Kelly Russell Diversity is a word which gets thrown around a fair bit these days. It pops up in schools, universities, workplaces, entertainment, fashion, advertising and even awards ceremonies (#OscarsSoWhite, …
Student + Dying = Studying. Why is education stressing us out so much?
Madeleine Buchner Since when did studying become known as a compound of “student” and “dying”? Why has stress and education become something that just seems to fit together? When I …
Back to School; Back to Bullies
Kayla Mason For students across Australia, February is a time of mixed emotions. The excitement of returning to school, friends, and extra-curricular activities is far too often mixed with a …
Dear Yoga
Kelly Russell Dear Yoga, Have we ever told anyone the story of how we met? I can’t remember; we’ve known each other so long, I don’t really think about …
How to be a good mate to someone with anxiety
Treasure Dupuy I believe we all have, or will have, the experience of anxiety at some points of our lives. Perhaps you’re experiencing it or (highly likely) you know someone who is. …
Society: An Opinion Piece
Anonymous I am a straight, white upper-class male and am yet to be discriminated against or treated unfairly as a consequence of that. I have no issue recognising the unfair …
What Trump means for us Down Under
by Caleb Maru Trump has won the election, and we’ve seen the United States population split between joy and despair while our Facebook newsfeeds have been filled with Trump memes …
Write For Us
Want to write about what’s really important in Australia, and be on the forefront of social change? You’ve come to the right place! The Aware Project is looking for contributors …
Dear White Privilege (An Open Letter) – Mumina’s Story
Dear White Privilege, I appreciate the fact that I can no longer be enslaved because of my melanin. I appreciate that I can no longer be segregated as a result of …
Nikolina’s Story
Panic is unlike any other feeling. When people ask I describe its more terror than panic. Like someone holding a gun to your head. Your life is no longer in …
Everyday Depression
Stewart Thornton Content Warning: This article may be distressing to some people. If you need help, please reach out to Headspace or call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Everyone …
“This, too, shall pass”
“This, too, shall pass” is something that has stuck with me from the time I was diagnosed with depression until this very day, and will stick with me until my …
Young Social Pioneers
On July 2nd, the Aware Project was officially accepted into the Foundation for Young Australian’s 2016 Young Social Pioneers cohort! The Young Social Pioneers Program is a three month incubator program …
The Darkness
Last night, I fought for hours against my mind as it tried to take over my body. I fought as it tried to make me reach for the knife in …
Stonefield
Stonefield are an Australian band made up of four sisters from Darraweit Gum, a town of 200 people in rural Victoria. A little while back we caught up with Stonefield …
Dear White Privilege (An Open Letter) – Mumina’s Story
Dear White Privilege, I appreciate the fact that I can no longer be enslaved because of my melanin. I appreciate that I can no longer be segregated as a result of …
Nikolina’s Story
Panic is unlike any other feeling. When people ask I describe its more terror than panic. Like someone holding a gun to your head. Your life is no longer in …
“This, too, shall pass”
“This, too, shall pass” is something that has stuck with me from the time I was diagnosed with depression until this very day, and will stick with me until my …
The Darkness
Last night, I fought for hours against my mind as it tried to take over my body. I fought as it tried to make me reach for the knife in …
8 Things A Boat Person Wants You To Know – Jamila’s Story
I know you’ve heard a lot of things about me, but please allow me to speak for myself for a change. 1. If the Taliban hate your guts, then you’re …
Sharing is actually Caring
Before I ask you, yes you, the reader. Why you fear speaking up about your problems…I really have to ask myself the same question. And I have, over and over. …
Talking It Out
Mental illness impacts many people today in Australia however not everyone seeks help, and not everyone feels comfortable. Nearly two years ago my mum attempted suicide. It wasn’t the first, …
Why Does Everything Feel Bland?
I don’t know when it started but it just seems like it’s never ending. I just remember feeling like nothing was special to me and asking myself why it was …
Unpredictable
It was supposed to be a holiday. The year was done, we had just come back from a New Years festival and it was the morning after a really fun …
Unaware – Caleb’s Story
You don’t realise how much you don’t know until someone tells you. One of my best friends and I weren’t hanging out as much – the reason being that his …
black
I recall being 6 and falling asleep hoping that when I woke up I would be white. I would imagine that my black skin is a extended joke and I …
Anonymous
My weight has gotten in the way of a lot of my high school life because of negative comments and bullying I’ve constantly received from classmates. I never wanted to …
Some people don’t get it
Some people don’t get it. Or even notice it I guess. ‘He had the best resume out of all of them who applied, but I didn’t think he was from …
Anonymous
What truly allows a woman to be accepted in today’s society? The answer is her ability to have a family. In some cultures a woman who cannot have children is …
You have to break something to get something done
I am Hazara, and me and my other Pashtun friend just woke up and heard noises. We could hear some voices, abusing, yelling ‘motherfucker’ and these things. So we see …
Write For Us
Want to write about what’s really important in Australia, and be on the forefront of social change? You’ve come to the right place! The Aware Project is looking for contributors …
Young Social Pioneers
On July 2nd, the Aware Project was officially accepted into the Foundation for Young Australian’s 2016 Young Social Pioneers cohort! The Young Social Pioneers Program is a three month incubator program …
5 Life Lessons I Learned From Interviewing Incredible Young Aussies
Founder of the Aware Project, Caleb Maru, wrote an article for the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) about the top five life lessons he learned from interviewing incredible young Aussies for the Aware …
Share Your Story
We believe in the power of stories, and know that the best way to change something is to start talking about it. Sharing your story is the easiest way to …
Welcome to our website!
