We, the editors of The Bold Source, respectfully acknowledge and recognise the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin nations as the Traditional Custodians of the land now known as Brimbank. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.
Cover Artist: Jiorgia Hall
Artist Statement: Aggressive progress of burning fossil fuels and deforestation have disrupted wildlife balance and increased global emissions as well with frequent weather changes. Without action, the damage will worsen, affecting both the planet and its creatures. Let’s do better for our future.
Brimbank Youth Services’ Foreword
The Bold Source program is an initiative delivered by Brimbank Youth Services.
It aims to amplify the voices of young people by providing them with a platform to share their art and stories; empowering them to be agents of positive change – both for themselves, and for our community.
Stories are how we make sense of the world. Through sharing their
stories our young authors provide us, their readers, with a window into the world they’re living in and the experiences they are navigating through.
Brimbank Youth Services firmly believe that young people are the experts of their own experience. What you’ll read in this edition of The Bold Source are the views and opinions of the authors and not that of Brimbank City Council.
Brimbank Youth Services thank the brilliant young people who made this edition possible; our fantastic editorial committee and each and every one of our contributors.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Hi reader, welcome to the fifth edition of The Bold Source, a magazine run by young people, for young people in Brimbank! We’re a brand new team of editors, continuing the work done by the last team but with a new vibe. In issue five, we hope to shed light on issues that young people may face today, while still leaving you hopeful and inspired for the future.
This issue’s theme is ‘Walks of Life’. As we were brainstorming potential themes, we noticed that we were all confused about our futures, whether it was about careers, study, relationships, or missed opportunities. Even though we all come from different backgrounds, we realised we weren’t alone in this journey of uncertainty. We want to leave you with the message that it’s okay to not know where you’re headed and the struggles are just as important as the wins.
We would like to give a MASSIVE thanks to Jen and Nicole from Brimbank Youth Services for supporting and guiding us through this process, especially because many of us were new to the editing process. We would also like to thank the contributors for trusting us with their work, our interviewee Danyal Diallo, and everyone behind-the-scenes who made this issue possible.
We hope you enjoy this issue just as much as we enjoyed creating it.
“Whatever roadblocks or struggles we’re faced with, we have to find a way to move forward.”
- The Bold Source Editors
PeterBy Peter Spring
Collage on cardboard
My collage artwork on cardboard reflects the theme of ‘Walks of Life’ by capturing various journeys and experiences that shape individual identities and communities.
The mixed media elements that represent different paths people take in life. For instance, I incorporated images of diverse landscapes, symbolising the physical and metaphorical terrain we all navigate. Some sections feature depictions of urban life, while others showcase serene natural settings, illustrating how our environments influence our experiences and choices.
I also included symbols of personal growth, such as seeds and flowers, representing the potential for transformation along different walks of life. These organic shapes are juxtaposed with geometric patterns, symbolising the balance between natural progression and societal structures that often dictate our paths.
Come Chat with Us
INTRO:
Hi readers, welcome to ‘Come Chat with Us’ with Ruby and Amber. This issue’s topic is ‘Walks of life.’ We had the pleasure to chat to people aged 15 to 25 within the Brimbank area with the purpose of providing clarity to our readers. If you’re currently struggling about what to do in life and where to go, it’s completely normal and you’re not alone. Hopefully, this provides more insight into the minds of young people.
TODAY’S TOPIC: INSIGHTS OF LIFE PATH
How have your priorities changed since high school?
MALE, 24: I’ve moved overseas to see more of the world.
FEMALE, 24: Most of those people do not mean anything to me, nor have as much of an impact on my life as I thought they would.
MALE, 25: I’m more family-focused, and my large friendship group has turned small.
Ruby Liakoureas & Amber Ammouche
What job did you think you were going to have in Year 12?
FEMALE, 23: Chiropractor.
MALE, 25: Logistics coordinator, to business owner.
FEMALE, 24: Lawyer.
FEMALE, 23: Childcare educator/teacher. Now working in a government role for homelessness and housing.
What about your future made you the most anxious?
FEMALE, 23: Finding the right job and being able to make money to keep up with the inflation.
MALE, 24: I was and still am anxious about not living up to my “potential”.
FEMALE, 23: Not having a specific career in mind when leaving high school.
