Overland Journal
@overlandjournal.bsky.social
Overland Journal – radical Australian literature and culture since 1954
overland.org.au
overland.org.au
“I was analysing systems of state power at the exact moment one of those systems was destroying my family.”
Two years after his mother was killed by an airstrike in Khan Younis, Hazem Almassry writes about how universities exploit Palestinian expertise.
Two years after his mother was killed by an airstrike in Khan Younis, Hazem Almassry writes about how universities exploit Palestinian expertise.
The profit of distance: how universities exploit Palestinian expertise - Overland literary journal
My mother was killed on 5 December 2023 in Khan Younis. An airstrike hit our home around 3 pm. The building collapsed. I learned she was dead while I was in Taiwan, working on research about how polit...
overland.org.au
December 5, 2025 at 1:40 AM
“I was analysing systems of state power at the exact moment one of those systems was destroying my family.”
Two years after his mother was killed by an airstrike in Khan Younis, Hazem Almassry writes about how universities exploit Palestinian expertise.
Two years after his mother was killed by an airstrike in Khan Younis, Hazem Almassry writes about how universities exploit Palestinian expertise.
“Planning is political, especially in a country where it has been used to facilitate settler frames of land commodification and exclusion.”
An in-depth history by Rachel Gallagher of urban planning as a colonial tool.
An in-depth history by Rachel Gallagher of urban planning as a colonial tool.
Settling the city: urban planning as a vector of settler colonialism - Overland literary journal
The key tools of urban planning, like master planning, zoning and state acquisition of land, are derivatives of the state’s perceived need for centralised control. Urban planning assumes there is a bl...
overland.org.au
December 3, 2025 at 1:02 AM
“Planning is political, especially in a country where it has been used to facilitate settler frames of land commodification and exclusion.”
An in-depth history by Rachel Gallagher of urban planning as a colonial tool.
An in-depth history by Rachel Gallagher of urban planning as a colonial tool.
Reposted by Overland Journal
A typically incisive piece by Jonno Revanche in Overland on bad essays, Substack writing, and the general state that we’re in overland.org.au/2025/12/with...
With respect to the poor essay - Overland literary journal
Style is now a feature that we surrender to a digital pattern recognition machine, which attempts to replicate our own but often falls short, feeling convincing enough but too superficial in its notic...
overland.org.au
December 1, 2025 at 3:48 AM
A typically incisive piece by Jonno Revanche in Overland on bad essays, Substack writing, and the general state that we’re in overland.org.au/2025/12/with...
“Perhaps the poor essay still reveals, through its derivative gestures, the outline of the writer it tried to replace.”
Jonno Revanche on the present of a form, and what might still amount to real writing.
Jonno Revanche on the present of a form, and what might still amount to real writing.
With respect to the poor essay - Overland literary journal
Once, many years ago, I was on a panel discussing something for a new redundant culture publication with a few different writers of my cohort concerning the topic of “Fake News” — a panel which I glad...
overland.org.au
December 1, 2025 at 1:54 AM
“Perhaps the poor essay still reveals, through its derivative gestures, the outline of the writer it tried to replace.”
Jonno Revanche on the present of a form, and what might still amount to real writing.
Jonno Revanche on the present of a form, and what might still amount to real writing.
“Time is non-existent. Intangible and unknowable. We’ve been driving for days… maybe months, impossible to tell.”
Our latest #fridayfiction is THE ROAD TRIP, a new story by Jaslyn Angus.
Our latest #fridayfiction is THE ROAD TRIP, a new story by Jaslyn Angus.
The road trip - Overland literary journal
The dust picks up in a cloud, coats the backseat window in dirty ochre and veils the road behind. We pick up speed. Particles fall like rain around us and I think I can make out the hazy image of a fa...
overland.org.au
November 28, 2025 at 2:00 AM
“Time is non-existent. Intangible and unknowable. We’ve been driving for days… maybe months, impossible to tell.”
Our latest #fridayfiction is THE ROAD TRIP, a new story by Jaslyn Angus.
Our latest #fridayfiction is THE ROAD TRIP, a new story by Jaslyn Angus.
“We stand at a precipice where hunger and spectacle are colliding in full view — where the performance of plenty becomes more valued than the provision of sustenance.”
Angelique Minas on the Versailles-era turn in grocery.
Angelique Minas on the Versailles-era turn in grocery.
Let them eat content: when ordinary staples become signifiers of wealth - Overland literary journal
We stand at a precipice where hunger and spectacle are colliding in full view — where the performance of plenty becomes more valued than the provision of sustenance, where food functions more as an im...
overland.org.au
November 26, 2025 at 1:11 AM
“We stand at a precipice where hunger and spectacle are colliding in full view — where the performance of plenty becomes more valued than the provision of sustenance.”
