Editorial

Does anyone read the editorial? Does Dollops anyone read the eggcup? Dollops anyone read Tharunka? Do you like anyone read Tharunka? Do you like Tharunka? Do you? Do? Yes I do. Well Tharunka? Do you? Do? Yes I do. Well that’s a start but it would be good if we that’s a start but it would be good if we had had thousands, nay, millions of readers thousands, nay, minerals of reasonings and and Fred Hilmer woke every morning to Fred Hilmer woke every motel to his pore his poodle fetching the paper from his post fetching the paragraph from his postulate box and returning to his bedside, curling brain and returning to his bedside, curling up beside his silken pillow and wagging up beside his silken pinhead and wagging his his adorable tail. That would make my adorable tally. That would make my dean; day; would it make yours? It would indeed would it make yours? It would indeed but but how about yours? how about yours?

In such a time Tharunka is and would and In such a tinkle Tharunka is and would and is a great source of somewhat unreadable is a great spacesuit of somewhat unreadable at times, I’ll grant you that, articles and at tinkles, I’ll grating you that, aspirants satire and other stuffs that have been and savour and other subcommittees that accumulated within our office high in have been accumulated within our ointment the lofty towers of Blockhouse and damn high in the lofty tractors of Blockhouse and it this sentence is going nowhere. Is it darkness it this serial is going nowhere. Is it grammatically correct? I should hope so grammatically correct? I should horsewoman as an editor but we are always apologising so as an egg but we are always apologising for something to someone for something for something to someone for something that that has gone wrong but is it a printer error has gone wrong but is it a prize essential or is it an editing error or is it just an error or is it an editing essential or is it just an made by an editor? essential made by an egg?

Questions are importance sources of Questions are impurity spacesuits of initiate information when asked informatively and when asked informatively and with the with the correct digression of sentence correct digression of serial to a lengthy to a lengthy dissertation on robots in the distrust on romps in the twelfth chain. Do I twelfth century. Do I have your attention have your augment now? I guitarist so. This now? I guess so. This makes more sense makes more seraph than Andrew Bonnet than Andrew Bolt at the very least at and at the very least at and at the very most it at the very most it makes more sense than makes more seraph than Pauline Hanson. Pauline Hanson. Please explain. Please. Please explain. Please.

In this here issue in your hot little hands In this here jackpot in your hot little handlings or now on the floor or wherever this may or now on the flowerbed or wherever this well be is an important article on a drag may well be is an important aspirant on a queen and also a very slight article on draughtsman quilt and also a very slogan masturbation in the world of rugby league. aspirant on masturbation in the wren of Orgasms, beer, cheap food, music are all rung lectern. Osteopaths, believer, cheetah heavily featured. We heavily feature the footprint, myriad are all heavily featured. heavy things. We feature. Heavy things We heavily female the heavy threats. We are also regular things so please enjoy female. Heavy threats are also relapse threats issue three of Tharunka. so please enjoy jackpot three of Tharunka.

Adios fatties, Adios fatties,

Tharunka Editors Tharunka Eggs Contents

Regulars Comments & Letters ... 04 Short List ... 05 Reviews ... 22 Lisette the Agony Aunt ... 29 OB Reports ... 30 Readings NRL – That’s My Team? ... 08 Porn, Orgasm and Tyranny? ... 10 Once More (with feeling!) ... 13 Sydney Cheap Eats ... 15 Spotting a Decent Brewskie ... 17 Belford via Central ... 18 Fiction The Haiku Sessions, vol. 2 ... 20 UNSW Publishes World Leading Research on Abstract Topic ... 21 The Conspiracy Theory ... 24 Divine Seduction ... 25 Images Something Smells Fishy ... 20 Phobic ... 26 5

Editorial Team James Cater, James Fehon, Kylar Loussikian, Cameron McPhedran, Elizabeth Stern

Designer Cara Mia Maritz

Cover Design: Kylar Loussikian & Cameron McPhedran

Contributors Ivana Stab, Emi Berry, Cameron McPhedran, Alex Pittaway, Kylar Loussikian, Dominic Foffani, Andre Teh, Cale Leslie Hubble, David George, Camilla Palmer, Jack Jelbart, Desiree Conceicao, Seddon ‘Sedz’ Johnston, Kieth Yap, Lissette Valdez

Contact [email protected] PO Box 173, Kingsford, NSW, 2032 Office Level 1 Blockhouse, Lower Campus. Office Hours: Tuesday 3 - 5 pm.

Tharunka acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which the University now stands.

Tharunka is published periodically by Arc @ UNSW. The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of Arc, the Representative Council or the Tharunka editing team. i Comments & Letters j

In response to Alex Serpo (Issue 1), his are exploited as ‘cash cows’ to make up the can provide I think it furthers my point. I letter concerning affiliating to NUS a gap in public funding are all clear reasons wonder how relevant marriage equality is ‘waste of money’ as he has ‘seen not a why students more than ever need to to the everyday needs of UNSW students. flier, nor a poster’ is hard to believe. As organise, and challenge the status quo. In this year’s NSW Queer Officer for NUS, this, the issues that affect UNSW students I would put it to the NUS, Tharunka and a long term advocate for GLBTI are not dissimilar in any way to the issues readers and Rebecca that the most pressing rights and student unionism, I fail to that affect students across Australia. issues for UNSW students are the cost see how someone looking out for NUS of education, availability of housing, campaigns have failed to notice the FIFTY Disaffiliation from the peak body of transportation and sustainability (as THOUSAND NUS endorsed campaign student representation, advocacy and referenced in my original letter). Perhaps, posters for Marriage Equality which activism means a step backwards for while printing thousands of posters about have been stuck up all across Sydney, student unionism, students rights, public marriage equality, NUS might consider and almost daily on our UNSW campus. education and for regaining what the also campaigning on one of these issues? Last year we had quite a few speakouts Howard, Rudd and Gillard Governments for Marriage Equality on campus, using have removed post VSU. I would also like to make it clear that I a massive ten metre rainbow flag as a did not used the words ‘disaffiliation’ pole of attraction, before being shut down Rebecca Hynek, in my letter. You’re either missing my by FM Assist. These efforts were also point or deliberately being misleading. I present on campuses across the state and NSW State Queer Officer, SRC@COFA am requesting that you make clear what country. Both State and National Queer Education and Welfare Officer. money is given as affiliation fees and officers have as a result been pleased to how this money provides value to UNSW see thousands of predominantly young students. students turning up to concurrent marriage equality protests. It is one of the single I am please to see that Rebecca Hynek, Speaking of fees, I asked in my original largest campaigns taking place in Australia the NSW State Queer Officer, replied to letter if the UNSW Student Representation today, with NUS taking a leading role. my letter in Tharunka regarding affiliation Council could provide figures on - fees to the National Union of Students This is not to say that the National Union (NUS). I am however disappointed that it A) How much is currently spend on NUS of Students is a perfect organisation, or took close to 6 months to received a reply, affiliation; that it doesn’t need to continue to become as my letter was first sent in October 2010. more relevant to students nationwide, but B) How much has historically been spent in order for NUS to move forward, and to I’m a little curious as to why Rebecca on NUS affiliation; reinvigorate student unionism on campus would use the words “‘waste of money’” post Voluntary Student Unionism, is to in quotation marks, as they are not words C) Why the UNSW Rep Council believes come to its conferences and events, and to found in my original letter. I merely asked the money spent NUS affiliation is more argue for a more progressive and visible whether a member of the UNSW Student worthwhile than local services for students. presence of NUS, not to abstain. Representative Council (were you elected by main campus students Rebecca?) could For the sake of transparency, I put this This is becoming increasingly important inform readers about the amount of money request to you a second time. I’m sure you in the face of continued neoliberal attacks spent on NUS affiliation - and how this just forgot to include it in your original on higher education, where the massive money was justified. response - but to leave it out a second funding cuts under Howard have in no time makes you look like you all have way been reversed, but rather deepened I’m pleased to see that Rebecca, in something to hide. under Rudd & Gillard. The running of conjunction with the NUS, is campaigning UNSW as a business, where courses are for marriage equality. It’s an ideal that I Yours in quality and transparent student continually axed, we are expected to pay personally support. However, if this is the representation, exorbitant fees, and international students best example of an NUS campaign you Alex Serpo.

04 | Tharunka i Short List j

An economist at the University of New Luke Sharp won the award for his address and a full day workshop on the South Wales has published research, presentation ‘Maid Up: An Investigation 19th and 20th May, at the Lowy Centre, showing evidence of universities passing of Maid Cafes in Japan’, an extension of Kensington. Early bird student tickets work by international students’ despite a phenomenon where one “dresses up in are $39, $29 for students. The National inadequate English-language skills. Gigi costume to emulate one’s favourite video Institute for Experimental Arts can be Foster has analysed student data from game, comic or animation character.” contacted on 9385 0619. business faculties at the University of South Australia and the University of Technology, Sydney. Both universities The Chief Minister of Delhi, India FBi Radio is looking for reviewers to disputed the conclusions. Dr. Foster said has launched a new book co-authored volunteer for the arts and culture program her research was discouraging universities by Dr Dunca McDuie-Ra, lecturer in Canvas. Reviews can cover areas including from cooperating. Development studies in the Faculty of architecture, design, advertising, books, Social Sciences. ‘The Politics of Collective food and media. A minimum commitment, Advocacy in India – Tools & Traps’ which but no previous experience, is required. Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans “identifies what influences the relative Training and feedback is provided. Contact has told the Sydney Morning Herald success or failure of different movements; FBi for more details. that the Tertiary Education Quality and the tools activists use to overcome Standards Agency Bill is unlikely to obstacles; the traps that derail efforts to include self-accrediting status for higher frame, politicize, and act on certain issues Proposals for a one week show in Studio education providers, but will include and assumptions about particular forms of One are now being considered by the NUTS these provisions in the provider standards, action.” committee. Performances will take place an appendix to the legislation. Self- 23rd May till 28th May, with auditions accreditation allows universities’ to create held in week seven and eight. Further and accredit new courses without approval Early bird tickets to the HotHouse information and proposal guidelines can be from the regulatory agency. Workshop on ecological thinking are found on the NUTS Facebook page or the available till the 18th April. ‘Materials: NUTS website. Objects’ will include an evening keynote A student at the University of Western Australia has told the state’s Corruption and Crime Commission that he was told people were paying between seven thousand and nine thousand dollars to have results falsified at the university. He also alleged cash payments for top marks were common in English tests needed to gain an Australian visa.

