The Vertigo Team acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the land upon which this magazine is imagined, written, edited, designed and published.
We pay our respects to the elders past, present and emerging; the elders who protect and narrate the language, culture and wisdom of enduring Indigenous memory; who, in doing so, defy the colonial erasure of systemic ethnocide. We honour their enduring connection to Country; to land, water, sky and story, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples reading these pages.
I write this as a daughter of a foreign Country that has suffered under colonial rule;
Where borders were drawn with violence Where tongues twist with the vowels of imperialism Where people were displaced, and land flattened in recent memory
I write this as a beneficiary of the imperial struggle suffered in the name of Terra Nullius. I acknowledge that as an immigrant to this land, I am accountable for upholding its true history and standing in solidarity with its rightful owners. I honour the people who ache with horrors seen and unseen. I honour the names that have disappeared into history’s abyss... those who were denied humanity.
To acknowledge Country is to acknowledge that creation did not begin with us; that storytelling is not neutral, that our magazine is built on land with memory. We not only inherit the possibility to voice the voiceless, we inherit responsibility to respect and protect the First Nations knowledge systems that sustained the land long before colonisation made it bleed. May these pages tread lightly. May they speak with humility. May they remember that language can wound. May it only ever be used in the service of truth.
Under any jurisdiction, trespassing carries a verdict, defacing property comes with a penalty, and murder is a crime. Yet, the greatest criminals wear suits and titles in broad daylight, emphasising the gap between US and THEM
THEY are the custodians of the land.
This gap is in no way reflective of the true extent of Australia’s treachery and neglect of the traditional custodians of this land and the lands of others that are pillaged and its peoples genocided for material gain. It is a gap that abandons criminal responsibility, and so we recognise and condemn the ongoing mistreatment, the vice and villainy with which ownership of this land is still denied, children are still stolen, Indigenous Australians are still wrongfully and indiscriminately incarcerated and murdered on their own soil.
Country remembers the footsteps, the fires, the seasons and the songs that have existed since long before the Empire. Long before ink and mastheads, there was a story etched into stone, carried in breath, passed through hands that knew how to listen. Sovereignty was never ceded here. This land was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Words by Layal Alameddine
Design by Laurie Lim @onionlaurie
MEET THE
design by laurie lim @garliclaurie
TEAM
Dear reader,
As a new year at UTS begins, we offer you the first glimpse—the Entrée. It’s not the full story nor the final form, but an opening gesture: a moment designed to spark interest in what’s to come.
Like any beginning, this moment carries possibility, curiosity, and perhaps a touch of hesitation. An invitation to pause, look closer, and step forward with an open mind.
If this is your first year, welcome. We know the start of university can feel uncertain, overwhelming, and exhilarating all at once. If you’re a returning student, welcome back. You know the highs, the lows, and the surprises that come with each semester. Whatever stage you’re at, this Entrée is here to help you find your bearings…
To find your flavour.
This appetiser invites you to savour, to explore, to question what excites you and what leaves a bad aftertaste. What ideas make you hungry for more? What conversations challenge you to chew slowly and think deeply? Just as a chef selects spices, textures, and colours to shape a dish, life at uni is a mix of experiences—some sweet, some bitter, some unexpectedly spicy.
What unique tastes do our university’s diverse societies contribute to the table? Can the use of AI make communication accessible for the deaf-blind? Is UTS truly neutral in their publications? Is the job market cooked? The feast that rests on these pages are spicy, mouthwatering, and packed with flavour.
For many of us on the editorial team, Vertigo has been the first taste — a spark that inspired us to write, design, and create, long before we ever imagined contributing to this magazine. Even now, as we sit down to craft each page, we remember that the smallest bite— the first idea, the first story—can set the tone for everything that follows.
We serve you this Entrée. We hope it sparks curiosity, conversation, and connection. We hope that it challenges you, delights you, and occasionally surprises you.
Like the rhythm of a well-prepared meal, the relationship between Vertigo and you is one of give and take. Savour every moment of this chaotic, exciting, unforgettable course called university life.
So take this first bite. Taste it fully. Let it awaken your senses. And when the next course arrives, we hope you’ll be hungry for more.
Bismillah - in the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
I begin this letter the way that I begin every moment of my life: with intention. With Bismillah, I remind myself to hold purpose, hold humility, and hold gratitude. Not as an instruction, not as a requirement as a quiet moment to centre before moving onto something larger than myself. Writing this letter, in preparation for Vertigo for another year, I carry that same mindfulness with me.
I am Emanie Samira Darwiche, signing on as your Editor-in-Chief for 2026. Before we dive into this year’s pagesI’d like to acknowledge all who contribute, submit, and read. Vertigo is alive because of your voices, your courage, and your creativity. We are so full- pun intended-to have you join us before we reach our main course.
As a Muslim woman, my faith reminds me daily of reflection, care, and intention. It shapes the way in which I see the world and enter into the kind of spaces that Vertigo represents: spaces for dialogue, spaces for resistance, for learning, and for expression.
Yet I am also conscious of how words like Bismillah and the sacred cadences of Islamic speech have been distorted. Many spaces accommodate these words with fear, suspicion, or an unsaid association with violence and terrorism.
Words that mean mercy, compassion, and God are too often made to feel threatening simply because of their unfamiliarity. While that fear is rooted in racism, Islamophobia, and misrepresentation, I also believe there is room for accountability. Maybe part of the responsibility lies with us-my community, and myself, for not always creating the space or opportunity to explain what our words mean. This letter and this role are part of my commitment to changing that: naming our language without apology and offering it with clarity, care, and openness.
This year, I aspire to build a Vertigo that is bold, challenging, and alive, but at the same time, a home of care, respect, and curiosity. More than a publication, Vertigo is a communal meal-a space where ideas and stories spark reflection and conversation. The Entrée that you hold in your hand is our first offering, a taste of what is to come, and one we hope excites, provokes, and delights you.
Playlist
Go Go Juice - Sabrina Carpenter
Red Wine Supernova - Chappell Roan
Tummy Hurts - Renee Rapp
Be Sweet - Japanese Breakfast
Sugar! Honey! Love! - Kali Uchis
Soup - Remi Wolf
Paper Bag - Fiona Apple
Flaming Hot Cheetos - Clairo
CYANIDE - Daniel Caesar
Design by Simon Bohmann Strømme @bogmanart
Table
Alive in Taste
Mariam Sabih [12]
UTS Muslim Students Association [30]
Sexual Consent Simran Shoker [20]
UTS Film Appreciation Posse [42]
UTS Indian Society [38]
25 Years of Anime (at) UTS [26]
The Bitter Taste of the Working World: Australia’s Cooked Job Market
Simran Shoker [16]
YALA UTS: A Home Away From Home [44]
UTS PC Society [34]
UTS Pasifika Society [45]
What the F**K is SSAF and why do students pay it?
Neeve Nagle [40]
Tradition, Community and Conncetion: UTS Hellenic Society [28]
Reimagining Accessibility: How a Muslim Woman and UTS student is Building AI for the Deaf-Blind Community
Layal Alameddine [22]
The politics of print: who gets served?
Nadine Mohammed [32]
UTS Hiking Society: Strangers to Summits [52]
Natcon Thousands Wasted
The Many Deaths Cinema Jacob
Elias [50]
UTS Cheer [82]
of Contents
What Australia’s AntiProtest Laws Mean For Students on Campus Emanie Samina Darwiche [76]
The Feast Begins Rachel Sayers [58]
Bouldering Society [56]
Natcon 2025: Thousands Spent, Days Wasted [80] of
Please Sir, I Want More Dulya Heiyanthuduwage [68]
TD Connect UTS [84]
I write, therefore I am. Nuha Dole [66]
Safe and mindful Alcohol and Drug Use
Neeve Nagle [90]
His Doubt, My Hunger Mary Hanna [63]
The Big Lift Amelia Kraszewski [72]
UTS Alternative Fashion SocietyWhat our club is all about! [86]
UTS Puzzle Society Lyla Coffey [74]
UTS Mahjong Society [78]
UTS Music Society [92]
Reverb UTS [88]
Designed by
Laurie Lim @garliclaurie
Alive in Taste
I had my first kebab when I was 18.
Words By Mariam Sabih (she/her)
I’m eight years old, standing in line at the unification of mouths from many backgrounds. The Mecca of kebabs in the Arab community. Whats Up Brothers.
“Yallah Mariam.” My dad beckons. “What do you want to eat?”
The menu boasted foods for a more sophisticated palette. A burger only needs chicken and sauce. Why would anyone consider ruining it and mixing other food groups together? Onions, tomatoes, lettuce and the bane of my existence… cheese.
Bear in mind that eight year old me had a peculiar palette that was disgusted by chocolate, the rich sweetness that put me in an immediate trance of nausea at one bite. Or a beef burger, hugged by melted cheese and smothered in onions and mustard.
“Do you want a kebab like me?” Dad asked. I looked over to the description: Chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, all wrapped together in a lather of sauces. I winced and looked up at him perplexed. “Uh I think I’ll just have chips Baba.” He looked down at me puzzled. Had I not just went on a hymn on how my stomach was aching because I was famished. Yet there I stood, stomach quaking in hunger claiming I only wanted hot chips.
“Why not the kiftah plate?” He suggested, “It’s kiftah and Lebanese bread, you like that.” I stared at the screen with a confused look, then back at him. “I know you’ll like it, trust me.” ‘Trust me’, echoed through my mind, because I did and whenever he told me to “try something Baba I know you’ll like it” I did and most of the time (95% of the time) he was right… Except then… I didn’t like the kiftah then.
Fast forward nine years, I entered the daunting University of Technology Sydney for the 2023 Open Day. My dad, a beaming alumni excitedly took me around Building 1, pointing to things that were around during his time here in the 90s. We approached the food court, which felt like the world tucked into this corner of UTS Building 2; Asian cuisine, Mexican cuisine and behold, Uni Bros, the bane of my existence today. Of course he suggested we eat there but still carrying the annoyingly picky taste palette of an 8 year old, I sheepishly denied the food of my ancestors who probably jeered at me, watching me from wherever they were, basically turning down my heritage.
My dad, being the caring person he was, didn’t mind that I didn’t like kebabs, burgers or HSPs. He knew that as long as I tried the food just once, then at least I wasn’t blindly hating something. Apparently that was one of the things he liked about me, that I was willing to try new things, especially if it was his own suggestion, “I know you’d like it, because I like it.”
Design By Audrey Bollington @audboll
That’s how I tried most of the Lebanese cuisine. My dad and I had a similar taste palette. I distinctly remember during one of our Friday night dinners at my grandmother’s, we had knafeh with cheese. I was first willing to try this at the Lakemba Nights Markets, during Ramadan. All the sweetness of the sugar syrup tasted like a warm embrace, cheese melting on my tongue. Except this time, while it looked like knafeh, the inside was different from what I was used to. After heating my dad’s piece in the microwave and drowning it in sugar syrup I handed it to him eagerly waiting for him to grant me the first bite, but instead of stringy cheese, I tasted cream. My face recoiled and I looked up at him “this tastes weird.”
He smiled, licking the spoon up from the syrup. “That’s because it’s ashta I think, but you’re like me, you like the stretchy cheese.” I grinned at him greedily, smacking my lips together. He knew.
Now it’s the first day of my first year in UTS and I awkwardly walk into Building 1. Physically, I’m alone, but mentally, my dads voice fills my head as memories of his time during his uni days guide me around the campus. Even though he isn’t here in person, he is alive in my memories of him.
