Verse Magazine Edition #3 | April 2015

FREE Edition 3 | April 2015 Your Student Mag

Inside This Issue Miles From Bad//Dreems The Rise of Hashtag Activism Voluntourism A Different Type of Thailand Behind the Scenes at WOMADelaide Edition 3 2015

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contact@versemag.com.au www.versemag.com.au Head Editor Jacinta Mazzarolo Editors Robbie Slape, Holly Byrne Graphic Designer Storm Warman Contributors Storm Warman, Robbie Slape, Lia Lawrie, Hannah Newman, Kevin J. Palmer, Nikita Ahluwalia, Jay Joseph, Luke Rogers, Jeffrey Johnstone, Louise Greaves, Gail Quiban, Rose Steele, Danielle Wilkins, Gabriel Olaer, Chelsea Mirus, Kate Wakerley, Selina Detchon, Hannah Altschwager, Rufia Valiff, Miles Wilson, Bad//Dreems, Angus Smith, Brooke Mason, Stefanie Parletta, Heather McGinn, Tanya Mackay, Laura Antoniazzi Cover Photo: Bad//Dreems Printer Newstyle Design & Production Consultants Tom Wilson, Georgie Smith The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily representative of the views of USASA or the editors.

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Letter from the Editor

From left: Holly (Editor), Storm (Graphic Designer), Robbie (Editor), Jactina (Head Editor) I’ve spent the last hour backspacing and retyping the same sentence over and over again, slowly but surely slipping into the kind of delirium only a blank Word document can elicit. I mean, how do I compose the perfect sentence to give at least the impression I know what I’m doing?

However - much like unicorns, a bad Beyoncé song or the perfect cereal to milk ratio - it doesn’t exist. Yet despite this, we still continue to work ourselves into a frenzy in search of such elusive expectations. This pressure that manifests itself in my life as Writer’s Block and tendency to bite off all my nails, is by no means a singular human experience.

We have had so many great submissions for this edition of Verse, but this same self-doubt and fear still continues to rear its ugly head. These last couple of months, I have been doing my best to spread the word about our little studentrun mag by telling as many of you as I can how to get involved. Yet, the amount of people that have expressed their trepidation in submitting because they were not confident in their abilities was staggering.

In this issue of Verse, Selina explains this phenomenon much more eloquently in her piece, Letting Go, as does Chelsea in her search for the perfect degree in, The Right Path. In fact, this entire issue is full of tales of new beginnings and discoveries from Rufia’s portrayal of life as a young Muslim in Western society, to Hannah’s hitchhiking adventure in Thailand.

So, if there is one thing I would say to you it is, have a go. Putting yourself out there and sharing a little piece of your life can be so rewarding. At the same time, it can also be such a valuable learning experience. Plus, we love all kinds of submissions – funny, weird, thoughtful, provocative, intriguing, controversial - if you have anything (and we mean anything) to share, drop us a line at contact@versemag.com.au. We’d love to hear from you.

Lastly, thank you for picking up the magazine. Holly, Robbie, Storm and everyone involved are incredibly proud of what we have created this edition. And, despite the fact I have absolutely no nails left, it has been a pleasure reading your stories, receiving your art and editing this issue.

Happy reading...

Jacinta Mazzarolo | Head Editor 2

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Contents Edition 3 | April 2015

Letter from the Editor 02 A Word from Lia Lawrie 04 Your Student Reps 06 Behind the scenes at WOMADelaide 10 It Can’t Happen Here 16 Voluntourism 18 Questions? 20 Word On The Street 22 Through the Eyes of an Actress 26 The Right Path 28 The Rise of Hashtag Activism 30 Letting Go 33 A Different Type of Thailand 34 But You Don’t Look Like a Muslim… 38 Graduate View: Miles Wilson 40 #USASAsocial 42 Vox 47 Imag[in]e: Angus Smith 48 Release 54 Film Reviews 56 Music Reviews: Retrospective 58 Coffee Reviews 60

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A word from your USASA President, Lia Lawrie.

Hello to all new students, and to all returning students, welcome!

Here’s to surviving another year.

I’m Lia Lawrie, and I’m the president of the UniSA Student Association (USASA). Yeah, I know it sounds impressive. The only reason that it sounds impressive though, is because I’m impressive. So with that, I want to give you the first bit of important advice for University Life of the year: self-love.

it to that 9AM lecture is an amazing feat worthy of a stand ovation.

Celebrate the fact that you were able to submit that assignment at 4:59PM. Revel in every small win. For the next few years, you’re a Uni student. But, for the rest of your life, you’re the one who has to live with how you think of yourself.

‘Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.’

My second bit of advice is for you to know as much as USASA as you can.

These wise words are from a world-renowned doctor (no, not The Doctor, a doctor), Dr Seuss in fact. Without a doubt, University is hard. Getting that degree is your goal, and in trying to achieve that goal, you will struggle to maintain balance in your life.

“So what’s USASA, and why should I care?”

Not to mention that you’ll endlessly worry about your GPA, and about finding a job that’s relevant to your field when you graduate.

So please, before things get too hectic and before university life becomes overwhelming, identify what your limits are. Schedule time that will be solely ‘you time,’ and don’t be afraid to talk it out. Because whilst at Uni, it’s easy to think of yourself as a; • • • • • •

Full-time student Casual retail worker Supportive friend As that family member people will never talk about Someone who hasn’t had enough sleep (Guilty) And as someone who should’ve done that set of readings yesterday (Also guilty).

But if you’re able to juggle all of that and more, then I think that you’re impressive too. So don’t forget to show yourself some care and respect. Remember that making

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USASA are there to be an effective voice for representing students. There’s me the President, and I represent everyone. I am an elected representative and I work together with other student representatives to make sure that all UniSA students receive quality education.

We have also recently taken the stance that UniSA students should not have to pay $100,000 for a degree.

Go to Rose Steele’s piece for more info, and check this website out too: brighterfutureaustralia.com.au The University has a tonne of policies and procedures and I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t be familiar with more than a handful. That’s why USASA, an organisation that is run by students, and not the university is here to help.

We can provide you with independent advice regarding your academic issues. Go here for more info: usasa.sa.edu.au/Common/Advocacy University is more than that assignment you’re procrastinating. If you’re looking for it, it’s somewhere you can have fun and form relationships that last a lifetime.

There’s a bunch of events throughout the year and the dates are available in your FREE USASA DIARY (if you haven’t got one yet, check out the USASA counter that’s on your campus).

There’s dozens of clubs of to choose from, but I recommend the University of South Australia International Relations Group and the League of Legends Club.

the day that it’s due. Also, brand new mobile charging stations for your own convenience.

“Why do you do all this?”

Because of you. Everything we do is for UniSA students. xoxo Lia Lawrie, USASA President Contact Lia at Lia.Lawrie@unisa.edu.au

Feel free to visit your campus counter. There are pens available for when you forget half of your things to make that 9AM tute. Packets of jelly beans so that you can have a sugar hit, should you start your assignment at 12AM

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Your Student Reps What your student reps have been doing behind the scenes.

International Student Rep – Nikita Ahluwalia

Postgraduate Rep – Jay Joseph

Studying at UniSA has been a life changing experience for me and I would not be surprised to see how many of you feel the same way. As your representative, I have been fortunate to receive some outstanding opportunities to voice our needs.

There is wide variance across UniSA about pathways offered for academic support and career development.

To be fair to UniSA, the broader mission and actions of senior staff in the hierarchy is positive and they genuinely care for our needs. However, when it comes to ground level and student-staff relationships this can be a very different story.

I cherish the fact that my fellow international students stand unshaken, unbeatable and unstoppable when it comes to putting tremendous amounts of effort into their futures and successfully transitioning into the Australian culture and education system.

By interacting with you and listening to your needs, I hope to be successful in providing outcomes for your concerns. I met you at O-week and I welcome you to come and see me whenever you are looking for support.

My endeavour is to make your transition and student experience at the UniSA one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

You will often find me at the USASA counter City East, or contact me at Nikita.Ahluwalia@unisa.edu.au if you are seeking further assistance.

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There are a number of horror stories across the university regarding research student’s treatment by supervisors, and I want to ensure that everyone has the support they need through these difficult times.

USASA has trained advocates to deal with these situations, and you can contact me directly and I also will stand on your behalf. Though this role I’ve learned that there is a lot of this activity going on. To get involved, contact the Career Hub, keep an eye on the Facebook pages for job updates, and take steps that will further your long term career.

Dare I say it; study isn’t always the best option. So, keep a constant eye on Seek and other sites for roles that may interest you.

