Empire Times 49.2

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> DECOLONISING FUSA\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ > STIRLING’S STAFF CUTS \\\\\\\\\\\\ >INTERVIEW WITH OVERHEARD ADMIN \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ > THE SEDUCTIVE SCHOLAR\\\\\\\\\\ > GIRL SPACE RETROSPECTIVE \\\ >OUR MINUTE WITH MOOSE \\\\\\\\\\

Empire Times acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands in which its editors, contributors and readers live, and honours Elders past and present. Empire Times is printed and distributed on the traditional lands of the Arrernte, Barngarla, Boandik, Dagoman, Erawirung, Gunditjmara, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Nauo, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk, Ramindjeri, Wardaman, Warumunga, and Yolngu peoples. We acknowledge that soverignty was never ceded, and that this land is stolen.

We stand in solidarity

ISSUE 2 Editors Claire Gibbins Jessica Rowe Tahlia Dilberovic Contributors Georgia Nolan Jessica Rowe Tahlia Dilberovic Leigh Briar Lachlan White Zoe Panteladis Bob Briton Sol Blue Kat Morrison Zofia Kolodziej Alexandra Herden Interviewees Minutes with Moose Karen Smart Lauren Gentall Cover Image by Tyla Skie Masthead by Kienan McKay

Join the Team!

Empire Times is always on the look out for new contributors. We accept written and visual pieces. If you would like to contribute to your student mag, flick us an email at empiretimes@flinders.edu.au

What is ET? Empire Times is a publication of the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA). It is your student magazine. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the editors, Flinders University or FUSA. Reasonable care is taken to ensure articles are as accurate as possible at the time of publication.

Editoral...1 Decolonisation at FUSA: A conversation far from over...2 First Nations Student Officer Right of Reply..4 A President’s Dress...6 Street Kitchens and Socialism...7 What’s Going On In Ukraine...8 Overheard with Karen Smart: An Interview with the Overheard at Flinders’ Admin...9 Sit Down, Be Humble & And Why I’m Sick of Doing So...12 Almost Maine Review...13 Girls Space Retrospective...14 The Seductive Scholar...16 Nurturing Earth Nutures Us...18 Our Minute with Moose...20 We’re All the Main Character...22 The ABC and The Gang of Thieves...24 Political Correspondence...26 The Fall...28 Last Call for Flinder’s Creative Writing Students...29 The Power of Protest...31 Castles & Fields Continued...33 A Consultation with Flinder’s Paramedic Students...34 Student Council Safari...36 A New Look at Stirling’s Staff Cuts...38

Welcome to the windy season (paranati) and welcome to Issue 2 of Empire Times!

One of our guiding words for this issue of ET was ‘community’ which, according to Kurt Vonnegut, is one of the ‘most daring’ things we as humans can create together.

Within these pages, you will find interviews with members of our community that Jess and Tahlia find inspiring; you will be introduced to some of the Flinders’ clubs who work hard to foster a strong campus culture here at Flinders; and you will read articles written by those you share classes and a community with. There is light and goodness here, and we as Editors have taken the time to revel in it. We hope you can as well.

You will also find pieces that ask our community to do better. The two articles that were withheld from Issue 1 are amongst them. Our contributors discuss workers’ rights, the power of protesting, and the crisis of our healthcare system. We take a new look at Vice Chancellor Stirling’s approach to staffing in recent years, through the eyes of a Flinders’ student, and chat to some of the high-achieving academics affected by his decisions.

We also discuss FUSA’s decisions regarding First Nations’ issues and representation in recent years. We understand that this is a difficult topic for some, and want to reassure our readers that we have taken great care to handle this matter delicately, and a range of perspectives have found a platform within this issue. Regardless, we want to take a moment to ask you to be kind to one another.

We believe that community cannot exist without solidarity, and that part of loving your community is wanting it to be better. We, as a media team, care for our community and recognise that we have been entrusted with the ability, and the responsibility, of telling the stories that matter to you, even if it is not always easy.

As Eugene Debs once stated, ‘progress is born of agitation’.

We hope this issue finds you well, and we are all very grateful to share a community with you.

In love, and solidarity, Tahlia, Jess and Claire.

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Decolonisation at FUSA: A Conversation Far From Over Editors’ Note: We would like to acknowledge the sensitive nature of the issue discussed within this piece. We acknowledge the diversity of opinions surrounding the topics within, and our positions as participants in the 2021 Student Elections, as non-First Nations People, and as editors paid by FUSA. Over the past few years, issues regarding First Nations Peoples and decolonisation processes have been at the forefront of student elections at Flinders, but it is important we acknowledge that these conversations remain once the ballot boxes have closed.

Decolonisation refers to restorative justice for First Nations Peoples through cultural, social and economic freedom and self-determination.

Discussions on how these principles can be adopted by FUSA and the Student Council have been on-going, and it is worth examining how well such principles have materially manifested.

While in recent years, efforts have been underway to provide appropriate maps, flags and dual signage on campus, and with the title of First Nations Officer also recently being adopted in place of ‘Indigenous Students Officer’, there have also been considerable blunders.

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In 2019, the First Nations Officer position became vacant, leaving the First Nations community on campus without an appropriate representative for almost six months. Upon becoming vacant, a panel was formed to select a new representative for the role. The initial plans for this panel left it void of First Nations representation, until the issue was raised by a candidate. Following this, a FUSA staff member raised these concerns with the Student Council.

In the Student Council meeting immediately following this recommendation, a motion was moved to limit staff interference in such matters.

While the panel eventually provided appropriate representation, there is currently still no requirement for such representation on casual vacancy panels - despite there being other representational requirements.

In 2020, the position of allyship officer (intended for a non-first nations student) was advertised for the First Nations Student Collective’s AGM. This was allegedly done without consultation with the Flinders Indigenous Students Association, who condemned the decision, lodging a formal complaint. Subsequently, the Union of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Association expressed their

condemnation of FUSA and the Student Council for this overreach. The notion of an allyship officer was eventually abandoned, after the AGM was cancelled.

And finally, the elephant in the room autonomous voting. While some may view it as ‘political point scoring’, as one candidate referred to it, autonomous voting is an important means for respecting the autonomy of First Nations students and decolonising leadership structures.

Simply put, autonomous voting means that only students who identify as First Nations Peoples would be able to vote for First Nations Officer in student elections. It can also be applied to other autonomous positions, such as Womens, Disability and Queer Officer.

Many Australian universities have implemented autonomous voting rights for First Nations students for such positions including the University of New South Wales, the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Queensland University of Technology, the University of Queensland and Australian National University.

Implementing this approach would be reasonably simple from a logistics perspective, as students who identify as First Nations are already noted as such in our Student System. However, autonomous voting has not been implemented at Flinders, despite being long discussed.

The beginnings of the discussion around autonomous voting began in 2020, when the motion to ‘Decolonise FUSA Now’ was passed on the 15th of December. In it, FUSA and Student Council committed to decolonising itself and reviewing its constitutions. Autonomous voting rights was explicitly stated as a component of this. However, when Student Elections rolled around once more in 2021, seemingly no progress had been made in achieving this.

On the 1st of September, Keenan Smith, the 2021 First Nations Officer, publicly stated that the issue had ‘failed to gain any traction past the discussion phase’ and on the 27th of September, they announced that they had lodged a complaint with FUSA and Flinders regarding ‘institutional racism at FUSA and Student Council’. In lieu of allowing non-first nations students to vote on the position for another year, Keenan called for the position to be removed from the upcoming election to allow for time to implement an alternate approach. This did not occur.

Supposedly, there is no mechanism in FUSA’s Constitution to implement said approaches – an issue within itself.

On the 30th of September 2021, the Student Council General Secretary, Molly Turnbull, responded via Facebook, stating that they supported autonomous voting, and a ‘majority, if

not the entirety, of Student Council supports the same’. If this is the case, one must ask – what was the hold up?

At the end of 2021, the Returning Officer’s (RO) report left us with more questions than answers. The Returning Officer oversees student elections, ensuring good conduct on behalf of campaigners. The RO seemingly echoes the confusion and hurt expressed by many in the Flinders community, stating they were ‘dismayed [..] to discover that the issue (of autonomous voting) had not been addressed’ since they had last raised the issue in reference to the 2020 Student Elections. The RO stated that ‘efforts to resolve this issue brokered by FUSA staff provided a well-informed account of alternative models at other campuses that could be implemented at Flinders, and a meeting to discuss them. This initiative ultimately failed to result in agreement’. This would suggest that the hold-out originated with the Student Council, and not FUSA bureaucracy, as there was no consensus reached in the time between the 2020 and 2021 elections.

The RO offers a word of advice to the Student Council, suggesting that they treat the issue of autonomous voting as a matter of urgency.

In fact, the RO stated that she would ‘not agree to act as Returning Officer unless and until this issue is resolved’, describing the current approach as inappropriate, as well as inconsistent, with the stated position of Student Council’.

In early February, Empire Times received word that autonomous voting had been passed during a Student Council meeting that took place in December 2021; of which the minutes were only published on the 21st of February 2022.

On the 16th of February, Empire Times attended the first Student Council meeting of 2022. During the meeting, the issue of autonomous voting was addressed by the First Nations Officer. The First Nations Officer informed the council that they had been in conversation with the First Nations Officer of the National Union of Students to gain an understanding of how other universities have implemented this process. They also noted that they would be attending other Flinders’ campuses to assess how this process could be implemented university wide. Therefore, it is evident that this conversation is still ongoing within the Student Council. However, there is still no actionable plan moving forward as to how autonomous voting will be implemented – with Student Elections set to take place in five-six months, we will see if such a plan materialises in time for the 2022 elections, or if it will be, as a former First Nations Officer stated on Overheard last October, ‘too late’.

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Student Council Responds Student President’s Right of Reply

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First Nations Student Officer Right of Reply Voting unanimously for autonomous voting is one thing, ensuring the policy and process is professionally and democratically safeguarded is one of the core aims of my tenure. Transparency is key to the values of FUSA - so with that in mind, it’s important to highlight that autonomous voting was passed last year. The issue now is how to guarantee that all First Nations people have a voice, especially when identification technology can leave many voiceless. This is why universities such as UniSA and Adelaide haven’t passed autonomous voting.

While it’s incredibly important to highlight decolonisation of FUSA and Flinders University, it’s interesting that while the author is shocked at the lack of paneldiversity in FUSA’s hiring processes, they themselves didn’t feel the need to consult with a range of First Nations peoples, on what is a First Nations issue.

The fact that this article doesn’t have a name attached to it, is inappropriate as the topics discussed are one for our community. Not knowing who authored this piece is a red flag.

