CATCH HIM LIVE IN PERTH MULTICULTURAL WEEK ATHLEISURE FOOD FIX
Receive up to $7000 towards your postgrad studies The International Master’s by Coursework Scholarship program is awarded to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence. To find out if you are eligible visit scholarships.uwa.edu.au/international-masters Lighthouse Mag ad A4 FULL pg & Half pg-FA.pdf
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EAT SPORTS
CAMPUS
27 TRIATHLON JOURNEY WITH EDWIN LIAM
12 THE DAILY GRIND 14 FOOD TRUCKS ON CAMPUS 16 MEAL PREP
4 CONTRIBUTORS 5 EDITOR’S NOTE 6 DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 7 ISS 2017 COMMITTEE
STAGE 18 SHAWN MENDES
8 ISS 2017 EVENTS 9 MCW DIRECTOR’S ADDRESS 10 MULTICULTURAL WEEK
TRAVEL 36 FUN THINGS TO DO IN PERTH 38 TRAVEL (ALBANY AND
FASHION
KALBARRI)
28 STREETWEAR MEETS
HALL LIFE 22 U NIVERSITY HALL (TIM SMITH) 23 S T CATHERINE’S COLLEGE
SPORTSWEAR
MOVIES 32 THOR 33 IT 34 KINGSMAN
(MUGUNTHA MEZHISELVAM) 24 T RINITY COLLEGE (STEPHEN BOEY) 25 S T GEORGE’S COLLEGE (CHRISTOPHER RUMENOS)
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LIGHTHOUSE editor-in-chief: managing editor: sub editor: chief designer: contributing designer:
dionel arun clara yuan keith goh elise walker clara yuan dionel arun
photography:
clara yuan cynthia voon nicole claire xinyi wee
writers:
annabelle tai casey tough christopher rumenos cynthia voon darryl loke dionel arun jacqueline adenan keith goh muguntha mezhiselvam nelson ten nicole claire sandeep singh sean matjeraie stephen boey tiffany lau tim smith xinyi wee
advertising sales:
emilie fitzgerald
Lighthouse is a free bi-annual publication produced by the UWA Student Guild in collaboration with The International Students’ Service (ISS) department.
contact: International Students Service Student Guild, University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia T: +61 8 6488 2295 E: iss@guild.uwa.edu.au 4 LIGHTHOUSE
EDITOR’S NOTE This edition of Lighthouse signifies a transformation for us, METAMORPHOSIS. It has been an exciting change, resulting in a different vibe this issue. Steve Jobs once said, “Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” And so, we are proud to present METAMORPHOSIS!
Our cover boy SHAWN MENDES (Pg 18), though only turning 19 this year, knows a lot about change. From his bedroom in Ontario to the O2 Arena, he has enjoyed a success that puts many to shame. His second album, Illuminate, has topped the Billboard charts once again and there’s nothing holding him back from reaching new heights.
Discover what the food trucks have to offer on campus (Pg 14), and for the healthconscious, learn how to get started on meal preps (Pg 16). Who doesn’t like a good cuppa joe? Find out where are the best coffee places to get your daily fix (Pg 12).
Start getting pumped for Multicultural Week (Pg 10), which hosts the biggest food festival every year – Spring Feast! Also, get to know what ISS is all about and meet us at events that we hold for international students (Pg 8).
Read first-hand accounts from Residential Advisors about the perks of college life and learn about what they do in supporting the running of the college (Pg 22-25). If you’re new to Perth, check out what there is to do in Perth (Pg 36). For the more adventurous, check out our suggested itineraries to Kalbarri (Pg 38) and Albany (Pg 39).
Taking over the role of editor from Dionel naturally came with great responsibility and high expectations. Following the success of the previous Lighthouse edition, I did doubt my own capabilities, wondering if I could pull off yet another sensational edition. I had to juggle many responsibilities and learn to prioritise all that I had on my plate but what kept me going through this period, pushing me on to produce METAMORPHOSIS, was this motto that resonates deep within me – Nothing worth having comes easy. We have all worked hard to get to where we are now; Believe in yourself and make your student life count. Welcome to UWA :)
Clara Yuan Managing Editor
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Heading the International Students’ Service (ISS) of the Guild has been the craziest but the most rewarding journey of my university experience. We started the year with a lot of uncertainty and anxiety regarding how the year would pan out for us, but now having passed the halfway mark, I can safely say that we have come a long way. At ISS, we always aim to cater to all international students of UWA, creating an environment where the international student population can feel safe, engage in social opportunities, and strive for academic excellence. This year, we continued the much-anticipated Rottnest Island trip from the previous years and went further by adding an alternative outing to Caversham Wildlife Park, helping our international students explore these noteworthy parts of Perth. We also ensure that all contributions across our social media platforms are written by international students, for international students. We want to make sure that the international student voice is heard, that the quality of our articles and information remain relevant to the international student population, and with that, hope to create a unique student identity forged by the experiences of our international students. In our first edition of Lighthouse last semester, we offered fresh perspectives on campus foods and the best food finds in Perth (which is always helpful for international students on a budget), and featured international students on college row. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team and all the people who supported us, who made this year a memorable one for the international students of UWA. It’s been a privilege serving you as your ISS Director and I want to assure you that ISS will always continue to address the interests of international students. I believe that this is just the beginning of something amazing. I’ll sign off with what I said during the International Student Expo: don’t be just a student - get involved, take chances, and embrace this unique student culture that our university has to offer. With that, on behalf of ISS, thank you for your continuous support.
