28 August 2011

Get your Verge on!

It’s that time of year again.  No, not midterms. IT’S ONE MILLION TIMES BETTER THAN THAT! Verge Festival kicks of THIS Wednesday and, for a week and a half, it will amazeballs you. Does that even make sense? Wow…. Too much excitement right now to make coherent sentences.


To feel a little bit of what I’m feelings, here’s a preview of some of the many activities Verge has on offer…..

Opening Night with Major Raiser – Wednesday 31 August

To kick things off, USU has teamed up with Major Raiser (a group all about promoting social justice through a good time) to provide you with a cracking line-up!  Come listen to the amazing sounds of:
RAPIDS
ONLY THE SEA SLUGS
LOUIS LONDON
POLAR KNIGHTS

To get the emotional juices flowing, check out a preview of Boats of Berlin here (mostly to see how the second guy from the end looks like Vinnie Jones).

Harry Potter Trivia – Tuesday 6 September

Ever pretended like you were at Hogwarts when you walked to class? Pft, who hasn’t! Here’s a legitimate excuse to don your Voldemort/Golden Snitch/obscure character (read Indie) costume at university without judgment. Come join us at the Harry Potter Trivia night!


Oh...and whoever said Ron was fat:



Sunset Screenings – EVERY NIGHT!

You know that girl you’ve been making eyes at in your gender studies tute (because we all know why you picked that subject)? Ever wished there was the perfect first date just steps away from class? Well you’re in luck! Movies will be screening for FREE every night in the Verge tent, and you can even grab a beer while you’re there. Thank you USU – providing a new sort of Gold Class.

Theatre Sports: Old School vs. New School – Wednesday 7 September

Here it comes!
Yes, ladies and gents, you heard it right. It’s the ULTIMATE THEATRE SPORTS. Come cheer for some old pros or the new young guns – wherever your allegiance falls. Or just laugh your socks off! And if I haven’t won you over, laughing boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure and helps you lose weights (…perhaps Ron should come along).

That’s not even going into Kanye the Musical, Injection Room (is it what you think it is? … better go check it out), Manning 11th Birthday and so much more!

It’s going to be pretty grand. Join us for the craic and get your Verge on!

Nai Brooks
Board Director


22 August 2011

The USU: Producing Student Leaders since 1874



If you’re passionate about reaching out to the wider university community by getting involved and spreading a message, cause or issue through fun and creative initiatives, apply for a student leadership position because applications open today!

What will you get out of it? A challenging, invigorating and unforgettable experience, leadership skills and opportunities, CV references, and getting to know the USU inside out.

Here’s an exposé on all the student leadership positions, so knock yourself out and find a leadership opportunity that invokes your inner vision. Go, go, go!

Current Campus Culture Directors, Ash Morse and Milla McPhee.
Campus Culture Directors


A Uni-wide scavenger hunt with awesome prizes? Sure, we can do that. A mass of members shaking their booties and singing like fools on Eastern Ave at midday? Why not? An awe inspiring end-of-semester carnival with crazy rides, all for free? Well… you'll have to wait and see. The USU is all about the “outside the classroom” student experience at university. That’s why we need campus culture directors! They are the ones staging the first-class experience found on campus, where the role involves working with the USU to come up with fun daytime events throughout the year and encouraging members to engage with the union to remind them of everything the union provides. Milla McPhee who is the current director along with Ash Morse, says “what's great about the job is that it allows you to come up with creative and fun things that union members may like to take part in and actually make them happen!”

Humanitarian Week Directors

Last week’s success of Humanitarian Week is still glowing. Humanitarian Week directors Cathy Tran and Kristy Samal worked tirelessly to promote a week packed with humanitarian and social justice issues.