To comment on this piece, I’d like to highlight that there’s no coverage of my work as a First Nations Officer in ET, and while I would like to highlight my work developing dual signage policy and my upcoming visit to NT and Mt Gambier campuses, my work is for First Nations students. And I speak to them directly about First Nations issues.

I don’t believe this article is about decolonisation, I believe it’s targeted and lacks integrity - it’s inappropriate and not at all in the spirit of dismantling racist systems and slows the progression of serious cultural issues that are in place to marginalise and push First nations students down further. Any form of rhetoric that is not supportive of these changes and the people that are trying to improve the lives of First Nations students on campus by non-first nations people is inherently racist and perpetrates and continues racist systems that were put in place to oppress and discriminate First Nations people further.

Another major issue that I plan on targeting this year is making sure Empire Times and their writers undertake cultural sensitivity training - which is something FUSA SC all do.

If you identify as First Nations - I am having drop-in times for anyone who wants to come hang out, this semester it’ll be Wednesdays 12pm-2pm at FUSA. If you’re not based on Bedford Park campus, you can reach out to me via the First Nations Collective or email me at firstnations.officer@flinders.edu.au Student Council responses have been printed exactly as they were received. The Editors would like to extend their gratitude to Yunggorendi for their guidance regarding ‘Decolonisation at FUSA: A Conversation Far From Over’.

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Presidents A Dress By Anonymous No President’s Address was provided for Issue 2. If ever received, it will be made available online.

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Street Kitchens & Socialism Words by Bob Briton Every Sunday in Whitmore Square, you will see volunteers from the Community Union Defence League (CUDL) working at their street kitchen for people experiencing homelessness and other hardship. Some days, the weather has been foul and the political climate surrounding the project has not always been favourable, either. In fact, there has been a long struggle with council and state government authorities to maintain the street kitchen, which has now been operating continuously for two and a half years without missing a single Sunday.

Determination on the part of volunteers has ensured this continuity. They serve at the trestle tables stacked with food and drinks and, from time to time, clothes, books, hygiene packs and other essentials, despite the difficulties thrown up by the COVID pandemic. With solidarity from community organisations, like the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), the Anti-Poverty Network, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), and progressive residents, the street kitchen has overcome a number of threats to close down its operations.

The Adelaide City Council contacted CUDL organisers last year to demand that the organisation obtain a permit to conduct their “food vending business” on Council property. They insisted that a permit for Whitmore Square (for which they had other plans in line with a gentrified vision for the city) would never be granted. This diktat ignored the fact that CUDL distributes all its goods for free and that Whitmore Square has been a gathering point for people suffering homelessness for decades.

A very senior bureaucrat from the Department of Human Services visited the street kitchen to back up the Council demand. She added that a task force she headed believed our service promoted dependence among “itinerant Aboriginal populations” who come to Adelaide and engage in “anti-social behaviour”. This 19th century attitude to the dispossessed and disadvantaged was rejected

by CUDL. The media reported that the official had a major conflict of interest on the issue. She is part owner of a boutique hotel on Whitmore Square and lives in a luxury home nearby. In the midst of the furore, the Council contacted CUDL and its pro-bono lawyers for a meeting where they revealed that a permit would be granted for the street kitchen in Whitmore Square and that they would help with any potential obstacles in the application process. They also informed us that a “hub” for services for people experiencing homelessness was to be established

on South Terrace and that it would run for about six weeks.

CUDL was now free to carry on its much needed and appreciated work without the threat of confrontation and arrests. Partners from Back to Fitrah, a Muslim women’s organisation, continue to bring high quality clothes and other supplies. The atmosphere at the kitchen is friendly, cheerful and free from any hint of the spirit of “charity”.

CUDL conducts street kitchen services in Sydney, Melbourne and Coffs Harbour, as well. It is worth considering the background to these expanding projects, what gave rise to these projects and what inspires the commitment and loyalty of its volunteers. The original Sydney kitchen was a continuation of the occupation of Martin Place by people suffering homelessness and their supporters in 2017. The original Adelaide Branch of CUDL came together to raise funds for local CFMEU official Jimmy O’Connor, who was fined $14,000 by the Australian Building and Construction Commission for accessing and organising union members in the construction industry in 2016.

Members of CUDL are driven by the need to defend and unite communities to act in their own interests.

The organisation is guided by the Australian Communist Party, whose ideology is MarxismLeninism. That is crucial because CUDL not only wants to help the most disadvantaged among us or those under the harshest form of attack - it looks forward to and works towards a society without exploitation and oppression, and for a state where the agenda of the working class rules. Volunteers at CUDL get great satisfaction in making their project better and of greater service (CUDL’s slogan is “Serve the People”) but its ultimate aim is to do itself out of a job through revolutionary change towards socialism.

CUDL is always looking for volunteers. We need cooks to prepare food in their own homes and people to drive supplies to where they are needed.

We need people to prepare food in a community kitchen on Sunday morning and to serve at the street kitchen between 11:30am and 1:30pm every Sunday.

If you are interested in getting involved with CUDL, scan the QR code below for further information

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What is going on in Ukraine?

Why Ukraine? Contextualising Russia’s Invasion Early in the morning on the 24th of February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. In essence, he claims that genocide is being committed against separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. As a result, he has launched a devastating attack on Ukrainian territory. This decision has drawn global condemnation and various sanctions have caused the Moscow stock exchange to close and the Russian ruble to collapse.

Many have claimed that this is the first major conflict in Europe since WWII, but this neglects the years of war that has plagued the Balkan nations of former Yugoslavia and Kosovo.

Additionally, this conflict has brought the legitimacy of international law into question much like the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. While this does not disregard the significance of Ukraine’s current situation, it is crucial to bear in mind that hard power is still utilised in a supposedly post-war modern world.

The Main Players Russia and Ukraine have a long and complicated history spanning over four centuries. This current violent outbreak is the result of almost a decade of tension beginning with Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2013-14.

The revolution saw elected, Russia-friendly President Yanukovych ousted. In response Putin annexed the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula in 2014. In turn, this annexation motivated Ukraine to forge closer ties with NATO, the EU, and the West. As a former component state of the Soviet Republic, Ukraine is angering Russia in wavering from Moscow’s influence.

While Russia and Ukraine are the main players in this conflict, it is important to consider which countries have allied with either side. Notably, former Soviet Union states such as Belarus and Kazakhstan have sided with Russia. In contrast, NATO countries including the UK, US,

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France, Italy, Canada, and others have voiced support for Ukraine. Other major powers, such as India and China, have attempted to remain neutral.

Russia’s Goal To many, Russia’s goal in invading Ukraine may not be immediately clear. Putin is motivated by pre-soviet-era Russocentric views of Europe, as well as NATO’s growing influence and conflict in eastern Ukraine. Although NATO was devised as a military alliance with the aim of ensuring peace in Europe, the organisation’s perceived aggression in eastward expansion of membership concerns Russia, along with the organisation’s involvement in former Yugoslavia and the greater Middle East. Additionally, some may argue,that the perceived success of Ukraine as a modern, democratic, independent state threatens Russia’s autocracy, as it presents an alternative model of government.

Russia has issued a series of demands in order to end its ‘peacekeeping’ mission in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has claimed that it will end military operations immediately if Kyiv meets that list of conditions. However, they contentiously include ceding Crimea as Russian territory, acknowledging the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and enshrining neutrality in the Ukrainian constitution.

Developments So Far At time of writing, more than 1.7 million Ukrainians have fled the nation, making this the fastest-growing European refugee crisis since WWII. At least three rounds of ceasefire talks have failed, but Ukraine has held its own against almost two weeks of Russian onslaught. While they have provided Ukraine with weapons and diplomatic support, NATO and western allies will not send troops from fears of initiating a nuclear war. The outcome of this conflict is not clear, but regardless, the result will be significant for the future of the global political order.

Words by Alexandra Herden

Overheard with Karen Smart Karen, you are a well-known cartoon face, regularly popping up throughout the Flinders virtual community, but when and how did you first get started as the admin of the Overheard page?

I had to look this up, since it feels like a million years have passed. The fancy FB admin data page tells me I’ve been a member of Overheard since March 11, 2015, but I don’t think I was made admin until a couple of years in, so I’m going to say Easter-ish 2017? 5 years - cripes.

What is your favourite meme you have seen uploaded to Overheard of late?

There’s so many! I have a weird sense of humour, so there’s a lot I keep off-page for fear of offending delicate sensibilities, but I’ve got a soft spot for Schitt’s Creek reaction GIFs between David and Moira Rose there’s literally a reaction meme for every situation. Can you count GIFs as memes? Probably not, but I stand by this. If you’re a traditionalist, you can’t go wrong with “Unmute-fart-mute”, “You have really average ears” or “We do NOT talk about the orangutan!” over the last month.

Over the time you have spent as an admin, have you noticed any big changes or cultural shifts in the online community of students?

When I first came on as admin, we were a few months into the Trump presidency and the cultural and historical zeitgeist was already beginning to change in a very dramatic way.

You could make the argument that US politics has very little to do with Australian cultural shifts but where the States goes Australia tends to follow, so all of the major movements - the 2017 Women’s March, the larger global Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter protests - as well as opinions on the increased focus on conservative politics in the wake of the 2016 election - these types of discussions and debates were all making their way onto campus as well. University life can feel a bit like the microcosm of the wider world in that respect. At the time, the oppressive weight of everything that was going on in the world was certainly a lot to deal with.

And this was all before Covid-19 knocked us on our asses! The pandemic has dealt all of us a pretty deep mental health blow over the past couple of years. We’re all just kind of getting on with it, but for those students

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who didn’t start their degrees until 2020, this (*gestures broadly*) is all the university experience they’ve ever known. This will be their graduation year, and it makes me a bit sad, really.

To a lot of us, it seems you must have the patience of a saint to filter through all the things that are posted to the group and the criticism you cop as admin on a daily basis. How do you manage the stress that comes with the role?

Vodka.

I’m joking! For real though, it can be tough.

Most of the time the hot-button topics come from a decent place and aren’t inherently shitpost-y, but I do have a pretty low tolerance for anything that preys on the misfortune of others for clout. Racist, sexist, bullying, misogynistic, anti-LGBTIQA+ content - nope. If your first instinct is to go for the jugular, you’ve got no business interacting with other human beings, let alone on social media. If, however, you can manage to use your words and craft a respectful post that illustrates your point of view, then dissenting opinions are more than welcome. What would university life be without dissenters, after all? ;) I’m not always the best at keeping my personal opinion out of the more heated discussions but I hope I’m always at least fair regarding my moderator choices.

Above all, Overheard should feel safe for all of our members.

As for de-stressing - I pay an extraordinary amount of money each month for streaming services and on the really bad days I swing through the Maccas drive-thru for an oat milk latte and go scream at the ocean for a bit. It helps.