City East Campus Rep – Luke Rogers

Mawson Lakes Campus Rep – Jeffrey Johnstone

For starters, on behalf of USASA and the City East team, I want to wish the warmest of welcomes to UniSA for all new students, as well as a welcome back to all the UniSA veterans. This is sure to be another awesome year at UniSA.

As well as the representing student views as members of the academic board, your Mawson Lakes student reps have had our hands pretty full with the beginning of semester. We’ve been helping to prepare and run O-Day at Mawson Lakes and we’ve also helped welcome new students in some of the other metro campuses.

Over the past year, we have seen some major upgrades to our campus with the renovations of the library, the quad and some student common areas, and we don’t want it to stop there. Lenny, my City East Campus representative partner, and I will be out there this year trying our best to not only sort out your issues, but to ensure that the campus is as fun and as engaging as it possibly can be.

This semester, to improve our relationship with the students, we’re going to be making ourselves available outside the F building at Mawson Lakes on Mondays for students to come have a chat about any ideas or concerns you have, or you can just come say hi.

We will be working towards getting more integration and student input on how the campus is run and we would love you to be involved.

If you need to get in contact with us for any reason, you can drop into the USASA City East office at P3-06 or contact us via email.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can and to work with you to make our great campus at City East even better.

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City West Campus Rep – Gail Quiban City West is arguably one of the most vibrant metropolitan campuses of UniSA. With one of the largest student populations of the university, it is easy to see why the average City Wester has a plethora of options when it comes to student clubs, activities or events to get involved with.

Magill Campus Rep – Louise Greaves Hi everyone and welcome to a new year at UniSA! My name is Louise Greaves, and I am one of your Magill representatives for 2015. I am extremely passionate about helping students get their voices heard, and I am honoured to be your representative.

This year I want to get to know more students on a personal level. Each and every student matters to me, so if you ever see me around campus, please come and say “Hello!” Feel free to come into our room at A1-34 to have a free tea/coffee, have a chat with some people, or just hang out.

We have lots of freebies, information, and can help you out with uni-related questions. I would also love to see you at one of our many great events! Stay tuned for some exciting news over the year. See you around!

As the City West Representative, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and drowned out by the constant activities and services already available to my peers. Throughout this, I have endeavoured to remain accessible as the Voice of City West students.

Many students have approached me to voice out concerns they have had which I have addressed and assisted to the best of my abilities. With this, I would like to invite City Westers to feel free to contact me, shoot me an email or just say howdy.

As your student representative, it is my role to relay your concerns back to the university and make sure your voice gets heard.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Rep – Kevin J. Palmer Hello to all the student base at UniSA, My name is Kevin J, Palmer I am your first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student representative! Some of my goals throughout my role here on the USASA board are to help with student engagement within the ATSI population at our University and also advocate for students and help with anything within my power and knowledge.

If I can’t help I will work my hardest to direct you in the right direction. To all you students, all the best and good luck with your future studies.

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Want to save some money on your textbooks for 2015?

Looking to sell textbooks from previous years?

USASA can help!

Visit USASA.sa.edu.au/Books or your USASA Campus Counter for more info.

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Behind the Scenes at WOMADelaide Words ▶ Rosanna Galvin | Images ▶ Robbie Slape

UniSA graduate, Sophie Murray and UniSA student Tamara Mascarenhas share their experiences behind the scenes at WOMADelaide and where an internship just might lead you.

While Adelaide gears up for another ‘Mad March’ and festival organisers across the city shift into gear, two soon-to-be UniSA graduates are finishing their degrees with an internship at the renowned WOMADelaide Festival.

The pair is working alongside UniSA Public Relations graduate, Sophie Murray, who successfully completed an internship with WOMADelaide last year and was asked to return this year in the role of Publicity Coordinator.

Bachelor of Marketing student, Tamara Mascarenhas and Bachelor of Business Management student Kimberly McMahon, have been working in the WOMADelaide headquarters in the lead up to the event in March.

Tamara, who will graduate in March, says the chance to work on such a large-scale festival has been amazing. “I’d done some smaller festivals in the past, working on publicity and promotion, but WOMADelaide is just so huge – it’s been lots of fun,” she says.

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“My role so far has focused on pitching interviews and securing media coverage for artists, as well as working on general festival promotion.

“It’s exciting when I see a story I pitched come out in the media and to realise that I helped make that happen. I’m really looking forward to the actual festival – to be a part of it, not just as an audience member, but behind the scenes as well.”

It’s exciting when I see a story I pitched come out in the media and to realise that I helped make that happen.

Sophie, who graduated from UniSA in mid-2014, says it’s great to be back on board and although it’s still “terrifying” at times, she’s enjoying taking on more responsibility in the WOMADelaide team.

calm on the surface but paddling hard to keep everything going,” she says.

“This year I’ve been responsible for the publicity surrounding the new Street in The Park - Taste The World Restaurant, a new restaurant with food inspired by the artists and the street food from their countries.

I think it’s a really cool concept to be able to sit down with table service and just let WOMADelaide rush over you. I’m really excited to see how it goes.”

“I’m definitely more involved this year and I’ve got a few more responsibilities. Sometimes I feel like I’m like a duck on water – looking

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It Can’t Happen Here.

Words ▶ Rose Steele, NUS National President

Rose Steele, the president of National Union of Students, speaks out about the proposed university fee deregulation and why Australia Needs a Brighter Future.

Welcome to semester one, 2015. A new year, a new battleground in the war against the Federal Government’s plan to deregulate university fees. Fresh faced and ready to fight for fair – let’s quickly recap on the story so far.

What does it all mean?

Deregulation means that the federal government will no longer has say over the cost (read: the upper limit) that universities charge students for tuition. It means that vice chancellors set the fees of their institutions, like here at the University of Western Australia, and there is no restriction on price that is set.

All indicators show that this will send us down the path of the U.S. – creating a two-tied system where there are super expensive and exclusive universities and poorer resourced community colleges. Students are divided by the income of their families rather than judged on the merit of their minds.

If this sounds troubling, you’re not alone in your concerns.

Students beginning their first year at university this semester have essentially agreed to an undisclosed cost of their education. Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree could also be stung by the changing fee structure if the Federal Government is able to win over enough of the cross-bench senators.

Aside from the personal hip-pocket hit students will face, what about the concerns that fee deregulation will irreversibly change the inherent fairness in our higher education system?

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We know that students from regional areas will be limited in choice of university due to their geography.

We know that women students will take longer to pay their debt back due to the continuing salary gender gap and time taken out of the workforce to raise children. We know that students from poorer families will struggle with the idea of taking on such a financial commitment if their experience has made them weary of debt.

And we know that students who undertake careers in the public interest (nurses, researchers, paramedics, teachers to name a few) will be deterred to study in these areas if their salaries won’t be enough to pay off their HECS debt for several decades.

Modelling from various research organisations and political parties show that the cost of degrees will soar to $100,000. So far, the only university to nail their colours to the mast is the University of Western Australia, where Vice Chancellor Paul Johnson declared all ungraduated courses would incur a fee of $16,000 per year.

For a four year degree, that’s $64,000 - quite a jump from the current cost of an arts degree that sits on average at $18,000.

Doesn’t seem fair, does it?

It doesn’t seem fair particularly because students have been promised no more than the status quo. In fact, many students have been reporting that the quality of their educational offering has been declining in recent years.

Fee deregulation isn’t the only ‘reform’ that Prime Minister Abbott and Education Minister Christopher Pyne are peddling. They also intend to cut university funding by 20%, which amounts to $5.5 billion.

Make no mistake, this shortfall will come directly from students, vice chancellors are not our friends. All but one of the 39 VCs have backed this new frontier of educational unfairness.

It’s a bleak picture, but we can stop this reform. In fact, we want to poison the idea of fee deregulation for a whole generation. We’re doing this with a campaign Australia Needs a Brighter Future.

We need a better future for all Australians, and not entrench disadvantage.

In December 2014, the Senate voted against this proposal but the legislation is slated for reintroduction in the coming months.

That’s why NUS and student unions are rallied on March 25th this year. We need to send a united, strong message to the public, federal government and senators that we won’t stand for this policy.

In the meanwhile, join the campaign at brighterfutureaustralia.com.au

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Voluntourism

Danielle Wilkins, a seasoned overseas volunteer, tells Verse of her experiences in South Africa and why we should be more mindful where our money goes.