The directors organise awareness-raising events to the wider university community through creative initiatives. Too often we get overwhelmed by depressing facts, issues and images, as Cathy said;

Kristy and I wanted to make the week engaging and inspiring, but most importantly demonstrate that making a difference can be fun. It was a fantastic opportunity to work in event management, being in charge of pretty much everything from working with MarComms to come up with our visual design right down to deciding the exact catering we wanted at each event”



Queer Events Co-ordinators

The queer community on our campus is fun, strong and diverse. That’s why the USU provides an environment that supports the awareness of queer issues through appointing two Queers Events Co-ordinators, 1 male- and 1 female- identifying Queer Convenor, who assist in developing a broad-reaching and exciting queer program. This year, Ella Bailey and Jack Freestone held these positions. Their responsibilities included putting on four significant events for queer students each year, and being the point of contact to any student who wants to learn about or get involved in any of the queer friendly activities at university. Each year the appointed coordinators also run a discussion group entitled 'Identity'. Jack explains that the aim of this group is “to allow queer students a network of support while becoming more comfortable and confident in themselves.” Jack, also on the executive of Shades, the queer society on campus (they throw the best parties!), encourages anyone interested in applying. “It is at times a challenging job, but it has definitely improved my organization and people skills.”

International Student Interns

Many international students face a difficult time settling into university life. To make them feel at home, the USU organizes a wide range of programs and events, including the Airport Welcome and Arrival Information Session, the Welcome to Sydney Party, International Food Fair, and the ESL stream for the Kirby Cup amongst others. This year, international student interns Adnab Tali and Yun Liu assisted in the successful development and promotion of these programs. Their role aims at enriching student life and promoting a fun and productive campus culture for international students. Yun, currently in her third year of International and Global studies, came from China. She says she became an international student intern because “I fully understand the hard transition that international students undertake. The internship offered a great opportunity that helped to build networks and relationships with both old and new international students along with local students who wanted to learn more about foreign cultures, and meet cool people around the world

Interfaith Week Directors

Fun fact: The USU has 17 faith-based societies, comprising of more than a 1,000 students, some of which that have been around for longer than 80 years! Issues of faith, religion and spirituality have always played a big part in society, whether it’s from changing lives to changing laws. USU Interfaith Week is a brand-new initiative, happening for the first time this year. Kate Wilcox and Sarah Segal, the current Interfaith Week Directors, are working together on a festival that will raise awareness and understanding by bringing together faith communities at university. The role requires coming up with a concept for Interfaith Week, planning the structure and events, managing with festival’s budget, marketing, and liaising with C&S executives and the Student Programs Department. Whilst this role is both challenging and exciting, Sarah found it also gave her the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people. “Being able to contribute to the dynamic student life is a wonderful experience. It also doesn’t hurt that I get my own office!” –For more info, stop by an event come October and have a chat with the directors– they’ll be the ones in the fancy lanyards.


BULL Magazine Editors


There are 5 editors appointed every year for The Bull, USU’s four-per-semester campus magazine that is all things USU. This year they were Alex McKinnon, Anne Widjaja, Kira Spucys-Tahar, Lewis D’Avigdor and Paul Karp. Anne says that her time as a Bull editor was a lot of fun, despite the tight deadlines;

“It has been an invaluable opportunity for me to refine my editing/writing skills. I loved attending planning meetings in the office and being able to help develop a holistic vision of the publication”

Her favourite part of the role has been the ability to give other contributors the chance to be published, and establishing a great network of contributors that she hopes the editors will maintain in the future.

Postgraduate Intern

Robbie Jones, the current Postgraduate Intern, explains that being a postgrad student at Sydney Uni comes with a unique set of challenges. “This is where I as the Postgraduate Intern come in. I act as a liaison between postgrads and the other postgraduate organisations (such as SUPRA) with the Union, and organise USU events and competitions.” As a postgraduate student, the Intern has first-hand experience that they use when creating events and developing strategies to engage postgraduates, and meeting with various departments. The role also includes collecting information on the postgraduate community at Sydney Uni on behalf of the Union. “I like the role because it comes with a great deal of autonomy. I am given a lot of leeway - but also great support from my supervisors. There is a real sense of satisfaction when things run as you planned and you successfully achieve your aims.”

