The Yarn Centre for Advancing Journalism

On Wednesday, dozens of pro-Palestine protesters occupied the University of Melbourne’s Arts West building. They say this sit-in will last until they are either forcibly removed or their demands are met. They’re calling for the divestment of university funds from weapons manufacturers.  

The university has threatened those involved with severe consequences. Last night, police were given the green light to evict protesters. 

It’s an escalation of the ongoing Gaza solidarity camp on the university’s south lawn, where tents popped up over three weeks ago. 

The Yarn spoke to The Citizen’s James Costa about his reporting on the sit-in. 

 

Show notes:

James Costa's article about the sit-in
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Coming up to its third week, the Gaza solidarity camp at the University of Melbourne is growing — It’s almost quadrupled to at least ninety tents. 

But the encampment is coming under increasing pressure.  Last Thursday, pro-Israel demonstrators marched across campus, culminating in a face off with pro-Palestine students amid a heavy police presence.

And this week, Petter Dutton called for encampments across the country to be forcibly removed. He also proposed new laws to fine Universities who don’t comply.  

But protesters say they’re staying put until their demands are met. They’re calling for the university to cut ties with weapons manufacturers.

In today's episode, you'll hear interviews about life at the encampment over the last two weeks. 

Featuring reporting by Ellen Cutler, Preeshita Shah, and Ricky Sproule.
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On ANZAC Day last week, protesters set up camp at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. Since then, the “Gaza solidarity encampment” has been the epicentre of several peaceful demonstrations attracting hundreds of participants. 

On Monday, more than 300 protesters marched on campus demanding the university to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and take an “ethical stance” against Israel’s rising death toll in Gaza. 

In this special episode, you'll hear from The Citizen’s cadet James Costa and student journalist Fatemeh Mirjalili about their reporting on this issue. 
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I’m Thomas Phillips 

Melbourne’s status as Australia's live music capital is under threat. Since the start of the pandemic, one third of small and mid-sized venues nation-wide have closed their doors for good.  

This week we’re bringing you stories about how performers along the number 19 tramline are getting by. 

It's the third episode of Tram Tales. Our new series about Melburnians who live, work, and travel along the number 19 route — the city’s central artery.

Featuring stories by ara Highett, Ying Wan and, Chanchan Wu. 
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Ask a group of teenagers about their dream jobs and you’ll likely hear a familiar list: doctor, lawyer, architect, psychologist... 

According to an OECD survey, these are some of the most desired jobs among students worldwide. 

But what about all the jobs they don’t even know exist?  

This week, we’re bringing you stories from off the beaten career path. Stories about people along the number 19 tramline finding fulfilment in unconventional workplaces, from cemeteries to adult stores.   

It's the second episode of Tram Tales. Our new series about Melburnians who live, work, and travel along the number 19 route — the city’s central artery. 

 

Featuring stories by Sam Irvine, Longfei Zhou, Ellen Cutler, and Fanting Ming. 
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The number 19 tramline is Melbourne’s backbone, taking passengers all the way from Coburg north to Flinders Street Station. Our new series, Tram Tales, shares the stories and struggles of people who, live, work, and travel along this central artery.  

For our first episode, we're focusing on an issue that’s top of mind for most Australians — the cost-of-living crisis. 

Energy, housing, and food costs have skyrocketed, the price of bread is up 24% since 2021, and many are barely getting by. A recent New York Times article even said happy-go-lucky Australia is feeling neither happy nor lucky.  

So we’re investigating how people along route 19 are coping.

 

Featuring reporting by James Worsfold, Yibo Meng, Yingyu Liu, and Elliot Rodriguez. 
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