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Studying in Australia?

Need work?

Then let us help you!ISA Group specialises in assisting international students studying in Australia with permanent and temporary visa applications. Our experienced recruitment division is also able to assist with your employment needs.Contact us today on +61 8 9346 8888 for more information.

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HR ManagementImmigration Services Special ProjectsRecruitment

Looking to migrate?

Studying in Australia?

Need work?

Then let us help you!ISA Group specialises in assisting international students studying in Australia with permanent and temporary visa applications. Our experienced recruitment division is also able to assist with your employment needs.Contact us today on +61 8 9346 8888 for more information.

ISA Group Pty LtdMembers of Migration Institute of Australia • Registered Migration AgentsSuite 5, Level 1, 40 Hasler Road, Osborne Park Western Australia 6017 T: +61 8 9346 8888 • F: +61 8 9346 8899 • E: info@isa.com.auwww.isa.com.au

HR ManagementImmigration Services Special ProjectsRecruitment

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Lighthouse was produced by

Editor • Jocelyn Hee // Graphic Designer • Bec Kohn & Wayne Chandra // Editorial Assistance and Advertising • Alex PondDisc la imer: the v iews of th is publ icat ion do not necessar i ly represent the v iews of the edi tor, ISS or the UWA Student Gui ld.

Contents

Editor’s Message

Director’s Message

Student Exchange

Cultural Awareness Forum

My International Experience at UWA

Why International Students Should Live in Colleges

Perth City on a Shoestring

It’s not too Hard to See

Sandboarding

Cheap Holiday Trips – What Best to Bring

Easter 09 @ Dalwallinu

Affiliates

4 4 4 4 5 5 6 - 7 6-7 8 8 9 - 11 9 - 12 12-13 12 15 16-17 18 19 - 21 22

Student life is about freedom of choice – student banking should be tooFind out more about the free day-to-day banking with the Westpac Tertiary Student package by visiting your local Westpac UWA branch or calling (08) 9388 2355

Visit us now at UWA Campus for all your banking needs.

Things you should know: Information current as at June 2009. Westpac Banking Corporation, ABN 33 007 457 141 is the issuer of the products within the Westpac Tertiary Student Package. A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), terms and conditions or other disclosure document is available for these products and should be considered in deciding whether or not these products are appropriate for you. You can obtain a copy of the PDS, terms and conditions or other disclosure document by calling (03) 9583 0442, visiting www.westpac.com.au or by visiting a Westpac branch. SB002

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Editor’s Message With the holidays over and the 2nd semester starting, everyone should be all geared up for yet another bundle of fun, excitement and some exam-oriented stress towards the end. So here’s a warm welcome to the freshies, and a welcome back to the seniors of UWA.

This is the 2nd edition of Lighthouse in the year 2009, and it has been created based on the theme, ‘internationalism’. If you have read the first edition, we hope you’ve enjoyed it. A lot of effort was put into it as even though we were inexperienced, we did the best we could. Regretfully, the magazine did not turn out the way we envisioned it to be.

Therefore I hope the 2nd edition will be an improvement. We have tried doing certain things differently like changing the looks of the magazine or holding the first ever Lighthouse Night. I believe that even though there is still room for improvement, I know the next edition will only get better.

So this is a shout out to all the people who have stood by me, thank you for being there. As for everyone else, give me a holler if ever you bump into me! Good luck in your 2nd semester and remember to always have fun!

Jocelyn Hee

ISS Editor

Director’s Message Greetings to everyone coming back, or have just arrived to Uni. It is a semester to look forward to, since the 2nd semester is always the more ‘happening’ semester. There will be more events taking place followed by a 3-month holiday at the end.

Thanks to the hard work of your beloved Lighthouse Editor, ISS brings you the second edition of Lighthouse this year, with more emphasis on sharing the experience of other students. Hopefully these experiences will be able to brighten up your Uni life, or at least help guide you along the exciting journey.