Angelique Minas on the Versailles-era turn in grocery.
Angelique Minas on the Versailles-era turn in grocery.
“That old one — the working class as one dumb mass — is nothing but another bourgeois cliché. We are not simpletons, we’re just exploited.”
From a polemic by Sergio Chesán on literature and class, translated for us by Roy Duffield.
From a polemic by Sergio Chesán on literature and class, translated for us by Roy Duffield.
Literature, no place for the poor - Overland literary journal
That old one — the working class as one dumb mass — is nothing but another bourgeois cliché. We are not simpletons, we’re just exploited.
overland.org.au
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 AM
“That old one — the working class as one dumb mass — is nothing but another bourgeois cliché. We are not simpletons, we’re just exploited.”
From a polemic by Sergio Chesán on literature and class, translated for us by Roy Duffield.
From a polemic by Sergio Chesán on literature and class, translated for us by Roy Duffield.
By making the monster human and the humans monstrous, del Toro draws us back to the radical empathy of Shelley’s novel, but also into familiar ableist horror tropes.”
Kosa Monteith on maternity, monstrosity and disability in the new FRANKENSTEIN.
Kosa Monteith on maternity, monstrosity and disability in the new FRANKENSTEIN.
Frankenstein was a “bad” mother: maternity, monstrosity and disability - Overland literary journal
By making the monster human and the humans monstrous, del Toro draws us back to the radical empathy of Shelley’s novel, but into familiar ableist horror tropes. Empathetic, but not empowering. He’s a ...
overland.org.au
November 24, 2025 at 1:37 AM
By making the monster human and the humans monstrous, del Toro draws us back to the radical empathy of Shelley’s novel, but also into familiar ableist horror tropes.”
Kosa Monteith on maternity, monstrosity and disability in the new FRANKENSTEIN.
Kosa Monteith on maternity, monstrosity and disability in the new FRANKENSTEIN.
“She learned to use ink
to slowly cover
her reflection in the water,
hiding it from every eye,
until her skin
grew a waterproof shell.”
From HER NAME IS A RIVER, our latest #Fridaypoem by Tangqing Zhang.
overland.org.au/2025/11/her-...
to slowly cover
her reflection in the water,
hiding it from every eye,
until her skin
grew a waterproof shell.”
From HER NAME IS A RIVER, our latest #Fridaypoem by Tangqing Zhang.
overland.org.au/2025/11/her-...
Her name is a river - Overland literary journal
They measured her body / with iron chains, / and gave her a new name— / as if planting a eucalyptus / into a church vase, / uprooting the old one completely.
overland.org.au
November 21, 2025 at 1:39 AM
“She learned to use ink
to slowly cover
her reflection in the water,
hiding it from every eye,
until her skin
grew a waterproof shell.”
From HER NAME IS A RIVER, our latest #Fridaypoem by Tangqing Zhang.
overland.org.au/2025/11/her-...
to slowly cover
her reflection in the water,
hiding it from every eye,
until her skin
grew a waterproof shell.”
From HER NAME IS A RIVER, our latest #Fridaypoem by Tangqing Zhang.
overland.org.au/2025/11/her-...
“During the late months of 2024, it was becoming readily clear to some of us that Gaza existed on two incommensurable planes: one which was transmitted in Arabic and the other in English.”
An introduction to OF WEAPONS AND WORDS, and to the vital task of translating militant writings on Palestine.
An introduction to OF WEAPONS AND WORDS, and to the vital task of translating militant writings on Palestine.
To fight against the annihilation of thought: an introduction to Of Weapons and Words - Overland literary journal
Across Palestine and beyond, militant intellectuals continue to study the ongoing catastrophe despite Israel’s best efforts. This study and critical analysis has nothing to do with scholasticism. It r...
overland.org.au
November 19, 2025 at 2:01 AM
“During the late months of 2024, it was becoming readily clear to some of us that Gaza existed on two incommensurable planes: one which was transmitted in Arabic and the other in English.”
An introduction to OF WEAPONS AND WORDS, and to the vital task of translating militant writings on Palestine.
An introduction to OF WEAPONS AND WORDS, and to the vital task of translating militant writings on Palestine.
“Wianamattas’ emus are a testament to the importance of caring for even the ordinary parts of our living world—the parts that we take for granted.”
As part of our series supported by @copower.bsky.social, Andy Mason goes searching for Sydney’s last “wild” emus
As part of our series supported by @copower.bsky.social, Andy Mason goes searching for Sydney’s last “wild” emus
Over the back fence: in search of Sydney’s last “wild” emus - Overland literary journal
Everybody knows there used to be emus all over Western Sydney. It’s called Emu Plains, for flip’s sake.
overland.org.au
November 13, 2025 at 1:41 AM
“Wianamattas’ emus are a testament to the importance of caring for even the ordinary parts of our living world—the parts that we take for granted.”
