Lamisa Haque is a budding educator and writer based in Liverpool, who works part-time with youth at StoryFactory Parramatta. She is one of six founders behind The Pvblication, a volunteer-run online platform that publishes weekly articles that aim to decolonise spaces through personal experiences, and engage with empathetic conversations. We speak to Lamisa about the platform’s humble beginnings, what “decolonisation” means to the team, and how to deal with backlash and criticism online.

The Pvblication is also currently looking for diverse writers to contribute to the platform! If you are interested in submitting pieces and pitching new ideas, please hit up The Pvblication below on their socials.

THE PVBLICATION:

Instagram and TikTok: @thepvblication

Website: thepvblication.com

LAMISA HAQUE:

Instagram: @wondermissa

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

Christine Abadir is a 20-year-old content creator based in Mount Druitt. While studying art, Christine decided to create a TikTok account for fun - until one day, one of her videos became viral! With this rise to fame, she took content creation more seriously in the hopes of advocating change in Mount Druitt, inspiring youth, and reaching out to the community. The Western’s EIC, Laura, learns more about Christine’s life before virality, her process of becoming a content creator, and the importance of embracing yourself without shame!

CHRISTINE ABADIR:

TikTok and Instagram: @christineabadir

Hosted by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

Edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Joseph “Butch” Schwarzkopf Jr. is a Filipinx poet and filmmaker based in Campbelltown. Although Butch has published works across Sydney and the United States, he remains more familiar with his online communities than his local circles. In this thought-provoking and challenging discussion, we speak to Butch about the differences between FilAus and FilAm diasporas, how community development works in life cycles, and the future of Filipino communities across Sydney.

BUTCH SCHWARZKOPF

Instagram: @butchoy.sch

Twitter: @butchoykubo

Speak Cebuano w/ Butchoy & Tiffany!: @speakcebuano

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

Jazel Jozic is a Filipino-Croatian creatress based in Merrylands, and founder of Culture Shock, a digital platform spotlighting creatives of colour in the arts. Working in graphics, photography, and event space, Jazel has connected with big names across Sydney’s creative scene. We spoke to Jazel about Culture Shock’s humble beginnings, the move from the North Shore to the West, and the importance of having a voice in male-dominated spaces. A must-listen for aspiring female creatives!

JAZEL JOZIC

Instagram: @jayyyslays

CULTURE SHOCK

Instagram: @cultureshock.au

Facebook: Culture Shock AU

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

Jade Diaz is a queer non-binary Filipino makeup artist based in Rooty Hill. With previous experiences in Sydney’s drag and queer community, Jade now practices their creativity as a solo artist in the comfort of their own home. We talk to Jade about their experiences with navigating white spaces as a genderfluid person of colour, the switch from community care to self-care, and the healing art of working alone.

Jade Diaz

Instagram: @nearvouv

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

Gerard Cabellon is a filmmaker and breakdancer hailing from the humble streets of Woodcroft. His directorial debut, Prodigal Son, represents the nuanced experiences of Filipinos across three generations in Western Sydney. We talk to Gerard about his practice and some of his inspirations behind his short film, as well as some sage advice for future Western Sydney storytellers.

GERARD CABELLON

Instagram: @8erard

Watch him breakdance! @tekthekid

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

In our Season 4 debut, we interview Raven Pajarillaga, a Marayong-based artist whose surreal and vivid paintings earned a spot at the Blacktown Art Prize in 2020. Raven shares his humble beginnings in art, the story behind his BAC nomination, and why vulnerability is so important as an artist. A deeply thought-provoking and inspiring interview, there is much to learn from our modern-day Basquiat!

RAVEN PAJARILLAGA

Instagram: @ra7en

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

The Western Podcast is back for Season 4! Hosting the pods for this season is our editorial writer, Nicole Cadelina. In our little introductory episode, Nicole shares a bit about herself, what The Western team has to offer this year, and our upcoming guests for this season. Get hyped!

Who would you love to hear on The Western Podcast? Drop us a message on Instagram, or visit thewestern.com.au

SOCIALS

Nicole Cadelina - Instagram: @ ni.muy

The Western - Instagram: @ the.western

Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)

Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)

Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)

In this episode we get to chat with Jay the co-founder of the Kickz Stand. With over 40k members on Facebook, the Kickz Stand is one of Australia's largest sneaker and lifestyle community. Jay shares with us his journey. Tune in for more info!

In this episode we chat about what 'adulting' is like and what makes you an adult. Featuring special guests Maxedout films, Clarissa Mei and Videographer Benji Bock! Tune in to find out more!