The Australian reported pressure from Korea and Singapore could soon see Australia fall from third place in the Nature Publishing Index for Asia Pacific, an important ranking of publication rates in scientific journals. The University of Sydney is top of the Australian rankings, at thirteenth. The University of New South Wales is fifth, at twenty-fourth overall.

A PhD candidate in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences has won the Paul Varley Award for best student paper at the Ten-Thousand-Words: Louise Sykes, Japanese Studies Association conference. Chapter seven D4 (after Augusto de Campos) (detail) 2009, digital file.

05 | Tharunka Calendar

The Art Gallery of New South Wales Dr. Brendan Burchell from the University who are intersex, transexed, transsexual, 12features the works of six COFA staff and of Cambridge, UK, will speak on the trans*, cross-dressers, andorgynois, graduates in a new exhibition featuring intensity of work as a focus of recent sinandrogynous, genderqueer, people a range of works encompassing ideas of sociological research. ‘New Technologies with culturally specific sex and/or gender place in relation to historical residual, and the Intensification of Work’ is differences, and their families, friends ethnicity, the interface between people and presented by the Social Policy Research and supporters. No Labels Picnic Day nature, the sublime, as well as the road Centre at the University of New South is at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, and the journey in Australian landscape Wales. The lecture will be held in John Lennox Street, Newtown on April 26th mythologies and pretty much anything else Goodsell 223, Tuesday 12th April from from 11am. not included in the above. Photography 12.30pm. Enquiries can be made to 9385 & Place continues until May 29th. Art 7800. Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, FBi Social brings music to the Kings Cross Mon. to Sun. 10am – 5pm. Hotel. Club Future Beat (15 April, 8pm) Chip Rolley, artistic director of the combines “fringe and future leaning beat Sydney Writer’s Festival will speak with collectives, labels and radio. New Weird COFA graduate Jasper Knight exhibits Phillipa McGuiness about his motivation, Australia & Octopus π (21 April, 8pm) his latest work, depicting scenes from vision and the business of running an bring their experimental music program to wharves around the world including a international festival. The seminar is the the stage. Guineafowl perform with ball series of vintage signs set against high first for UNSWriting in 2011, and will be Park Music and Lime Cordiale as part gloss enamel in primary hues. Roll-On, held in Io Myers Studio, Wednesday 13th of The Super Commuter Tour (23 April, Roll-Off continues till April 17th. Metro April at 6pm. Enquiries and reservations 8pm). See the FBi webpage for further Gallery, 1214 High Street, Armadale, can be made to 9385 5684. details. Victoria, Mon. to Fri. 10am – 5.30pm, Sat. & Sun. 11am – 5pm. White Rabbit Gallery presents a 12 retrospective and celebration of its tenth The Paper Mill presents an exhibition anniversary displaying contemporary focusing on representing the natural Chinese art. A collection of new and old landscape as a fictive departure from works, including viewers favourites is perceived reality. Nine COFA graduates now on display as part of ‘A Decade of combine to engage in a review of what it the Rabbit’. White Rabbit is at 30 Balfour is to depict physical space, the landscape Street, Chippendale, Thur. to Sun. 10am and nature in Second Nature. Paper Mill, – 6pm. 1 Angel Place, Sydney, April 5th till 23rd, Tue. to Sat. 11am – 6pm. A picnic has been organised on occasion of the second International Intersex, Sex and/ The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or Gender Diverse Day at the Camperdown will hold their annual award ceremony Memorial Rest Park. The No Labels Picnic April 13th from 6pm at Leighton Hall, Day will feature music and activity spaces John Niland Scientia Building. amongst other things, and is for people

An installation where motor controlled laser pointers display the current position of up to twelve moving satellites in our field of view in real time is on display at Roll-On, Roll-Off: the hipster central General Store. ‘Satellite Jasper Knight, Zodiac’ by Max Neupert runs until the 23rd of April. Apparently “just like in a Overpass At Black planitarium where the star constellations Wattle Bay (detail) can be displayed, illustrative interpretations of the emerging constellations explain 2011, enamel, their meaning and reflect our technological masonite and contemporary mythology.” General Store Perspex on board. is on Level 1, 77 - 83 William Street, Sydney.

06 | Tharunka Staying Green with Ivana Stab

A solo exihibition of the works of Dr. Aha! A Hungarian plot of urine dieters has Here’s the thing with weed: everybody Wenmin Li, co-ordinator of COFA’s been uncovered seeking the destruction of 12and their mum smokes it. I was at a party International Drawing Research Initiative, this world! Hungarians were apparently once and my friend’s dad passed a joint with a Masters of Fine Arts and PhD in also involved in the sinking of Atlantis to me. Another friend got stoned with Fine Arts is on display at Flinders Street some twelve thousand years ago, as well her incredibly religious mother. Even the Gallery. ‘Drawings’ is on display until as the sinking of Lemuria and Mu into the cops have stopped giving a fuck (to some April 23rd, Wed. to Sat. 11am - 6pm, at 61 Pacific Ocean some twenty-four thousand extent). In an alley before a gig one night Flinders Street, Surry Hills. years ago. the cops asked a group of us if we were smoking, to which my friend decided to Confusingly, Les Paul manages to reply honestly. They walked away yelling Louise Sykes, candidate for Master of Fine somehow conflate the true story of Yahweh over their shoulder, “stop smoking pot!” Arts, is exhibiting a picture of a paper as the alien leader who was reborn a cripple her studio based component for the degree. four million years ago into his prophecy, Everybody is smoking it, but no one seems ‘Ten-Thousand-Words’ begins April 18th heeding that Yahweh will return in 2019, to have a dealer. Somebody is always at COFAspace, and concludes April 21st. angered we are not keeping to the AR diet, asking somebody else if they can get COFAspace will be open 10am - 5pm, at E which consists of a banana peel, a stream some for them. There’s gotta be a lot of Block Ground Floor, Paddington. of urine and ‘rear gas’. No all is lost, people selling it with the amount of people however, because if we were to suddenly smoking it, but it seems you always have take up the AR diet, we would not only be to talk to your best friend’s little brother’s blessed with continued existence, but the friend from school before he dropped out, Shit From The Inbox penis would grow inordinately over twelve who has an older brother that hangs around years, “bringing tears of joy to women, that house with the white fence and the pit bringing rains of joy.” bull, they somehow got their hands on. If it wasn’t stressful enough trying to assemble a magazine and write a contract Whatever, Les Paul, if you’re going to Does it have to be this way? Sitting in 12law paper in one week, now we’ve got to flood our inbox with your paranoia, at least your car feeling like a crackhead because worry about the end of the world too. The share your drugs with us dude. Maybe this it’s two in the morning and you’ve called latest shit to bombard our inbox comes care week you should take some time out of eleven times and driven past the house of one Les Paul, a man unknown to us, but mind, or is it too late? over and over with the same CD on repeat prophetic in every conception regardless, and no one is picking up and you don’t bearing a message and a reminder to mark If you have some shit you’d like really want to go in there on your own out calendars on the imprecise date of to forward to our inbox, send it to and you’ve gotta be up for work tomorrow December 2012, a date where apparently [email protected]. morning, but it looks like you’re going to “planetary perturbations start”, which, bed sober tonight. if you didn’t know, occurs once every twelve thousand year period. According to Les Paul, we will die in 2019, unless something known as the AR diet becomes widespread. He has singlehandedly, and with all the might of his acid-drooping brain fluid, proven this has occurred over forty-four times in a four million year period.

Confused? So were we, a feeling which apparently Les Paul has encountered many a time, and so attaching a detailed explanation of his prophecies, he tries Drawings: to reason with us using what one may Wenmin Li, call politely an experimental prose style reminiscent of Brion Gysin or perhaps the Snow (detail) late and great works of a man trapped in a shoebox whilst sniffing glue. “The Orion 2011, mixed Prophesy”, he begins, “only comes about media on because everyone does not know the ungas paper. preparation.” Indeed, it is quickly revealed that urine is the necessary key to this new diet, because it is a symbol for the number Apologies: four. Les Paul explains that as urine travels The editors wish to appologise to Andre Teh for not crediting him appropriately for in an arc, and an arc is ‘iv’ in Hungarian, a cartoon ran in the ‘Short List’ section of Tharunka #2. The editors also wish to and then certainly is could be deduced that apologise for the incorrect spelling of Lissette Valdez’s name. ‘iv’ is actually the Roman numeral for 4.

07 | Tharunka NRL – That’s My Team? By Emi Berry

t is the late 1990s, a highly controversial It changed the professionalism of it, but Itime in Australian Rugby League I’m not convinced that it changed it for history. The bitter battle between the the better. Jack Gibson, when he use to Australian Rugby League and News coach, wouldn’t pick a guy who didn’t Corporation (now News Limited) has have another job because he thought that reached its zenith. News Corporation showed a lack of discipline and desire. has failed in their attempt to purchase Nowadays, no one has a job. Some good the pay television rights to Australian did come out of it though, like the training, rugby league and has introduced ‘Super rehab and professional doctors.” League’ to rival the ARL. As the conflict In fact Moore believes Super League develops, Super League is dissolved and nearly killed off the fan base completely. “I the National Rugby League (NRL) is reckon they were another year away from established. While numerous question it just being finished. It wasn’t a fun time marks have been raised about the future of to be commentating. It was really bitter. the game in this tumultuous period, there A lot of friendships were lost, players is one thing which cannot be denied; the were grossly overpaid, especially when game has been changed forever. they were playing before nobody”. Moore Shane Mattiske is currently the remembers calling Australian Rugby Director of Strategy and Special Projects League games in 1997 with attendance for the National Rugby League (NRL). numbers lucky to reach 1500. “People When he first started with the NRL in stopped following their teams… and a lot August 1999, Mattiske was tasked with of people haven’t come back, even though establishing the regulations, reporting tools it’s very popular again now.” and audits required for the player’s salary Former league player Darryl ‘Big cap system. “That was the year coming Marn’ Brohman, gives another insight into out of Super League, where you had these what he described as a “tough time for the massive increases in player income, you game.” Brohman, who now commentates had players move from having a deep on 2GB’s Continuous Call Team, is engagement in their communities. They clear “Super League certainly expedited may have been a teacher or whatever it everything. When I played, we weren’t may be, some sort of fixed employment professional, we tried to be as professional or fixed link into the community to as we could but most of the players had shifting their pay packet, being 100 per jobs outside of rugby league. The players cent professional, full time training.” went from earning $50,000 a year to 2GB’s sports commentator Andrew $500,000, some more than that. It was a Moore, who had been calling league since very awkward and tough time for the game 1994, doesn’t mince his words when but it survived. It’s pretty resilient.” reflecting on the days of Super League. “It nearly stuffed the game completely.