As I walk into Building 2, the air fills with the mingled aroma of different cuisines. As I passed Uni Bros, I couldn’t help the quiet comfort that settled over me. I walked towards it, the memory of my dad guiding me to have a kebab.
I sat on the Alumni Green soaking up the sun, the luscious green grass and a chicken kebab.
One thing was missing though. Dad sitting across from me beaming with pride that I finally ate the very dish I’d shied away from in my childhood.
Even though he can no longer walk with us, his memory will linger; when I walk around the main area of Building 1, down the stairs under the banners of the uni, in the food court, on the Alumni Green, and every time I go for a kebab run.
Words by Simran Shoker - she/her - @simran_shoker
Design by Simon Bohmann Strømme - @bogmanart
As I scroll through my Linkedin feed, past the performative posts, AI-adjacent “editorial” job ads, and DMs that should’ve stayed on Instagram, I feel frustrated. Less for me, but for the ones around me; friends with IT degrees who have been applying to graduate roles for over a year, coworkers with computer science and biotechnology degrees who stay in our retail job because it’s the stability they cling to while job hunting; and undergraduate students like me who wonder if our degrees are even valuable anymore.
remain as a precedent for what’s to come for students entering future industries.
When I first began my tertiary studies, there was a voice constantly telling me that I wasn’t good enough, that anything that happened, was just luck, which depleted my confidence alongside my crippling insecurities. So I transferred to UTS for a fresh start, and studied a communications degree that was just as vast and indecisive as my mind.
Yet, it wasn’t enough.
This is the other reality, one that doesn’t make it to the dinner table.
Australia’s higher education system reflects traditional structures by harbouring assumptions about stable career pathways that no longer exist, fall short in assisting students through their journey in university institutions and subsequently finding meaning, and fail to anticipate the needs of highlyskilled workers in the future. Public health workers remain underpaid and burnt out, the big tech firms are cutting staff, and AI proceeds to take more jobs and reshape entire industries. Today’s graduates face fewer options than students before them.
There is no doubt that there are students who are lucky enough to “make it” or land a job within months of graduating. The harsh reality, though, is a deep introspection that I must divulge myself as I peek into the crystal ball of my final year, where I have viewed undergraduate studies less as a fully plated dish, but more of an entrée. It’s the first serving that feeds the start of your career journey, yet it does not
Hopping from one internship to another; from doing remote marketing work for a company that harboured scam-like tendencies, to column writing for an online magazine that ended months later, I realised there wasn’t an ounce of passion running through my body. It was a fear that, alongside others, I too would be thrown into countless rejections; an inevitable cycle; a young adult’s rite of passage into the industry they shouldn’t fear.
All while, the damaging decisions made by our Vice Chancellor, seemingly reinforces the fact that: to shut down its schools of education, international studies, and public
health has brought forth questions about whether the value of these degrees will depreciate. Slashing staff and suspending courses further threatens both the supply of graduates in their respective fields and the quality of education itself.
UTS is one of several Australian universities to have announced cuts to jobs and courses within the last year. Decision-making has fallen to consultants like KPMG, a multinational professional services network that has provided advisory services to UTS. The university agreed to pay the firm over $7 million, to date, in fees for a restructure known as the
A Bachelor’s degree is losing its position of privilege.
Operational Sustainability Initiative, that proposed the redundancy of around 400 academic and professional staff, and the removal of over 1,000 subjects. This proposal was almost hidden from public scrutiny if it weren’t for the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch officials’ attempted use of the Government Information (Public Access) Act to obtain information between UTS and KPMG.
Since the initial announcement, however, UTS pulled the brakes on its restructure and aim to slash $100 million from its budget, with international studies and teaching to continue, but undergraduate public health degrees to remain cut.
Dr Sarah Kaine, member of the NSW Legislative Council, called on UTS’ Vice Chancellor to resign. She told Sydney Morning Herald, “This is purely a corporate decision by university management that was
not justified to its staff.”
This is not an isolated case of corporate control, but rather exemplifies the lack of transparency and accountability within Australia’s education system. A way of governance that allows vice chancellors and executives who go on fancy dinners to formulate decisions that further tear apart our public universities’ ability to help students overcome unemployment.
During the first hearing of a parliamentary inquiry into the university sector crisis, NTEU NSW Division Secretary Vince Caughley pointed out the unrestrained wage theft across the entire sector, which included USyd’s splurge of $70 million for wage remediation, and the SafeWork NSW intervention to change management processes at UTS and Macquarie University.
Kaine’s questioning of Parfitt’s competency for the Vice Chancellor role still upholds urgency: “How can this government have confidence that you’re the right person to keep doing this job?”
The prioritisation of profits is leading to a growing anxiety of Australian universities alongside the loss of their “social license,” perpetuating the view of university councils as being dominated by business executives rather than academics.
Planning a solution must involve going beyond the lens of financial sustainability, and instead considering a radical-democratic
approach grounded in public interest. Sociologists like Raewyn Connell argue that universities need an immense reorganisation that nurtures the whole community and workforce within a university, not just academics. They suggest that the widespread exploitation of the quality of education is a result of the weakening of democratic governance. Consultants are outsourced, when the institution’s very own staff can identify issues and solve them collaboratively. If education is truly about our futures, it needs to keep up with rapid technological changes whilst holding university governing bodies accountable when higher education as an institution is in crisis.
Needless to say, this isn’t an
Don’t lose hope for a future that isn’t set in stone.
ongoing vortex of pessimism. It should be a reason for students to seize every moment. Patience may shake in the winds of change, but it doesn’t break. It is not in any way an indicator of your worth and potential. Your hard work will pay off if you keep going, because your effort will always mean something. This is all but a meal that gives you a taste of the working world. It takes time to digest. It may taste bitter. But it is just the beginning.
The main course has yet to be served.
Reimagining Accessibility: How a
Muslim
Woman
and
UTS student is Building AI for the Deaf-Blind Community
Words By Layal Alameddine @layal_ala
Design By Gwen Nguyen @aarchiwen
In her bedroom in Western Sydney, Dunya Hassan has been developing a technology that could fundamentally shift how people with deaf-blindness experience communication. Her AI prototype ‘Braille GPT’ converts spoken language into real-time Braille, enabling people with combined hearing and vision impairments to access dynamic conversations. Braille GPT isn’t just innovation, it’s intervention in a world where most technologies remain built for the fully sighted and fully hearing.
Hassan founded Braille GPT after volunteering on Be My Eyes, an app connecting blind users with sighted helpers. When helping a man match his socks, she began to wonder:
what if someone was both blind and deaf, who would they talk to?
“Whatever I say is instantly translated into text and then into Braille,” Hassan explains. “The dots move up and down as the message comes through.”
“I searched it up,” she recalls, “and all that existed were big, bulky Braille devices costing over $3,000. That defeats the purpose if it’s meant to be accessible. Everyone should have the right to expressively speak to someone and have that freedom of speech,” she says. “I wanted to bridge that gap with a portable device”.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF reported over 2.5 billion people worldwide require at least one assistive product, like a wheelchair, hearing aid, or communication support app. Yet nearly one billion individuals, predominantly in low and middleincome countries, still lack access to these essential technologies.
At its core, Braille GPT uses speech-to-text processing and tactile Braille mapping to translate spoken language into raised-dot output in real time. The prototype features simple controls, a record button, a confirm button, and a small moving Braille pad.
As an engineer of CALD and Muslim origins, the underrepresentation of women like Hassan in artificial intelligence is well documented. According to Australia’s STEM Equity Monitor, as of 2025, 28% of STEM qualified positions are held by people of CALD origins, and fewer than 15% are held by women. Despite this, Hassan is part of a growing but often overlooked cohort of innovators reshaping the field from the ground up. As someone privy to the struggles of being a minority, accessibility, for Hassan, is not just a product feature, it is a design philosophy, an ethos that Hassan describes is unique to marginalised communities who have struggled under the low expectations of Western society. “I don’t come from a family of entrepreneurs,” she says. “Everything has been self-taught, from dealing with lawyers to meeting accountants once a month.”
What’s particularly promising about Hassan’s AI is its ability to support multiple languages. For Australia’s multicultural population, and others around the world who speak languages other than English, speech to Braille that understands Arabic, Vietnamese, Swahili etc. could help bridge both sensory and linguistic barriers, making accessibility truly inclusive across cultures. A multilingual
speech to Braille system could be pivotal for deaf-blind users from communities that have historically been left out of technological progress. It would allow them to participate in working and educational infrastructures without translation bottlenecks.
Accessibility should be part of the conversation when governments deal with AI regulation. Australia’s landscape for disability technology is changing. In 2024 the federal government invested in disability innovation grants under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While there are initiatives designed to promote independence, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities, they are few and far between. Often it is unspecified research like the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) that sponsors projects like Hassan’s, especially those focused on emerging assistive technologies like speech-totext interfaces and sensory aids.
There is a global recognition that AI accessibility leaves something to be desired, despite the effort made to close this gap. The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has mentioned the “new barriers or forms of discrimination” caused by the rise of AI software in the workplace,
highlighted in their 2022 General Comment No. 8.
Heba Hagrass, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, warns that without inclusive design, new technologies risk rebuilding the same barriers they promise to dismantle. “When computers came in and then the internet, people did not notice that having computers and the internet instead of creating a haven for everybody has built lots of obstacles and unbeatable barriers for many disabilities.” Hassan’s invention directly responds to this challenge. An estimated 1.3 billion people, about 16% of the global population, according to the UN, live with significant disabilities. Yet nearly a billion lack access to the assistive technologies they need. Artificial intelligence could bridge that gap by improving communication, mobility and independence if designed ethically and inclusively (UNRIC, 2024).
Braille GPT shows how co-creating technology with disabled communities,
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Tradition, Community and Connection: UTS Hellenic today
@utshellenic
Grounded in Greek culture and shaped by student life, UTS Hellenic has become a home on campus for Greeks and anyone who values connection, community and good vibes.
At its core, UTS Hellenic is a studentrun cultural society, established in 1980, which aims to bring together students from across UTS and from other universities who share an appreciation for Greek culture and community. Our student members come from a wide range of backgrounds and academic disciplines, united by a shared love of Greek culture, community and experiences. Guided by a passionate executive team, the society is committed to creating an inclusive and safe space where Greek culture is not only preserved but also celebrated and enjoyed by all students.
This year, UTS Hellenic kept campus vibrant with a full lineup of social, cultural and community-based events. From our Souvlaki Stand at the Night Markets on the Green to our milestone 45th Year Anniversary Ball, the year was filled with standout moments. Other highlights included the UTS Hellenic Trivia Night, our annual Melbourne trip, and the ‘Pilates With UTS Hellenic’ fundraiser in support of the Fight MND Foundation, which brought members together through wellness, community and a shared cause. Together, these moments defined a year centred on culture and community, while giving students the chance to connect with each other and make the most of university life.
The year ahead marks an exciting chapter for UTS Hellenic. My executive team and I are committed to driving growth, strengthening connections, and making the society more student-driven than ever. We plan to introduce events shaped by our members’ interests alongside cultural initiatives that keep Greek traditions alive on campus. Our focus is expanding student involvement and creating pathways for members to lead, contribute, and belong. We aim to build a society that supports students socially, culturally, and personally, while preserving Greek culture and fostering a community where every student feels welcome, empowered, and proud to belong.
