From The Editor
Harley Lorenzo Wood
Contrast is a tricky one. When we first pitched this edition, we had in mind a strict and minimal colour palette to showcase what can be done with so little. The end result looks amazing of course, however the journey was a bit more involved than with other editions.
From choosing the colours, to coming up with concepts, the umming and ahhing of what to write for this one came in spades. Contrast can mean so many things!
Despite that, it’s safe to say the committee has delivered yet another bumper edition. With a selection of beautiful short stories highlighting the convergence of contrasting characters, articles about food combinations from around the world, beautiful comics and illustrations, and some thoughtful pieces about art, the world, and the places we’ve come from, this edition is a testament to the people who make Universal possible.
Thank you for joining us in reading this edition online, and we hope you enjoy what’s inside.
Until next time,
e Univ sal Team
Interested in joining the team? Or looking to submit some work?
Please contact Kingston Youth Services on P: 1300 369 436
E: youth.services@kingston.vic.gov.au Info: kingstonyouth.org.au/universal
Read previous editions: Available for your reading pleasure at any time! Read online at: issuu.com/universal_kingston
Acknowledgement of Country
The City of Kingston proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.
Council acknowledges the Bunurong’s continuing relationship to the land and waterways and respects that their connection and spiritual identity is maintained through ancient ceremonies, songlines, dance, art and living culture.
Council pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of the Bunurong and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island elders who have guided and continue to guide the work we do.
Cover Design by Phoebe Gallagher
The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, values and official position of the City of Kingston or any of its officials, representatives or employees
Contrasting Combos
Words and illustrations by Sofia Nikitina
Words by Angelique Matthews, design by Phoebe Gallagher 3 9 15
If
Illustration by
Words
moon
Moon & Sun
Words and illustration by Trinity Brincat 7 11
Conncected Differences
Words by Eliana Wearing, design by Phoebe Gallagher
Words and design by Phoebe Gallagher
Hands
Illustration
words and design by Harley Lorenzo Wood Here & There Then & Now
Endings, Beginnings, Firsts, Lasts
'Good' and 'Bad' Art
by Shauna Leung, design by Phoebe Gallagher
by Terry Loxou CRUSH
Caleb Chu
CONTRASTING COMBOS
words and illustrations by Sofia Nikitina
Strawberries and chocolate, peanut butter and jam, bananas and- mayonnaise? I’d hate to yuck someone's yum, but it does seem weird- maybe even gross. And yet, the mix of sweet bananas and fatty, tangy mayonnaise made a perfect dessert-sandwich in the Great Depression, and continues to be a staple of cuisine in Southern USA today. Weird, right? Makes me want to try it too. There’s plenty of uncommon and downright diabolical food combinations that contrast in flavours so strangely that they actually work. What we may envision to be sacrilege could be a delicacy or cultural staple someplace else - yet our lack of better judgement forbids us from truly experiencing these peculiar, yet flavourful wonders because we can’t possibly imagine these contrasting flavours coming together. Here are some to you?
Mango and chilli with lime (parts of Africa, Latin America, South Asia)
A Popular street food snack and simple dish, can be a dessert or savoury depending on the mango.
Prosciutto and melon (Italy)
Often incorporated in salads, the salty, fatty prosciutto wraps around sweet melon cubes perfectly.
Popcorn and hot sauce (Mexico)
Sometimes with an additional splash of lime juice, this spicy snack is a classic Mexican street food.
Soft drink and salad (Russia)
Commonly made with salty Moscow salad and a sweet/sour acidic soft drink.
Watermelon and vinegar (Eastern Europe/former USSR countries)
Pickled watermelon is a simple, sweet-and-sour appetizer, and sometimes mixed with additional spices.
Salt and fruit - namely watermelon (Vietnam)
Adding salt to unripe fruit balances the flavours and give additional sweetness - a chilli salt is most commonly used.
Coffee and barbecue meat (Worldwide cuisine)
Can be used as a dry rub, sauce or marinade, and can tenderise meat and add a flavourful crust.
Cheese and jam (France, Italy)
A famous combo that mixes salty, fatty cheese with sweet jam as a simple yet effective palate cleanser.
mango and chilli with lime
prosciutto and melon
Crepes and caviar (Russia)
Soy sauce and ice cream (Japan)
Most reminiscent of a salted caramel flavour, the vanilla ice cream gets a salty, umami punch.