I don’t think I’m alone in wondering why on earth you would sign up for such a thing when - much to some people’s surprise - it isn’t even paid?

I was young(er) and naive(er), okay! :D. I knew the previous admin, and thought it would be cool to see behind the veil, so to speak - but there’s nothing back here but the continuous stream of FB notifications and several really colourful Messenger threads from disgruntled members. But if I’m honest, I think as the

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years have gone on, I’ve developed a real connection to the group and it would be pretty hard to leave that behind.

Funnily enough, it’s been suggested to me on more than one occasion that there should be a gofundme or Patreon-type situation happening, or even some sort of payment from Flinders - I could never take any money though. It’s really important to me that Overheard remains completely separate and objective. As soon as there are any kind of financial ties to the university, the page would cease to be a safe place for students to vent their grievances, which I think is vital.

Do you believe that Overheard has served a similar purpose that student media like ET historically used to fulfill, as a platform that amplifies student voice and discussion?

We’ve all got way shorter attention spans these days. Our default mode for sharing information and asking questions is social media, and Overheard just happens to be the largest audience for Flinders students right now. I do feel quite sad for the traditional forms like ET though - the mag will always hold a special place for me, being from a creative writing background and involved via a recurring column and then a sub-editor role back in my first couple of years of undergrad.

ET has always been unashamed about pursuing issues of real significance, and they do it in a much more nuanced way than social media ever could. But everyone wants to publish their opinions without any kind of editorial oversight these days, so Overheard probably feels like a “safer” choice in that respect.

Overheard has recently seen an uptick in anti-vax sentiment. However, a cursory glance at Overheard at Adelaide Uni, shows that similar sentiments are not as present.

As Admin, why do you think this is?

This is a tricky one. From an admin point of view, it’s really important to me that all students get the chance to share their opinions - even if I or the majority of the student cohort disagree. It’s how I’d want to be treated, so I’m careful to moderate according to that same principle as much as possible.

That being said, misinformation about Covid is in every nook and cranny of the internet. I have my personal opinions on this and I think anyone who has been on Overheard for the last few weeks will be in no doubt as to what they are. But when things get heated in a comment thread, one of two things usually happens. Either the fighting leads to removing people who can’t play nice, or I’m forced to close comments to throw water on the flames.

Either way, I can be criticised, and often am, for “censorship”. But I almost never remove comments unless they are reported first.

It’s not my role as moderator to police other people’s genuinely-held beliefs, after all.

But I’m also just one person amongst 20,000.

And when 3, or 5, or 10 people in the space of 5 minutes report a post or comment - that’s a pretty good litmus test. People don’t tend to do this for mere “differences of opinion”. Posts and comments almost always get reported because of name calling, harassment, blatant spam, misinformation, and things like that.

In those circumstances, I have to make a judgement call. I stand by my decisions here.

It’s part of the reason why, I think, Overheard is only occasionally a dumpster fire and not a permanent raging cesspit of flaming excrement. But rest assured, there is always, always, multiple levels of consideration for moderation decisions, and my preference is to go for the choice that has the least amount of collateral damage while keeping the largest share of Overheard’s collective mental health intact.

As for why Adelaide Uni has less antivax sentiment - I could only speculate. Perhaps they have way, way more strict posting guidelines over there? Perhaps everyone is distracted by the groovy buildings? Perhaps they’re drinking more (or less?) vodka than me? Godspeed to them either way ;) You must get an overwhelming influx of notifications, what is your advice for people who are having trouble logging off and being present without their phone?

Oh I am the worst person when it comes to time on Facebook. I use it for Overheard (obviously) but also for work, and now that WFH is a whole thing, there’s also constant monitoring of Teams, email, Trello, and Zoom.

It’s…a lot.

I rely heavily on the silent button on my phone, and (when I’m working), my phone stays in another room. I also rely on members of Overheard reporting posts and comments they have issues with, since I can’t be physically on the page all the time. And I’m still usually checking my phone 20, 30 times a day like everyone else.

But I do fantasise daily about pulling a name out of a hat, assigning that person admin, and then disappearing into the night - and off Facebook entirely - never to be seen again, only to be whispered about in awed tones, like the Rowena Ravenclaw of the Humanities building..

What are you up to when you’re not fostering the Flinders online community?

Working! I know, shocker. I actually have two jobs right now, one in admin and one in comms. That creative arts degree wasn’t a complete waste after all.

What do you wish people knew about Karen Smart?

To answer that question, let me leave you with a game of “two truths, one lie” •

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I once nearly severed a toe in a freak beer bottle accident as a child and to this day the scar “pings” like static when it’s about to rain I am personally responsible for at least 80% of the water fountain statues in the Social Sciences South courtyard.

In the library, on a certain floor, on a certain shelf, and tucked into the pages of a certain (favourite) book is a list of three logic puzzles and a gmail address to submit answers for a prize. I’ve done this every year for 7 years and nobody’s ever found it.

To join our Overheard Community, scan the QR code Interview by Jessica Rowe

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Sit Down, Be Humble

& Why I’m Sick of Doing So

It was around the middle of last year I explained to my therapist the specific anxiety I was experiencing when being social. Throughout my creative career, I have received a lot of good news. I am usually happy with the progress I’m making on different projects and I have an incredibly optimistic attitude when it comes to whether or not I will ‘succeed.’ Over the years, and not without struggle, I have developed self-confidence in the areas of meeting new people, talking to the opposite sex, and feeling good about my appearance. Though, at some point last year, I became so acutely aware that not everyone could say the same. Suddenly, I found myself dismissing my achievements in conversation, feeling guilty if I had, in fact, finished an assignment early, and telling myself “no one wants to hear about where you’re at.”

All my people-pleasers and social-panderers out there will understand my frustration when my therapist informed me that people’s reactions to what I say (providing I have pure intentions), are frankly, not my problem. She talked about how people will carry their insecurities everywhere with them, and those insecurities will be there regardless of if I display a confidence, skill or achievement that they may lack.

After this conversation, I have thought over what she said many times. There is still a part of me who believes “if you can sense that something is going to make someone start comparing themselves and feel insecure, even if it’s not

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meant to, why would you say it?” But what I’ve learnt is that when I play down my good qualities and never talk about my achievements, that makes me feel shit! Maybe this peoplepleaser is sick of all the compromise! Maybe I really do believe that I will make a comfortable amount of money. Maybe I do believe that I have what it takes to reach my dreams. Maybe I think I’m pretty fucking awesome! To be clear, I didn’t spend 20 years of my life developing my confidence and skills only to water myself down for the perceived comfort of others.

The undeniable rise of self-deprecating humour, mixed with the messaging of new-age feminism, has created an interesting phenomena.

Suddenly, I’m unsure of what is ok to say. Have we created a culture that preaches self-love online, but plays by the patriarchal rules of woman-on-woman comparison in real life, that deems it socially necessary to play down our achievements?

I find myself questioning whether I am upmyself when I expect to be listened to, and feel unvalued if I’m not. Is it bad to want to be valued? Is it bad to want recognition for the things you have cultivated? I don’t think it is, but maybe I’m just a Leo. Sorry in advance, but this social-panderer is standing up, and being proud.

Words by Jessica Rowe

The Flinders University Performing Arts Society (FUPAS) has grown considerably in the past few years, putting on their fourth-ever show early this February at the Bakehouse Theatre. This year’s production? Almost, Maine, John Cariani’s 2007 anthology about love and loss in the snowy fictional town of Almost Maine. The play comprises 9 ‘miniplays’ exploring multiple relationships, whether rising or falling.

The production is Alana Lymn’s directorial debut, as well as Anna Wilhelm’s debut as an assistant director. Considering their freshness in their roles, the two have impressive command over their design choices and large ensemble. A strong design team in tow must have also been a big help, especially given that low-budget productions are often forced to forego strong design. Thankfully the FUPAS production team chose to invest time in their lighting, set and sound design.

Given the production’s large ensemble, it is no surprise the acting abilities vary - 12 actors portraying 21 characters? You’re bound to have a variety of experience in the room.

A large number of short stories meant we got to see all the actors giving it their best.

However, some stories held more chemistry than others. Stand-out performances came from Luna Grzan and Lucas Tennant, ranging from their hilarious portrayal of Rhonda and Dave; the adorable story of Gayle and Lendall, and the performance of Vee Rogers with the heartbreaking monologue by Hope.

While the production could have done without the American accents (let these Aussie kids breathe!), I must admit it added to the whimsical nature of the whole affair. With a varying commitment to the accent from most of the ensemble, Olivia Case and Alex Reader stuck it out the best.

Ruby Jenkins’ set design added even more whimsy! From the very beginning, the stage was covered with what appears to be packing peanuts and glitter, creating a magical shining cover of snow.

This snow gets shuffled around and stepped on throughout the show but always fits in. The designer isn’t afraid to be unrealistic- and let’s be real, there’s nothing more boring than a truly realistic set. There’s snow inside the bar, the laundry room, and under the couch, and FUPAS wouldn’t have it any other way. The use of wooden crates and pallets also allows for a versatile set, a necessity when telling this anthology. The simplicity of the wooden designs means the set is never overcrowded.

The set is complimented by equally quirky lighting design - FUPAS are not afraid of colour and I like it!

Almost Maine Review All-in-all a truly fun and playful production.

Rough edges aside, FUPAS are a passionate ensemble and I can’t wait to see what each one of them does next!

3.5/5 stars Words by Zofia Kolodziej

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Girl Space Interview by Tahlia Dilberovic

Girl Space was an arts collective active in Adelaide from 2017 until 2020. The collective carved out a space for female identifying artists in the Adelaide Arts Scene, and placed them center stage - on a uni student budget! One of our editors sat down with Girl Space’s Founder, Lauren Gentall, two years after the Collective ended, to reflect and say our final goodbyes.

The online bios for Girl Space describe it as a female, and female-identifying, art collective which aimed to create a supportive space for female artists and their work - Would you still describe Girl Space in this way today?

I believe I would still describe it in the same way (mostly) today. When I started Girl Space I wasn’t as aware of gendered language as I am now, and I think I did find it hard to accurately express what Girl Space meant without using gendered language. Essentially – Girl Space was a place for artists who weren’t cis-gendered men. We wanted everyone else to have a place that was just for them, and celebrated them as artists and incredible people. So maybe today I would describe it without focusing so heavily on the feminine but largely, yes, the original description stands.

How did Girl Space start? What inspired you to take the first steps?

Girl Space started when I finished high school.I was practicing my own art a fair bit, and was surrounded by so many incredible artists. I felt overwhelmed at the thought of approaching studios and galleries to show my work as I perceived them as very professional, adult worlds. I didn’t have an art degree and hadn’t ever shown my work before so I was automatically locked out of spaces. Seeing the work of those talented, young artists around me I wanted to create a space that could show them off and introduce them to the wider community.