UTS Hellenic is not just a society to me. It is a community that has shaped who I am throughout my university journey. 2026 marks my third year on the committee, and across that time, I have seen firsthand how transformative this community can be. It has been a place of belonging, growth and constant support during one of the most defining stages of my life. I grew up immersed in Greek culture, with Greek music always playing at family gatherings, celebrations held in our homes and across our community and weekdays spent at Greek school learning the language and traditions that now mean so much to me. I also learned much of my Greek from my grandparents and
I have built lifelong friendships, strengthened my connection to my Greek heritage and found a space on campus where I truly feel at home. Stepping into the role of President has been one of the greatest honours of my time at UTS. To be trusted with leading a community that has given me so much over the years is something I carry with immense pride. Watching members walk into their first events feeling unsure and leave with friendships and a genuine sense of belonging is the most rewarding part of everything we do. UTS Hellenic is more than events and committees. It’s the people, culture and shared memories that stay with you long after university ends.
Whether you are Greek or simply looking for a community to belong to, UTS Hellenic welcomes everyone. Follow us on social media, find us at O-Week, and join us in 2026 to become part of a vibrant community built on culture, connection and belonging!
Hellenic uts Society
MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
@utsms
Stepping onto campus for the first time opens up a whole new world, exciting, fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming. For Muslim students, it can also mean navigating faith, identity, and belonging in a space filled with new people and ideas.
For many, university is the first time quietly asking: Where do I fit?
That’s where the University of Technology Sydney Muslim Students’ Association (UTSMS) comes in. UTSMS exists to foster community, support, and representation for Muslim students on campus. It is a space where faith exists within university life, not on the margins. Where students can show up as they are and grow.
Beyond community, UTSMS creates spaces for reflection and growth through halaqahs and talks, offering moments to pause amid the demands of study and deadlines. We also bring students together socially, building sisterhood and brotherhood through hikes, barbecues, beach days, and shared experiences. Alongside this, UTSMS supports students through advocacy, assisting with faith-related challenges that may arise during university life, including navigating Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment.
Our prayer spaces and wudu facilities are located in building 3, level 5. Whether you’re stopping by to pray, break your fast, attend an event, or simply take a moment to breathe between classes, this space belongs to you.
UTSMS is entirely student-led, with many ways for students to get involved beyond attending events. Through volunteering and our annual council (shura) applications, students contribute across events, education, media, and advocacy. Guided by our mission “to empower a united UTS Muslim community where everyone feels safe, supported, spiritually elevated, and inspired to grow.” We support thousands of Muslim students on campus each year. Whether you’re looking for community, conversation, or simply a place to pause between classes, UTSMS is here. People come for prayer, but they stay for community.
Article Designer: @reem___made
PC Society isn’t just about PCs.
PC Society is a community built around shared interests in computers, gaming, and technology. It’s not just a club for discussing hardware, but a place where knowledge is shared, advice is offered, and learning happens naturally through conversation and hands-on experience.
As Vice President, Dima sees the society as a close, supportive group that balances both the technical and social sides of PC culture. Jordan, in his role as Treasurer, views it as a space where expertise and curiosity meet, allowing members to explore PCs without pressure or judgment. Ryan, who oversees media and is the mastermind behind the iconic Instagram reels, recognises PC Society as a collective that has developed its own voice and identity within UTS. A group that communicates openly and grows stronger each semester.
A good reflection of PC Society is the spaces we share. The Minecraft server started casually but became a place to relax, play, and connect outside events. Our Discord is active, friendly, and reliable, with channels for gaming, tech help, and casual chat. Someone is always there to help or talk.
PC Society also has a strong online presence. Instagram reels curated by Ryan have become a signature part of our identity, making the society familiar and approachable even before joining.
For many, membership began simply to meet others who enjoy PCs, but over time, it has grown into genuine friendships, consistent support, and the comfort of knowing someone is always online to game, help, or hang out.
Looking ahead, the committee and members share a common vision. We want PC Society to continue growing in a way that remains inclusive and approachable. There is a desire to see more students of all genders, cultures and degrees feel confident to join, even if they have never built a PC before. We also want to develop the educational side of the society further. Many of us want to show that technology need not be inaccessible
and that a high-performing PC does not require a large budget. This means more workshops on affordable building, repairs, optimisation and hands-on guidance for beginners.
Next year, we also hope to host more in-person events. While our online spaces are strong, face-to-face interaction helps form deeper bonds that last beyond gaming sessions. PC building workshops, casual meetups, gaming tournaments, and collaborative events with other societies would help members become more comfortable and strengthen connections. Continued content creation will help maintain the lively online presence we have built and open the door further to students who are curious but unsure about joining.
To each of us, PC Society means something slightly different, but the shared consensus is that it has made university life easier to navigate. For some, it has been a steady social outlet during demanding semesters. For others, it has provided reassurance and a sense of belonging when campus life has felt overwhelming. Members reflect on how the society has improved their confidence, broadened their friendships and made their time at UTS more enjoyable.
PC Society is a dependable space where members can get help, chat, or just take a break. Shared humour, tech problems, and excitement over new releases keep the community active naturally.
At its core, PC Society is about community and growth. It started with gaming and hardware but has become social and practical, with active Discord chats, a welcoming Minecraft server, and an engaged Instagram following.
Ultimately, PC Society isn’t just about PCs. It gives students a place to connect, learn, and enjoy their interests together, making time at UTS more social, enjoyable, and easier to navigate.
The University of Technology Sydney has released various publications since October 2023 regarding what they refer to “the current conflict in the Middle East”. Whilst attempting to clarify the university’s position on the ‘conflict’, their use of repetitive and neutral language has done more harm than good.
Only three days after the October 7 attacks, Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Parfitt published a short statement titled ‘Heightened conflict in Israel’ to the UTS website. The first sentence of this statement reads:
“You will no doubt be aware of the deeply troubling situation unfolding in Israel. We are appalled at the violence taking place in the region and we share the concerns expressed by the international community”.
On October 9 2023, the then Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a complete siege on Gaza, stating, “there will be no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel, everything is closed” . The consequences of this have been catastrophic. By October 10 2023, Israel had begun its devastating military operation in Gaza that had already caused hundreds of Palestinian deaths, irreparable destruction of infrastructure and severe injury to thousands.
At least 440 Palestinians have died from starvation as of August 2025, and the United Nations has warned that at least one million people in Gaza are expected to be in phase 5 of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) platform: catastrophe. This is marked by starvation, destitution and death.
When UTS published its initial statement, acknowledgement of Israel’s unjustifiable retaliation was notably absent, as was any mention of the destructive, apartheid regime that has operated in Israel since 1948 against Palestinians. The university faced backlash from some students and staff, which resulted in another statement being forwarded to students’ inboxes on 28 February 2024. The goal? To “make absolutely clear the university’s position on the current conflict in the Middle East”.
Not only did this statement again fail to acknowledge any atrocities in Palestine up to that period, but it also continued to utilise an extremely problematic term often used when referring to issues impacting Arab people: “the Middle East”.
The Middle East is an extremely vague and vast geographical region that was initially invented by British colonials. It spans across Western Asia and Northeast Africa, including a vast array of countries such as Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Algeria and Uzbekistan, depending on varying definitions. The borders were developed to prioritise European imperialistic concerns and were highly disruptive to local communities and cultures like the Kurds, whose territory was divided into several nation-states and Palestinians, who were left without a state. Not only does this term have colonial origins, but it completely eradicates the individual identities of each state.
The boldest stance the university took in this statement was asserting that they are against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia. A stance one would simply assume, and hope, a university would hold.
Whilst UTS claims to be neutral and prioritising inclusivity for students, on 11 October 2023, whilst Palestinians in Gaza began to experience genocidal operations by the Israeli government, UTS published an article written by an industry professor titled ‘From startup nation to the solution nation’. The article positions Israel as “an amazing economic story against all odds”, a “sophisticated place”, and one that is “highly educated”.
There is a clear implication that Israel is a standout amongst its neighbours that has persevered through some sort of hardship that was enforced upon it by said neighbours. This is an extremely contradictory claim to make, considering Israel has invaded or bombed almost every neighbouring country, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Jordan.
The most troublesome part of the article involves the author stating that a team of Israeli and Arab physicians allowed Palestinian children from the West Bank and Gaza to overcome deafness by undergoing Cochlear implant surgery at a hospital in Jerusalem. Israel has killed over 18000 children since 2023 in Gaza alone, a place that houses the highest number of child amputees anywhere in the world. Israel is also the only country in the world to try children in military courts.
Whilst UTS may claim to be a neutral entity that is focused on the wellbeing of its students, failing to acknowledge social justice issues that matter to students does the complete opposite. The publication of statements regarding this issue continues to be exclusionary and problematic.
This is not to say UTS should cease publication of politically sensitive material. It should undoubtedly continue to do so. However, the university must use fair and inclusive language to encourage safety for all students on campus. Until this happens, cohesion and acceptance amongst students will never be
For many students arriving at UTS, some fresh out of high school, others having travelled thousands of kilometres to study in a new country, university can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The UTS Indian Society—DESI, was created to ease that transition. What started as a small cultural club has grown into the largest Indian student society in Australia with over 3000 members from diverse Indian backgrounds, highlighting the richness of Indian culture in Australia. We are a society that fosters community, belonging, and culture to showcase the Indian diaspora in Australia and to create a home away from home for students throughout their university life.
UTS Indian Society’s purpose has always been to create spaces where students feel comfortable being themselves, where shared languages, music, food, festivals and jokes bring people together in ways that feel
INDIAN SOCIETY
The society’s growth has been supported by long-standing
year, we hope to build on our previous success and expand to a team of 30 executives focused on both events and community as well as marketing and sponsorship initiatives. At its core, UTS Indian Society is not just about culture; it’s about people. It’s about the friendships that last beyond graduation, the memories that stay with us, and the comfort that comes from finding community in an unfamiliar place. For the executive team, this society means opportunity: the chance to lead, to collaborate, to learn, and to create something meaningful. It means carrying forward a legacy built by students who cared enough to build a space for others. And it means dreaming boldly about the future, while staying grounded in Here’s to celebrating where we come from and where we are going! We hope you join us for the ride.
If you’ve ever looked at your uni fees and thought, what is this extra charge and where does it go? You’re not alone. The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is one of the most misunderstood parts of university costs, but it’s also one of the most important.
SSAF is a compulsory fee that most university students pay each session. It exists to fund the services, programs, and support systems that make student life at university functional. It is not teaching or academic tuition. Instead, it pays for everything around your degree that helps you survive university: welfare support, advocacy, practical assistance, and student programs that keep campus livable.
Think of it like this: your course fees pay for your classes,SSAF pays for the student services that make it possible to get through them.
Design by Laurie Lim @garliclaurie
At UTS, SSAF supports services and amenities that improve student wellbeing and campus life. This matters because university is not just assessments and lectures. It’s also housing stress, cost-of-living pressure, academic bureaucracy, financial hardship, and mental strain. SSAF exists because students need more than “learning content” to succeed. Students need support systems.
Importantly, SSAF is student money. Students pay it, and it should be used to deliver on outcomes that they can actually feel.
SSAF is meant to protect and sustain student-led services. There is a requirement that 40% of SSAF funding is allocated to student-led organisations, this ensures that students have real control over services being delivered in their name.
At UTS, SSAF funding is shared between ActivateUTS and the UTS Students’ Association (UTSSA). Despite the UTSSA being the independent, student-run union on campus, the UTSSA ultimately receives approximately 11% of total SSAF funding. That allocation does not reflect the essential services we provide, or the role we play in independent representation and support for students. SSAF should be strengthening independent student services and student representation, not limiting them.
