BLOCKSUPPER 08. EASTERSHOW O2. VOICESOFMENZIES O4. THECOZYCORNER 06.
CULTURALGUIDE 09.
The mid-semester break was full of festivities, including Easter. During this time, Sydney celebrated its famous and iconic Easter Show at Olympic Park. The fair had everything from cow costume competitions to chickens on motorcycles. At the pet pavilion, there were all kinds of furry animals from cats competing for the “Top Cat” title to a reptile show, which I avoided because I’m scared of snakes.
BY NATALIA
During the cow costume competition, there were several interesting outfits, including a beach-themed one, a prisoner and police duo, a sunflower, and a KFC cow paired with Colonel Sanders. This last cow, visibly upset at not making it into the final selection, tried to walk off in protest.
There was a variety of amusement rides, showbags, and, of course, food, including traditional corn dogs and lemonade During the day, there was a parade with enthusiastic dancers and acrobats, some swinging on ladders, others spinning in the air.
At night, the stadium filled to welcome the incredible evening entertainment. It began with the National Anthem and a presentation by the police force. This was followed by a dog competition, and if I’m honest, I never expected it to be so entertaining I was on the edge of my seat, hoping with all my heart to see those dogs make it to the top of the wall.
Then came the highlight of the night: chickens on motorcycles racing against a coyote. Naturally, the chickens won. Last but not least, Australian and American cowboys faced off in a Wild West-style challenge to see who could jump onto a moving truck in the least amount of time The spectacular show ended with traditional fireworks, bringing a delightful close to an unforgettable night.
BY SEBASTIAN & ADRIANA MEET THE RESIDENTS
Ask anyone at RMC and they’ll tell you that it’s the people who make this place feel like home From late-night chats to weekend adventures, life here is full of stories worth sharing
We chatted with a few residents to hear about their experiences, favourite memories, and what makes living at Menzies something special.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Archaeology, Kate has a deep fascination with ancient Egypt and burial practices When asked about her favourite moment this semester, she found it hard to choose just one.
"I really enjoyed catching up with friends during the two-week study break I love exploring the city — even if it means getting lost sometimes — and spending time with them," she said.
For Kate, the best part of RMC is the social life. "It's been amazing to meet people from all around the world and learn about their cultures, languages, and food. I really value the connections I’ve made It's also nice to take a break from studying by chatting during meal times, hanging out in the common room, or even studying together "
Naufal is studying a Master’s in Business Analytics at Macquarie University. This semester, one highlight stands out for him
"The most fun I had was when I went to Melbourne for three days to attend the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix," he shared.
What Naufal values most about RMC is the strong sense of community. "I like having friends around. It feels good to be part of a place where everyone supports each other."
Arielle is pursuing a Bachelor of Primary and Early Childhood Education.
One of her favourite memories at RMC has been the cultural dinners "I guess the cultural dinners were my favourite getting to try different foods outside and talking to different people," she said
What Arielle enjoys most about RMC is the welcoming atmosphere "I like that everybody here is quite nice and genuinely interested in getting to know different people "
Michael is an exchange student from Cremona, a small city in northern Italy, currently finishing his Master’s in Finance
"One of the most memorable moments of the semester was definitely the International Dinner at RMC, where the diversity of cultures was celebrated in a truly unique moment of togetherness," he said
For Michael, the best part of living at RMC is the chance to connect with people from all over the world
"I love building unique and lasting relationships and experiencing something different every single day "
The biggest event of the year for RMC artists is fast approaching! Look forward to fun and crafty events every night from the 5 to the 10 of May. From trivia to follow-along painting with Bob Ross, there is something for everyone! Make sure to send in your photo, poems, and artworks to rmcartsweek@gmail.com for your chance to win a prize and to be published in The Encore! th th
Welcome to The Cozy Corner! The home of promotional material for art events at RMC, media reviews, resident submitted art, and Maz’s Mixtape! Remember to leave your feedback for the next volume with the Voice team. All suggestions arewelcome!
Every Wednesday (6:30 - 8pm, in S-Conference, join the RMC book club for snacks and chats!