Avocado and condensed milk (Vietnam, Philippines)
A cold, refreshing dessert in the summer! Can be an iced drink or blended into an ice cream
Pomegranate and stew/soup (Georgia)
Pomegranate is a very common Georgian garnish, adding a touch of colour and sweetness to many dishes.
Duck confit and berry sauce (France)
A somewhat-ancient French meal, the berries add a tangy punch to a salty, fatty dish!
Sweet blini are topped with caviar and sour cream for a fresh, savoury snack.
Charred brussel sprouts and pomegranate (Modern cuisine)
The bitterness of the brussel sprouts pair well with the acidic yet sweet pomegranate.
Yogurt and grilled meat (The Mediterranean, South and Central Asia)
As a marinade, it gently tenderises the meat and as a sauce, it adds a fresh acidic kick to an otherwise fatty dish.
Chilli and chocolate (Central and South America, namely Mexico)
Once a bitter/spicy Mesoamerican and Aztec drink, now a more common bittersweet/spicy chocolate that even has health benefits!
Bananas and mayonnaise (Southern parts of USA)
As mentioned, this sandwich was an affordable meal during the Great Depression, and the fatty/ sweet combo is still loved today.
Have you tried any of these yourself, or did any catch your eye? Feel free to experiment with these combos yourself- and maybe even create your own amalgamation of flavours! Think of some fresh and fatty combinations, or maybe something sweet and salty, or tangy and sweet mixtures that you could create yourself.
That silly, maybe embarrassing food concoction you might secretly constantly eat at home when no one’s looking might not be so weird after all- maybe we’re the ones sleeping on your true genius. Don’t be shy, try out some of these flavour mashes for yourself- who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favourite!
soy sauce and ice cream
avocado and condensed milk
crepes and caviar
If Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon
words by Angelique Matthews, design by Phoebe Gallagher
Mira noticed Liam the moment he walked into the beach bar. With his white linen shirt, sandy hair, and tanned skin, leaning against the very end of the bar, surveying the crowd with ease, talking to James, the bartender. Liam was a magnet, people seemed to drift towards him, and he greeted them all with a warm smile, lively conversation and side hugs. He seemed to glow in the dark, stuffy room, illuminated by the golden light of the bar shelves behind him, but also radiating such energy. And Mira felt this pull towards him from across the room, like they were suddenly aligned on the same trajectory.
Because if Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon.
Opposites, chasing each other over the horizon. Sharing that stretch of beach and yet constantly missing each other. Joined in this sense that there was more to life, that something was missing, and yet they could never truly meet each other. Until that moment in the bar.
Because if Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon.
Liam rose each day, catching the early morning waves when the beach bar was long closed. Chasing that horizon, being brought back to the shore. Sparkling over the ocean, watching the sky turn from inky pinks to washed blues. Getting coffee at the café at the lifesaving club, was known by all the baristas, greeting neighbours, waving to the walking group. Teaching swimming to adults at the saltwater pool at the edge of the rock pools, coaching kids surfing on the weekends, working and shelving books in the town’s sunny library. Was home at his empty childhood house early each night to do it all again the following day. Had this immense warmth to him, this kindness and understanding that drew people in. People who greeted him daily with a “Hey Liam! How's it going mate?” in that seaside town he’d grown up in, the last of his family still there. Everyone had moved onto bigger and better things than that little town, but he had decided to stay. Yet sometimes, surrounded by these people and places he knew and loved, he still felt like something was missing...someone.
Mira was new in town. Had run far away from her old life because of an intense friendship breakdown. Was in need of a new cycle, something different, fresh. Had cut her long, shiny black hair into a chopped bob. Taken the first job she’d found, a waitress at one of the beach bars along the town’s famous beach, the epicentre of town. Because of her job, she rose in the afternoon. Enjoying walks at dusk along the foreshore, watching the sky turn dark, highlighting the bright stars above. A frequenter of the dusty record shop along the main street, a late-night shopper at the town’s second-hand bookshop. When she wasn’t working, she was still a night owl, taking herself on solo dates at the movie theatre in the next town, or holing up on the couch with a book and her cat. She was scared to make friends, scared to let anyone in. She felt this immense loneliness within it all, that there was more to life.
Because if Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon.
And yet, Liam had decided to go out that night, sacrificing his morning surf, trying something new. And Mira, despite feeling so lost within her new life, was exactly where she was meant to be.