MALE, 24: My own personal training business, but now I’m currently working in behavioural management. I hope to work in the fire brigade once I go back home.
MALE, 24: Affording a house in today’s economy.
FEMALE, 21: Having a house, working a job I actually like, and having enough money to move overseas.
FEMALE, 25: Worried I won’t completely find happiness.
A
piece of advice you would share with your younger self?
FEMALE, 23: Don’t stress so much, everything will work out. Put more effort into maintaining friendships.
FEMALE, 21: Become even more independent. You learn differently when you depend on yourself.
MALE, 24: Tomorrow isn’t promised, so take risks.
MALE, 24: Enjoy your youth while it’s there.
FEMALE, 18: Don’t be scared to follow your dream.
FEMALE, 21: Follow your dreams and persevere.
FEMALE, 24: Don’t care so much about what other people think.
FEMALE, 25: Relax a little bit. Accept people for who they are and understand that everyone makes mistakes.
How do you want to be remembered?
FEMALE, 21: As hardworking and always trying my best.
MALE, 24: As someone kind.
MALE, 24: As someone who helps other people.
FEMALE, 24: As someone who never gives up.
MALE, 25: As a downto-earth family man who wears his heart on his sleeve and would help anybody.
Triangular Relationship
Your walks of life will be influenced by your family as you soon learn to grow independent from them.
By Angelica Nhi Lee
Danyal Diallo Interview
The editors of the Bold Source had the pleasure to sit down with 22-year-old South Sudanese public speaker, comedian and author, Danyal Diallo. We spoke about his immigration journey to Australia, growing up with a disability, and how to hold onto hope through the tough times.
You’ve lived with a disability since you were young. Do you mind sharing your story with us?
Before we moved from Sudan, I broke my hip. My cousin and I were playing soccer in the neighbourhood, and we climbed up [a building]. That wasn’t our first time climbing that building, but it was my first time winning the race up the building. My cousin came second, and she pushed me off.
I’ve adapted the story in a way that makes people laugh because I want to see happiness out of a tragic story. We didn’t have any money to patch me back together. The doctors did their best, but the hip didn’t heal properly. That’s when the doctors told me I should stop running.
What challenges did you face immigrating from Sudan?
Sudan, at the time when I left, there was a civil war. There still is. So, moving to Egypt was a difficult journey because it wasn’t like, “We’re going to go see Egypt!” We needed to get out of Sudan for our safety. A lot of the things that we could have taken with us, a lot of goodbyes, we couldn’t say it just because of the urgency of the situation. Egypt was a new land, new country, new people, and a new way of life.
When we moved to Australia, I got bullied for having a unique walk. It’s not like they had a problem with my hair. I could have shaved it, changed it, put gel on it, but my leg was something I couldn’t change.
I was born in Africa, but I was putting on a mask and pretending to be somebody that I wasn’t, and it was exhausting. It took me getting physically sick to make me realise that I was tired of being fake. Can I get an amen?
I was boxed into a stereotype when I came to Australia. I was looking at the media and Sudanese men were depicted breaking into shops and homes. Not all Sudanese men do that, but the constant reporting made it seem like that’s all we were. I know that’s the way the world was framing me to be, but there were other positive alternatives for me to explore.
The realisation of just not being able to do what you put your mind to; that part was the most painful. I dare say, more painful than the actual physical pain. It’s a point where reality hits and you’re like, “There is an actual block there that I can’t move regardless of what I do, but is there a way to move away from it and still have the same impact that I’m looking for?”
It comes down to my favourite word, choice. I could have chosen to keep ruminating about my hip injury. Why me? But I decided, you know what? There’s no changing it. What’s in my realm of control to move towards a more positive direction, than staying stagnant here?
Starting a business at 16-years-old was one of those achievements. How did that start?
Once you entered your teen years, how did you come to the realisation that certain career paths were no longer possible due to your injury?
I ventured into soccer, but that didn’t go far. I had to come to a realisation that I can’t do this, and it was a very painful reality.
I started a business whilst I was in year 10 selling gym clothing and equipment. It was one of my big “aha” moments. I was faced with a lot of people doubting me and telling me to “stop it” and focus on my studies. Some friends and other students said it was going to be a waste of time, but I wanted to find out for myself. If the business didn’t work, at least I tried. Use me as the example of somebody that tried something and it didn’t work out, rather than somebody that didn’t try at all. Don’t get me wrong, I was manic through it. What if they were right?