Words & Image â–ś Danielle Wilkins

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When I was in high school I embarked on a volunteerbased journey to the Philippines, or as the school described it, a ‘cultural immersion’ experience. I returned home two days before Christmas after almost a month in the slums of Manila, living with locals while helping to build homes for the even less fortunate.

I gained a completely replenished perspective on my own life and privileges as well as the satisfaction of improving someone else’s — ­­ even just a little.

It inspired me to spend more time volunteering abroad, however, I was adamant on completing my degree first.

That was until my boss returned from an African adventure early last year, her stories fuelled my desire to go and volunteer once more.

After some light research I found a company that offered a volunteer trip to South Africa where I could help local children reach an academic standard and a good understanding of the English language. This would ultimately open up many doors for their future.

My trip to the Philippines was completely organised by my Catholic school and the Marist Brothers organisation so I never had to think twice about ethical considerations.

Perhaps that’s why it wasn’t until I arrived on South African soil that I actually contemplated where exactly my money was going.

To me, this company was simply a mechanism that I was able to use to go and do I wanted to do. When I found out that the company I had chosen to travel and volunteer with was for-profit, and that some of my own hard-earned money was going back into their head office, I felt cheated.

I had always thought that not-for-profit organisations should be the way that all volunteer projects are set up.

After further discussion with some of the volunteers on my project in South Africa, I decided that perhaps this mindset was not accurate.

Unlike my high school trip, however, I also came home with a new understanding of the term ‘voluntourism’.

As a not-for-profit organization, the ability to decide where help will be placed is almost completely in the control of major sponsors. Sponsors who may decide to retract their sponsorship if they don’t get their own way.

Obviously this is an extreme, but it is still a possibility.

I soon learned the advantages of a for-profit organisation include the ability to place a project and the necessary funding exactly where it is required with no pressure from outside figures.

There is a greater chance of sustainability with a continual income and the ability to give employees of the company a wage. This allows for-profits consistency throughout projects as well as the placement of trained and qualified personnel when and where they are needed, yet another huge benefit to the project.

This time, I returned to Australia just a week before starting my third year of university, again feeling satisfied with my volunteering efforts abroad and grateful for my own privileges and lifestyle. Unlike my high school trip, however, I also came home with a new understanding of the term ‘voluntourism’.

A few months ago I hadn’t even heard of it, today it a phrase I am consciously learning more and more about, a new passion of mine.

Next time I volunteer overseas I will do the research, I will consciously chose a for-profit organisation and I will know exactly where my money goes.

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Questions?

Just when you think your day couldn’t get any worse, you bump into someone you know. Gab Olaer explores social niceties on a whole new level.

Words ▶ Gabriel Olaer Sometimes the hardest questions to answer aren’t in tests, job interviews or courtrooms, instead, we seem to encounter them almost every day. In saying this, questions are vital to keep a conversation going, but “GUESS WHAT?!” some questions should just be banned.

“How are you?”

“Good, thanks... How are you?”

“Yeah, great! Thanks, you?”

“Yeah, good! ... Wait, we’re in a loop.”

When people ask me these questions, do they really want to know how I am doing or is this just a new version of hello? If not, is it an attempt to keep the conversation going? Let’s give it another shot, but with a variety this time.

“Hello, what’s new?”

“Good, thanks.” Geez, can we just stop this now. It’s just making it more awkward.

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A common conundrum is when you bump into a curious friend who finds the need to unearth everything – especially if you’re seen with a ‘new’ friend. “Where did you guys meet?” is most likely the inevitable follow up after the polite introductions. “Why is it even your business, friend?” Most days, I feel like saying, “We were detained at the cop shop together last Friday.”

Or, maybe something classier such as, “We work together in that escort service gig I was telling you last week.” But usually, it’s the safe, “a common friend” or “uni” response.

But lately, “Facebook” is a popular one, because it is the tame version of Tinder, or eHarmony or Zoosk or Grindr.

For friends who happen to have more cultural sense, they often prefer to ask that new friend, “So, like... what are you?” I’ve been that new friend and I’ve been asked that too much. I stop for a second and have a deep existential crisis.

say, “Oh no, but like, where are you from?” This is tough because I shouldn’t tell them about my secret mission, otherwise my home planet wouldn’t want me to be divulging my special task here on earth.

But usually, I’m just getting sick of these questions. But, feel free to ask me again…

After surviving the tragedies of these interrogations, I get confronted with yet another great philosophical query, “So where do you want to go?” I’ve programmed myself with this automatic response, “Anywhere... I’m not fussed.” But then it so happens they’ve also been programmed to say, “Me too, anywhere is good.”

I’m not sure about most people, but I have a friend who acts like Oprah, always asking me, “How’s your love life?” I like to dismiss this by saying, “non-existent”, but at the same time, it would stop the flow of life. They want you to ask them the question back.

I question the meaning of life, recover from my zone out and go back to the main question, “What am I?” Then, I sometimes almost yell out, “Well, I like to think myself as a human. Are you not?” But, then I always resort to stating the demonym of my country of origin. I’m guessing it’s the more normal thing to do.

A lot of times, I get asked, “How come you speak so good English?” Being educated is not an appropriate response at all. Often you have to come up with an epic tale of how the English language is the superior language and that it rules the world, and if you want to be part of the world, you must speak this sacred tongue.

Getting to know a person better by taking more interest in them is a great social skill, and one way to do this is to ask them, “Where are you from?” But, most of the time when I state my suburb, they don’t seem satisfied as they

However, I really think they should just cut the cake, just spill the jellybeans, and stop making me feel bad about my lonely nights and table-for-1 moments.

Why is life such full of hard questions? Even that question is pretty hard to answer. I’m not quite sure sure why I find questions a bit confronting. Although, I think I ask too many questions myself. The best question is not the one that involves a man kneeling before his partner with an onion in a ring box or the deeper ones such as, “Is Jesus Black?”

My favourite, like most would still be, “Any questions?”

Translation… this lecture is over, and I’m a free, educated man. Well, get your answers right and stay in school kids!

You should know better, I know right?

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Word On The Street

Words & Images ▶ Robbie Slape

There’s a new kid riding around the city block, and Robbie Slape has the latest on Adelaide’s eco-cool way to do public transportation.

It’s not every day you feel like you are at the beginning of something very exciting. Like many people my age, I have felt the vertigo of being pulled at by the Brain Drain. That road that leads first to Murray Bridge, then the border before making a final dash for Melbourne or Sydney, Hong Kong, Townsville. Okay, maybe not Townsville so much, but for years Adelaide has had a reputation as a boring backwater. I really have no reason to dispute that if you are speaking from the not-so-distant-past. People like Daniels Langeberg, the man behind Eco Caddy—a new local start-up that is already taking the streets of

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A-town by force, will readily admit all of this. He senses, like I do, this time it is not just about the hype. The good times are seemingly here to stay.

Here I am typing in the lovely new Jeffrey Smart Building at City West, looking out over the a skyline that includes the wonderfully revamped Adelaide Oval and Hindley Street being built for a progressive, future Adelaide.

Just yesterday, I spent way too much money in one of the many small, new bars that are popping up around the place. Festival mayhem is around for a couple more weeks, yet you can’t shake the feeling that it’s not just

the festivals. Adelaide is different.

It has changed. Shit, it is almost on the brink of being a kick-arse place year-round if we’re not careful about it.

It’s a group effort. We want to have a reason to stay here. Langeberg agrees – there is change in the air.

‘It’s cool just the great minds that are in Adelaide, there’s cool stuff happening at the moment,’ he acknowledges as we tuck into our coffees at the Gouger Street Cibo — another SA success story.

Langeberg is currently busy curating an awesome flotilla of semimotorised, semi-human-powered pedi-cab machines. Well, they’re not pedi-cabs. They’re not even bikes he explains. ‘It’s not – if you see the bike as a tool, then it wouldn’t fit in the exact same toolkit. It is a cycle.

I see it as being more of a hybrid – which it is in its technical sense – of a motor vehicle and a bicycle. Obviously it has three wheels, that’s a major difference as well.’

Despite how revolutionary this type of travel is, there is no denying there is a lot of friction on the roads. ‘Adelaide itself is quite conservative, it has all the elements of being a great cycling city, but there’s that angst between the cyclist and the motorist and I think it’s only now that policy-makers and design-makers are really starting to take cycling more seriously and that’s one of the reasons that drew me to start TreeCycle Australia in Adelaide and not in Melbourne. I see it as a city where there is a lot of room for growth – like a lot,’ he says.

‘Melbourne is a cool place – that’s why we all have a bed somewhere between Fitzroy and Coburg with some old mates. But, it’s maybe too cool for its own good’,

Langeberg explains. ‘There’s a lot of noise when it comes to being the next hip thing. Here you really have to prove yourself. You have to actually be fantastic, not just fit the trend.