What does the UTSSA provide with SSAF?
SSAF funding helps make UTSSA services possible, including:
The UTSSA Student Advocacy Service provides confidential advice, support, and practical assistance to students who need help navigating academic and university processes. This includes course and assessment issues, as well as support and representation in misconduct matters.
Student Advocates are professional caseworkers employed by the UTSSA. They help students understand their rights, prepare responses, and navigate stressful situations. They can also attend Misconduct and Appeals hearings with you, so you are not dealing with the process alone. Everything you share is confidential and will never be shared without your permission.
The service can assist with appeals, misconduct allegations, exclusion notices, special consideration, and withdrawal after the census date. You can access the service via phone or Zoom appointments, or through weekly Zoom drop-in sessions.
Sometimes, you need one-on-one support to properly understand a subject. UTSSA Peer Tutoring connects students with Peer Tutors: other UTS students who have completed the subject and achieved a strong result.
properly. Blue Bird Brekkie and Night Owl Noodles are free meal programs run by the UTSSA to ease cost-of-living pressure and support student well-being.
Blue Bird Brekkie runs Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:00 am-10:00 am, and Night Owl Noodles runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 pm7:00 pm, both in the Tower Building Foyer during the semester.
With student feedback and growing need, these initiatives have expanded to include the Blue Bird Pantry, a free food pantry for students experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity.
The Pantry operates like a grocery shop-style space, allowing students to select essential items from shelves. Students must register online before attending, and can access five free items per week during the semester. The Pantry is located near the food court in Building 2.
The UTSSA also supports students with shortterm equipment loans and free essentials, because the small things can seriously derail your day at uni. This includes calculator and lab goggle loans, free stationery through Stationery Swap shelves, and emergency sanitary products.
The UTSSA also provides free period products and condoms, accessible through the UTSSA office and additional locations across campus.
For students experiencing financial hardship, UTSSA can assist with internet access support through partnerships, because reliable connectivity is essential for studying.
Tutoring starts at $25 per hour, paid directly to your tutor. Students can request a tutor through the UTSSA website, and students who want to become tutors can apply with evidence of their grade. Blue Bird Brekkie and Night Owl Noodles It is hard to perform well if you are not eating
Because SSAF is your money. It is collected from students, and it should be used in ways that directly benefit students.
SSAF should be funding the services that keep students supported, safe, and able to succeed. It should also be empowering student-led organisations and protecting independent representation on campus.
If students are paying SSAF, they deserve real control over where it goes and real results in return.
@filmappreciationposse
The Film Appreciation Posse (FAP) is a club dedicated to hosting free, regular screenings of a wide variety of films. Every Tuesday at 6:30 pm, we screen a movie in a lecture hall or large tutorial room at UTS. Our screenings are open to everyone!
Membership in our club or enrollment at UTS is not required!
You don’t have to be a cinephile, film buff, Letterboxd micro-celebrity or Media Arts warrior to come to FAP. We pride ourselves on our casual, friendly and social vibe. Most of our
Design by
Simon Bohmann Strømme @bogmanart
members—and some of our executives—are far from cinematic connoisseurs. Rather, FAP is the place to be if you want to watch a movie you otherwise wouldn’t, or revisit a film with a crowd of like-minded people. It’s also the perfect way to relax after a long day of tutorials.
Our Tuesday screenings range from popular to obscure films which span many genres, cultures and languages. The films we screen are handpicked by the executive team to ensure a fun range of different films. One film per semester is chosen by YOU (future member of FAP) in a society-wide vote. Our screening schedule is available on our social media and on posters around campus. You can come early to a screening to enjoy pre-show chats and trailers for upcoming showings.
The screenings are followed by after-drinks at a local pub, where you can discuss the movie you just watched, type up funny one-liner reviews, and, most importantly, socialise and make connections. Uni friendships are notoriously hard to acquire, but the regularity of FAP makes it an excellent place to connect with the same people throughout the semester, which is a necessity in my opinion.
Alongside our regular screenings, FAP hosts special events. We join with other clubs and societies for collaborative screenings and also host movie marathons and end-of-semester trivia. In 2026, we’re planning for FAP’s events to be bigger and better than ever!
2025 was a huge year for FAP. Our membership and regular attendees skyrocketed from previous years. Even at our less busy screenings, we still had around 20 people attending, with some of our most popular screenings reaching over a hundred attendees. That’s a monumental increase from previous years, when we only had a handful of attendees.
In 2026 our executive team is now bigger than ever and filled with passionate members who want to give back to the space that gave them friends, a small community and many fun nights.
So what do we have planned? In short, we’re trying to make FAP better, bigger and smoother. We’re bringing improved weekly screen-
ings with a snack set up, fun decorations and formalised after-drinks (at the time of writing, we are looking into a set location that can fit the crowds we get). We’re aiming for more collaborations (fellow club executives, please reach out!!) and more special events throughout the year. We’re working on an art redesign, more membership benefits, better outreach, sponsorships, and so much more! For you student film-makers, keep your eyes out for a competition that could be coming your way…
If you’re unsure whether FAP is the place for you, our Tuesday screenings are commitment-free. Come when you need and leave when you want. Again, membership is optional. You don’t need to come to drinks, navigate pre-established friend groups, wax philosophical about cinema or even talk to anyone. All you have to do is sit and enjoy a movie—that’s what FAP is about!
So if you want to see what’s FAPpening, including our film schedule for the Autumn semester, follow us @filmappreciationposse on Instagram. Screenings are run every Tuesday at 6:30 pm. The room number is announced on our social media.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME @yalauts
If you’ve ever walked past a loud group laughing, sharing food, or animatedly planning their next event on campus, there’s a good chance it was YALA. The Young Australian Lebanese Association is more than just a cultural society; it’s a home base for Lebanese students and anyone who feels drawn to Lebanese culture, food, music, and the strong sense of community that comes with it.
YALA is built on warmth, hospitality, and the belief that bringing people together is something worth celebrating. From the moment you step into a YALA event, you’re met with open arms, familiar smiles, and an atmosphere that feels less like a club and more like family. It’s a place where traditions are shared, stories are told, and connections are formed across backgrounds, degrees, and year levels.
Throughout the year, YALA creates opportunities for students to come together in ways that feel both exciting and comforting. Whether it’s the infectious energy of our end-of-year Haffleh, where music, dancing, and celebration fill the room, or the magic of the YALA Harbour Cruise, watching the sun set over the water while surrounded by friends, each event captures a different side of what makes our community special. Even our smaller gatherings, like Manoush Mondays, offer moments to slow down, share a meal and enjoy good conversation between classes.
Beyond the events themselves, YALA is about belonging. It’s where first-year students find their footing, where lifelong
YALA
uts society
friendships begin, and where people can stay connected to their culture or discover a new one, while embracing new experiences. For many, YALA becomes a constant throughout their university journey a place they return to for support, laughter, and a sense of home away from home.
Our 2026 exec team is small but mighty and full of character:
Seb “Seb the Leb”, President
Taj Zreika, Vice-President
Keon Azzi, Head of Marketing
Patrick Mir, Head of Events
Fala Tefaili, Treasurer
We are energetic, committed, and excited to welcome fresh faces to help us grow. As always, YALA is open to ANYONE, yes you don’t have to be Lebanese to join YALA, but you must love to have FUN. Whether you’re keen to plan events, help with marketing, or just want to be part of the familyeveryone is welcome.
In 2026, you can expect more of what YALA is famous and loved for: Community events, Games Night, acai snacks, cultural celebrations, and food-filled events all year round. We’re here to celebrate who we are, share our culture proudly, and create spaces where students feel seen and supported.
YALA is where people become friends, and friends become family.
Lebanese, part-Lebanese, or just Lebanese at heart… tfeaddal (come join us).
F I K A SOCI TY
support student experiences. One of the major events we are looking forward to is the Australian Universities Pacific Association Conference, also known as AUPAC. This is a chance to connect with Pasifika students from universities across Australia, build networks and form bonds with others who understand the challenges we may face in our day-to-day lives. We would love for you to be part of these experiences and share in the strength and warmth of our community.
To us, the Pasifika Society is a place of belonging where we uplift and inspire one another and show that Pasifika people will always have a valued place at UTS. We invite you to stay connected with us through our socials, and we hope to see you at our future events.
Art by Eunchae Min
The Many Deaths of Cinema
[Arts + Lifestyle]
4 serves
10g
2g 1g
@j.acobelias
My relationship with cinema has never been static. It’s grown and stalled and rebooted, much like the industry it belongs to. Some of my earliest memories involve ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Matilda’, and that one VictoriousiCarly crossover episode. I recall watching a movie in 4DX on my 14th birthday, and logging a film a day on Letterboxd instead of studying for the HSC. Movies and moviewatching felt infinite, something I could return to endlessly without question.
Throughout my life, I never once questioned whether or not cinema would endure. That anxiety came only when I wanted to be part of it. Now, every technological turn feels like the beginning of the end. Netflix circling Warner Bros. is treated mid-doomscroll like a funeral for cinema-going. But if history tells us anything, it’s that cinema doesn’t die.
When motion pictures first appeared in the 1890s, society didn’t take them seriously. Short, silent reels projected in temporary venues were considered novelties.
After all, why would anyone pay to watch this when real entertainment like literature and theatre already existed? Twenty years later, feature-length films were on par with other forms of entertainment, film studios formed, and movie stars emerged. Cinema carved out its own language. Anxieties resurfaced with the arrival of sound in the late 1920s. “Talkies” were ridiculed for being clumsy, invasive, and artistically bankrupt. The tech was clunky and impractical. Society cancelled silent stars overnight if they
deemed their voices too ugly. Critics worried that dialogue would dilute the visual purity that cinema had worked hard to establish. And yet, sound-driven adaptation followed, and cinema evolved again. Then they laughed about it later. Singin’ in the Rain (year) was a commentary on the transition (and, combined with Babylon (year), was how I learnt about this).
The next hurdle was TV. By the 1950s, the new fear had shifted to irrelevance. Why leave the house when the same entertainment was in your living room? Hollywood evolved into the widescreen formats, colour, and the spectacle of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) or Vertigo (1958). Even 3D, once dismissed as a novelty, continues to thrive today through the likes of Avatar (2009) or How to Train Your Dragon (2010).
Home video sparked another panic in the 1980s. Everyone expected VHS to bankrupt studios (again) and normalise mass piracy. Instead, it created new income, expanded access, and reshaped film culture entirely. DVDs followed. Then Blu-rays followed. Then streaming, which of course disrupted everything again, because of course it did. And now, physical media is quietly returning, driven by a desire for permanence in an increasingly bumpy streaming landscape.
The disgrace around AI slop (MerriamWebster’s word of the year, by the way) makes it clear that although executives
might surrender, cinema will not. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes thrust AI protections into the mainstream conversation. The Academy are acknowledging “human involvement.” Filmmakers are rejecting this tech. The history book on the shelf is always repeating itself. Cinema survives when creatives fight. Now, we create a new cinema culture for the future that lifts the industry above its future trip hazards. Films like Glass Onion (year) or Charli XCX’s upcoming film The Moment have us feeling nostalgic for the cinema of the early 2000’s; the A24-isation of blockbusters, upping the visuals and expanding what is considered mainstream. We’re watching French, Thai, Palestinian and Japanese films in the same month; we like to laugh and cry and gasp in a dark room of strangers; we want to give millions of views to that one Jacob Elordi edit; we want to post one-liners on Letterboxd. We like doing this because this is our new relationship with cinema.