Darryl Loke Director (2017) International Students Service (ISS)
ISS@guild.uwa.edu.au
UWA student guild international students service
www.uwastudentguild.com/about/departments/ISS/
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UWA international students
lighthousemagazineblog.wordpress.com
uwaguildiss
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Darryl Loke
Nicole Seyler
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Sean Lee
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Clara Yuan
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Kelvin Tan
Sungbeen Jun
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1. ISS Director 2. Executive Secretary Douglas Chia
Timothy Lee
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3. Executive Treasurer 4. Marketing Director & Lighthhouse Editor 5. Welfare & Education Director 6. Social Director 7. Welfare & Educator Officer 8. Social Decretary 9. MCW Managing Director 10. Ordinary Committee Member
Tiffany Lau
Bryan Quah
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXPO 2017 “Let’s face it, the first day of school is dreadful when you don’t know anyone. The International Student Expo was definitely a great opportunity for me to get to know new friends who were just as lost as I am.” - Alexandra Lowe INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WELCOME 2017 SEMESTER 1 “I don’t ever want to miss this event again… yes again!” - Alejandra Cornelio Arana SUMMER BASH 2017 “Who can resist a fun day under the sun
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ISS Events 2017 at a beautiful beach with some sausages on the grill that’s…. FREE! Whoohooo!” Sungbeen
STUDY PACK GIVEAWAY “Imagine coming in to uni on a Monday morning with all the blues that you could hold and getting free stuff from smiley happy people! #Dream” - Samantha Zhang ISS CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK DAY TRIP 2017 SEMESTER 1 “Have you ever seen Big-Chubby-Fat Koala bears? Have you? If your answer is no, then you should join ISS for their next
day trip to Caversham!” - Timothy Lee ISS ROTTNEST ISLAND DAY TRIP 2017 SEMESTER 1 “Yes, I fell down the slope, and yes, it was painful but I wouldn’t let it take away the awesome time I had at Rottnest with my friends. Thanks ISS for making it affordable!” - Thiviyah Malaravan ISS WELFARE WEEK 2017 SEMESTER 1 “It’s an awesome feeling when you can play bubble soccer in the middle of a school day right in the midst of crunch time. Thanks ISS for taking the load off us!” - Shahid Ahmed
Hi there! I’m Tiff, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving as Multicultural Week’s Managing Director for 2017. It has been a whirlwind of an experience; I’m so proud of what we have already accomplished this year and there’s only more to come! Multicultural Week (MCW) is a subcommittee of the International Students’ Services (ISS). It began in 1999 to celebrate the diversity of the student body of UWA as well as to bring multicultural awareness to the wider community and it has grown to become one of the most highly anticipated weeks in the year. This year, MCW will run from 2 October to 6 October, with our biggest event, Spring Feast, on 5 October, starting at 6pm. Spring Feast is an amazingly delicious food festival, held right here on Oak Lawn with live performances from dance troupes, singers and more. Stalls sell food, snacks, and drinks from all over the world. From satay sticks to curry puffs, and spiral spuds to dessert pancakes, you’re bound to find something new to try at Spring Feast. It is the largest studentrun event on campus with over 5000 attendees each year! We are also running a number of other events during that week. Opening Ceremony officially welcomes everyone to the beginning of MCW, featuring speeches by UWA members and esteemed guests, as well as amazing performances. This year, we are also hosting MCW Family Feud, which marks the return of a twist on a classic game show, and has been wildly popular in previous years, selling out in the last two years. I have been involved with MCW since 2014, and I can personally attest to its rapid growth and value both within and beyond the UWA community. I started as an ordinary committee member, not really knowing what to expect, but the family I found in MCW and ISS has become the highlight of my time at UWA, and I know I have made friends for life. The MCW family welcomes everyone, from all cultures, ethnicities, and racial backgrounds to fulfil a shared goal, to embrace, enrich and enliven multiculturalism, both within and beyond UWA. MCW would not be possible without each and every single member of the MCW family, and I thank them for their hard work and dedication over the last 10 months. I would also like to thank our sponsors, without whom MCW would be unable to fulfil its goals. From each of us at MCW, we hope that you have enjoyed our events this year and we’ll be seeing you at Spring Feast! Tiffany Lau Managing Director Multicultural Week
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Multicultural Week
“A wide variety of stalls selling food of all cuisines, alongside the company of great friends and festive atmosphere. In that moment, I could really feel the cultural diversity of the student population.” – Hazel Tan 10 LIGHTHOUSE
Multicultural Week Family Fued 4TH OCTOBER Enjoy quiz nights? Come to Multicultural Week’s twist on the event. Bring your ‘family’ and battle it out against the other teams. It’ll be a night full of fun, laughter, and games!
Spring Feast 5TH OCTOBER Spring Feast is an annual event during Multicultural Week. Beginning in 1999, this year will be the 18th edition of this awesome event. Even though there are many differences between the vast array of all our cultures, we are not all that different when it comes to our love for food! Through our mutual fondness for culinary goodness, and a display of performances from around the world, Spring Feast hopes to bring everyone together to enjoy a beautiful night of multiculturalism.
Cultural Workshops 2ND - 5TH OCTOBER Want to dip your toes into different cultures? Join various workshops held throughout the week, hosted by our very own cultural clubs of UWA.
Opening Ceremony
International Sports
2ND OCTOBER
Extravaganza
Welcome Multicultural Week with a
3RD OCTOBER
bang! Multicultural Week’s goal is to
Try your hand at sports from all over
celebrate, embrace, and raise awareness
the globe. From Hide and Seek to
of the cultural diversity in Australia
Torball, Kabaddi to Quidditch, you’re
around UWA. It’ll be a festive afternoon
sure to experience something new.
full of performances and addresses from
There’s no need to be athletic; Just
people from all walks of life.
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The Daily Grind Join Cynthia Voon as she shares with you her coffee fix for her daily needs.
Edition We students like free Wi-Fi, don’t we? Edition café offers you just that on top of a wide range of gastronomical choices, from brunch to sweet treats and even savoury muffins. Seats in the café are as plenty as it can get, with long couches, communal tables, high stools to people-watch, and square tables for those who prefer a more intimate setting. The café boasts some beautiful flowers for sale at the door if you’re out to impress a date. TransPerth parking is also available on site, with Swanbourne station just around the corner. Closing at 5PM every day, Edition Café is the perfect place to curb your late afternoon tea cravings! Image: Edition Café
The Tenth State More commonly known as TTS, The Tenth State is a common coffee hotspot for those studying at UWA and was voted by users of the Hey You Coffee app as the best coffee in Perth. Just a stone’s throw away from uni, students and even office staff come by to TTS for a quick break or to satisfy that midday coffee craving. Prices at TTS vary from $3.80 for a small cup of espresso to $5.50 for the large. The café not only offers regular coffee, they also serve alternatives for the non-coffee drinkers, such as Matcha Lattes and Chai Lattes (Both vanilla and spiced available)! They also carry a wide range of pastries, bagels, and cakes, as well as specialty tea like the popular Kombucha tea! TTS opens from 6:30AM to 5PM, Monday to Friday, and Saturday till 1PM, closed on Sunday.
Telegram Coffee Located in the State Building along St George’s Terrace, Telegram Coffee has found a home in Perth’s CBD. The space that Telegram offers is not like any usual café; It is shared with Petition and Post, situated in the same building. If you’re just hanging around the city with some hours to kill, drop by Telegram for a cuppa joe at just $4 (Medium-sized), grab a seat on the high stools of the café and read some magazines or get some work done while enjoying the ambience and elegance of the building. The State Building also offers free Wi-Fi.
Foam Coffee Bar Nestled in hippie suburb of Leederville is Foam Coffee Bar, your one-stop café to get a pick-me-up. Foam is one of the few late-night cafés, operating from 6:30AM to 10PM. With a large communal table and plugs nearby, you can always find students gathering in the café engaged in discussion or busy typing away on their laptops. But the best part about Foam? They offer free Wi-Fi! Drinks range from $3.50 to $7, with regular coffees, smoothies, and even milkshakes. If you are craving some yummy foods to satisfy your brunch needs, Foam serves a classic toast with preserves or avocado smash. Don’t forget about the pastries and cakes to go with your cuppa joe!