What impact do you think Girl Space had on Adelaide’s creative community?

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I think Adelaide’s artistic scene is really interesting – we host these incredible, globally renowned events like Fringe, WOMAD and the Adelaide Festival but we sometimes forget about the home-grown, up and coming talent.

Since moving away from Adelaide, I can see what our artistic scene does really well and where it lacks. I think that the artistic scene in Adelaide can be a bit stiff and unapproachable. On the other hand, we also have a great experimental arts scene - but even that can still seem unapproachable for the opposing crowds.

I really hope that Girl Space has shown young artists that they are welcome in that community, and to maybe bridge that gap and invite people from all levels of knowledge and wider arts communities to join in and enjoy art.

Do you have any tips for fostering a community through an online presence?

Attempting to foster a community online was something that I initially struggled with but I think finding ways to reach through the screen and make the online spaces feel like home really helped. One of my favourite things we did during COVID was the studio tour series on Instagram. It was something I began in person, travelling to people’s spaces and photographing them personally which I bloody loved!

Obviously, COVID came and we had to ask people to do those bits themselves and I just turned it all into a nice little write-up. The series was really well received and I think it worked because people felt that they were really having a personal connection with these people.

Do you feel as though Girl Space truly ended or do you think the metaphorical torch was passed along to others in the Adelaide community?

Although what we were doing personally has ended, from afar I have loved watching new and exciting events and spaces come to life. I think our torch was passed on to each artist we worked with, and I always feel so incredibly proud of their achievements.

Is there anything about Girl Space that no one ever asks, but you wish they would?

Although it’s not necessarily something I wish people knew, I think it’s useful to talk about the work that went on behind the scenes that people generally didn’t know about. When I started Girl Space, I funded it from my own pocket while working two jobs and studying nursing at uni. As we grew a little, I could make enough from one event to fund the next project, and when Hannah joined she helped a lot with that side of it. But logistically and organisationally – it was a lot of hard, often boring, work behind the scenes, which Hannah and I did while working full time.

We came up against so many obstacles and , although we began with the intent of showing in a lot of galleries and spaces, we still found that particular galleries and spaces unfortunately remained unapproachable for those not classically trained or with a massive portfolio. Unfortunately, I think this is the side of art that gets forgotten about, and people can underestimate the behind the scenes work that goes into creating anything.

How did running Girl Space change you?

Running Girl Space taught me to be relatively fearless in so many aspects. I couldn’t be afraid to approach businesses, galleries, even government bodies, to ask for what I needed for those I was working for. I had to often fake it till I made it and through that I learned so much from asking others and seeking help. It reminded me all the time how much I cherish art, music and community, and I really miss that.

Retrospective

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The Seductive Scholar Words by Sol Blue & Kat Morrison

There’s something wonderfully wholesome and celebratory about furthering your education; whether it be a political science degree, or a diesel mechanics course, society applauds the learner. We venerate and romanticise the ‘poor student’ narrative. We joke about ramen noodles and pulling all-nighters. But the reality is much harsher. Tertiary education is expensive – financially, physically, and spiritually. Lectures, tutorials, papers, research, workshops, reports.... the list goes on. And there are only so many hours in the day, right?

We live in a capitalist construct, and everyone needs cash. Fitting that waiting job around your full-time study is brutal, at best. But some students have found an alternative....

“Sex work is legitimate labour, it’s skilled labour” says Kat Morrison, General Manager of SIN, the South Australian sex worker peer organisation. Funded by SA Health, SIN has been promoting the health, rights, and

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wellbeing of SA sex workers for over 30 years.

“Sex work is the consensual exchange of sexual services for reward. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses many different types of services and activities. We find students are drawn to sex work due to the flexible working hours and potential income”, Morrison says.

Sex work can be an accessible job that is available for university students. Subsequently, universities need to create environments free from stigma and discrimination so students can disclose their sex worker status to appropriate faculty and support staff without fear of reprisal or vilification.

Studies from Canada found that anywhere between 2% - 7% of students at a university have engaged in sex work. In South Australia, statistics about sex workers are difficult to obtain. The current legislative framework, as it pertains to sex work in SA, is full criminalisation. SA is the only Australian state or territory to fully criminalise adult, consensual, commercial sexual services.

“Criminalisation harms sex workers. It creates barriers to accessing services, and it is the number 1 reason sex workers don’t report crimes committed against us. In SA, the police are both our protectors and our prosecutors. It’s unworkable and, quite frankly, it’s frightening” Morrison explains.

Sol Blue, a South Australian sex worker, university student, and peer educator, shared their story with us. “Late 2019/early 2020 I couldn’t survive on youth allowance any longer.

After paying my rent I could barely afford food.

So, I reached out to a friend who was a sex worker and I asked them what I needed to do to enter the industry. Like many other Flinders Uni students I know, sex work gave me a job with flexible hours and high pay, where I was my own boss. For the first time since starting university I was able to start saving, I had the time to exercise, and talking to my clients fulfilled an inherently social part of me. It is for these reasons and many others that I and other university students became sex workers.”

Sex work is a financial pathway that may also be accessed by international students.

Because of unfair labour laws and visas regulations, international students sometimes choose sex work. In Australia, international students are only allowed to legally work 20 hours a week when their course is in session (this has currently been relaxed from January to April 2022 because of work shortages, as well as evidence of a predatory approach to international students by the Australian federal government). International students get the standard minimum wage; working within the parameters of the law, international students can receive a maximum weekly income of $473.20. However, it must be said that studies have found ¾ of international students get paid less than the minimum wage.

The Australian job market for international students is predatory, unfair, and often casually or overtly racist. Sex work gives many international students the ability to achieve economic freedom.

Like any other industry, ensuring you’re informed before entering may provide the best personal and professional outcomes. Sex work isn’t for everyone. SIN offers peer education and new worker information to people interested in exploring or entering the sex industry. Sex workers have been evidenced to have better sexual health than the general population. Safer sex activities and products are the norm in the sex industry. Accessing and correctly using safer sex products is key in minimising the spread of sexually transmissible infections and

blood borne viruses. Organisations like SIN and SHINE SA can deliver guidance on appropriate safer sex product use.

Sex workers in South Australia, and around the world, face stigma and discrimination. Sex work is still demonised, derided, and criminalised.

Sex workers have found themselves booted from social media platforms, shadow banned, outed, and refused services and products.

In other jurisdictions around the world (and EVERY other jurisdiction in Australia) sex work exists within a framework of legality or decriminalisation. Sex work is a human rights issue. Sex workers provide necessary and desired services to a range of diverse clientele.

There is no one size fits all stereotype for either sex workers or clients. University campuses are often a microcosm of the wider culture and its norms. People in positions of power at tertiary institutions need to reflect upon the inclusivity afforded sex workers – despite the legislative framework in SA. If tertiary institutions are serious about doing no harm, then the erasure and othering of sex workers on campuses must cease. Campaigns celebrating personal choice, bodily autonomy, consent, and informed consent must be inclusive of sex workers.

Flinders university, in particular, should prioritise their students feeling welcome and safe; therefore, anti sex worker stigma or bias must be condemned and addressed.

Universities and other tertiary institutions can lead the way in eradicating stigmatising and discriminatory practises. Full-Service Sex Worker Charlie said that “sex work phobia is ingrained in educational systems. Flinders University needs to be an advocate to change and teach in all levels of education that sex work is a legitimate job and that sex worker rights are human rights.” The creation of welcoming spaces and inclusive policies is a necessary first step. The sex industry is full of diverse individuals – male, female, trans, gender and culturally diverse. The decision to participate in the provision of commercial sexual services is often a considered and nuanced one. Sometimes, it’s predicated simply by the need to survive, to eat, to pay rent; other times, it’s based upon a plethora of reasons that are none of your (or my) business.

The decriminalisation of the sex industry in SA is long overdue. Decriminalisation will provide pathways for sex workers to report crimes without fear of reprisal, access industrial protections and rights, and be recognised as a legitimate industry. As sex workers like to say “My body, My business”.

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Nurturing Earth Nurtures us How the Flinders University Sustainability & Environment club is making change, and building friendships along the way.

How does your club help foster community in your particular field or area?

FUSEC thrives on encouraging an inclusive and diverse community of environmentally mindful students to engage in environmental projects/activism while at Flinders and during their day-to-day activities. We aim to achieve this by regularly hosting events from social-based night walks and game nights to education-based movie screenings and animal encounters. This wide array of activities, while providing opportunities to engage in projects/ activism, also foster a like-minded community of members from various disciplines/ backgrounds who share the same passion for protecting our environment. Hence, FUSEC fosters this community by providing opportunities to give back to the environment, but also to give back to our members by providing a safe place for connectedness, friendship, and belonging.

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Do you have any stories of connection or friendship born from your club?

Our executive team all have experiences of connection and/or friendship born from FUSEC, which we also hope our members have shared. Haylee, our Secretary, knew no one at Flinders when she first joined FUSEC. However, being part of an online, interactive community helped her to build confidence to further make those connections in person. Georgina, our Vice President, was recommended for her former position (Secretary) soon after joining the club, which blossomed her strong friendship with Amy. Their friendship has continued to strengthen over the past 3 years as the two longest standing executive members of FUSEC. Sarah, our Treasurer, learnt about FUSEC through Haylee when she invited her to a tree planting. She eagerly put her hand up for an executive role and since starting has become closer with Georgina and Amy (mostly via online planning of events). She is eager to meet and become friends with other like minded individuals when in-person activities

are allowed once again. Amy, our President, has found it wonderful getting to know the club members more closely through events such as camps, plantings, and clean ups. It has been a privilege for her to be a facilitator in watching friendships bloom and grow over the years, especially during the pandemic when class contact is minimum.

How has your club supported or celebrated the achievements of its members?

During various competitions hosted by FUSEC (i.e, photography competitions, litter challenges), we celebrate our members achievements by providing prizes from environmentally-friendly and locally-owned businesses. We provide opportunities to celebrate the finishing of semesters throughout the year (via events such as nature walks and camps). Lastly, we strongly believe in creating a positive environment where we celebrate our environmental wins to combat the effects of climate anxiety. Every little bit counts! By providing these opportunities, we admire the great effort our members put into both their time within FUSEC and their University degrees.

environment for new and existing students, so providing a safe community for students to make new friends, share interests, and contribute to the local community is essential.

Secondly, ensuring students feel that they belong at University and have a place within its culture fosters healthy wellbeing and success. Clubs also allow people from different academic areas of Flinders to come together and bond through common interests/ hobbies, where they otherwise may not meet.

Thirdly, providing an opportunity for students to learn, expand, and practice their skills (i.e., communication and teamwork) within a casual environment helps personal and professional development outside the lecture room.

If you are interested in learning more about FUSEC, scan the QR code below

What could FUSA do to help grow your club?