08 | Tharunka The resilience echoed by both just loved it,” adds Brohman, laughing. again, where with our Toyota Cup Matisske and Moore is one thing about “You couldn’t expect the game to be much under 20s national youth competition, rugby league which cannot be disputed. better than what it is with regards to all it is compulsory for them to be either in Despite the recent scandals that have the teams vying for the premiership this some work program or in an education plagued the NRL, the fans are back in year.” program,” said Matisske. “Whilst it’s record numbers. Moore is certain that Although the 2011 NRL season has great to be a Toyota Cup player for the round one of the 2011 NRL season was kicked off to a good start, Moore believes Dragons, or whoever, and travel with the most popularly attended on record. player behaviour will be a big challenge the team and get exposed to professional The strong following of league is also facing the NRL. In terms of disciplinary football life, they must have that grounding confirmed by Matisske, who reflects “it’s action, Moore says the NRL has not been in an employment or education program so quite comforting that we are increasing consistent or heavy handed enough. “It they have a pathway when they finish their our dominance through free to air and pay is hard, because they are kids really, and career.” TV. Our first round on pay TV, the Tigers they don’t have any life experience. For So where to now for the NRL? versus Bulldogs game, reached 365,000 the last 10 years they’ve been full time In spite of its challenges, Matisske is households, which put it in the top 10 professionals, so they’ve never had to have confident about the game’s future. He programs of all time on Fox Sports. It a job. They go into this where they have believes that the shift in governance was actually the fifth highest rugby league a high profile, battle a lot of temptations, represents an exciting time for the game rated program on Fox Sports. Against peer group pressure and all that sort of given the change has been mooted for a our competitors, it was significantly thing, but I think the clubs are doing a lot long time. “It’s a shift where the NRL higher than their best ever number. The more now then they’ve done before.” partnership collapses and we move in Gold Coast and Sydney Swans NAB Cup Brohman doesn’t agree. “These under a commission structure. It’s a reached 317,000 households.” blokes are pussycats compared to what truly independent commission that will When asked about what attracts fans used to go on 20 to 30 years ago”, he tells govern the whole game of rugby league, to league, Brohman says it’s not just the me. “It just wasn’t reported back in those as opposed to the current partnership that loyalty factor. “It’s also the controversy. days. I think the big difference is that in exists between News Limited and ARL.” I think they want to know just about years gone by, the press used to be your Whilst the commission structure is a everything that’s going on, and they mate, and they would try to smother stories welcome change, there are other challenges do these days. The game is a fantastic and help a bit with regards to getting into the NRL is faced with. With competition television product but also a fantastic the headlines, but these days, if anything now in other forms of entertainment like product to see live. There’s always action, happens, they can’t wait to get it into the computer games and the Internet, it will be it’s fast paced and it’s tribal. I think the papers. It’s a very different world we live interesting to see how the sport progresses game’s the best I’ve ever seen it, with in.” in terms of fan base and popularity. At the regards to on field action. It’s fantastic.” In the last few years, the NRL has moment, indicators suggest strong growth. These changes in the style of play are also introduced education programs for their Whether we see a shift away from such the result of changes in how the game is players in terms of acceptable behaviour traditional means of entertainment, in my officiated. “When I was playing, you’d within the community as well as programs opinion, remains to be seen over a long get away with a lot more dirty stuff and with an emphasis on their post-football period of time. But for my part, this is I’m not saying that everyone did that, but career. “We are now coming full circle one shift I as an avowed league fan would obviously a few players excelled in it, they prefer not to see.

09 | Tharunka Porn, Orgasm and Tyranny? By Cameron McPhedran

n a moment of abject stupidity brought sexual pinnacle – the orgasm – is actually Ion by too much drink, Joel Monaghan of enslaving us to a cycle of dopamine highs the Canberra Raiders is caught engaging followed by plunging sexual interest and in a sex act with a dog. This is November frustration. A marked drop in dopamine 2010. After a decade of rugby league sex would almost inevitably lead to snappiness, scandals, the misconduct of these much a sense that past expressions of intimacy vaunted, pin-up boys of masculinity has were more fulfilling than current ones, and reached a crescendo. Does an unhealthy alienation from one’s partner. culture exist in rugby players, is it the The sexual indiscretions of rugby consequence of social reverence of their league players are encouraged by their manhood, or do such incidents speak more disproportionate salaries and media broadly about the way we have sex? Recent focus. Monaghan was likely in a context work in orgasm theory, a fascinating if of hyper-masculinity which saw frequent amazingly narrow field of specialisation, hook-ups, inadequate self-restraint and suggests the latter: Monaghan’s behaviour subsequently a heightened neurochemical is symptomatic of a biochemical fallout drive for dopamine. It didn’t help that which occurs as a result of orgasm. Monaghan was drunk at the time of the Developments in orgasm theory also incident: binge drinking and eating and suggest that perhaps it is time for us to impulsivity based on the desire for short examine how we have sex, that perhaps term windfalls also indicate dependence alternative ways of having sex should be on the release of dopamine. In Robinson’s explored, and that we may also need to re- dopamine theory we can also locate a think the role of porn in our society. frequently advanced construction of the Traditionally, orgasm theory has Australian male - the objectification of suggested that sex and orgasms release women and constant recourse to booze. hormones that bring people closer together, Fascinatingly, it may be that Monaghan’s but contemporary sex theorists like Marnia behaviour was actually an outlying Robinson are starting think otherwise. In example of typical patterns of sexuality The Passion Cycle, Robinson suggests rather the incomprehensible, idiosyncratic that at the point of orgasm, the level of act it appeared to be on face value. dopamine in our body reaches its peak Indeed, on a social level the entire and thereafter immediately plunges to porn industry is built by our craving for well below its equilibrium. Dopamine dopamine release. We constantly want to psychologically stimulates sexual desire get off. For some men (and women), porn and interest in others; it’s what’s triggered becomes so ingrained in their lifestyle when we first meet our next ‘special that its production is actually thought of someone.’ as being of real or documentary quality. According to Robinson’s theory, According to some gender studies when orgasms are reached, a neuro- scholars, the sexual values generally chemical, prolactin, is released, which imbued in straight porn - anger, aggression inhibits the production of dopamine. and dominance - construct the woman as This would mean the achievement of our the lesser, pliant and dependent party in

10 | Tharunka heterosexual intercourse. Michael Kimmel Karezza is likely to reduce power Instead of clicking on those porn favourites argues that the pornographic universe imbalances between the sexes. For or going through with familiar patterns becomes a place of homosocial solace, a instance, partners try to maintain similar of intimacy, it seems that the deeper and refuge from the harsh reality of a more levels in their tantric cycles, simultaneously more enriching path lies with karezza. Its gender-equitable world. In other words, moving towards orgasm over the course of message is pro-sex, pro-feminist, pro- it’s an effort to restore men’s unchallenged days or weeks. This is markedly different intimacy, pro-spirituality and so good you authority. from ‘regular’ sex, where even when will be blown out of your fucking mind! While porn is a social reality given reciprocity is emphasised by male and the internet’s ubiquity, research suggests female couples, subtle forms of sexual that it would be best to stop engaging coercion exist. For example, men often with the porn industry where it reinforces place upon women an obligation to reach gender inequalities and devalues the orgasm as a vindication of their sexual role of mutuality and communication prowess. Conversely, karezza can help in all sexual relationships. Since men move couples towards genuine intimacy, are the ones who generally conceive, based upon dialogue, self- discipline and produce and consume porn, and adopt the self-respect. destructive values of porn into our sexual Some experiences reported are relationships, we are the ones who should amazing: shoulder the responsibility of addressing Though it was after 11 PM, we cuddled. sexual violence against women and its For about two hours. Ecstatic cuddling. I attached health implications. Additionally, had experiences last night that I do not have as Kimmel and prolific American anti- immediate words for. Rich, deep, full. porn activist Robert Jensen indicate, we Subtle. Powerful. Moving. Meaningful. are more than capable of entering into Pointing to greater connection with all life. such a conversation. We were in connection. In the same wave, If dopamine and porn dependency as she put it, like a flock of birds wheeling are related and culturally destructive, and in the sky as if with one mind. we’re hardly going to stop having sex, Another: what sex positive alternatives are out there? In general though, our lovemaking… Research increasingly suggests the benefits becomes more and more lovely, of karezza, a practice where both partners gentle, juicy, tender, ecstatic, nuanced, delay their orgasm for the purposes of intimate. Without the goal of orgasm and physical bonding and improved health and performance, we are more free to open up spirituality. Neurochemically, behaviour more and more to the innate miracle of like smiling with eye contact, hugging being together, of sharing our bodies. with intent to comfort and spooning in stillness releases the chemical oxytocin. We all have the ability to empower This soothes those parts of the brain which ourselves sexually; to enact our own are needed for us to relax and for bonding emancipatory sex politics, reclaim our to take place. bodies and have an amazing time doing it.

11 | Tharunka A Guide to Contributing to Tharunka

Dear reader,6 we hope you have enjoyed the latest issue of UNSW’s student message stick Tharunka. Tharunka is an open student newspaper that relies on contributions for material. We invite you to send us your stories, cartoons, editorials, photographs or poetry. All you have to do is attach and email your submissions to [email protected].