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UpTown Cott UpTown Cott is a relatively new café in the Cottesloe neighbourhood and is furnished with beautiful white walls and comfy couches, as well as seating by the barista so you watch the artists in action. Brunch options are available at the café, and if full meals don’t suit you, try their ham and cheese croissant or the pastries at the counter. Located just a five-minute walk away from Cottesloe train station, it’s hard to say no to this Instagram-worthy café and suburb. Prices start from $4 for coffee and $20 for brunch. .
environment for your four-legged friends after a run. For students, they have free Wi-Fi and a large seating area for group discussions and is rather idyllic for a lazy afternoon in Perth.
The Daily Espresso Bar Serving some of the best coffee in town, this small café in Swanbourne is a must if you’re in the area. Surrounded with brick walls and plants, this quaint coffee shop is great for one-to-one catch-ups as it is only 40 square metres in size. Though not too far away from Swanbourne train station, it is easy to miss
Vans Café
so be sure to keep an eye out for it. Menu
Cottesloe is booming with choices, with new cafes and food choices popping up faster than you can say “pumpkin spice soy latte”. But among the new and burgeoning is a golden oldie, Vans Café. It has been in the neighbourhood for over 25 years and operates almost all-day long. Café by day and bistro by night, Vans’ prices are a little on the high side as they are a licensed venue and operate every day till 10:30PM. On the bright side, Vans offers both outdoor and indoor seating and is a pet-friendly
affordable prices, and coffee starts at around
options range from toasties to pastries at $4 for a regular cup of Proud Mary roast or Loaded beans.
Gill St Café The sister café of Vans Café in Cottesloe, Gill St Café is yet another Instagram-friendly café with beautifully plated dishes that will sit well on any Instagram feed. Serving a wide range of food, the café boasts relatively affordable prices from organic toasts going at $5.50 to a full meal at $24. Not only do they serve the regular coffee, but also cold drinks such as freshly made juices, slushies, and milkshakes for the non-coffee drinkers. Nestled in the western suburbs of Perth, it is perfect for some quiet time on a Saturday afternoon.
Daisies Hidden in the residential area of Cottesloe, Daisies is a short drive or walk from Cottesloe station. Offering not only coffee, Daisies’ food options are aplenty, serving customers a range of pastries and savouries for the soul. The café also serves full meals such as salads, sandwiches, as well as ice-cream sandwiches for those with a sweet tooth. With the outdoor seating available, come by and enjoy the sea breeze while having a nice, chill catch-up session with your mates. For those with sensitivities, vegan alternatives are also available.
Felix Coffee Felix and Co always proves itself worth the walk down Hampden Road and is not only popular amongst the office workers in Nedlands, but also amongst students, particularly those in UWA’s Medical School and Architectural and Fine Arts Building just around the corner. Felix provides some of the best comfort foods for students, such Ham and Cheese toasties, with a side of their homemade dressing, and many other options – all below $10. The café also offers some very special blends, allowing the coffee-snobs to try the many different types of roast. On top of that, the baristas at Felix and Co are more than happy to have a quick chat with you about their coffee: A+ for friendliness, Felix! (Writer’s Note: While most cafés close on Sundays around the Hampden area, Felix is closed at 4pm on Sundays, go get your pick me up there!)
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FROM JAPANESE TO GREEK CUISINES, NOODLES TO DUMPLINGS, CARB-LOADED TO LIGHT SALADS. JOIN NICOLE CLAIRE AS SHE EXPLORES WHAT’S IN THE FOOD TRUCK SCENE AT UWA.
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choices of fillings like lamb, chicken, and falafel. Apart from that, you can customise your sauces or ask for extras (at an additional price) and there you have it, a meal from Greek Streats. If you’re not familiar with falafel, it is a deep-fried ball, made from ground chickpeas, fava beans or both. Greek
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JUMPLINGS Jumplings, said to be Perth’s best food truck, is a common sight in school every day. As its name might suggest, they offer Asian fusion cuisine. From individual dumplings to noodle bowls, you are sure to be served whatever your heart (and stomach) desires. Apart from food, they also sell drinks. Each serving is a carb-filled diet, coming with three huge dumplings, udon noodles, cabbage, and garnished with coriander. Apart from that, it is topped with some homemade chili and a delicious truffle ponzu sauce. It might sound like an extremely weird combination but take our word for it – it works. If you see it in school and decide to have some, definitely go with an empty stomach!
Streats serves it in a bowl with a side salad, chips, and flat bread. The falafels were cooked brilliantly, and the chips were extremely crispy. It is definitely worth a go, if you don’t mind the queue. However, it is rather filling so either share it with a friend or order with a very empty stomach!
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That green and black food truck you see on Oak Lawn? Yep, that belongs to Zambrero. Following their motto, “Healthy, Modern and Fresh”, they have an easily customisable menu and can be made gluten or dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan-friendly. At this taco truck, you can choose between
GREEK STREATS
SHAWARMA CLUB It has a reputation as a reliable mobile food vendor selling a unique fusion of authentic and fresh Middle Eastern cuisine. Their current menu includes shawarma, falafel, kobbuh, and chips. They also cater to vegetarians, with a selection of salads. If there was one thing apart from its exceptional food that Sharwarma Club excels in, it would be their service. Many students who have tried their food had many good things to say about their service and have given it a fiery thumbs-up.
ZAMBRERO
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their amazing chicken and beef burritos, bowls, and nachos that are made fresh to order. Their chicken burrito bowl is a popular choice. The ingredients go together so perfectly, and it is definitely very filling
TThis food truck is definitely easy to spot in school; It is bright blue and tends to have an extremely long line.
- perfect for those who do not have
Greek Streats allows you to choose your style – Traditional, Authentic, American, or Streat Box – with your
entire day. However, for those of you
time for breakfast and need a good lunch to sustain them through the with a smaller appetite, it is fairly sized portion that is great for sharing as well.
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SOUL COCINA CANTINA It is a pop-up restaurant on wheels, carrying an ever-changing seasonal menu inspired by fresh produce. Their handmade dishes blend local ingredients with Spanish and South American influence, creating diverse flavours and texture. They have slowcooked free-range proteins topped with zesty sauces and salsas as well as fresh salads. Some of their popular dishes are the soul salad (Mexican salad), the Mojo and smoky bean bowl, gluten-free fish tacos as well as burritos. Their prices lean on the higher end but if you share it with friends, you get to try more while splitting the costs!
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MEAL PREP A little bit of meal prep goes a long way. Find out from NELSON TEN as he shares his meal prep tips and a simple recipe to get you inspired.