FUSA does an incredible job of supporting and enabling clubs! They are receptive to our sometimes quite ambitious plans, provide us with training and mentorship, and share any relevant announcements when requested.

Interview by Jessica Rowe

What kind of person would you encourage to join your club and how can they do so?

We strongly encourage any kind of person to join FUSEC as a safe place to help protect the environment, learn how to be more environmentally-conscious, or to make new friends. We believe it is important for the world to have a vast array of people who want to give back to the community and the land.

Do you think that building on campus culture is important and how do clubs contribute to this?

Building on campus culture is extremely important and clubs contribute to this in a variety of ways. Foremost, University can be a very different and often challenging

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O u r M i n u te Wi t h Mo Mo o s e

First of all, what are Minutes with Moose?

Minutes with Moose is a sports site that focuses purely on women’s football. Its main aim is to feature/ highlight the football journey of female footballers, from the grassroot level right through to the AFLW. In addition, MWM also offers news and content on local leagues as well as information on women’s leagues, clubs, and players from all over Australia.

Have you always had an interest in sports journalism?

Honestly no, in fact, it wasn’t until year 12 that I decided to pursue a career in sports journalism. I had written a couple of books on the South Adelaide Football Club while I was in high school, but my main focus was on becoming an author more so than a sports journalist – that was until year 12 of course.

One day it just kind of clicked. I have always loved footy, and I am okay at writing, so I thought, why not combine the two.

When did you realise there was a real opportunity to get your work out there through the emergence of Women’s Football?

Originally, MWM was planned to be about one club, with all the content produced to be on them. But I began to learn more about other footballers from other clubs, and I soon realised that they had stories that deserved to be told as well.

I just kept featuring players without thinking about how big of an opportunity it was, it was never really clear to me. That was until an interstate player agency reached out to me, to see if I could feature some of the players that they represent, and they highlighted just how niche and promising the site was. That was when I truly realised the opportunity that I had to grow MWM alongside the growth of women’s footy.

You have established yourself as a part of the Women’s Football community, with up-and-coming players excited at the prospect of being featured on your site. How does it feel to be a part of this new and thriving community?

It’s humbling, and I especially feel lucky to know that nearly 3 years of writing has paid off but, whenever someone usually compliments the page, I just say that we cannot do great writing without the great talent to write about, and the women’s footy community certainly has no shortage of talent.

It is a great feeling to know that I have made somewhat of an impact, it’s a community that is full of great characters and inspiring people, and I’m glad that players actually have the opportunity now of having their stories told. But honestly, nothing gives me greater pride than seeing the players I have featured fulfil their dreams of reaching the AFLW. Overall, it is super exciting to be a part of the women’s football community and it has developed so rapidly.

They’re just doing what they love, after being told for many years that they cannot play after a certain age.

Have you noticed a difference in culture between the men’s and women’s football community?

Yeah, I have noticed a difference. The women’s football community seems more approachable, more encouraging, and inclusive, I guess because it is still relatively new the players are just so excited to finally

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get the chance to have a pathway in football. It’s new, it’s fresh, in the sense that AFLW history is being made right now because it’s still in its infancy. Honestly, its approachability and positive atmosphere are what made me focus on women’s footy over men’s footy.

The men’s football community on the other hand is more-established, people probably take for granted the fact that men’s footy has been a thing since the 1850s. For example, the SANFL has its legends, rivalries and famous moments stretching back to the late 1800s. The SANFLW, which started in 2017, is still new, full of opportunities, and what’s happening now is shaping the future of the game. Only in the next few decades will we look back with the same awe and nostalgia that we look back to the early days of men’s footy with.

What do you think the role of the media is in strengthening community and connection?

In terms of women’s football, the media plays a major role in strengthening community and connection. It’s the communicator, it allows for the next generation to see, hear about, and connect with their idols. It allows the community to strengthen its support and gain interest, and it allows the community to have a voice.

If done right, the media allows the people within the community to feel engaged, involved and connected, which, with something as new as the AFLW, is extremely well required.

Many of the young up-and-coming women’s football players are quite young, how do you create a supportive and safe connection when interviewing or featuring young players?

I just aim to keep things as casual and relaxed as possible. I avoid tricky questions, give them time to think, and allow them to talk about what they’re comfortable talking about. There is certainly no ‘gotcha’ journalism – I instead focus on encouraging them to talk about their footy journey which, when it comes to up-and-coming players, usually jump at the chance to talk about it.

And I try to do the interviews in a way so that, regardless of whether it’s their first or fiftieth interview, it’s an enjoyable experience. Then, when it's all done, I allow them, their parents, and in some cases their player agent, to read the article before it's published to make sure they are okay with it.

What is your advice to current media/journalism students who have found a niche they are passionate about, but feel too unqualified to start approaching people and putting their work out there?

My advice is that you just have to have a crack, you never know what could happen. The beauty of having a niche subject is that there are usually so few others doing it that it is easy to develop your own brand identity and, if done well, you end up being at the forefront of that subject.

You just have to start somewhere. MWM has grown and developed so much over the past couple of years to become what it is now. It featured the stories of well over 200 players, but all of that started with just 1 feature.

Setting goals does help if you are unsure, breaking down a large idea into small goals helped me. For example, I started by aiming to feature 1 player, then it featured a player from each SANFLW side, then a player for each state and so on.

To those who feel unqualified, you might as well start now because you may never feel qualified, or worse, someone else will beat you to that niche subject. There’s plenty of time to develop and grow once you start, but you have to start, and at worst, if you get knocked back, you will at least gain an insight into what to do differently or better the next time. So, if you are passionate about your idea, go get it.

Now, the question we’ve all been waiting for is, why ‘Moose’?

The name Minutes with Moose was suggested to me by a mate I met through football. The name Moose itself is a childhood nickname, and it has perhaps the least exciting origin story you can have for a nickname. Simply, when I was a year old I was given a shirt that had a Moose on it that read ‘I’m Mr Morris Moose’. It was my favorite shirt, I wore it all the time, and so the family then started calling me Moose, and it stuck, and it has stuck for 20 years since.

Honestly, the name Minutes with Moose seemed strange at first, since it doesn’t hint at all to women’s football, but now that it’s becoming synonymous with women’s footy I guess it shows how far the site has developed.

Interview by Jessica Rowe

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We’re All The Main Character A chat with the Flinders Film Society on how a shared love for the world of cinema, brought them together in the real world.

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How does your club help foster community in your particular field or area?

Do you have any stories of connection or friendship born from your club?

Lisa: As someone who doesn't study film or actively participate in the film world, the Film Club has been a great opportunity for me to watch an insane amount of films and talk about them with cool people. When I first started attending FUFS screenings, this kind of community was exactly what I wanted and I’m so glad that I got out of my comfort zone and ventured beyond my field.

Lisa: I think the first obvious answer is that Lachlan and I met through the Film Club, and as we gradually got to know each other we ended up being inseparable. We’ve now been dating for about 5 months and have stepped up as co-vice presidents to become full fledged co-presidents of the club this year.

Our lives look completely different since joining FUFS and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Lachlan: I think the most beneficial aspect of the Film Society for creating a community aspect is our post-film discussions; after every screening, we discuss what we have just seen and hear each other’s different opinions.

That’s the best thing about art, really: how something makes you think and feel is an entirely subjective experience. There is no right and wrong, and you don’t have to be a film-nut to have an opinion. Apart from that, we routinely meet up outside of the university to stay connected with each other and maintain our already deep friendships.

Lachlan: Lisa’s already beaten me to it; clearly meeting her has been the biggest high-point of joining the club. I will say, though, that many of our club members have discussed collaborating on their own films through the connections they have made through the club. It’s a really wonderful feeling to know that we played a small part in facilitating that connection, and we wish them all the best with their future projects to come!

How has your club supported or celebrated the achievements of its members?

L&L:I think we’d both agree that seeing your mates, and meeting new ones, each week is a great opportunity to showcase your recent achievements and conquests. It’s been awesome to have such a consistent group of people to see each week, especially when it’s people who are invested in your progress and success. It’s also awesome to see when everyone progresses in the film world, whether that’s getting an awesome grade, finishing production on a project, or making waves towards their goals.

Lisa: One little memory that I love is when I came home from a 2-month placement trip to a rural NT school, and walked into a surprise welcome back party with decorations and a very snazzy cake. I felt incredibly appreciated and loved the feeling of returning to a community. It was definitely a peak moment for me last year, and I hope everyone else felt as supported by Lachlan and I as well.

Lachlan: We have also, on occasion, screened the projects that our members have worked on throughout the year. Giving them the opportunity to explain the creative process behind their work, as well as receive the recognition and praise that they so rightly deserve, is a really great way for us to celebrate the individual achievements of our members.

What could FUSA do to help grow your club?

L&L: FUSA, especially David the Clubs Officer, has actually been really supportive and encouraging of our different events on campus. David has always been incredibly helpful and present to answer concerns if we needed him. And we’ve really benefited from FUSA’s grant system, and wouldn’t have been able to have the events we did last year without their support.

This year we’re keen to continue working with them and expanding upon our advertising and social media presence. We’re hoping to showcase ourselves on their Instagram this

year, and we hope that they continue to allow for opportunities like these and let clubs take the limelight.

What kind of person would you encourage to join your club and how can they do so?

WELL, that’s pretty simple.

We would encourage anyone, regardless of their experience, background, or collection of Criterion films, to come on down and try us out.

The only requirement that we have is that you show others, our space, and our time with the same respect that we will show to you.

Do you think that building on campus culture is important and how do clubs contribute to this?

Campus culture is essential to the uni experience. It’s hard not to compare Flinders culture to other unis, but it’s definitely more productive to talk about what we can actively do in building community on campus in small ways.

One way that we’re excited to be doing this year is to be working with more Flinders’ uni clubs in different ways. Even if that looks like going to each other’s events, co-hosting events, or even just knowing each other. We reckon that’s one solid way to build a solid foundation for Flinders’ culture.

If you are interested in joing the Flinders Film Society, scan the QR code below

Interview by Jessica Rowe

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The ABC and the Gang of Thieves Australia’s public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is one of Australia’s most important democratic and geopolitical institutions; our public broadcaster has in-fields across the many mediums from television, radio, and even internet spaces through content such as Hottest 100, Radio National, kids programs such as Bluey and Prank Patrol, and ABC News online articles. The content we consume that is provided by the ABC is countless.

The ABC was and (hopefully) always will be here for Australians. It is an essential service for our regional communities, where it provide emergency warning and information during natural disasters, as opposed to adfilled private TV channels or radio. It gives Australians an opportunity to speak about their story including, Australian artists having the chance on Triple J’s Hottest 100 to working studios across every state. The ABC is here for us.

