Garo Tanzi - Chasing Rhythm

Written by Liz Warr 

Hidden by the smooth shadows of the stage, his hands begin to explode with impromptu rhythm and pulse.

He is uninhibited; he is passionate

Can a Westerner understand the Burqa?

by Danielle Alosi

Initially I viewed the burqa as a symbol of oppression for women but thinking critically about the subject showed me that I really knew nothing of its true religious meaning.

Is this something that I as a western woman will ever be able to understand?

I went in search of the reasons behind this religious attire.

The tough world of Olympic pole-vaulting

Written By Ellen O'Brien

Rachel Birtles, a young, world-class pole-vaulter, flickers to life on the Skype screen.

After three years in the United States, she is always eager to hear a voice from home.

Having moved to Nebraska University, a track and field institution in Lincoln at 17, she plans to someday represent Australia in the Olympics.

Facing the facts of facial cancer

Written by Jayde Galvin

Only small hints of blue sky escape through the clouds as Peter Karalis your average, young and fresh looking 19 year old male, sits in his backyard eating an afternoon snack.

He leans back on his chair to call out to his Mum and some sun escaping through the clouds shines on his naked face, exposing otherwise invisible, tiny and risen scars.

Mr. Karalis suffers Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is apparent in one in every 60, 000 individuals.

Reform the basis of Chamarette's ideals

Written by Danielle Alosi

Christabel Chamarette, a clinical psychologist and former Greens Senator has dedicated her life to helping and supporting people involved in radical issues that are often condemned by our modern society.

Too few fish in the sea

Written by Kendall O'Connor

As she places her final order for the day, Sally Ball is not happy.

“That will be $57 thanks,” says the shopkeeper.

Sally reaches for her credit card, shaking her head in what appears to be disbelief at the cost of four fillets of Tasmanian salmon and a dozen South Australian oysters.

Ambitious beat cops find romance

Written By Scott Ward

A police vehicle begins roaming the busy streets of Fremantle in April 2007.

The sun is shining and the first job has been handed out.

Perched up in the passenger seat, is the newly appointed police officer, Adrian Kay.

His life long dream of being in the police force has finally become a reality.

WACA's complex wickets

Written by Cheryl Bromley

The sign “Welcome to the WACA” greets you as you enter the ground from gate two.

Head curator Cameron Sutherland has been responsible for preparing

I never wanted to leave - a boatperson's story

by Lorna Sibanda.

“I can now face tomorrow,said an evidently happy Hassan, I now look forward to each day, I have a reason for living now, I have hopes and dreams for the future now, and it’s all because of these boats that the lot of you are ready to condemn.”

Fashion Lacks Funds

Written by Liria Ramirez

Standing across from the old gasworks building in the unfashionable side of Perth city, it is hard to imagine how it has been transformed into the stiletto-friendly Fashion Paramount,

Building Future

Written by  Maddy Shellabear

Sitting outside North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club looking at Lockie, it’s hard to believe someone so young could have started a life changing charity.

Lockie is a 20-year-old former Christ Church Grammar student

Winegrowers oppose Margaret River Coal Mine

Written by James Mahoney

Clean air, beautiful beaches and towering natural forests of karri and karrah that open out onto fertile hills, small plains and vineyards producing wines that are amongst the finest in the world.

That is what makes up the Margaret River Wine and Tourism Region and what the locals are fighting to protect.

Are You Sorry?

by Hayley Goddard

An apology is supposed to mean something. However in today’s society - it no longer does.

Politicians, sportsmen and the media have all apologised for one thing or another.

But are they really sorry?

Suicide: The Unspoken Issue

Written by Ellen O'Brien

Youth suicide in Australia has reached worrying new heights, but could the answer be as simple as talking?

A deciding factor in the recent federal election mental health is typically discussed in terms of grants and budgets, but the long-term solution may lie in the direction of social reconditioning - dispelling the stigma attached to mental illness and refocusing on family support groups.

Mr Harry Weigele, senior occupational therapist at Perth Clinic, deals daily with mental illness and has observed a marked increase in teenage depression and anxiety.

‘We have a serious problem with mental health in youth in Australia.