WHAT IS MEAL PREP? If you have friends who are gym junkies, then chances are that you would have heard the words “meal prep” before. But what exactly are they talking about? For bodybuilders, it is a great way of keeping track of your macro-nutrients, protein intake, and calories. If all that sounds a bit confusing, don’t worry! For just the average person, meal prepping is essentially cooking in bulk and is a great way to save both time and money. As students, most of our money for the month goes to eating out. The average price of a good meal is usually above $20, but for a fraction of that price, you can eat just as much if you prepare the meals yourself. This is an easy way to save tens of dollars without starving yourself! By planning and preparing your own food, not only do you get to balance your diet, you can also arrange meals that suit your dietary needs. For example, if you’re diabetic, you can prepare low GI carbohydrate foods while limiting the amount of sugar in your diet.
be fine. But if you’re in it for the long haul, sturdy pyrex glass containers or food-safe containers are a good investment as flimsy plastic containers don’t tend to last for more than a few weeks and will require constant replacing.
GIVE IT A GO The difficult part about meal prep is not cooking it, but rather, deciding what food to prep for the week. If you’re keen on trying to start meal prepping, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
SAUSAGE & BROCCOLI FUSILLI Servings: 4 Cooks in: 2 hours
INGREDIENTS: • 500g Broccoli • 1 Pack of Sausages (Any Kind) • 400g Fusilli Pasta
WHO
• 400g Cherry Tomatoes
Anyone can benefit from meal prepping, student or working adult. The convenience that comes from a good meal prep system is not to be underestimated. The beauty of meal prep is that if you are following a special diet or have any dietary restrictions for that matter, meal prep lets you tailor your own meals to your own needs!
• 4 Yellow Capsicums, Diced
SETTING A ROUTINE
3. Add the pasta to boiling water and cook following packet’s directions. Once cooked, separate into food containers equally.
Regardless of whether you are living on or off campus, it is always a good idea to plan what you want to cook in the coming week – be it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Then, set aside a day dedicated to buying groceries and cooking. Keep in mind that you will be cooking about seven days’ worth of food so it will take a while, but fret not, as time goes by, you will get accustomed to cooking such portions. If you have a large wok or pan, that will definitely ease your load. Don’t be afraid of cooking more! When cooking your meals, utilise the time in between steps to wash up some of the utensils that you’ve used to avoid a cleaning overload at the end.
TIP If you’re not particular, using simple plastic containers will
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
METHOD: 1. Fill large pot with salted water, bring to boil. 2. Meanwhile, wash and chop the broccoli florets and stalk into bite-size pieces. Wash and dice capsicums.
4. Pan roast the cherry tomatoes. Alternatively, drizzle with olive oil and roast in an oven at 400°C for 10 minutes or until tomatoes collapse. 5. Fry the sausages on a pan until golden or cooked through. Slice into small pieces after cooled. Divide them equally and add to food containers. 6. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Add the broccoli and stir for 2 minutes. Add the capsicum and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until the capsicum is tender but still remains crisp. Transfer to food containers. 7. Serve with Italian dressing or pasta sauce of your choice. Mix well and enjoy. LIGHTHOUSE
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“I’m permanent; You can’t erase me.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONTIER & UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Join Keith Goh as he walks you through how this bedroom singer became an international headliner. Watch out, Bieber – Canada’s got a new star!
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONTIER & UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Turning only 19 this year, the talented Shawn Mendes outshines us 20-somethings like a glowing light of ambition and talent in the terrifying darkness that is adulthood. With a voice that one can liken to warm towels distributed before a flight, it comes as no surprise that the young singer has gained a massive following in the recent years – and his looks don’t hurt either. “Touring is the number one way of figuring out where to take the music. You see what fans react to, what they like. I really created this music (the album) picturing it being performed live,” he said in anticipation of his Illuminate World Tour.
DEFYING THE ODDS Set to travel to over 20 countries with over 60 shows, Internet sensation turned professional singer (where have we heard that before?) Shawn Mendes commenced on his second world tour in April and is scheduled to perform in Australia towards the end of the year. This world tour follows his sold-out 2016 world tour, as well as his sold-out album release show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. While Mendes’ arrival in Perth come December won’t be his first in Australia, it does mark his first visit to this small city. But already, tickets are selling faster than Carrie Bradshaw at a Manolo Blahnik sample sale… And for the uninitiated, faster than Kim Kardashian’s marriage to Kris Humphries. With a face that can only be described as devilishly charming, the Toronto-born teen idol has been featured on the covers of
many publications (including our humble own) and has without a shadow of a doubt stolen the hearts of many teens around the world. Being born and raised in a time where the use of social media is commonplace, the star was discovered online, similar to the likes of Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen. The young star first gained traction on Vine, a social media platform that allows users to post short 6-second videos. These little snippets of his singing were enough to gain him a large following and he now boasts about 4.9 million followers and a total of about 505 million replays on his videos. “I was one of those kids who was just always on the Internet, always on[line], so it was easy for me to do it. It’s not work; it’s just fun,” he said in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Being a member of the Z Generation played such a crucial role in Mendes’ success. If he has Vine to thank for his fame, then part of his skills would have to be attributed to YouTube. Mendes shared that he had only picked up the guitar six months before he posted his first video on Vine. In fact, he learnt the instrument by watching tutorials on YouTube. “I’m very amateur, which is funny because I’m not in the amateur leagues,” he continued. “I don’t feel like I’m caught up talent-wise to my career. There is such a hype and a big build up to me, and it’s very hard to meet those expectations. That’s been a big stress in my life. I never felt like I was good enough and only nowadays am I starting to feel like I deserve [all of this]. I felt like there were so many [other] talented people who should be getting what I have.” LIGHTHOUSE
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONTIER & UNIVERSAL MUSIC
“I realized that’s how powerful music is, that it can pull something entirely new out of me.”
HIS JOURNEY His 2015 debut album, Handwritten, entered the Billboard charts at number one with four platinum singles, making him the youngest artist since Justin Bieber to top the charts. Mendes confesses that the production process of that album was a little rushed. He only had five months to produce it and felt that he could not really pay proper attention to it. In spite of this, his wide success with the album is clearly indicative of how talented he is and how much more he has to show the world. In this second album, Mendes has done exactly that. He took the time to ensure that the music was exactly as he wanted it, and you can definitely tell that he has found a new voice within him. With Illuminate, there is certainly a deeper sense of maturity in his lyrics and this unshakeable sensation of exploration on Mendes’ part. “I was just looking for whatever happened, whatever came straight from the heart,” he shared. “It was a really different, out-ofbody experience. Being open to failing, to change, to movement and inspiration, I found that there was more of me in every song – serious problems and thoughts
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that I didn’t know how to put into words; It was really magical… I realized that’s how powerful music is, that it can pull something entirely new out of me.”
understand any one person without sitting and talking to them, but music is one of the fastest ways to learn about somebody.”