Welcome to the third volume of Maz’ s Mixtape for 2025! The place where I review all things musical at RMC. Tune in to hear recommendations from your fellow residents and I, as we connect over shared (and differing) music tastes!
This month in celebration of arts week I’ ve compiled my favourite musical theatre shows you need to hear + hits from an upcoming show I’ m thrilled to be able to see live!
Remember to leave your feedback for the next volume with the Voice team. All suggestions are welcome!
Hamilton
Ordinary Days Come From Away
Six
Happy listening !!!
In the Heights Be More Chill
Beetlejuice
SpongeBob: The Musical
The Lion King
Mamma Mia
Dear Evan Hansen
Epic: The Musical
One of the biggest musicals of all time is in Sydney early May! Les Misérables is the stable of Broadway: a heart-wrenching tale of courage and hardships in revolutionary France. It’s a story of love, loss, hope, and the fight for freedom. A must listen for all musical fans and history buffs! Don’t let the three hour runtime scare you - I promise you can listen through the soundtrack (the 25 anniversary cast is my favourite) and get a clear idea of what’s going on! + I might have complied the hits just for you! th
If you didn’t get a chance to see it but would still love to hear it live, come see myself and the Macquarie Symphony Orchestra during the Night Markets in W11 where we will be performing medleys from Les Mis, Chicago, Howl’s Moving Castle + more!
“Overture Work Song”
“What Have I Done”
“At The End of The Day”
“I Dreamed a Dream”
“Who Am I?”
“Master of the House”
“Stars”
“Red and Black”
“In My Life”
“One Day More”
“On My Own”
“Empty Chairs At Empty Tables” “Finale”
On the 4 of March we had our first Block Supper of the year! The Voice team conducted our regular pilgrimage from block to block and concluded that with snacks galore and good company the night was a smash hit! From DIY Angry Birds in A Block to karaoke and paint-by-number with S and E Block - there was activities for everyone to try and get to know someone new!
Meet Your Cultural Guide!
Hi Menzies! I am Jessica, your International Representative In this monthly column, we will explore fascinating festivals and traditions from around the world!
What I love most about exploring different cultures is discovering how unique each tradition is, yet sometimes finding surprising similarities that connect us It's interesting to notice how different celebrations from around the world can sometimes share similar elements in their traditions.
RMC is not just accommodation, it is our second home! By sharing our diverse backgrounds, we create a space where everyone belongs
Have a tradition you'd love to share? Email me at rmcsa.international@rmc.nsw.edu.au or chat with me around RMC!
e as we make RMC feel like home!
Warmly, Jessica
Also known as the Festival of Colours, Holi is one of the most joyful and vibrant celebrations in India Harshita and Suparna, two students from India, shared their memories with us, and just like that, the spirit of Holi came to life Celebrated in spring, Holi marks the end of winter and the start of warmer, brighter days. It’s a time when people fill the streets with colour, music, water splashes, and the smell of sweet treats like gujiya floating through the air.
“There are actually two Holis,” said Suparna It begins with Holika Dahan, or Choti Holi (Small Holi), on the night before the main day. “On this first day, there’s a fire ritual and a little playing with colours , usually just offering them to God and elders,” she explained. Then comes the big celebration, which she describes as “the proper Holi of colourful craziness and fun!”
For Harshita, Holi is more than a festival, it’s a feeling. “In North India, everyone joins in. It’s about family, friends, and joy.” The build-up starts a week early, with families making snacks and sweets at home as excitement bubbles up “My dad would bring sweets, and my grandma would prepare snacks,” she said, smiling at the memory “We’d chat with guests and then dash outside to play with colours and water balloons!”
One of her favourite Holi memories? “My last Holi in India was on a friend’s rooftop. We spent an hour filling water balloons, then had a massive colour fight with Bollywood music blasting in the background! It’s such a fun way to reconnect with people Playing with colours always takes me back to my carefree childhood ”
And that’s the magic of Holi, behind the music, laughter, and bright powders lies something deeper: the victory of good over evil, a sense of faith, and the joy of being together.