‘There is a very high anxiety and depression rate in the 16-24 year old age group, and suicide has actually overtaken motor vehicle accidents as the number one cause of death in this age group, which is appalling.

‘It’s tougher for young people now.

There is no doubt the demands in 2010 and 2011 have ramped up and I just think  it’s a struggle.

‘When I went to school I didn’t know anyone who had tried to kill themselves, but now I think you would know at least a couple of people who had attempted, or even succeeded.

‘It’s a different kind of world,’ said Mr Weigele.

Mr Weigele identified high school as the starting point, with the appearance of symptoms such as avoidance, isolation and bullying.

‘The sort of adolescents we see are pretty unwell, they may have had suicidal thoughts, or a suicide attempt, or may be self harming.

‘Quite prevalent in adolescents is drug use, then you’re dealing with the dual diagnosis of depression or anxiety and substance abuse,’ said Mr Weigele.

A Family's Importance

The debate over prescribed medication still rages on, but Mr Weigele is firmly in favour of family support and behavioural therapy.

‘I think medication is overprescribed and overused and certainly if you can, you try to keep people out of hospital as much as possible.

‘Generally speaking you would look at a holistic approach, and if you want the best overall treatment with the best outcomes, you really need to consider what is happening for the adolescent in terms of their family, in terms of relationships and the way they perceive and interact with the world around them,’ said Mr Weigele.



‘If a patient doesn’t want family members involved, then that’s their right. But certainly in terms of younger people, to engage the family in therapy is essential,’ said Mr Weigele.

The nuclear family is often at the root of the problem, and their involvement can help identify what triggered the illness.

‘Its very hard to generalise with families,

‘You can get very unwell and disturbed adolescents coming from very good families, that are supportive and can’t identify trauma in their life.

‘But having said that, it is much more likely that there may have been some early life experiences such as abuse, or issues with parenting or marital separation,’ said Mr Weigele.

Michelle Sanders*, 22, was diagnosed with severe depression in 2008 and kept it from her family until last November.

‘I didn’t want to tell them because of the way they would react, and they reacted pretty much the way I assumed they would,’ said Miss Sanders.

‘My mum blames herself.

‘She tells me to snap out of it and doesn’t support me.

‘I think she doesn’t know enough about the issue- when I went to the clinic she refused to come and see me,’ said Miss. Sanders.

Earlier this year Miss Sander’s symptoms worsened to the point where her life was in jeopardy.

‘There were times when I got so low, times when I just wanted to end my life… I have cut myself,’ said Miss Sanders.

By this stage she had realised the importance of talking but wished she had opened up sooner.

The biggest hurdle for Miss. Sanders was finding the courage to approach someone.

‘It was really hard to speak to the GP.

‘You’ve got to find one that’s really good, that wants to listen to you, that wants to help you,’ said Miss. Sanders.

Miss. Sanders implored parents to attend information sessions and meet with therapists, and encouraged sufferers to ask for help.

‘You’re not alone.

‘There are more people than you think going through this, and you should get help and talk to someone, or things will get very hard,’ said Miss Sanders.



While it is essential to develop a support network, the extent of this group is entirely up to the individual.

‘I’ve found in my role as a therapist that I can’t say to someone, “Be honest. Write in your CV that you’ve had depression,” That I would call a personal judgement,’ said Mr Weigele.

There are many Australia wide organisations, such as The Butterfly Foundation, Beyond Blue and Crisis Care that provide information and support for people who believe they are suffering from, or know someone who is suffering from mental illness.

‘Anxiety disorders are common, but the sooner you get help, the sooner you can learn to control these conditions, so they don’t control you,’ reads the Beyond Blue website (www.beyondblue.org.au).

The website also features a diagnostic survey and information for the supporters of a mentally ill person.

Miss Sanders stressed the importance of feeling comfortable with the people you talk to.

‘If your GP doesn’t listen to you, find one that does.

‘Unfortunately a lot of GP’s just want to put you on medication and have done with you,’ said Miss Sanders.

Every signal is a distress signal.

‘If you’re a supporter, don’t be wussy about it, do ask and do step in,’ asserted Mr Weigele.

‘It’s particularly important if they are behaving in a way that’s against their best interest, or are expressing suicidal ideas.

