook groups about women, such as ‘get back into the kitchen and make me a sandwich’ and ‘go iron something’. Of course, the statuses and lists continue, and really make some people think of the simple three-letter word... WHY? Haven’t we been there, done that? Yes, I realise it’s all ‘in good fun’, but, again we must ask; WHY? Is it because all of a sudden males are feeling threatened by our power, our strength, and our intellect? Or is it simply something to reinforce the patriarchal ideals of previous centuries? Yes, these Facebook groups can be funny but they are also offensive. Yes, I can bake and I’m a woman. But should I be happy about this or frustrated? Personally, I enjoy baking. I have taken it up in the past few days, whipping up

brownies and muffins, and I am happy to say I enjoy it. Yet when I tell my male friends about this they laugh and say ‘get in the kitchen and make me a sandwich’. Thus, I’ve grown a complex. Should I be proud of my baking ability or ashamed? Though it’s the 21st century, sexist swine still exist and will continue to do so – but why, WHY!? Is equality such a hard concept to grasp? What does it matter if you cook and you’re female? Double standards continue to fill the world, but why have we not noticed that we DO have a female Queen, a female Governor General and a female Prime Minister – and I’m sure that both Liz and Quinton like to cook. Is it right for me to go all feminist on this fact? I think yes! Women should be able to do anything they want without scrutiny and without being subjected to poor jokes and patriarchal views. But I suppose these views occur because the male species is intimidated by our strengths and thus feel the need to bring up our previous lifestyle roles.

Elissa Ratliff

RATINGS: Flavour ★ ★ ★ ★ Ambience ★ ★ ★ Price ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ Overall Rating: ★

Ideal of a housewife

New Star

RATINGS: Flavour ★ ★ ★ ½ Ambience ★ ★ ★ ½ Price ★ ★ ★ ★

The Patriarchal

★★★

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games SUDOKU ANSWERS IN NEXT ISSUE OF VERTIGO

MEDIUM:

hard: [ANSWERS FOR PREVIOUS ISSUE] MEDIUM:

hard:

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13/2/12

4:38:52 PM

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WHO’S CHECKING YOU OUT?

To the girl in my CPP class with the kool tatz, don’t be afraid to back that ass UP!

scoping out that hottie in your Econ 101 class? Didn’t have the nerve to ask them out? Send us a text on 0404 449 606 and let ‘em know.

To the guy in the 10am Accounting lecture on Wednesdays, we keep exchanging looks. Please talk to me.

To the curly-haired boy in the back of the mech of solids lecture. Coffee?

To the gorgeous ken doll skater boy who does Journalism, can I write a feature article on how cute you are?

13/2/12

4:38:52 PM

P. Diddy smooth cool boy, faculty unknown.

That guy that keeps looking at you, Business. C

blondie, engineering. Sylvia H. You are my life. I love the way you write in class, and when you eat sushi every class. Your hair reminds me of the good old days. Dinner?

Your Secret Admirer, Innovating-lover.

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ANONYMOUS, FACULTY UNKNOWN. To the tall, long blonde haired, blue eyed girl that wears clothes and carries a bag, I like your toe ring. Frozen margarita?

SHORT GUY, ENGINEERING.

CMY

K C

CMY

Yo u r Yo U NuIr R UaNdI i oR a

REPORTS

Students, stress and forging a connection

Jade Tyrrell President, UTS Students’ Association

The word ‘student’ is particularly synonymous with bleary eyes, a poor diet and erratic sleeping patterns. The onslaught of mid-semester assessments and exams means issues such as safety on campus, rental woes or a lack of wireless internet at uni create extra stress that we don’t need. But it’s a harsh reality that many of us have to deal with a combination (if not all) of all of the above. Where do your student representatives fit in? This is a good question to ask, and one which you should never hesitate to ask us – we’re always happy to answer it. We are students ourselves; we’re with you and we want you to participate in our work to ensure that we are open, transparent, and that we are effectively representing you. We are running campus-specific and national campaigns and we encourage you to jump on board in any way that you can – just contact us! We want to ensure our work is in line with your interests so we can respond directly and raise any concerns you have with the University. The student experience is so diverse, so please connect with us; we need to work together to create a strong student voice to affect change. We know that students aren’t always satisfied with the wireless here at UTS. The Students’ Association has responded to this; we have paired up with the IT Division here at UTS so that we can act as a conduit for your concerns. Our ‘Where’s Wireless’ campaign, which consists of a postcard and online survey, is designed to encourage you to speak up and tell us where you want to have wireless if you don’t have a connection. We know how you feel; we have all sat in those classrooms where you can’t connect; we’ve tried to connect during a study session or a lecture. IT is willing to work with us. So let’s do something about it! I’m excited to see students already dropping off their postcards at our office on level 3 of the Tower Building. We will bring your responses to IT so they can prioritise the areas where we need it