Yet, there is a gang in favour of selling off our ABC and trying to destroy this public asset. Conservative think tanks, such as the IPA, spread misinformation and lies about our ABC. The Young Liberals put forward motions to privatize our ABC. The Liberal Party National Council passes such motions.

The Liberal Party may go on about skills and jobs, but they care very little about the skills and jobs the ABC is host to - since the Liberals took office in 2014, the ABC has lost 640 jobs. Even the Australian Federal Police conduct raids against our public broadcaster - with 2 raids occurring in 2020 alone, after the ABC exposed Australian war crimes in Afghanistan.

The ABC belongs to the Australian public, not this gang of thieves. Deloitte found that the ABC brought $744 million back into our economy - We know the ABC gives back to our economy.

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The ABC has even been under major attack by Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, who have waged war against our public broadcaster since ABC’s four corners special “Fox and the Big Lie” exposed Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News for promoting Donald Trump and his dangerous propaganda.

The Liberals and Murdoch’s attack our institution, from 2020 raids to the decadelong drain of Liberal cuts. Why? The ABC is an important part of our democracy and the nation; I mentioned that a lot since the ABC has many functions to our government and is an important part of democracy; since it holds the government to account for their actions and doesn’t have private sector interests like Newscorp and Fairfax. With a majority of Australians agreeing that the ABC is critical to a healthy Australian Democracy with 25% strongly agreeing. (Polling from the Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program). In the ABC charter, the ABC is required to have Parliament Question Time aired, as boring as it is, it’s an important part of our democracy and keeps the Government accountable. The ABC is Australia’s Most trusted news source and over 70% of Aussies read, watch and listen to ABC each week, for good reason.

In a time of misinformation and attacks on democratic institutions across the globe; we must guarantee that our independent public broadcaster will stay ours and safe. Any cuts on the ABC is cuts on Australia’s democratic, and emergency broadcaster roles.

Just remember what the ABC has provided for us since after all this year is the 90th birthday of the ABC.

Words by Lachlan White

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1. What are your thoughts on the Scott Morrison text message saga?

2. It’s Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the throne, should Australia become a republic?

3. What are your thoughts on the current ABC funding model whereby funding is renewed in three-year blocks?

LEFT SOCIALIST ALTERNATIVE 1. Who doesn’t hate the Liberal party? They even hate each other! Of course, those of us on the left hate them for being neoliberal bigots who nakedly uphold the wants and needs of the Australian capitalist class. Under the big tent of the Liberal-National coalition they all agree that the profits of businesses must always overrule human lives, regardless of whatever personal power jockeying or assholishness goes on in private. If they lose the election it will be good to see them go.

2. The queen is an archaic and absurd relic from a feudal era where even the limited democracy we have today was unimaginable. Like all class societies, the ruling class of royals exploited the laboring class, the peasants. Just like capitalism today, inequality subjected the majority of human beings to the minority of the wealthy.

It is not enough to be rid of some remnant of an old, exploitative ruling class if what remains is a ruling class as ruthless and exploitative as what came before. It’s easy to imagine being rid of the Queen, but far harder to imagine being rid of our bosses. Regardless, this is what socialists strive for.

3. The ABC can do some good journalistic work, such as bringing to light Australian war crimes in Afghanistan. But they are not card-carrying communists as the right and the Murdoch press accuse them of being, unless sometimes publishing mild criticism of the Coalition and not repeating Murdoch’s headlines counts as a far-left agenda.

On the contrary, their defense of the status quo can be just as reactionary and right wing as the for-profit private media like Murdoch. But no matter how right wing they are, they will be under constant threat of funding cuts from the Coalition: the moral panic ridden Murdoch media that acts as a mouthpiece for the most foul ideas of the Australian capitalist class is the gold standard and anything less is socialist propaganda.

We defend the ABC from these attacks, and demand greater funding for it to be able to deliver public journalism.This new funding agreement doesn’t change the fact that the Liberals and their mate Murdoch want to privatize and defund the ABC as much as possible, just that it’s not going to be a major issue going into this election.

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CENTER LABOR UNITY 1. All these text messages show a government in chaos; one that is unable to contain their own members’ distrust of Scott Morriso - A leader we have grown to know as a man who doesn’t understand the problems facing Australians, let alone the price of milk and bread.

He is untrustworthy and can’t lead in a time of crisis - with the new Optus board member and former, allegedly corrupt, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stating in one of those texts “[Morrison is] More concerned by politics than people”. He is a man who’s more concerned about his image and himself than good policy for the Australian Public.]

2. Yes, we support an Australian Head of State representing Australia; not an unelected one sitting on a throne on the other side of the globe. Yet, we have many more dire matters, such as an absence of indigenous recognition in the constitution and an authentic Federal National Integrity Commission, which will do a better job at restoring faith in our institutions than Australia becoming a republic.

3. With the three-year funding model, the ABC is at the whims of whichever party is in government at the time. The benefit of this model is that it allows the ABC to plan ahead and sign longer-term contracts with its employees. The issue arises at the end of those three years, when funding is renewed. The Liberal-National Coalition has not adjusted the ABC budget for inflation which has effectively resulted in budget cuts. This in turn has effects of ABC editorial integrity and independence. This places one of our greatest democratic institutions at risk. In short, the three year funding model is better than year-to-year funding.

However, it is undermined by funding freezes. Instead, we support the five-year funding model.

RIGHT FLINDER’S LIBERAL CLUB 1. This was a media circus and a flavour of the week. It largely blew over and was more humiliating for those who had sent the texts than the PM himself. However, it is unfortunate that private messages we used as a political weapon and to turn people within our party against each other.

2. No. The monarchy itself serves very little functional purpose or wields much power at the moment, however what the Crown does do is hold the copyright to the Constitution. If this connection is severed then that copyright will fall to the two major parties, which is for obvious reasons more questionable that an abstract figure in the Crown maintaining it. We gain nothing by becoming a republic as the royals are largely irrelevant to Australia anyway (and lets be honest, they learnt their lesson after the publicity nightmare that was the dismissal).

3. The ABC’s finances are currently directed under a triennial funding model. As a consequence of this and governmental endorsement, each three-year period sees a marked increase in total funding. This may lead to a saturation in the Australian media industry, which would unfortunately reduce the ability for smaller, private journalism to deliver a wider range of ideas to the people. In conclusion, there should be a firm limit on the level of funding that ABC should receive on a regular basis.

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T i have heard the lifetime of an empire is two hundred and fifty years give or take— centuries of golden glory before the fall

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e

ours dies in its infancy decades passing every other week until our reign slips into history and your fingers slip out of mine— losing you to passing time us hopeless stargazers mapping inevitable across the skies always defy fated endings— my fire mirrored in yours when sparks fly in solar flares like destined lovers

F

a

like the sleeping king who dreams of return i wait for you to call on me to need me once more— our story retold as we build our empire anew and i can love you again, bright angel

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l Words by Leigh Briar

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Last Call for Flinders’ Creatives “You know the full moon’s when all the crazies come out.”

- Victoria Delise, Clean - Last Call A student-made anthology of short stories, Last Call follows a university Astronomy Club over a one-night pub crawl. Focusing on the main concepts of multiperspectivity and unreliable narration, each new story follows the perspective of a new character over the course of the night. We are a group of fourteen Bachelor of Creative Arts: Creative Writing undergraduate and honours students collaborating together to get our collective ‘foot’ into the doors of our profession by stepping forward with the aspiration to see our names officially published. With the generous support, and subsequent publication by Glimmer Press, a local Adelaide-Based publisher we aim to achieve just that. Last Call is an opportunity for our cohort of creative writing students to demonstrate the skills we’ve learnt in our degree and gain valuable experience within the industry.

In our cohort’s final semester as undergraduates, we came to our tutor excited, but lost. The course we’d spent three years together completing was nearly over. As Creative Writing students, we weren’t sure career-wise, where we could go after university and so, after some deliberation, we were

given the choice ourselves; presenting to the class a collaborative goal that we could work towards, together, as the semester went on. Each of us presented a theme and a format to the group. A professionally published anthology was voted as the format, the theme, ‘multi-perspectivity;’ the idea that our stories take place in a shared world and all our stories came from the perspective of each character we created. Currently with the copy edits completed, we are undergoing a complex editing process and are finalising the books blurb, and acknowledgements whilst seeking endorsements from those that have read the books first draft. These experiences have given us a strong understanding of the job opportunities that await post-graduation and necessary experience in highly sort after publishing skills. Through all of the groundwork to build this project to where it is, the impact it has had on our cohort has been outstandingly positive. For our cohort this presents the first chance to interact with many aspects of the publishing industry and gives us a valuable opportunity to do so under the guiding light of our very talented instructors.

When beginning this project, our goal was admittedly rather selfish: we, as aspiring authors, wanted nothing more than to have our names on a published book. Something tangible, something visible, something undeniably real. Something to make three

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years of endless nights and deadlines and grading feel meaningful. However, as publication progressed and fundraising began, the sheer amount of support we received – from friends, family, peers, colleagues, staff – was jaw-dropping. Our degree had never required so much collaboration with our community until now, and to receive such selfless support instantly was beyond anything we had imagined. The idea that this sort of community involvement could continue, and that we could extend the generosity that we had been given to cohorts beyond ours, so that they, too, could feel the gratitude that we have become so overwhelmed with, is incredible. This selfish idea that we began with has become something entirely new: it has encouraged our community to see the worth in young authors, created collaboration between local South Australians (including local publishers and businesses), and it will, hopefully, become the foundations from which future cohorts can become involved in their community far sooner than we did. In the end, those endless nights truly are worthwhile, and perhaps that’s a greater achievement than our names on a book. Perhaps.

With this collaborative anthology, we aspire to kickstart future projects like ours that will give the creative writing community at Flinders a bright future. A project in this field lets the creative and imaginative potential of the cohort run free and brings its students together, offering its students, a glimpse into the local publishing industry, while having the incredible chance to be published. With the hopes that our fellow students wish to see this corner of the Creative Arts thrive as much as we do, they can help secure a promising future for the CW program by donating to our GoFundMe, which will contribute funding towards the exciting projects the future of Creative Writing holds.

In regard to our hopes, the sheer size of the donations and the community support has given us new goals and new ideas for the future. We hope to achieve some recognition, as this project is the first of its kind at Flinders University and leave a legacy of inspiration and aspiration for upcoming Creative Writing students. Further, we wish for this project to push hesitant writers out in the community towards the Flinders degree, so that they can have the nurturing experience that we have cherished. After three years on and off campus lifelong friendships have developed and can only continue to grow. We have learnt how

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to work independently and collaboratively to deliver polished publishable work, all the while developing outstanding rapport within the cohort. Through workshopping we have learn positive feedback is its own reward, and that less favourable feedback drags you from writers block and guides you to new thoughts and ideas. It is a perfect storm as we stride into a life of writing knowing there is always, and always will be help at hand. As individuals our ambitions vary in the publishing world. Some will be behind the scenes in script or screenwriting. Others may join the all-important position of editing and education.