Welcome to our website! After a few months of work we are proud to present the Aware Project’s new home! A huge thank you to Matt Woodham for putting this …
Unleashed Festival
So the last few weeks have been an absolute blast! We were fortunate enough to have won the Unleashed Festival Jumpstart Award in Melbourne, thank you to the Foundation for Young Australians …
Stonefield
Stonefield are an Australian band made up of four sisters from Darraweit Gum, a town of 200 people in rural Victoria. A little while back we caught up with Stonefield …
Rendah Haj
Rendah Haj is the founder of Youth Misinterpreted, a social change movement based around the idea of connecting young people through an exploration of identity. Rendah caught up with the …
Ash Grunwald
Ash Grunwald is an Australian blues veteran who has released eight albums and has been nominated for six ARIAs and three APRAs. In this short interview we sat down with …
The Pierce Brothers
Twins who started busking at the age of 15, the Pierce Brothers (Jack and Pat) are now a global sensation, frequently touring around the world playing sold out shows and …
The Streets Barber
A reformed drug addict who started his journey in Canada, ‘The Streets Barber’, aka Nasir (Nas) Sobhani, is a Melbourne based barber who skateboards around the city giving free cuts to …
Remi + Sensible J (Part 2)
In the follow up to part one of the Aware Project’s interview with Remi + Sensible J, Remi + Sensible J discuss drugs, drug testing and their new diverse music …
Hayley Bolding
Hayley Bolding is a humanitarian, influencer and a great advice giver. She was awarded Young Australian of the Year for Victoria in 2013, and lived in India for seven years …
Remi + Sensible J (Part 1)
Remi is a unique voice in Australian hip hop who has been making waves in Australia and around the world alongside producer and beatmaster Sensible J. Remi’s award winning album from 2014, …
Causing Hammock (Part 1)
Causing Hammock are a rock band made up of Nathanael Rothwell and David Drummond hailing from Alice Springs, as well as Keith McGloin from Adelaide. The Hammock lads are Adelaide and Alice Springs …
Mik Shida
Mik Shida is an Australian multidisciplinary artist who is internationally known for his impact in the street art scene through his fractal and ethereal artwork. Residing in Melbourne but spending time …
Rosie Thomas
Rosie Thomas is a change maker, a mentor, and an inspiring role model. Oh, and she’s also cofounder of Project ROCKIT with her sister Lucy (equally as inspiring), which is …
Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana is one of Australia’s fastest rising musicians having taught herself the guitar from the age of three and being known as a ‘one man band,’ using guitars, a …
The Basics
The Basics are an Australian band formed by Kris Schroeder, Wally De Backer (also known as Gotye) and Tim Heath. Their style spans a wide range of genres, and they …
Dear White Privilege (An Open Letter) – Mumina’s Story
Dear White Privilege, I appreciate the fact that I can no longer be enslaved because of my melanin. I appreciate that I can no longer be segregated as a result of …
black
I recall being 6 and falling asleep hoping that when I woke up I would be white. I would imagine that my black skin is a extended joke and I …
Some people don’t get it
Some people don’t get it. Or even notice it I guess. ‘He had the best resume out of all of them who applied, but I didn’t think he was from …
You have to break something to get something done
I am Hazara, and me and my other Pashtun friend just woke up and heard noises. We could hear some voices, abusing, yelling ‘motherfucker’ and these things. So we see …
Dear Yoga
Kelly Russell Dear Yoga, Have we ever told anyone the story of how we met? I can’t remember; we’ve known each other so long, I don’t really think about …
Nikolina’s Story
Panic is unlike any other feeling. When people ask I describe its more terror than panic. Like someone holding a gun to your head. Your life is no longer in …
Everyday Depression
Stewart Thornton Content Warning: This article may be distressing to some people. If you need help, please reach out to Headspace or call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Everyone …
“This, too, shall pass”
“This, too, shall pass” is something that has stuck with me from the time I was diagnosed with depression until this very day, and will stick with me until my …
The Darkness
Last night, I fought for hours against my mind as it tried to take over my body. I fought as it tried to make me reach for the knife in …
Sharing is actually Caring
Before I ask you, yes you, the reader. Why you fear speaking up about your problems…I really have to ask myself the same question. And I have, over and over. …
Talking It Out
Mental illness impacts many people today in Australia however not everyone seeks help, and not everyone feels comfortable. Nearly two years ago my mum attempted suicide. It wasn’t the first, …
Why Does Everything Feel Bland?