Besides that, keep in mind that Multicultural Week will be held during the first week of October. It will be a week filled with events celebrating multiculturalism. Be sure to get involved, and not lose out on the fun!

Last but not least, let this semester be another fantastic semester! All the best to everyone!

Chuah Hun HaoISS Director

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A Life Changing Experience – Student Exchange! Have you ever considered going on exchange? Exchange is an opportunity a lot of international students do not necessarily consider because of the fact that studying in Australia is already an experience in learning about a new culture. However, I do not think that this should stop anyone going on exchange - in fact already being accustomed to differences in cultures and being multi-culturally minded, international students are fit and ready to take up new challenges more willingly than anyone else! So why do it? I personally think that an International environment such as UWA, makes me want to travel and meet new people even more. Choosing to study abroad has already set me on the path of an international career and lifestyle, and these are exactly the kind of opportunities that are available to you through an AIESEC exchange.

AIESEC is the world’s largest non-profit student organisation, operating in over 100 countries. AIESEC aims to create positive change in the world through leadership and exchange. This means that anyone who joins the organisation is given the responsibility and opportunity of becoming a leader that others can look up to and take example from. Exchange is crucial in this process as it allows ideas to be put into action through different types of internships. AIESEC UWA offers internships throughout the year in many countries such as China, South Africa, Brazil and Malaysia. Internships can vary in themes from environmental sustainability, HIV/AIDS related issues, education and engineering - just to name a few! The perfect internship for you is up to your course of study and interests, and can last from 6 weeks up to a year!

Going on exchange can be a life changing experience, so why not do it over the summer holidays? If you are graduating this year, exchange is a great opportunity to gain some real-life working experience and add to your CV, which can make a great difference when applying for jobs later. AIESEC exchange not only changes your life but it has a positive impact on the others too. You can use you special skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world and gain invaluable experience. Sound good? Act now, and submit an expression of interest to smaiju@hotmail.com. You don’t have to be an existing member in AIESEC, just e-mail us and we will take you from there.

by Maija Ala-Kauhaluoma

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Cultural Awareness Forum The Cultural Awareness Forum was organized by Nathen Fair, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Student’s Representative in UWA as an endeavour to provide information on the Indigenous people’s culture and customs to all faculties and societies in UWA.

The forum commenced with the importance of the Welcome to the Country performance and touched on topics such as the appropriate gestures and/or terms when hosting or engaging with Indigenous people and identification of Indigenous people. Nathen also discussed spirituality and re-embracement by the younger generation of the Indigenous people. The Question and Answer session allowed more insight into application/integration of the Indigenous people’s custom in daily life.

Cultural Awareness Forum Summary The forum serves to raise awareness of importance of the Indigenous people’s culture and clarifying terms in relation to the Indigenous people.

The Welcome to Country Performance When hosting formal functions, it is encouraged that the “Welcome to Country” performance be held, should the budget allow. The performance stems from the indigenous people’s belief that the land is a sacred entity.

Appropriate Terms Indigenous PeopleStress was put on the term “Aboriginal” or “Black fellow”. These terms hold negative connotations and are an offence to some people. The least offensive term, but by no means the

by Charlene Liau

most accurate, would be “indigenous people” which is used by the Australian Government. However it is recommended that once you develop a rapport with an indigenous person, you address them by their specific language group.

Language GroupWhen indicating an indigenous people’s group, the term “language group” is encouraged as the Indigenous people are grouped by language. There had also been conflicts regarding where some traditional land ends, thus the inappropriateness of the term “tribe” or “clan”.

Sub-division might occur in some language groups. As such, maps of language groups are a good starting point but it doesn’t always accurately represent the language groups. It is advised that one double-check with the Indigenous people first.

MobThe word “mob” may be offensive if you don’t know the person you are speaking to but suitable in informal occasions where you know the person.