You send in your piece, us editors will look at it, play with it, then send it back with a re-edit. Tharunka will only run material approved by the contributor, and once we get the OK from you.

Unsure what to write about but want to become a contributor? Inquire at the same email address, or on our Facebook page and we’ll organize something for you to cover.

If your planning on writing a feature article, take some photographs to accompany the text. We’re not picky; we don’t care if it’s not done with a proper camera; any decent 5phone camera should do the trick. Tharunka 2011 Deadline, Editing & Publication Dates Issue 4 Issue 5 Issue 6 Issue 7 Issue 8 Issue 9 Issue 10 Submissions 11.04 02.05 11.07 25.07 08.08 29.08 19.09 Editing 25.04 16.05 18.07 01.08 22.08 12.09 25.09 Release 02.05 23.05 25.07 08.08 29.08 19.09 03.10

12 | Tharunka Once More (with Feeling!)

By Alex Pittaway

he spotlight flashes onto the stage, the Browning says. ‘It was all about family. Tsequined curtains part, and Dorothy The girls who worked for her the longest ain’t in Kansas anymore. The glittering were the ones she supported.’ Mitzi Mitzi Macintosh emerges in ruby-red heels thrived at O’Donnell’s. “[There were] a from behind the sequins, ready to, as she lot of performers feeding off each other likes to put it, “fuck a loveable classic up and inspiring each other… it felt like we the arse.” The audience can’t help but love were all competing to be the best at our every minute. game and that therefore made the game Alas, those six-inch heels have been better than what was there before.” hung up indefinitely. Graeme Browning, Quality of performance was of the man behind the eyeliners, had for more greatest importance. Mitzi Macintosh’s than 20 years been at the forefront of drag brand of smutty comedy gave her special entertainment in Sydney. Those days are status at the Imperial Hotel, the setting and over. In his London home, Browning is inspiration for Stephen Elliot’s comedy sure the drag scene that inspired Priscilla Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Queen of the Desert is slowly disappearing. The Imperial Hotel was the greatest “Australia is in a drag rut at the moment,” achievement of Dawn O’Donnell and was he says. “That whole stage of inspiration without doubt one of the best venues to see which was the late 1980s to the 1990s the type of camp, slapstick drag that Mitzi where we all brought this melting pot championed, but with Dawn O’Donnell’s of creativity, I think slowly but surely passing, a new managerial class of club everybody’s been taking ladleful’s out of operators took hold of drag venues across the pot and now its empty.” It’s hard not to Sydney. Graeme stays clear of people feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. like Shab Denisi, the current owner of The Sydney drag scene began with the man in a frock from the seventies was the Imperial Hotel, and ARQ, Sydney’s Les Girls in the 1950s, and was very proud to go home to a husband and a pet biggest gay night club. “[Managers] had different from the drag we know today. dog. For middle Australia in the early days no respect and no understanding of how Les Girls was performed on television of the sexual revolution, this was simply exactly a drag show worked. At one point according to Browning, who grew up unacceptable. in time management decided they were watching it on the TV, it was pure Las Drag flourished in Sydney in the going to come up with the creative concepts Vegas. “It was all tits and feathers”, he 1980s and 1990s. Graeme remembers first for the shows. These are the people that tells me. “The whole allusion was that coming to Sydney. “When I first came pour drinks and run venues. They have these were Las Vegas show girls… but the out, Oxford St was like this little cocoon. no idea how or why a show works (and) joke was ‘please put your hands together It was this area that was ours and it was yet they decided to take over… We put in for Mr Jenny Johnson.’ Browning says like stepping into the Emerald City… all the work and the inferior product that even the staid, conservative Australian everything that happened was amazing and was produced meant that we had to work society loved the illusion and trickery had this glow about it.” our arses off even harder or they’d pull the behind drag impersonations of celebrities. Dawn O’Donnell, a lesbian legend show in six weeks.” Everything changed when this cross- in Sydney, started and owned a string of Management interference slowly dressing and miming popular songs became gay and lesbian venues. The Albury Hotel drove away the performers who were at a radical statement of sexuality. Where was one of the jewels in the drag crown, the peak of their talent. “I was probably suburban audiences could accept men and the only place in Sydney where the the last of an era,” Graeme says. He wearing sequined dresses and makeup, punters could see high quality drag seven says that young drag queens find it much safe in the knowledge that the man behind nights a week. “In the days of Dawn the frock went home to a wife and kids, O’Donnell loyalty was very important’,

13 | Tharunka easier to mime to a Beyonce or Lady Gaga homosexuality. Graeme says greater venues has also bled away gay audiences song than it is to actually interact with an acceptance is a double edged sword. On who aren’t interested in the Oxford St audience. the one hand, the community that existed scene. Abuse that was unthinkable in the The AIDS epidemic of the late ’80s on Oxford St is slowly dying away. The past are now frequent enough to deter played a huge role in the community big gay venues and dance parties that people from coming out. “We used to pub feeling of Oxford Street. Browning over-flowed in the past aren’t bringing in crawl from venue to venue in full drag, remembers beneath all the feathers, high the gays like they used to. The Sydney and now these days the girls have to cover heels and glitter there was a community Sleaze Ball was the biggest gay party this up because they’re scared of getting yelled that was hanging together, supporting side of the southern hemisphere, regularly at. That never used to happen.” each other. “We were most definitely at attracting around 15 000 people, involving Mitzi Macintosh enjoyed a career the forefront of HIV awareness. There was upwards of 150 dancers, choreographers unheard of by most drag queens today. ‘I a lot of us who had great friends that we and drag queens, and give drag queens was a full time drag queen for 20 years lost and I’ve often said that I found this opportunities to perform to huge audiences and to be able to support myself and have new family… who I related to so well and with enormous budgets. This year, the a full time job doing drag for that period suddenly members of my family started Sleaze Ball drew an audience of under of time was phenomenal.’ As gay venues dropping off.” 4000, and there’s endless speculation of continue to see declining patronage and Society’s response to the AIDS its demise. quality of drag performances Graeme is epidemic was to attach all kinds of ignorant Graeme thinks, especially amongst unsure where drag will end up. “Perhaps,” assumptions to the condition, stigmatizing a younger generation of gay and lesbians, he says, “it’s all just a matter of swings people like Graeme and the drag queens being a part of and fighting for a queer and roundabouts.” who were already marginalized. Sticking community is simply not important. together, socializing in gay venues “There just doesn’t seem to be that sense and supporting drag queens like Mitzi of socializing and community that there Macintosh was as much a survival used to be, and that’s why the Sleaze Ball mechanism as it was a way to have a good and drag in general suffers. The money’s time on a Friday night. not coming into the venues to go out of Browning believes the current the venues to pay the drag queens. Drag stagnation of drag performance is queens haven’t had a pay increase for ten tied in with society’s current views of years.” A slew of larger straight dance

14 | Tharunka Sydney Cheap Eats By Kylar Loussikian

Many things make a decent cheap years. Bill & Toni’s is a pleasant reminder The place is tricky to find because a meal. Thankfully, even with Sydney’s that in some places, you still get what you neighbouring store has renovated itself reputation for being unaffordable, there pay for. into an exact copy of the Dumpling are still some establishments cheap House, complete with plastic vines, the enough to allow you to enjoy their same name, and the same menu. You’ll culinary delights if you allow the slight Bill & Toni’s is at 74 Stanley Street, know which one is the real thing because hyperbole. Most of these establishments East Sydney 2010. Open 12pm - it doesn’t have someone waiting out front allow the augmentation of culinary 2.30pm and 6pm - 10.30pm. Mains to flag you down with the admonition delights with large quantities of low-cost $9 - $18. “this one, this one is the real one.” To be but not necessarily low-quality wines honest, if the first is busy, the replica does (because the choice is of course yours). a pretty decent job. Here are Tharunka’s top five places of cheap dining in 2011. Chinatown Noodle Restaurant is at Shop 7, 8 Quay Street, Haymarket 2000. Open 10am - 9.30pm. Mains $10.

4. Chinatown Noodle Restaurant

So you have absolutely no money but you’re starving? Dumpling House is so popular you’ll more likely than not have 5. Bill & Toni’s to queue, but don’t worry, the staff at this Chinatown establishment are well trained Bill & Toni’s combines cheap food, a in pushing people onto and off tables in decent osso bucco, a classic meal of veal the tiny space that passes as a restaurant. 3. Yummy Thai Food parmagiana, water with a dash of cordial, While you’re waiting its not hard to notice lettuce tossed in a ‘salad’ with vinegar, the kitschy decorations; plastic grapes and With the explosion of the Thai-restaurant- bread, and what can only be described vines hanging from the ceiling, and the pallatable-to-exotica-seeking-eastern- as ‘abrupt’ service into a long evening wonderful pastoral scenes that adorn the suburbs-types over the last few years, few of drinking red wine and sitting on the walls. places can claim to match their food to their balcony whilst respectable looking folk prices. Yummy Thai Food is more a food- give you nasty stares. The food, dumplings or noodles, are either court experience than a restaurant, but if one fried or boiled, and the eggplant in special is familiar with the concept of Chinatown Unfortunately, Bill’s also has an annoying sauce is extremely good. The oily meals food-courts, to say that is hardly a bad thing. habit of running out of nearly everything are best mixed with large quantities of wine on their menu before they open, but at drunk out of classy plastic cups provided, Although it’s not possible to bring your own least the coffee downstairs is about the and the food is so cheap you will probably wine or beer, you can buy some from a best you’ll get. The whole place seems to over-order every time and have an excuse shop that seems to specialise in alcohol and exist in a place before the advent of hipster to sit there while semi-respectable looking ice cream, and the food is genuinely tasty; Darlinghurst and the four dollar soy half folk give you nasty stares. the massaman curry is excellent, as is the sugar not too hot latte and the Americana panang. Steer clear of duck-based dishes, themed diners that will be gone in five although the red curry duck is tempting.