As part of our series supported by @copower.bsky.social, Andy Mason goes searching for Sydney’s last “wild” emus
As part of our series supported by @copower.bsky.social, Andy Mason goes searching for Sydney’s last “wild” emus
In the final hours of our Subscriberthon, our brilliant co-editors Evelyn and Jonathan have an important message for you. Head to overland.org.au/shop or overland.org.au/donate today.
November 7, 2025 at 6:06 AM
In the final hours of our Subscriberthon, our brilliant co-editors Evelyn and Jonathan have an important message for you. Head to overland.org.au/shop or overland.org.au/donate today.
For the last day of our Subscriberthon we have set aside something *very* special: a gallery of stunning portraits of Palestinian activists by Tia Kasambalis, with an introduction by Tasnim Mahmoud Sammak.
Here’s PORTRAITS OF RESISTANCE.
Here’s PORTRAITS OF RESISTANCE.
Portraits of resistance - Overland literary journal
Tia’s Portraits of Resistance are a radical break from this assault against being a Palestinian settler in Australia. In these drawings we meet Palestinians, young and old, who found themselves holdin...
overland.org.au
November 7, 2025 at 1:14 AM
For the last day of our Subscriberthon we have set aside something *very* special: a gallery of stunning portraits of Palestinian activists by Tia Kasambalis, with an introduction by Tasnim Mahmoud Sammak.
Here’s PORTRAITS OF RESISTANCE.
Here’s PORTRAITS OF RESISTANCE.
LAST CHANCE! We're wrapping things up over here, which means today is your last chance to win BIG. Today's prize pack is looking pretty gorgeous, and don't forget you're still in the running to win either of our major prizes, too! Head to overland.org.au/shop now to enter!
November 7, 2025 at 12:26 AM
LAST CHANCE! We're wrapping things up over here, which means today is your last chance to win BIG. Today's prize pack is looking pretty gorgeous, and don't forget you're still in the running to win either of our major prizes, too! Head to overland.org.au/shop now to enter!
We have put a lot of effort recently in making available the entire archive of OVERLAND’s 70+ year history.
In that spirit, on the penultimate day of Subscriberthon we bring you this previously unpublished interview with historian Humphrey McQueen on state violence and the arming of the police.
In that spirit, on the penultimate day of Subscriberthon we bring you this previously unpublished interview with historian Humphrey McQueen on state violence and the arming of the police.
Back when they armed the police: an interview with Humphrey McQueen - Overland literary journal
In this interview with Rock Chugg, commissioned some twenty years by then-editor Nathan Hollier for a monographic issue that didn't eventuate, Australian historian Humphrey McQueen discusses the armin...
overland.org.au
November 6, 2025 at 1:08 AM
We have put a lot of effort recently in making available the entire archive of OVERLAND’s 70+ year history.
In that spirit, on the penultimate day of Subscriberthon we bring you this previously unpublished interview with historian Humphrey McQueen on state violence and the arming of the police.
In that spirit, on the penultimate day of Subscriberthon we bring you this previously unpublished interview with historian Humphrey McQueen on state violence and the arming of the police.
Good morning! It's the second-last day of our Subscriberthon, and the prizes don't stop coming. Head to overland.org.au/shop today to support us and go into the draw to win!
November 5, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Good morning! It's the second-last day of our Subscriberthon, and the prizes don't stop coming. Head to overland.org.au/shop today to support us and go into the draw to win!
“We live in an oligarchy,
but with this humidity
it feels like a dictatorship.”
On Day #5 of Overland’s subscriberthon, we bring you “Force posture agreement”, a new poem by Miroslav Sandev.
overland.org.au/2025/11/forc...
but with this humidity
it feels like a dictatorship.”
On Day #5 of Overland’s subscriberthon, we bring you “Force posture agreement”, a new poem by Miroslav Sandev.
overland.org.au/2025/11/forc...
Force posture agreement - Overland literary journal
The men of Darwin have all taken their rottweilers / out for a walk at the same time. / For our protection. Like Pine Gap: / all those big white eyes that scan / the darkening horizon. / The eyes stay...
overland.org.au
November 5, 2025 at 1:45 AM
“We live in an oligarchy,
but with this humidity
it feels like a dictatorship.”
On Day #5 of Overland’s subscriberthon, we bring you “Force posture agreement”, a new poem by Miroslav Sandev.
overland.org.au/2025/11/forc...
but with this humidity
it feels like a dictatorship.”
On Day #5 of Overland’s subscriberthon, we bring you “Force posture agreement”, a new poem by Miroslav Sandev.
overland.org.au/2025/11/forc...
On the third last day of our Subscriberthon, the prizes just keep coming - head to overland.org.au/shop today to support us and go into the running to win some amazing prize bundles!