Elder Elders are synonymous to leaders and have access to specific knowledge. Age is irrelevant as someone younger may be an Elder. At all times, Elders should be treated with respect. It is advised not to counter an argument when reproached by an Elder.

Etiquette Don’t ask a man about a woman’s business and vice versa.

Don’t approach a group of opposite sex members without asking permission first. Asking an Indigenous person their hereditary can be offensive.

A non-Indigenous person maybe accepted as an Indigenous person as it depends on cultural and spiritual beliefs, rather than blood or genetics.

The “Stolen Generation” is a sensitive matter and as a rule should not be discussed but it depends on the individual.

Spirituality Spirituality is very important to the Indigenous people. It has been suppressed for a long

time before being slowly rediscovered lately and the younger generation are said to be re-embracing it. The loss of spirituality has been linked by some to be the reason behind the some of the problems in younger generation.

Sacred Sites and Items Indigenous people are very strongly tied to their land and hold their land as the single most sacred item. It may also include surrounding water bodies. It is considered rude to ask to see sacred sites unless you are invited to do so. If invited to view sacred site, refrain from taking photographs.

Totems (most commonly in the form of animals) are sacred items to the Indigenous people and not to be discussed unless required. Indigenous people refrain from hunting or killing the animals related to their totem.

Access to Knowledge Indigenous people do not reveal everything they know. They also do not know everything as the elders choose a particular individual to know a particular knowledge.

Question & Answer Session The types of function that the Welcome to the Country should be performedFormal functions such as Council Meetings, balls, opening ceremonies and gatherings are examples of function that the Welcome to the Country dance should be performed.

Weddings held on UWA ground are generally exempted from the Welcome to the Country performance as the Indigenous people recognised it as the couple’s big day. It is said that a wedding with the Welcome to the Country performance is an exceptional event to witness.

Procedure to perform Welcome to the CountryThe performance can only be done by the Indigenous people, notably the elders. It would cost roughly $100. The elders will come to the event even if they endorse others to do it.

Acknowledgement of Indigenous People’s LandIt is strongly advised that the acknowledgement be done properly and respectfully, especially in the presence of Indigenous people.

Person to contact for more information Nathen Fair (2009 The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Student’s Representative in UWA)

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My International Experience at UWA

Being an international student imposes many challenges, as we move away from the comfort zones of our parents and adapt to new environments and cultures.

My journey began on the 20th Feb 2008. After bidding final goodbyes, I walked into the departure hall with a tinge of excitement, knowing that the challenges I would face in the next few months would be arduous, and will have to resolve them.

Perhaps the biggest fear for me was accomplishing tasks independently. I still remember those days where I spent countless hours searching for an apartment and familiarising myself with the terms and conditions of my housing contract. On top of that, I had the added burden of cooking and washing the dishes. They initially seem a chore, as they took up a lot of time that ate into my studies. However with the support of my friends, I have been able to strengthen my moral fortitude, which has allowed me to derive happiness from any task I pursue.

A fascinating thing that impressed me is the “laid back” Aussie Culture. Not to say that I’m lazy, but I always yearned for a slower, more

relaxed paced life than the one I endured back home. Unlike Singapore, most shops here close before 5pm. Many friends would complain to me that there was nothing to do after that. However I personally feel solitude is the best medicine for my problems. I often take long walks along the bay to do some reflection and some times sit silently, appreciating the beauty that nature has provided.

The main objective of an international student is not only to be academically competent, but well rounded. I joined a variety of clubs and societies including AIESEC, Uni Skills, ISS and UWA Dramatic Society. Ascertaining leadership roles provided me with excellent opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life as well as to be culturally aware of their customs and traditions. I gained different perspectives on issues while I worked with them on a whole range of activities that included assignments and projects.

