From its very first editorial in 1969, Empire Times (ET) has proudly numbered among Australia’s most radical, creative, and forward-thinking student magazines.  The irreverent and often controversial student magazine recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The celebratory event was held on 23 August at the Flinders City Gallery, with a gathering of past and present editors and contributors.

ET took its initial inspiration from radical politics and the counter-culture movements of the US and Europe of the 1960s, and went on to run pieces on the big issues – wars, the environment, feminism, and gay rights.  Space was also devoted to student-centred concerns such as opposition to university fees, calls to increase student living allowances and demands to overhaul assessment methods. Culture, in the form of music, theatre, film and book reviews as well as original fiction and poetry, has been another staple for ET.

Numerous ET editors and contributors are among Flinders’ most prominent alumni with many going on to successful careers in the arts, journalism or politics, among them Federal Labor MP Kate Ellis.

Although there was a lapse in publication of several years in the 2000s when the Voluntary Student Unionism legislation cut funding, ET‘s revival this year was in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary with a special commemorative edition.

Empire Times is produced by the Flinders University Student Association.  Recent editions are available online on the FUSA website under the ‘Your Community’ tab.

Have you kept a collection of Empire Times from your time at Flinders University?  Take a photo of your collection and send to us at alumni@flinders.edu.au to have a chance of winning a Flinders Gift pack valued at $80.  The most distinctive entry will be adjudged the winner.  The winner will be announced in the next edition of e.ENCOUNTER.