Hermes Editors

The creative juices were flowing and artistic senses were guiding many aspiring artists and student writers on campus when Hermes, one of the oldest free literary journals in Australia, saw over a 100 submissions this year. To make sure these are collected and collated into another amazing instalment, the 2011 Hermes Editors Michael Falk, Connie Ye, Dominic McNeil and Rosie Findlay are working hard. The role of a Hermes Editor is essentially gathering creative pieces from students from all faculties, including written works or photography, with this year broadening the horizons even further through tweets and blog posts. Veering from discussing grand themes and capturing the ‘essence’ of the works, to pondering appropriate font styles and sizes, Connie describes editing Hermes like making soup on a winter’s day: Most of the time things bubble along nicely and every now and then you turn the heat up and things really start to happen. At the end of it all we can only hope to produce something wonderful for stomach and soul.”


Tuesday Talk Co-ordinators

If you’ve ever headed up to Manning Bar on a Tuesday afternoon, you may have found yourself forgetting about your hot chips and instead being engrossed by a topical Tuesday Talks debate. The Tuesday Talks program is an awesome collection of public discussions, debates and forums on contentious or current issues, held weekly and free and open for all students to attend. Four co-ordinators are appointed each year, this year being Anthony Baine, Eleanor Gordon-Smith, Tim Matthews and Tui Swinnen. Eleanor comments that getting to liaise with other student representatives who are inspiring & passionate people has been a great experience. “We've had members of clubs & societies on panels, writers of student papers report on our talks, and worked in conjunction with other student leaders. I've also been surprised to find my mind changed and my presumptions challenged by the wide range of experts and public figures who've appeared over the year” These include Eva Cox, Jonathan Holmes, Tom Switzer, James Brown, Jonathan Green, and Philip Nitschke, to name just a few. Personally, my favourite Tuesday Talk this year was the Election Soapbox held in May, what of it? 

Artists Luke Burcher and James Cooney's installation at 
 the Verge Gallery for the Art Collection Officers' exhibition - Damage.

Art Collection Officers

Is your life ambition to be the curator of a famous art gallery? Start right here and right now, at the USU, as an Art Collection Officer. The Univeristy of Sydney Museums has been managing the University and Union’s extensive collection of art from the 1970s works since 2008, and each year two students work with the Senior Curator in the on-going management of the Union Collection. Apart from gathering extensive skills development and the opportunity to curate their own show in the Verge Gallery, I imagine that the current Art Collection Officers Bethany Canan and Elyse Horan’s experience has been art-tastic.

Director of Debates

The Union produces champion debaters every year, winning debates on national and international level. Debating is not only a historical tradition; it also remains a core activity within the vibrant student life at Sydney University. If you’re an avid debater interested in supervising and organising the day-to-day running of the Debates Committee, follow in the current Director of Debates Julia Baine’s footsteps and apply!

O-week 2011
O-Week Directors  

Jessica Priebee and Rosie Marks-Smith, 2011 O-Week Directors, were screaming “Welcome Aboard!” this year at the Nautical-themed O-Week. The festival, held a week before classes begin, is organised every year to welcome everyone and provide an opportunity to meet friends, get an Access Card and sign up to as many Clubs & Societies that hold your interest.  With a budget of a quarter of a million dollars, the role involved dealing with the organising of hundreds of stalls, dealing with security, choosing food menus and bands and co-ordinating with a whole lot of zest and creativity! The 2012 O-week directors have been appointed. They are *drum roll* Linda Przhedetsky and Josh Pearse.

Women’s Events Co-Ordinator

Along with organising a host of women’s programs, this role aims at promoting the rights of women, women’s safety, and ensuring a positive environment for women. It provides a great opportunity to work with the Women’s Portfolio on the Board of Directors, C&S staff and other great groups on campus. Anna Bennett as the current Women’s Events Co-ordinator is organising a USU Woman’s Leadership Evening to network with current and prospective female leaders in the C&S program, because we want a pool for strong, qualified, AWESOME women leaders to apply for C&S Committee this year!


