W'SUP Broadsheet 2 2025

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Issue No. 2

May 15, 2025

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Published on Darug, Tharawal, Eora and Wiradjuri lands

Painting Respect into our Community

Western’s fighting Food Insecurity!

By Jasmine Kaur, Student Publications Editor and Sofia Tripodi, Student Contributor.

What is Project Respect?

Project Respect is an interactive community-based art project at Western’s Parramatta South Campus that aims to start conversations about respectful relationships.

The Western Pantry Team. Photo by Julia Bell, 2024

The Pantry: growing help to other campuses

By Nataša Aster-Stater, Director of Student Publications The Western Pantry aims to combat food insecurity, and officially opened at the Kingswood Campus in July, 2024.

Food Pantry services are also available at Bankstown (Fridays, 11am-1pm) and Sydney City (every second Wednesday, from 11.30am-12pm) campuses.

It works like this: make sure you’ve registered on WesternLife, then students pick their five staples - including fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, oats, cereal, spreads, canned goods, bread, long-life milk, and more – and a volunteer will be at the counter ready to assist (though it’s recommended that students bring their own shopping bags to pack their groceries in).

As well as food, the Pantry provides free hygiene products and nappies.

For more information about when to attend at your preferred campus visit the Western Pantry page on WESTERNLife.

To volunteer with or donate to the Western Pantry, please contact: westernpantry@westernsydney.edu.au

As a diverse community, we must acknowledge the prevalence of disrespect, casual harassment and violence that can and does occur within romantic relationships, friendships and professional relationships.

You’re invited to Community Dinners!

By Jen Alford, Student Contributor On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the familiar sizzle of beef, and the rich aroma of spices filled the air at Western Bankstown Campus as kitchen assistants prepared a hearty feast of nachos for the weekly Community Dinner.

The event welcomed around 50 hungry students, fostering a sense of connection and belonging over a shared meal.

Student volunteer, Lisa Feng, helped in the kitchen preparing steaming bowls of nachos, catering to the diverse student community through providing beef, Halal and vegan options.

On this day, dinner was

connection, and community.

Whether you’re in first year, a seasoned student, or a high schooler looking for a warm welcome, there’s always a seat at the table and a plate waiting for you.

So, next Tuesday - come hungry, leave happy.

See you at the next Community Dinner when we’re planning to serve Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta and Dijon Mushroom Pasta with some salad and garlic bread!

however, the fully vegan!

Student Volunteers at your Service. Photo by Jen Alford, March 2025

National student complaint service unveiled

The NSO ensures consent throughout the entirety of the process, keeping you updated and informed. If a student is unsatisfied with the final outcome, they may request a review.

The NSO can help resolve complaints about Western Sydney University decisions from all students: international or domestic, full-time or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate.

Legislation to establish the NSO was passed on the 29th of November 2024 by the Albanese Government. Its action plan was composed through consultations with victim-survivor advocates, staff, students, and experts in the higher education sector.

Complaints can involve a range of issues, including student safety and wellbeing, gender-based violence, racism and racial vilification, discrimination, the fairness and effectiveness of student complaints processes, and administrative issues like the timeliness and accuracy of information provided to students about their courses.

The NSO resolution pathways may include written recommendations to providers, opportunities to participate in restorative engagement, or alternative dispute resolution processes including mediation.

There are a range of ways to lodge a complaint with the NSO, so you can use

A press release from the AttorneyGeneral Portfolio announced the passing of the NSO legislation that night, according to which Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said, “Everyone should feel safe and supported on university campuses so they have the best chance to succeed and thrive...The new National Student Ombudsman will be a powerful, independent voice to investigate and help students when they experience sexual violence or discrimination of any kind.”

There is no time limit on complaints lodged with the NSO; students can

The National Student Ombudsman appeared at Welcome Week, February 2025. Photo by Eleanor Cooper.

Published by Student Publication Committee

make

complaints

about

past

These challenges label discussions on respect, violence, and education as controversial, but Project Respect insists on facing them. Disrespect has reached dangerous levels, making this conversation essential.

Even if uncomfortable,

How does it support individuals in vulnerable situations?

community. I saw myself, my friends, and our stories within the eyes, drawings, and words of my peers.

Even in this early stage, I knew we had succeeded in starting a conversation, and I hope we continue fostering reflection and respect.

Project Respect highlights the normalisation of disrespect in relationships and empowers individuals to speak up in dangerous situations.

Through public displays, we encourage them to acknowledge their situations.

Any impactful stories from this project?

