Category: Journal Entries

As I am struggling to continue my development, I notice that the best part of the development is the back-end, like creating the code that makes the character walk, or the train passing at speed. The world design is very taxing on my ability to create, and I’m not too sure how to get over it.

With the world, it is based on Melbourne, and its surroundings reflect that. With all of the references I receive, it often makes me feel overwhelmed. It is like I know how it is supposed to look, however, I can’t put it into the world. I can’t tell if I’m reaching the limits of my abilities, or if I just don’t want to make the game this way.

With the “change of plans”, I don’t want this game to be a first person shooter anymore, I just don’t think it will match with what the game actually is. I am also considering diverting from the Melbourne setting, I feel as if its limiting my ability to be more creative with the world. I actually feel as if a lot of the game is being limited by this, and I am considering re-doing a lot of the game.

Maybe I can’t stick to one long-term project, or I just lack the capacity to be creative, however, I want to still find a way to do this project.

• This is a response based on a BTN High episode, which you can find here: https://www.abc.net.au/btn/high/rural-kids-issues/105231660

I find it interesting that these rural citizens have similar issues to people in regional areas. For example, both rural and regional areas can have poor support from state governments. For issues with transport, better public transportation would benefit these communities, connecting them better with other rural/regional communities. A simple bus network, and a train that goes between rural, regional, and major centres would boost the amount of opportunities that these areas can have.

On the point of transport, even major cities suffer from poor public transportation. Especially in newer areas, for example, western Sydney, and outer-northern areas of Melbourne are purely developed for the use of privately-owned cars. These rural areas are built for the use of cars, which hinders the amount of people that can live there, and the accessibility of other rural areas. In Albury, we have a train connection to nearby regional centres, and to Melbourne. This means that I can work in Wangaratta, Seymour, and Benalla. We also have a train connection towards Sydney, however, it is really infrequent. We also have a bus network that can get us around the city (including Wodonga) to get to local jobs and educational institutions.

Rural areas don’t get to have a public transport network at all, which limits the autonomy of young people, as they have to get a license to drive, and forces car-dependency for everyone in the area. Almost everyone shown in this episode wants to have a license because they want to be able to move around, and get from point-a to point-b. However, I don’t think that the people involved even thought about maybe getting better public transport for their area. Why? Well, because they have grown up in an environment that doesn’t have public transport. They wouldn’t even know that public transport would help with their issues. Is this their fault? No. Poor planning of their town and lack of public transport development from state governments is to blame. Public transport should not be limited to big regional centres and major cities, it should be available anywhere in Australia.

I am going to quickly point out that public transportation, and city/town planning is a state government issue, not a federal government issue. While the federal government can influence the state government to build more public transport, or have better town planning policies, the most they can do is provide funding for specific projects by the state government.

For my plan, it would need some requirements. Firstly, I need to be able to finish the day eating dinner with my family. Secondly, it has to not cost much. I don’t want to spend more money. And finally, it has to be easy to achieve. I don’t have enough time in the day to make major changes. With these rules in mind, I have come up with a plan.

Every night, before I sleep, I write around a pages worth. I don’t ever force myself to do it, but it has been pretty consistent. Sometimes it’s less, sometimes more, it doesn’t really matter to me. If I don’t write the night before, I will adjust the upcoming day to be slower, so I can focus on myself more.

I want to start socialising more outside of school. On weekends, I am usually alone, doing my own thing. I want to this to change. In addition to this, I want to start drinking more water, as I have noticed that I am getting more dehydrated. With the water change, I want to start eating less fast food, as I think it is taking a toll on my health.

I find that days like this are always good to celebrate, It makes people feel safer in Australia, and also teaches people that they need to be more respectful to everyone, no matter their race, gender, or orientation. Teaching respect is something that decades of schools have missed, or skipped over. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the message. That’s why it should also be taught in friend spaces. You should spread the message of respect to everyone. However, with the internet getting more popular, the amount of disrespect from people has been growing. With the rise of “masculine” influencers, they have been convincing people to disrespect women, gay people, or anyone who is different from you.