Verge volunteers distributed copies of the Union's literary journal, Hermes.

Verge Festival Directors

Get excited because Verge Festival is just around the corner! Directors Harriet Gillies and Tom Walker have been sweating it out, organizing a fantastic program. This year the directors have taken “come explore” as the festival’s theme, showcasing art, music, culture and comedy on campus. There’s even something about large shipping containers on Eastern Avenue.  Two positions are available for 2012: Directors plus Liaison Officers for the Conservatorium of Music and Sydney College of the Arts, along with a Verge Publicity Officer. You will get to direct the largest Arts festival on campus, choosing the theme, venues and artists line up. There’s even a cash honorarium –enough said. 

Check out all the student leadership positions currently available here.

Astha Rajvanshi 
Board Director

19 August 2011

Smoking on Campus - have your say!

While the USU has been organising a forum for our members, the University released their draft smoking-ban proposal to which they are now calling for submissions. We believe that students should have a say in the way their campus life develops, and strongly encourage you to submit a response to the proposal directly to the University by clicking here.


There will be a panel of experts at the next Tuesday Talks to discuss the issue of smoking and smoking bans on campus, which we invite everyone to attend.


Location: Manning, Level 2
Time: 1-2pm
Date: Tuesday, 23rd August 2011


See you there!


Jacqui Munro
Honorary Secretary

15 August 2011

What is Humanitarianism?

Humanitarianism is the act of kindness, ethical responsibility or aid to another human being or animal. It is a concept that implies that each human being has a responisibility to care in an ethical way for other living beings.

Humanitarian week is run by the USU to help raise this awareness though a five-day festival that encompasses all the humanitarian and social justice related clubs on campus. Run by Kristy Samal and Cathy Tran this year there are a variety of events that attempt to get everyone on campus engaged and inspired around Humanitarian clubs and activities. Most of all, to have fun in the process! 


A couple of exciting examples is the special Tuesday Talks on Sex Trafficking at 1pm in Manning Bar. Wednesday will see JFR plaza transformed into the Global Poverty Project in a bid to understand poverty and the ways we can make a difference to world poverty. On Thursday you can exchange your clothes in Isabel Fidler from 12-2. And don'’t forget the Wrap Up party in Hermann'’s Bar on the Friday evening.

Take the chance to learn a bit more about the world around you and to engage in these clubs that are passionate about Social Justice. Humanitarian Week helps bringing the world to you in a fun and inspiring festival that will last so much longer than the week.

Vivienne Moxham-Hall
Board Director

08 August 2011

The 2011 Revue Season

There’s no business like show business, and there’s no student show quite like a USU Revue. With the annual Revue season upon us, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk through the Revue process before taking a tour of each show. 

The online Oxford Dictionary defines Revue as ‘a light theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, typically dealing satirically with topical issues’. That seemed appropriately adequate, until I spoke to Ian ‘Pharaoh’ Ferrington the 2011 co-director of the Commerce Revue who put it much more deftly as ‘all the funny things 30 people wished they’d slipped into conversation over a whole year, combined with some absurd shit and the cast of hairspray on whatever recreational drugs the cast of rent didn’t finish’.

Since the 1930s Sydney University has played host to some of the most elaborate and infamous Revues Australia, nay, the world has seen. In fact, the 2007 Women’s Revue ended up touring the UK, whilst the 2006 Arts Revue headed to Melbourne. In a reality closer to home the USU Revue program has played host to the young upstarts that are now the Chaser, Project 52, Susan Boyle and the Axis of Awesome.*

