Here Out West is a milestone in Western Sydney cinema. Supported by Co-Curious, ABC, and Screen Australia, the anthology film features stories from eight emerging writers from the area to present the ‘buzzing and ever-changing melting pot’ of Western Sydney. From feuding brothers, and bonds between Bengali-speaking diasporas, to Filipino nurses, Vietnamese lawyers, and Chinese restaurants - each writer illustrates one part of Western Sydney’s cultural mosaic, resulting in a colourful portraiture exploring cultural identity, belonging, and self-growth.

In the midst of lush guitar chords (a subtle nod to Gorillaz’s Feel Good Inc.), Esky remains grounded and wise in his lyricism. He opens the track with a humble tribute to his kapamilya (family), acknowledging the life lessons best learnt through loved ones.

Filipino singer-songstress Gabby Nacua has recently released her new single ‘Little Bit Shy,’ a sultry tune that speaks to the lovesick wallflowers and introverts with romantic visuals to match.

Nicole takes a trip across the universe with New Age Noise Collective - a Western Sydney group dedicated to empowering female, trans, and non-binary artists. Their latest compilation album Constellation will be released in conjunction with a collaborative zine.

On Saturday, 25 January, Culture Shock hosted their launch party. Uneased by the muggy dampness of light rain at 6.10pm, my friend and I gathered ourselves upstairs above the Lord Gladstone venue, where we found refuge in the warm embrace of local artists and designers.

The Western’s Nicole takes a sip of Chocolate and Coffee, Loft Bed Studio’s latest short production!

The Western’s Nicole has an off-the-record chat with podcaster and Western Sydney local Tino Charles from Den Of Truth - no mics needed.