Because if Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon.
Liam noticed Mira across the crowded room. She seemed to bring light to each corner. A laugh as she took someone’s order or recommended them a drink. A gentle hand on the shoulder of a patron, checking in with the bouncer. Making her way across the room back to the bar, navigating a path around the makeshift dancefloor, a soft smile when someone bounced in her way dancing to the live band. She was a watchful eye over the world of the bar, a protector of the night. She placed her tray of empty glasses and chip bowls on the bar and she came around to check in with James, drawn into Liam’s orbit. James introduced them as he too noticed the energy between them. “Oh, Mira, let me introduce you to the famous Liam,” James joked. “Mira’s new in town, you should give her the grand tour.”
Because if Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon.
Mira made her way to her usual after-work table with a drink and nibbles. The beach landscape in the window behind her, illuminated by the fairy lights outside, lighting up the atmosphere like stars. Liam was drawn to her, especially when she pulled out a book, hunched over the pages while mouthing along to the 80s song the band was singing. “You should go talk to her,” James encouraged him with a knowing smirk and nod of his head.
Mira felt Liam’s presence before he even joined her at her solitary table in the corner. His glass of Fanta joined her Pepsi on the table. They shared their love of books, talking about the sci-fi book Mira was reading, their love of the Bowie song the band was playing. Their love for that seaside town, the many jobs Liam had, how Mira had settled into her work at the beach bar. The possible hope of Liam showing Mira around. The hope of the thing blossoming, growing between them as they each let another person in.
Because as their gazes met, everything seemed to align, missing pieces of their puzzles found. A calmness washed over them both like they could finally breathe, a chase finally over. A solar eclipse of light and darkness.
Because if Liam was the sun, then Mira was the moon.
Moon
I wait beneath a silver sky, And watch him rise, too far, too high.
The stars are quiet when he’s near, So I remain, my heart sincere
Each night I ache to call his name, But find myself alone, the same
My soul is bound by endless night, And though I dream of him in flight, If fate would grant me one brief touch,
I’d hold him close, and love so much
But still I wait, a fading star, His light, the distance, keeping us apart
Sun
I blaze, always look behind, I burn to light the world confined.
I carry much, but not his name,
My crown weighs heavy with the flame He turns away, though I am close, I chase the dawn, but fear the cost I reign alone with light and law, I cannot answer what I saw.
The world would tremble at my fire,
I’d give my all to feel his desire
I rise, though far, I still remain,
My heart, the cost of what I’ve gained
Brincat
'GOOD' AND 'BAD' ART
Art has always been a tool of power. Whoever makes the art, whoever tells the story, is the one who controls the narrative – who wins and who loses.
Back in the day, the means of art were strictly controlled. Money was needed to sponsor painters, playwrights, and the like. One could not simply order watercolour pens from Temu. Accordingly, it reared a rigid contrast between highbrow and lowbrow culture.
Highbrow culture was reserved for those who could afford it. It consists of your classical operas and dark Russian literature, your Picasso and Michelangelo. High intellect and skilful mastery were required to produce such works, and thus, it demanded itself to be taken seriously. Money was needed to access this art literally, but also intellectually, and education was a luxury afforded to few.
By contrast, lowbrow culture is ‘cheap’. It is easily accessible and on-the-nose: Reality TV and brain-rot skits, the Twilight series and Kim Kardashian’s selfies. It is art made with haste and little thought – unrefined, uncultured – manufactured to feed the hungry, hungry masses. At least that’s what I’d imagine an elitist would say, drawling on about their sophisticated taste.
These two concepts still separate the hierarchy of what we consider ‘good’ and ‘bad’ art in our society. There’s Penguin Classics cemented in the literary canon, and there’s BookTok. This construct is supported by gatekeepers of culture – executives who decide what is released and what is awarded at the Grammys, even English teachers who select novels worthy of the curriculum.
Yet, the criterion of aesthetic value has not remained stagnant throughout history. Literary giants that we revere today, Shakespeare, Austen, and Dickens, were all considered lowbrow entertainment back in their day. It was through societal construction that their works turned from popular culture to pillars of cultural value. What is deemed highbrow, what is to be highly respected, seems to be ultimately rewarded to works that create cultural movements.
