The Swanston Gazette

The first time I saw the StarLink satellite pass overhead, I was in regional Victoria with my friends. We’d just finished dinner at a Thai restaurant before we stepped outside to head to our cars. The sky was full of stars and we pointed out familiar constellations to each other. …

A generation of young Australians is growing up navigating multiple cultures. Balancing life in Australia and the weight of cultural expectation. They speak multiple languages, shift between customs, and often find themselves translating not just words, but their entire characters, treading carefully on a thin line between pride and pressure.Third …

A means of reaching Gen Z or a strategy to avoid scrutiny?

Abbie Chatfield became a familiar name on the seventh season of the Australian Bachelor in 2019. Six years later, on a tram on my way to work, I found myself tuning into her pop culture podcast, ‘It’s A Lot.’

Adorned with daffodils from head to toe, the Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a floral fantasy as it welcomed guests onto a striking blue carpet for the 2025 Met Gala. Beneath the glamour of the event, lies a much deeper cultural recognition and appreciation.The event kicked off with an …

Reality TV is known to be highly produced and edited content that profits off controversies and drama, both on screen and off.The latest season of Australia’s favourite reality TV show, Married at First Sight (MAFS), has sparked criticism for how it has handled domestic violence.In February, South Sydney Police launched …

Student debt repayments are set to be reduced by 20% if Labor is re-elected, eliminating $19 billion in debt for over 3 million students.“University education is a life-changing opportunity, but it should not leave Australians with a lifetime of debt,” said Jim Chalmers to the House of Representatives.The main point …

In the first episode of Netflix’s hit docuseries, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, drivers are compared to fighter pilots. They are fearless, calculated, and have a terrifying willingness to put their lives on the line every day.The Melbourne Grand Prix took place last week, and while attendance peaking is partly …

Known by punters in Melbourne as The Gaso, the venue has become one of cornerstones of Melbourne's nightlife and music scene. With its history dating back to the 1860s, it has become home to a range of live performances across diverse genres.One of its unique features is the opening roof …

Every day, he wakes early, travelling from his Fitzroy apartment to Southern Cross Station by 7 am. He works as a Big Issue vendor at the station until 10 am. Mayfield’s work as a vendor for The Big Issue began in 1996 when he and his wife were living in …

Procrastination, FOMO and addiction to screens are just some of the struggles younger generations face as a consequence of social media use. But what is it costing young people? This proposal will be put forth at the end of 2024, with TikTok, Instagram and Facebook being some of the banned …

Concerns have risen regarding the inaction taken by security on RMIT’s City Campus to uphold their duty of care to RMIT students.Hilary’s experience on campus last semester was “the first time [she’s] had any kind of incident where [she’s] had to call security”.The third-year RMIT student was studying late at …

As teachers themselves, his parents thought a dual schooling approach would help the kids at school get to know Ethan on a more “mutual ground”, as well as helping his siblings through having their brother in amongst their peers. Jane believes that in an ideal world fully integrated education systems …

“Creating that space of sharing stories is kind of its activism through art and culture. It’s bringing the most beautiful songs and stories and art all of that in kind of a way to tell the story without using violence of any sort but still being heard. It’s bringing your …

On a Friday night at the end of May, my mother sent an ABC news article to our family group chat. I opened it, shocked to read a mother and daughter had been killed in a shooting just five minutes from where I grew up in Subiaco, Western Australia.

Internships are a stepping stone in order to land your dream job, or a requirement to obtain your degree. It’s all for the experience; you shouldn't expect to be paid.Amidst a cost of living crisis, the idea of applying for internships is beginning to be out of one’s reach. The …

As the internet began to grow, news corporations have made the shift towards broadcasting news online to generate more engagement. However, this caused a loss of credibility within the media.Amidst this change in the media landscape, the demand for more accessible news grew. Online newspapers began to feature new interactive …

China’s presence in the Asia-Pacific has granted them influence in the politics of their neighbouring states. To ensure national security, China aims to foster good relationships with surrounding countries. However, many of China’s neighbours have expressed concern over its increased militarisation in the Asia-Pacific region. Tensions have heightened between China …

There was a lot happening at the Swedish-hosted contest this year. Most notably: Israel.

The Australian government has announced plans for $3 billion of HECS debt fees to be “wiped out” as part of the cost-of-living relief efforts.High indexation has seen HECS debts rise faster than wages. Last year, indexation rose by 7.1 per cent and thousands of dollars were added to individual debts.Last …

A petition to the federal government to make HECS debt “easier to pay off” has received more than 280,000 signatures.Dr Monique Ryan, an Independent MP for Kooyong has used the petition to call on the Education Minister to fix the “unfair” HECS system.“The government got more money last year from …

Multinational fossil fuel company Esso has applied to “dump eight toxic oil rigs” into the Bass Strait, says environmental group Friends of the Earth.Friends of the Earth is a national grassroots group that supports causes such as climate justice, gender equality and Indigenous land rights.The group is calling Esso’s proposal …

Under the Light is more experimental, with the trio showing their maturity in reflective lyrics and dreamy melodies. The recording of the album took place in their hometown, Fremantle, and the ease of their production is evident. “We just wanted to have a different writing and recording process than we’ve …

“An algorithm then decides these are the sorts of things you want to consume. They [readers] consume what they want to know and not what they need to know.”She says the industry taught her “if it bleeds, it leads”, and says the rise in mental health issues amongst young people …

“Apocalyptic” cult Shincheonji are on a recruitment drive in many popular Melbourne locations.

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are known for their understanding of environmental and social issues. Yet, they are also recognised for an obsession with low-cost fashion.According to ‘Good on You’, an online directory that ranks fashion brands on the ethics of their labour and environmental practices, fast fashion …

Christians don't all see eye to eye on the Voice, just like the rest of Australians.

On October 14, all eligible Australians will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to alter the Constitution and establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. For those of us younger than 42, this will be the first time we vote in a referendum - and it’s …

The exhibit begins with bright pink surroundings and a sign that reads “Goddess”, preparing you for what is to come. Heading down the stairs, you are engulfed in walls of silver and sparkles - the perfect representation of glamour and “femininity”. Turning the corner, the iconic Marilyn Monroe song “Diamonds …