To conclude, Life as an International Student brings forth numerous challenges. However it is important to be determined, to take things one step at a time and achieve them to the best of our ability.

by Dinesh Nair

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Why International Students Should Live in Colleges

Ever wondered what it’s like to live three minutes away from uni? Or what it’s like to join one of those epic college parties that seem to only exist through the vivid descriptions constantly emanating from the mouths of your hall friends? These and more are reasons why you should live in college! Now, I know you have probably already heard rumors of hall life; like the lack of decent food and the restrictions of having rules. But fear not! Hall life isn’t all about studying in the hall library all day and coming out of the hole in the buildings that is your room only when its meal time. So without further adieu, let me introduce you to the life of a “Haller”.

When you start Uni, your timetable will probably allow a more flexible schedule, either the type with two-three hour breaks in between to recharge or with all your classes crammed together that lets you off school early or late depending on your preference. This means if you, like me (which after give or take three months in Uni you would likely be) you will start to slack off and assignment due dates will creep up on you as stealthily as … well, assignment due dates. Well guess what, living so close to Uni also means you can spend more time on your assignment and less time traveling to Uni to hand it in, as it takes less than ten minutes to get to uni.

by Roy Sim

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Also, if you live in a shared-house or home-stay chances are going out for supper might pose a challenge without the presence of a roommate who owns a car. In college however, just run down the stairs of your block and shout “OI!, Anyone want Mackers*?” (Give it around half a minute and people will start running out with orders.) Sooner or later the question “How are you going to get there?” will pop up and one of the hungry ones will offer to drive. Or if you prefer to eat in the comfort of your room just get the other hungry nocturnes in college and have an “Indo-mie” party! Another interesting fact is, due to the over-abundance of car owners in hall, you can always count on the probability of at least one of them being awake to drive you and your mates back home from metros at 3am. Cheaper, safer and one I.O.U poorer, it beats a taxi any day. And that’s not the best bit. You know how you’ve always heard of people going on road trips and tried planning one but found it too much of a hassle? In hall, all you have to do is, well, just tell people you want to go! Chances are people will ask you to come along for a trip (unless you’re a total anti-social), and obviously people will only offer when they have at least 80% of the trip planned so as to entice more to join and share the costs, so why bother going through all that trouble?

Another thing you can count on are the Hall events - you can sign up to play a social sport with other hall-ers and get to know more people! Or if you are more of a S.P.G/B (Sarong Party Girl/ Boy) as we Malaysians/ Singaporeans call it, don’t fret! Halls usually come up with fun-themed parties like this year’s Scribble party that was held in St Catherine’s College or the A.B.C party (Anything But Clothes) at St Thomas More College (Don’t worry no one went naked!). Another point is that when hallers celebrate a fellow haller’s birthday, they CELEBRATE their fellow haller’s birthday, but I’m not going to spoil the fun by telling you how! Moreover, halls usually hold fortnightly “Formal dinner” nights where hallers dress to

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the nines for a night of camera flashes and great food. But don’t let all the fun get to your head! As they say “All play and no work makes Jack/Jill a potential Uni drop-out” and as international students that can be said to be our greatest fear. Yet another College solution: Colleges are able to hire tutors for you to help with your academics. If that is a bit costly, then just walk around college and ask who has done your unit before as you might get some really helpful but unexpected advice. If you like to study in groups, however, just get your classmates to study together in the college library for a study session filled with potato chips, coke and coffee. As for group assignments, look no further than your lunch mates. Convenient, huh?

So why not live in College? College life has been fun, personally. You meet many different types of people, make lots of friends and in the process gain something out of it. An experience with friends and memories made along the way is what really makes up a true University education. So what if food is sometimes not up to standard and so what if fees are getting kind of expensive? The true purpose of coming to this country is to study and where else to better get help than from the people who are doing the same thing as you? So choose College (Any College but St Catherine’s if you’re a boy, that’s a strictly all girl College - but do feel free to try!) and graduate as a true blue haller ;)

*Interchangeable with Dominoes, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster, Chicken Treat, Eagle Boys, Broadway Pizza, KFC etc etc.