On a personal note, whilst the Commerce Revue wasn’t my first taste of the USU it was my first real meal. ‘Nightmare on Wall Street’ played the York Theatre for three exceptionally successful nights and the friends I made in that show I now count as some of my closest. But, it was ‘Industryous Basterds’ that really opened my eyes to the wonder of the USU. Stepping late into the role of Co-Producer I was thrown into organising (alongside some very competent colleagues) a $20,000 show that taught me more lessons than any academic endeavour I’ve undertaken. Apart from the hassle of organising a stage, lighting, sound, props, costumes, a cast, apparel, ticketing, marketing and an after-party I was exposed to the intense challenges of working in a heavily time-constrained, demanding and stressful yet rewarding environment. The USU shouldered me genuine responsibility and gave me the opportunity for self-development and growth that was eye opening to say the least. Some say putting on a Revue is like parenting a really ugly red-headed child, ‘even if it looks like Ronald McDonald at 6 months old you love it just the same’. Needless to say I was an exceptionally proud parent.


So then, how is it done? Well Revues typically receive a significant grant from the USU. These grants of up to $8000 are often supplemented by faculty or external sponsorship and ticket sales to cover the hefty costs of a stage, costuming, lighting, props and a memorable after-party. Some Revues are content with just making ends meet but, some of the bigger players use their Revue as a charity fundraiser. The 2010 Medical Revue ‘Cadavatar’ raised over $43,000 for Cure Cancer Australia Foundation and the Milk Crate Theatre. The man hours that go into Revues are often unimaginable. A lot of effort goes into making your show thought-provoking, topical, funny and most of all entertaining.

But at the end of the day, Revues are about more than just entertainment and budget balancing. Alistair Oakes the 2011 co-producer of the Law Revue commented ‘as with many people involved in Revues, they have been a defining part of my university experience. Revues ... allow students to be students: light-hearted, vocal and pushing the boundaries in ways which you normally can’t get away with.’ Jo Twartz, USU Revue veteran reflects on her involvement and concludes that throughout the Revue process ‘you’ll find out you have the capability to do things you never knew you could. Revues are a great environment to just have a go, and when you try, you succeed!’

Revues drag you out of your comfort zone and throw you on stage being burned by lights and the glares of the community, your peers and your family. Whilst it may sound traumatic the truth is there is a huge safety net spread out below you and you always make it to the other side more confident, aware and proud of what you have achieved.

So, without further adieu:

Welcome monsieur sit yourself down, the twenty-eleven Revues are in town!

Medicine – Beauty and Deceased – 10/8-13/8, 7:30pm @ the Seymour Centre



Going by last year’s standards ‘Beauty and Deceased’ should be a killer (oh, come on, why can’t I have some fun too!) Med Revue buys into the storyline approach of a Revue, which can lose an audience if it isn’t done well. But, these are the gals and guys who undertake undisputedly the most challenging degree a University can offer. They also managed to raise $43,000 last year for charity. They can do anything (including operate on you!). This Revue is always well-polished, which to be frank is a little worrying. I’d prefer if these guys were less funny and spent more time learning how to solve your future illnesses.

Arts – How We Learnt to Love Again – 17/8-19/8, 7pm @ the Seymour Centre 


Where to even begin! This Revue has had a tumultuous history. They used to be small, but now they are big. They are always hilarious particularly if you have a wacky sense of humour. They’re not renowned for their commentary on current affairs but they have the ability to make the most mundane ridiculously funny. They’re Arts! Unlike their Med counterparts these students definitely have the time to polish their show and are a very talented bunch.

Law – The Socially Awkward Network – 17/8-20/8, 8pm @ the Seymour Centre 



It frustrates me how good these guys are. Law students believe they’re more intelligent, knowledgeable, attractive and funnier than you. The sad thing is that even if they’re not as naturally gifted they’ll work harder to make sure they are better. The worst part about the Law Revue is that they are naturally gifted. The Law Revue is an efficient humour making, dance choreographing, song-singing machine. They may lose a little innovation along the way but they are by self-acclamation the best Revue.

Education and Social Work – GladiATAR – 18/8-20/8, 7:30pm @ the Seymour Centre 


When you watch this Revue remember that the creepy looking guy with the beard who made an inappropriate sex joke will one day teach your 7 year old son. These guys had their opening last year and did a great job. Their cell block tango was l’maze. They are bound to be even better this year.