Through this project, I’ve had the honour of meeting and talking to a variety of people about respect.

Initially, people were hesitant to engage in deeper conversations about respect in their relationships and respectful interactions with others. I was surprised by how many people engaged in critical reflection on respectful relationships on our very first interactive day after opening space on the dialogue wall.

Quynh Nguyen painting a rose for Project Respect, March 2025. Photo by Sofia Tripodi.

As a woman, it was emotional to see other women’s fears of disrespect alongside hopes that we can do better. A celebration of different cultures appeared through signs, words of peace, love, and equality, framed by rows of bright flowers.

The opposing photo wall, my main contribution, has also exceeded expectations. Over two days, I collected photos of our community to build the faces of our stories. These images, alongside elders, different life stages, and community statements, became a collage of relationships past, present, and future.

That day, as an artist, I looked at these two walls with pride. But more importantly, as a bystander, I was touched by our

Project Respect, March 2025. Photo by Satya Patel, Design Officer.

Dental Care: a Curse for the Government this Election?

By Nataša Aster-Stater, Director of Student Publications

By Eleanor Cooper, Student Publications Editor

The National Student Ombudsman (NSO) is a free, accessible and impartial service for students to escalate complaints about the actions of their higher education provider, empowered by the Ombudsman Act 1976.

We aim to empower our community to acknowledge the need to unlearn disrespect and act. We also strive to highlight the resources available for those seeking education or support in their relationships.

Addressing how we treat each other in relationships is complex. Cultural upbringings can instill shame, overlook abuse, and discourage open discussions.

Fears of workplace harassment, especially in patriarchal structures, further silence people. Internalised stigma can also erode self-worth, making it even harder to recognise and challenge harmful behaviours.

What made this dinner particularly special was the growing presence of local high school students who study on campus.

the safest option for you. They work with students to consider the best resolution pathway, and if their services aren’t right for the situation they can provide referrals for more appropriate services.

Project Respect’s team challenges the public to think about how they treat people through a visual display of our communities’ thoughts, feelings and artistic contributions.

What are its key challenges?

And in consideration of Ramadan, there were takeaway containers on offer, so fasting students could enjoy their meals later.

Demand was high - by the end of the night only a few servings were left to store in the student fridge.

Bankstown Community Dinners are hosted every Tuesday throughout semester. Offering more than just food, it’s also a place for conversation,

To approach this heavy conversation, we aimed to foster an environment of reflection and expression via a studentcurated ‘dialogue’ mural on the outside walls of building EA.

we must encourage reflection, selfawareness, and action towards respect.

issues.

The NSO will also accept anonymous complaints or complaints made through a friend, however this may limit resolution options.

When lodging a complaint with the NSO, it’s recommended to include information such as what happened, where and when the matter took place, who was involved and any witnesses, details of any actions already taken, the name of your higher education provider, the name and position of the person you made your complaint to, and any documents such as medical evidence and photographs that may be relevant.

Important people to note in the NSO include Sarah Bendall, the First Assistant Ombudsman; Iain Anderson, the Commonwealth Ombudsman; and Kate Anderson, the SeniorAssistant Ombudsman.

“Stronger Medicare is at the heart of our government and will be the beating heart of our election campaign,” said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, in February 2025, further adding that, “Medicare is a promise no one will be left behind”.Except many Australians have been left behind as dental care is excluded under Medicare. Right now, it’s a trojan horse from the Greens, which neither Albanese nor Dutton want to accept into this year’s federal election.

According to a 2024 report by Australian Dental Association (ADA), 61 per cent of Australians had postponed going to the dentist to get treatment in the last year alone, with the majority citing that they could not afford the visit.

In a statement published to their website in August 2024, Adam Bandt, leader of the Greens, said should his political party be elected to power, dental care in Australia will be free and available to all, and that Labor and Liberal “lack the guts” to do so.

“I was 24 the first time I went to the dentist. I never went to the dentist before that because my parents couldn’t afford it.”

“Australia’s dental and oral health system is a system in decay,” stated Greens Health spokesperson, Senator Jordon-Steele John, in a 2024 speech to the National Press Club.

Amy Chapman*, 34, a mother of three and student at Western Sydney University, in her third year of studying for a Bachelor of Arts, says:

Today, however, Chapman still does not have the financial means of regular dentist visits for herself: “I must prioritise my children’s health over my own. The government subsidy for child check-ups is helpful, but any further care must be paid out of pocket.