Perth City on a Shoestring

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Perth City on a Shoestring

In a place where shops close early (compared to many cities in Asia) and “late-night shopping” means getting booted from an outlet at 9pm, Perth city does not seem to offer much in terms of leisure – at least not for those on a shoestring budget or without their own private transport. However, look closer and one will find interesting activities to embark on, even with a small purse. Here’s a quick and candid look at what is in store for the activity-starved-public-transport-taking international student. Most of these places are within a thirty-minute (sometimes free) bus ride from the city centre and occasionally incur only a small fee for entry.

First stop on the itinerary must certainly be Barrack Square. The glass spire of the Swan Bell Tower welcomes visitors to a place where tourists and locals mingle amidst fine food and magnificent views of the Swan River. The Bell Tower is one of the largest musical instruments on earth and was custom built to house the bells of Saint Martin. A short walk from Esplanade Train Station takes you here.

Next stop on the list would be the Perth Mint (never heard of it, have you?). The Perth Mint was established by Britain’s Royal Mint in 1899 and is currently operated by the Western

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by Alvin Teo

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Australian Government. A visit to the Perth Mint offers an opportunity to handle a 400oz pure gold bar! Take the “Blue CAT” bus from Barrack Square to stop no. 26, change to the “Red CAT” bus and alight at stop no. 30 for the Perth Mint.

After visiting the Perth Mint, take a short walk to Adelaide Terrace and hop aboard Transperth bus no. 103 for a scenic ride to King’s Park! Apart from the fresh air, the vantage point near the War Memorial offers unparalleled views of Perth city and its surrounds. From King’s Park, descend “Jacob’s Ladder” onto Mounts Bay Road and board Transperth bus no. 79 to the Wellington Street bus station – at no cost as both stops are within the Free Transit Zone.

On arrival, make a detour to the Art Gallery of Western Australia (located near the Perth Train station) for the Indigenous and contemporary artworks on exhibit before heading off to Northbridge for a hearty meal.

There you go! Whoever said that you needed a chequebook for a fulfilling day in Perth city?

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MULTICULTURAL WEEK 2009

Embrace . Enrich . Enliven .

LANGUAGE FAIR – 5TH OCTOPENING CEREMONY – 6TH OCT CULTURAL SEMINAR – 7TH OCT

SPRING FEAST – 8TH OCTAMAZING RACE – 9TH OCT

For more information, contact:

uwa.mcw2009@gmail.com

OR check out:

www.uwamulticulturalweek.wordpress.com

It’s not too Hard to See

When I think about ‘internationalism’ Australia quickly comes to mind. For a country with a population of only 20 million people, the diversity is truly amazing, and you don’t have to look hard to see evidence of this. Just a ten-minute walk from the south-side of the Crawley campus, is a little old place known as Broadway Fair. With sixteen shops on three floors, including six restaurants, two supermarkets, two cafes, and of course a bottle-o, this complex is a great example of Australia’s internationalism.

So, who’s hungry?

There’s a great range – for Japanese, Nagano Sushi with fresh sushi and Japanese take-away, open from 10:30 to 7pm. To spice things up there’s Malaysian Gourmet. For a more Asian lunch Hawker Food has daily specials and is open from 10 am ‘til 7 pm at night. University Asian Restaurant, with some awesome Chinese food, is open from 11:30 am until 10 pm at night – and it’s BYO, so bring a bottle to share (or just go upstairs to the liquor store.) Brother’s Gozleme serves a nice Kurdish dish, with some delicious sweet rice on the side. Then there’s the all-famous Arafat’s Kebabs, with doner kebabs from $8.50, they also serve burgers, wood-fire pizzas and felafels, with your choice of sauce. Then of course there’s The Basement, the local bar, which is uhh... Australian? So, there we have the flavours of the world found a short hike from campus!