With the rise of the internet, shifts in aesthetic value have changed more rapidly than ever. The means of production have been democratised: Anyone can create, anyone can upload, and anyone can have an audience. Social media blends intellectual forms of art, like Kafka’s journals, with brain-rot memes and Instagram reels. Barriers to entry have been broken down, giving platforms to marginalised artists. Queer icons Troye Sivan and Doja Cat rose to fame by showcasing their silly and authentic selves on YouTube, and so could you. We are left in an unprecedented cultural landscape, and I am left wondering, what does this mean for the place of art in our society today?
Will we see a total collapse of cultural gatekeepers? Who will dictate the good from the great?
What value does traditional highbrow culture have in our fast-paced, attention economy? What popular culture of our times will become defining works of art?
If art is the "hammer with which to shape [reality]", what reality are we building?
connected di erences
words by Eliana Wearing design by Phoebe Gallagher
I take in the giant, white brick building, which hovers in front of me. Tall iron gates stand a few metres in front, showing an array of young students playing games like hopscotch on the courts. I step through the gates, scanning the space around me. Where am I meant to go? Suddenly, I spot one of the teachers who I’d met on the open day. Miss Rose. She’s beside a girl with long, silky white hair that has two girls on her sides. They’re giggling at some inside joke. I watch them for a moment, before the teacher glances at me, waving me over. I stumble my way over, and once I do, the three girls turn their heads towards me. The girl with the white hair thrusts out her hand, for me to shake.
“Good morning. I’m Dawn Bloom, and this is Charlotte Sing and Naomi Lang.” She beams, signalling to the other two girls. “Are you new to the school? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
I take in a small breath, the slight breeze pricking the hairs up on my arms.
“Um- yeah, I am.”
“Oh, good! Well, I bet you’ll have such a great time. Eastwood Primary’s just such a great school.”
As if on cue, the bell rings, echoing over the yard. Dawn leads me over to the year-level building, leaving Naomi and Charlotte to do something for the teacher.
“Well, here’s your bag hole.” Dawn sighs, waving her hand in front of an empty space, my name imprinted in a small piece of paper that’s stuck on the bottom of the locker.
“Thanks.” I whisper, giving her a small smile. She gives me a nod back, before dashing over to her bag spot. I swing my bag off my shoulder, pushing it inside. I then take out my books and supplies. Once I’m done, I step into the classroom, rushing to my seat. Everyone’s eyes are turned towards me, and my cheeks flush red. Once I’m about to sit down, Miss Rose’s voice echoes from across the classroom.
“Good morning class. This is Luna. Luna, would you like to share something about yourself?”
“I- uh- sure.” I stammer. A thick lump in my throat forms. “I like reading.”
The lump in my throat increases, making my throat throb. I realize that Dawn’s giving me a thumbs up, a wide smile placed on her lips. I slide into my seat, covering my face with my hands. Miss Rose starts telling the class about the first subject of the day, English.
We’re meant to be writing a short story about any topic of our choice. When the assigned time begins, I start jotting down the idea that pops into my mind.
After a few minutes, Miss Rose gets us to read what we’ve written to the person beside us. I turn in my chair, to look at a girl with glasses and bobbed black hair. She reads me her piece, a fantasy story. After I’ve read her mine, Miss Rose rounds up the class’s attention, asking some people to volunteer to say something to the class about their partner’s work. She points at a girl that’s sitting beside Dawn. Her arm’s shot up in the air, and she’s bouncing around in her chair.
She responds in a high-pitched, bubbly voice.
“Well, Dawn’s work was absolutely wonderful! I loved the adjectives and synonyms that she used in her writing, and she used suitable breaks while she was reading it.”
“Is there anything that Dawn could approve on, Aurora?”
“Nope. Not at all! Her piece was just too magnificent!”
Beside her, Dawn’s nudging Aurora’s arm, blushing. She’s silently giggling, though. “I see… Well, recess is about to start, everyone, so why don’t you all shuffle outside?” Miss Rose tuts, her hands on her hips. Immediately, the class swirls out of their seats, flooding the lockers with students. I slide through the small gaps of the crowd, toward my locker. I grab my things, rushing out of the building.
I take a seat under the giant eucalyptus tree, in a corner of the courtyard. Students walk around me, some lining up at the canteen. I take an apple out of my lunchbox, biting into it.
The sour but sweetness fills inside my mouth. I close my eyes, feeling the sunlight shining onto the tips of my fingers. I lean against the trunk of the tree, listening to the peaceful trill of the birds in the trees. I open my eyelids again, once I hear treading on pebbles.