‘I just saw it as an awesome challenge, I just thought why not—why not go for it. I mean, the great thing about Adelaide is if you do something and you do it well, or if you do something and you do it bad, you get a lot of attention from the media here in Adelaide.’

He has definitely been getting plenty of attention. ‘We’ve got a really good reception—we’re not another pedi-cab company. We aspire to run from 8am–8pm, Mondays– Fridays. And then on Saturdays 10am–10pm, and then on Sundays maybe later on, 11am–6pm.’

Ultimately, the idea is about making public transit friendlier, more personal and secure. Langeberg applies this concept to the most endearing thing about the company, the riders themselves. ‘We’re looking for fit, charismatic, knowledgeable people. They’re local as well and that’s the main point. What most pedi-cab companies around the world, particularly in Australia, haven’t captured is they’re all backpackers. They don’t understand the local economy, they don’t understand the locality, the road rules, the laws. I think it’s really been under-utilised.’

I just saw it as an awesome challenge, I just thought why not – why not go for it.

It is not just about moving people from one place to another and taking as much money as they can. It is about building relationships, building community.

‘Because of the vehicle itself, the riders are so exposed to the outside elements, you have these conversations with people on the street,’ he explains.

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In future incarnations of the smart phone app, Langeberg says Eco Caddy even plans to be able to match patrons to riders they prefer. Can you do that on a bus? As for payment, when you channel them through your smart phone, you will know how much you’ll be ask to fork over.

‘We’ve got a very, very simple range – our price structure.

It’s just two zones, one is the CBD the other one is north Adelaide. So by moving between the districts it costs $10 and moving within those districts it costs $5. It’s just a flat fee and there’s a reason for that. One - it’s a price point that fits comfortably. We’re cheaper than any other form of transportation To get across town [in a taxi] is about $12, $15 in peak hour traffic. Uber is $20 flat to start off with then you keep getting charged. So $5 per person is a very comfortable rate.’

The most exciting thing about Eco Caddy is not only how it’s another great reason to think about hanging in Adelaide a bit longer, it’s shedding light on how many other people like Daniels Langeberg that are standing up for the city. Stuff Melbourne and Sydney, this place deserves to be loveable too!

He even spent thirteen months on his sister’s couch to make this happen. That is a massive effort, and if successful, one that will put Eco Caddy right up there with frog cakes and pot in terms of South Australian notoriety. ‘We’re not this seasonal thing, we’re not coming and going. We want to be a part of this city’s urban fabric. Just like the yellow cab or the London cab

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is synonymous with New York and London, we want to be synonymous with Adelaide. We want people to come to Adelaide and be like, “Oh yeah, this is where those Eco Caddies are and that’s the thing.” We’re talking about image, corporate image, but we’re also talking about city identity. We want to be a part of that urban fabric,’ Langeberg explains.

I have listened to Deputy Premier John Rau speak on a few occasions—not exactly the sort of person you expect to have his finger on the pulse—but in many ways he is a keen instigator in this recent rush towards trendiness.

Speaking at the Re-shaping Adelaide forum a couple weeks ago, he made the point that it is not about being Melbourne or Sydney it is about, ‘being the best Adelaide we can be.’

With people like Rau and Langeberg around and the streets teeming with some cool looking trikes, it’s hard to think we’re not heading there. So lap it up, get amongst it and hang around for a while.

Last I heard Eco Caddy were still looking for some riders, so if you want to be a part of something special, head over to their website www.eco-caddy. com. Or pop into their HQ at 174 Wright Street— Daniels Langeberg will be around and happy to have a chat. Catch them on the roads more and more as business improves.

BREAKFAST FOR A BUCK! GRAB BREKKY AT UNI AND START THE DAY RIGHT! CITY EAST I CITY WEST I MAGILL I MAWSON LAKES OPEN SELECTED DAYS FIND OUT WHEN AT UNISA.EDU.AU/BREKKYBAR Edition 3 2015

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Through the Eyes of An Actress Words ▶ Laura Antoniazzi

“Again.” He shouts for the forth time. “Do it, again.” These words I hear numerous times throughout the rehearsal. I’m an actress, so I’m used to it.

I walk into my third rehearsal for the week, eyes tired and mind set on the light at the end of the tunnel. I drop my oversized bag filled with theatre essentials and I start to warm up. I sit on the dusty ground in my tight black jazz pants and tank top, stretching my legs against the cold white washed wall. My director shouts, “All actors on stage.” We all proceed like a herd of cattle to the stage, ready to endure a seven-hour rehearsal. Before we begin, the director’s stern voice thrashes us with notes regarding how we can improve our performance.

One by one he singles out an actor. I was first, with thankfully only a few minor notes. Louder voice—got it.

Act less natural and more farce style acting—got it.

An actor yearns for praise by their director, however rarely given, but uplifting when received. With seven reviewers coming to opening night, one positive comment would ease my mind before we are officially critiqued. Reviewers. That thought goes through an actor’s mind as much as the sun shines in Darwin.

Everyone wants his or her name published in a positive light on the Internet or in a magazine. You have to work for it, and that’s precisely what I was going to do.

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Playing the main character isn’t easy. Centre stage, spotlight burning your skin, while fifteen blazing eyes look and judge your performance. The pressure is huge, and these are only rehearsals. As the music fades, I start.

I can detect the director’s piercing eyes in the corner of my eye. I can see his hand move rapidly, as he writes on a little brown leather notepad he is carrying. He changes position on his chair, as if he was uncomfortable or what he saw he didn’t like.

I could feel the sweat running down my forehead. I want to impress. My heart is beating faster and I could feel the blood pumping through my veins. My mind starts to reel with thoughts. “Laura… you can do this.”

It’s six o’clock on a Thursday night, it’s still light and the air is thick and warm. I approach the theatre as I drive my small blue car into a parking lot by the front entrance.

I can feel the butterflies dancing in my stomach. It’s opening night, and the reviewers are coming. As I step out of my car, Annie, the makeup and hair artist greets me. She hurries me into the greenroom with an excited expression on her face. She sits me in front of the mirror.

Curtin call is in an hour, and I am just one of the five actors Annie has to prepare.

Annie pulls my hair into a tight ponytail. As she holds down the hairspray nozzle, practically using the whole can, I could see the little specs of hairspray float in the light radiating from the bulbs surrounding the mirror. I can feel my palms start to sweat and the nerves kick in.

“This is it.”

“Five minute call,” the stage manager shouts. I’m all ready to go on stage and open the show. Hair stiff, costume clean and makeup bright. I step on stage. The curtain rises, the lights go up and I can feel hundreds of eyes glaring at me. My heart starts to pound faster.

This is it. I start to speak but due to the nerves, I speak a little faster than normal. I realise and slow it down. After the official nerves wear off, I start to enjoy the rest of my monologue.

Playing a fifteen-year-old American tomboy is completely the opposite to who I am. That’s the brilliance of theatre… you can pretend to be someone you’re not. A movie star, a mind reader, a criminal, a doctor – anything.

I end the monologue and receive a roar of laughter from the audience. Whoa, the funny one liner at the end worked! I smile backstage. I did it. I aced the opening scene, and now it goes up from here.

After the show the cast and crew meets in the green room to debrief. The director is delighted. He is smiling, laughing and shaking everyone’s hands as if he knew what the critics were thinking already… and he was right with his assumption.

The reviews came out a couple of days later, with all cast and crew egger to read. As I turn on my laptop, my heart is pumping faster and faster as the page loads.

I go straight to where my name is, not bothering to read anything else in the review. ‘ Particular stand out,’ ‘Fantastic and fresh new talent’—they were all marvellous and fanciful reviews. I smile with a gleam of proudness in my heart.

I think back to the long and sometimes torturous rehearsals, the bad comments and the good, and I think it’s all worth it. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would receive such favourable and tremendous comments. However, as Audrey Hepburn said, “Nothing is impossible, the world itself says ‘I’m possible.”

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The Right Path Words â–ś Chelsea Mirus

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The elusive ‘perfect career path’ is more often than not, just short of our fingertips. Now happy and thriving, Chelsea Mirus, shares her adventures choosing, and re-choosing, the ‘right’ degree.

As the start of university for 2015 begins, a small article in The Advertiser foreshadows the inevitable drop off of student lecture attendance. ‘More than 30,000 students will begin a South Australian university course today but… about one in eight – will withdraw before the end of first semester,’ it reads.