The people who run the shops are every bit as diverse as the food they serve and help make it international. Try it - on your next break go grab a quick snack or bubble tea, meet up with friends for lunch, go upstairs for coffee and some exam prep, or just relax, breathe in the open air, and re-fuel with an energy drink. There’s a beautiful atmosphere there. Chances are you’ll be on a table with people of another nationality, there will be conversations happening around you in three different languages and countless dialects. You might meet some new people, make some friends, and even see them later at The Basement, then swing by Arafat’s to ease the munchies before the trip home!

So as you can see, for a small shopping district in a quiet suburb, it packs in quite a lot. But it would not mean anything if it weren’t for the people - bringing with them their backgrounds, and setting up shops side-by-side, all to serve us hungry students.

You can see that even in a small place like Nedlands, you can find testament to the multiculturalism of this truly lucky country. Later, mate!

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MULTICULTURAL WEEK 2009

Embrace . Enrich . Enliven .

LANGUAGE FAIR – 5TH OCTOPENING CEREMONY – 6TH OCT CULTURAL SEMINAR – 7TH OCT

SPRING FEAST – 8TH OCTAMAZING RACE – 9TH OCT

For more information, contact:

uwa.mcw2009@gmail.com

OR check out:

www.uwamulticulturalweek.wordpress.com

by Yugo Hoshi

Sandboarding

Ahh, the lazy town of Lancelin! Located about an hour’s drive north from Perth’s city centre, its laid-back, rustic charm holds more than just a quiet town. Surf spots and shimmering sandy beaches are all part of the Lancelin experience.

But today, I am trying something different.

Lancelin is home to a series of tall, undulating sand dunes. They stretch up as high as one can see, and it’s a tough climb up. But the view from the top of these dunes is excellent. Unfortunately, I do not have the chance to savour the breathtaking sights for long as I proceed with the activity of the day, which is-

Sandboarding! Like surfing, but with a twist.

Here’s how its done: in a few easy steps:

1- Climb Dune (don’t run. save energy!) 2- Sit on Board (not “on board”, but ON THE SANDBOARD!) 3- Push off (with your hands)

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by Colin Yeo

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You start off at the top of the dune, then as the board slides down it gains momentum, accelerating as it slides down the dune at breakneck speed. You feel the rush of wind as the board skims the surface of the sand, tearing the sand up and sending little flecks up in your wake. It’s like a vapor trail left by a speeding car. Only drier. Rushing down at high speeds, you get the feeling that all the playground slides you have slid down are tortoises in comparison with the hair-raising rush you are feeling now.

The top of the dune seems far off, but I take a slow trudge up, stopping to take a seat and to savor the view from the top before going again…..

And Again. And Again! I am determined to try standing on my board instead of sitting, so I give a few more tries before exhaustion creeps in and I catch a breather on the top of the dune, gazing out into space.

There are many options for those who want to give sandboarding a try. There are dune tours organized by Desert Storm Adventures (http://www.desertstorm.com.au/) that include sandboarding sessions. For those who prefer to take things at their own pace, sandboards are available for hire from various locations within Lancelin itself. The general store is a good place to start, and you can rent the boards directly from them. Rent, take the boards out to the dunes, and have fun! It’s that easy. Prices vary depending on the number of rentals- discounts are available for larger groups.

Sandboarding in a nutshell: a dry and easy to learn variant to traditional surfing!

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Cheap Holiday Trips – What Best to Bring

Let me, the most traveled human I know, share a few pearls of wisdom about what to take when trying to fit your whole life into a backpack!

When traveling, don’t think that you’re completely covered if you get yourself insured! Sure it helps, but if you don’t have a band aid to keep your finger attached to your hand, you won’t be signing your name on your claim form, will you now? So pack a:

1) First aid kit.