Three figures form in front of me. They make their way by me. I turn my head to see Dawn and her friends sitting on the trimmed grass field.
“Hey, Luna. I thought that we’d just sit next to you, if you don’t mind.” Dawn’s gentle voice floats in the air.
“Yeah, that’s okay.” They place themselves down on the grass, as they talk about an upcoming festival in town.
The bell rings across the yard, as people make their way up to class. I weave through the groups, before climbing up the stairs. Once I’ve made my way to the classroom, Dawn is at her desk, circled by a group of girls. Boys eye her regardfully, some admiringly. One of the girls teases her, as they talk about her outstanding scores in the past test. Dawn waves her off, grinning.
A sudden rush of envy flushes to me. She’s so smart, and popular. While I struggle with my work, especially over our move from San Deigo to this big city, that my family said would be ‘a new change’ and ‘perfect for our family’. But I swore otherwise. And I’ve always been so nervous, and I’ve always stuck to myself, and had a small circle of friends. Miss Rose then enters the classroom, ushering everyone to their seats. I wake up from my daydreaming.
School passes by. We do maths and history for the middle block, where we study some maths problems in division and the 1970’s. At recess I hang out with Dawn and her group once again. We have art at the end of the day, where we practise watercolours with nature elements, such as the leaves and flowers that were placed on our tables.
I walk home, which is around the block. Once inside, I hear the sound of heavy steps and muffling. I walk over to the kitchen, where my mum’s shuffling around in the kitchen, preparing a small plate with a slice of brownie displayed upon it.
“Happy first day at school, darling.” She cries, thrusting her arms around me, into a hug.
“Thanks mum.” I reply.
I sit down on the stool, taking the fork that’s placed beside the brownie, digging it into the warm sponge. I pop it into my mouth, a chocolate drizzle warming against my tongue.
“So, I was thinking that this evening we should attend the local interest market at your school.”
I finish chewing, swallowing down the small bite of cake. “Yeah, I think that’s a brilliant idea. What time is it at?”
“Around 5:40. So after you finish that, then go get ready.”
I finish my brownie quickly and put the unclean dishes into the dishwasher, before sprinting upstairs. As I enter my room, I stride over to the wardrobe. I shuffle through my closet, picking out two options. A lavender T-shirt with flowers dancing up the sides, matched with a pair of white shorts and a yellow sundress. I stare at myself in the mirror attached to the door, deciding between the very two options that I’ve picked out for myself. I display both options in front of me several times before choosing the shorts and T-shirt. I pull it on, then string a gold chain around my neck and a white headband through my hair for decoration. I run to the front door, where my mother is waiting for me. After we’ve both put on our shoes, we dash out the door.
We find parking near the school, at a bustling parking lot. We trample across the pebble path, to the school. There are many tents and food trucks lined up across the school grounds, where a large crowd is entwined.
I feel my head getting a little warm, worried about how many people there are. I never thought it’d be this big. Mum leads me to the queue of tents, that are the markets. Some are selling books, vintage clothing, accessories, crochet figures and vinyl records ranging from classic music to the top bops.
I follow her to an earring stall that has bright and colourful dangly earrings and studs. She looks at a few pairs, picking out two that she adores. We move onto a vintage clothing stall, where an elderly lady is helping mum pick out a few dresses. When the lady moves to the back of the stall to retrieve something in a certain size, mum whispers in my ear.
“You should go and look around.”
“I don’t know-”
“Go on. I’ll be right here.”
“Alright-”
Mum passes me a few notes and coins, pushing me towards the exit. I walk myself out, towards a jewellery shop. I find an old vintage bracelet with some colourful clay beads that I purchase. I swerve my way in between some other stalls, such as a small air-dry clay business, an aesthetic stationery place and a young adult bookstore. Next, I step into a tent, where they’re selling string crafts, from crochet characters, string bracelets and garlands.
I hear a distant shuffling from behind the tent, that a tall, cream curtain’s hovering in front of. A voice bursts through the room, one that I’ve heard before. After a few seconds, a hand swings open from behind the piece of cloth. A girl comes through. Dawn. She makes her way towards me, with a light expression on her face.
“Hey! Welcome.” She surveys, turning.
“Hi.” I muster.
Dawn grins at me, small dimples showing on her cheeks. “This is me and my mother’s stall. She’s a crocheter. I just make bracelets and other small things.”