Did you receive any advice whilst growing up that you still follow?
My career counsellor, Madam Charlotte, said that not everybody will like you. And I was like, “But I’m adorable!” [laughs] She
said whatever you do, there’s going to be somebody opposing it. Even if you decided to sell ice cream, there’s always going to be that one person who doesn’t like ice cream! So that shouldn’t stop you from being yourself.
There’s also a quote by Earl Nightingale that said, “We become what we think about”, and that quote really stuck with me. When I was bullied at school and coping with my disability, I was feeling frustrated. I felt like I had no control, so I was blaming external factors. But that quote showed me that I have some accountability over some things in my life. What you plant is what will grow. You won’t grow apples if you don’t plant apple seeds.
How do you handle the fear of failure?
I call it the “constant awesome,” because you are the person trying different things; you are not the things that you’re trying. Don’t attach yourself to the result that you want. You are separate. You are a beautiful and fabulous entity, and you’re trying something. People can experience a lot of stress when they attach themselves to the response. It exhibits itself in nervousness, shaking, sweating.
Also, from an early age, the mindset I had was to handle things on my own and not ask for help because getting help from others was seen as a sign of weakness. In a way, you can’t handle it on your own.
There’s strength in getting others to help you. It’s building connections with others and having weights lifted off your shoulders. Life is hard, nobody should go through it alone. It was difficult at the start to learn to ask for help because of that mental stigma I was surrounded in, that asking for help is weak. It’s not weak, it’s strength amplified.
In your Ted X talk, you mentioned the word “belief” many times. What does the word “belief” mean to you?
It means perseverance. For example, “I want to become a chef”; what will I do?
I will start to read cookbooks, watch YouTube videos on cooking, or get a mentor. I’ll start to migrate through that space because I love cooking and I want to see myself becoming a chef. What some people say is that they want to be a chef, but are they doing anything to move towards that direction? How are they testing themselves?
Do you plan on continuing your work throughout the future and what changes do you expect from all your progress?
I’m continuing to learn new things, my perspective is constantly changing and adapting. I witnessed this firsthand with my book titled Rising from the Rooftop [now available on Amazon].
Part of why it took me five to six years to write the book was I kept going back and rewording some things. I got to a point where I’m like, “Hang on, finish this process, so the next phase can start.”
That’s the future I hope I’m stepping into. When I begin something, I see it through to the end. So, I can say at the end of the day, I gave it a go. I didn’t quit halfway. I’m not wondering, maybe I would’ve, could’ve, should’ve continued.
Danyal’s book ‘Rising from the Rooftop’ is now available on Amazon. You can follow his journey via social media, at @mr.ddiallo on Instagram.
Medium: Digital illustration
Artist: Minh Mai
Where Am I Going?
By Amber Ammouche
Look, I’m going to be honest, because after all, that’s what we’re here for. For quite some time I haven’t been motivated or passionate about anything. The days are just passing by with no real motive behind them. I thought if I change degrees and change jobs, I’d feel “different” or “better.” But I still feel the same. No goals or ambitions, I take it one day at a time. If I start to think about the future, I panic, and my chest tightens as if my anxiety might swallow me whole.
For a long time, my biggest worry was:
“Who am I?”
“Where am I going?”
“What am I supposed to do with the remainder of my life?”
“What will make me happy?”
So many unanswered questions. I wonder if I’ll ever get answers.
The concept that my life is in the palm of my own hands is a scary thought. One wrong move and it could change the course of my life. But what constitutes a wrong move? And what constitutes a right one? It’s always on my mind. Sometimes it’s the topic of the day, and others it’s hidden in the back of my mind. However, it’s always there.
It’s written somewhere that our days on earth are limited, so make them count. I think that’s what’s scaring me.