Otherwise,” she adds, “I must go on a

waiting list for the public hospital, which is long. It can become urgent during that wait, and scary when it’s one of your kids.”

In NSW alone, according to data obtained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the average time for people on the public dental waiting list, between 2021-2022, was 485 days.

“It (free dental care) is an unfinished piece of the health reform that the country desperately needs”, says Bandt.

So far, Albanese and Dutton aren’t painting the dentist’s chair into their plans. They’ve tried their utmost to avoid the DentalCare-Should-be-Free debate during their election campaigns – but by ignoring it, they’ve made it one of the standout issues for Australians. For many, it’s a major hole in Medicare and requires an urgent filling. *Amy’s surname has been changed due to privacy reasons.

While the NSO has limited enforceability, their power lies in keeping the public informed when matters are handled poorly.

This encourages universities to collaborate with the NSO to deliver the best results.

To find out more, please call the NSO on 1300 395 775, visit their website: nso.gov. au, or follow them on Instagram: @nso_gov

61 per cent of Australians had postponed going to the dentist to get treatment in the last year alone, March 2025. Photo by Nataša Aster-Stater.

Director: Natasa Aster-Stater. Editors: Jasmine Kaur, Luci Kugathasan, Israa Merhi, Eleanor Cooper & Tamara Tuchin. Marketing Officer: Bailey Anderson. Design Officer: Satya Patel. Multimedia Officer: Jo Rhodes Denton

“G’day, Mate!” Let’s break down Aussie slang

By Jasmine Kaur, Student Publications Editor Struggling with Aussie slang or accents?

Join Western’s free, weekly English Conversation Groups (ECG) to improve your language skills, understand the local culture, and connect with others.

“Hey mate, wusppp, you wanna go for brekkie, cool bananas?”

If you’ve just landed in Sydney, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering what in the world is going on. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Australian English is a whole new world, and the slang, humour, and casual ways we do things here can feel pretty bizarre at first.

I remember when I first got here, someone casually said, “Let’s have a chat this arvo,” and I was like, “Arvo? Is that a person? A place?!” And then there was the inevitable awkward laugh as I tried to play it cool, pretending I understood.

Spoiler: I didn’t!

But guess what?

You’ll get the hang of it. Aussies are all about being laid-back, and part of that is their unique way of speaking. “Arvo” means afternoon, “brekkie” is breakfast, and “cool bananas” is just a fun way of saying “all good!” It’s like a secret code, and soon enough, you’ll be saying things like “No worries, mate!” without a second thought.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Sydney is one of the most diverse cities, with a huge international community. You’ll hear

everything from Aussie slang to all kinds of accents from around the world. It’s a lot to take in, right? Especially if you find yourself in places like Parramatta or Chinatown, where every corner feels like a whole new world, with different languages and cultures blending together.

But hey, that’s the beauty of Sydney! It’s a melting pot of experiences, and the best way to dive into it all is to start chatting.

And here’s the good news: Western Sydney University offers English Conversation Groups (you may also see it referred to as ECG) to help you with just that. It’s the perfect opportunity to brush up on your Australian English and understand more about Aussie culture, the jokes, and the laid-back vibe that makes us, well, us!

So, whether you’re struggling to keep up with the accent or feeling overwhelmed by the buzzing multicultural environment, just remember, everyone goes through it.

You’ll find your groove, and soon enough, you’ll be part of the convo, laughing at a joke or asking, “What’s the go?” (that’s Aussie slang for “What’s going on?”).

And hey - by the way- Western has got you covered for this too.

Western runs English Conversation Groups every week! And good newsthey’re completely free! So, why not sign up and start familiarising yourself with Aussie English, culture, and humor?

Join the program via WESTERNLife (Western log in required) or email any queries to ecg@westernsydney.edu.au See you there, mate!

All About Badanami

By Tamara Tuchin, Student Publications Editor “Higher education accessible to all” is one of the catchphrases at Western, and today we’re highlighting the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education.

With centres located on Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta City, Parramatta South, and Penrith (Kingswood) campuses, Badanami provides academic and life support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Audree Campbell, WSU student, says that the Badanami Centre feels like home.

“It’s where I find cultural strength, emotional support, and a community that understands and respects my identity as an Indigenous student.”

“Badanami has been more than just a place for academic support. I can truly be myself, and connect to my heritage while navigating university life.”

Each campus has a Student Success Officer, who is not only able to provide support and understanding for students like Audree, but can facilitate connections between students and Western’s dedicated First Nations programs, events and services.