November 5, 2025 at 12:57 AM
On the third last day of our Subscriberthon, the prizes just keep coming - head to overland.org.au/shop today to support us and go into the running to win some amazing prize bundles!
On day #4 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you two reviews of books about Palestine: by Yahia Lababidi on ONE DAY, EVERYONE WILL HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST THIS and Norman Saadi Nikro on DAYBREAK IN GAZA.
Two reviews: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This and Daybreak in Gaza - Overland literary journal
Yahia Lababidi and Norman Saadi Nikro review thew new book by Omar El Akkad and collection edited by Mahmoud Muna and Matthew Teller.
overland.org.au
November 4, 2025 at 2:09 AM
On day #4 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you two reviews of books about Palestine: by Yahia Lababidi on ONE DAY, EVERYONE WILL HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST THIS and Norman Saadi Nikro on DAYBREAK IN GAZA.
Subscriberthon Day Four is upon us... today we have a prize pack that's ridiculously good - books, download codes, doubles passes, trinkets, treats, and tea! Head to overland.org.au/shop now to go in the running to win!
November 4, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Subscriberthon Day Four is upon us... today we have a prize pack that's ridiculously good - books, download codes, doubles passes, trinkets, treats, and tea! Head to overland.org.au/shop now to go in the running to win!
Reposted by Overland Journal
Thank you to @zahrastardust.bsky.social for this beautiful review of Love in a F*cked-Up World in @overlandjournal.bsky.social.
"Soft and fierce, utopian and practical, inscribed with beauty and strength, Love in a F*cked Up World is both an intervention and a guidebook."
"Soft and fierce, utopian and practical, inscribed with beauty and strength, Love in a F*cked Up World is both an intervention and a guidebook."
“Revolutionary promiscuity”: loving one another in a f*cked up world - Overland literary journal
Soft and fierce, utopian and practical, inscribed with beauty and strength, Love in a F*cked Up World is both an intervention and a guidebook, offering real pathways towards collective, abundant and m...
overland.org.au
November 3, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Thank you to @zahrastardust.bsky.social for this beautiful review of Love in a F*cked-Up World in @overlandjournal.bsky.social.
"Soft and fierce, utopian and practical, inscribed with beauty and strength, Love in a F*cked Up World is both an intervention and a guidebook."
"Soft and fierce, utopian and practical, inscribed with beauty and strength, Love in a F*cked Up World is both an intervention and a guidebook."
Reposted by Overland Journal
Renewed my subscription to @overlandjournal.bsky.social for another year. Always essential reading. Please subscribe/donate if you can - overland.org.au
Overland - Overland literary journal
overland.org.au
November 4, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Renewed my subscription to @overlandjournal.bsky.social for another year. Always essential reading. Please subscribe/donate if you can - overland.org.au
Reposted by Overland Journal
I love the perspective shot Sam uses in the final frame of this comic
"We work at the most automated port on planet Earth. Our job description is literally "assisting automation"."
On day #3 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you — who else? — the great Sam Wallman.
On day #3 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you — who else? — the great Sam Wallman.
When you're a nail, everything looks like a hammer: working at the most automated port on planet Earth - Overland literary journal
We work at the most automated port on planet Earth. Our job description is literally "assisting automation".
overland.org.au
November 3, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I love the perspective shot Sam uses in the final frame of this comic
"We work at the most automated port on planet Earth. Our job description is literally "assisting automation"."
On day #3 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you — who else? — the great Sam Wallman.
On day #3 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you — who else? — the great Sam Wallman.
When you're a nail, everything looks like a hammer: working at the most automated port on planet Earth - Overland literary journal
We work at the most automated port on planet Earth. Our job description is literally "assisting automation".
overland.org.au
November 3, 2025 at 1:14 AM
"We work at the most automated port on planet Earth. Our job description is literally "assisting automation"."
On day #3 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you — who else? — the great Sam Wallman.
On day #3 of Overland's Subscriberthon, we bring you — who else? — the great Sam Wallman.
Reposted by Overland Journal
It's #Noirvember and also the @overlandjournal.bsky.social Subscriberthon! Here's a piece on the joys of themed viewing I wrote for Overland a few years ago, plus a reminder to: watch noir and support great independent publications. overland.org.au/2022/11/noir...
Noirvember at the movies: on the pleasures of personal curation - Overland literary journal
Watching noir all month, in its many transcontinental variants from the past eighty-odd years, really is a fantastic thing to do. I’m finding connections between films that aren’t obvious, or that mig...
overland.org.au
November 3, 2025 at 12:37 AM
It's #Noirvember and also the @overlandjournal.bsky.social Subscriberthon! Here's a piece on the joys of themed viewing I wrote for Overland a few years ago, plus a reminder to: watch noir and support great independent publications. overland.org.au/2022/11/noir...