‘If they are saying they won’t see a doctor, it is okay to say “I’m going to drag you there”. other way round.

‘The ideal, of course, is that there is collaboration between the person who is struggling and the supporter, that they could say, “Can I call on you? Can I talk to you? And can you give me feedback if you feel that I’m isolating myself or behaving in a way which might worsen my illness?”’ said Mr Weigele.

Miss. Sanders found her friends indispensible, but was aware of their limitations in a supportive role.

‘I found that my friends thought they knew it all and tried to help me, but sometimes it made the situation worse.

‘It’s good to confide in a friend, but sometimes they don’t know how to help and that’s where awareness and support groups should come in,’ said Miss Sanders.

Spreading the word.

Earlier this year, Dannielle Cross, 20, was moved to organise the ‘Suicide Prevention and Awareness Ball’.

‘My co-organiser had a friend who passed away through suicide last year and we know people who have had problems and unfortunately didn’t make it, so there was a huge personal motivation,’ said Miss Cross.

The response to the event was astounding.

‘A lot of people wrote emails to me, saying “I’m so glad you’re doing what you’re doing, my brother, or my sister, or my friend, or my cousin, or my mum…”

‘It was so sad, but at the same time it was good to know we were actually doing something,’ said Miss. Cross.

Targeting the issue of awareness, Miss. Cross called attention to the lack of exposure.

‘The ball was for the awareness factor rather than the money factor- anyone can donate 3000 dollars, but knowledge is priceless,’ Miss. Cross said.

‘We had a youth representative from Inspire come to talk to us, and she told us that one in every three teens will suffer from depression.

‘It definitely needs to be talked about more… when we went around asking for donations and told them what we were fundraising for, people were taken aback.

‘It was a touchy subject they didn’t want much to do with.

‘People are scared to talk about it, so there should be more in the media, more coverage of the issue,’ said Miss Cross.

Despite the success of the event, Miss Cross described it as a hollow victory.

On her way out of the bank, minutes after cashing the 3000 dollar cheque, she received a phone call from a close friend with the news that his brother had committed suicide.

‘This was exactly what we were trying to prevent, but a few days later the coroner turned up at their house and it was all over,’ said Miss Cross.

Miss Cross is aware of the size of the problem, but she is determined to spread the word about mental illness.

‘It’s big commitment, but if we can do it again, with more people on board, then sure,’ said Miss. Cross.

The battle is only just beginning, but with an open mind and a little trust, it is possible to turn the tide of teenage suicide.

As Mr Weigele said:  ‘People are actually a lot nicer, a lot more supportive and a lot more caring than you might think.

‘When you share your problems, I think you may be surprised that your friends and family are there for you.

‘The hard part is accepting that and dealing with the fear of being honest.’

* Name has been changed.

About

Editorial Guidelines

DRAFT

Prepared by Senior Lecturer Kevin McQuillan

ONLINE EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

School of Arts & Sciences January 2011

_______________________________________________________________

The following editorial guidelines are designed to provide direction to staff and students participating in the School of Arts and Sciences, Convergent Journalism course. 

The University defines itself as a Catholic university through its Objects as set out in The University of Notre Dame Australia Act, 1989.  This is also outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan. 

The following guidelines are taken from the University’s Academic Freedom Policy Statement. (These documents can be found on the University’s website - www.nd.edu.au/university.)

• The University has formally adopted a statement on how it defines itself as a Catholic university and the key strategies and practical steps it adopts to achieve its objects as a Catholic university. This is included in the University’s Strategic Plan.
•  The University hopes and anticipates that most of its students and staff will support and contribute to the context of Catholic faith and values within which it functions as an institution of higher learning. The core of this context is the person of Jesus: his life, death, resurrection, example and teachings, as set out in the New Testament.
•  The University must be a liberal and unfettered place where the basic values and beliefs of Christians are exposed, explained, researched, debated, freely challenged, and openly affirmed or rejected. No person within its community can or should be oppressed, vilified, demeaned or discriminated against because of their faith and values. All must be free and comfortable within the life of the University.
•  In speaking, writing or acting as a representative of or on behalf of the University, a staff member must act conscientiously and with full respect for Catholic faith and values.
•  The University expects from its staff and students conduct that is truthful, honourable, compassionate, fair, just and charitable. It hopes that all staff and students will conduct themselves within and beyond the institution in a manner which reflects these values and enhances the reputation of the University.