“Nice.”
“Yeah, it is. I love crafting, especially making these things.” She points towards an array of embroidery. “Do you do much crafting, or art?”
“Yeah, I do. I love making little things, like beaded bracelets and painting.”
“Cool! Painting seems so calming.”
“It is.”
We share a warm smile, as I ask her, “Do you have any other hobbies?”
“Well, I do like drawing, and sometimes even making small crochet animals.”
“I’d really appreciate that.”
I nod. “I adore playing acoustic guitar. I play for my family sometimes. Maybe I can play for you.”
A sudden burst of courage makes its way to me. A feeling that I should say something important. “Dawn? Can I tell you something?”
She nods.
“When I first met you, you seemed so cool, and popular. You seemed so unlike me. It’s kinda nice to find that we have similar interests.”
A silence breaks into the air between us, that makes me worried about what she’s going to say next.
Eventually, she speaks. “Yeah, it is. And honestly, I kinda felt like you were always so interesting. Something just made me want to get to know you.”
I gape at her response. It seems so sudden.
“It’s true.” She says so softly.
The quiet rises back up to us. Dawn turns her back, towards the table, fumbling for something. When she turns back to me, she holds out the most gorgeous bracelet that I’ve ever seen. It’s woven in blue and cream strings, which holds a white moon charm in the middle. On her other hand is a pastel yellow and cream bracelet which holds a light brown sun charm. She holds the bracelet out to me, her voice as smooth as honey.
“Here’s a bracelet, to unite our friendship, through our differences, but similarities. Just like the sun and moon.” She passes the bracelet to me, and I slide it onto my wrist.
We hold our wrists close together, the bracelets fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. So perfect, but different. Just like us.
Here & There Then & Now
An Interview With My Grandad
Words and illustration by Phoebe Gallagher
My Grandad lives in a sunny house in Southwold, England, regrettably further away than just a trip down the road whenever I want to see him. The rooms are bright and decorated with eccentric wallpaper, the garden green, and the radio on. Born in Hull in 1939, my Grandad is one of the greatest people I know. With his colourful cardigans and collection of corduroy trousers, smart attire is a given (as is his distaste for pop music). At 86 years old, he has more than enough wisdom to share with the younger generation.
What advice would you give to young people today?
Work hard but spend time with friends and family. Have an interest that needs your full attention, away from work.
What do you wish someone told you when you were young?
Stop messing about and make sure you pass all your exams. I heard this but failed miserably to carry it out. I spent too much time out training or rebuilding a bike.
What was England like in the 1950s?
I remember food rationing coming to an end, people came together with street parties on big occasions. The whole atmosphere was jolly, even though so many people had lost family members during the war. Clothes came off rationing, so my twin Allan and I were measured for a suit at Jackson the Tailors. In December 1956 I joined the Royal Navy at Portsmouth — as with all recruits we were taken on board H.M.S. Victory, Nelson’s flagship. Tradition being very strong in naval life. Shops became so well stocked. Food became plentiful, as did clothing. People were so smart, with suits, jacket and nearly always a tie. Shiny leather shoes, which were repaired and looked nearly new. I seem to remember people being polite and starting to go out to new restaurants. There was an explosion of Chinese restaurants opening throughout the country, Indian restaurants followed soon after, along with Wimpy bars. Rock and roll appeared and started to compete with traditional jazz clubs, much to my disgust.
What would you say the main difference is between the era you and I grew up in?
I grew up during the Second World War, so severe food rationing was the order of the day. During the end of the war, back in Hull, it was not unusual to have to run to the air raid shelters during lessons — I thought that was great fun. Hull suffered more fatalities during air raids, except London. There was no television, mobile phones or central heating, and very few cars. Houses were heated by coal or coke, so air quality was grim. Smog was a regular occurrence in the winter, with visibility down to a few yards.
Is life better or worse with everyone so connected with the internet? Worse.
How did you imagine 2025?
I really don’t know, but nothing like it has turned out to be.
From your memories of Australia, how different would you say it is to where you grew up?
Australia seemed so modern with high rise buildings, very good roads with cycle lanes with well-informed motorists respecting the cycle and rider. So many cafes, restaurants and so much great fish and fruit and vegetables. Clear blue seas. So many cars and a lack of heavy lorries in city areas. Not forgetting the amazing breakfast menus, to say nothing about charcoal grilled corn-fed free range ‘chooks.