I should know. Since jumping straight into university from school, I have transferred across three different degrees, at all three different universities here in SA, before finally settling in a Media Arts degree majoring in Animation.

According to The Advertiser, Adelaide, Flinders and UniSA, ‘have joined in a project to investigate the reasons for withdrawal.’ I certainly don’t speak for everyone – there are numerous and varying reasons for course drop off. However, I know with great certainty the reason I withdrew from my past courses. It was as simple as being in the wrong degree.

You might be wondering what a Bachelor of Paramedic Science, Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Human Movement, have in common (trust me, I’m still asking myself that same question). Nevertheless, the semesters I spent in each degree have all given me invaluable skills and learning. Not to mention a developed perseverance, determination and resilience.

Looking back, it seems beyond crazy I didn’t enrol in a Media degree to start with. I have always loved films and television, am self-taught in Photoshop since I was 12, am a keen photographer when I have the time, and have just always had a knack and enjoyment for digital design.

I know with absolute certainty where my life is now headed. I am now studying study full time at UniSA, with most of my earnings funding part time study at CDW Studios to supplement my animation and visual effects learning.

When I’m not scouring the Internet to watch visual effects breakdowns or scrolling the job listings from major companies (even though I have no hope of

applying yet), I am developing my LinkedIn profile and networking with industry professionals.

Now, besides study, my current goal is campaigning to raise awareness for the CG Student Awards. Sponsored

by Autodesk (the software company behind every Oscar and Golden Globe winning/ nominated film you can probably think of), the awards encourage Visual Effects, Feature Animation and Next-Gen Gaming students to showcase their skills.

Free to enter, everyone who does so receives a prize pack valued at $96, and there are 25 internships around the world up for grabs, with a Bootcamp Internship offered at Adelaide’s very own Rising Sun Pictures (recently Oscar-nominated for Best Visual Effects for their incredible ‘Quicksilver scene’ in X-Men: Days of Future Past). I am going to be encouraging all of my peers to enter. There really is nothing to lose by doing so.

Campaigning to raise awareness for these awards, I have realised half of my work is going to be in encouraging my fellow girls to enter. Talking with Wayne Lewis from Rising Sun Pictures at a recent software presentation, he said to me to encourage more women to get involved in visual effects.

Victoria Alonso, Executive VP at Marvel Studios, held a keynote presentation and addressed the issue last year, imploring, ‘You’ve got to get the girls in here, boys. It’s better when it’s 50-50… They’re smart, they’re talented.

They bring a balance that you need.’

Here in Adelaide, all three universities offer Bachelor’s degree in animation and visual effects, with TAFE and AIE offering Advanced Diplomas, and CDW Studios offering both full time and short course study.

With a talk already lined up at Wilderness School, I aim to start sharing my knowledge and experiences with prospective students, especially women, and encourage this incredible resource of study pathways to the next generation of visual effects artists.

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The Rise of Hashtag Activism Words ▶ Kate Wakerley

In this era of click bait and funny cat complication videos, it’s virtually impossible to avoid social media.

Kate Wakerley explores the technological revolution and a new kind of keyboard warrior.

We live in a world where information is at our fingertips. Thousands of articles, videos, and tweets circulate the web each day, making knowledge about the world around us more accessible than it has been before.

This increasing availability of information has largely been attributed to the emergence of new technologies and media forms that have allowed major national and international events to be shared instantly across the globe.

New technologies, in particular social media, have been widely celebrated over the last few years for their ability to connect us with others around the world. We can now speak face-to-face with friends and family overseas using programs like Skype; we can view a constant stream of status updates, photos, and videos; we can send a message

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in a matter of seconds; and, perhaps most notably, social media allows us to voice our opinions with ease, reaching diverse, international audiences.

Today, technology and social media make up a huge part of our everyday lives. The simple act of being behind a computer screen has become the most comfortable form of social interaction for most of our generation. Allowing us to make ourselves heard without too much effort and without the fear of rejection.

The use of social media to voice our opinions has been celebrated for its role in protest movements.

Digital media platforms, Facebook and Twitter in particular, have been praised as the saviour of democracy for their ability to engage and mobilise a large number of people while keeping the costs of

organising events to a minimum.

At the same time, social media platforms have been criticised for their role in destroying traditional forms of activism such as marches and rallies, public protests, public speakers, physical petitions and strikes.

Social media now allows us to share a message, voice our opinion on something we feel is important, and step away from it in an instant as we continue to scroll through our friends’ updates.

We are exposed to a range of social justice messages and calls to action, but we no longer take the time to act beyond the simple click of a button. This type of engagement is often referred to as ‘hashtag activism’ or ‘slacktivism’ and most of us have taken part in it. I know I have.

The past year has certainly been a confronting one. We saw a missing airplane, sanctions in Russia, a flight that was shot down, the emergence of ISIS, the threat of Ebola, missing schoolgirls in Nigeria, unrest in Ferguson, the Sydney siege, and most recently the tragic events in Paris. In many ways, 2014 was the year that hashtag activism has flourished.

If you feel like there is a new trending hashtag every week, you are most likely right. Almost immediately after any tragic event, there will be a hashtag that has gone viral. For example, the Twitter hashtag #BringBackOurGirls began to circulate after more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped by the Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group.

Our generation lives in a world that is very different from what has been experienced before.

As a result, many activists took to social media to demand change.

The campaign rapidly spread internationally, catching the attention of celebrities and the political community including Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The hashtag represented a clear message to the Nigerian government to take action to find the missing schoolgirls. Through pressures from a united international

community, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan allocated more resources to recover the girls.

Although many of the schoolgirls remain missing, the tweets, petitions, and messages helped to create awareness and pressure those in power to take further action.

The ALS ice bucket challenge is another example of an online awareness campaign that hit our news feeds in 2014. We all went through a period where we could not log in to Facebook or Twitter without encountering yet another video of a friend or celebrity taking part in the challenge.

Although the campaign has been labelled a widespread success, it failed to educate the community on the disease or the importance of donating to the cause. Many completed the challenge as a form of self-promotion or for shock value without either researching ALS or making a donation.

The online call to action helped to produce a substantial number of people to the streets of Cairo and allowed for widespread communication of the event as it unfolded.

Realistically, a status or a hashtag will not change the world. But, it is certainly a good place to start. When we see a trending hashtag it means that people are participating in the conversation, they are engaged and spreading the message to other social media users around the world.

Our generation lives in a world that is very different from what has been experienced before. When we tweet or share we have the power to communicate an idea that can reach and resonate with people around the world and potentially grow into a movement for change.

As we have already seen, something as simple as a hashtag can make a difference.

However, social media has become a vital form of communication particularly in times of crisis. There are many examples where social media has been an extremely important tool during political or cultural events.

Back in 2011, the hashtag #jan25th was used to mobilise activists in Egypt to unite against government corruption under President Hosni Mubarak. Social media is infamous for playing a significant role in the Egyptian revolution.

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Letting Go As the new stationery smell starts to wear off, we are hit with the realisation of an entirely new university year.

Selina Detchon tells us how she deals with such apprehension.

Words ▶ Selina Detchon We can do our best and still fail. The point is to pick ourselves up off of the inviting patch of desolate ground we so easily let ourselves lay limp and wounded in.

Wherever this literal or metaphorical place we fell or failed may be, there is a choice to be strong.

Nevertheless, sometimes we need another person’s perspective to see this or their help and repeated encouragement to make to the choice to find a new way to start again.

We as human beings must forever be letting go of the past in order to build a future. Some, I believe, feel a stronger connection to the past than others – the nostalgic, the dreamers, maybe the scared, the stuck, the trapped. This is not always a bad thing. However, finding yourself being left behind in life can occur because you have no idea how to let go.

Or, perhaps I should rephrase that, how to let go enough.

It is important to feel the days we have lived through hold a vast amount of worth. After all, they made us who we are today. Just as the current moment you are living as you read this is, in some small way, shaping the person you are to be tomorrow and on beyond tomorrow.

The days we have lived through though have passed, and cannot be our fixation. For some, a radical change in the way everyday life is carried out is the answer to allow for the personal growth and the acceptance of past mistakes.

I would extend this to include the unlatching of warm memories we play obsessively in our heads, the courage to overcome fear that is not shameful but an indication of our humble humanness, and the development of resilience we will need for life.

Beginning university may be the new start you have needed in order to realise you have struggled in the past, with your past, or with yourself.

There are two very important things I have learnt due to the kindness and care of people in my life. They have allowed me to get to where I am now – at the end of my first day of university and living independently.