The thought that one day it could all be over, that the life lived was a waste. No real impact was made, no real purpose was sought. Just living on autopilot until it’s too late to come back. Does everyone have to live for a purpose? Can’t we just live to experience life and all the beautiful things it has to offer. For some, it’s walking on the beach with sand stuck in between your toes, watching the sunset, and for others it’s laughing so much with your best friends you’ve got tears in your eyes and stomach cramps. Or even driving down the freeway with your favourite Spotify playlist on full blast. The beautiful things life has to offer is interpreted differently for everyone, sometimes it’s the smallest thing you may not even realise.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about what type of person I want to be. Someone who’s kind and compassionate to all, maybe make a difference somehow. I don’t know where life is taking me, but that’s the fun part. It’s a journey. If everything was mapped out for me, there wouldn’t be any room for surprises. My advice to all the beautiful souls out there who are wandering the earth is, “Don’t worry so much, take a breath. Don’t be so hard on yourself, it will work out in the end.” Try new things, find your passion, chase your dreams, and turn them into a reality. The pieces of the puzzle will eventually fit together, in time.
Present VS Future
We asked young people at the Hunt Club Community & Arts Centre what theythought their present looked like, versus what they think their future would look like. Here’s what they said...
Budding Resolutions
By Shani & Lani Nguyen
Fireworks painted the midnight sky into a vibrant and vivid watercolour landscape. The stars and gum trees outside were bleached out by the sudden carnival of colour.
“Happy New Year!” Fallon shouted.
“Write down your New Year’s resolutions and we’ll share them!”
She threw a sticky note and pen to each person while beaming from ear to ear. I looked at the sticky note in front of me and sighed at its obnoxiously bright yellow colour.
What should I write? Life’s so busy nowadays without adding fresh goals and ambitions. There was the new job I had started, and the new cat I had adopted. A smile tugged on my lips as I thought of little Twyla dozing at home, curled up into a ball in her favourite recliner. There was also that broken water tap that needed a plumber to fix. Oh, and I haven’t paid the electricity bill yet. The car will need servicing soon; it’s almost hit 30,000 kilometres. And I do need to buy more pasta; I need to meal-prep when work starts again. I should also—
“Hurry up! We’ll start sharing soon!” Fallon’s voice rang out, clear as a pinging champagne glass.
What should I write? All in all, life was quite content. I was happy to amble through the routine mechanics of work and going home to Twyla. My evenings were often spent in bed with the apple-crisp pages of a new book in my hands.
A thought breezed into my mind, welcoming as the waft of buttered quail and star anise simmering in the kitchen next door. I quickly scribbled on my sticky note.
“Time to share!” said Fallon. She pointed her finger at the people around the table. “We’ll go in a clockwise direction, starting with Julian.”
Julian grinned. “I want an Audi S3 this year.” Small claps rang around the room. Fallon raised her eyebrows.
“On a second-year salary?” she mused.
Julian shrugged. “It is more affordable than the Audi R8,” his mouth still wreathed in a smile. Fallon rolled her eyes and flicked her auburn ringlets out of her eyes.
“My turn,” she announced. “My New Year’s resolution is to get promoted this year.” Hoots filled the air and I clapped along with the cacophony vibrating across the room. Elina, Erica, Stefan, and Derek raced through their resolutions, and all at once, I felt the eyes on me.
I glanced down at my scribbles, the words thin as a leaf’s veins. “My resolution is to buy Twyla a cat tree, with a matching coloured cat bed.” A warmth seeped through me as I entertained the day I completed this resolution. To my surprise, Fallon rolled her eyes. I could smell the disdain emanating from her; her smirk a barbed hook digging into my skin.
“That’s not a resolution!” Faye scoffed. “Resolutions should be big and ambitious, a challenge to work towards! You can get a cheap set of cat trees and bedding at Kmart literally tomorrow. Look at how your resolution compares to everyone else’s!”
I frowned at the sticky note in my hands, a sudden bout of shame flaring down my back like a burning rash. A big resolution? Was my penned resolution not enough? Are my everyday goals and aspirations not enough? I glanced out the window for any new idea, but I was only met by the sight of distant fireworks that glimmered like fallen angels. By contrast, my mind was threadbare.
Elina’s voice cut through my thoughts, “I think that’s a lovely resolution.” She smiled at me encouragingly, her lips curving into a Cupid’s bow. She shifted her gaze to Fallon.
“I think all resolutions are important, big or small,” Elina said. “We come from all walks of life and are at different points in our lives. Let’s celebrate each other.”