I don’t know when it started but it just seems like it’s never ending. I just remember feeling like nothing was special to me and asking myself why it was …
Unpredictable
It was supposed to be a holiday. The year was done, we had just come back from a New Years festival and it was the morning after a really fun …
Anonymous
My weight has gotten in the way of a lot of my high school life because of negative comments and bullying I’ve constantly received from classmates. I never wanted to …
Anonymous
What truly allows a woman to be accepted in today’s society? The answer is her ability to have a family. In some cultures a woman who cannot have children is …
Anonymous
When I was young I felt physically invincible. As I’m sure most do throughout their childhood, unless they experience the early misfortune of a chronic illness or another unforeseen circumstance …
Words Like Knives
For the last five years I struggled with my sexuality. For so long I thought there was something wrong with me, something that if I told anyone would cause all …
Why Does Everything Feel Bland?
I don’t know when it started but it just seems like it’s never ending. I just remember feeling like nothing was special to me and asking myself why it was …
black
I recall being 6 and falling asleep hoping that when I woke up I would be white. I would imagine that my black skin is a extended joke and I …
Anonymous
My weight has gotten in the way of a lot of my high school life because of negative comments and bullying I’ve constantly received from classmates. I never wanted to …
Loneliness
Coming out of school was such a shock. One minute I was surrounded everyday all day by people, and the next it was so lonely I was convince outside my …
First Impressions
A first impression is very important in modern day society and this has been an issue for such a long time, an issue that I found to be quite prevalent …
Anonymous
When I was younger, I was always a ‘shy’ kid. I never really had my own circle of friends to talk to, and certainly was never one of the ‘cool …
I always avoided the camera
I always avoided the camera. I hated being photographed. I would always use to excuse that ‘I wasn’t photogenic’, but the truth is, I hated looking at myself once the …
Who would want to love this body?
I am too fat. I’ve got thunder thighs. My arms are flabby. My breasts aren’t perky enough. I have man calves. Who would want to love this body?… For young …
Anonymous
I used to have acne. It was never terribly bad acne or anything, just typical breakouts expected of being a teenager; however, it extremely bothered me. I tried absolutely everything …
Words Like Knives
For the last five years I struggled with my sexuality. For so long I thought there was something wrong with me, something that if I told anyone would cause all …
Back to School; Back to Bullies
Kayla Mason For students across Australia, February is a time of mixed emotions. The excitement of returning to school, friends, and extra-curricular activities is far too often mixed with a …
Anonymous
My weight has gotten in the way of a lot of my high school life because of negative comments and bullying I’ve constantly received from classmates. I never wanted to …
Two Faced
I’m not a fan of two-faced people. For the past several years of schooling all I have witnessed was people saying negative comments about each other, and even their friends …
Dear White Privilege (An Open Letter) – Mumina’s Story
Dear White Privilege, I appreciate the fact that I can no longer be enslaved because of my melanin. I appreciate that I can no longer be segregated as a result of …
Nikolina’s Story
Panic is unlike any other feeling. When people ask I describe its more terror than panic. Like someone holding a gun to your head. Your life is no longer in …
“This, too, shall pass”
“This, too, shall pass” is something that has stuck with me from the time I was diagnosed with depression until this very day, and will stick with me until my …
Sharing is actually Caring
Before I ask you, yes you, the reader. Why you fear speaking up about your problems…I really have to ask myself the same question. And I have, over and over. …
Talking It Out
Mental illness impacts many people today in Australia however not everyone seeks help, and not everyone feels comfortable. Nearly two years ago my mum attempted suicide. It wasn’t the first, …
Anonymous
What truly allows a woman to be accepted in today’s society? The answer is her ability to have a family. In some cultures a woman who cannot have children is …
Anonymous
When I was young I felt physically invincible. As I’m sure most do throughout their childhood, unless they experience the early misfortune of a chronic illness or another unforeseen circumstance …
Loneliness
Coming out of school was such a shock. One minute I was surrounded everyday all day by people, and the next it was so lonely I was convince outside my …
First Impressions
A first impression is very important in modern day society and this has been an issue for such a long time, an issue that I found to be quite prevalent …
Anonymous
When I was younger, I was always a ‘shy’ kid. I never really had my own circle of friends to talk to, and certainly was never one of the ‘cool …
Who would want to love this body?
I am too fat. I’ve got thunder thighs. My arms are flabby. My breasts aren’t perky enough. I have man calves. Who would want to love this body?… For young …
Anonymous
I used to have acne. It was never terribly bad acne or anything, just typical breakouts expected of being a teenager; however, it extremely bothered me. I tried absolutely everything …
You have to break something to get something done
I am Hazara, and me and my other Pashtun friend just woke up and heard noises. We could hear some voices, abusing, yelling ‘motherfucker’ and these things. So we see …