Everywhere appeared so clean and fresh. All the signs of prosperity everywhere.
Endings → Beginnings → Firsts
→ Lasts
A moment in the editor’s chair.
Words and design by Harley Lorenzo Wood
Universal Magazine is made possible by an outstanding committee of young people aged 12-25, who write, design and edit every page of every edition.
For the past 3 years, the editing part has been my responsibility and great privilege.
It’s incredible to think that this will be my last edition, but after 3 years, it’s time for me to hang up the hat and make way for a new generation.
It feels not so long ago that I was sending off my first edition for approval, worrying that I’d missed a typo or two. I had in fact missed more than a few, but no one’s perfect, and you don’t learn if you don’t make mistakes.
To commemorate the end of this era, I’m looking back on a few of my firsts with Universal. It’s worth reminding our next committee that no one starts out knowing everything, and anyone who says otherwise is lying.
When I began back in 2022, I was a uni student looking to build a portfolio of work. I’d never opened Adobe InDesign in my life,
I had no experience with editing, but when Universal needed a new editor, I thought:
I’ll do it. How hard could it be?
This first edition involved a lot of learning. I was working with new people, new programs and new standards.
Edition 49 - Gaming (Q2, 2022). My first edition with Universal - came back with many notes for revision.
It was a bit daunting, but starting is always the hardest part. I spent time looking back through project threads of past editions, learning how previous editors had worked and took notes on practices I wanted to continue.
As I fell into my own style, I learned by copying, iterating and improving. Something I’ve grown to understand is the best way to learn something new.
Before an edition is published, it’s sent to Council’s communications (comms) team for review.
My first edition came back with many, many notes for revision.
Thankfully, the comms advisors have always been helpful in providing reasons why things need to be changed. Going beyond just catching typos - to talking about professional writing standards and best practices.
Edition 56 - Eras (Q1, 2024).
My first edition that came back with zero notes or revisions.
You really learn by doing, and every edition since then, I’ve learned more and more about what works and what doesn’t - to the point where I was receiving approvals with zero changes to action.
What began as a fun way to build a portfolio during uni, has snowballed into a collection of new skills, networks and experiences that have all helped to launch my creative career.
I’m so excited to pass the torch on to our next generation, with the certainty that Universal will nourish their skills the same way it has mine.
Thank you to the comms advisors and the team at Kingston Youth Services - for your mentorship and the opportunities you’ve provided me! I’ll forever be grateful for the doors that you’ve opened for me and others.
Thank you to the many amazing writers, designers, illustrators and creatives who have contributed their incredible talents to Universal. It’s you and your work that’s made my job as editor so fulfilling.
I’m so glad to have been a part of this mag and for the countless amazing people I’ve been able to share these opportunities with.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Universal and to all involved with the program over the years.
To future committee members, good luck! You’ll do great, learn lots, and have so much fun.
If you’d told me three years ago when I began, that the following stats would be true of my time with Universal, I would not believe you.
Yet here we are.
72,216
words proofread and edited
13
editions as editor
total pages approved
140
392 committee works published
Thank you for all the fun!
Holding issues 49 - 60 of Universal Magazine. All editions I’ve edited over the years. 12 editions total, 13, once this edition is published. All incredible editions to work on.
UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE
The Universal Magazine Committee is a group of young creatives aged 12-25 in Kingston. With over 50 editions published, Universal Magazine is a thriving platform for young people to showcase their talents. Read free online: issuu.com/universal_kingston
UNIVERSAL JOIN THE TEAM!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
We need writers, artists, photographers, editors and graphic designers! If you’re interested in joining the team, or would just like to submit some of your work, contact us for info on how to apply! More info: kingstonyouth.org.au/universal
Lane Boy - Twenty One Pilots
Sofia Nikitina
Something, Somewhere, Somehow - Role Model
Angelique Matthews
God Games - Jorge Rivera-Herrans
Trinity Brincat
I Cried, I Wept - Kingfishr
Caleb Chu
Easier Said Than Done - Thee Sacred Souls
Shauna Leung
Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
Eliana Wearing
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Phoebe Gallagher
Loneliness - Decalius
Terry Loxou
Time to Pretend - MGMT
Harley Lorenzo Wood
Chemtrails Over the Country Club - Lana Del Rey
Ann Moir