I felt a warmth blossoming through my body. Outside, the fireworks had dissipated, leaving behind a rich harvest of stars. I could feel my drumming heartbeat quieten.
Yes, I can’t wait to see how all the buds of our resolutions, planted into our sticky notes today, will eventually grow.
Meet the editors
Ruby
My name is Ruby and I’m 24. I love history, K-pop, fashion as well as writing. I also write for North Western News news and have learnt a lot through this process. This theme stuck out to me as I have never really had an idea of what to do with my life. I’ve always been unsure and felt insecure with that fact. When going to school most people knew what they wanted to be, and I chose something with opportunity rather than enjoyment. I have always struggled to find a passion and question if there really is something for everyone. But something I want to convey is that feeling all this is totally OK. Through the Bold Source, I’ve met so many people who are on that same wavelength.
Shani
Hey there! I’m your local ‘read-a-holic.’ I binge on books and manga on the weekends and consume the morning newspaper like my daily coffee. I joined the Bold Source because it is a community that celebrates young people’s art and achievements. This edition’s theme ‘Walks of Life’ invites young people to share their unique journeys. It aims to connect us all with a common thread of storytelling and art. I hope you are similarly inspired and captivated by the magic nestled within these pages.
Minh
Hi, I’m Minh! Currently studying animation and enjoying my course. Participating in the Bold Source program shifted my perspective on my community in Brimbank. Meeting the other editors, discussing what’s on the minds of people my age, reading the submissions we received. Honestly, I didn’t expect to do so much self-reflecting during this. I used to feel adrift with where my life was heading. But I am happy to say that working on Walks of Life has also comforted me about my own hike, and I’m making decisions with more determination now.
Amber
Hey readers, my name is Amber and I’m 24 years old. I love to watch theatre shows, jam to vinyls, hang out with my cats and of course… WRITE! Writing has been a passion of mine ever since a young age, I love the art of storytelling. I’ve lived and worked in the Brimbank area all my life and I’m super excited to be a part of TBS. Being an editor has provided me with an opportunity to showcase my writing and strengthen my skill set while building awesome friendships. Looking forward to the journey ahead!
Jiorgia
H! I’m Jiorgia, and I just turned 20. People often describe me as creative and kind, always bringing smiles to others. Art has been a significant part of my life since childhood, but I struggled to express myself around peers my age, which made me hesitant to explore. However, I decided to give it a try thanks to an old friend. I was uncertain about joining and connecting with other young individuals. But with some patience and a leap of faith, I became a member and found a sense of belonging.
Get Involved with Brimbank Youth Services
The Bold Source
Are you a young person with a strong connection to the city of Brimbank? Do you love what you’ve read and want to get involved? Our editorial committee is open to 15 to 25 year olds who are available to meet weekly.
To find out more, visit: https://brimbankyouth.com/ programs/theboldsource
Crystal Queer
Crystal Queer is a program for young people aged 15 to 25 years old who live, work, study, or hang out in the City of Brimbank, and identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or ally.
The program provides a safe and fun place to hang out with like-minded people, explore your identity, and learn about the community.
To find out more, visit: https://brimbank.youth.com/ programs/crystal-queer/
B-Heard Support Program
Need someone to talk to or going through a tough time? The B-Heard Support Program offers no cost youth support and counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who live, work, study, or recreate in Brimbank. We can help with not feeling like your usual self, family concerns, relationship challenges, links to other services (such as education, housing, and legal), better understanding yourself and your emotions, and more.
To find out more, visit: https://brimbankyouth.com/ programs/b-heard-youth-support-program/
Need support?
If any of the stories and poems in this magazine have raised concerns for yourself or someone you know, it’s important that you reach out for help. For non-crisis support, reach out to Ask Izzy at https://askizzy.org.au/.
If you require urgent support, please call Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Lifeline (13 11 14), QLife (1800 184 527), or 13yarn (13 92 76).
CONTACT US
Telephone: 9249 4110
Email: bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Post: Brimbank City Council PO Box 70 SUNSHINE VIC 3020
Website: brimbankyouth.com
Like us on Facebook: Brimbank Youth Services
Follow us on Instagram: @brimbankyouth
Brimbank City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people, and pays our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our young people.
