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Let me buy into my community, don’t force me to
Words by Emma, 27 WA The concept of compulsory service is not new, with many countries such as South Korea and Norway requiring young people to serve their country. When the majority of the world is at peace, something like this seems harmless and encourages patriotism and connection with their peers. But given the ongoing…
Kids want more choice after graduating, not less
Words by Joshua, 17 NSW When the first wave of COVID-19 hit Australian shores in March 2020, I had no idea what was coming. Time spent crying at my desk, my microphone muted and camera off while attending Zoom classes. Afternoons spent on assignments and wondering about questions I couldn’t ask. Talking with friends…
Fight of a six-year-old girl
Words by Steph, 26 VIC This piece was the winner of the Youth Summit Creative Competition 2022. The indignation of a six-year-old girl is truly something to be reckoned with. Sandwiched into the middle, back seat of the family car, my older brothers’ knees rammed into my thighs, is when I first discovered my innate…
Unfiltered Thoughts: Ukraine on our mind
It’s clear the impact (mental, emotional and physical) of the Ukraine-Russia war goes beyond borders. Thanks to a constantly updating newsfeed, we are watching events unfold before our eyes – with many of us left feeling confused and heartbroken. The WhyNot team would like to create a space for your unfiltered thoughts. To submit your…
Voters Poem
Words by Dimitrios, 20 VIC To know who to vote for is a lovely, beautiful thing. To know exactly who you’ll ask to lead, and with no fear of what they may bring. For I was taught when I was young that all politicians lie. How am I supposed to know who to vote for…
Unfiltered Thoughts: 2022 Federal Election
The 2022 Federal Election has been called for May 21! In the lead up to the election we’ll be amplifying the Unfiltered Thoughts of young Australians on a range of topics, issues and policies that matter to them. What are your initial thoughts on the Federal Election? This following unfiltered thoughts may contain themes that…
Rarely Seen, Hardly Heard: Boundaries are our perfect lovers
We need to change the way we think and talk about sexual assault. To help a survivor, we need to validate their experiences without measuring against others.
Unfiltered Thoughts: #breakthebias
In the lead up to International Women’s Day 2022 we asked our WhyNot community for their Unfiltered Thoughts on what this year’s theme #breakthebias means to them. Women Kill, but Women Are Also Killed In Australia: – 1 woman a week is killed by an intimate partner [1] – 10 women a day are hospitalised…
Still on your L’s? Don’t sweat it!
Words by Kirra, 20 VIC There are many reasons I could give as to why, at 20 years old, I still haven’t got my driver’s licence. I could blame it on the fact that I live out of home and don’t have a car or tell you that I haven’t been able to go driving…
Happy New Year’s Eve
Words by Jahin, 21 NSW As we depart another year, It is time for me to forget the chapter it created, Like shoes at the door, I will lay it down, A heavy heart no longer mine to bear, To be grateful for the time that has passed, Lessons learnt and tears shared. …