There may even be a few blockbuster writers waiting to unleash their stories on avid readers. Whatever path we take, we are now published authors and that alone is an enormous achievement.

For those still able to donate, please reach out through the Empire Team to help support our project.

- The 2021 CRWR Team.

The Power of Protesting Now more than ever we need global change.

The past few years have seen major political conflicts and failures, the most obvious now being Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the COVID pandemic has seen political leaders including Scott Morrison, Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro neglect to protect their people by opening and/or closing borders at inopportune times, or simply failing to act at all, thus increasing the number of infections.

Furthermore, Australia has seen a major cry for help from the health sector; nurses, aged care workers, and other health workers have been made to work overtime, go to work whilst infectious, and receive a less than satisfactory salary. The near passing of the Religious Discrimination Bill also came as a shock to the nation and revealed where the Morrison government’s loyalty truly lies – not with Australia’s most vulnerable and in need, but with their own self-interest. Such condemnable actions have inspired grief and anger in Australian people as well as the globe.

This collective anger must find not just an outlet but a receptive audience.

Here is where ‘the protest’ comes in.

A protest is ‘a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition’ (Cambridge Dictionary). Protests represent a collective of people whose grievances about a certain aspect or aspects of their society are expressed online or in person. Usually, they’re expressing their grievances towards a government body, who possess the societal power to instigate change. These powers usually include lawmakers, parties, leaders of an institution, elite members of society or, more broadly, those with money, power and influence.

A common attitude towards protests and rallies is that they rarely amount to anything. They’re just a channel through which delinquents can express their rage and quench their thirst for violence and radicalism.

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This couldn’t be further from the truth. Protests are for the people. Since antiquity, they’ve always been a means for democracy. People from all corners of the world protest, because at one point or another, they’ve felt wronged by the very people who are meant to protect them.

Now, you may say, well yes, protests can be for everyone, but they still don’t do anything.

Another fallacy.

There have been many instances in which protesting has instigated some form of change. Amnesty International’s 2021 article on ‘20 Years of Write for Rights’ details 11 instances in which protests have amounted to someone’s freedom, governmental change or, at the very least, global awareness.

The Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQIA+ movements and feminist movements, all of which have involved mass protests, have changed and continue to change society for the better.

And let’s not forget one of the most famous protests in history, the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381.

The Third Poll Tax of 1381 sparked collective fury at England’s widespread class injustice.

A massive uprising, led by Wat Tyler, involved the destruction of buildings with links to the royal court, the murder of opposing tax officials, lawyers and priests, and the burning of several tax documents and registers. Whilst it is largely seen as an unsuccessful rebellion due to a lack of immediate change, it sowed the seeds for the Poll Tax’s eventual removal and serfs’ ability to buy their freedom.

Such a delayed effect is normal proceeding mass protests. ‘In the short term the likely result is often repression and condemnation,’ criminologist Matt Clement claims.

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‘[H]owever, governments have learned to respond to these actions across the centuries.’

And it is now, in the 21st century, that people under democratic rule can protest and see more immediate results. Furthermore, ‘the digital age’ has made it much easier for just about anyone to organise a rally or protest Social media in particular has caused a major change in how we organise and run protests. When researching for this article, I was notified of many local protests via Facebook. Furthermore, I was also given the option of attending online protests, a handy alternative in the event of a lockdown or selfisolation. Though, with the advent of social media comes a common tendency to engage in passive activism. An issue which all of us, myself included, are guilty are doing.

So, I encourage you not to partake in ‘slacktivism’, a term coined in 2009 to ‘describe feel-good online activism that has zero political or social impact’ (Morozov).

Refrain from simply liking or sharing a post and calling it a day. Research more about the subject of the protest (knowledge is power, after all). Listen to the stories of those who are most affected by the issue. Donate to a fundraiser or sign a petition. And perhaps, if you dare, attend a protest. ‘[T]he sound of the crowd reveals the crimes of the powerful and of state-sanctioned violence […] This sound is not one to be considered as outside of the law but as necessary to the functioning ozf society, as a counter-balance to power and authority which is held in the hands of the few.’ (Evans)

Words by Georgia Nolan

Castles & Fields Continued The next evening, Skynsa – under appointment from Ofleti, for he was strong in the way of words – rode to Hallra. He was found tending to his wheatfield, using a colossal hand to sprinkle some kind of fertilizer over it. Hallra was dirty, ragged, and unkempt, but was pleased enough at the company, and flashed yellow teeth in a smile.

“I come from the king, Ofleti,” began Skynsa. “To bargain for your farmland. Tell me, for what reward would you desire in obeying the king?”

“I desire nothing,” Hallra spoke in barely a whisper, but to Skynsa it was a massive boom. “But the space to be myself and tend my land.”

“The king is inextricably attached to the possibility of owning this land,” said Skynsa. “And is willing to bargain substantially for it. Tell me, great giant, what do you wish, for the king is in his power to grant it to you.”

Hallra said nothing for a while. He stared at the distantly setting sun and seemed to be weighing the words. Then he looked at Skynsa in anger. “I am offended the king has not come himself, has mangiant relations gotten so poor?” His face was twisted in disgust. “Go! I will not permit you to come back here.”

Skynsa was wise and knew not to tempt a giant into open conflict. He swiftly headed back for the castle, and by the time he got back, it was the blackest night they’d ever seen.

Cautiously, Skynsa relayed the encounter back to Ofleti, who was extremely displeased. “This is not one I will challenge in battle,” muttered Ofleti in a deep rage. “In no contest of strength shall I prevail, nor in one of wits, it seems.” As he said this, he shot Skynsa a hard glare. “There must be some way,” he continued. “to trick the giant. He seems sure of himself, and a contest which he believes he’ll easily win shall be his weakness.”

That night, which proved long and fruitful, the three men devised schemes and drew plans. They clapped each other on the back for being so clever and their trickery, wondering how a simple giant could ever outsmart them.

As the sun rose the next morning, Hallra was interrupted in the tending of his vineyard by a distant cry. Way below him was a man of complete royalty, and despite never seeing the man before, knew exactly who he was. Ofleti rode upon a stallion – broad and utterly black. Hallra tried hard to hide his annoyance, but rarely did someone’s true mood escape Ofleti. “Good morning, Hallra,” Ofleti yelled.

“I come to bargain for your land, as you no doubt are aware. What can I – in my infinite power – offer you?”

Hallra got down on one knee, peering closely at the uninvited guest. His face was sharp and angular, with a stout, orange beard covering his chin. Complete neutrality rested on his face; this arose suspicion in Hallra.

“You have not come to offer anything with infinite power, Ofleti. You will only do what is best for yourself, damning me in the process. This farmland is mine, and mine alone. Not even other giants have permission to it. If I asked you to give up your land in order to expand mine, doubtless you would reject, yes?”

“So, there is a price, ha ha!” Ofleti chuckled. “Whilst I have come under a banner of good faith and peace, I do not intend to trade land with you. What I propose is simpler, and I imagine, more fun.”

Ofleti dismounted his horse and gently stroked its mane.

“This is Vinningshafi, the greatest steed in all the world, without question! I challenge that she can outrun even you, with the greatest stride of any creature. My proposal is thus! We shall race each other, from one end of your farm to the other and back. Whoever wins shall have full entitlement to this land. Better yet, whoever loses will never be seen again by the winning party, now and forever. They will live in total peace.”

These words intrigued Hallra, who had forever desired a land all to himself; and this was no mere man promise, but that of the king himself. Before temptation could seize his heart, Hallra had one more comment. He jabbed a trunk-like finger at the king. “I know of Villandi’s stallions, and the speed of none could match me. This is a fool’s errand, Ofleti. But say no more! I will warm by the fire tonight in peaceful content, and perhaps even laugh at the folly of your foolishness! A race it shall be, and a race I shall win.”

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A Consultation with Flinders’ Paramedics Prior to the Marshall Government’s abandonment of Covid-zero, and subsequent re-opening of state borders late last year, the SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) announced their new COVID-19 Resilience Plan. The plan aimed to soften the blow caused by the government’s decision and introduced a range of measures intended to provide life-support to SA’s crumbling healthcare system.

A key component of this plan was the fast-tracked recruitment of qualified paramedics and the retraining of final year paramedic students to allow for a standby workforce of ambulance drivers.

As Flinders is the only university in South Australia that offers a Bachelor of Paramedic Science, this standby workforce was pulled entirely from our own community. The treatment of healthcare and frontlines workers has been an ongoing conversation since the beginning of the pandemic. However, their own voices are often missing from the

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conservation - whether it be due to the inherent selflessness of their work, or outright censorship (see: the Marshall government banning the chalking of ambulances in the lead-up to the state election). So, Empire Times sat down with a few paramedic science students/alumni to ask – What do you think of the plan?

Florence (name changed), a recent Paramedic Science graduate, thinks it is ‘a complete waste of time and effort’.

Florence argues that these recruits are all ‘qualified paramedics, with bachelor’s degrees, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’.

What South Australia needs, Florence says, is ‘more paramedics, not drivers’.

Florence is pointing out what everyone, except the government, seems to know – that this plan does not address the underlying issues with the South Australian healthcare system. In fact, the SA Ambulance Employee Association’s Industrial Officer, Josh Kasprowicz, has

gone as far as describing this approach as a ‘disaster plan’ which would increase the risk to both patients and paramedics, while failing to create additional capacity or reduce ambulance ramping. Florence elaborated on one aspect of this risk for us, stating ‘our scope of practice won’t allow us to help and attend patients. Yet, we will probably be asked to […] to take the load off the paramedics with us’.

Despite this response, SAAS has stood firm in the benefits this plan will potentially bring, stating that ‘working with University students will be really positive for SAAS – we hope it will give them a bit more of a lead into their paramedicine career’.

Joel, a third-year paramedic student and a Covid Ambulance Driver with SAAS, agrees. Unlike Florence, Joel believes that the decision ‘makes a lot of sense’. He expresses gratitude for being able to assist ‘our community in a job we love’. Like SAAS, Joel acknowledges the benefit in working ‘alongside our state’s incredible paramedics and [learning] valuable skills’ for his future career.

But how certain are these future careers?

Florence points out that many SA graduates have been unable to serve as paramedics in their home state, due to insufficient internship opportunities. Florence states that she knew of 25 students personally that had not received an internship in 2021, in the midst of the pandemic. In fact, prior to the COVID-19 Resilience Plan, only 48 internships were planned to be offered in 2022. This was planned in spite of an underfunded, understaffed and overworked paramedic workforce, even without the added stress of COVID-19.