Architecture - Nineteen Eighty Floor - 25/8-26/8, 27/8, 7:30pm, 2pm @ the Seymour Centre 


Firstly, their title is a reference to an infamous novel by George Doorwell. Secondly, they build amazing sets. This Revue is always ‘solid’.

Engineering – James Blonde: The Man with the Golden Ale – 25/8-27/8, Manning Bar 


Rumours exist that they reside at Manning because the Seymour Centre wouldn’t let them back. Needless to say the show is outrageous. Their title has for as long as I can remember been a reference to alcohol. Take from that what you will.

Science – NASAblanca – 25/8-27/8, 7pm @ the Seymour Centre 


Who would’ve thought science students were funny. Their show last year was superb. To top it all off, they are lovely, diligent, sweet, friendly science kids. Their cast is big and fun and their title is about space! Apparently they were approached to star in a reality Glee TV show**. This Revue is a must see it is always wonderful!

Commerce – The Economy of Errors - 1/8 – 2/9, 7:30pm @ the Seymour Centre


Unequivocally the best Revue! In their fourth year the Commerce Revue cleverly blends absurd humour with witty and satirical commentary on the events of the world to produce an outstanding show. Flying in the face of popular belief, the Commerce Revue is made up of a mismatch of (exceptionally attractive) students from all faculties. Last year saw them start with The Lion King, elegantly and beautifully weave in nudity before ending the show with a dramatically powerful Boy Band medley (a special shout-out to the NSync guy, who was hoooootttt!). By acclaim this year it is expected to be even better. Commerce Revue’s direction team is dashing, their producers wonderful and their choreographer is heaps cute! This is a must see!

Queer – The Queen – 31/8-3/9, 8pm @ the Seymour Centre 


I cried when I didn’t get to see this show last year. They premiered to adoring audiences and it wasn’t just their parents. By all accounts they were cutting-edge, outlandish, ground-breaking and hilarious. And squaring that final nail into the coffin this year it will feature Board Directors Dave and Ben.

Book your tickets at the Access Desk, Manning House or by calling 9563 6000.

Oh by God, with all this Revue talk... why, why, well! I got chills, they’re multiplyin’ and I’m losin’ control, the Revues they’re supplyin’ and they’re electrifying.

Rhys Pogonoski
Board Director

* To the best of my knowledge Susan Boyle did not star or even appear in a USU Revue.
** This one is actually true.

04 August 2011

Negotiating Commercial Operations

Dear Members,

As most of you know, the Union is currently in negotiations with the University administration regarding a potential transfer of the Union’s commercial operations including our food and retail outlets, Manning and Hermann's Bars, Academic Dress and the Venues Collection.

The Union is committed to delivering independent student programs, and it is therefore important for us to maintain an independent revenue stream that is derived from our commercial operations. And it seems you agree - in the survey conducted alongside the election last semester, an overwhelming majority (95%) of those who participated agreed that the USU should retain full control over its commercial operations, student experience and buildings. This position is obviously undermined by the desires of the University administration.

It is therefore my duty as President of the Union to update the members on where we are at in terms of the negotiations. So far, our negotiations with the University have been slow but very positive. We have communicated all of our core concerns to the University including student control over spaces in Manning, Wentworth and Holme, costs of a commercial operations transfer, security of Union staff employment, ongoing funding and student access to the bars. The University has acknowledged that any agreement that arises from these negotiations must satisfy our concerns. We will not be agreeing to any arrangement that fails to address these core concerns. Furthermore, we are constitutionally obliged to take any agreement with the University to a General Meeting of the Union, and approval of such an agreement would require a special majority to succeed. Therefore, the final approval of any arrangement with the University rests in the members’ hands.