Science has dictated that we can retain body heat by trapping it in with layers of material between our body and the wider environment. So fear not what the other children say - bring your favourite blanky! My coldest memory was in tropical Brazil, proving you never know when the Freon will strike! Plus it can cover your eyes to catch zz’s during the day, can be used as a mosquito net, and muffles the sound of your camera crunching when you sit on your bag, all very reassuring reasons to take a:

2) Sheet

In my humble opinion, travel is the best way to know if the one you are with will last for the long haul. The high and low times are a micro-cosmism of the long-term future you will have as a couple and a good indication whether or not you can survive those times. So if it turns out that the one you’re with is not your soul mate, the best way to avoid having to explain the unexplainable is to bring:

3) Contraception

Who is going to reminisce with you about special moments on the trip, like when you climbed out of a nightclub window because you told someone something you said you could do and their significant other had over heard? A camera? Pfft! The reason the trip is real at all:

4) Other people

So now you have a friend holding onto a sheet, lowering you out of a foreign nightclub window, with a snuggly first aid kit to go back to, and unused contraception in your overnight bag. “What else did that light house article mention?!?!” I hear your future self mentally screaming, well fear not, the mere fact that you are doing something like that is the most important thing of all. Your wild side has prevailed and you are not just sitting at home thinking about it thanks to your:

5) Sense of adventure

by Nikolai Thomas Gordevich

Easter 09 @ Dalwallinu

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Dalwallinu is a nice little country town 300k north east of Perth, situated in the Wheat belt of Western Australia. The primary occupation here is wheat and sheep farming. The wheat is exported to Japan to make noodles and the wool from the sheep ends up at different retailers as trendy winter wear.

We set out on a fine Saturday morning to celebrate Easter at Dalwallinu. Our gracious host driving her car, our camera lady with fresh touristy experience from her recent sojourn in Europe, our gourmet an Australian who migrated from China always trying his new recipes, our tourist lady from Beijing looking to improve her English and the engineer from south India checking out broad acre farming as a career option. We left Perth at 9:15 AM as planned. Very soon we were cruising along the great northern highway when the car started overheating. We stopped the car near a farm next to the high way and waited for the engine to cool off and played some Hackisack (It’s a great game to while away time in the outback when you are waiting for your radiator to cool!). Within 10 minutes we hit the road again.

After covering another 20K the dodgy radiator began to boil and the engine began to overheat again! What followed was a series of stops which made the ride more enjoyable. Stopping every now and then, we poured water on the engine, had some snacks, warded of the flies that came and sat on our faces (the outback in oz is ridden with flies) and hoped that we wouldn’t have to stop again!

Finally we made it to Dalwallinu (hereafter referred to as Dalis) by around 3:30PM. A normally 3 hour ride had taken a good 6 and a half hours to complete. But we were all happy that we finally made it.

The farm in Dalis that we stayed at, was a 3000 acre farm with a farm house, a work shed, and lots of

by Joseph Rajan

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automobiles and machines that help do the broad acre farming. The man of the house, his wife, (parents of our host), their 13 year old son (a fun loving farm lad, an aspiring race car driver, fox hunter, army engineer,.... the list goes on :-)) and Zoey, the good farm dog, all were very welcoming and we all felt at home!

After getting home and meeting the folks we gobbled up the salad and meat patties that were prepared for our lunch, while sitting around chatting and getting to know each other. Afterwards we were taken in the Toyota Tarago (a must have car when you are living in the outback) on a quick tour of the farm. We saw the 2 big machines that do most of the work in the farm. The Seeder for planting the wheat seeds and the Harvester for harvesting the wheat when it’s ready. We also saw the huge tractor that is used to tow these mighty machines along. We were told how each of them worked and given a chance to look at them closely. We also visited the tool shed filled with all kinds of tools to do all the mending and repairing at the farm and also saw a go cart which needed a steering replacement.

After we got back home it was time to feed the alpacas. Alpacas are fine animals, they resemble the llamas from South America. They are not very friendly to humans but don’t mind hanging around as long as there is some food involved. Farmers keep them as they take care of the sheep and scare the foxes away. The feed for the Alpacas consist of oats, lupin and some other things all mixed together. They are easily startled and hence it is easier to get close to them if we do not do any jerky movements.

