It may be that this is the last issue of The Voice Magazine that will be published. If AUSU Council gets its way, there will be nothing to grant the Voice Magazine any funding or any autonomy. Instead there will be a single “Writer In Residence” which will replace all the different perspectives brought by the diverse members of AUSU who write for The Voice Magazine.
That said, if this is the last issue, It’s one that I’m happy to go out on.
It’s a big issue, as I’m trying to cram in as much in as possible just in case, but there’s only so much I can do. I included a great interview with a student who goes by Gonzo. I couldn’t let that name just slip by, but there are still other interviews on deck. Hopefully, depending on your votes, we’ll be able to see them in the coming weeks. We also have a beautiful edition of The Writer’s Toolbox, one that any aspiring writer absolutely needs to read from a master of the craft.
And speaking of the masters of the craft, we have a massive, three part interview with the previous editors of The Voice Magazine so that if this is the last issue that gets posted, future members may still be able to see what’s been lost.
More importantly, we also have an expose of how the current AUSU Executives wages will likely have more than doubled over the past four years. I say likely because information about how exactly the latest increases will be applied hasn’t been announced anywhere. While the AUSU Executive claims that The Voice Magazine is not an effective use of members money, their own wages already exceed the budget of the Voice, and they look to be increasing (or perhaps already have) by another 30%. Check out the article “It’s All About The Benjamins” for more details. Does anybody think a Writer In Residence would be able to find this information, or willing to report it?
Finally, I’d like to thank first, all of the writers, the students, who have made The Voice Magazine what it is. Without all their contributions, the only thing here would be my rants, and while that can entertain me endlessly, I doubt the rest of you feel the same. If this is where we end, you’ve done yourselves proud.
I also need to thank all of you, my readers. While It’s been said that there may be as few as 80 of you, I simply can’t believe that, as that doesn’t match with any information I was ever given previously. So for you silent ones, thank you. I hope we’ve brought a little joy, a little anger, a little knowledge, and a lot of things to think about into your life.
So, if you want to see more of The Voice Magazine, or maybe if you want to be part of it in future, now’s the time to register for the AGM by contacting ausu@ausu.org and asking to attend.
And if I don’t see you again, well, I hope you enjoyed the read.