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most. Please have your say on something that is crucially important for our education. We also know safety on campus is a priority for students, especially at night. Towards the end of March, along with our Education Vice President and Women’s officer, I facilitated a forum in Yura Mudang regarding safety for students in housing. There was a strong turnout from students across the residences and the message they communicated was loud and clear: safety on campus is an issue and they feel more needs to be done to address students’ concerns about security, particularly for students travelling between uni and residences at night. We are so grateful these students took the time to vent these issues with us, as we were then able to take these concerns to the University. We are happy to hear that the University is keen to bolster security on campus, and we will keep up the pressure for increased bike patrols and extended safety shuttle bus times for housing students. I also encourage you to support the Safety on Campus campaign that is running through our Women’s Department. The Women’s Collective meets weekly at 4:30pm in the Women’s Room. This is an autonomous space that is located at CB02.03.05. Can you afford to live near uni? Most of us can’t, or are suffering from severe rental stress after making the move out of home. Over the past few weeks you might have seen or heard about our housing affordability video, ‘UTS Housing Crisis’ that we released on YouTube. This is part of a broader campaign to increase pressure for more affordable housing to be made available to all UTS students. Please see the Education Vice President’s report for more details on how you can get involved. Please contact me if you would like to become involved in any of the Students’ Association activities, campaigns or collectives. You can contact me at sapresident2012@uts. edu.au or feel free to visit in person on level 3 of the Tower Building, room 322. Jade Tyrrell President, UTS Students’ Association

Email: sapresident2012@uts.edu.au Phone: (02) 9514 1155 Tweet: @UTS_sapresident Website: www.sa.uts.edu.au

Lyndal Butler Education Vice President, UTS Students’ Association

students, and therefore cannot provide adequate resources and to deliver education of the same standard. This is why the National Union of Students (NUS) has developed the ‘Quality Survey’ to monitor the effects of this new system on the quality of our education. It’s absolutely crucial that we all fill out this survey. We have to know if this new system is working, and if not, what can be done to change it so we get the degree we signed up for.

Do you want to talk to your tutor? Hey folks! I hope you’re all feeling well and recovering from the recent onslaught of exams and assessments. It has been a busy month for the Education Action Group. We’ve been working very hard to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education at UTS and beyond!

Fund Our Future: Value My Education The Fund Our Future campaign was developed in response to two government-commissioned reviews; the Base Funding Review and the Bradley Review. Both call for an injection of government funding to tertiary education to address areas of lapsing quality standards. ‘Fund Our Future: Value My Education’ is a nation-wide campaign which calls for a 10% increase in government funding to universities around Australia. This includes a set of demands for teaching and learning quality which are; smaller class sizes, access to resources, properly trained permanent staff and a diversity of course options.

Join the photo petition! You can get involved in the campaign by joining in our photo petition. All you have to do is to get your photo taken holding a sign that says ‘Fund Our Future: Value My Education’ and a list of student demands. You could be one of the thousands of students from all across the country who are calling on the government to value our education.

Are you getting your money’s worth? When we enrol at university, we expect to receive a good education and a decent qualification that is worth the money we pay for it, so we don’t want to be left short-changed when it comes to the quality of our degrees. 2012 marks the first year of deregulation of university places nationwide. This means that the government no longer caps the amount of places that are offered to students for each course, and instead the number of places in each course is decided upon by each university. As a result you have more chance of getting into the course you want as there could be more places available, and university funding is allocated towards the more popular courses in this demand-driven model. However, the challenge of this new system is that universities are not always equipped to handle the new influx of

In the past, our tutors would advertise a set time they were available during the week that you could come to their office and receive face-to-face assistance. This still applies to some courses, but for the majority this is unavailable, or the tutor will provide their email address, in which case some students have emailed their tutor and haven’t heard back. You can help to introduce face-to-face tutor consultation hours by signing our petition! You can sign it online at: http:// www.change.org/petitions/university-of-technology-syd ney-introduce-face-to-face-tutor-consultation-hoursacross-faculties or come by and see us at the Students’ Association to sign up!