The first is to give things time. Give the bad things time to pass or resolve without tormenting ourselves with negative self-talk. And the second is that we are not fixed. We are creatures of great personal, cultural and individual variety. We are ever changing, ever gaining of knowledge and experience and life. What a wonderful thing that is.

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A Different Type of Thailand Words & Images ▶ Hannah Altschwager

There’s another way to explore Thailand without cocktail umbrellas and southern cross t-shirts, Hannah Altschwager tells you how.

Sitting in the back tray of a Ute hurtling down an unpathed highway in Thailand, I wondered for not the first time if this was a good idea.

I was in Thailand to visit my boyfriend, Tyral, who had been traveling abroad for the past six months. Being the adventureseeking travellers we both are, we wanted to tackle Thailand in a less traditional sense than the usual

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partying in Phuket you mostly see when flicking through social media.

When Tyral first presented the idea of hitch hiking, I laughed and agreed with caution, secretly hoping it was just a throw off comment derived from his wonderful imagination and thirst for adventure.

But, a few months later I found myself on the side of the highway in search of a lift by any means but bus

or train. We were leaving just out of Bangkok—a city that actually took me by surprise— and were trying to reach Chiang Mai. At this point, we were less than a week into my month long holiday and still pretty new to the backpacking scene—fresh from the comfort of my own home and freshly made bed.

On our first day hitchhiking I was quite apprehensive. With our large heavy backpacks slung over our shoulder, we trudged out of our guesthouse onto the street with no idea what direction to head.

With a translated note helpfully done by a local tour guide who tried to discourage us against this idea (numerous tourists have tried and failed, apparently) and a sign with what we only hoped read ‘Chiang Mai’ in Thai, we managed to score our first lift to the highway by a local man.

He spoke little English, making explaining what we where doing hard, but with the help of Google translate (we have much to thank for this wonderful invention) we found ourselves at the highway.

After what felt like hours of standing by watching large trucks whiz by without a glance at us and one car full of young local girls dropping us back at the town’s train station, we managed to steal a lift with a local man.

He was driving a LPD truck, pulling across two lanes and cutting off several other trucks to get us. He offered our first real ride halfway to our destination.

Four bumpy and exciting hours later we were dropped just out of a small town in the middle of nowhere.

Just from this short journey all fear of hitch hiking was gone and I was keen to jump into the next car that would take me further up North. The next morning we did just this.

Once again we were positioned on the highway, thumbs up and keen for another adventure. It wasn’t long at all before a man pulled over and gestured for is to get in. He was talking on the phone so we couldn’t explain to him what we we’re doing, so sure enough next thing we knew we found ourselves at the bus station.

Heads hanging a little low, we dragged ourselves to the closest restaurant we could early to fill our hungry stomachs. The only thing we could find was a small shed like café, where a few locals sat eating. At first we where a little unsure if it was even a restaurant or a large family get together, but as we cautiously made are way inside, they stood up excitedly and hurried us to a table.

Once again the language barrier was difficult, with neither of us being able to read nor understand anymore than ‘hello’ in Thai, it made ordering a challenge.

We chose our meals by pointing at other people’s delicious looking dishes.

We chose our meals by pointing at other people’s delicious looking dishes, and not long into our meals we where interrupted by the owners asking for photos with us.

Being a smaller town and far off the tourist track, we assumed we were some of few, if not the first, westerners to visit their café. Smiling for photos with everyone was a bit

of an ego boost, and a far cry from the experiences we had with locals in South Thailand.

Possibly the best day and most amazing experiences either of us have ever had traveling came right after lunch. After being given a large take away bag full of food and drinks from a man who had been watching us try and catch a ride, two schoolgirls with reasonable English organised us a lift to the main highway.

In the space of ten minutes, another local man and woman had stopped to see what our business was. With the help of Google translate we explained to them our purpose.

The wife needed a little more explanation, and kept offering to pay for our bus ticket. The kindness and generosity we got from people along our trip was just mind-blowing and constantly left me speechless.

The man found the idea of us hitchhiking the most amazing and bizarre thing in the world, and took it upon his duty to find us a lift.

After disappearing for a few minuets he returned with a large piece of cardboard and was writing us up a new sign.

We had attracted quite a few locals by this point, all interested and eager to see if we would actually make it out of town. When a car pulled over a few minuets later, the whole crowd around us cheered and clapped in celebration.

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This would have to be one of the most surreal moments in my whole life. As we climbed into the back of the Ute driven by a lovely family of four, the crowd waved and cheered us off.

There was nothing we could do or say to explain what we had just experienced. We sat in the back of the Ute in silence unable to wipe the smiles off our faces and the butterflies in our stomachs.

Two days, 600 kilometres, and nine rides later, we arrived in Chiang Mai in the back of a Ute. By the end of our trip, we had covered approximately 1,000 kilometres hitch hiking, continuously being told it was impossible, and scored around fourteen rides.

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They took us through Northern Thailand and Laos in trucks stalling on the sides of mountains, with a Chinese businessman who didn’t speak a world of English, no seatbelts bouncing around in the back seat across the roughest road I’ve ever experienced, and at times —hating it.

Thailand is an amazing and beautiful country full of kind-hearted locals, if you go to the right places. After our hitchhiking experience it only took one bus ride for both of us to decide we would never move by any means but it again.

The experiences we had just doesn’t happen for a lot of people. I urge if you’re looking into a holiday in Thailand, to look beyond the party scene in Phuket and the full moon parties and explore the true wonder and beauty of the country.

But You Don’t Look Like A Muslim Words ▶ Rufia Valiff

Rufia Valiff paints an intimate portrait of her identity struggle and the importance of UniSA’s International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding.

The first time I told someone I was Muslim, my close friend of 2 years didn’t speak to me for the rest of the semester. The second time I told someone I was Muslim, they asked, “Then why aren’t you hairy?”

The third time I told someone I was Muslim, they asked, “Why don’t you wear the headscarf?” After these experiences during high school, I didn’t tell anyone else about who I was for five years.

To the average person who identifies as a Muslim, these questions are equivalent to the infamous scene from Mean Girls, in which a teenage

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girl asks another, “If you’re from Africa, then why are you white?”

While we retell these stories in our circles and laugh at people’s naivety, our hearts pang at the ignorance we are surrounded by, vocalised by the people we are closest to— at school, in the workplace and in social environments.

Being a young person in Western society poses enough issues with intergenerational differences between parents and children, psychological development, identity crises, as well as body issues. Then dump on top of that, a migrant

background and a beautiful religion so misunderstood, that it is constantly being framed as the enemy of the Western world.

The values of a young Muslim growing up in Australia are subject to change; they are an amalgam of cultural, religious and secular community values, as we struggle to balance our home life and outside life. It is with this responsibility of representing our faith, wanting to practice Islam, and attempting to be accepted into the wider secular and ‘party-oriented’ Australian society, that young Muslims often

find themselves confused, lost in their beliefs and losing sight of who they are.

It is therefore crucial for such individuals to have a place where their identity, beliefs and struggles are recognised and supported. The University of South Australia is therefore lucky enough to possess The International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding.

This university-run organisation excels in helping both non-Muslims and Muslims recognise not just the similarities and mutual connections between us, but also the differences and explain that these are not differences to be feared.

A 17 year-old girl I know recently felt compelled to take off her hijab when she ventured into the city. She was scared that the taunts and verbal abuse she had suffered silently for weeks following the Sydney siege would develop into something physical and much scarier. She had been born and raised in Australia, and chose to wear the headscarf, but because of this abuse she abandoned the one physical reminder of her closeness to God. Her story is not uncommon, many women have felt the need to take off their scarves and hide this part of their identity in fear of their safety.

The only thing heard in mass, whispered from the media into the ears of the average unwitting Australian, are stories of ‘Jihadi Brides’, ‘oppressed women in burqas’ and ‘honour killings’, as the news channels latch on to the few examples of fundamentalist

behaviour in the name of Islam.

What many do not understand is that Islam, like most organised religions, is not just a ‘rule book’.

It provides guidance, a way of life, and is the basis of everything we do.

It is present from the moment we wake up and utter the supplication, thanking God for giving us another day, to entering the toilet, eating, starting the car, and in times of distress.

While being raised as a Muslim has been the biggest privilege of my life and I believe in God, the Prophet Muhammad, that Islam is the one true religion, I find myself doing things I know are inherently forbidden.

The temptations faced by young people, including drinking, going out and having relationships, are difficult to say no to. Perhaps adding to that temptation is the appeal of knowing it is something you should not be doing. At times it also feels like the only way you can show your normality, the way to be accepted amongst others your age.