Without film, there is no Meryl Streep, no James Bond, no Oscars, no Jaws theme song, no Criterion Closet, no jumpscares, no visual storytelling, and no cinemas. Every generation of filmmakers has arrived at the worst moment. Every era of film feels fragile because it’s constantly changing. Cinema will outlive us not because it resists an inevitable death sentence, but because it has learned to survive it by always becoming something better.
Cinema will outlive us not because it resists an inevitable death sentence, but because it has learned to survive it by always becoming something better.
Assets from Unsplash Design by Laurie Lim @garliclaurie everyone else.
Words By Rachel Sayers (she/her)
@rach.sayers
‘Keep your head down,’ she whispers.
‘Why?’
A hand twitches. A fork falls to the floor with a clatter. His eyes snap to mine, and I realise in that moment that I should have listened to her.
I stare down at my plate, but I know that it’s too late; that some line completely invisible to me has been crossed. I continue to stare at the cluster of watery peas I’d pushed to the side earlier in the meal. I hear him rise from his chair, its heavy oak legs scraping against the floorboards. There’s a pounding in my ears, and the dim light radiating from the chandelier that hangs above us is suddenly more menacing than it is comforting.
A thick, meaty hand grips my wrist, and the shock of it makes me forget. I look up at him, and though I immediately realise my mistake, I can’t bring myself to break his gaze.
His grip tightens to the point of pain, and I can feel my sweat gathering beneath his hand.
‘Finish your food.’ ***
When we arrived, the sun had just begun to set over the hills, bathing the large house in a soft orange light that felt like Spring. We were immediately led into the dining room, where the food had already been laid out. Dishes upon dishes were spread over the white linen of the tablecloth, fresh flowers and extravagant candelabras were perched along the perimeter of the room, and each seat held a tiny place card with a label scrawled in bright red ink.
Soft piano music drifted in from the drawing room as everyone took their seats. Ladies swathed in deep blue silk and maroon lace, whose polite laughs sounded like bells tinkling, clung to clean-shaven men in tuxedos. I knew that I should recognise them, but they blurred in and out of my periphery, and I couldn’t get a clear view of any of their faces, as if I was looking through the lens of an unfocused camera.
My seat was stiff and cold. When I began to fiddle with my place card, I realised that the ink was still wet and that I had smudged the crisp, white paper. I placed it gently back on the table, and the woman next to me tutted. I’d barely noticed her beside me and was surprised when I turned to look at her properly. She wore a baby pink shift dress dotted with tiny white flowers. The material looked cheap and scratchy. Her outfit, as well as the discerning frown she wore, set her apart from the other guests.
“You’d best not touch anything”. She uttered the strange turn of phrase quietly, but with conviction. I opened my mouth to respond and perhaps introduce myself, but she’d already dismissed me, staring back down at her empty plate.
The light in the room dimmed as everyone’s plates were filled and emptied in excess. The strange lady didn’t utter another word, just sat silently beside me, eating from the small plate of food she’d served herself. When she was finished, the china was so clean that if I hadn’t been watching her all evening, I’d have thought she’d licked her plate.
The sound of silver on crystal cut through the chatter, and the party descended into an immediate and intense silence. I knew that he was sitting at the head of the table, but I hadn’t looked at him all evening, and I wasn’t sure why. When I glanced around the table at the other guests, every single person was looking down at a spotless, sparkling plate. Halfway between bewilderment and panic, I looked beside me at the strange lady.
‘Keep your head down,’ she whispers. I should have listened.
***
‘You should go,’ Mariana told me. ‘I’ve heard that the food’s incredible – and it’ll be good for you to get to know the others.’
We were lounging on the couch in the afternoon light, too lazy to begin unpacking boxes. My other furniture wouldn’t be delivered until Monday, so the couch was the onlypiece in the house.
From my position in the living room, I could just see the white envelope resting on the kitchen bench. My name was written in bright red ink, and it held no return address.
‘I’d like to, but I won’t know anyone. Why would I attend a dinner party whose host I’ve never met?’ I replied.
‘Because people kill to be invited to those dinners. Think of it as a perk of the new job! Worst case scenario you have a good meal and slip out early.’
‘I guess so.’
All the envelope held was a time, address, and dress code. I spent days searching for the right dress, dragging Mariana in and out of department stores and boutiques. However, nothing I tried on felt right. They were too bright, or too showy, or too short; to the point that I knew that my issue wasn’t with the dresses at all. In the eighth store we visited, Mariana convinced me (with significant effort) to buy a deep emerald chiffon piece with a long flowing skirt, that draped elegantly at the neck. It wasn’t right, but it was beautiful, and it put an end to her suffering.
***
I woke up in an unfamiliar room. Light filters through sheer white curtains to the right of the bed I had apparently been placed on. The strange lady that sat beside me at dinner is seated in a plush armchair in the corner, reading a thick book. She’s dressed differently now, in an elegant white gown, and her expression is one of contentment rather than discernment.
‘I don’t know where I am.’ I know that I should be panicked, but my voice comes out calm and measured. The lady looks up at me with a kind smile.
‘Oh, my love. That’s the point.’
I must have drifted back off to sleep, because when I wake again the room is illuminated only by moonlight. The lady in the armchair is gone, but she’s left her book open-faced on the chair. The breeze from the open window makes the pages flicker. It’s the sound of the doorknob turning that breaks me from my stupor.
The lady enters with a tray of tea. I wonder what time it is, and additionally why she thinks it’s appropriate to bring me tea in the middle of the night.
‘The host would like to speak to you.’
I blink up at her. ‘When you’re ready,’ she adds. I feel the vague fuzziness I’d experienced at the dinner party begin to return, my vision blurring just slightly at the edges. I don’t feel that I have the option to
She leads me down an ornate hallway, my bare feet sinking into the lush carpet. It occurs to me that we must still be in the house. When we reach the dining room, I notice that the table has been cleared, and that each of the place settings has been removed. Except for two.
The host sits at the far head of the table, and I fight the urge to meet his eyes. I turn back towards the lady only to realise that she has left the room, closing the door behind her. I take my seat.
***
‘You’re sure I can’t plus-one you?’
Mariana rolled her eyes at me. ‘Strictly inviteonly, everyone knows that.’
‘Well, thank you for your help today,’ I said.
She smiled at me and then peered into the paper shopping bag that held her new shoes.
‘It wasn’t all bad,’ she offered, and we both laughed. She slipped her arm into mine as we continued down the footpath of Main Street, leaning her head against my shoulder for just a moment before she noticed a dog across the road and began squealing in delight. I shook my head in false irritation and followed behind her.
***
‘Do you know why you’re here?’ he asks me.
‘No.’
‘Good, that leaves plenty of room for atonement.’
My head is swimming and it’s becoming harder to stop myself from looking at him. Both of our plates are empty, and I wonder why they’re there at all when there’s no food in sight. The room still holds the beautiful adornments from the night before, but the candles aren’t lit, and when I look a little closer, I notice that the flowers have begun to droop.
I look at him.
‘I’d like to leave,’ I choke out.
He replies with a disconcerting smile. ‘Of course, of course. There are just a few things I need you to do for me first.’
I stare at him in confusion, and he seems to bite back a laugh. He gestures to his plate. When I look down at my own place setting, my plate and cutlery are gone. In their place is a crisp white place card, a fountain pen, an inkwell full of bright red ink, and the book that the lady had been reading in my room. It’s open to a page packed with small text, but only one sentence is highlighted: Those who partake in the feast will stay.
‘One last thing and Teresa will have you on your way.’
Even in my daze I know he’s lying, but that doesn’t stop me from picking up the pen and scrawling on the card.
Design By Audrey Bollington @audboll
Mary Hanna @mjhannaaa
she/her
There are sentences that don’t just take up space, they rearrange the room around you, and occupy the air you breathe. His was simple; there will always be doubt.
He said it gently, the way someone points out a stain on your shirt.
But I felt the floor tilt. I felt the version of myself that believed in certainty go silent.
In the moments after, I could hear everything; The hum of the fridge, a car outside, my own heartbeat punching at the walls of my chest. It was as if the world had become unbearably literal. It was as though the truth touched me with its bare hands… and I flinched.
Design by Katie Bayne @ktteek
When I was younger, I made a private rule; I would not be someone’s ending. I would be the stepping stone, the palate cleanser, the mistake before the miracle. It wasn’t self-pity — it was strategy. A preemptive adaptation to the shape I thought love would carve me into.
And then I met him. And he made me feel like I could be loved its own atmosphere. Every breath tastes different.
without an expiry date. For a moment — a long moment at that — I believed my rule had an exception. He made me feel like a final course.
But then he fucked up.
And trust, once damaged, becomes
He touched my hand like nothing had changed, but my body knew the truth before my mind admitted it. My stomach dropped, my throat tightened — the way it does right before you realise the entrée you ordered isn’t what you asked for, and the waiter is already walking away.
He broke my trust, and the world became bright, almost cruelly so.
Colours sharpened. Sounds doubled. I could hear words he didn’t say louder than the ones he did. It was the kind of clarity that arrives only after devastation, the clarity that demands you take inventory.
And the inventory was bleak.
I felt stupid for hoping. Stupider for being right about what I feared most.
People like
to talk about “working on things.” Repair. Growth. Second chances. But doubt is not a problem – it’s an intruder. Once it gets in, it sits at the table and orders the most expensive thing. It stains everything.
He kept talking, giving reasons, remorse threaded through his sentences like weak embroidery. I listened, like a surgeon watches a failing organ —
clinically, almost respectfully, even while knowing it won’t last the night.
I thought of all the times I’d written in my journals that I deserved unconditional love. How clean those lines looked on paper.
How far they felt from this moment.
I watched him avoid my eyes. I watched him wipe his palms on his jeans.
I watched doubt take its seat between us like a third presence with better posture than either of us.
It’s strange — when trust breaks, it doesn’t shatter loudly. It fractures inward, like porcelain cracking under hot water.
Hairline splits that only reveal themselves when the light hits at the right angle. He told me he still loved me.
But love isn’t the point. Love is easy. Certainty is not.
It was a scene Sally Rooney would admire. A brittle conversation, two people orbiting each other with the precision of planets, both wanting to be understood, neither capable of saying the thing that matters. And maybe that’s what this was. Two people in the same room, speaking two different dialects of fear.
I wanted to ask him; How do you love someone you doubt?
How do you hold someone with one arm always braced for escape?
But the words didn’t come. The silence did the talking for us.
I think of the concept of an “Entrée”. The first taste. The introduction. The thing that sets the tone. Maybe this was mine.
A plate set in front of me, beautiful, but wrong the moment I tasted it. A reminder that I have spent years accepting whatever was served to me, even when it made my throat close.
I deserve a
different menu. One without doubt as a default ingredient.
When I left his place that night, the air felt cold, the kind that wakes you up. My body felt like it was learning itself again.
Like I had been returned to myself after being on loan to someone else.
The truth is simple and sharp:
I want to be loved without hesitation.
I want to be chosen in a way that doesn’t require negotiation or translation.
I want to sit across from someone who sees me as the meal, not the mistake.
He will always wonder. And I won’t be someone’s maybe.
The motions of feminism have, from its modern conception, been divided by discourse surrounding who should be allowed to reap what the move-ment sows. During the late nineteenth to the early twentieth centuries, the first wave of feminism saw an active exclusion of women of colour from discussions about feminist struggles. The subsequent feminist sex wars of the 1980s ignited debates that ignored the perspectives of sex workers who were central to the discussions at hand. While factions quarrelled over who deserved their rations, some had forgotten that the fight for gender equality lies not in determining whose mouths should be fed, but in determining how all women would finally be able to be sustained by their environments.