“I needed to get these songs out of me, but I’m ready to go write albums three, four, and five right now. I just have so many more songs to write,” he continued.
Indeed if music is the fastest way to know someone, then John Mayer would probably have a very good clue about the type of person Mendes is. Mendes had always been a big fan of Mayer and has expressed this affection on a few occasions. One of his wishes was recently fulfilled when Mayer himself reached out to Mendes to lend his wisdom and a helping hand in songwriting. While they did not get to work together, Mayer listened to a few of the songs during the production stage and gave advice on the lyrics and the music, particularly on songs like Three Empty Words and Patience.
The album proves that Mendes is creating music for the long haul and he has all the right makings to turn it into a lifelong gig. His hard work paid off, with Illuminate debuting at number one on the Billboard charts once again. One of his singles on the album, Treat You Better, is closing on 1 billion views on YouTube. But the one song to look out for on the album would have to be Ruin. The blue song carries a deep pain and sombreness and was an early indicator for Mendes as to where the album should head. By the time he had finished Mercy, he said that he had felt transformed. “I don’t want to sound cocky, but it was very easy to make this music,” he commented with regard to Illuminate. “The stars aligned and I found a whole new voice. I feel like I really know myself right now. I just hope the world views me as who I am, musically and otherwise. It’s hard for millions of people to really
There is no denying that they share a great connection, but that’s not all they share. In one of Mayer’s recent shows in Toronto this April, Mendes appeared as a special guest to the delight of many, and they together performed a mash-up of their songs Mercy and In Your Atmosphere. Mendes later Tweeted about the event saying, “John Mayer is the best… What a night,” and even ended it with a little heart emoji. Aww, come on now, Mendes, there’s no need to be coy about it – you were totally living your dream.
LIVING A DREAM Speaking of living a dream, Mendes even toured with Taylor Swift during her 1989 World Tour back in 2015 and celebrated his 17th birthday on stage with Swift. In addition, this was the tour that was responsible for bringing Mendes together with fellow singer Camila Cabello for their duet, I Know What You Did Last Summer. “It wasn’t a career move that I carefully planned out. We literally just wrote a song backstage, and it ended up becoming something awesome,” shared Cabello in an interview with Seventeen magazine. Till today, Mendes and Cabello still enjoy a close friendship, and you know that a friendship is good when you constantly have to swat away relationship rumours about the two of you. After their
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONTIER & UNIVERSAL MUSIC
collaboration, there was a lot of talk about the pair dating, and they must have spent a good portion of last year reiterating that they are just friends. #FriendshipGoals But as Mendes grows older and matures into a suitable bachelor, ripe for the picking, it is evident that all of this is merely the beginning of what is going to be a fantastic career, particularly given his early success. It will be an interesting few years for Mendes as he begins on his journey of adulthood, growing up under the spotlight of the world, and breaking the hearts of thousands around the world when a day finally comes for Mendes to go public about whichever relationship he will be involved in. But until then, fans may continue to fall asleep in the sweet comfort that he is, at least for now, single and available – or at least that’s what he says.
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UNIVERSITY HALL TIM SMITH Residential Advisor Doctor of Medicine Living at University Hall, right across
I can participate in any social event,
chatting with someone who is upset
the road from UWA, is a fantastic
knowing that friends are always going
or stressed, and helping them find the
experience that I have enjoyed for five
to be there, be it a sports team, tutorials,
years now. The college takes pride
movie nights, or celebrating Ramadan.
support they need. I’ve patched up cuts
in its diversity of students living here,
Whatever you choose to do, there are
with each individual culture having an
always things happening. This lively
influence on the larger community, and
college culture where people can
like being a parent, sometimes having
with the community playing back and
pursue their passions is probably what
to tell people off for making too much
providing a wide range of events and
has kept me here for so long!
noise when they’re disturbing others,
experiences for all.
and bruises, soothed burns with water and sore throats with tea. It’s somewhat
but it has been an enriching experience Last year, I became a Residential Advisor
in every way.
I began studying Physiology here in
(RA) here, and I was exposed to a part
2013, and moved on to Medicine in 2016.
of the inner workings that had made
I was born in South Africa but grew up
college such a memorable experience
on the east coast of Australia, and
for me beforehand. As an RA, I live with
different
then spent high school here in Perth. I
a group of residents – a mix of oldies
together in small groups to make
suppose I chose to come to college in
and newcomers – and spend my time
these little things happen, keeping the
hopes of an enriching experience, and
engaging them in their community life:
community buzzing. And when we all
ended up staying for longer than I had
Looking after their concerns, worries
expected. This journey was made all the
and questions, and manning an after-
come together as one big team, we
more memorable thanks to the friends
hours support line from time to time.
I’ve made here, the staff who have
Within the team, we all have many responsibilities;
we
get
throw some pretty fantastic gala events. So as far as I can see, there is always
supported me along the way, and the
Being an RA carries the responsibility
an opportunity here for everyone to
student leaders who have woven the
of looking after the well-being of
do something, be someone, and make
community together.
residents. I will often be up at night
something new happen.
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ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE MUGUNTHA MEZHISELVAM Residential Advisor Master of Pharmacy Five years ago, after I completed
interviews. This helps us connect with
accommodate
my
in
our residents, understand their needs
of
Pharmaceutical Science, I was offered
and provide appropriate support. We
includes College-wide events such as
a place at UWA to pursue a Masters
also provide pastoral care and support
Commencement Dinners, Inter-College
degree in Pharmacy. Having lived with
to later-year students as well as
sports, art classes, ‘Life Hacks’ and
my parents for 22 years, making the
fostering engagement and celebrating
move to Perth was not only a tough
the diversity within our community.
more.
decision for myself, but for everyone
Part of my role as the Director of
in the family. However, they eventually
Student Support is to also assist in
came to be very supportive abou it.
organising events and activities that
My family didn’t know anyone from
add to the College experience. We start
Perth, but one reason why I am still
the year off with a bang by planning our
living at St Cat’s today is because it
Orientation Week (O-Week) months
truly has become a home to me. I still
in advance. Each year, the week has
have fond memories of my Residential
a different theme and is packed with
stepped out of my comfort zone to join
Advisor (RA) from my first year, who
events and activities that focus on
the College’s Leadership Team.
took the time to show me around the
university life.
Five years ago, I moved to Perth to
College and the neighbourhood, and
This is also a chance for our new
pursue a Masters degree, but I have
even accompanied me for meals in
residents to meet and mingle with the
received far more than I ever bargained
the Dining Hall. All of this made me
later-year residents. We also make
for. I have so much to look forward to
feel like I was a valued member of the
use of O-Week activities such as our
this year with graduation, and I am so
community. More importantly, this has
‘Insta Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Brekkie Quiz’
grateful for all the fond memories that
not changed even though St Cat’s has
to introduce our residents to all the
I have and will continue
grown tremendously over the last three
facilities and resources available
make, when I look back
years.
in College and on campus.