This is the struggle I face, compromising between who I want to be—a better practicing Muslim, and who I am – a young girl trying to experience everything life has to offer, albeit disregarding every rule of the Holy Book.

The number of times someone has exclaimed, “but you don’t look like a Muslim” is countless, and they are right. No, I don’t wear the headscarf —the primary identifying symbol of my faith; no, I don’t pray five times a day; and no, I cannot recite the

Holy Book. But I identify as Muslim, and am proud to tell people of my faith. I respect and admire my hijabwearing sisters who may or may not have felt the need to succumb to the temptations of a night on Hindley Street. Who may or may not have ever shown their ankles outside of their home.

My sisters in Islam are the ones who bear the burden of relentless verbal and physical abuse from men in suits in the central business district, bus drivers and neighbours.

They have been spat at by strangers, had their scarves ripped off their heads, and still call Australia home.

That’s why the Centre for Muslim and Non-Muslim Understanding is so important. Once there is a mutual understanding we can work toward removing the sectarianism that exists in our society from both groups.

This is what the centre aims to do—to change the thinking and conversation within the different communities. In order to bridge this gap, the Centre for Muslim and NonMuslim Understanding takes on the perspective of cohesion through the development of empathy.

This is done by examining the assumptions of western hegemony, the political formations of Muslim and non-Muslim subjectivities and the unresolved imbrications of multiculturalism and racism.

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Graduate View Words ▶ Jacinta Mazzarolo | Photo ▶ Courtesy of Bad//Dreems Verse Mag’s Regular Graduate Interview

The talented Miles Wilson has found success as a cool-as-fuck graphic designer by day, and a musician in an indie-darling band by night. Jacinta Mazzarolo gets the low-down on the highlife.

You’ve just been to New York, what was that like?

The best. I’ve been there a couple of times before, but this time we stayed in Brooklyn – fairly deep Brooklyn, and it felt as if we were much more engrossed in the locals’ way of everyday life. We were also right down the road from where Christopher Wallace grew up, who later became Biggie Smalls, which was exciting.

Oh and the shows we played were good.

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In a few months you are heading to the UK, is that strictly for festivals?

Initially it was. We were going over for the soul purpose of performing at the Great Escape Festival, In Brighton.

We then got offered a spot at ‘Live at Leeds’ festival and decided to make a tour out of it. Now we are there for three weeks with two days off hahaha. Our booker over there, Jamie, is bloody good. Bless his cotton socks.

Congratulations on recently completing a Master of Visual Arts and Design with UniSA. How do you balance being a successful graphic designer (Aspire Magazine, UN Women, Australian Volunteers, UniSA campus wear) with all of Bad//Dreems’ success?

Firstly, Thank you for referring to my endeavours as successful and secondly, yes, it was very difficult to balance. For the last few months of my Masters thesis, I was working full time for Free Run Press (an Adelaide based publishing house and design studio) and flying interstate after work on a Wednesday, for example, then getting the red-eye back in time for work the next day – all the while trying to write a thesis at night. But I got it done in the end. Just.

So now I can focus on my job and playing music. I’ve managed to negotiate a pretty good balance at the moment. But we are about to tour again and that’s when it gets difficult.

Whereas in Adelaide, you can be totally oblivious. I think that is a good thing.

Do you think you will ever do music full time, and if it came down to it - how do you choose between these two passions?

I’ve thought long and hard about this. That’s not to say that we will inevitably have to make that choice, but the opportunities for Bad//Dreems are coming in harder and faster, and making that decision might be just around the bend.

I guess if I had the opportunity to do music full time and still pay my rent, then I would jump on it – while I’m still young.

It’s an incredibly hard decision to make, especially when you feel that you’ve started a real career. But if we did decided to pursue music full time and felt that is was feasible, I would be over the moon. And if we did and it failed, well at least I won’t die wondering.

Your music explores a darker, more desolate side of Adelaide, how influenced are you by your experiences and attitude towards Adelaide as a city?

All four of the band members experience some kind of love/ hate relationship with Adelaide. We will moan about this and that, but on the other hand we will often comment on the many great things about our hometown.

Especially from a music industry perspective, it is very easy to feel isolated coming from Adelaide.

You travel to Sydney and Melbourne to play and everyone seems more ‘clued-in’ about some new band, or trend.

Whereas in Adelaide, you can be totally oblivious. I think that is a good thing.

We like to explore isolation and loneliness because it is something that we have all felt, and in a way it’s an ode to the kinship that the four band members share – which is rooted in growing up in Adelaide. I also think Ben, Alex, and James (the other three band members) are really good at articulating things that we all feel.

Like the feeling I might have had when I was playing at St. Kilda playground, near the mangroves in the summer of 1996 – these guys can put that into perfect words. The lyrical content we have created is something I will always cherish and a lot of that is derived from our attitude towards Adelaide.

What’s next for Bad//Dreems?

We are currently working on our debut album, which will be out around August/September through Ivy League records. This is our primary focus for now, because it’s massively important! We are also touring around Australia with The Black Keys in April, then the UK tour in May etc. etc. It’s going to be a busy year. But I’d have it no other way.

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#USASAsocial Earlier this year, the Verse Team set up shop with the University of South Australia Student Association at each of the metropolitan campuses during Orientation Week to give new students a taste of what is to come.

Graced with great weather and more freebies than you could possibly fit into your pockets, here are some highlights from UniSA’s O-Week.

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VO X Verse Mag’s Student Voice Box

‘What are you most looking forward to about starting uni?’

“The flexibility of the learning, like being able to watch my lectures online on a train in Melbourne.” – Michelle

“Meeting new people, and obviously its like a new start so that is probably what I am most excited about.” – Bella

“I’m not sure what to expect but probably studying things that actually interest me.”

– Bethany

“Getting Centrelink for the next two years while living with my folks.”

– Tom

“Having some structure and learning again, getting motivated and having some goals to work towards.”

– Jonathon

“Getting to know the campus, new people and all uni has to offer and just learning about my career.” – Tiahna

“Pretty much getting to use also the awesome equipment, the film studio, basically the moment I saw it I fell in love with it.” – James

“Ahh, the pub crawls, duh.” – Mitch

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Bad Cop, Angus Smith

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The art of Angus Smith

Imag[in]e Verse Mag’s Regular Art & Design feature

Angus Smith is an insanely talented illustrator who is currently in his third year of a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) at UniSA. His unique digital style tunes into imaginative and honest creations inspired by street art, tv shows and video games. Angus shares a few words about his process and passions.

Can you tell us a few things about your methods and how you work?

I use very little to do my work I think, just a pencil and paper, photograph it, slap it on the computer and get vectoring which is where the majority of the work is done. It’s real simple and a very minimalistic way to work, really no need for a great deal of space or resources.

I colour all of my work in Illustrator and will use Photoshop on the rare occasion, vector based art makes a lot more sense to me.

What inspires your work?

I think it’s a good mix of inspiration during my upbringing (specifically the tv shows), street art, video game and historical figures. Shows such as The Simpsons and Seinfeld, Street Artists like Sainer and Bezt from ETAM Cru, Video games like Halo and Pacman have helped me craft the style I work in today.

What industry experience do you have?

I’ve been in a few low key art shows and have done commissioned work for a handful of people and businesses but I’m still at uni and that demands a tonne of time. I’ll be getting a lot more personal and professional works into motion after this year. As for understanding how to market and create effective visuals, I look forward to growing this hobby into a career.

Who are you favourite artists?

I have a great number that I could mention however I will keep it brief. Street artwork from the likes of ARYZ, The Yok, Erase and Arsek have made that artform irresistible to me, they use colour, form and location to masterful proportions.

As for standard illustration and character design, Sergi Brosa is the be all and end all. Great emotive characters and really sells colour schemes and detail in every single art piece. Finally Musketon, who is a pioneer in vector art in my opinion. He really guided my interests to that style of art and how flexible it can be.