 If a staff member or student acts in a manner clearly contrary to principles set out in this document, he or she may be subject to counselling by the Vice Chancellor. Any such action by the Vice Chancellor may be the subject of appeal to and reversal by the Trustees of the University.

 1.        INTRODUCTION

 1.1     The unit lecturer will be considered the Executive Producer of student productions and will be acknowledged as such in the credits.  Content of productions will conform to the Notre Dame Editorial Guidelines, 2011.  It is the role of the Executive Producer to ensure that student productions comply within the guidelines and has the right to intervene editorially if this is not the case.

 1.2     These Editorial Guidelines apply to the content produced by Notre Dame students in film, radio, television, photography, online and other emerging media platforms.

 1.3    The word ‘content’ is generally used throughout the Guide and covers material prepared for public consumption provided in Notre Dame publications, online and through emerging media platforms.

 1.4    These Editorial Guidelines set out the major principles which apply to Notre Dame website content. The guidelines apply to the following three types of content:  News and current affairs current affairs; Opinion; Film and video – moving and still pictures

 1.5    All three content categories are covered by the general content codes below. In addition specific requirements apply to the content categories of news and current affairs, opinion, and topical and factual.

 Introduction 1

2.    GENERAL CONTENT CODE

 The guiding principle in the application of the following general content codes is context. What is unacceptable in one context may be appropriate and acceptable in another. However, the use of language, sound or images for no other purpose but to offend is not acceptable. This guideline is not intended to ban certain types of language or images from bona fide dramatic or literary treatments, nor is it intended to exclude such references from legitimate reportage, debate or documentaries.

 From time to time Notre Dame students will prepare content that we recognise may disturb or offend some of the audience. Where appropriate, the audience will be given advance notice about such content.

 2.1     Violence. There will be times when there are genuine reasons for using violent images and sounds to adequately illustrate a story. Particular care must be taken in the presentation or portrayal of violence. The decision to use such images or sounds should be based on editorial judgement, together with regard for the reasonable susceptibilities of audiences to the detail of what is broadcast or published. Such content should not put undue emphasis on the violent images or sounds, and where appropriate it should be preceded by a warning.

 2.2     Language. Variations of language favoured by different groups of Australians are valid and have their place in our content. On occasions, the language of one group may be distasteful to another. Use of such language is permitted provided it is not used gratuitously and can be justified in the context of, for example, news, current affairs, fiction, documentary, dramatisation, comedy or song lyrics.

 2.3     Intrusion into Grief. Sensitivity should be exercised in presenting images of or interviews with, bereaved relatives and survivors or witnesses of traumatic events. Except in special circumstances, children who have recently been victims of, or eyewitnesses to, a tragedy or traumatic experience should not be interviewed or featured.

 2.4     Religious Content. Notre Dame religious content includes coverage of worship and devotion, explanation, analysis, debate and reports. This content may include major religious traditions, indigenous religions and new spiritual movements, as well as secular perspectives on religious issues.

 2.5     Indigenous Australian Content. Significant cultural practices of Indigenous Australians should be observed in content and reporting.

 2.6     Confidential Sources. In  keeping with industry practice and state and Commonwealth laws, Notre Dame students will not be obliged to disclose confidential sources which they are entitled to protect at all times.

 2.7     Sex and Sexuality. Provided it is handled with integrity, any of the following treatments of sex and sexuality may be appropriate and necessary:

• it can be discussed and reported in the context of news, current affairs, information or documentary programs
• it can be referred to in drama, comedy, lyrics or fictional programs
• it can be depicted or implied.

 2.8     Discrimination and Stereotypes. To avoid discrimination and stereotyping, content should not use language or images which:

•  disparage or discriminate against any person or group on grounds such as race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age, disability or sexual preference; marital, parental, social or occupational status; religious, cultural or political belief or activity:
• are not representative and reinforce stereotypes, or convey stereotypic assumptions  convey prejudice
• make demeaning or gratuitous references; for example to, people’s physical characteristics, cultural practices or religious beliefs.