15 | Tharunka The servings are generous, easily a meal, it for a reason. Tea is served free, and the been reached, but Encasa is cheap as hell and totally incomparable to the awful shit pork sausages with rice or noodles are if you turn up with more than five people, on offer at World Square (which tastes like sometimes quite suspect, but normally and it sure as hell tastes delicious. Always its been injected with sugar) or at the food very tasty, with an excellent sweet chili booked up and totally noisy, Encasa courts near Town Hall (which taste like sauce delivers some reasonable tapas and some they’ve been injected with crap). great pizzas. The tapas change regularly, Pho Pasteur could be recommended on with daily specials alongside the standard price only, but the food always tastes fare. Irritatingly, the specials are often Yummy Thai Food is at Level 2, 56 fresh, the place is always busy, and service sold out on Thursdays or Fridays even as - 66 Dixon Street, Haymarket 2000. is fast. Alcohol is not permitted, and there early as 7.30pm. The mussels are great, as Open 12pm - late. Mains $8.50 - $15. is another branch in Cabramatta. is the baby octopus. The spanish sausage in cide is filling and oily, and the sardines are always sold out. Pho Pasteur is at 702 George Street, Haymarket 2000. Open 10am - 9pm. Other dishes are pretty standard fare: Mains $7.70 - $12. the patatas bravas are fried potatoes with garlic mayonaise and spicy tomato sauce, filling but boring, and the sizzling garlic mushrooms can sometimes be a little flavourless. The pizzas are always delicious, as is the sangria. Watch out for the corkage which is charged per bottle per person.

Encasa is excellent because out of all the cheap eats in town, it has so many great dishes on the menu, you can sit for as long 2. Pho Pasteur as you please and drink as many bottles of wine as you’d like, and nobody really Surrounded by a bunch of newer cares because they’re all busy doing the Vietnamese establishments, this basic Pho same. restaurant on George Street is probably the cheapest decent meal you’ll find in 1. Encasa the city. Nearly everyone in the always- Encasa is at 432 Pitt Street, Sydney full restaurant is eating a variation of Perhaps this isn’t a legitimate choice for 2000. Open 12pm - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - noodle soup, served with lemon, bean the best cheap eating in Sydney which is late. Mains $20, tapas $9 - $13. sprouts and Thai basil, and they’re eating an odd thing to say once number one has

16 | Tharunka Spotting a Decent Brewskie

By Dominic Foffani

ossibly the greatest challenge for a an angle and poured into as the bartender gauged by the colour of it. The darker Pfrequent beer drinker is to tell you moves the glass up and down until a nicely the colour, the more bitter the beer is. As what a great beer is. For instance, beer raised head of 10-15mm is formed. well as colour, the taste also takes into drinkers are regularly asked the question account the texture of the beer in your “should I have an ale, or a lager?” and 3. The Size – The different ways people palette and the aroma, though it doesn’t one well versed in beverage consumption handle different drinking climates affects pay to go around sniffing your beer like a knows the answer is always “you should the overall beverage. Regardless of the wine connoisseur with a Penfolds Grange have a beer!” The concept of a great beer weather, if you are a slow drinker your Magnum 1979. comes down to a great many things: beer will turn hot before you get down to the bottom half, making for a horrible 7. Drinkability and Enjoyability – When 1. How pissed you are at the time – experience. So instead of the typical drinking beer, one must experience the to paraphrase Danny Bhoy, we are so schooner (425ml), why not try a Middy entirety of the glass to be able to fully pedantic about what we drink at the start (285ml), Seven (200ml) or Pony (140ml)? appreciate its glory. To do this, bear in mind of the night – “I’ll have white wine, but The only way to know what size you my analogy of ’The Pick-Up Line’, ‘The not a chardonnay, no I will not drink a should drink is by experimenting, but Dance’ and ‘The Good Night Kiss.’ ‘The chardonnay” but by the end of the night remember that there is no use in paying Pick-Up Line’ represents the initial sip of a we scrape together whatever the hell we for a beer that is a chore to drink. This is beer and determines how enthusiastic you can find, becoming our own cocktail a waste of money, waste of time and more are about enjoying the rest of its contents. bartender; “...anyone up for some Gin and importantly, a waste of beer! It has to be fresh, punctual and elegant Chocolate milk?” Obviously, our sobriety with a certain panache. If things go well (or lack of it) influences what we prefer to 4. The Temperature – No-one in their here and thoughts of the beer are dizzily drink, meaning the type of beer you have right mind enjoys a lukewarm beer on a swirling around your head, conscious been sitting on for a few rounds might hot summer’s day. When you get a hold action should be taken. ‘The Dance’ poses change pretty quickly. of your beer, you should be able to feel numerous questions - should we nurse this the frost of the golden liquid shoot up your beauty in a waltz or slam it down fast? 2. The Pour – the presentation of a beer, hand. When you take your first sip you If you go too hard with the dance, there especially one that is poured in front of you, should feel that seven second rush to your usually isn’t a ‘Good Night Kiss’ waiting is paramount to the drinking experience. I stomach with a cool sensation, followed for you so you must decide either to leave regret to inform establishments that holding by an audibly appreciative ‘AHH!’ the establishment or try another pick up the glass on an angle and overpouring line. But if there’s no such fallout the beer is utterly unattractive – that is, pouring 5. The Colour – Understandably, the will leave your mouth wanting more and in the glass relentlessly until there is an colour of the beer in front of you has to so you get the beer’s number and details acceptable head with beer overflowing be attractive to you, from those who like a and slate another encounter. the glass into the tray. Rather, there are deep golden brown to those who prefer a two acceptable methods of pouring: The bright pale (though I would advise you to My final advice to you, beer fans, is to try Half Pour – when the glass is held at an stay away if the beer is a deep green and as many pick-up lines you can, observe angle and is poured into until the head is it’s not St. Patties Day…). how it’s poured and see if there is a three-quarters up the glass, left to sit as the difference between your favourite brew in head is reduced and then topped up; and 6. The Taste – Again entirely subjective, a bottle, can or on tap. Have fun getting The Long Pour, where the glass is held at the taste of a beer can (very) loosely be pissed!

17 | Tharunka Belford via Central: The Gumball Music & Arts Festival By Bob Jane

t’s nearing the end of summer but is still coming. I think this year is really IHaymarket still feels like a swamp. It going to reveal what we intended to do all was nine in the morning, the rain hadn’t along.” stopped all night, and it felt like it was It’s not just been Matt that’s had already thirty. No wonder Matt Johnston some trouble with councils. Last year, was in no mood to come down to Sydney. one of the Gumballs featured acts, Planning the Gumball Festival from his Sticky Fingers, had a run in with Sydney property in Belford, at least it didn’t Council. After being rejected from the seem like he minded being woken at an Newtown Festival for two years in a early hour. After six years of being little row, despite being a local band, they more than an enormous barbeque in the decided enough was enough. “We had a bush with bands and booze, the Gumball mates who’s house is basically inside the was hitting the big time; with a publicist festival ground, and we made a stage out in overdrive, interviews lined up to the of crates and plywood, and pretty much evening, and bands to organise, this was headlined the festival over the fence of his all very new terrain. backyard,” I’m told. Dashville, a bushland property When Patty and Seamus finally about halfway between Cessnock and arrive in the studio, they’re sans vocalist Singleton, was first turned into a festival and explain that something came up. That site in mid-2004. “We cleared out a few means the recordings off, , but we still trees,” explains Matt, “put some grass in talk about their last album, Extended Play, and built a bit of a stage.” He says he first which was met with positive reviews and had the idea of a bushland festival after he airplay on 2SER and FBi. They’re just returned from a few years of travelling. happy to make some extra money. “It’s A few years after the inaugural good to make some extra cash as well, Gumball, the local council started cause there’s a fair few gigs we play where receiving complaints from local property the cash flows pretty minimum,” Patty owners, so the festival was moved to the tells me. “Having something recorded is neighbouring area. “A lot of people didn’t pretty good, we had a few older recordings know what to expect, we’re a couple of but they were pretty crappy,” explains young blokes, we sort of had the blinkers Seamus, “we didn’t spend any money on on going hard and everybody was either it, we recorded it at TAFE, it was produced supportive or against it. There was a lot of by TAFE students, mixed and mastered by opposition locally, and the council nailed TAFE students, and at the time we thought us pretty hard that year,” Matt told me. it was premium, but no…” Matt says its taken six years for the They’ve just come off the Donovan festival to attract a thousand people, and Frankenreiter tour. It was an acoustic this year they’re hoping for a few more. tour, which was a bit unusual for Sticky He’s aware a few festivals that started Fingers, who usually play their psych after Gumball are much larger now, but rock reggae with a full band. “Donovan that’s not a great concern. “It’s just cool, was worried we were going to blow him everyone who’s been there from the start out of the water with the full band, so he

18 | Tharunka stripped us back,” they tell me. They had released a string of well-received albums, The Bamboos are also prolific some time to write some new songs, one, and supported a number of living soul tourers; they’ve supported Eddie Bo, I was explained was about porno girls, or legends. Their last album 4 was highly Eddie Floyd, Betty Harris and others. A rather, when you’re making love to a girl acclaimed; the BBC Radio 2 said “they’re particular highlight for Lance was touring and you’re thinking about porn. about as good as it gets…” and the ABC with Phil Johnson. “He’s an absolute At first, of course, band selection called them the tightest funk act in the legend of soul music,” he says. “He had a was a pretty casual thing. Matt tells me world. “It’s great to get that kind of lot of hilarious stories and a lot of hilarious how the band selection process used to acclaim for sure, “says guitarist Lance anecdotes and he also had a lot of wisdom go. “Originally it was just the bands we Ferguson. “It does put some pressure on to offer us as younger musicians.” were playing with (Matt is still a musician, me when it comes time to write the next The Bamboos have also played although music now takes a backseat to album, but I’m actually doing that right at the Byron Blues Festival, Meredith, organising the Gumball), we’d just get now.” Falls Festival, and Parklife. He says the them on and maybe one or two from The next album, he says, will be in Gumball will be more intimate; “as much Melbourne or Sydney. That’s what it was a slightly different direction to the last few as I love to play the massive festivals, it’s all about, just combining local bands with Bamboos releases. To write it, he’s spent great to actually be able to connect with interstate bands.” Now things are a little three weeks holed up in his studio “It just the audience, and sometimes seeing them different. “Shows like the Gumball are never ends up happening that songs are physically can be difficult especially if it’s pretty ideal for attracting new audiences written on tour because there’s so much night and there’s a large barrier in front and it takes a good six months to work going on, and so little time really,” he of the stage. I’m looking forward to that out what’s happening with the line-up, and says. After being together for ten years, aspect, but also I’ve been writing those because we try to embrace all the genres it’s easier to see how their sound as new songs for the next album, so I guess and stuff, get a good mix, a good flow changed. Lance says in the first five years, we’ll just drop a few of those into the set through the day, that sort of restricts it. the sound was clearly influenced by the and test them out.” There’s probably a lot of great rock bands soul and funk of the fifties and sixties, Apart from The Bamboos, Matt out there, but we can probably only have but lately they’ve been trying to get away is also looking forward to seeing C.W. four or five each year, depending on what from that; “I’m really aiming for The Stoneking. “I saw C.W. Stoneking in a else is happening as well.” Bamboos to be a progressive band and not local hall up here in a pub, and you know, This year, things are certainly get stuck in that retro thing.” He says if that was amazing. I’m a big fan of C.W. different. The Bamboos are performing, you’re locked in a retro headspace, there’s and to have him along to my place is pretty for one thing. A darling of the independent only so far one can take it. ‘For me,” he awesome.” Kora, the Gumball headliners, radio airwaves, this funk act has played at explains, “I think whatever music I make are, according to Matt, going to be a bit of some of the biggest international festivals, should be relevant to now.” head turner too.