Dulya Heiyanthuduwage she/her @duulyaa_
n October 2025, a string of protests was led in support of the NSW Premier’s bill to ban sex-selective abortion. However, like bugs submerged in saltwater, organisations and individuals were lured out of
hiding, itching and eager to use the cause to push their wider pro-life and transexclusionary agendas.
The Women’s Forum Australia was one group with a large voice regarding the matter. The organisation claims to support a mission of being a ‘powerful and positive force of pro-woman cultural change’. However, their most recent articles have echoed rhetoric against the rights of transgender women and demonstrated a tendency to distort objective medical research despite the organisation asserting a commitment to high-quality research on issues relevant to women’s freedom.
Recent clinical research revealed that current puberty blockers used in gender care for minors raised potential risks to bone, brain, cardiovascular, and sexual health. While this research reveals gaps in current treatments and underscores a need for safer medication, the Women’s Forum Australia has appropriated it to claim that gender affirmative care as a whole is inherently dangerous to the wellbeing of young people.
Joanna Howe was similarly outspoken at the October protests with her zealous prochoice campaigning. Tellingly, she is also of the belief that accepting transgender women in women’s spaces is ‘pervasive’. She also asserted that teaching young children to be accepting of genderqueer identities is teaching children to lie. Her social media accounts are laden with passionate, hatred-filled messaging, including videos in which she slams ‘feminazis’ for their pro-choice stances.
Yet, for someone so opposed to the work of many contemporary feminists, Howe has enjoyed consuming the fruits of feminism as a woman of colour who has had the privilege of earning a degree, practicing as a migration lawyer, and working as a professor, all while balancing motherhood. Howe lives in a societal bubble where her success is considered an intrinsic and deserved outcome in exchange for her efforts. However, many other similarly deserving women of colour continue to grapple with a reality where racism, classism, and the continued dominance of patriarchal institutions will impede upon their ability to achieve their aspirations, regardless of their hard work. What right, then, do people of Howe’s position have to undermine the work of feminists who use the privileges afforded to them to ensure equal access to social justice and adequate medical care for all women?
Design by Ellie she/her
Gender essentialism is at the heart of oppressive systems that work against women. It is the notion that the gender binary is defined by homogenous, intrinsic traits. This notion has underpinned a gendered social hierarchy by ranking these purportedly inherent qualities of cisgender men and women. The result of this hierarchy is a series of misconceptions that have boxed the heterogeneous demographic that is women into a singular archetype wrongly characterised by submission and naivety. In ignoring the diversity of experiences and personalities within this demographic, patriarchal institutions are able to isolate women from spaces where they can and rightly should exist within. As Beauvoir has put it, women resultantly become the Other relative to men, which has resulted in their vulnerability to objectification, violence and hatred.
Feminism, being deeply intersectional in nature, should revolve around a common goal of dismantling these patriarchal systems to achieve justice that broadly serves all women of diverse experiences. Access to abortion and the inclusion of transgender women in discussions of gender equality are at the heart of achieving this. Lack of bodily autonomy for women and the negative experiences of trans people expose the limitations of gender essentialism by illustrating that rigid binary constructs of gender are not determinative of human existence. Hence, advocating for reproductive and gender justice is especially important in the fight for equality because it undermines the very theories that perpetuate patriarchal systems.
Marginalising trans women and undermining reproductive autonomy will continue to entrench institutional frameworks that systemically harm women. Hatred and division are poison to the collective goal of gender equality. To taste the oppression faced by women across class, race and gender spectra is to bite into something bloody and raw. However, we must swallow it all the same in order to understand how to transform it into sustenance.
Words By Amelia Kraszewski
The Big Lift
This is written on the unceded land of the Wallumedegal People of the Dharug nation. I pay my respects to elders past and present and acknowledge that it always was and always will be Aboriginal land. Since 2010, The Big Lift (TBL) has cared for the environment with profound respect for the enduring stewardship that First Nations Peoples have poured into Country for over 65,000 years.
TBL is a student-run volunteer society working mainly in regional and rural towns, providing unskilled labour. This often includes tree planting, painting and cleanups, or simply providing whatever assistance the community needs. Our biggest event of the year is the Winter Trip in July: a nine-day journey where 80 students volunteer together across five regional and rural towns in NSW and Victoria, or in Queensland.
“Our theme for 2026 is Seeds of Change.”
The courage, generosity and love with which all these communities welcome us is truly special. Connecting with townspeople encourages students to step away from the hustle and individualism of the city and be somewhere where everyone is truly seen and valued. The feeling of being so welcomed and loved by a community I’ve only just met encourages me to bring a sense of warmth, love and inclusivity wherever I go. My first TBL event was the Winter Trip in 2024. I joined knowing only one person—and I would not have had it any other way. Living with 80 strangers for nine days teaches you so much about human connection and how truly genuine it can be. We built a support system with each other that stays with us long after the trip ends. If nine days feels daunting (and trust me, it is truly worth all the nerves!), you can join us for a Microlift (1-2 days) or a Little Lift (3 days).
The towns and organisations we volunteer with have often been affected by natural disasters, are under-resourced or give so much to their own communities that they rarely have the capacity to care for themselves. Based on our motto of paying it forward, we aim to uplift these communities in small but meaningful ways so they can reignite the strength to support each other. And if our shorter trips seem like a bit too much of a commitment (again, entirely worth it!), we also run one-day service projects in Sydney at least once a month. We collaborate with organisations such as Clean Up Australia, Letters of Hope, Birthing Kit Foundation, Western Sydney Parklands and many more.
Our theme for 2026 is Seeds of Change. We hope to nurture the love and dedication planted by past CROPs, and to grow the connections we have formed in the many towns that have welcomed us so generously. We also aspire to plant new seeds of TBL joy in communities and university societies we have yet to reach. Finally, we seek to grow within ourselves, developing roots grounded in the TBL community, its compassion, love, and individuality, so that each of us can flourish and carry the courage to pay it forward. And so, it feels a little misleading to say we are a university society, because we are so much more than that. TBL is a community—, truly even a family—, where you can belong and be surrounded by people who value leaving a lasting making an impact that extends beyond themselves. I truly believe that TBL is not something that can be explained, but rather something that can only be lived and loved. I hope this has planted a little seed of curiosity in you to want to become part of something so life-changing. We cannot wait to see you on our trips this year!
With so, so much love, Amelia Kraszewski TBL President 2026
Words by Lyla Coffey (she/her)
Navigating the social landscape of university is a daunting prospect for students new and old. How are you meant to truly make connections on completely foreign ground? High school had the cheat code of forced proximity, and without it, many of us found ourselves lost for the first weeks of uni. 13 years of comfortable familiarity and all of a sudden we’re expected to... befriend complete strangers?
I was terrified, socially anxious, and woefully unprepared. The first few weeks of uni felt like a fever dream, and I was not faring well in the friend department. Carefully manufactured introduction scripts regurgitated to unwilling tablemates didn’t get me very far. It felt like I was doing all the ‘right’ things: going to orientation events and faculty welcome days, even getting dinner with soon-to-be classmates— because nothing unites people like food, right? But how can you enjoy sharing a meal if it feels like you were never meant to sit at that table?
And then I attended Puzzle Society’s Welcome Hangout
That sounds incredibly dramatic, but I truly think that taking the hand—or puzzle piece—- extended to me made all the difference to my uni experience. As soon as I walked into that stuffy, overcrowded classroom, someone asked if I wanted to play Hues & Cues with them – suddenly, I felt a bit less terrified.
Puzzle’s flagship event is the weekly hangout. Every Friday afternoon, the week’s chosen sacrifice lugs the (now wheel-less) wheely bag and lamentably impractical storage box across the UTS food court, lovingly delivering all ten tonnes of games to the dedicated members of Puzzle Society. Our game collection (currently at 158 card/board games and jigsaws, give or take a few missing pieces) is for everyone to enjoy—member or nonmember. If you show up to a hangout, you’re welcome to give anything a try!
These hangouts are pretty unique. Anyone can attend (yes, anyone), they’re free, they’re weekly, and they are full of super welcoming people. Become a hangout regular and join us every Friday, or pop in once in a while to say hi. We’re here whenever you need a dopamine hit!
I think that is one of the most wonderful things about this club— the true diversity of our members. We welcome board game newbies, competitive cubers, jigsaw lovers, trivia night pros, escape room frequent flyers, Tetris professionals, Wordle enthusiasts, and everything in between. There is no specific Puzzle demographic, just as there is no identical jigsaw piece – there’s a seat for everyone at this table.
This past year as president of Puzzle Society has been full of learning, I’ve discovered hidden strengths, faced weaknesses, and made plenty of mistakes. But what I’m most proud of is the genuine community we’ve built. Hearing how much the club means to people, and seeing a space where all the freaks, geeks, and weirdos feel comfortable and included, makes all the stress worthwhile. Making friends at uni is hard, but if there’s one thing to know about Puzzle Society, it’s that there’s a place for everyone in our little community.
Lyla Coffey, Puzzle Society President
Puzzle Society holds loads of other events throughout the year, most notably escape room visits, cubing workshops and competitions, collaborations with other societies and game show nights. We cover so much more than just jigsaws and Rubik’s cubes. We have such a range of interests within the community, so there really is something for everyone!
Design by Laurie Lim @garliclaurie
WHAT AUSTRALIA’S ANTI LAWS MEAN FOR STUDENTS ON CAMPUS
The recent changes to protest laws across Australia have ignited fears on what the future holds for student protests on university campuses. While changes to the law claim to have been made to safeguard public security, it is suggested they may greatly impact when and where young people hold protests.
Laws against protesting are not new, but it seems that with the most recent developments, attitudes have rather dramatically shifted , resultin g in more control by police and other institutions over protesting. This legislation has come with heightened security crises and rising political tensions.
Moreover, New South Wales’ new legislation gives police the power to limit and ban protests over an extended period of time when a security-related incident occurs. During such periods, police can withhold permission for assemblies and strip the usual legal protections given to peaceful demonstrators.
Importantly, these laws do not make protesting illegal. Instead, protesting without the relevant approval is even more dangerous for the participants who could be easily
apprehended for offenses such as obstruction, failure to comply with directions, or unlawful assembly, even if the assemblies are peaceful. According to legal advisors and pressure groups, this leads to a “chilling effect”, whereby individuals are prevented from engaging in peaceful protest because of the possibility of being fined, arrested, or prosecuted.
Universities have traditionally been spaces of political activism, where students have been known to take part in protests over a wide range of topics including climate change, education budgets, global humanitarian crises such as the ongoing Palestinian genocide, and trade union rights. But nowadays, they are operating under far more stringent legislation.
Though most anti-protest statutes have been perceived as public space legislation,
By Emanie Darwiche (she/her)
and a guarded response from university authorities. Even now, most universities require students to obtain approval a day before staging a protest, as well as ban the use of megaphones and protesting within buildings and heavily trafficked areas.
This means that, for students, spontaneous demonstrations and protests are becoming difficult, and any u nauthorised activity, like a sit-down protest, tent city, and walkout, may mean facing possible punishment.
Although universities claim to fully support freedom of speech, some argue that extensive restrictions on protests provide enough latitude for universities to sanction freedom of speech activities which they may deem disruptive.