 The above requirements are not intended to prevent content which is factual or the expression of genuinely-held opinion, or content presented in the legitimate context of a humorous, satirical or dramatic work.

 2.9     Privacy. The rights to privacy of individuals should be respected in all content. However, in order to provide information which relates to a person’s performance of public duties or about other matters of public interest, intrusions upon privacy may, in some circumstances, be justified.

 2.10   Suicide. Suicide is a legitimate subject for coverage in our content. The depiction or description of suicide must be handled with extreme sensitivity.

3.    NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS CONTENT

This section applies to content categorised by the executive producers as news and current affairs.

3.1     Every reasonable effort, in the circumstances, must be made to ensure that the factual content of news and current affairs is accurate and in context.

3.2     We will correct a significant error when it is established that one has been made. When a correction is necessary, it will be made in an appropriate manner as soon as reasonably practicable.

3.3     Content will be impartial. Editorial judgements will be based on news values. One perspective will not be unduly favoured over others.

3.4     Balance will be sought but may not always be achieved within a single program or publication; it will be achieved as soon as reasonably practicable and in an appropriate manner. It is not essential to give all sides equal time. As far as possible, principal relevant views on matters of importance will be presented.

3.5     Content will aim to serve the public interest by investigating issues affecting society and individuals.

3.6     Re-enactments of events will be clearly identified as such and presented in a way which will not mislead audiences.

3.7     In keeping with industry practice, content prepared for news and current affairs, opinion, topical and factual or performance programs do not require the written approval of interviewees either before interviews are carried out, interviewees’ approval of the questions, nor interviewees’ approval before publication.

4.  OPINION CONTENT

This section applies to content categorised as opinion content, examples of which include blogs, op-ed pieces, reviews, commentaries and so on.

4.1     Content must be signposted to audiences in advance.

4.2     Content of opinion pieces will abide by relevant Court rulings outlining the need for opinion writers to take reasonable steps to ensure factual content is accurate, reflects the honestly held views of the writer and that content does not misrepresent other viewpoints.

Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance Code of Ethics

Students are also expected to abide by the Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance (MEAA) Code of Ethics. The Notre Dame Editorial Guidelines do not conflict with the Code of Ethics for journalists issued by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (see below).

Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism. Journalists describe society to itself. They convey information, ideas and opinions, a privileged role. They search, disclose, record, question, entertain, suggest and remember. They inform citizens and animate democracy. They give a practical form to freedom of expression. Many journalists work in private enterprise, but all have these public responsibilities. They scrutinise power, but also exercise it, and should be accountable. Accountability engenders trust. Without trust, journalists do not fulfil their public responsibilities.

Alliance members engaged in journalism commit themselves to:

Honesty - Fairness - Independence - Respect for the rights of others

 Guidance Clause

Basic values often need interpretation and sometimes come into conflict. Ethical journalism requires conscientious decision-making in context. Only substantial advancement of the public interest or risk of substantial harm to people allows any standard to be overridden.

 The following 12 points form the basis of the Code of Ethics:

 1. Report and interpret honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness and disclosure of all essential facts. Do not suppress relevant available facts, or give distorting emphasis. Do your utmost to give a fair opportunity for reply.

 2. Do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability.

 3. Aim to attribute information to its source. Where a source seeks anonymity, do not agree without first considering the source’s motives and any alternative attributable source. Where confidences are accepted, respect them in all circumstances.

 4. Do not allow personal interest, or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit, to undermine your accuracy, fairness or independence.

 5. Disclose conflicts of interest that affect, or could be seen to affect, the accuracy, fairness or independence of your journalism. Do not improperly use a journalistic position for personal gain.

 6. Do not allow advertising or other commercial considerations to undermine accuracy, fairness or independence.

 7. Do your utmost to ensure disclosure of any direct or indirect payment made for interviews, pictures, information or stories.

 8. Use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself and your employer before obtaining any interview for publication or broadcast. Never exploit a person’s vulnerability or ignorance of media practice.

 9. Present pictures and sound which are true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to mislead should be disclosed.

 10. Do not plagiarise.

 11. Respect private grief and personal privacy. Journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude.

 12. Do your utmost to achieve fair correction of errors.