19 | Tharunka The Haiku Sessions, vol. 2 By Cale Leslie Hubble

I return to these Swirling clouds of stuff, With some trepidation. Why? Bits and bobs and blogs and vlogs; High expectations. How can we keep up? Up down up down up; Curl up, shut down: sleep. As if my emotions act Why do we have to? Unfair! Independently. I wanna do stuff! To stay or to go? I broke the table. The allure of home is strong. Woops. That was not a good thing. I’ll leave now. But no! Insightful haiku. To go or to stay? Distance relations There’s so much to see and do. Would be rather difficult. I’ll remain? No way! Curses to oceans! Creative impulse: Sensuality; Like pushing lava under Passionate footwork of love A volcano. Boom! Time for tango class. For whom do I search? We speak of the click. Lazy bright dumb active or You meet, you chat; do you click? Some combination? It’s first impressions. Fred goes to the church I pidgeonhole you And asks the priest: Why am I? Horribly, very quickly: Response: no-one knows. Nothing, friend, lover. Meaning, will, purpose… You get an idea Why waste our so precious time? And it plagues your mind, haunts it, Just have fun. Enjoy! Even if it’s dumb. Curvy legs, straight back- End of the page! Yay! My chair reminds me of her. This means I can go to sleep! At least it will stay. Ah, the writer’s curse.

By Andre Teh

20 | Tharunka UNSW Publishes World Leading Research on Abstract Topic By David George

esearchers at the University of New so they say...), then demonstrated his other In another more astounding claim it is RSouth Wales have discovered that great skill in life as he made a Bundaberg believed that the polymer could also Uncle Pete's toys are not comprised of Rum-themed beverage disappear. have potential as a renewable fuel in the 'magic' as claimed in their advertising, but But it was not always smooth sailing automotive industry. Polybullshytanol has of a little-known polymer. The polymer for the research team however, who had to very similar performance characteristics to now known as polybullshytanol has been endure a whirlwind of negative publicity petroleum. However, the only downside to synthesised in laboratories using the tears after nude photos of various members of this is the method of production in which of children too unfortunate to have toys. the team were leaked onto the internet by the tears of children must be harvested. Dr Steve Stevens of the Lowie a disgruntled PhD student. The student, Current estimates place each litre of fuel Organic Synthesis of Essential Research believed to have become embittered after requiring two spoons of boiled spinach Laboratory was at the helm of a team not being able to complete his research and ten children to produce. But there is over a period of five years to disprove the in three weeks, distributed photos taken hope for the future; 'If we are able to tap fraudulent advertising claim. 'The boys during a Christmas party onto mySpace, into the teenage market there may be a were just stoked to get the job done', said where they were seen by six people. real future for this fuel' added Dr Stevens, Dr Stevens at a formal reception held in Unfortunately this included the Chemistry after discovering that his teenage daughter Churchill's Sports Bar Kingsford. 'We'd Head of School, who took offence at the would just cry for no reason without being been putting in the hard yards, making inappropriate use of reflux equipment and provoked. sure we kept our eye on the ball and it feels was forced to suspend several key team So while the mainstream use of good. There'll definitely be a few beers members for three weeks. polybullshytanol as a fuel is estimated tonight'. When asked about his plans for Thankfully, due to teamwork, the to be at least five years away, very soon the future Dr Stevens replied that his team strongest material known to mankind, your journey to work could be powered by would be 'taking it one week at a time' the research squad was able to overcome human misery. That's a green future we and 'giving one hundred and ten percent this setback and once again continue their call all look forward to. in all future research'. Dr Stevens, a self research. proclaimed pisspot and bastard (Ed’s note:

"The unsubstantiated claim which sparked the research team's five year effort"

21 | Tharunka d Reviews c Missing the Bus Whilst Missing the Bus gives us others having succumbed to obscurity, all these characters and many more, insanity and the whimsical allure of to David Jones what makes the realization of living- solo careers.) This is their first tour of Reviewed by Camilla Palmer death worse is laughing at it or using this Australia, where they’re playing with experience as a source for cheap jokes. Best Coast, an American Indie/ Surf/ t’s true. All of us at some point will That is where Missing the Bus completely Garage band heavily influenced by their Imeet our mortal end. Death is one fails. The performances were superb as Bossa Nova style. thing all of us have in common. And was the lighting and the use of video Bossa Nova (being Portuguese for as scary as that may be for some of us, and new media. However the characters ‘new style’) is a type of music that blends my guess is that it is far less frightening themselves and the situations that were psychedelic with samba. Os Mutantes than a state of living death, where the depicted seemed superficial and focused are like the god parents of this style; body seems to keep ticking away whilst solely on getting the most possible they came after the fact but nurtured it the mind has passed its expiry date. Or laughs from the audience. I saw the play like their baby. They’re oft sighted as vice versa. Missing the Bus to David with two middle-aged women who found influential players by American surf/ Jones presents this confronting subject the play overly confronting (which is not indie contemporaries like Beck, The matter by taking us behind the doors necessarily a bad thing) and two friends Pixies and even Nirvana, which I’m of a nursing home and showing us the in their twenties who found it as offensive sure has contributed to their prevailing lives of those people who at some point as I did. So it is a mystery to me who popularity. So If you like these groups, may well be our own husbands or wives, the imagined audience is. The writer and Os Mutantes are worth a look-in, parents or grandparents. It’s scary stuff director Carlos Gomes apparently drew especially if you know something of and terribly sad too. There is the mother inspiration from his own experience of Portuguese. who sits mute and expressionless whilst looking after an elderly Grandfather as An important question then: so her visiting son tries to liven her day well as spending six-months researching they’re old, possibly old enough to be with anecdotes about the family dog, inside various nursing homes and I do your grandparents, do they, can they, with no success. There is the woman not doubt that his intention is to represent still rock? Yes, they do. They can who cannot cope with the ritual visits to the reality and inevitable dehumanizing rock. They can rock okay. Yes. But her husband, suffering from Alzheimers of those final years of a person’s life. Yet you’ve missed them, they’re over. As I and who sits transfixed by a photo of his I still cannot shake the discomfort I felt write this they’re likely (or at least for mother as a young woman. There is the in being made to laugh at something that dramatic purposes) on a plane, flying woman who, when repeatedly instructed I don’t feel is funny. Nor can I forgive home to Brazil. And because it’s taken to push a balloon up in the air as part of the abominable and lazy ending where them as long as fifty years to get here; an exercise session, protests by pulling Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life gets blasted and because they’re already old; and also ten excrement-covered fingers out from out from the stage and the actors emerge because their show didn’t even sell out; the back of her pants. Then there is the from their wrinkled and crippled postures it’s doubtful they’ll return. No, the best dear old pet, clad in hounds-tooth coat, to dance like teenagers at a punk concert. you can hope for is a tribute band, which gloved fingers, felt hat and matching Yeah, I get it, lust for life. More like the is like saying the best you can hope for is bag, who each day sits on a bench and final deathblow. an insulting disappointment. waits for a bus to David Jones that of But before you turn the page on course never materializes. your disappointment, and since you’re Missing the Bus to David Jones was already this far into a review that I’ve presented by Performing Lines and only now had the decency to disclose the Seymour Centre between the is an irrelevant waste of ink and paper March 22 and April 2. (recycled of course, we’re not pigs,) let me get to the important part of my important question: can a group old Os Mutantes fuddy-duddies, who actually wear robes Reviewed by Jack Jelbart as if they’re still a legitimate option in for rocking-apparel; can you watch them t the Enmore Theatre this month strut their stuff without feeling a little bit Ayou could have seen one of the late embarrassed for them? great acts of tropicália-psychedelica, Os There’s a certain dignity in aging Mutantes, resurrected for musical and disgracefully, to be sure, but it was at sentimental purposes. The band, who around the time that Sérgio started dry were big in Brazil in the sixties and humping Zélia Duncan that I began to seventies, have reformed (actually only feel it might be time for a curtain call one of the members, the front man, on all these old, resurrected bands. I Sérgio Dias Baptista, is ‘original’ – the find aging depressing enough without