In 2016, I was given the incredible
on my time here in
Following O-Week, the
opportunity
semester has plenty
Perth and at St
undergraduate
to
join
degree
the
College’s
Leadership Team, which has added a
of
brilliant dimension to my stay. This year,
activities
I have been appointed the Director of
e n g a g e
Student Support and am responsible for
residents
a team of 13 RAs. We try to encourage
a n d
events
and
passions
a and
wide
variety
interests.
This
Ultimately, the highlights of my time at St Cat’s were those occasions where I could contribute and give back to the community. I don’t think I would have had the chance to interact and work with such a diverse group of people and develop the skills I have now had I not
t
o
Cat’s.
to
participation as well as gather feedback so that we can assist residents in need or put them in touch with the relevant services. Being the first point of contact, our roles allow us to touch base with all our residents regularly via
wing
meetings,
events and informal
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TRINITY COLLEGE STEPHEN BOEY Residential Advisor Bachelor of Science (Engineering) I am from Malaysia and came to
residents updated on recent and up-
However, we do not make decisions for
Perth to further my education in 2015.
coming activities both in and out of
the residents as most of them are young
I am currently enrolled in Bachelor
college. It may sound like a lot of work,
adults and are capable of making
of Science, majoring in Engineering
but you learn how to properly manage
their own decisions. We do however
Science and Management at UWA
your time and eventually get used to
encourage and try to create a warm and
and have lived in Trinity College the
the lifestyle.
helpful environment for the residents
whole time I was here. This year, I was privileged enough to be chosen as a
Being a Resident Advisor in Trinity
Resident Advisor (RA).
College isn’t all just about work though. For one, I am constantly learning new
where everyone can be themselves. In Trinity College, there is this sense of community that everybody feels they
One of the responsibilities of being an
skills to help me excel in life, such as
RA is being there for the residents and
intending
helping them out when they need it. RAs
first aid courses, and mental first aid
in Trinity College are also responsible
courses. Moreover, being a Resident
for the well-being and security of the
Advisor opens up more doors to meet
college after hours, although we are
people from all around the world and to
never alone as the Head of College
learn about different cultures. Over the
and Deputy Head of College live on
years, I have slowly gotten out of my
site as well. Trinity College appoints
shell, going the extra mile in whatever it
residents as RAs instead of outsourcing
is I’m doing, and it is during these times
half years ago). Therefore, while the RAs,
the responsibility, making it easier
that I have grown as a person.
Residential Club, and administration do
leadership
programmes,
are part of. The staff is always open for a conversation, and our lovely Dean of Students, Anni, tries to make residents feel like home. She gives off a certain kind of warmth, very much like a mother, and it is especially welcoming for an international student coming to Australia alone (That was me two and a
help nurture the culture of the college,
for residents to approach us and in turn, allows us to provide meaningful
As a Resident Advisor, we interact
it is ultimately a community effort. Trinity
help since we are all around the same
more frequently with residents than
has been my home for the past two and
age group! RAs are also responsible
the administration staff since we are
a half years, and I wouldn’t have it any
for organising wing events, keeping
peers and can relate to them more.
other way!
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ST GEORGES COLLEGE CHRISTOPHER RUMENOS Residential Advisor (International Rep) Bachelor of Science (Botany) St. George’s College prides itself on
and others. Each RA is assigned a
look after their residents and ensures
being one of the most community-
section of the college and looks after
that no one falls through the cracks.
oriented colleges on the row, offering
the residents in their respective wing, in
In
a truly unique experience at UWA.
what we call “tute groups”.
introduced an inaugural International
However, I would go further by saying
Part of the RA role is to organise events
RA role. This means we can better
that once you come here, you become
for their tute group. Last year, I had
cater to our international residents
a member of our family (a big and quirky
weekly ‘Tea & Brownie’ nights where
going forward and will build upon our
one!) - or as we say, a “Georgian”. We all
my tute group would gather in my room
look out for one another and what truly
over a wide spread of tea, coffee, milo,
extensive pastoral care program. I was
makes it great is that we come from all
hot chocolate, cakes, and chocolate
walks of life and from all around the
brownies to catch up. Another favourite
world.
event in my group was regular Dim
We have a very active student body
Sum/Yum Cha lunches in Northbridge;
that organises a myriad of wonderful
we never leave without full tummies
events ranging from college plays
and big grins! Most members of my
(A truly massive theatre production)
tute group became very close friends
to concerts performed by residents;
– I made friendships that will hopefully
tasting events to cocktail parties; house
last a lifetime. In fact, my father, an ex-
parties, of course, the annual ball! With
Georgian, is still very close to many
an event usually held at least once a
residents that he lived here with, some
while at UWA, there really is no p l a c e
week, there will always be something
from Hong Kong, Singapore, India,
like St. George’s College. It
on for everyone! In addition to this, the
and the UK!
has truly been one of the
college administration also organises
I’m also proud to say that we
events. One example is our formal
have the highest ratio of
dinners, where we don our wardrobes’
RAs to residents on
finest with academic gowns and gather
college row! This
in our Hogwarts-like dining hall to hear
really allows
truly inspiring speeches and stories
our RAs to
from varied distinguished guests and
better
addition,
St.
George’s
recently
lucky enough to be selected to take on this exciting new role and am delighted to see how we can build on and improve the programme. Being an RA for the last year and a half has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever undertaken in my life. I came to UWA and St. George’s to pursue my passion but instead, I found a home – and if you’re looking for a place to stay
best experiences of my life.
more! At St. George’s we have a comprehensive pastoral care program, with Residential Advisors (RAs) at the forefront. The RAs are typically senior students within the college who have been given extensive training in First Aid, Mental Health, Fire/ Emergency Response
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Save the Date!
INDEPENDENT ADVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! The Guild’s friendly team of Student Assist staff offers free, confidential advice and support for any issues you may face, for example if… • You have issues with your student visa or are wondering about your visa options after graduation • You’re struggling with Australian teaching and learning styles • You’ve received a letter about academic misconduct • Uncontrollable circumstances are affecting your academic performance • You’re stressed out and having trouble coping with life and/or uni • You want to request a review of a grade or a UWA decision • You feel you’ve been discriminated against, harassed or treated unfairly • Your bank account/wallet/pantry is empty and you’ve got bills to pay • You’re just not sure where to ask for help!