Where’s Wireless, you might ask? As Jade mentioned, we have launched the Where’s Wireless campaign, which aims to identify areas around UTS where wireless internet can’t be found, and to improve wireless coverage. Getting involved is easy; simply pick up one of our blue ‘Where’s Wireless’ postcards and report on the back where you lost wireless internet connection, then drop the card into the Students’ Association on level 3 of the Tower building. You can also report locations online by visiting surveys.uts.edu. au/surveys/whereswireless.

UTS Housing Crisis: can’t afford to live close to Uni? We’ve heard from our friends and others about students who want to move out of home and live closer to uni, but simply can’t afford it. We also know of students who have moved out of UTS student residences because the rent was too high. Students need affordable housing close to uni. The stress of the heavy financial burden placed on students due to rent and bills can have an adverse effect on our study, and as such can put students, especially those from low SES backgrounds, at risk of losing marks or even dropping out of uni. This is your chance to add your voice to the call for affordable student housing on campus. You can do this by sharing your story on the facebook page; www.facebook.com/UTS HousingCrisis, or giving a shout out on twitter with the hashtags #UTS #affordablehousing. Lyndal Butler Education Vice-President, UTS Students’ Association

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WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE REPORT

ENVIRO COLLECTIVE REPORT

SARAH HENDERSON

Alex McInnis

Hi All! Hopefully I can clarify, for those who are unsure, what a Women’s Collective is, what we do and what a Women’s Room/Space is.

Referendum for Renewables, 7th-11th of May:

The Women’s Officer is chosen by the Collective each year to represent the needs of its members at official meetings like the Equity Reference Group and to facilitate events.

We’ve heard all the worst-case climate change scenarios, and we know we can’t rely on coal forever. Avoid the apocalypse, vote now! Flick My Switch is a campaign run by the UTS Enviro Collective to get 100% renewable energy on campus by 2015. UTS is very capable of being the first university in Australia to achieve this, and lead the way for other large institutions.

What is the Women’s Collective?

Why a referendum?

The Women’s Collective is part of the UTSSA. We are a group of female-identifying students who meet on a weekly basis to network, hang out and discuss issues facing femaleidentifying students on campus. We run campaigns and also take part in national campaigns. This year we have a focus on safety on campus for women. We are currently putting together a Women’s Vertigo, so if you would like to write an article or a creative piece, send us an email.

In meetings with Patrick Woods, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Resources, we were told that we have to show strong student and staff support in order for the university to consider adopting renewables. The referendum is a way to show your support, to voice that you want UTS to make the switch.

What is a Women’s Officer?

How do I join the Collective? Send us an email or come along to a meeting. As Jade mentioned in her report, we have weekly meetings at 4.30pm on Wednesdays in the Women’s Room on Level 4 of Building 2 (just past the lockers). We don’t meet in the holiday breaks.

What is the Women’s Room/Space and who can use it? The space is a safe space for female-identifying people only and children accompanied by said people. Women’s rooms and spaces exist on campus so that women have a space where they can be out of the public sphere, away from the ‘male gaze’. You don’t have to be a member of the Collective to use the space, so if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to escape to between lectures, with comfy sofas, coffee and tea facilities and reading material, feel free to drop in.

Have any more questions? We will be having a stall on the Concourse (level 3 of the Tower) in early May. For more information just email us at: utswomenscollective@gmail.com Warmest Regards, Sarah Henderson UTSSA Women’s Officer 2012

Are textbooks crippling your budget? Save up to 50% at the Students’ Association Second-Hand Bookshop

Too ambitious? Think again. - In the US, there are at least 9 universities that have 100% renewable energy on campus – many of them achieved this because of student campaigns. - A report by the Institute for Sustainable Futures shows that the switch to renewables would only cost UTS $2 million a year, a small sum for a huge change.

For some 20 years now, the UTS Students’ Association has helped students save money on textbooks through our not-for-profit second-hand bookstore. Rather than spending hundreds on spanking new books which you probably only need for 6 months, you can buy up-to-date books at a reduced price, and then resell with us after your exams to recover your money.

SO VOTE! VOTE! VOOOOTE! at yourvote.co.nr from May 7 to 11. Alex McInnis UTSSA Enviro Collective Officer 2012

Broadway Store Level 3, Tower Building near the foodcourt. Haymarkets Store Haymarkets Store Room 12, Level 1, Building 5A, in the green space.

For hours and catalogue go to sa.uts.edu.au/books 50

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I’m into explanatory journalism – the answer to information overload. I guess I’m just a frustrated teacher. ROSS GITTINS Economics Editor The Sydney Morning Herald

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