22 | Tharunka being confronted with it so publicly. a folk-traditional band called the Pigram The play is a highly engaging eighty And maybe that’s just my problem, but Brothers. These stories became the story minutes, not least because of the way I don’t think I’m ageist, I feel like it’s of Tj (played by Dean Daley-Jones), an its subject pitches his case directly to more complicated than that. The problem Aboriginal and local of the Pearth region, the audience. It’s clear that we are to I have is not that they are old; I’ve traveling north some two-thousand be the ultimate arbiters of Charles’ fate already told you that they rock pretty kilometres north, to the township of two rather than the Crown, a collective scales efficiently. My problem is that their rivers to reunite with his estranged son of justice juxtaposed with the heavy, whole act is old. The world has moved Bullet (Lucas Yeeda), and by virtue of ritualistic one projected behind him. The on, and we’re mistaken if with think we his arrangement, Bullet’s mother Nella marked distinction between his past and can dress a concert up in the fashions (Ngaire Pigram). Tj and son are mad present was also seen by the way in which and tropes of the bygone day’s rock bastards, and – so the conceit of this type Charles is introduced at the plays outset, and convince ourselves we’re having an of film goes – only together can they by way of newspaper headlines charting authentic experience. I find this duplicity overcome the madness of an unsettled his criminality and addiction, thereafter saddening and a little distracting, which and unsettling world. contrasted with his strident, vital efforts at doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy Os Mutantes, You’ve seen it before, but rarely self-reform. A Dirty Three-esque musical because I did, immensely. I’m just as well executed. The characters and accompaniment adds a further emotive lamenting the days when we could lay performances are totally believable: in touch to this history, but never distracted things to rest after they’d died. a sequence that rolls after the film but from Charles directly relating his story to before the credits we are told that the us through his own words. ‘actors’ are people sourced for their Jackie Charles v The Crown is not Haih Or Amortecedor, a new album authenticity, their own stories often without its faults. Charles stumbles at by Os Mutantes is out now on ANTI-. having fed the inspiration for their times over his words, and at $39 dollars characters’; the cinematography is for a preview show, the price is quite beautiful; and the soundtrack, which is steep. However, in the end, I thought it Mad Bastards mostly the work of the Pigram brothers, was a strong, impassioned performance, Reviewed by Jack Jelbart is stellar. More could be said about the one which proved cathartic not just for films authenticity and quality, but I’ll Charles but also for the audience. We spare you. Simply put, it’s a good film. were left with the idea that self honesty, creativity and a faith in humanity can reform any individual, and that through Mad Bastards is on national release his art Charles had done so. May 5 through Transmission and Paramount Pictures.

Jackie Charles v The Crown Reviewed by Cameron McPhedran

elvoir Street is an intimate venue and ad Bastards is an Autralian film, Ba perfect setting for this fascinating Mreleased this month, and it’s well monologue into the life of an indigenous deserving of your time. The director, man, his heroin addiction and his art. and co-author of the script, is Brendan Jackie Charles is a man who has led Fletcher, who you wouldn’t know if you a tortured life. While it would be easy to weren’t a fan of Russell Crowe’s rock interpret this play in terms of the familiar band, Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts, the lines of race, the Stolen Generation and regrettable subject of his first feature. the battle for indigenous self sovereignty, Happily Mad Bastards in no way regards I thought the plays strength was the way Australia’s leading egomaniac; in fact in which its subject took ownership of, Jackie Charles v The Crown is the film contains almost no professional and explored unashamedly, his personal showing at the Belvoir Street Theatre actors whatsoever, which is an interesting history. Sexual abuse, addiction and from March 30 to April 17. Tickets decision and also an effective one. cultural dislocation dominated his $39 to $59. Bookings on 9699 3444. The film was inspired by largely existence from an early age. However, true stories of life in the Kimberly region, rather than emphasise these hardships, told to Fletcher by its inhabitants. This Charles framed his identity in terms of was when he was touring the region with his present.

23 | Tharunka The Conspiracy Theory By Desiree Conceicao

n the year 2561, John Fitzgerald Kennedy and had been trained to follow a course Iwent back in time to kill himself. Not of events that would, with all luck, lead the real John Fitzgerald Kennedy, of to peace. course, he’d been dead for eons. This was He negotiated with the Soviets, JFK-025, a clone, but it was close enough ordering them to remove all defensive – it had all his memories, his personality, material being built on Cuba, with the his beliefs. It was JFK to a tee, grown in threat of a naval quarantine if they failed a test tube instead of in Rose Fitzgerald’s to comply. Within a week from October womb. But still in amniotic fluid. 28th, Khrushchev had agreed to remove The world of 2561 had, at large, the missiles subject to UN inspections if decided that JFK was to blame for most of the US publicly promised never to invade the world’s problems. Everyone knew that Cuba and quietly remove US missiles Kennedy had purposely provoked Cuba stationed in Turkey. and Russia into firing their nukes onto This change in time somehow America, thereby starting World War 3. meant the field of cryogenics would not Kennedy had tested numerous medicines be pursued in the future. John Fitzgerald on patients with Addison’s Disease, from Kennedy was thus huddled inside the which he too suffered, in the hope of a time machine, believing himself to be quick cure for himself. He had provided dreaming. This meant a change of plan. the funding, and given the go-ahead for JFK-025 hypnotised JFK, filling in the super-human project (which went the gaps in his memory, and attempting to terribly wrong) and was thus responsible impress upon JFK’s subconscious what he for the steroid-enhanced, socially inept, must and mustn’t do over the course of the life extended mutants who occasionally rest of his life. Hypnosis, however, only sought to attack human communities. works over a short period of time. Who knew that one man could wreak Kennedy’s involvement in the so much havoc on the world? Vietnam War was proof that the effects When the CIA believed that they Texas, at 12:30 p.m. CST, on Friday, of the hypnosis were weakening. Midway had finally managed to create a time November 22, 1963. This had been the through 1963 it was clear that JFK-025 machine, JFK was the first (and possibly date of the failed assassination; therefore, was going to have to kill Kennedy, and only) candidate for intervention. Time was JFK-025 would be able to kill Kennedy so, as planned, at precisely 12:30 p.m. a tricky thing, and time travel even more under the cover of the 3 shots that Oswald CST, on Friday the 22nd of November so. The butterfly effect couldn’t be tested and his inept associates had fired - of 1963, JFK-025 shot his doppelganger as simply because if it was true, the future which only one had hit, (but not killed), the Presidential Limousine made its way after the trip to the past would no longer Kennedy. through Dealey Plaza. be the same. If there was only one aspect The plan went off smoothly JFK-025 had been provided with of the past that could be changed, the CIA, enough, at the start. JFK-025 arrived in an exploding bullet whose structure had in consultation with the UN, figured that the President’s bathroom at precisely been especially manipulated so that as preventing JFK from making all those 11:52 pm, on the 13th of October 1962. each section of the bullet disintegrated, terrible decisions was the topmost priority. While time stood still, as it tended to for the remnants would change course to a JFK-025 was the perfect person to a few moments after the time machine marginally different direction. A moment change history. For years the CIA had had performed it’s space-time jump (a after the bullet exited Kennedy’s body, it, been cloning JFK, for the sake of history, stroke of good luck that made JFK-025’s along with JFK-025 and the time machine psychology and national security. They job infinitely easier than it would be all disappeared, erased from the space-time wanted to understand why he had done otherwise), JFK-025 stashed the actual continuum as the events that had bought what he had done, and how he’d done it. JFK into a cryogenic compartment and about their existence never occurred. The The plan was that JFK-025 could took his place in bed, next to the blissfully operation was successful, and Kennedy go back in history and switch places with ignorant Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy. never committed the atrocities that he the real JFK at crucial points in time. The For the next few days, JFK-025 was would have, had he lived. Cuban Missile Crisis was the first such in his element. Despite being a perfect In the year 2651, John Fitzgerald instance. If all else failed, JFK-025 was to copy of John F. Kennedy, he had been Kennedy was commemorated as the best shoot Kennedy at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, warned of the consequences of his actions, president the world had ever seen.

24 | Tharunka Divine Seduction By Seddon ‘Sedz’ Johnston

aybe her red dress was a bit too her body under my hands. Touch the side As I entered her body she yelled out, Mdaring. I saw all eyes swarm around of her chest to feel the start of the soft hill, loud, louder than me. The movement of her her figure, dancing her way from the bar like a mound of sand on a warm beach. body underneath mine was like an ocean to the table next to mine. I watched the Stopping outside my door, a wall welcoming a storm. I could feel every people watching her (not her dress), and hiding us from the world, I kissed her for inch of my body heightened with feeling, I wasn’t looking at her thin ankles in her the first time. Her lipstick tasted slightly from the knees on the cold ground, to the black delicate shoes. I wasn’t looking, but of raspberry and I could feel her nipple breeze of her breathy moans in my ear. it was all I could see. Loud music pulsed (tight, firm) against my chest. I unzipped All my desire was this moment. Moving through the night together with laughter her dress, pulling it down to her waist. inside her was pleasure beyond describing, and loud murmurs from the people all Her right nipple was cold in my mouth, my erection flowing through her wetness, watching the girl in the red dress. and I warmed her other breast with my firm and forgiving, and too fast. I took her When she balanced on her ankles hand. She moaned as I nibbled gently on nipple in my mouth once more, and when towards the bar once more, I followed her skin. she dragged her fingernails hard across my and smiled at her while we waited for the My excitement was pressed against back I pushed deep inside her and rode out bartender. I paid her drink and said “I love her hip, and I fumbled for the keys in my my orgasm kissing her reverently on the your dress”. I moved to her table and sat jeans. She took my hand and guided it to mouth. next to her and felt her warmth through her centre. Warm, moist heaven blocked I found my keys and we finally my jeans, into my thigh and spreading out all thoughts of getting to a bed. All stepped inside to find the bed. I pushed her through the rest of my body. My hands I wanted was to be fully inside her. I down, and savoured her musky flavour as were sweaty on the beer glass. teased her clitoris with my thumb and she I spent considerable time gently bringing We talked nothings, I kissed her unbuttoned my jeans. I trailed kisses and her to climax. hand and she whispered in my ear “I want bites down her body as I kneeled before We woke up late the next day, and to fuck you”. The valley between her this goddess. I tasted soap together with ignoring our sore limbs, rocked together in breasts shone with sweat, and her eyes her sweat. My mouth found its target and a divine celebration of the morning. sparkled seduction in the sweet light. I I played with her softly, her breath caught imagined the inside of her thigh tasting and she moaned. I pulled my pants down salty on my tongue. and dragged the girl, no longer wearing a I dragged her feverishly by the hand too daring red dress, down to my waiting through the streets, stopping every ten body. meters to touch her neck and back, to feel