Deadly Chat:

Whether it’s a chat or enquiry, Badanami’s Student Success Officers are here. Indigenous students can book a preferred time to have a video chat with a selected member of staff, or use the instant chat between 9am - 4pm on weekdays to get a connection ASAP.

tutoring a week, with additional hours available for exam preparation. Students can be tutored for specific subjects, as well as skills like essay writing, study techniques, and research skills.

Bad Blood between Taylor and Swifties

The Wall Planner: Behind The Scenes

By Israa Merhi, Student Publications Editor

By Garish (Luci) Kugathasan, Student Publications Editor

It is crucial to note the darker side of pop culture, and how the University has played a role in its over-glamourisation.

“It was a “goodbye tour” to me- my last (and only) opportunity to see her live before I cut her out of my life (and music taste) forever” Western student Bea Birett said in response to W’SUP News’ call-out post on singer Taylor Swift’s global ‘Eras Tour’.

Birett felt disappointed that the influential Swift stayed silent on Palestine, especially with all eyes on her recordbreaking The Eras Tour. Fans of Swift, including Western students, have voiced opinions on the artist’s silence regarding the ongoing Palestinian genocide.

In a 2024 Shado Magazine article titled ‘I don’t want to be a Taylor Swift fan anymore’, Muslim journalist Anmol Irfan noted how Western viewers obsessed over Swift and her partner Travis Kelce’s interactions during the 2024 Super Bowl.

Irfan noted rampant fascination with Swift “while Israel ruthlessly bombed Rafah.”

Irfan expressed her grievances by noting that Swift “said absolutely nothing about the violence committed.” Irfan continued: “Israel in fact ran undisclosed ads during the Superbowl.” Irfan’s and Birett’s shared sentiment reveal how Swift went from being admired to criticised for her inaction.

The University was quick to organise buses for the Era’s Tour which was posted online via a TikTok video on its page, however, it still has not listened to the concerns of many students on campus who have been calling for disclosures and divestments from the Israeli state.

Although the tour meant a lot to fans, including some Western students, it is crucial to note the darker side of pop culture, and how the University has played a role in its over-glamourisation.

Maybe it is time to question whether Western cares more about the valid concerns of its students over the genocide they are actively complicit in, or advertising the University in a way that undoubtedly appeals to a younger demographic.

In late 2024, alongside The Eras Tour, Western invited actor Joel Edgerton to a Doctor of Medicine graduation ceremony, where he received an Honorary Doctorate as 100 students graduated.

2025 Indigenous Students vs Staff Soccer Match

Always popular, this year Indigenous staff will be defending their title on the 28th of March at the Penrith Regional Valley Sports Centre. The friendly (yet competitive) rivalry starts at 10:30am.

Indigenous Professoriate Lecture One of two annual lectures, details for this event have not yet been released.

However, keep the 21st of May free for a powerful talk from a leading Indigenous academic at Parramatta South campus.

Lecture 2 will be held in October.

The University portrays itself as a welcoming environment for young people while downplaying its connections to weapons manufacturers. For instance, it collaborates with Thales Australia, a company that designs, develops, and manufactures various aerospace and military systems.

Additionally, the University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems works with Raytheon to develop an event-based visual situational awareness and anomaly detection system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These partnerships raise important questions about the institution’s affiliations and the message this sends to students.

SRC Statement

By Laine Fox, SRC President

starts and following shapes to build this fun, retro style around the characters.

What makes this year’s wall planner unique compared to previous versions?

I think the QR codes are a significant distinction and game changer for the planner. Incorporating them makes accessing those resources much easier and less information to read. I also think having those cells larger and eliminating negative space was beneficial to students following feedback from last year’s planner. I hope everyone enjoys and makes the most of this year’s design.

Do you have a favourite aspect of the design, and why?

I love the colours. They turned out amazing, and all the little details on each panel were really fun to make! They’re all slightly different but have the same elements, like the stars, squiggles, and some little goofy character. I love the clock; it was the first one I drew and is still my favourite.

This was seen on October 9th, 2024, when two students were arrested on campus during a protest.

To read the full version of the interview, please go to W’SUP News.

Graphic designer Sofia Tripodi who created W’SUP’s 2025 wall planner. Photo credit: Sofia Tripodi, 2025

Scan here to download the digital wall planner!

What inspired your design for this year’s wall planner?