After feeding the Alpacas we got back home and had some steak and salad for dinner. Then we played a game called CashFlow, similar to monopoly but more intense. We never finished it as it takes really long to finish and we were all tired and sleepy.

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Easter Sunday was a fine morning. After having breakfast, we went to the Dalwallinu Baptist church to celebrate Easter. The church was a small affair and the people were warm and friendly. After church we chatted with some of the people there while sipping on tea and nibbling at the snacks. From church we were driven around Dalis, we saw the recreation centre, the hospital, the sales and service centres of two of the biggest tractor companies in WA, and also the place where the wheat is procured from all the farms.

After the tour around Dalis, we got back home had some more great Australian food and a good rest. By evening we were all energized and ready to explore the night life at the farm. We all piled up on the back of the Ute and were soon on our way racing down the wheat farm chasing foxes, bunnies and kangaroos. The ride on the ute in the outback at night is a must do for any tourist in Oz. It was a star-studded sky and we tried naming all the constellations we saw. We had a spotlight connected to the battery of the ute, which we used to paint the animals when we were chasing them in the dead of the night. After the night ride we all got back home and slowly fell asleep. The following morning we headed back to Perth ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of city life having revitalized ourselves with the peacefulness of the outback and the generous hospitality of the country folks at the farm.

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DESIDESI’s primary objective is to bring together all the Sub-continental youth (Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bengali and Nepali) of Perth. The events held earlier this year were Orientation Day, clubbing and sporting events, and have just had the annual Rivercruise event with more than a hundred people turning up. So if you are looking for somewhere to meet people from a similar background, and want to attend some of Perth’s best Sub-Continental social events, then DESI is the club for you!

Singapore Students Society (SSS)The aim of this society is to represent the Singaporean population within the UWA student body as well as cater to those who are interested in the multicultural life on the sunny island, Singapore. The year began with the Pre-departure talk in Singapore, followed by Orientation Day, Fresher’s barbeque, Mambo Night and a soccer tournament during the first semester. There will be more events coming up in 2nd semester like the National Day Celebration, so do not hesitate to check out the SSS website at www.sss.gu.uwa.edu.au to stay tuned!

The Japanese Studies Society (JAPSSOC)JAPSSOC has endeavoured for over 30 years to bring together all those interested in Japanese culture and language. It begun its year with O’Day, followed by a Welcome Barbeque a few weeks later, and PROSH. It has also held events like the Rivercruise and weekly Kaiwa conversation classes during the 1st semester. But wait, there’s more! 2nd semester is here and JAPSSOC has been planning fun events for you to look forward to, like Karaoke Night and their stall during MCW Spring Feast! So check out our website www.japssoc.guild.uwa.edu.au or take a look at our photos on facebook (search ‘JAPSSOC UWA’).

Overseas Christian Fellowship (OCF)OCF is a student ministry group focused on sharing the love of god and the experience of knowing Jesus as our lord and Saviour to the international student body. OCF also teaches and equips Christian students with biblical principles and values regarding Christian living. It had started their events in semester 1 with the Pre-departure talk for IDP and UWA in Singapore, followed by O’Day and the Fresher Welcoming Night, games, soccer and the major event: Easter Weekend. There will be the OCF Convention coming up in December, and weekly Bible Studies or Public Meetings. OCF looks forward to sharing Christ with people from all over the world so do feel free to contact our president Lenard Chew (lenardchew@gmail.com or 04022781546) if you have any queries, or would like to join us in our various activities.

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Contents Editor’s Note 4 Director’s Note 4 Our University 5 What to do in Perth 6 Tips on Migration Agents 9 The Exchange Experience 10 What is this TFN? 11 Shaking Hands: East Meets West 12

Clubs on Campus 14

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Disclaimer: The views of this publication do not represent the views of the editor, ISS or the UWA Student Guild.

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