Currently, the University is assessing the viability of a commercial operations transfer. That is, the University is looking at whether a transfer is feasible and financially viable for the University administration. However, this does not mean that we are any closer to a potential transfer. The assessment is merely an information gathering exercise and will provide another foundation from which to negotiate. Once the Union receives this business case from the University, we will present a response which may challenge some assumptions that the University has made in its assessment.

As soon as the University's position is delivered to the Union through this business case I will be communicating the Board’s position to the membership.

Thank you for your patience and support during these negotiations. It goes without saying that our priority is delivering the number one student experience in Australia, and we will continue to do just that.

Yours sincerely,

Sibella Matthews
President

Smoking on Campus Forum


Date: TBA
Location: TBA, Manning House

This forum is an opportunity for students to voice their opinions on the University's proposal of a campus-wide smoking ban. As the Union Board understands the proposal has not yet been finalised or approved, but we would like to take this opportunity to hear your thoughts on the banning of cigarette sales, smoking exclusion zones and the health impacts of campus smoking.



While details of the forum are being planned, students are invited to submit personal responses to the board by emailing treasurer@usu.usyd.edu.au

Keep up to date with the board by also following us @USUBoard through twitter

01 August 2011

Snowball

Welcome back friends!

One week of university down and twelve to go. And what a great week it was with Re-O Day 2011, by far the best mid-year orientation week ever run by the union! If you didn't get a chance to sign up to the Clubs and Societies of your choice then make sure to have a look through the list at USU online.

For all of you that partied the first week away, we have good news, and for all of you who had a docile week learning about their unit of study outlines, we have even better news… this thursday is Snowball!
Being one of the social highlights of the year, it's a great opportunity to party on before you get into some serious study.

Snowball is one of our champion parties that takes over Manning with a range of awesome acts that party through the night, 8pm to 2am. It is a big deal of a party, more than 1000 people attend every year with tickets selling out well before thursday!

Line Up

This years extensive lineup includes both domestic and international acts. For a brief look at what you're going to hear:

Jinja Safari - they draw from "afropop rhythms, (and) tumbling island guitar" to create african-inspired "dreamy folk pop, with a melodic richness comparable to acts like Sufjan Stevens, Animal Collective and Sigur Ros.

Naysayer & Gilsun - Naysayer and Gilsun deliver an eye full of everything from nostalgic pop culture references, interwebz memes, psychedelic visuals and cult scenes. They mix and merge them to draw links between electronic beats, party music and hypermedia.

Mitzi - Mitzi comply with a classic pop sensibility. Entwined by a backdrop of moving disco beats, syncopated guitar and capturing bass grooves lies the Mitzi sound, smooth, laidback vocals and a vintage analog warmth.

Rufus - RÜFÜS combine a love for electronica and indie to create a sound that makes you want to hear them live in a dark club, sharing sweat molecules with the person swaying along beside you. A combination of live instruments and electronic production bring on comparisons of Cut Copy and Midnight Juggernauts but it’s their own unique sound that makes you stand up and take notice.

Tom Loud - Head West of Springsteen and bear due South of Leonard Cohen till you're so close to Lucinda Williams that you're not allowed to date and you have found Tom Loud. Drinking and dancing tunes of true love and bloody murder.

Beat The System:  Beat The System is a USU brainchild. It is a club and society that provides the opportunities to perform from the best of Sydney's sprawling music scene.

Beat The System will have their own stage in manning featuring up-and-coming local acts including Super Florence Jam, Rockets, The Walking Who, and Conics. Meanwhile, Will Styles and MC Haley Boa, Gabriel Clouston, Nic Scali, Slow Blow DJ’s and George Reed will be spinning on the disco and Dubstep stage.

Ticket Purchase

Make sure to get in early for these ticks because Snowball is always sold out by the night. It will be the greatest opportunity to dance your way out of the winter chills before uni gets going so make sure you're there! You can get your tickets at the ACCESS Desk on level 1 of Manning (just off Manning Rd) or online here.

See you Thursday evening!

James Flynn
Board Director
UA-5126621-7