f more fun o s d e r d n u Find h campus at n o o d o t nts things .com/eve uild
astudentg www.uw
www.uwastudentguild.com/assist assist@guild.uwa.edu.au 6488 2292
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When asked “Why do triathlons?”, Singaporean triathlete Edwin Liam jokingly responded in his usual casual demeanour, “Why suck at one sport when you can suck at three?” Ironically, this self-deprecating motto has become an encouragement to those around him. In May this year, Edwin completed the SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton race, where he managed to beat his personal best, finishing the half-ironman distance in a little over four and a half hours. The resolve and stamina required of this endurance sport is not something that can be cultivated overnight. Indeed, what kept Edwin sane throughout his intense training was the friendships that he made here in UWA’s triathlon club and the immense support he received from them. “I come from Singapore where we have a very competitive culture and everyone is always fighting for recognition in their own way. But here at UWA, while we do have friendly rivalries, you can trust that your mates sincerely want you to succeed – a sight that is unfortunately less common than in Singapore. Some people perform better in a much more competitive environment but personally, I prefer the training culture here; It’s a slow and easy life,” Edwin chuckled, exuding his typical carefree air. But of course, as soon as the race bell goes off, the competition is on and you can only rely on yourself to finish all three courses. In fact, just a few days before the Ironman race, Edwin had to battle a cold and an infection in his foot. Nevertheless, these setbacks did not stop him from making it to race day. “To be honest, I felt quite terrible at the start because it wasn’t a good lead-up to the race. But overall, everything turned out well. I achieved the goals that I’d set out for myself last year, which was to finish the race in under five hours.” On top of his own personal goals in racing, Edwin also has plans to start a business back in his home country. Inspired by what he has learnt here in Australia, he hopes to use that knowledge to cultivate a healthier sports culture in Singapore. “Singapore wants to nurture the growth of sports, but they’re still figuring out their options. In this aspect, I want to contribute to the community by learning about the culture here in Australia and help create a better environment for athletes in Singapore.” It is certainly heart-warming to see athletes like Edwin working towards such optimistic goals. The dream of transforming from athlete to businessman may still be work in progress, but hey, if he can complete a 70.3 triathlon, then this should be a piece of cake.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FINISHERPIX.COM
ANNABELLE TAI digs in to find out more on Liam’s triathlon journey.
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Join Sandeep Singh as he reviews three hit movies that will be coming to your screens in the second half of 2017.
THOR: RAGNAROK "You are no match for the mighty!" Hemsworth, Hiddleston, Hopkins, and Elba reprise their roles as Thor, Loki, Odin, and Heimdall respectively in the next movie of the Thor series, with some old friends joining the club. Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Cumberbatch will appear as Bruce Banner/Hulk and Stephen Strange from the other Marvel Cinematic universe movies in quintessential Marvel fashion. New Zealand-born Taika Waititi also joins the film as director after Alan Taylor chose not to return from the second film. While it’s going to be a risk having such a fresh director at the reins, we have not been disappointed by Marvel just yet. Throughout the Thor series, Asgard seems to be the black hole of bad luck with its citizens never being able to rest in peace. In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, it’s no different when a new threat, the villainous and ruthless Asgardian Goddess of Death Hela, arrives to wreak havoc on their lands. There is one slight
problem though – our favourite Asgardian God of Thunder and his trusty enchanted hammer Mjolnir are nowhere in sight! Turns out, our hero Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to return to Asgard to stop Ragnarok— the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of the all-powerful Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk! While we have always been wary of sequels, it seems that Marvel has gotten this golden formula and have been churning out hit after hit. Going by what they have done in the past, we can expect just the right blend of suspense, drama, and that edge-of-the-seat action that we have all come to love. That and seeing Chris Hemsworth in all his muscled glory!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES & ETONLINE.COM
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IT "Looks like killer clowns aren't so 2016..." The clowns have arrived at the party and not in a good way. IT follows the story of a group of kids, the “Losers Club”, who encounter a creature called IT that preys on children. The creature assumes many shapes but its favourite form is that of a sadistic clown called Pennywise. When the creature resurfaces, the kids are called upon to take on this entity again, this time as adults, even though they have no memory of their first encounter!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES & ETONLINE.COM
Adapted from the Steven King novel of the same name, IT is a creature which exploits the fears and phobias of its victims in order to disguise itself while hunting its prey. IT primarily appears in the form of a clown in order to attract its preferred prey of young children. As with most recurring themes of Steven King’s novels, this movie too entails the power of memory, childhood trauma and its recurrent echoes in adulthood, the ugliness lurking behind a façade of small-town quaintness, and overcoming evil through mutual trust and sacrifice. Side by side trailers have surfaced online and if the old series was anything to go by, you can tell that this movie is going to be great. With the trend of jump scares being used as a cinematic device for recent horror movies, we can safely assume that they will be a common occurrence in this 2017 remake, particularly after watching the trailers. It already demonstrates all the psychologically horrifying elements that the original was known for. Given the inexplicable 2016 clown sightings, this remake of the 1990 miniseries might not be the best idea lest it starts another bout of… Clowning around. But after all that’s said and done, we look forward to seeing a modern take on this terrifying classic. We can only hope that Pennywise’s famous words, “I’m every nightmare you’ve ever had; I am your worst dream come true!” aren’t our exact sentiments by the end of the movie!
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Our favourite lad from London is back, in his suit and tie, ready to fight off an attack from yet another crazed villain. But this time it’s not just one villain; It’s a whole organisation that is pretty much the anti-Kingsman. With the Kingsman headquarters and the whole organisation destroyed, all of the resources that were at Eggsy’s disposal have been taken from him. The Secret Service introduced the world to Kingsman an independent, international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe. In Kingsman: The Golden Circle, our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and
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the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organisations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy. Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, and Mark Strong reprise their roles from the first movie with Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, and Halle Berry all joining the cast as new characters. The star-studded cast should be no challenge for veteran director Matthew Vaughn who has come a long way from his 90’s production
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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The English director is no stranger to the action-comedy genre, having directed Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class, all of which have been blockbuster successes. While it’s an interesting idea for the creators to introduce the American counterpart to Kingsman in the movie, some fans have voiced their concerns that it might dilute the English sass and wit that we all loved from the first Kingsman movie. But leave it to Matthew Vaughn to know exactly what he’s doing, with a third movie already slated for release. So to all the lads taking their lassies to the movies for Kingsman: The Golden Circle this spring, remember: “Manners maketh man.”
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Exploring
Perth
SEAN MATJERAIE highlights the fun things you can do in Perth, there’s definitely something for everyone.
THE COLOUR RUN DREAM WORLD TOUR - SUNDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2017 LANGLEY PARK
Western Australia generally has amazing surfing beaches: Some for the inexperienced and some for thrill seekers. The list is long, from Ningaloo Reef up north, Margaret River down south, and Scarborough beach, just 20 minutes from UWA.
Let’s start with an event you’ve probably heard of, The Color Run, yes, Perth is hip enough to have one too! If you haven’t, The Color Run is a 5km, untimed, fun run, where everyone gets covered in all the colours of the rainbow (but no pot of gold unfortunately).
No longer just for the jobless or vegans, make the most of your time here! There are plenty of surf schools in the Perth’s vicinity: we Googled, trust us.