Student unions and organisations for civil liberties point out the dilemma under which students now stand as a result. They have to either take part in the politics of the country and, consequently, the politics of the institution,or risk academic and legal punishment for exercising civic participation. The government states that the need for the legislation arose in order to secure public safety, prevent intimidation, and avoid prohibiting the disruption of essential services caused by protests. Similar worries have been raised by the administrations of universities.
peaceful demonstrations are a fundamental democratic freedom, and that higher education institutions in particular, must be places of debate, dissent, and politics, not prohibition.
Human rights organisations have also expressed the concern that overly restrictive regulations, concerning the assembling of demonstrations, may have a negative effect on the freedom of political expression, which has a particular influence for young individuals and marginalised communities who have access to representation primarily as a group activity.
Challenges pertaining to the legality of anti-protest legislation are currently underway, and the topic continues to be the subject of much political debate. In the meantime, it is advised that university students make themselves aware of the relevant state protest legislation and the university’s policies on protest.
For many students, the current situation marks a stifling transition in campus culture, which shifts from being a part of campus life to being something that is regulated and overseen.
As debates continue about safety, free speech, and democratic rights, the role of student activism remains uncertain.
We are UTS Mahjong Society, a social club based around our mutual interest in Mahjong, a board game originating from the land of China. You might recognise the name ‘mahjong’ from certain things, the main two being that one scene from Crazy Rich Asians (IYKYK) and that one Windows game you used to be able to play where you had to match the tiles. Mahjong is more like the former. We are very inclusive and welcome anyone with open arms, whether you’re a complete beginner and have no idea what mahjong is or someone well-versed in its strategy. You can hail from any background or status, and we will accept you! It doesn’t matter to us!! Recently, it feels as though mahjong has been dying in terms of popularity. As an exec team, we would love to see more new people join our lovely society so we can share the joy of mahjong with more people! Currently, we mainly focus on the Hong Kong version of mahjong with flowers, but also accommodate Japanese (Riichi) or Traditional Chinese.
Our society plays mahjong daily from 12pm to 6pm, usually in the Student Learning Hub or one of the wings. Anyone can come by, even if they just want some people to talk to. Mahjong is always a safe space, and the entire executive team strives to uphold that constantly. For those who are just starting out,
We’ve gotten some more equipment recently, and it would be an absolute pleasure to bring it out for people to use, rather than have it pick up dust in the storage room. If you like Hello Kitty by any chance we just bought a new Hello Kitty mahjong set!
To many of us, Mahjong is a special place where like-minded individuals come together over their collective addiction to a board game. Oftentimes, people come and play as a break from studying, or maybe they had a really long day and just want to chill. It doesn’t matter what your reason is, anyone who comes by to play with us is immediately inducted as a mahjong addict. Most members’ reasons for joining were exactly the reasons I stated just then. However, it quickly transforms into playing for the love of the game.
If you decide to become a member, you’re also automatically added into our internal tournament within the society where you compete against everyone else for a prize every semester if you’re in the top 3.
Alongside prizes from our tournaments, you can also get a discount on UTS Mahjong goodies and events! We sell amazing merch such as hoodies, stickers, keychains and more. Feel free to drop by one of our Mahjong sessions to introduce yourself, or sign up as a
NATCON 2025:
Every year, student unions across Australia spend thousands of student dollars sending delegates to the National Union of Students (NUS) National Conference, known as NatCon.
The UTSSA sends seven delegates. Each having their ticket, accommodation and flights covered, and each bringing an accredited observer with the same costs paid. Executives (President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Education Officer, and Welfare Officer) can also attend with costs covered (if they choose). On top of that, UTSSA is paying over $30,000 in NUS affiliation fees this year alone.
The pitch is clear: a national forum where students debate policy, set priorities, and elect leadership to fight for what matters: cost-of-living, HECS debt, housing, campus safety, and international student rights. But NatCon 2025 spent days doing almost nothing.
The UTSSA’s 2025 delegates were Neeve Nagle, Ash Satchell, Sina Afsharmehr, Januka Suraweera, Olivia Lee, Eamonn Ryan, and Grace Cole. Ash Satchell attended from the Socialist Alternative, with the remaining delegates from Student Unity. Instead of opening with policy debate or meaningful outcomes, NatCon 2025 opened with dead time. Sessions failed to run, chapters didn’t progress, and delegates sat around while negotiations dragged on, and a quorum wasn’t met. (Quorum is the minimum number of votes required for the conference to legally operate. Without it, there is no debate, no votes, and no conference.)
Quorum wasn’t lost by accident, it was withheld. The Socialist Alternative stayed off the floor after being effectively locked out by the Student Left and Student Unity, while Victorian Unity also refused to appear. Student Unity initially stayed on the floor, then left for lunch while negotiators tried to broker a deal.
Whatever your view of factional politics, the outcome is the same: the conference becomes a hostage situation, and student unions continue to pay for every wasted hour. For UTSSA alone, that could mean up to 19 people funded to attend (seven delegates, seven observers, and up to five executives), all waiting for a political agreement that students never asked for and never get to see.
The problem isn’t that NatCon is political. Students should argue about priorities, strategy, and what national representation should look like. The problem is that NatCon’s structure rewards delay. If factions can freeze the entire
conference until positions are sorted out, then dysfunction becomes a tool. When the conference finally lurches forward, it often turns into a sprint: rushed motions, shortened debate, and minimal scrutiny. The things students are told they are paying for:real policy debate and accountability, are only pushed aside to recover lost time.
That dysfunction didn’t just play out between factions, it showed up within them too. Student media observed the NSW Student Unity contingent arguing throughout the conference, including multiple delegates and senior figures from UTS and other campuses. The infighting was visible during breaks, including heated arguments over the dinner break, that spilled onto the conference floor itself, with disputes erupting just 20 minutes before nominations closed.
This isn’t an argument against national student organising. When it works, it matters more than ever. A functional national student union could coordinate campaigns across campuses, put real pressure on federal politicians, and give student issues genuine national weight. It could pool resources for welfare advocacy and emergency support, and amplify demands around HECS, housing, international student rights and cost-of-living.
That is the promise. That is what UTSSA is paying for. But none of it can happen if the conference floor cannot reliably function.
If you search “NUS NatCon”, you will find article after article raising the same concerns: dysfunction, factionalism, poor value for money, and a conference that often feels disconnected from the day-to-day realities students face on campus. NatCon 2026 did eventually elect positions. UTSSA’s Yasmine Johnson (Socialist Alternative) became National Education Officer, and Neeve Nagle (Student Unity) became NSW NUS State President. But those outcomes came after days of procedural standoff, where the conference could not even properly begin. If UTSSA is paying over $30,000 in affiliation fees, plus funding a significant delegation to travel and attend, students deserve basic answers. Did NatCon deliver outcomes that students will actually feel at UTS? Did it produce real, coordinated national campaigning? Did it strengthen student organising, or weaken it? Did it achieve anything worth the cost? NatCon 2025 made those questions harder, not easier.
Students need national organising. Universities are cutting budgets. Student services are under pressure. Cost-of-living keeps climbing. But if NatCon is funded through student union budgets, it needs to meet a minimum standard: it has to run properly. If a national student conference can be stalled for days through procedural games while costs pile up, student unions have every reason to demand change.
Students aren’t paying for standoffs. They’re paying for representation.
UTS Cheer has two competitive cheerleading teams: Teal, our Level 1/2 non-tumble team, and Black, our Level 3/4 tumble team. We welcome athletes of all experience levels, including complete beginners. Our goal is to create a supportive, energetic space where students can challenge themselves, make life longfriends, and be part of something exciting at university. Alongside our competitive teams, we also have a sideline team, who perform at events within UTS and outside throughout the year. Sideline focuses on spirit and performance, and is a great entry point for anyone wanting to experience cheer in a fun, low-pressure environment.
This year, both competitive teams travelled to Melbourne to compete at AASCF Nationals. The event is a five-day experience that brings together thousands of cheerleaders and dancers from all across Australia. Throughout the week, the UTS Cheer athletes attended team outings, participated in final training sessions, and explored Melbourne together. Nationals gives our athletes the opportunity to perform one final time on the largest stage in Australia. Across the competition weekend, the athletes were able to watch some of the highest-level cheerleaders in the country, including Level 6 and 7 teams competing for bids to the Cheerleading World Championships. Even if you’ve never cheered before, seeing that level of talent up close is unforgettable.
For UTS Cheer, Nationals is as much about bonding as it is about competing. It’s the shared rides where carpool karaoke scares the Uber drivers, the team dinners, the pre-comp pep talks, and the moment when the whole team holds hands backstage while waiting to be called onto the floor. Whether you hit zero or bobble, you walk off knowing your teammates have your back. That’s the part people remember the most. Our Level 3/4 team, Black, had an incredible performance this year, finishing 5th in their division and bringing home a trophy.
Teal also delivered a strong routine and made us proud with their energy, teamwork, and resilience.
Looking ahead, UTS Cheer is hoping to grow all of our teams by welcoming more athletes and expanding the events we attend with our sideline team, as well as collaborating with other UTS societies. With bigger teams comes bigger spirit, more opportunities, and even more memories. We’re also excited to keep building our presence at competitions, aiming to climb higher in the rankings while keeping our culture grounded in friendship and inclusivity. Above all, UTS Cheer is a place to form meaningful connections at university. Many of our athletes join not knowing anyone, and leave with teammates who become their closest friends. Whether you’re there for competition, community, or a mix of both, you’ll find a home here.
Brady
TD CONNECT UTS
In 2026, I hope our society can become an important part of transdisciplinary student life and help shape university experiences for the better. TDC gives me hope in making a difference, minor or major, towards breaking social stigmas and gearing students for life outside of the UTS bubble.
Imogen
TDC has been such a great way to meet BCII students in other years and get insight into what the degree offers. I’d love for more students to benefit from it. In 2026, I’d really like to see more first years getting involved and to keep helping others find their way through BCII.
We are a society constantly evolving through the influence of many disciplines, personalities and innovative concepts. TD Connect is the shorter and far more digestible name for ‘Transdisciplinary Connect’—a tongue twister, we know. Thankfully, our ethos is much simpler than our name—we’re here to keep our members connected between classes socially and academically, with no room to ignore all the juicy stuff in between.
Brayden
We bridge the gap for TD, BCII, and DOI students seeking both social nights out and career opportunities. Last year, we hosted events such as social volleyball, expert panels, fundraisers, and our legendary Casino Royale-themed TD Ball that challenged, inspired, and united our members.
Our 2026 executive team will continue bringing events that connect all year groups, foster pride in the TD community, and celebrate curiosity, diversity, and innovation. TD Connect is a space where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs.
Since joining TDC, I’ve been able to connect with so many more BCII students and work to provide them with the opportunity to connect. With the 2025 ball standing as a prime example of what we can achieve together, I’m keen for TDC to continue to grow and offer incredible events to all BCII students both now and into the future.
Jeremy
Introducing the 2026 Executive Team:
Brady Jones, President
TDC has been an amazing community that I was roped into at the beginning, but have stayed to be among the company of my awesome new friends. As head of events next year, I hope to plan and see TDC events which focus on building friendships, good times, good stories and even better digi cam photos.
Imogen Leon, Vice President
Camila Perez Marin, Secretary
Brayden Grant, Treasurer
Charlotte
Jeremy Schulze, Events Executive
Claudia Carter, Media Executive
Charlotte Wangler, Marketing Executive
Spencer Holden, IT Executive
TDC is more than just a club. It’s a community of driven, creative and passionate individuals. This year has been full of tremendous growth, and I am so grateful for the memories made and friendships formed. Next year is looking bright for TDC! A marketing director, I can’t wait to welcome new members and create stronger connections between all BCII cohorts.