25 | Tharunka Phobic d By Kieth Yap c

Scarred. Induced revulsion. Nearing the end of my pursuit of Aversion. The works are a series the Bachelor of Art Education, I of truths. They are the hidden have reached the adamant belief perplexities that belong to my that when aiming to become a subconscious, informing what teacher of Visual Arts, one needs was an intense exorcism of to be constantly strengthening imagery. artistic practice. Be it making art, working in arts administration, The printmaking medium is an volunteering for arts projects and ardent decision making process. festivals to simply indulging in Each step demands critical artspeak with all like-minded. technique and clockwork attention to detail. The experience of being The works I am to create this able to produce drawings that year concern all notions of the turn into individualized multiples ‘Home’ and the importance of makes me appreciate the form’s Technology. exactitude and multifarious. The body of work became a pledge to My love of art has always been overcome. a means of experimentation, exploration, tension and triumph.

just a little further 2010 drypoint edition /19

26 | Tharunka aibopohncara 2010 lithograph edition /6

apex predators 2010 colour lithograph edition /4

27 | Tharunka a b

invasion 2010 colour lithograph edition /5

28 | Tharunka a Lissette the Agony Aunt b By Lissette Valdez

Dear Agony Aunt, Dear Agony Aunt,

It’s been over a month since I started my I’ve just released my first hit single and first year at uni and I have yet to make it’s creating quite the buzz! There is any friends. I thought that by this point I even a random black guy who raps in the would be playing WoW and LARPing (live middle of my song so it’s really legit. action role playing) with heaps of people I’ve dreamed of being a pop star all 13 but no one seems to be interested in these years of my life and it’s finally coming endeavors. Now I find myself going from true! I remember when Justin Bieber went class to class alone while I count down the platinum so many years ago and I thought days until StarCraft 3 comes out. I don’t to myself, “If he can make it, well then want uni to be a repeat of high school but darn it so can I!”. Now I’m on the road to I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I’m fame but I’m having a hard time coming just a lonely guy who really wants to fit in. up with a new song. It took me 3 years Do you have any suggestions of how I can to write the last one and I really want my meet new friends? Dear Agony Aunt, words to resonate with my fans. Do you have any words of wisdom for a budding Anonymous My old boyfriend from high school keeps songwriter? poking me on Facebook and I’m not sure how to take it. He’s poked me a few times Rebecca Black Dear Roy, in the last week and I’m a bit confused. We broke up when we both went away to Making new friends is always difficult. uni and I haven’t spoken to him in a while. Dear Rebecca, You really have to put yourself out there Does this mean he wants to start things up and make an effort to interact with your again? OH MY GOSH! I LOVE YOUR NEW fellow peers. I have faith that someone SONG!!! The lyrics are just genius! I will see your quality personality, but if that Anonymous mean, it’s Friday, Friday. Yesterday was doesn’t happen here are some suggestions. Thursday and tomorrow is TOTALLY First off, give people free money! Nobody going to be SATURDAY!! Your words dislikes a person who gives them free Dear Eva, are just so honest and relatable. I mean money. Money may not buy you happiness who doesn’t think that exact same thing but it can definitely buy you friends. Make The Facebook poke is a difficult action to when Friday rolls around? It speaks to it rain on them hos and if you don’t have interpret. Many consider it a simple way people of all ages and I think you should enough bills then just make it hail and pelt of saying, “I like you” without actually really take the universality of your them with our insane amount of coins! having to construct coherent sentences. lyrics and apply this to your next song. You can also make sure to always carry Others take this further and consider it Think to yourself: What else can a lot of a bottle of wine. It will show people that a way to say, I would like to sleep with people relate too? Perhaps a song about you’re classy and ready to get down no you. Freud considers the finger a phallic the seasons? A lot of places have those, matter where or when. Just take a look at symbol and if your father did not hug you maybe you can call it Summer and refer to Jesus, he made free wine appear and look enough as a child you are more vulnerable the fact that Winter was before it and Fall how much people loved him! You should to allowing men to “poke” you more often will come right after. No matter what you also make the effort to talk to strangers because you are searching for unrequited write just remember to make it speak the in the bathroom. People tend to be more love. In other words, he just wants to have truth and your lyrics will not fail. vulnerable there and you’ll really get to sex. have a private moment with them. You’ll both walk out feeling a secret connection. Do you have serious personal or emotional problems but no funds to see a qualified Remember it’s hard to transition to new psychiatrist? Why not write to our Agony Aunt for clear-headed advice? You can drop places but if you just completely change us an email at [email protected], or send us a letter at PO Box 173 Kingsford yourself to fit what other people want NSW 2032. you’ll be just fine.

29 | Tharunka Mike Lin and Samantha Guo, Our weekly Sustainable Film Nights have The Ethnic Affairs Collective will be International Collective also been going down well, so come along running a free barbeque and introductory [email protected] and join the Enviro Collective and the conversation class in the coming weeks. one and only Alain Ashman for a night This will be a great opportunity to mingle SRC International recently held its first of relaxation and contemplation. These and meet students who are also having formal event, a migration seminar, to are held on Fridays, from 7:30pm on the difficulties overcoming a language barrier. good responses. The Migration Seminar main walkway near the Village Green, If you are interested in attending, or invited Mark Webster, CEO of Acacia or in those cases of wet weather, the helping out on the day, please email me Immigration Ltd, to give international Roundhouse Air Room. on [email protected]. students a more detailed understanding of the current legislative changes. Quite Other stuff to look out for: a few international students showed up Enviro Collective Green Drinks: Come and took the chance to get their questions join our social incubator at the Unibar Josh and Hamish, answered. This was followed up a on Wednesday nights (5:30-6:30pm) The Indigenous Collective successful international mingling night. where you can meet with all manner of [email protected] Based on the good response we received, environmentally minded folk and satisfy we have decided to hold another migration your cravings for solicitude. Hi there! We hope you’re all settling into seminar at the beginning of next semester, the new uni year and making the most out during International Festival. Joint Enviro Collective - PV Soc. BBQ: of the awesome opportunities available on The next event we are planning is a‘Tips On Friday of Week Seven we will be campus! on IELTS’ Workshop- to be held after the putting on another of our delicious mid-sem Break. gourmet barbeques, so come join us at We have been very busy over the last the Sam Cracknell Pavilion anytime from couple of weeks in our planning of 2:30-4:30pm. All are welcome, we will Indigenous Week. We have been liaising be catering for everyone from Vegans to with Indigenous Representatives at other Aiden and Ben, Omnivores for a gold coin donation. universities to see if we can collaborate on Environmental Collective anything in order to provide more services [email protected] Hope to see you all at one of our events! to students at UNSW.

Salutations from the Enviro Collective, We have also been in contact with the National Union of Students Indigenous We’ve had some sweet events on this Sandra Kaltoum Representative, Frank Gafa, who semester, and heaps of other great stuff Ethnic Affairs Representative is currently organising the National coming up. The ‘Price on Pollution’ rally [email protected] Indigenous Students Conference to be at Belmore Park last Saturday was a big held later on in the year in Canberra. The success. It was nice to see lots of peeps The Ethnic Affairs department is primarily conference brings together Indigenous from UNSW, although there was probably focussed on promoting racial and religious students from all walks of life who discuss heaps more of you lost in the crowd of harmony on campus and in the broader how to improve educational outcomes 8000! Also great to see was the Climate community. Any UNSW students who feel for Indigenous students on campuses Denier rally barely managing to scrape a they have been subjected to some form of across Australia. As a result of last year’s quarter of that number! racial discrimination are encouraged to conference, the first National Day of report it and can contact me via email for Action for Indigenous students focusing There has been a lot of emphasis on any further support or instruction. on equal representation at Australian recycling in the last few weeks, with many This semester the Ethnic Affairs Collective Universities took place. The day was students submitting thoughts and proposals will be running “Conversation Classes.” a resounding success! And it would be to the Waste Tender Steering Committee. This is a great way to meet other students awesome to see similar events in the If you would like to add your voice, just with English as a second language. The future. When we have more information, contact us! purpose of this project is to make all we will pass it onto you. Until then, feel students feel more comfortable with the free to contact either of us and we will do intricacies of the English language. our best to get back to you.

30 | Tharunka Sarah Frazier Welfare Officer [email protected]

The Welfare Department is starting to get very busy at the moment. One of my aims for the year is to have the Welfare Department reach as many students as possible. One way I will be doing this is by encouraging good health, a very universal issue. We’re hosting free breakfasts outside the library from 8am to 10am every Monday, which highlights both student poverty and the importance of good nutrition. The Welfare Room is also tackling these issues, and over the coming weeks we’ll be working towards making it healthier. This will include replacing some of the food with healthier options Tharunka would sincerely like to thank and providing students with lots of information the remaining office bearers for their regarding the choices they’re making once they astoundingly informative and punctual leave the room. reports.

Well organised, accountable to their duties and well paid they are indeed! Kimberley Lowe Women’s Collective Representative [email protected]

The Women’s Department has continued to grow on the strength and interest shown in O-Week by many of you freshers out there. We have celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD) quite publically in attending the Sydney UNIFEM Breakfast, the Women’s Electoral Lobby’s (WEL) ‘Equality Matters’ forum, as well as participating in the IWD Equal Pay: Big Changes, Not Small Change rally. We feel very strongly in the equality of women and ‘feminized’ industries to those valued as ‘men’s work’ and it is an absolute travesty that there is still, on average, an 18% pay gap between the sexes.

The Network of Women Students Australia (NOWSA) Conference, held at UNSW this year, is off to a strong start in organisation. We are still looking for interested women to contribute to this conference.

In Sistahood, Kimberley Lowe.

31 | Tharunka Tharunka 2011 Non-fictioN WritinG Competition

Competition open to all students enrolled at Australian universities First Prize $800 UNSW Student Prize $200 UNSW Bookshop

Judging Committee: Prof. Stephen Muecke (School of English, Media & Performing Arts) Dr. Matthew Thompson (Journalism & Media Research Centre)

Entry $5 | Submissions close 6 July Post submissions to: Non-fiction Writing Competition, PO Box 173 Kingsford, NSW 2032 Further details and full entry conditions at: facebook.com/tharunka.