Florence’s solution? ‘Give us an internship.

Let us take the load off the already exhausted paramedics – before we move to another state who wants us’.

Words by Tahlia Dilberovic

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Student Council Safari One fine evening, editors Tahlia and Jess decided to put on their safari hats and enter the jungle that is student politics. They anticipated what they thought would be a ‘wild’ adventure, but what they were met with was a herd bound by passivity - a gathering with no sudden movements.

We met at the waterhole to observe the rare beings that are our student council office-bearers - some stayed reserved with tired eyes after a busy day of getting familiar with their new roles, others giggled and small-talked their way through the awkward pre-meeting interactions. What we assumed was an awkwardness that would only stay during the foreplay, lingered throughout the entire mating ritual. Out of all the creatures at this waterhole, it was easy to spot the rainbow fish. The one office-bearer who is not part of the Activate faction, is hard to miss, not because of any kind of opposition, but his bold accessory choices of a briefcase and cap. Let’s hope that our Unite member’s assertive presentation assists him in balancing out an all-Activate council.

In order not to disturb the office-bearers in their natural habitat, Jess goes into mum-mode and reminds Tahlia to put her phone on silent. But not even all the fretting and pandering from Jess could stop a certain office-bearer from scrolling on Instagram throughout the entirety of the meeting. Looks like this jungle isn’t interesting enough for some restless officers, despite how many times the unfamiliarity of the processes were highlighted throughout the meeting, they’d rather be up in the canopies. Perhaps they’re looking to see how full the water holes are over in UniSA territory.

Tahlia and Jess were very surprised, and even a little coy when they found out that this was to be an interactive safari experience. Invited to introduce ourselves and our pronouns, we were happy to finally make ourselves known to the council, putting some faces to the excessive emails looming in their inboxes. ET thanks the office-bearer who swung us the vine.

It was, afterall, a rather underwhelming sightseeing adventure, a few motions were passed to move motions to confirm the moving of motions to ratify said motions. We don’t mean to make a commotion, and clearly neither do our student council, who voted unanimously on every decision without much discussion. A smart move from Unite’s brief-case-bearer as he nominated himself into an antler-butting battle with numerous other councilors, for the chance to be on a panel to select a new member after a recent resignation. But no matter how big the antlers of a brief-case-bearing boy, 20 antlers are stronger than 2, and there will be no Unite member on the panel.

The progress of one election promise was so briefly mentioned we needed our tacky zebra-print binoculars to see. We are talking about autonomous voting, the slow progress towards which ET hopes to cover and recount in issue 2 (assuming the piece doesn’t get held up any longer). The President’s vague report has left us no clearer on an actionable plan to make it happen. It was explained that the council are in correspondence with the NUS First Nations Officer to discuss “how to go about” implementing autonomous voting. We hope that these discussions lead to results by the next election.

Some news that ET was happy to hear about as a publication was that a new media assistant will be hired by FUSA. This will support our mission in increasing the transparency of the Student Council and help us become bigger and better as a magazine. A sprout of hope in an overworked herd at FUSA. With new regulations that were moved in this very meeting regarding attendance, we hope that we can continue to observe our student council through a range of different lenses. For now, we’ll put our binoculars away, take off our safari hats, and start setting up camp in the FUSA office as we await our next adventure.

Words by Jessica Rowe

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:Translation On the 16th of Wednesday at 6:30pm, Eds Tahlia and Jess braved the staircases of the Registry building and settled in to observe our first student council meeting.

The Student President, General Secretary, Education Officer, Environment Officer, First Nations Student Officer, Social Activities Officer, Women’s Officer, Welfare Officer, and General Councilor Lachlan White were present in person, with the Mature-Age Students Officer and General Councilor Lucas Clayton joining us online.

General Councillors Caitlin Fenwick, Riley Jones and Sharleen Kabiri, the Postgraduate Students Officer, the Disabilities Officer, the International Students Officer and the Queer Officer were not present. The Student Council received the resignation of a General Councilor prior to the meeting, and the general vacancy process has begun to fill this position.

The meeting began with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by pronoun disclosure.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted by the Student Council, and decisions ratified (the content of these previous meetings and decisions were not elaborated on).

The Student President and the First Nations Student Officer briefly discussed the progress they had made since the last meeting – notably a travel plan to visit other Flinders campuses to investigate how autonomous voting could possibly be implemented. The First Nations Student Officer also reported that they had been in discussion with the National Union of Students’ First Nations Officer to gain perspective on how other campuses approach autonomous voting. As ET understands it, Flinders’ own Indigenous Student Association (FISA) has not yet been consulted.

20 minutes into the meeting, the agenda turned towards new business, with the Women’s Officer, Education Officer, and General Councilor Lachlan White submitting verbal reports of their progress.

Following this, there was mention of a Media Assistant being hired (ET rejoiced), and the General Secretary spoke to her motion regarding the appointment of 1 Council Member to the Club Pool Funding Subcommittee. The First Nations Student Officer nominated herself and was appointed.

Attention returned to the issue of filling the role of General Councilor via a casual vacancy panel. FUSA regulations stipulate a range of representational requirements for the makeup of the panel, and in this meeting, the Student Council determined the 2 additional council members that would take part in the process.

The First Nations Student Officer and General Councilor Lachlan White nominated themselves, while the Environment Officer was nominated by a fellow member. The First Nations Students Officer and the Environment Officer were appointed to said panel, following an email vote (to which one staff member quipped about the Student Council finally answering emails in a timely manner - ET laughs).

Attention then moved to a motion regarding new and improved club regulations. However, the motion was not read aloud before being voted on. The Council then moved to a motion regarding support for a wage theft campaign, followed closely by a motion regarding affordable student accommodation. Both motions passed with little discussion.

The Welfare Officer’s motion regarding the Religious Discrimination Bill generated the most discussion of the evening, with the Officer describing it as ‘yikes’, which was seconded

by General Councillor Lachlan White’s condemnation of the ‘disgusting bill’.

With that, all matters for decision had been discussed, with one final matter up for noting regarding virtual attendance of meetings (which apparently had not been discussed throughout the course of the worldwide pandemic we are currently in the midst of). The notion was not read aloud, and the meeting concluded shortly after at 7:39pm.

Words by Tahlia Dilberovic

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A New Look Into Stirling’s Staff Cuts Opinion Piece by Georgia Nolan

Flinders University is a place of high-quality education, innovation and diversity – Or, at least, it used to be.

A series of cuts to Flinders’ courses and teachers, and seemingly never ending ‘restructuring’ of faculties, had led to significant backlash and resentment from the student body.

From this student’s perspective, it feels like our Vice-Chancellor (the Uni’s peak administrative officer), Colin Stirling, has been chasing cuts and restructures for the last five years, to the disadvantage of nearly every one else.

It appears his plans are a desperate attempt to cut corners for his own benefit, even if it involves the ruthless culling of esteemed academics – apparently that $1.2 million dollar salary isn’t enough.

We, as a student body, came to university to learn and develop skills to further ourselves and our professional futures – and we put our faith in Flinders to do so. But to achieve this, good-quality teaching is a pre-requisite.

How are we supposed to receive this highquality education when there are never-ending changes being inflicted upon our teaching staff and our courses?

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This summer, I spoke to two key academics who have left our university due to Stirling’s restructures and staff culling. The first was Tanya Lyons, who previously taught International Relations and Politics topics, specialising in African Politics. Lyons accepted a voluntary (cough cough) redundancy package in late 2018. However, she argues that ‘there was really no choice […] if I didn’t take it, there was high change of losing my tenured position anyway’.

One has to agree with Lyons. These “voluntary” redundancy packages don’t feel particularly voluntary. As Associate Professor Hunter explains in an article published by the ABC, ‘it’s voluntary in the sense that if somebody puts a gun to your head and says, ‘give me all your money’, it’s a voluntary choice to do so, rather than get shot’.

So, perhaps not voluntary, and perhaps, not even redundant – as Lyons points out ‘After I left they asked me to recommend someone to teach my African topics […] They used all of my materials, and paid a short-term contractor, or casual to do part of my job. Clearly not redundant!’ Decades of experience and achievement is obviously no match against money-saving hacks like mass casualisation.

It is ruthless, economic shortcuts like these

which make many at Flinders doubtful of its mission towards “maintain[ing] the highest professional and ethical standards”.

The second axed-academic I talked to was Fran Baum, the previous Head Researcher of Flinders’ Southgate Institute. Baum’s departure was announced by the University in late October, after the Institute was forcibly shut down. This decision shocked the community, with ‘many people around the world [having] expressed great surprise at the actions of Flinders’ as Baum states.

In a statement to Croakey, a university’s spokesperson, the “restructure” would “incorporate the functions of Southgate” but also broaden “research and education” across the discipline. They also stated it would “prioritise the employment of academics identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander” Whilst this being marketed as a genuine plan to promote and increase diversity, Baum is also well-known for her “extensive” research “with Aboriginal health services in SA, NT, NSW and Queensland”, and has “established trusting long-term relationships” with these services. Professor Sharon Friel, Professor of Health Equity and Director of the Menzies Centre for Health Governance states, ‘as an outstanding activist academic Fran speaks truth to power – which clearly Flinders Uni does not like’.

I would be remiss not to mention Luciana d’Arcancieli, a senior Italian lecturer, who was once so highly sought after that Flinders paid for her relocation to Adelaide from Italy so that its students would have access to the very best. d’Arcangeli was highly involved in the recent protest against Stirling’s most recent cuts and the proposal to cut Italian Studies from the curriculum. The protest, held in October 2021, attracted the attention of local MPs, and Italian Consul Adriano Stendardo and lead to Stirling backing down on his previous notion to cut the subject. But this win was not without its losses.

D’Arcancieli left Flinders following the protest.

Whether this departure was for a personal reason, or a selfless compromise to protect the jobs of more junior staff, a deal d’Arcangeil hinted at during her protest speech, is unconfirmed.

The loss of these leading ladies is a loss for our community here at Flinders. The uncertainty, fear, and pressure of being overworked and underappreciated, has permanented our teaching staff and stained our experiences. It is time that we, as a student body look out for our teachers, our supervisors, our mentors; the people who work diligently to help us make our dreams a reality.

Then again, Flinders is no stranger to axing many leading academic women. In fact, it stands as a current theme of the university to remove many brilliant women of their careers; at least Baum has found herself in fine company.

“It was extremely disappointing that of the four staff declared disestablished in Flinders Public Health three were senior women,” Baum informs.

“Emma Miller, senior lecturer and an infectious epidemiologist, Associate Professor Lillian Mwanri, a public health physician from Tanzania with lots of low-income country experience, and me, a Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor, with a very strong record of bringing substantial research funds to the University.”

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Volume 49, Issue 02