I drew heavy inspiration from the W’SUP team’s colour ideas, reference imagery and a range of retro styles to build a colour palette and distinctive character style for the illustration. The team desired bright, cohesive colours and liked using caricatures in the examples they found. I researched more into a vintage cartoon style to develop the simple, recognisable characters on the wall planner. With this, I chose a range of intense colours,

3 Must-Watch Aussie Films

By Garish (Luci) Kugathasan, Student Publications Editor Dear reader (and possible movie lover), Australian films are underrated. Full stop.

With rich storytelling, striking landscapes, and raw emotion, they deserve more attention. Australian cinema has something for everyone, from biographical dramas to horror to comedy-revenge. Here’s a look at three standout films that showcase the very best of what Australian Cinema has to offer.

Laine Fox (SRC President) and Vidushi Sethi (SRC Vice President) in front of the Parramatta South Queer Stairs, March 2025. Taken by SRC.

Your Western SRC has been hard at work fighting for real change on campus. From tackling the ongoing issues with parking to ensuring free period products are available across all campuses, we’re committed to making student life better.

We’ve stood firm on students’ rights to protest, advocating for a campus where students can express themselves without fear.As part of this, we recently ran a workshop with the Human Rights Law Centre on students’ legal rights, how to stay safe on campus, and what to do when dealing with police.

We’re also working to increase inclusion across the university, pushing for meaningful action that ensures all students feel represented and supported.

It follows a group of teenagers who use an embalmed hand of ambiguous origin to contact spirits as a party game. But when they push the limits too far, the consequences are instant and brutal. This film will leave you grateful for what you have in life, reminding you to make responsible choices and never, ever contact the dead for fun. Just don’t do it.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact your student representatives at src@westernsydney. edu.au—we’re here to help.

Western Sydney University students deserve a campus that works for them, and we won’t stop fighting to make that a reality.

Tutoring for Success:

Western’s Tutoring for Success (TFS) program gives Indigenous students the opportunity to participate in individual or group tuition with qualified tutors within the university. This program is open to both WSU and The College students, and allows up to eight hours of

Here, Sofia shares her process of designing the planner in an interview.

Despite this noble act, the University has not acknowledged students who have tirelessly fought to expose human rights violations against Palestinians. Instead, it has only grown in its efforts to repress people from speaking out on this matter.

It’s always tricky navigating the eligibility and conditions of a scholarship; staff from Badanami can assist in the searching for, understanding, and applying for the various scholarships and opportunities Western offers. Indigenous scholarships are open year round for both future and current students on all Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Higher Degree Research levels.

Badanami Centre, along with several university organizations, hosts a variety of events and workshops for both Indigenous students and the wider student community. Here are some upcoming events to get involved in:

Sofia Tripodi, a talented graphic designer and photographer known as @ fromthetripod on Instagram, designed W’SUP’s wall planner this year.

Edgerton is an actor and filmmaker, who has played characters in famous movies like Star Wars and The Great Gatsby. He has also been an ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundations for over 10 years which helps people access affordable eye-care.

Scholarships:

Events and Workshops:

Wall planners are essential for students, helping them stay on top of everything from mid-semester breaks and assessments to census dates, STUVAC and final exams.

For more info about Badanami, head to the WSU website, and give them a follow on socials (@badanami_wsu).

Don’t forget to check out The Yarning Circle, the quarterly newsletter that celebrates all things Indigenous at Western.

Lion (2016) is a timeless classic that tugs at the heartstrings. The film follows Saroo Brierley (Dev Patel), a 30-year-old Indian man who searches for his birth family after having been separated from them at the age of 5, when he boarded the wrong train in India. As an adult, he searches using childhood memories and Google Earth. It is a beautifully moving film that takes the audience on a journey of identity, belonging, and the meaning of home.

Talk to Me (2022) is a rollercoaster of chaos, blending horror with raw emotion.

The Dressmaker (2015) is a wickedly stylish revenge story wrapped in haute couture. After many years away, Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet) returns to her small hometown with a sewing machine and a score to settle. Armed with her sharp wit and high fashion, she transforms the town’s outcasts while confronting the dark secrets of her past.

With a mix of drama, dark humour, and breathtaking fashion, this film shows that revenge is always best served in style.

Lion by Causeway Films (2016) and Talk to Me by See-Saw Films (2022), two standout Australian films

Drop into The Badanami Centre on Liverpool Campus. Photo by Tamara Tuchin, April 2025

WSU Supporting Staff: Ellie Winter (Publications & Student Representative Officer), Grant Murray (Student Representative Officer), Richard Martino (Manager) & Jenny Page (Administrative Officer)

Lead Designer: Satya Patel

© Western Sydney University