You can check out more work by Angus at facebook.com/angutspage If you’d like to feature your artwork in the next issue of Verse Mag send some samples to contact@versemag.com.au

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Audio Predator, Angus Smith

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SReverse the Tiki, Angus Smith

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Top: Queen Street Guardians, Angus Smith Bottom: Pineapple, Angus Smith

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Squidzilla, Angus Smith

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Release Words ▶ Brooke Mason | Image ▶ ‘Lucidity’, Hannah Newman The tears, delirium and rage The mocking of an empty page The writer’s rage, the author’s thrill The empty page that beckons still

Seductive smells of blackest ink Provoke me suddenly to think The nib, the quill, the implement Incite such thrill, such sentiment

The madness stops- my forehead gleaning A page, now full with words and meaning The sigh, as words and flurry cease The filled up page, the sheer release

No matter what emotion be Of this, there is a certainty Whatever crisis, joy or plight One thing I know, is I must write

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Film Reviews Words ▶ Stefanie Parletta

Focus (2015)

Directed by Glenn Ficarra ‘Focus’ sees Will Smith as an experienced conman and Margot Robbie as his protégé, keen to learn the tricks of his trade. The film starts off fast-paced and fun with a good soundtrack to sustain the intense mood.

Unfortunately, as the film goes on it becomes unrealistic and if you are paying attention, many plot holes in Smith’s elaborate cons start to emerge. The film attempts scenes where Will Smith’s character is explored on a deeper level, alas, Smith just isn’t selling these emotional arcs and they end up feeling awkward. In saying this, ‘Focus’ is a light-hearted and entertaining film that unfortunately wasn’t executed as well as it could’ve been.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

Directed by John Madden The sequel to the 2011 film by almost the same title continues to follow the lives of several elderly people who have retired to a hotel in India. ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ has all the hallmarks of its predecessor, charming and lovable characters, humorous translation issues and a visual feast provided by the beautifully colourful Indian backdrop. However, this film did lack when it came to the plot and didn’t have the same level of intricacy as the previous instalment. But, I can guarantee that it will deliver on that warm fuzzy feeling you can otherwise only get from hanging out with your Nan.

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Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)

Directed by Matthew Vaughn ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ tells the story of a gentleman spy, played by Colin Firth, who takes a delinquent and misbehaving teen under his wing in the hopes of transforming him into a Kingsman secret agent.

The film is fun, fiercely entertaining, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has all the cool gadgets and secret doorways of a Bond film, but way more laughs and a vibrant tone far more suited to younger audiences. The film is clearly targeted at teenage boys and I feel that this may have been taken a touch too far with some overly violent scenes and crude humour. All in all, ‘Kingsman’ is a light-hearted and enjoyable film – the perfect thing to see with your teenage brother.

Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson I walked into the theatre expecting a fantastically tacky so-bad-it’s-good kind of film. What I viewed, however, would be better described as a comedy titled, ‘How Not to Make a Film’. The dialogue was laughably bad and will make you cringe more times than you can count. The film also included a myriad of ridiculous moments that will have you distracted from the plot wondering who the fuck still has a flip phone in 2015. As the film was finally wrapping, culminating with a particularly violent scene in the ‘playroom’, I wasn’t conflicted in the slightest.

The film had done such a poor job at building up her character that she was not remotely relatable or likeable.

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Music Reviews Words ▶ Heather McGinn

I bought textbooks, and now I have no money. Where will I find sick beats for nix? I already had these classic albums in my collection, but they’d be easy to find and come highly recommended. Let’s take a look back at four of the best albums, from the ladies. A retrospective.

Patti Smith (1975)

‘Horses’ (Punk) Dark, reflective, and at times angry, this debut album was instrumental (see what I did there?) in kicking off the punk scene in New York. Smith is raw, combining spoken word and a haunting, rich singing voice in order to convey her poetry. She brings together gentle pianos and edgy guitars to support her trademark lyrics, ‘little sister the sky is falling’, and she don’t care. Horses’ was just the beginning of a career in punk rock for Smith, which continues to this day. Excellent bass hooks and relentless drums also feature underneath Smith’s unmistakable groan. Get it.

The Shangri Las (1965)

‘Leader of the Pack’ (R&B) Girl groups of the 1960’s were the best. They wore matching outfits, had gigantic hairdos, false lashes, and attitude for miles. These ladies coordinated their dance moves and committed themselves to rhythm and blues.

Throw in a little staged conversation between the band members and you have a recipe for success. These classic tunes, including the well-known title track, ‘Maybe’, and of course ‘Twist and Shout’, simply compel you to boogie your darnedest until you catch your crush’s eye and maybe – just maybe – they’ll walk you home, kiss you on the lips, and have a million of your babies.

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Alanis Morissette (1995)

‘Jagged Little Pill’ (Alternative/Grunge) Ah, Alanis, how I love you. Thank you for representing the quirky girls and getting me through high school.

Morissette was part hippie, part punk, and all ace.

Including hit singles, ‘You Oughta Know’ and ‘Ironic’, this album was pivotal in showing women that they were allowed in the alternative music scene.

Morissette’s voice, flipping from growl to scream and back again, but never out of tune – heralded a new sound. Honest and at times a little cranky, this guitar driven sound still elicits headbanging and triumphant roars from ladies worldwide. One for the grunge lover in your life.

Kate Bush (1985)

‘Hounds of Love’ (ElectroPop) Before there was Gaga, there was Bush. Performance artist, singer-songwriter, and all round babe, Bush not only rocks a unitard – she can really sing. This album includes classic singles such as ‘Running Up That Hill’ and ‘The Big Sky’, which show off Bush’s extensive vocal range.

Synthesisers, drum machines, and wailing string sections come together with layer upon layer of vocal tracks to create the signature Bush sound. This album will make you want to dance in a flash mob, sing out loud to yourself in the supermarket, and learn to cartwheel.

Gaga’s got nothing on the Bush.

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Coffee Reviews Words ▶ Tanya Mackay

Given we’ve just got back into the swing of things for 2015, here are some of the best places to get your much needed daily caffeine hit in the city.

Please Say Please

This coffee shop is my Adelaide favourite. Using Proud Mary beans and always offering a range of kicking filters - they know how to make the perfect coffee. Every cup of caffeine goodness I have had here has been amazing, from the robust and complex single origins to the smooth, creamy Angel Wings Blend cappuccinos. There are bonus points for these legendary baristas because their flat whites are always, and I mean always, flat.

Food-wise they have a small range of breakfast-brunch type items, but it’s in small display cabinet of pastry temptations where the real magic lies. Crafted by the baking genius that is Alex Crawford, you must have one of the weekly changing macarons… Honestly, they are the best in Adelaide! Epic coffee and magic macarons.

Austin and Austin

Within walking distance between City East and City West this little hot spot is going to make any University student’s day. A café and lounge bar serving soul food style breakfasts and snack food (nutella and marshmallow toasties anyone?), the coffee here is certainly worth stopping in for. They have a wide range of boozy choices as well, including some excellent craft beers and cocktails. Let’s be honest though.. the main draw-card is that this place has board games, Old school Sega and Cards Against Humanity for use by all customers free of charge.

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Austin and Austin

Bar 9 Central

Tucked away in the David Jones building, many people miss this inner city diamond when grabbing their daily caffeine hit. As the sister of the coffee/brunch institution that is Bar 9 Parkside - these guys know their stuff. A solid range of single origins, a no-fail but ever-changing barista’s blend, and some stunning coffee art, make this one awesome place to waste (or productively study) away some hours.

They also do delicious food (the mushroom dishes deserve a special mention) and for the non-coffee drinkers, a great range of unique, multiple infusion teas.

The staff here are super friendly and cool and always willing to chat about the coffees on offer.

Solid, consistent, and beautiful coffees.

La Moka

The super up-and-coming Peel Street is where La Moka, an Italian inspired café and bar, is located. Serving breakfast, lunch and small plates in the evenings, this place has a warm, modern feel that is somewhere between a hip local café and your best friend’s Nonna’s house. The coffee here is always robust, full of flavour and crafted with skill, and there are some pretty unique renditions (the espresso shaken with ice is a must try in my books).

The cocktail list is full of tempting delights and the zeppole are some of the best in town. Close to the City West Campus, the coffee here is worth a little walk for.

For classic Italian café vibes, some must-try food and, strong robust caffeine goodness.

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Your student magazine.

Submissions open now! contact@versemag.com.au

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ART | JOURNALISM | DESIGN

Verse Magazine is looking for student contributors!

Send us your: Articles, Stories, Poems, Reviews, Photographs, Illustrations, Paintings + Anything you want!

If you’ve got something to say- give us a shout!

Direct your submissions to contact@versemag.com.au Submission deadlines for 2015: Edition 4: May 4th Edition 5: June 29th Edition 6: August 17th Edition 7: October 5th Sign up to the Verse E-Newsletter at versemag.com.au for submission reminders and information about upcoming edition release parties!

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• • • •

Add lectures and manage your social diary.

Get the latest event info, real time, on campus.

Access discounts Australia-wide based on your location.

Exclusive giveaways & on-campus promotions. usasa.sa.edu.au/App

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