The Color Run brings the community together to celebrate healthiness, happiness, and individuality. You’ll definitely be getting looks on the bus home, covered in dyed corn starch. Known as “The happiest 5k in the world”, where else do you have an excuse to throw coloured food product at other people without them getting mad – I’d be happy to do that! Once covered in colours, foam, and slime (yes, slime), there is a big post 5k concert where things get even messier. Go big or go home, hey? Tickets are on sale till mid-October but get yours quick because close to 20,000 people take part in it every year, so make sure you’re one of them.
LEARN TO SURF AT THE BEACH When in Australia, do what the Australians do. Other than barbequing and brunching, Australians surf. It’s safe to say that there is a large outdoor culture here in Perth and surfing is a big part of that. We know a 60-year-old lecturer who surfs every morning before coming to school. If that doesn’t inspire you, we’d like to see what you’ll be up to at 60.
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TWILIGHT HAWKERS MARKET FOREST CHASE (PERTH CITY) Enough with the active living stuff; Let’s indulge a little, shall we? Every Friday evening in October till April, the Twilight Hawkers Market brings Perth City to life. Located in the shadow of Perth’s’ beautiful Post Office Building (now H&M), the scent of food from around the globe will greet you, egging you on to spend more money and stuff yourself silly. With food from Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain, Portugal, Jamaica and more, the choices are endless, and the atmosphere spectacular: This is where the real melting pot of Perth is, with all its cultures coming together to create a memorable Friday night out. Our personal favourites are the satay, cooked on a charcoal grill, and the raspberry cheesecake popsicle – It’s to die for, and we’ll gladly kill for it. There is something for everyone though, and while we’ve yet to be unsatisfied by anything we tried, our wallets have taken quite a beating. Once the winter winds blow a bit warmer, head over, and don’t forget to invite all your friends out for feast! Don’t bo jio ah! *Singaporean slang for not inviting someone out
WATCH AN AFL GAME DOMAIN STADIUM Came to Australia to see new things, meet new people. and to have that real Australian experience? Well, throwing a shrimp (who even calls it that) on a barbie isn’t what you should be doing. What you should be doing instead is watching an Australian Football League game, or Aussie Rules for short. The two local teams in Perth are the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers.
Twilight Hawkers Markets
Australians are crazy about the game and there’s a reason why – It’s great fun to watch. Sitting in the stands, beer in hand, team scarf around your neck, and the sound of expletives bursting out from the bearded man next to you: I can’t imagine anything more Australian.
Perth Royal Show
ZIG ZAG SCENIC DRIVE KALAMUNDA Perth is definitely a beautiful city, and though there aren’t many places for you to experience it altogether, the Zig Zag Scenic Drive is one of them and is something you should not miss while you’re here. We have been there countless times, and the experience is never a boring one. The view of what is probably most of Perth and its surroundings is a breathtaking one, and it isn’t even that far away. Located in the Perth Hills, near Kalamunda, it’s only half an hour from UWA.
un
The Colour R
It also makes for an epic Instagram picture! #Lit #NoFilter #Instacrazy. Be careful though: Stepping too close to the edge will end in something extremely unpleasant, so always stay safe up there, especially when driving down – It isn’t called Zig Zag for nothing.
THE ROYAL PERTH SHOW CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS
AFL Game
Surf
Last but definitely not least is the Perth Royal Show. It’s probably best described as a ‘carnival’ of sorts, you know, the type that you see on American TV shows. It comes complete with carnival rides, show bags, and those games that you spend money on because it looks easy but actually isn’t. From 23 to 30 September, this annual event will definitely be somewhere you’ll end up, and if not, you will be jealous of those who went. They also have scare rides, petting zoos, animal shows, and exhibits – the whole enchilada. What you really want though are the show bags. With a plentiful choice of theme or type, they come stuffed with a load of different things and all for a well-below-retail price. Go towards the afternoon to late evening so that you won’t be too tired to stay for the grand finale, the fireworks! The half-hour spectacular is really not to be missed, unless you live nearby and have a peculiar sensitivity for pretty, bright lights, then you’d probably want to shut your blinds. The half hour spectacular is really not to be missed, unless you live nearby, then you probably wish it gone. LIGHTHOUSE
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Embark on an adventure with XINYI WEE as she shares her itinerary packed with breathtaking sights.
Kalbarri
Road Trip A six-hour drive north of Perth, Kalbarri is known for its seaside cliffs and rock formations.
01 Drive up north towards Kalbarri Make pit stop at the Pinnacles Desert that’s two hours away from Perth, where thousands of limestone pillars can be found scattered around the desert, transporting you into an alien-like landscape.
02 An adventure in Kalbarri National Park Enjoy a day of outdoor exploration and adventure at Kalbarri National Park. We recommend the Loop, which will bring you to the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural arch that frames the gorge and the river below.
03 Pink Lake and Coastal Cliffs A 45-minute drive away from Kalbarri’s town center is one of Kalbarri’s treasures, the Pink Lake. Named Hutt Lagoon, the salt lake at Port Gregory gets its colour from the pigment produced by a type of algae. The contrast between the bright pink water body and the cool blue sky makes for a great photograph. Spend the rest of the day exploring the rugged coastal cliffs around Kalbarri: Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Eagle Gorge, Pot Alley, and Red Bluff. The cliffs tower 100m above the ocean, giving you a breathtaking view of the vast Indian Ocean. From June to November, these cliffs are prime spots for seasonal whale watching. Climb the rocks to greater heights for the best views, but remember, safety first. Red Bluff is a section of Kalbarri’s impressive coastal cliffs that is the best spot for watching the sunset. Prepare a picnic basket or grab some takeout from the shops nearby and make yourself comfortable for the spectacular display of nature’s colours.
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ALBANY Road Trip Located five hours south of Perth, Albany is a beautiful port city. Besides Albany, Esperance and Denmark which is located nearby is definitely worth a visit.
01 Down to Esperance Stop by Wave Rock in Hyden, located mid-way of Perth to Esperance, a little under four hours from Perth. Surf the wave then make a short detour to admire its less-known friend, Hippo’s Yawn, a rock that resembles… A hippopotamus’ yawn.
03 Albany 02 Esperance
Torndirrup National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Western Australia. The Gap and Natural Bridge is the main attraction at Torndirrup and allows visitors to stand right above the crashing waves 40m below. Don’t forget to take a hike up Bluff Knoll!
Marvel at the clear turquoise waters lap up against the sparkling shore at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park. Don’t forget to make time to see the Esperance Stonehenge, a full-size replica of the original Stonehenge that gives you an insight as to what the real Stonehenge would have looked like.
04 Denmark Denmark’s best beach, Greens Pool, is a large sheltered beach with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling and swimming. Beside it is Elephant Rocks, which features large elephantshaped boulders in a small shallow cove. LIGHTHOUSE
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