We are the weird, the wonderful and the sublime society for students of all walks of life. We wish you a fabulous and prosperous year, and we hope to see you at our next event and many more after that! Join our club for $10 via ActivateUTS for cheaper tickets and exclusive access to events, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @td.connect.uts to stay tuned for ultimate coolness!
Spencer
For me, TDC is a space for connections to brew and ideas to fly. Since joining, I have made friends and memories that I will cherish. Over the next year, I hope that we can come up with more events and opportunities for people to connect, whether professionally or personally. We have already grown so much, and the sky is our limit.
Claudia
TDC has been an awesome way to get to know people in my cohort and has made me feel more connected to uni life. In 2026, I would love to see more BCII students getting involved with club events and loving it as much as I do.
Our Discord and ActivateUTS page (where you can become a club member) are linked in our Instagram bio!
Alternative fashion refers to styles that deviate from mainstream trends, focusing on self-expression through unconventional and sometimes extreme looks that challenge norms.
It is a diverse, counter-cultural movement influenced by politics and the cultural zeitgeist, seen in subcultures like goth, formed around music, or gyaru, which rejects conventional Japanese beauty standards. Alt fashion spans countless styles worldwide and emphasizes sustainable, ethical, and DIY clothing practices.
by
Words by @uts_altfashionsoc
Group photo from our
2025Semester
Our community events are a great opportunity to express your authentic self, show off your outfits and get to know people who do the same!
Craft Events - Events focused on creation and DIY. With materials provided and support from experienced execs and fellow members, enjoy an opportunity to socialise, learn something new and take home a new creation.
At UTS Alternative Fashion Society (AFS), we’re deeply passionate about creating a community for anyone interested in alt fashion. A crucial part of alternative culture is to be welcoming of differences and typically marginalised groups, which is why we as an alternative fashion club, pride ourselves on having a diverse member base of LGBTQ individuals and members from many different cultural backgrounds.
We strive for a welcoming and accepting club culture where everyone can feel safe to express themselves however they want through fashion! Our club is the perfect space for those who love subculture and have worn alternative fashion, and for newbies looking to start their fashion self-discovery journey. Anyone is welcome as long as they have an interest!
These are the different types of events we hold!
Community Events - Get to know like-minded people with our community events! Join us for outings and a variety of fun activities such as Op-shopping, karaoke, arcade games and so much more! New to UTS and looking to meet new people? Our startof-semester Welcome Events are perfect for you. A variety of fashion lovers come along to this big celebration. Of course, food and drinks are provided!
No experience needed at all! We’ve previously done craft events that focus on a variety of subcultures. We’ve done a J-fashion crafts workshop focused on lolita headdress and decoden hair clips, as well as an Oshikatsu crafts event working on ita bag inserts, toploaders and uchiwas. We’ve also held screenprinting workshops where you can create a one-of-a-kind item and breathe new life into an old garment.
Craft Sew Mend - Our casual fortnightly event serves as a hub for creativity or just for meeting fellow club members to yap with! We upcycle with materials left over from previous craft events. All sorts of tools are provided, including a grommet and sewing machine which you can use freely with a supervising exec. Even if DIY isn’t your thing, we also have board games if you’re just looking to hang out and have fun
We are also launching our own alternative fashion magazine! If you like writing or submitting for Vertigo, you may be interested in helping us build UTS’s own fashion student magazine. If you’ve got outfit pics or articles you’d like to share, please consider submitting to ALT:EGO! More information about our club and magazine can be found on our socials
Words by Ben Tippett (he/him) Arkie Thomas @aaarkiive @bentippettmusic + Design by
Reverb is a young, up-andcoming society that represents the Music and Sound Design cohort at UTS. Throughout each semester, we strive to maintain a tight-knit cohort and also connect with those who demonstrate any interest in Music Production and its industry, through networking events, workshops and course advice from senior students.
Heading into 2026, Reverb is lining up a few key exciting events. We will be hosting a monthly beat competition through our Discord, where participants can submit a short beat each month for adjudication by our executive team. Participants will be in the running to win new and exclusive Reverb merch!
Synth 101
Following the success of our Synth 101 event with Turramurra Music last semester, in the 2026 Autumn semester we are looking to continue this collaboration with a Modular Synthesiser workshop. Last semester Turramurra Music very kindly joined us on campus to teach us the basics
of Synthesis, awarding two participants very generous door prizes. Not only was this a valuable learning opportunity for Music and Sound Design students, but it also allowed UTS students from other disciplines to delve into the power of analogue and digital synthesisers.
The ‘Alumni Night’
The ‘Alumni Night’ was another highlight from last semester. Previous graduates from the Music and Sound Design course joined us at UTS to share what best helped them find work and progress their careers. The event started with a Q&A Panel and then moved to an open-floor networking session. Many students spoke to us after this event and mentioned how it opened up further career possibilities for them within the industry which they had not previously considered. We are keen to run this event again in 2026, featuring a new lineup of alumni.
Moving into 2026, first and foremost, our focus is on firstyear Music and Sound Design students. Our executive team will be hosting a course ‘tips and tricks’ seminar to assist the new cohort in getting the absolute most out of the degree. We believe it is important for new students to understand where the course can assist them, where Reverb can help them, and where industry experience can come into play to help them excel and grow their skillset.
Why join Reverb?
Reverb, to me, is perfectly placed to foster UTS’s Music and Sound Design cohort and help the cohort thrive. Given the select size of our cohort, I believe Reverb can be the means to creating a close-knit community that can thrive together and support the creative works of students. In my opinion, a creative
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degree such as ours would benefit from an increase in community and collaboration. Reverb is in a position to promote this.
Ben Tippett President of Reverb
The following article mentions alcohol and drug usage, please read with discretion.
Alcohol can be fun. It can also be the fastest way to turn a good night into a horrible one. People act like it’s harmless because it’s normalised and legal, but it is still a drug. It affects your judgement, your mood, your coordination, and your ability to make decisions that you may regret the next morning.
The biggest misconception about drinking is that ‘the goal is to get as drunk as possible’. It’s not. The goal is to have a good night and remember it – not black out, not cry in a kebab shop, and not end up carried down Broadway like a sack of laundry.
If you want to drink in a virtually “safe” manner”, there are some rules that actually work:
Drinking on an empty stomach is just paying money to feel sick faster.
Even if you feel annoyed doing it. No one has ever regretted drinking water halfway through a night, but plenty of people have regretted thinking they were invincible.
If you’re slamming drinks back like it’s a speedrun, your body will catch up with you eventually, and it will not be kind about it. Pick something you can sip without hating your life, and without turning your stomach into an experimental chemistry lab by mixing everything you can get your hands on.
When you’re already drunk, you stop making good choices, and suddenly you’re shouting rounds for people you don’t even like.
If someone is getting sloppy, help them slow down. If someone disappears, check on them. And if someone is in danger, get help early. A night out should not become a medical emergency because everyone was too embarrassed to call it.
The same goes for drugs. There is a lot of propaganda and misinformation out there, which makes it difficult to find accurate and helpful information. The UTSSA does not encourage or endorse drug use. However, students deserve clear, factual information about what different substances are, why they might be present in student spaces, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Not all substances carry the same risks, and legality does not always line up neatly with harm. If someone, even a friend, offers you something and you do not know what it is, you are allowed to say no. You do not owe anyone an explanation. Some red flags to note are whether you are being pressured or rushed, someone being deliberately vague, people mixing substances without telling you, or insisting a substance is “safe” because it is “natural” or “legal”.
If you think you have taken something unintentionally, or someone is responding to drugs in a concerning manner, such as: overheating, panicking, confusion, or collapse, treat it seriously and get medical help immediately. Your health matters more than embarrassment.
If you have further concerns, feel free to access these services.
Free and confidential counselling for NSW residents concerned about alcohol and/or drug misuse. 24/7 information and support line 1800 250 015
Situations requiring immediate medical intervention 000
Music Society UTS
My name is Hayley and I’m the UTS Music Society (MuscUTS) President for 2026. MuscUTS caters for all kinds of music enthusiasts– whether you’re someone who always has headphones on, a casual singer, or a dedicated performer who feels most at home on stage! Each semester, our calendar is packed with opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate music together. Some of our most popular events each semester include our open mic nights, held in the cosy, intimate atmosphere of The Loft.
These nights give members the chance to share a song, try something new, or simply cheer on fellow performers in a warm and encouraging space. We also host End-of-Semester Concerts at external venues, giving our musicians real experience in the Sydney live-music scene; a moment many members describe as a personal highlight of their university life.
WordsbyHaleyChau she/her @haley.chau
Beyond performances, we run instrument workshops tailored to everyone from absolute beginners to skilled musicians who are looking for areas to improve! We also have our flagship collaboration event, Panic! At The Underground, which transforms the UTS Underground and Hideout into a Halloween emo-night spectacular. Featuring tribute bands, a stunning Alt Fashion Society costume contest, and stalls from a range of other collaborating societies, it’s our biggest and most electric event of the year.
Initially, I only joined the society to be a part of the Jam Club Ensemble, and was too shy to attend any of the other events the society was running. Even so, the ensemble was incredibly welcoming; our post-rehearsal dinners were super wholesome and quickly became the highlight of my week and this society has shaped my entire university experience. It’s where I met some of the most genuine, talented people I know, some of my closest friends to this day, and my partner.
Personally, all the performance opportunities also really enabled me to heighten my skills and confidence as a musician, all while creating the sweetest memories.The sense of belonging I felt pushed me to run for Vice President in mid 2024, and now to take on the role of President in 2026 the coming year, with the a goal to recreate my experience for every new member who joins MuscUTS. What the team and I are looking forward to in 2026.
The MuscUTS executives are eager to collaborate with more societies, especially those with whom we haven’t worked with much in the past, to bring fresh perspectives, mixes of creativity, and more cross-community events to campus. We’re also excited to run more frequent open mics, because we’ve seen firsthand how these nights help members come out of their shell and experience the thrill of performing. We’re developing brand-new events with our non-performing music lovers in mind too—because MuscUTS isn’t only for performers; it’s for everyone who finds meaning, comfort, or connection in music. And for Semeter 1, we’re planning a special themed concert inspired by Spotify Wrapped’s Soft Hearts Club (think performative, vulnerable, bedroom-pop energy), so stay tuned!.
We can’t wait to share another spectacular year of music with everyone, and are looking forward to meeting you all
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However, there was an opportunity to help with the performing of live music at one of our events. Taking this opportunit was the start of me showing up to more events, and it ultimately led to me growing my connection with other members.
President’s Report
Neeve Nagle (she/her)
Over the past month, I’ve spent my time meeting with our Officebearers to map out the UTSSA’s priorities, key projects, and strategic direction for the year ahead. These meetings have been focused on making sure we have a clear plan going into the year, that our teams are aligned on what we’re delivering for students, and that we’re ready to hit the ground running as soon as campus fully comes back to life.
I also spent a week at NUS NatCon representing the UTSSA as a delegate. It was an important opportunity to contribute to broader national conversations, advocate for students, and ensure the UTSSA had a strong presence in discussions that shape the direction of the national student movement.
At the same time, I’m currently waiting for the NSO report on UTS to be released, and have been keeping across preparations for the start of semester. I’ve also caught up with university management to discuss the new year, ensure the UTSSA is across key priorities for campus, and continue pushing conversations about student safety and wellbeing as we head into the busiest time of the year.
